Curriculum — Marling sixth Form Top

Programme of Study

The programme of study for students at Marling School Sixth Form is a two year academic programme, based on three or four subjects started in September of Year 12 and completed to A Level in the summer of Year 13. We offer more than 30 A Level subjects and breadth options, including 3 language choices and both Music and Music Technology at A Level.
In addition to A Level study, students complete the Marling Diamond Programme which brings together breadth subjects, super-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Breadth options available to students may include the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, Geology, Creative Writing, Classics or Maths Skills.

A Level Subjects and Breadth Options - see our 2024 Curriculum Guide

Study Skills

Many students find the transition from GCSE to A Level challenging. Not only do A Levels require higher level skills, but students also need to undertake far more independent work and they need to learn to balance their workload.

In order to help with these challenges we provide sessions on study skills, covering areas such as time management, planning, note taking and revision.

Please see below a Study Skills booklet to help you get organised and get studying!

PSHE

In years 12 and 13 we provide a planned programme of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) talks and activities to help our students develop as healthy and responsible individuals who develop healthy relationships.

The programme includes advice on topics including health and wellbeing, financial skills, sex and relationship education and drug and alcohol awareness. The sessions are delivered fortnightly during a dedicated tutor period, morning tutor times and during some weekly assembly sessions.

The Marling Sixth Form PSHE programme is based on five rotating themes, outlined below. The order of themes may vary and different topics may be covered as/when necessary. The topics below illustrate the range of topics that may be covered in each theme. The programme aims to give students information and skills to equip them to live as healthy, respectful adults who make a positive contribution to society.

 

RESPECT & RELATIONSHIPS

  • Vision & values
  • Respect & healthy relationships
  • Consent
  • Equalities
  • Gender           

 

THE SUCCESSFUL SIXTH FORMER

  • Study skills
  • A Level mindset
  • Resilience
  • Revision

 

KEEPING SAFE

  • Personal safety
  • Driving - What If
  • Digital literacy/internet safety

 

PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH

  • Sexual health
  • Drugs & alcohol
  • Mental health
  • Stress management/resilience

 

CREATE YOUR FUTURE

  • Unifrog - post-18 options
  • Leadership 
  • Marling Diamond Programme - transferable skills
  • Applying to University/other options
  • Finance
  • Democracy
  • Environment

 

 See the document below for the themes in Term 1 and 2

Marling Diamond Programme

Our aim in Marling Sixth Form is to enable students to develop a range of skills that prepare them for their next step after leaving Sixth Form, whether that is a university degree; Music, Drama or Art College; an apprenticeship or employment.

The Marling Diamond Programme brings together multiple curriculum and Beyond the Curriculum activities to demonstrate the range of skills and achievements that modern academic institutions and employers are looking for.

Sixth Formers complete their personalised Marling Diamond Programme throughout Y12, choosing whichever pathway matches their future aspirations.

Each Wednesday afternoon sixth form students are given dedicated time to pursue their Marling Diamond activities. They also use lunch times, study periods and time outside school.

On Wednesday afternoons many students choose to take part in a team sport, including rugby, football, hockey or cricket or use the time to pursue personal training goals in the gym, on the tennis court or at a leisure or climbing centre. Others choose from a range of musical or creative activities, join student societies or undertake projects or voluntary work. 

Read our Beyond the Curriculum publications - below - to find out about some of the fantastic activities our students take part in and visit the open evening Student Hub to hear our students talk about what's on offer: https://event.marling.study/room/student-hub

 

Early Applications

Competition for places at leading universities, and especially Oxford and Cambridge, is always intense. So, to support those students who plan to apply for the most competitive university courses, Marling Sixth Form has developed an Early Applications Programme, which is open to all students.

To make sure our students have the best possible chance of securing an offer, the Programme includes:

  • Information and advice evenings for parents and students in Y11 and Y12
  • Intensive application support including personal statement guidance
  • Personalised advice on super-curricular activities and resources
  • A comprehensive and up-to-date competitive applications booklet
  • Regular group meetings to develop interview skills and subject knowledge
  • Practice interviews with subject specialists
  • Advice on successful applications from Marling alumni
  • Invited speakers from Oxford & Cambridge
  • An annual Oxbridge Conference visit

Please see Mr Elson to join the programme.

Access to Bristol and Pathways to Health Sciences

We have close links with the University of Bristol and many year 12 and year 13 students participate in the Access to Bristol
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/outreach/post-16/access/ and Pathways to Health Science https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/outreach/post-16/health/ programmes every year. In 2019-20, 34 students from Marling School took part.

Students attend a series of sessions on Wednesday afternoons during the autumn or spring term. The sessions give an idea of what it is like to study at the University of Bristol, working with academics and current students who can offer advice and guidance about higher education and their subject area.

Taking part shows a commitment to further study that strengthens university applications. Students who successfully complete the programme are guaranteed a contextual offer http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/entry-requirements-qualifications/contextual-offers/ interview from Bristol, a top-ten UK University (QS World University Rankings 2020).