All A Level courses are fully linear, i.e. there are no AS exams. There is regular internal assessment until end of year 13 when students sit their final exams. A few subjects may have elements of coursework such as English Language & Literature, Art, etc. (please see the subject specific course pages for more details).

The IT Technical Award is different and consists of a series of exams spread throughout the 2 years. Again, please refer to the subject specific course pages for more details).

The general advice is that for every hour spent in class, students should also do an additional hour of independent study. So that would approximately be nine hours per subject per fortnight.

We have a dedicated common room, silent study spaces (with study booths), access to wi-fi and a sixth form only café.

Arden Sixth Form is part of a wider school and therefore students are expected to follow school rules. For example, we expect students to attend Arden on a full-time basis and to be on site from 8:40am to 3:30pm. We also have a dress code (available on the Information page).

Sixth Form students are expected to be role models for students lower down in the school and we expect them to uphold high standards of behaviour at all times.

We are able to provide more personalised care and support than a larger college. You will have a Form Tutor and Head of Year who will get to know you and help support you through your Sixth Form journey. We also have dedicated pastoral support.

We offer a structured tutorial programme and provide sessions on a range of important topics from Emotional Well-Being to Growth Mindset. We also cover all of the important safeguarding and age-appropriate PSHE related topics.

We provide extensive support for students applying to university or for apprenticeships, with mock interviews provided for all students, and one-to one UCAS support.

The atmosphere in the Sixth Form encourages focus and determination and is conducive to academic progress.

Each subject brings 9 hours of contact a fortnight, so studying three subjects brings 27 hours of contact; four subjects brings 36 hours.

All students are also expected to undertake 4 hours of “Enrichment” a fortnight.

This leaves 19 hours (or 10 hours for those taking four subjects) a fortnight for study. Students are expected to use this time to study!

Encouraging students to develop study skills as well as time management and organisational skills is all part of the ethos at Arden Sixth Form.

Arden opperates a two-week timetable. Students have nine hours of lessons per subject over the course of the fortnight.

There are five lessons a day; three in the morning and two in the afternoon.

Everyone attends morning registration at 8:40am and stays in school until the end of the last lesson at 3.30pm.

Students are allowed off-site at lunchtime.

Last year 76% went straight to University, 45% of those are studying at a Russell Group University.

Others went onto higher apprenticeships or took a gap year to further explore their future options.

Students are expected to undertake four hours of enrichment a fortnight. Options include: Volunteering, Lesson Support, MOOCs and Sport.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is also offered. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop interests and knowledge beyond the classroom. It is becoming increasingly valued as part of a Post-18 application.

At Arden Sixth Form you will find that the teaching is less didactic than lower down the school with an emphasis on collaboration.

Students are encouraged to develop their own independent study skills which will help prepare them for life beyond Arden.