Year 12 - A-level/IB/BTEC (1st year)

In Sixth Form we are in an enviable position to offer a range of options, including A Levels, BTECs, and the IB Diploma. This allows our students to tailor their educational experience based on their interests, strengths, and aspirations. Whether they seek depth or breadth in subject choice or prefer varying assessment methods, we have the flexibility to cater to individual needs. At Ardingly, we believe that both A Levels and the IB provide students with a balance of depth and breadth. The IB offers depth through Higher Level specialisms and breadth through Standard Level subjects and the Core. A Levels and BTECs provide depth through the selected subjects and breadth through electives, EPQ, and extracurricular pursuits. Both pathways are designed to instil global awareness and international mindedness, aligning with our goal of preparing students to be 'World Ready.'A Levels are the traditional academic pathway for British students, and we offer a wide range of A Level options along with a limited number of BTECs. We cannot overemphasise the importance of subject choice, and students are supported in selecting options that interest them and play to their academic strengths. All students begin with 4 A levels to give them the opportunity to try subjects that are new to them, or where there is a significant jump from GCSE to A level. Many students later drop one of these subjects and focus on the 3 subjects to which they are best suited.BTECs have a very high coursework element which plays to the strengths of some students, and follow a modular assessment structure, which enables the exams to be taken (and, if necessary, retaken) at intervals during the Sixth Form period. BTECs are fully recognised as valid qualifications for higher education to all but a couple of the very top UK universities.Ardingly College has extensive experience running the IB Diploma programme and highly recommends this option to students who wish to pursue a broad and balanced curriculum. IB students choose six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, from a range of subject groups. Higher Level subjects in particular should be selected based on enjoyment and academic strengths, as they carry significant weight in university applications, although the total IB score (including Standard Level subjects and the IB Core) is also very important. We offer a variety of subjects for the IB Diploma.

Transition from the Fifth Form to the Sixth Form is subject to subject-specific entry requirements.

A Level and IB has Subject-Specific requirements (Please check the college website for more details)

BTEC courses are understood to require less content learning for examination, with a greater emphasis on modular and project assessment. Hence students wishing to study BTECs at Ardingly College are not required to achieve a set GCSE grade requirement but should have achieved a grade 5 in both Maths and English Language.