11/02/202516-19 Study Programme 2024-2025
The government policy on 16–19 study programmes can be found here. It covers academic and vocational study programmes and applies to all providers of 16 to 19 education in England.
For post 16 education, our Sixth Form students benefit from strong support in a range of key areas: their curriculum, post-18 provision, careers & work experience, and personal development. Developing each of these strands ensures they have a broad range of experiences and opportunities that prepare them for their next steps as they transition into university, apprenticeship, or employment.
Study Programme principles
All 16 to 19 study programmes are designed to provide students with a structured and challenging learning programme that supports their development and progression in line with their career plans. The principles of these study programmes are met at Waingels with student pathways individually tailored to combine the following:
1. Substantial qualifications that stretch students and prepare them for education at the next level or for employment.
At Key Stage 5, we offer a broad and aspiring Level 3 curriculum offer consisting of a mixture of A Level and equivalent vocational courses. All students are enrolled on a full-time study programme of at least 580 guided learning hours and choose a minimum of three subjects which they study for two years. These subject choices are based on their prior attainment, interests, and career ambitions. Some high-attaining students are supported to study four subjects. Some students opt to study Mathematics in Context, a 2-year qualification that is equivalent to AS level. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is an AS Level equivalent and is offered as additional area of study. This curriculum offer reflects our high levels of aspiration for all and gives a wide choice of subjects that support all future career pathways.
2. English and maths, where students have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4.
To enrol at Waingels Sixth Form, Grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language are part of the standard entry requirements. In extreme extenuating circumstances, students may be offered a place at Waingels Sixth Form with decisions being made on a case-by-case basis. For any Key Stage 5 student who does not hold a GCSE Grade 4, in Maths and/or English Language, are provided with additional timetabled lessons as part of their study programmes to support their resits in these subjects. They are taught by subject specialists and are entered for official GCSE resit examinations in the November and June exam series as required.
3. Work experience to give students the opportunity to develop their career choices and to apply their skills in real working conditions
All students take part in external Work Experience in the Summer Term of Year 12. They are also supported to undertake additional work experience opportunities based on their future career aspirations, for example medical placements for Medicine candidates, and virtual placements as appropriate.
4. Other non-qualification activity to develop students’ character, broader skills, attitudes and confidence, and support progression
All Key Stage 5 students follow our weekly Personal Development Programme as part of their Sixth Form studies. These important non-qualification activities include study skills, oracy, current affairs, post-18 options, and aim to foster a sense of belonging in Sixth Form. Key Stage 5 students attend weekly Enrichment Lessons. Students have an opportunity to develop a range of skills including study skills, employability skills and life skills that will help prepare them for life after Sixth Form. There will also be focused PSHE and RS lessons and opportunities to hear from guest speakers covering a wide range of topics to enrich their experience in Sixth Form. We provide students with a full careers programme throughout Sixth Form with constant access to an on-site Careers Advisor to support their Post-18 progression. Activities include regular guest speakers, 1-1 guidance, careers fairs, open day attendance, UCAS workshops and our Future Pathway Days in the Summer Term of Year 12. This holistic personal development programme supports a range of academic and pastoral mentoring programmes and is planned to build students’ educational character. It provides students with a range of knowledge and skills to support them to become active citizens and confident young adults who are ready to move on to the next stage in their lives, whether that be employment, training, or higher/further education.
