What is the difference between A-levels and BTEC/ OCRs?

A-levels are two year linear qualifications with exams at the end of two years. There are often two or three exams over a short period of time. Whilst some A-levels have coursework this is often only 20-30% of the qualification. BTEC/ OCR courses have a higher percentage of coursework (up to 60%) and have exams spread throughout the two years (with January and June exam opportunities in both years). Students also have the chance to re-sit these exams.

What is the extended project qualification (EPQ)?

The extended project qualification, otherwise known as the EPQ is an individual project of approximately 3,000 words. As part of our curriculum students have a timetabled lesson for EPQ where they are supported by a specialist teacher. Students can choose any topic and it is often a good way for them to continue with a subject that they have not chosen at 6th form or find out more about a specialism within one of their subjects for example international relations, politics, ethics, philosophy, law and medicine. The EPQ is the equivalent of an AS level and is worth UCAS points. It often results in a reduction in the required grades for university.

Why do students have supervised study on their timetables?

Supervised study takes place in a dedicated study room where there is access to computers. It is a silent study area and is led by a member of staff. We believe this is the optimum working environment for students in Sixth Form. To be successful at A-level students should be completing a minimum of 9 hours of independent study a week. Supervised study allows students to develop good study habits throughout Year 12 so that they can be even more independent in Year 13.

What is PSHE/ UC?

Students have PSHE/ UC lessons each week as part of their sixth form curriculum. During these sessions students receive a lot of support applying for and preparing for their future pathways, whether that is a job, an apprenticeship or applying to university. We run sessions on other topics that we think are important and age appropriate for sixth-form students, including mental health resources, first aid, financial capabilities, cooking and political, religious and spiritual awareness. We continually develop this programme and add to it every year based on feedback from our students.

How many lessons do students have in each subject?

Students have 9 hours a fortnight per subject (on average). This is delivered through a combination of single and double lessons.

How much independent study are students expected to do?

Students are expected to complete a minimum of 3 hours per week per subject. This means that students should be completing 9 hours of independent study per week.

What is the 16-19 Bursary and how do I apply?

The bursary is to help young people aged 16 to 19 to participate in full-time education or training. There are two types of bursaries; one is discretionary and based on individual circumstances and family income the second is for students in vulnerable groups such as those who are in care.  It may typically be used for: Transport, free school meals, books and equipment, additional course costs, other discretional areas. Applications are made after GCSE/ Level 2 results day. Please contact Mrs Rozi Hussain and/ or look at our website https://www.theoxfordacademy.org.uk/219/bursary  for further details.

Can students also have a paid job?

We know that many students like to earn their own money and that paid jobs give students the opportunity to develop skills and independence. However, we strongly believe that students should be working no more than 10 hours per week. Any more than 10 hours has a negative impact on students' studies which should be their main focus in building towards their long-term career goals.

Do I need to have studied the subject at GCSE in order to study it at A Level?

It will depend on the subject. Most subjects do not have an expectation that you have studied it previously. This is something that is best discussed with the Head of Sixth Form and individual Heads of Department as they will be able to explain the demands of their course for an informed decision to be made.

What happens if a student wants to change their subject choices or doesn't achieve a subject entry requirement?

We will be available for advice and support on GCSE results day. Each student is treated as a unique individual and all grades are considered holistically. We will do our best to offer a programme of subjects that will enable progression to the next stage for university, employment or apprenticeship. We also offer a bespoke foundation programme for students who do not gain 5 grade 4-9s. This is a one year programme and includes retake English and Maths GCSE alongside Work Skills, Criminology, Psychology and Law Level 2 qualifications. If students successfully complete this course, they can then choose to progress for a further two years to complete Level 3 courses.

What happens if a student does not gain a grade 4 in their Maths GCSE?

If a student does not gain a grade 4 in maths they may need to complete our foundation programme. In some circumstances it may be possible for students to retake their Maths GCSE alongside their A-levels and/or BTECs but this is something we would discuss with students individually.

Will my exam arrangements for extra time, reader, scribe etc. continue in Sixth Form?

Exam arrangements do not always transfer automatically from Year 11, so they may need to be reassessed.  In September, tell us of any previous exam arrangements so that we can  liaise with the exams office and inclusion team. Please be assured that in most cases the same arrangements will be put in place.

Do students have to attend Sixth Form everyday?

All of our courses (A-levels and BTECs) run over five days so students are expected to be in every day. We believe this is the best approach for students as it allows them to intersperse lessons with independent study. It also means that they always have support from subject staff and the sixth form team.

What is the dress code for Sixth Form?

We have a dress code that aims to allow students to express themselves and feel comfortable while also ensuring that clothing is appropriate for an educational setting. If we think that a student is dressed inappropriately we will have a sensitive conversation with them about expectations. 

What equipment/ resources do I need for my courses?

Basic stationery - pens, pencils, paper and folder - for starters. Each course may have additional equipment expectations such as calculators and textbooks.  Students will also be loaned a laptop during their time in the Sixth Form at The Oxford Academy.  Remember that our 16-19 Bursary is there to support students with funding for equipment and resources.

All Sixth Form students (and staff) must wear their lanyards and school ID card at all times whilst they are on the school site. These are worn by all members of the school community who do not wear school uniform. This is a part of our safeguarding policy and is really important. It is also good practice as many employers also require identification to be displayed in this way. 

This year the ID card will also be a fob to access the Sixth Form hub. 

Lanyards and ID cards will be distributed to students in their first week of Sixth Form. 

If a student loses or breaks their lanyard or ID card/ fob, they must inform Mrs Rozi Hussain as soon as possible to order a replacement. The initial issue of the fob will be free of charge; however due to the cost of replacing a lost or broken fob there will be an associated charge of £10.00.

A Levels and BTEC/ OCR Modules

Examination results day is Thursday 15th August 2024. Results may be collected by students between 08.30am and 11am in the Sixth Form area. If you are unable to collect results in person, a Third Party Collection form must be completed https://www.theoxfordacademy.org.uk/525/exams . 

On this day, staff will be available between 08.30am and 2pm to support and advise students and parents/carers. We will be there to help you contact universities, employers or apprenticeship providers. Alternatively if students have not met their university or apprenticeship entry requirements or if they have done better than expected and would like to use UCAS Clearing. 

GCSE/ Resits - Maths and English/ Level 2 - Criminology, Psychology and Law (CPL)

Examination results day is Thursday 22nd August 2024. Results can be collected by students between 08.30am and 11am in the Sixth Form area. If you are unable to collect results in person, a Third Party Collection form must be completed https://www.theoxfordacademy.org.uk/525/exams . 

Staff will be there to support and offer you information, advice and guidance.