What can we offer?

St Cenydd Sixth Form aims to enable you to: -

• achieve highly and challenge the way you think

• learn new skills in an exciting and dynamic environment

• develop your confidence and celebrate your successes

• lead within the school and take on new roles

• become independent learners and take ownership of your education

• experience new activities and improve existing talents

Teaching and Learning in our Sixth Form is a real strength of the school. Lessons make full use of available technologies and the teaching style reflects the adult relationship between teachers and students. You will be expected to play an active part in all lessons.

Our library contains a wealth of books and journals. The Careers Library also contains an abundance of materials relating to Higher and Further Education and Careers, along with University prospectuses and UCAS reference books.

Sixth Formers also enjoy the use of the Sixth Form Centre where you can relax and socialise. The Centre has a classroom available for quiet study, with access to dedicated 6th form Chromebooks and a social area which includes a small kitchen area with a microwave, kettle etc.

A varied curriculum

In 2015, new orders were introduced which reform the structure of the AS and A2 courses. The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) remains a stand-alone qualification in Wales and is valued as 40% of a full A Level qualification. It has two or three units (assessed at the standard expected for a student half way through an A level course) that contribute 40% of the full A level. The A2 is the second half of a full A level qualification. It also has two or three units (assessed at the standard expected for a student at the end of a full A level course) that are worth 60% of the full A level qualification.

It is important for students to consider their programme of study carefully since decisions made now will affect the choice of course in Higher Education. At St Cenydd, the majority of A-level courses will be delivered to AS-level in the first year and to A2 level in the second year. University entrance to Degree courses tends to require at least two A2 Level courses but more commonly three; entrance to foundation courses can be achieved with one subject at A2 Level. We would recommend students opt for three or four AS levels alongside the Welsh Baccalaureate in Year 12. The courses can be reviewed at the end of Year 12 to consider the best way forward into Year 13.

THE WELSH BACCALAUREATE

The Skills Challenge offers a wide and diverse programme of study that develops independent learning skills required for further education and the workplace. The majority of students will select 3 advanced courses to study alongside the Skills Challenge. The Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate is constructed around a series of ‘challenges’ through which students develop a range of transferable study skills required to be successful in Further and Higher Education and the world of work. The ‘dissertation style’ Individual Project enables students to extend their skills beyond A Levels and BTEC Diplomas.

PROGRESSION FROM SIXTH FORM

St Cenydd Sixth Form is part of Oxford University’s target schools scheme and Cardiff University’s Step-up Plus scheme. This gives students excellent opportunities which are only open to students from certain schools. The school offers expert guidance on applications to university and university life and the UCAS process. In addition to school staff providing this, a comprehensive programme of bespoke support is provided by local Universities. This includes a Higher Education induction course at the University of South Wales as well as an intensive programme of workshop sessions. 8. Our more able and talented students have been selected to join the Seren Project which is aimed at supporting Wales’ brightest students achieve their full potential, through workshops and conferences designed to support applications to the top Universities in the UK. Students are also able to benefit from Nuffield Science placements, Access to professions programmes, as well as medical placements at the Aneurin Bevan NHS Trust.