Open Evening

Key Dates for Joining the Sixth Form

Choosing your Sixth Form pathway

Getting your post-16 subject choices right is an important first step towards your chosen future pathway. Entry to the best universities and apprenticeships can be highly competitive and whilst academic performance is very important, they will also want to select students who are clearly well-motivated and passionate about their subject. In some cases, they may even ask you to gain some work experience in a relevant field.

Sixth Form students at Bournemouth School are required to study either 4 full A Levels (we do not offer AS Levels) or 3 full A Levels and complete a plus option during Year 12 (known as 3+).

The advantages of studying 4 A Levels are:

It demonstrates your ability to manage the challenge and volume of a demanding academic curriculum.
It potentially offers a wider range of degree options.

The advantages of a 3+ option:

The plus option can be used to facilitate your full A Levels / University application.
In Year 13 you would only have to focus upon 3 subjects rather than 4, allowing greater time for consolidation of learning and exam preparation.

Reasons to select a subject:

The subject is required for your choice of degree or career. For instance, to study Architecture at many universities you need Maths and Physics. (See Informed Choices website for guidance and also the UCAS website.)
You are good at the subject and you enjoy it.
It facilitates your other subject choices.
It is a new subject that you have not studied but it interests you and you think it will suit your strengths.

Further considerations:

Have you got/are you likely to get the necessary subject entry requirements?
Have you looked at the syllabus to know what the course involves and also how the subject is examined?
Have you spoken to a subject teacher/Head of Department and watched the relevant online presentation?
Some subject combinations are compulsory, e.g. you cannot do Physics without Mathematics A Level.
Further Mathematics can only be taken as a fourth A Level choice, and must be studied alongside Mathematics A Level.
If you wish to study Computing at university it would be advisable to have Mathematics A Level.

Some degrees will be open to you whatever subjects you choose to study for your A Level qualifications and there are many other popular degrees which are normally open to you without any specific subject background. These include: Accountancy; Anthropology; Archaeology; Business Studies; History of Art; Law; Management Studies; Media Studies; Philosophy; Politics; Psychology; Religious Studies; Sociology; Surveying.

Many courses at university level build on knowledge which you will gain while still at school. For this reason, some university courses may require you to have studied a specific subject prior to entry, others may not.

Another factor to consider if you are aiming for incredibly competitive courses at university, such as Medicine, is that you may require a very high performance in your GCSEs. Does your performance to date match your ambition? (Think about your mock examination outcomes).

We advise those students who are wishing to apply for highly competitive courses such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science to study 4 A Levels. Those who wish to apply to Oxbridge should also study 4 A Levels.

Subject Specific Requirements

To meet our Sixth Form entry requirements, applicants must have attained at least a grade 5 in both English Language and Mathematics, and have a “Best 8” GCSE points score of at least 48 points with at least a grade 6 in the subjects chosen or in a related discipline.

For example, if a student’s Best 8 GCSEs are 8 grade 6s they would have a total (Best 8) points score of 48 – so provided they have achieved at least a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics, they would be eligible for a place in the Sixth Form.

Applicants should ensure their GCSE qualifications are listed by the DfE as being eligible for inclusion in the 2025 Performance Tables (this includes the English and mathematics qualifications). The School does not accept other qualifications in lieu of those listed. (Click here for Key Stage 4 qualifications and discount codes.)

Subject specific entry requirements

A Level Subject	GCSE Entry Requirement
Art and Design	Grade 6 in Art and Design
Biology	Grade 6 in Biology or Grade 7/7 in Combined Sciences PLUS Grade 6 in Mathematics
Business Studies	Grade 6 in Business Studies or Grade 6 in English (Language or Literature) and Grade 6 in Mathematics
Chemistry	Grade 7 in Chemistry or Grade 7/7 in Combined Sciences PLUS Grade 7 in Mathematics
Computer Science	Grade 6 in Computer Science
Core Mathematics	No additional requirements to those published
Design and Technology: Product Design	Grade 6 in Design and Technology
Economics	Grade 6 in Mathematics and English (Language or Literature)
English Literature	Grade 6 in English (Language or Literature)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)	No additional requirements to those published
French	Grade 6 in French
Geography	Grade 6 in Geography
German	Grade 6 in German
Graphic Communication	Grade 6 in Art and Design or Graphic Design
History	Grade 6 in History
Mathematics (AS Level)	Grade 6 in Mathematics (note: this is a two-year course)
Mathematics	Grade 7 in Mathematics
Further Mathematics	Grade 8 in Mathematics
Music	Grade 6 in GCSE Music or Grade 6 practical and Grade 5 theory (ABRSM or equivalent)
Physical Education	Grade 6 in Physical Education
Physics	Grade 6 in Physics or Grade 7/7 in Combined Sciences PLUS Grade 7 in Mathematics
Politics	Grade 6 in History, Geography or Religious Studies
Psychology	Grade 6 in English (Language or Literature), Mathematics and Biology
Religious Studies	Grade 6 in Religious Studies, Geography or History (or other Humanity)
Spanish	Grade 6 in Spanish

Appeals

Parents whose application for their child to be considered for admission to the school is unsuccessful have a right of appeal to an independent Admissions Appeals Panel.

In the first instance, please either email [email protected] or telephone the school on 01202 512609 and ask for admissions to discuss the matter. We will then be able to provide you with further information about the appeals process, including how to lodge an appeal.

Traditionally, very few appeals are upheld and those that are tend to have significant professional supporting evidence.

Sixth Form places - Year 12 (September 2026)

Offers of places (following receipt of GCSE results)	21 August 2026 (5.00pm)
Deadline for lodging an on time admission appeal	30 September 2026
Appeal hearing date range	21 September - 20 November 2026

Appeals lodged after these dates will be heard within 40 school days of the appeal deadline or 30 school days of being lodged, whichever is the later date.
You will receive at least 10 school days’ notice of your appeal hearing date. School days do not include school holidays, inset days, bank holidays or weekends.
Appeals are heard during the daytime on weekdays and are not normally heard during school holidays. Where there are multiple appeals for places at the same school, the hearings may go over a number of days.
The school’s case will be made available to parents and Panel members at least 5 school days before the start of the appeal hearing.
Additional evidence may be submitted up to 5 working days before the hearing.
Any additional evidence received after this date might not be considered at the appeal hearing. The Appeal Panel must decide whether it should be considered taking into account its significance and the effect of a possible need to adjourn the hearing.
Following the hearing, decision letters will be sent, where possible, within 5 school days of the end of the hearing. During busy periods, such as main entry, full decision letters may take longer than this, so the Clerk will send a brief decision summary email in the interim.
Appeal hearings for in-year places will be heard within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.

Sixth Form Open Evening for Year 12	19 November 2025
Expression of Interest Form available	20 November 2025 (08:00)
Closing date for Expression of Interest	31 January 2026 (23:59)
Year 12 Experience Day	25 June 2026
Students receive GCSE results	20 August 2026
Year 12 Application Form available	20 August 2026 (08:00)
Closing date for Year 12 Application Form (evidencing GCSE results)	21 August 2026 (10:00)
Confirmation of a place in Year 12	21 August 2026 (17:00)
Parents/Carers must complete online enrolment process	31 August 2026
Year 12 Induction Day	3 September 2026

Meeting	Exceeding
You use all KO content You can aurally identify families of instruments and most orchestral instruments within each family	You use all KO content and additional information You can aurally identify all families and almost all orchestral instruments within each family with only minor errors
Assessment Methods
Listening assessment on Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra Do Now tasks Teacher questioning

Meeting	Exceeding
You use all KO content You can aurally identify families of instruments and most orchestral instruments within each family	You use all KO content and additional information You can aurally identify all families and almost all orchestral instruments within each family with only minor errors
Assessment Methods
Listening assessment on Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra Do Now tasks Teacher questioning

Meeting	Exceeding
Football (January to Easter) You demonstrate good ball control under pressure and consistently make accurate passes in dynamic game situations. You understand and apply team tactics, contributing to both attacking and defensive play. Health and Fitness (January – Easter) You demonstrate proper form in a variety of exercises, showing understanding of different fitness components (strength, endurance, flexibility). You set realistic fitness goals and work towards them consistently. Basketball (January – Easter) You demonstrate improved dribbling, passing, and shooting skills with greater consistency, applying them in dynamic game situations. You demonstrate an understanding of team tactics and contribute effectively on both ends of the court.	Exceeds: You have all of the criteria for ‘meets’* and at least some of the following:* Football (January – Easter) You showcase exceptional technical skills, including advanced dribbling, passing, and shooting, under high pressure. You demonstrate a deep understanding of game tactics, leading the team in both defensive and attacking situations. Health and Fitness (January – Easter) You designed and followed a comprehensive fitness plan that targets multiple fitness components, showing excellent progress. You demonstrate a high level of fitness and self-motivation, regularly exceeding personal goals. Basketball (January – Easter) You execute advanced basketball techniques, such as complex dribbling manoeuvres and fast-break plays, with confidence. You lead the team with excellent decision-making, defensive play, and communication.
Assessment Methods
Do now tasks Exit Tickets Knowledge Check Assessment

Meeting	Exceeding
Football (January to Easter) You demonstrate good control of the ball and pass accurately to teammates. You apply basic defensive and offensive tactics with consistency. Health and Fitness (January to Easter) You follow the basic principles of a warm-up, workout, and cool-down while demonstrating proper technique throughout. You participate with effort and enthusiasm. Basketball (January to Easter) You demonstrate basic dribbling, shooting, and passing skills, applying them in game situations. You understand the key rules of basketball and can execute basic strategies and tactics.	Rugby (January to Easter) You show advanced ball control and decision-making under pressure, contributing strategically to both attack and defence. You display a high level of skill and leadership on the field. Health and Fitness (January to Easter) You created a specialized warm up, workout, and cool down. Your technique during all exercises was excellent. You display exceptional consistency and effort, showing improved fitness levels over time. Basketball (January to Easter) You show excellent court awareness, quick decision-making, and the ability to execute advanced skills under pressure. You contribute to both offence and defence with a high level of skill and leadership.
Assessment Methods
Formative assessment in lessons – warm-ups, drills, cool-downs Summative assessment in lessons – competitive context

Meeting	Exceeding
You will be able to describe and explain the increased tension over Berlin between Khrushchev and Kennedy. You will be able to have a good understanding of why there were summit meetings called, 1960 and 1961. You will be able to describe and explain why the Berlin Wall was built in 1961. You will be able to explain the impact the building of the wall had on East-West relations and the importance of Kennedy’s visit to Berlin in 1963. You will be able to show a good understanding of the Cuban Revolution of 1959, the importance of the Bay of Pigs failed invasion of 1961 and the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962.	You will be able to evaluate the impact on international relations of increased tension over Berlin between Khrushchev and Kennedy. You understanding of the summit meetings is precise and you can evaluate their importance. You will be able to precisely recall details of how why the Berlin Wall was built in 1961. You will be able to evaluate the importance of the building of the wall on East-West relations and the importance of Kennedy’s visit to Berlin in 1963. You will be able to show a precise knowledge and understanding of the Cuban Revolution of 1959, the importance of the Bay of Pigs failed invasion of 1961 the events and significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 in the short term and long term.
Assessment Methods
Do-now tasks Retrieval Quiz in class End of Unit Assessment

Meeting	Exceeding
You will demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of the origins of the Weimar Republic from its creation in 1918. You will be able to describe and explain why the Republic faced political and economic challenges in the years 1919 – 1923. You will be able to understand some controversy over Germany’s recovery from 1924 – 28. You will be able to describe and explain how society and culture changed during the ‘Golden Years’ of Weimar. You will mostly be able to demonstrate accurate recall of key people, key dates, terminologies and acronyms to describe aspects Weimar Germany, 1918 – 1928.	You will be able to recall, with more precision and accuracy, the origins of the Weimar Republic from 1918. You will accurately explain the early challenges including the Spartacist Uprising, Kapp Putsch and the causes and impact of the German Hyperinflation of 1923. You will be able to recall, with precision and accuracy, how Weimar recovered including Stresemann’s economic and foreign policy successes whilst able to evaluate the limitations of recovery. You will have a secure knowledge of how Weimar society and culture changed. You will be able to convincingly demonstrate accurate and precise recall of key people, key dates, terminologies and acronyms describing aspects of Weimar Germany 1924 – 1929.
Assessment Methods
Do-now tasks Retrieval Quiz in class End of Unit Assessment

Meeting	Exceeding
You show a good knowledge and understanding of key terms associated with the changes happening from 1750 – 1900. You are able to describe and explain some aspects of continuity of society and economy during this period. You demonstrate a good understanding of how agriculture changed, why the factory system developed, how transport improvements impacted the economy with particular reference to the steam train. You are able to explain why living conditions in the new towns and cities changed, the impact on public health and calls for reform. You show secure evaluation of sources for utility, taking into account some aspects of provenance and / or own knowledge.	You are able to show an excellent knowledge and understanding of key terms associated with the changes happening from 1750 – 1900. You are able to precisely describe and explain aspects of continuity of society and economy during this period. You are able to show an excellent and precise understanding of how agriculture changed, why the factory system developed, how transport improvements impacted the economy with particular reference to the steam train. You are able to evaluate how and why living conditions in the new towns and cities changed and the impact these changes had on public health and calls for reform. You show a convincing evaluation of sources for utility, taking into account provenance and precise own knowledge.
Assessment Methods
Do Now Questioning in class Peer assessments (Skills based written response)

Meeting	Exceeding
You will be able to describe and explain the early tension between the members of the Grand Alliance at the three wartime conferences and events in Europe up to 1945. You will be able to have a good understanding of the ideological differences between Capitalism and Communism. You will be able to describe and explain the development of the Cold 1947 – 1949 including the flashpoint of Berlin, 1948 – 49 and the setting up of East and West Germany. You will understand why the Cold War intensified, 1949 – 58 including the arms race and the USSR’s response to the Hungarian Uprising of 1956 and international reaction to this.	You will be able to evaluate the consequences of the wartime alliances for East-West relations. You will understand the attitudes of the wartime leaders and how this further impacted East-West relations. You will select accurate evidence to show the creation of the satellite states to further explain how soviet influence spread, 1945-48. You will be able to demonstrate an excellent understanding of short term and long term reasons why Stalin blockaded Berlin and how this further escalated the Cold War. You will be able to evaluate the significance of the arms race, Khrushchev’s response to the Hungarian Uprising and international reaction.
Assessment Methods
Do Now Retrieval quizzes in class Topic 1 End of Unit Assessment (factual recall)

Joining our Sixth Form

Open Evening

Key Dates for Joining the Sixth Form

Choosing your Sixth Form pathway

Subject Specific Requirements

Appeals

Sixth Form places - Year 12 (September 2026)