1. Sixth form information evening
A-levels from September 2016

2. A-level reform
From September 2015 Wales and England offered separate qualifications.
Welsh qualifications maintain the current relationship between AS and A-level, and continue to be modular.
English qualifications are only be examined at the end of the course.
Welsh maintained schools only deliver Welsh reformed qualifications (WJEC), and the Level 3 Welsh Bac is compulsory. There continues to be a choice of four exam boards for English schools and Welsh independent schools.

3. A-level reform
From 2017, all subjects are being taught as linear subjects
AS levels still exist, but as stand-alone examinations – they are no longer a part of the A-level qualification
At Rydal Penrhos we offer some free standing AS courses

4. AS and A-level AS doesn’t count towards A-level qualification
AS represents half the content of an A-level, but in the revised UCAS tariff is credited with only 40% of the marks
AS marks must be ‘cashed in’ and declared on the UCAS form. Currently we do not cash them in

5. Assessment No modular exams
AS and A level qualifications will be assessed at the end of the course.
Most AS qualifications will be exam only
Practical skills will be assessed separately from subject content in A-level science subjects: they will be awarded a separate pass or fail grade

6. Choices
Most pupils will study 3 A-level subjects, but 4 blocks are available. Some students may wish to study 4 subjects.
Each subject has 6+1 lessons per week
Elective Block includes:
‘Short course’ programmes eg Home Economics AS, Extended Project (EPQ)
University offers based on 3 A-level subjects

7. Reformed Subjects for Sept 2017
Design and Technology
Further Mathematics
Mathematics
The reformed courses will start in September 2017 for examination in June 2019

8. Implications for UCAS
AS Levels must be cashed in – universities will have access to those results. Pupils often improve significantly by the time they reach A-level, in terms of writing style, proficiency, overall subject knowledge and understanding of connections between topics and concepts

9. Cambridge Technicals
The Cambridge Technical has formed an effective bridge between school and university for some of out pupils
We currently offer the Double Sport Award which is the equivalent of 2 A-levels
As with the A-level, there is change ahead. From September 2018, instead of the subject being evaluated only by continuous assessment, there will be an examined element. The proportion is likely to be 40% examined, 60% continuous assessment

10. Option 1:- Cambridge Technical Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma
Equivalent of one A-level
Two year linear course
4 units have continuous assessment
2 units are examined
3 levels of Attainment:
Pass = Equivalent of Grade E at A-level
Merit = Equivalent of Grade C at A-level
Distinction = Equivalent of Grade A at A-level

11. Option 2:- Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma
Equivalent of 2 A-levels
A proportion of the final mark assessed in terminal examination
Two year linear course
8 units of continual assessment, 4 examined units
3 levels of Attainment:
Pass = Equivalent of 2 x Grade E at A-level
Merit = Equivalent of 2 x Grade C at A-level
Distinction = Equivalent of 2 x Grade A at A-level

12. Current course structure
Principles of Anatomy + Physiology in Sport
Physiology of Fitness
Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology
Sports Coaching
Sports Leadership
Lower Sixth
Upper Sixth
Current Issues in Sport
Psychology for Sports Performance

13. Course structure 2016 Lower Sixth Upper Sixth
All Subsidiary Diploma Units
All Subsidiary Diploma Units
Athlete’s Lifestyle
Sports Nutrition
Lower Sixth
Sports Injuries
Sport and Exercise Massage
Upper Sixth
Organising Sporting Events
Work Experience

14. The Options Process
Early November: Straw Poll of all Year 11 pupils. Asked to rank subject choices from 1 to 6 both for A-level and/or within the existing IB Blocks. (Pupils can enter 2 sets of choices if they are undecided as to the route they wish to take in the Sixth form)
The options blocks are drawn up on the basis of the pupils’ choices: we aim to provide as many as possible with their first choices of all subjects
14 – 18 November: pupils will discuss their likely choices with a member of the SMT; parents are encouraged to attend these interviews

15. Some issues to consider
We offer choice of exam board/specification
As a well-established IB school we have strong experience of preparing candidates for linear exams
Curriculum booklets are available for this year on the website. New one in January.
Will you choose three or four subjects from the outset?
Mr Pender – UCAS is available in the Ferguson Centre

16. Thank you Any questions? Mr Lavery (Head of Sixth form
Mr Pender (UCAS coordinator)
Mrs Harding (Director of Studies)
Mr Cashell (Deputy Head)
Mr McDuff (Acting Headmaster)
Mr Smith (Headmaster from January)