ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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Candidates will need a minimum of 5 grades B or above at GCSE and at least grade C in English Language and Mathematics and must have A* or A grades at GCSE in the subjects you wish to carry on to AS Level.  Where a subject is new to you at AS Level, you will be required to achieve A*, A or B grades in related subjects, reflecting the skills required for success on these courses.

Students are encouraged to be adventurous in selecting courses within our flexible curriculum arrangements.  Those hoping to enter medical school might consider a course in Psychology, or Historians a one-year study of a science to provide a balanced qualifications profile.  Scientists may find the addition of an AS language course or a year’s study of an arts or humanities subject not only to be of intrinsic interest but also a means of opening doors in the future.

Individual choices will have to be made subject to timetabling constraints.  Help in selecting the most appropriate combination of courses is always available from subject staff and the University Advisor or Head of Sixth Form, should you need it. 

In addition to specified subject material, all Examination Board syllabuses (usually referred to as “specifications”) include statements indicating the skills that courses aim to develop.  Completion of a full Sixth Form course should provide you with qualifications which will demonstrate to universities, employers and others, your ability and potential in academic study and the level of your proficiency in other skills, including Communication, IT and Numeracy, among others.

Courses move at a fast pace, placing considerable demands on time and ability.  You will need knowledge and skills developed through GCSE if you are to benefit from such study.  Consequently, there are entry requirements for all AS courses.  A grade C at GCSE is not a strong basis for AS and A2 courses and you should assess you own prospects carefully before committing yourself to your chosen subjects.

Every student will be considered individually and assessed as a potential Sixth Form candidate on his or her merits.  All candidates will be interviewed by the Head of Senior School, the Head of Sixth Form and one or more subject teachers where appropriate, and consideration will be given to reports (particularly important for external candidates), predicted grades at GCSE, personal motivation and the ability to contribute to the unique environment of The Harrodian School.