Frequently asked questions

What is different about the Sixth Form curriculum at RGS?
At RGS, all students take four subjects in the Sixth Form, either four full A-levels, or three A-levels and an AS or the Extended Project. Most do not sit any exams in the Lower Sixth year. (See note below for exceptions.) Instead, AS units are taken in January of the Upper Sixth, and A2 units in June of the Upper Sixth. In addition, all students take a programme of general educational enrichment, which we call 6plus.

What are the benefits of the RGS system?

1. Students will receive between six and eight weeks more teaching over two years through not having to prepare for and sit AS exams in the Lower Sixth.
2. Students will be able to grow into their subjects gradually over a two year period, without being faced with constant hurdles.
3. Students will avoid the treadmill of having to sit public examinations every six months from the Fifth Form onwards.
4. When they sit AS papers in the Upper Sixth, students will be more mature and will have a greater understanding of the subject-matter through A2 content, giving them a significant advantage over other candidates.
5. The greater synoptic content in the new A2 exams will be more manageable, and the chances of achieving the new A* grade will be improved.
6. Students will have more time for reflection and independent study, preparing them better for study at university.

Does this system not disadvantage applications to university?
No, we do not believe that it does, because:

1. Universities receive many applications from students who have not taken AS exams in the Lower Sixth, for example from IB or Pre-U schools, or from overseas.
2. Our UCAS reference for each student will explain why students have not taken any AS units, and will point out that students may still drop a subject if they wish.
3. Our previous experience suggests that students who take four A2s still receive offers for only three subjects. However, such offers will often be easier to achieve with four subjects, and many universities will give credit for the extra subject studied.
4. Candidates for Oxbridge, medicine, and other top courses will have covered more of the content than many of their contemporaries elsewhere, which will help them at interview.

Does this mean students won’t be able to re-sit their AS exams?
The need to re-sit modules should be greatly reduced by the decision not to sit the exams until the Upper Sixth. There is nothing to prevent students re-sitting AS units in the summer of the Upper Sixth, but they need to bear in mind that this would also increase the number of exams to be sat in the summer. There is also increasing evidence that universities prefer students to sit each paper once only.

Will students still be able to drop down to three subjects for A2?
All RGS students are expected to continue with four subjects through to the AS exams in January of the Upper Sixth. It is not possible to drop any subjects before this, as this would seriously disadvantage students when applying to university. We believe that the majority of our students are able to cope with four subjects through to A2, and that many will find it easier to achieve their university offers if they continue with all four subjects. However, any student who wishes to drop down to three will be allowed to after the AS exams, in discussion with their parents and the Head of Sixth Form.

Can students take five subjects in the Sixth Form?
It is possible to take five subjects, but it is not normally recommended. A student who does decide to take five subjects may drop the fifth subject at any time, after discussion with their parents and the Head of Sixth Form.

What happens if I change my mind after the A level courses have started?
We can accept course changes up to half term in the Autumn term. It is always better, of course, to change subjects earlier in the term if you feel that you have made a mistake. We will try to give you the best advice possible before you make your final decisions.

Are there any internal examinations?
End of term examinations are sat at the end of the Summer Term. You will be given a target grade and, if you do not achieve this grade, you may be required to re-sit your examinations at the beginning of the Autumn Term. If you miss your target in several subjects and also in your re-sits, the Headmaster may review whether you can continue into the Upper Sixth.

How will teachers estimate UCAS grades?

Teachers have always used their judgement to estimate likely grades for UCAS purposes. The performance of students throughout their first year of Sixth Form study, along with their results in the internal exams in June, will give sufficient information to enable a fair estimate to be made. Students who in their internal exams perform substantially below the standard which their teachers believe they can achieve will be expected to re-sit those exams in September, to enable them to maximise their estimated grades.

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