Sixth Form Courses Guide
CHANGE2021-2023MAKERSSixth FormCourses Guide
Foreword (2), Introduction (3), Sixth FormCurriculum (4), Subject Choices (5), SixthForm Tutoring (6), Applying to University (7),Oxbridge Applications (8), Careers Educationand Guidance (9), Sixth Form CareersProgramme (10), Art (11), Biology (12),Business (13), Business BTEC (14),Chemistry (15), Classics (16), ComputerScience (17), Creative Digital MediaProduction BTEC (18), Design (19), Dramaand Theatre Studies (20), Economics (21),Engineering BTEC (22), English as a SecondLanguage (ESL) (23), English Literature (24),Film Studies (25), French (26), Geography (27),German (28), History (29), History of Art (30),Mathematics (31), Music (32), Physics (33),Politics (34), Psychology (35) ReligiousStudies (36), Spanish (37), Sports Science (38),Sport BTEC (39), Programme of Electives (40),Higher Education Destinations of Stoics (42)
ForewordThe Sixth Form at Stowe will be some of the mostexciting and rewarding years of your School career.We know that you will want to make the most of youropportunities, so that you secure the greatest possiblebenefit from your time in the Sixth Form. Some veryimportant decisions about higher education andcareers lie ahead and the options open to you will bedetermined, in large part, by your approach to SixthForm life.You will be offered all kinds of challenges andopportunities and are advised to approach these verypositively from the outset, with an understandingthat talent in any field grows as a result of putting inhours of deep practice. Academic study is, of course,the main reason why you will be at School and youshould consult with Tutors and Heads of Departmentsto identify your intellectual strengths and needs and todevise strategies for improvement.A Levels and their BTEC equivalents continue torepresent the ‘gold standard’ and hold the key to auniversity education. While community life at Stowemakes you think about others, the subjects on offerare designed to make you think deeply and to thinkfor yourself. The options open are broad and flexible;they are not a straitjacket into which you either fit orfail. The Extended Project Qualification, in particular,provides a perfect opportunity for you to identify andexplore in depth a topic of your choice, demonstratingyour ability to work independently which will standyou in good stead for university.The successful transition from GCSE requires a growingmaturity and an ability to organise yourself in a waythat reveals a greater capacity for independent study.Pupils are expected to stay motivated and focusedthroughout the Sixth Form. We expect hard work. Inturn we commit ourselves to helping you to pursueand develop your strengths and interests. You willexperience the pleasure of discovery and exploration,of forging ideas and increasing awareness and ofdeepening your understanding of the world aroundyou. Personal responsibility and self-motivation areessential preconditions of success.98% of Stoics go on to higher education each year, soyou can see that Stowe’s Sixth Form provision is verygood indeed.This booklet summarises the objectives and contents ofthe Sixth Form courses offered at Stowe. Please thinkcarefully when you make your subject choices.Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, Head2
IntroductionDeputy Head (Academic): Dr Julie PotterMaking the correct choices forthe Sixth Form is important,not only in ensuring that youflourish at Stowe over the nexttwo years, but so that you keepthe right doors open to you foryour future beyond Stowe.A Levels are now fully linear, more challenging, and havemore content to cover than ever before. In addition, thereformed BTECs offer a qualification which is treatedby universities as equivalent to an A Level, but which isassessed in a more practical and modular manner. Giventhat universities make their offers primarily on the basisof three A Level or BTEC grades, we recommend thatmost pupils choose just three to focus on from the start,in order to maximise chances of achieving top gradesin these. However we are also continuing to make itpossible for pupils to study four if desired, though werecommend you talk this over first with the Head of SixthForm. For more guidance on choices, please see page 5of this booklet.Although the primary evidence for university admissionswill be the three A Level or BTEC grades, they will alsocontinue to look for evidence of academic ambition andextension beyond this. Therefore, we also expect SixthForm pupils who are studying three subjects to completeeither an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or anotherenrichment elective, in addition to their three mainsubjects. A number of these electives are also examinedand carry UCAS points, which for some universities willbe accepted as part of an admissions offer.3Electives at Stowe range from standalone ASqualifications in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, orMusic Technology, to doing a Languages qualification,or preparing for Grade 8 Music. The BTEC optionsin Business and Sport also offer AS Level equivalentqualifications. A provisional list of electives to choosefrom appears at the back of this booklet.The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is perhapsthe most respected and most flexible of the electives.The EPQ carries the UCAS weighting of 50% of afull A Level and provides the possibility for pupils topursue an area of particular interest in a self-designed,assessed project. Universities and employers welcomeit because it indicates genuine academic interest andcommitment, as well as an ability to reflect and workindependently. The EPQ course at Stowe will run fromSeptember to June of the Lower Sixth year. For thosewho wish to stretch themselves that little bit more, itmay be possible to choose both the EPQ and anotherelective.If you have any questions about the curriculum, orwhat to consider when making your choices, please feelfree to contact us for further advice.
Sixth Form CurriculumProvisional for 2021-2023Deputy Head (Academic): Dr Julie PotterThe subjects available to those qualifying for the SixthForm are listed here. We expect members of theSixth Form to take three A Levels/BTECs and anelective. Pupils will be asked to indicate their threepreferred A Level/BTEC subjects and also two insurancechoices, for the rare cases when we are unable to supporta particular combination. Those wishing to study fourA Levels are asked to seek advice in the first instancefrom the Deputy Head (Academic) or Head of Sixth Form.A Level and BTEC subjects tochoose from are as follows:Please note: All A Level subjects have minimum Foundation Gradesrequired from GCSEs or Stowe Entry Papers; BTECcourses do not have required Foundation Grades,however a strong work ethic is necessary given thatgrades are built up in a modular manner across thecourse. Further Mathematics may not be taken withoutMathematics. Business, Economics, History of Art, Film Studies andPolitics courses are rarely studied before the SixthForm. Some other subjects can also accept candidateswho lack the GCSE experience. Prospective candidatesshould negotiate with the Head of Department inquestion. The School reserves the right to withdraw a subjectfrom the curriculum if there is insufficient demand. The Engineering BTEC can be taken either as a fullA Level equivalent over two years, or as an electiveAS equivalent over one year. Both options aredelivered through a three-hour session at the UTC inSilverstone on Thursday afternoons, with additionaltheory classes at Stowe for the full A Level equivalent. The Creative Digital Media Production BTEC can onlybe studied as an Extended Level 3 course, equivalentto a full A Level, taught over two years.Ancient GreekArtBiologyBusinessBusiness BTECChemistryComputer ScienceCreative Digital Media Production BTECDesign & TechnologyDrama & TheatreEconomicsEngineering BTECEnglish LiteratureFilm StudiesFrenchFurther MathematicsGeographyGermanHistory (Early Modern)History (Modern)History of ArtElective subjects tochoose from are as follows:The Extended Project QualificationAS MathematicsAS Further MathematicsEngineering BTECAS Film StudiesAS Music TechnologyLatinPreparation for Advanced LevelMusicians (PALM)MathematicsLAMDAMusicEnglish as a Second LanguagePhilosophy & ReligionAS/A Levels in Additional Foreign LanguagesPhysicsInstitute of Leadership andManagement QualificationPoliticsPsychologySpanishSports BTECSports Science4
Subject ChoicesHead of Sixth Form: Paul FloydAt Stowe we offer a Sixth Formcurriculum that provides theflexibility for pupils to followbespoke programmes thatbest suit their interests andaspirations.Most follow Sixth Form programmes leading to threeA Levels at the end of two years. In addition, pupilsare expected to choose one course from our electiveprogramme. Electives allow pupils a degree of controlover their academic journey and can, according to thecourse chosen, either complement, broaden or supportA Level subject choices.What is most important is that all Stoics embark on aprogramme that will enable them to fulfil their potentialand meet their aspirations. This means that as wellas being ambitious, any programme should also beprudent and so each Academic Department has athreshold GCSE entry requirement. Past experience hasshown that pupils who do not meet the threshold gradewill struggle to progress beyond a low pass (grade E)at A Level. Details of threshold grades can be foundon subject pages. Please note that a pass grade inthe Lower Sixth end of year exams is requiredto guarantee progression in any subject into theUpper Sixth.Pupils can also take a BTEC rather than an A Level.BTECs differ from A Levels in that they place moreemphasis on term assessment and less on a terminalexam and so might appeal to those who find it hard toguarantee their best work in exam conditions. BTECsare fully accredited by universities and as they rewardsustained and disciplined performance over the entiretyof the course, are by no means a soft or easy option.While all BTECs can be followed to A Level equivalenceover two years, their modular nature allows some tobe studied as a one-year elective programme to avalue equivalent to AS when applying to university.Full details can be found in the subject pages.One of the most popular and useful electives is theExtended Project Qualification (EPQ). The EPQ offerspupils the opportunity to investigate a topic of theirown choice and to present their findings either as awritten essay or as an artefact. In the past, pupils haveused such varied artefacts as published books, models,radio programmes, fanzines, paintings, podcasts,5film scripts, an exhibition of paintings and an exhibitionof sculpture. The final grade involves an assessment ofthe process from inception to presentation. As such, theEPQ is recognised by universities as providing evidencenot only of particular passions and interests but alsoof skill sets not demonstrated in traditional exams andso a good EPQ will significantly enhance any universityapplication.How do I choose which subjects to take?Experience and enjoyment of a subject studied at GCSEis usually a good guide for future success but at Stowewe offer pupils the chance to try something new atA Level in areas such as History of Art, Film Studies,Politics, Economics and Business. Some pupils have alsosuccessfully taken Drama, Sports Science, ReligiousStudies, Computer Science and History without havingfollowed the GCSE course. It is important to speak withthe Head of Department or any subject teacher to findout what is involved in a subject at A Level and whetherit will suit a particular pupil.Subjects at A Level and Choices at UniversityWhile universities recognise the value of all subjectsoffered at Stowe, certain universities value some morethan others and there are a handful of undergraduatecourses that expect certain subjects and/or subjectcombinations. Tutors and the Pupil Guidance Team areon hand to offer detailed advice but as a general rule,most Science, Psychology or Engineering courses willrequire a minimum of two Science subjects at A Leveland most also expect Mathematics. Candidates forMedical School or Veterinary Science will be expectedto present some combination of Chemistry and Biologywith Mathematics also strongly recommended. Finally,our experience is that sciences should not be studied inisolation, or at least without the support of Mathematics.Any pupil wanting further guidance before settling ona course or combination of courses is urged to contactany member of the Pupil Guidance Team.When do I choose?The starting point for Fifth Form Stoics is the discussionof the tests of Aptitude and Interest (COA) which aretaken in the GCSE year. In January, Stoics attend abriefing on A Level choices, followed by an A LevelFair and the opportunity to attend taster lessons insubjects that are new in the Sixth Form. In mid-March,following GCSE trial exams, aspirant Sixth Formers areasked to make reasonably firm choices. Pupils new tothe Sixth Form are invited to an A Level Fair in Marchand are asked to confirm their choices shortly after thisevent. We do realise that unexpected results at GCSEmay prompt some changes in course options and itis essential that requests for changes are sent to theSchool prior to the start of term.
Sixth Form TutoringHead of Sixth Form: Paul FloydAs Teachers we are responsible forthe growth of the person and thedevelopment of the mind, and asTutors we seek to harmonise thepastoral and the academic.At Stowe, a Tutor team nearly 60 strong works every dayto nurture a learning environment that stimulates theintellect, rewards curiosity and supports the growth of thechild into the adult. Working with academic staff to oneside and Houseparents to the other, the Tutors supportthe pupils by ensuring that academic needs are met andpastoral wellbeing is assured.Tutorial groups are small and House-based, allowingfor Tutors to develop strong and effective workingrelationships with Tutees while working in closecollaboration with Houseparents to create an integratednetwork of care and support. This ensures that everypupil’s specific requirements are properly recognised andtheir needs fulfilled. Central to this are regular one-onone meetings between Tutors and pupils when both sitdown to review general progress and to address anyissues on either’s mind.The tutorial role is part mentor, part administrator anda third part enforcer. As mentor, the Tutor helps thepupil get the most from the rich and varied range ofopportunities on offer in the Sixth Form and to ensurethat the journey beyond Stowe continues in a fulfillingand rewarding direction. In the overwhelming majorityof cases, that direction is to higher education and Tutorsuse their experience and understanding of the universityenvironment to guide applications towards suitablystimulating and challenging destinations. Expert andexperienced careers guidance is at hand for both thoseheading to university and those going directly into workand again here Tutors use their experience to help theirTutees make informed and prudent decisions and to makefull use of the practiced and professional advice offeredby the Careers Department.Success in a challenging environment is as muchabout organisation as inspiration and accepting thatadministration comes more readily to some than toothers, and to some teenagers barely at all. The Tutor isthere to help pupils organise themselves and to preparefor a life without the 360 degree/24-hour care for whichStowe is renowned. Throughout the Sixth Form we expectto see each Stoic take responsibility for the managementof their own affairs; the Tutor is there to ensure that thisprocess is moving at the right pace and that their Tuteeshave the necessary skills and techniques to take onresponsibilities and obligations. Getting it right meansthat our pupils can thrive when they leave Stowe.The Tutor is there to help their Tutees make the rightdecisions. This means not only following the rulesbut also making the wise and responsible decisions.Everyone will at some point need help to achievebalance, whether that is between work and playor between competing interests and obligations.Sometimes perspective or objectivity is required andknowing their Tutees as they do, the Tutors can helppupils make the right decisions that lead to positiveoutcomes. When, as occasionally happens, wrongdecisions are made, the Tutor is there to make surethat the right lessons are learned.Targets and Monitoring Performance to TargetsPerformance to target is then monitored throughregular Academic Performance Grades (APGs) andwritten reports which are collated and published forpupils and parents. By assessing performance regularly,issues are identified before they become problemsand if problems should emerge, effective correctivemeasures can quickly be deployed. Liaising betweenthe pupils, teachers and pastoral staff, Tutors areideally placed to craft appropriate packages of supportdesigned around a pupil’s specific needs.The final role of the Tutor is as your point of contactand to help you identify the signal from any noise. Ifat any time you wish to discuss your child’s currentprogress or future direction with the Tutor, you arewelcome to do so. While, of course, there are theopportunities to do so at the regular occasions detailedin the calendar, you are also invited to also raise anyissue as it arises with the Tutor, with me or with anymember of the Pupil Guidance Team.Pupil Guidance TeamHead of Sixth Form and Head of UniversityApplications: Paul FloydDeputy Head of Sixth Form and Head ofCareers: Gordon WestCareers Advisor: Luciane Guntner-JonesOxbridge Admissions Advisor: Jonathan MurnaneOverseas Admissions Advisor: Fitz SmithMedical/Veterinary/Dentistry: Jessica ReinholdGap Year Advisor: Michael RightonHarvard Fellow and US Admissions Advisor:Shane O’Donoghue6
Applying to UniversityHead of University Applications: Paul FloydAt Stowe we recognise the value andbenefits of tertiary education andactively encourage pupils to applyfor courses that suit their abilities,interests and career ambitions.We believe that the best applications are those inwhich the pupils themselves invest the most thought,consideration and effort, and consequently Stoicsare expected to assume responsibility of this processthemselves. While the School offers extensiveand expert assistance, Stoics take the initiativein researching courses and destinations and areexpected to prepare their applications diligently andconscientiously.The university environment was changing significantlybefore the pandemic but to a situation that was growingever more competitive and challenging, Covid-19 hasadded a level of uncertainty. We are still waiting to seewhat the pandemic will mean for universities in thelong term but while in theory nothing has changed,universities have hinted that they would preferdocumentation to be with them as soon as possible andso the deadlines have come forward significantly. Neverhas it been more important to prepare thoroughly andprepare early for university applications.During the Lower Sixth, Stoics are strongly encouragedto formulate and develop their ideas for furthereducation and certainly by the end of the SummerTerm and Summer holidays, these ideas should havecoalesced into firm preferences for particular coursesand institutions. We expect pupils to return for theirUpper Sixth with UCAS forms largely completed andpersonal statements all but done.Pupils are guided through the application process bytheir Tutors. The Tutor has the best overview of apupil’s academic and intellectual capacity and is ideallyplaced to dispense advice drawn from their experienceand information from subject teachers and other Staffmembers at Stowe.The internet is the first port of call for research and theStowe Virtual Learning Environment has links and tipsfor negotiating both the application process and the vastamounts of information online. Pupils also hav
Foreword (2), Introduction (3), Sixth Form Curriculum (4), Subject Choices (5), Sixth Form Tutoring (6), Applying to University (7), Oxbridge Applications (8), Careers Education . This booklet summarises the objectives and contents of the S
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year, so you can see that Stowe’s Sixth Form provision is very good indeed. This booklet summarises the objecves and contents of the Sixth Form courses offered at Stowe. Please think carefully when you
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