Courses and subjects

The move to the Sixth Form is exciting and challenging. There are more opportunities for independent thinking and the courses themselves are far more rigorous than GCSEs. We have various criteria for admission to our Sixth Form, which include your GCSE results, your attitude to work, your contribution to the wider life of the school and your disciplinary record. In addition, you must have a viable combination of A-level subjects to study.

Standards on entry
We expect that all students who choose to study in the Sixth Form at RGS will have achieved a reasonable standard in their GCSEs. Although we do not have formal minimum grades for entry onto specific A-level courses, it is generally expected that you will have at least a B grade in the subjects you wish to study. Some skill-based subjects, like mathematics, may require a higher level of competence. In addition, for subjects which are not offered at GCSE, such as Business Studies, Economics and Politics, you will need to show that you have researched the course content and are clear about why you want to take the subject. In all instances, there will be an opportunity for you to discuss your entry onto the course with the Head of Department of that subject.

Subjects available (for entry in 2011):
The subjects on offer at A-level for next September can be found below.

Group A subjects are all full A-levels. These are two year courses with most examinations sat in the Upper Sixth (Year 13).

Group B subjects are either full A-levels,  AS-levels (half an A-level) studied over four terms, or the Extended Project.

You must choose four subjects:

1. either four subjects from Group A (leading to four full A-levels)
2. or three subjects from Group A and one from Group B.

In exceptional cases, you may wish to choose five subjects (four from Group A and one from Group B). However, you need to remember that this amounts to a great deal of work, with virtually no study periods, and risks compromising your chances of top grades. If you wish to pursue this option, please speak to the Deputy Head (Academic).

It is not normally possible to study more than one subject in Group B (but see note 4 below).

Note 1: Further Mathematics can be studied to AS or A2 level. It can only be taken in combination with Mathematics.

Note 2: If the numbers for any given subject are too small, we may not be able to run the course. You will be notified as soon as possible if this is the case.

Note 3: The courses listed here are available during the academic year indicated, but no guarantee can be given about their future availability. Prospective parents and students are advised to contact the school to confirm the curriculum for subsequent years.

Note 4: Depending on overall combination of choices, it may be possible to take the Extended Project and either Further Maths or Greek in Group B.

Note 5: We cannot guarantee that every possible choice of subjects will be accessible, but we are usually able to provide most students with their first preferences.

In this section:

» The Sixth Form Curriculum

» What are Linear A-levels?

» Courses & subjects

» Choosing your A-levels

» Extended Project (EPQ)

» Timetable for decisions

» Frequently asked questions