Sixth Form Curriculum

Our Sixth Form Programme is based around A Levels as the academic core, with a range of complementary elements. Students leave Cobham Hall with the skills universities and employers look for: complex problem-solving, project and time management, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and compassion.

We offer both a standard, two-year A Level programme and a three-year option for international students requiring additional English language support before embarking upon full A Level study.


Sixth Form A Level Guide 2024 – 2025


 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​A Levels

Cobham Hall offers a wide range of A Level subjects from which students will normally select three. The following are usually on offer. However, if there is sufficient demand, it may be possible to make other subjects available.

Art, Craft and Design Biology Business
Chemistry Computer Science Drama & Theatre
Economics English Literature Film Studies
French Geography Graphic Communications
History Mathematics Further Mathematics
Music Music Technology Photography
Physical Education Physics Politics
Psychology Spanish

 

Sixth Form Foundation – Three-Year A Level Programme for International Students

A Levels are highly regarded by universities across the world and form the core of the Sixth Form curriculum at Cobham Hall. But A Level study is a major step up from GCSE or equivalent and can be particularly challenging for those for whom English is not their first language, as to work at this level demands very good understanding and proficiency.

Cobham Hall’s Sixth Form Foundation is a unique, three-year programme, specifically designed for international students who are academically able but whose English language skills are not yet of the standard needed for successful A Level study. The first ‘Foundation’ year of the programme centres around a tailored English as an Additional Language (EAL) course to refine reading, writing and listening skills. Students also have the opportunity to sample two or three A Level subjects per term and to study towards the Mathematics and EAL GCSE qualifications require by universities.

For further information, please see our brochure on the link below.

Sixth Form Foundation Guide 2024-25

 

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Equivalent to half an A Level, the EPQ provides students with the opportunity to plan, research and develop their own project idea. The EPQ has been designed to teach students how to manage, research, develop, realise and review. The project can be in a variety of forms, including:

  • a research-based written report
  • a production (for example, a charity event, fashion show or sports event)
  • an artefact (for example, a piece of art, a computer game or realised design)

Examples of recent EPQ projects include organising and hosting a Model United Nations Conference and writing, editing, developing and producing a magazine.

Global Critical Thinking

The Global Critical Thinking course encourages students to develop critical thinking skills to enable them to formulate their own opinions and allow their own beliefs to be rational and stand up to scrutiny. These skills will be developed in the context of some important global issues that affect us all and for which we have no definitive solution. For example, environmental and climate change, the implications of increasing human population on global resources and the challenges of human health and wellbeing in the modern world.

Tutorial

A crucial element is the Tutorial Programme.  Aimed at supporting students through the university application process, providing time to explore their futures, and focusing on wellbeing issues, the Tutorial sessions during the first year in Sixth Form includes:

  • Study Skills
  • Personal Statement workshops
  • UCAS Application workshops
  • Interview Skills
  • SRE, and
  • University Talks

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or Service

Encouraged throughout the School, the majority of our students complete The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Valued greatly by both universities and employers, the Award has three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Sixth Form students can continue on the Award and work towards their next level or can start the Award from the beginning if they have not previously attempted DofE. You can find out more about DofE here.

For those not completing The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the School provides opportunities for students to undertake service projects in the local community.  These have included reading in local primary schools, supporting the elderly in local care homes and training to become Dementia Friends.

Sport

Taking part in sport is an important part of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing and so all Sixth Form pupils will participate weekly in a range of sports. Students additionally have the opportunity to compete at Inter-House events, can represent the School in competitions and fixtures with other Schools, or at county or national level. Sixth Form students are encouraged to assist and coach younger students at extra-curricular clubs.

Should students wish to take part in a sport not offered on site, we may be able to arrange these at alternative venues.