Sixth Form

St Mary’s Sixth Form is very successful and has grown significantly in recent years to 170, a trend which reflects the rise in achievement in the school at GCSE.

In our Sixth Form, students can expect to be treated as young adults.  They are given more independence and control over their education.  Students choose to study subjects which interest them most and for which they have a particular talent.  They study in groups which are smaller than in the main school and so develop closer working relationships with their teachers who support each student’s individual needs.

In our Sixth Form students are encouraged to do well.  They are challenged as both people and learners.  We pride ourselves on the excellent pastoral care for our Sixth Form students, as well as our tremendous results.

Some key features of our Sixth Form:

  • Students have their own Sixth Form block and designated dining area.
  • Programmes of study are rich and varied with different forms of assessment to meet the needs of a wide range of learners.
  • The progress of students is carefully monitored with termly assessments, target-setting and progress checks.
  • Every student has a personal tutor who helps each student to meet his/her challenging targets.
  • All students follow a common core curriculum, as well as the subjects they choose to study.  General RE and General PE are offered to all Sixth Form students.
  • All students have the chance to enhance their learning through a range of extra-curricular activities, especially working with the community.

Students who return to school in the Sixth Form are offered a broad curriculum:

  • Art & Design
  • BTEC Business Studies
  • Design and Technology – 3D Design
  • English Literature
  • History
  • Psychology
  • Ethics & Philosophy
  • General Studies
  • BTEC Performing Arts (double)
  • BTEC Finance
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English Language
  • Geography
  • ICT
  • Physics
  • Spanish
  • Physical Education
  • Sociology
  • BTEC Health & Social Care (double)
  • Mathematics
  • Further Maths
  • National Diploma ICT (double)
  • BTEC Sports Studies (double)
  • Photography
  • Textiles
  • Physical Education
  • Work Skills