The Sixth Form
The Sixth Form curriculum is designed to inspire and challenge our Sixth Form students. We offer a core academic curriculum of A level qualifications and Applied General Qualifications. With no pre-defined option blocks, our curriculum is designed around the needs of our students with the arts, three languages, technology and STEM subjects all available to our students. Most students will opt for three subjects from our core curriculum. Sixth Form students receive weekly personal development and citizenship lessons (PDC) with their tutor and daily tutor time enables the school to provide personalised careers guidance and academic support.
From September 2022, year 12 students will be expected to choose an option from our extended curriculum to supplement their core academic studies. Students with a GCSE grade average of 7+ are able to choose four subjects in year 12 and an extended curriculum option.
The Ecclesbourne Sixth Form Curriculum is at least as much about what goes on outside the core curriculum. We expect students to throw themselves into the life of the school, gaining experience and life skills in the process. There isn’t space here to do justice to the full range of enrichment and extra-curricular experience on offer but the following gives some flavour. Year 7 Mentoring, Lesson Support work, Debating Society, Sports leadership, Sports teams, Community Liaison, Duke of Edinburgh Silver & Gold, New York Trip, Spoken English Competition, House Plays, House Sports and so on. The sky really is the limit, and the more you put in, the more you will benefit.
We want our students to enjoy their time at The Ecclesbourne School Sixth Form and leave us with experiences, skills and qualities required to make a positive contributon to wider society. Our Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award programme is one the largest in the East Midlands. The volunteering element of this course is supplemented by the school’s ‘Volunteering Award’.
As a member of a house, Sixth Form students can participate in music, debates, drama and sport. House Captains are expected to lead younger students in house events and even write and direct their own ‘House Play’. The arts play a crucial role in the holistic development of young people. Sixth Form students can participate in a variety of musical groups from swing band through to choirs and whole school musical events. Many students continue to participate in sport and the arts outside of school with some members of the Sixth Form performing at regional or national level.