Years 12 & 13 - The Sixth Form
The growing Sixth Form is a very important part of the school offering a good range of 'A' level courses and opportunities for the further development of student talents and interests.
It is usual for students to undertake at least three AS courses, leading to at least three full 'A' levels. Three 'A' level grades remain the preferred requirement for entry to university degree courses.
Life In The Sixth Form
Life in the Sixth Form differs significantly from that of other years. We feel that the structure adopted mirrors more closely the student's future academic environment. Students do not wear uniform. A contract is agreed between them and the school with regard to study and conduct.
A detailed booklet is made available to Year 11 students and their parents, giving a full picture of Sixth Form life.
Exam Success
Examination results have been consistently excellent, well above the national average, with the school figuring regularly within the U.K's top 100 secondary schools for 'A' level results.
We attribute the success of 'A' level students at St Gerard's to the confluence of several factors:
- An environment in which study is emphasised and good study habits promoted
- Dedicated teaching and close monitoring
- Small teaching groups
- Sound career guidance.
Homework : Importance is attached to homework as an essential consolidation and development of work undertaken in class. Students are expected to give this aspect of study priority and assignments are to be completed punctually.
Assessment and reports: Assessment is carried out on a regular basis across the curriculum throughout the year. More formal testing also occurs - at the end of a term or a course unit, as appropriate.
Reports are issued in March of each year. Formal parents' consultations also occur twice yearly and, for the examination years (10 - 13), an early opportunity is given in the academic year for staff, students and parents to meet to focus upon the year ahead.
GCSE and A level courses are, in general, examined by the WJEC.
Careers and Higher Education
Full information on opportunities in higher education is readily available to students and individual guidance is given on all aspects of university choice and applications.
Applications for higher education are carefully prepared and detailed attention is paid to choice of university and course as well as to the whole application procedure through UCAS.