Admissions
Entry Requirements and Programmes of Study 2018
A student’s Programme of Study is designed according to individual need and interest. We encourage students to research the courses that make up a programme of study carefully and to make full use of the information available at the Open Evening, in the prospectus and in course information sheets, as well as at admission interviews.
The government’s A level and BTEC reform programme will be complete by 2017. In line with government expectations, most students will follow 3 courses or equivalent over a 2 year period. A levels are now linear courses and all examinations are taken at the end of the 2 year course.
Maximising academic potential in the courses studied will be essential in ensuring successful progression and strong grades in 3 subjects will be particularly important for university entrance. There is no longer any expectation that students study four courses in year 1, except in a small number of high demand, science-based courses where students will be expected to study four courses (usually A levels) over 2 years. The decision to enter 4 courses will largely depend on the GCSE results of the applicant.
Study programmes are also designed to ensure a good chance of success and student achievement on entry will be important in determining the size and nature of the final programme.
The minimum entry requirement for study at Meridian Sixth Form is 5 GCSEs at A*-C (equivalent to grades 9-4 in Maths and English).
Please note, entry onto some A level courses requires specific GCSE subjects and grades. For example, A Level Mathematics, A Level Biology, A Level Chemistry and A Level Physics all require at least a grade B in the relevant GCSEs.
If you do not have a grade 4 in either GCSE English Language or Maths and you qualify to follow a study programme at the Meridian, you will be required to retake one or both of these subjects in your first year. A lack of GCSE English Language at grade 4 will significantly restrict study programme options.
We look forward to discussing your plans for the future with you at one of our upcoming events.
Late Applicants
Students who apply after the deadline of 12th January 2017 will have their application considered. However, the offer of a place will depend on the availability of places on courses. If a student wishes to apply to join Meridian Sixth Form following the publication of GCSE results, applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis.
Guidance Meetings
If you have selected Meridian Sixth Form as your first or second choice, you will be invited to visit us for a Guidance Meeting in the Spring Term. You will be made a conditional offer of a place by Easter 2017, as long as you meet the required standards and there is availability on the courses you have chosen to study. This will be a positive and friendly opportunity for you to ask any questions regarding your chosen courses. Invitation to a Guidance Meeting, however, does not guarantee a place.
Induction
You will also be invited to attend an Induction Morning in late June/early July. This morning is designed to introduce you to other students, the Sixth Form procedures, to teaching staff and to the courses you are intending to take. Parents and carers will also be invited to a Parents’ Information Evening in late June/early July, which provides an opportunity to hear about the ways the college works, opportunities available and a chance to speak with the Sixth Form Team.
Enrolment
At the end of August, you are required to inform us of your GCSE results. If problems arise, these can easily be resolved. Enrolment takes place over two days, following the release of the GCSE results. The Head of Sixth Form will be available in College, following the publication of GCSE results, to discuss programmes of study. On enrolment days, we ask students to complete a range of documents and to make a voluntary contribution to the Sixth Form College Fund. This helps to provide a range of additional activities and resources.
Successful applicants receive an offer of a place at the College. Please note that this does not guarantee a place on particular courses. Programmes of study will be finalised at enrolment and will depend on course availability, which in turn depends on a number of factors, including estimated student demand based on data gathered from admission interviews. Enrolment interviews will take place in order of admission number.
The Meridian School • Garden Walk • Royston • Hertfordshire • SG8 7JH
tel: 01763 242236 email: office.meridian@rsat.org.uk