Pathways
Thornleigh Sixth Form prides itself on a wide range of level 3 courses tailored to meet your needs, skills and interests to enable you to fulfill your potential and progress from school into higher education, employment or training.
Every cohort of students is different and we aim to tailor our curriculum to each year group's specific needs. Therefore, rather than provide students with pre-set option blocks, we ask students to choose their subject combinations and then build the option blocks around them. By doing this, far more students are able to study their first choice of courses. However, we ask you to include a reserve choice just in case your combination does not fit into the option blocks. In exceptional circumstances we may need to withdraw a course if it is not viable to run it. If this is the case, students will be informed as early as possible to allow them time to select an alternative course.
It is compulsory for a student to retake English Language and Maths GCSE if they did not achieve at least a grade 4. These lessons will take place in addition to the level 3 courses that are opted for and will be timetabled at the start of the academic year. Students may also be eligible to be entered for a Functional Skills qualification.
Average Point Score (APS) Calculator Guide
* GCSE Combined Science will count as two subjects for the purpose of admissions.
APS 6.0 or higher
Students on this pathway will select 3 courses and 1 reserve. A level courses would be encouraged.
Students will be encouraged to consider completing an Extended Project Qualification.
For those studying Mathematics, taking Further Mathematics as a 4th subject is also an option, dependent on meeting the subject entry requirements.
Students achieving an APS of 8.0 or above may wish to consider 4 A level subjects.
Students will receive specialist support applying to top universities and competitive courses, including Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science.
APS 4.5 to 5.9
Students on this pathway will select 3 courses and 1 reserve. A combination of BTEC and A level courses would be encouraged (see below for courses that would be advised).
Students will be encouraged to consider completing an Extended Project Qualification if appropriate.
Work experience placements built into enrichment time could be accommodated.
Appropriate Level 3 courses include:
Applied Science
Art
Criminology
Geography
Graphics
Health & Social Care
History
Information Technology
Performing Arts
Photography
Sociology
Sport