Sixth Form and public exam results
How and when does the School advise my child on subject choices?
- We introduced Sixth Form courses and subject choices at the Options Evening on 23 September. Pupils and parents can now express their interest and preferences through the Options Form available on Firefly.
- This form should be submitted as soon as possible as an indicator of preferred courses at this stage. This will enable us to build the timetable option blocks and finalise the list of subjects that we run depending on the demand from pupils.
- We understand that you are keen to have some clarity about choices. We could, of course, publish an unchanging blocking system, but it is a strength of our procedures that we can tailor our provision to pupil demand, as above.
How do I know which subjects are available at A-level and IB?
- We offered a wide range of subjects at the Options Evening. After the trial exams and 5th Form Parents’ Consultation in January 2021, we will ask for your final selection of subjects and curriculum. We use this information to finalise the timetable blocking system to enable as many of your choices as possible.
- The option blocks are published before the Spring Term half term in February.
Can you do a hybrid course comprising A-levels and IB subjects?
- Yes, depending on timetabling it is possible to take, for example, 2 A-levels and an IB subject at Higher Level.
How does my child access information about careers and higher education?
- All tutors review the half termly progress and organise one-to-one interviews with each tutee. A substantial element of the 5th Form tutorial programme is devoted to careers and pupils can also access presentations about internships and workplace offered through InvestIN Education.
- Mrs Davies, Head of Careers and Higher Education, has conducted the My Future Careers survey with all our 5th Form pupils. This allows pupils to explore likely career matches and aptitudes. This is followed up during November with a one-to-one interview with each 5th Form pupil to identify the best Sixth Form options and routes to higher education.
- Parents and pupils may also contact Mrs Davies (daviesm@kesw.org) for individual consultation by appointment.
- We hold a careers fair for 5th Form with guest speakers and presentations from alumni who have successful professional experience in a range of careers.
How does the School support candidates for competitive university courses and medical degrees?
- Our Early Applicants’ Programme (those applying for courses at Oxford and Cambridge, medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry) runs for Lower Sixth pupils from the second half of the Spring Term and comprises weekly sessions led by Mrs Phillips, Head of History, who is a PPE graduate from Oxford herself, and supported by the Deputy Head Academic and Head of Sixth Form.
- The Programme provides pupils with enrichment opportunities, guided reading, debate and discussion to enhance the personal statement, support for entrance tests and interview practice. The Programme is open to all pupils who have shown their academic commitment, curiosity and ability both at Key Stage 4 and during the Autumn Term of Lower Sixth.
- Once pupils have applied and been accepted onto the Early Applicants’ Programme, all sessions are compulsory unless pupils actively withdraw from the Programme.
How do you ensure Sixth Form study periods are used effectively?
- Under normal circumstances, all pupils sign into the library during their study periods for the first half of the Autumn Term. We then analyse each pupil’s progress towards their target grades in their half term report.
- Pupils who are on track are afforded additional independence and will be allowed to study in House or the Sixth Form Centre if they prefer.
- Pupils who are not on track to meet target grades continue to sign into the library where a member of staff supervises their study. In some cases, pupils will also be required to sign into the library between 19:00 and 21:00 to continue their work under supervision.
- Study skills themselves are delivered as part of the weekly Sixth Form Programme and followed up with activities through the tutor programme.
We know that IB results at King Edward’s are excellent. Why have A-level results historically not matched these?
- We have identified this as a strategic priority for the School.
- In past years, most pupils at King Edward’s (including many of the most able academically) have opted for the IB curriculum. Some pupils have struggled to find appropriate IB subject choices and have therefore adopted A-levels as a more accessible option. These have been relatively few in number and so a comparison of percentages attaining each grade is not very informative. However, we acknowledge a clear and growing interest in A-levels as the first-choice curriculum, following recent changes in content and assessment. The School has responded to these:
- Every department undertakes regular exam-focused training and professional development delivered by exam boards. Many of our teachers are or have been A-level examiners.
- Additionally, we work hard to ensure that all A-level pupils have a clear understanding of the expectations for independent study. Last year, we instituted a rapid and effective intervention system to identify and support pupils’ specific needs at a granular level in each subject.
- The 2020 A-level results showed some improvement resulting from this more focused approach and we expect to see a continuing increase in value-added for our A-level results.
Why can’t we see all the historic A-level results?
- The School has updated the results and destinations page on the website to include historic results for both the IB and A-level in a more accessible format.