FAQs
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Entry to the Sixth Form is 5 GCSE grades at 4 and above including a grade 5 in English Language or Literature and a grade 4 in Maths.
Subjects then have additional entry requirements that need to be met. These can be found here.
WHAT HAPPENS AT INTERVIEW?
All applicants are invited to interview with a senior member of staff so that we can make sure that the subjects chosen match future aspirations, we can find out more about you and what you are hoping to achieve throughout your time with us and beyond and to answer any questions you may have about the Sixth Form.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL?
All students who have applied to Sixth Form will receive a verbal offer at interview and then an offer letter which asks you to confirm your place. Entry to Charters Sixth Form is subject to students meeting the entry requirements on results day.
WHAT HAPPENS ON RESULTS DAY?
Students will receive their examination results, usually in the morning and will then be asked to sign up for Sixth Form on the day. This is to confirm that you still want your place now you have your results. It is important that you know the entry requirements for your chosen subjects and check carefully.
Students from other schools will be required to email a copy of their results to the Sixth Form to confirm their place.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T GET THE GRADES I NEED?
If you do not get the 5 GCSEs, then you cannot attend Charters Sixth Form and need to find an alternative post 16 institution that can offer you courses that support your academic profile.
If you have made the general entry requirements but perhaps have missed a subject specific entry requirement, please come and talk to a member of the Sixth Form team on results day, who can advise you on alternative courses available or if you can still take on the course you wish.
CAN I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT SUBJECT CHOICES?
Of course. We would rather you chose courses you want to study than get stuck on the wrong course. You can email Mrs Boxall at any time to ask for a change in options. Any changes will be subject to them fitting on our timetable and available space in classes.
I APPLIED ELSEWHERE AND NOW WANT TO COME TO CHARTERS. IS IT TOO LATE?
No. If you have not made an application but now want to, you can contact Mrs Boxall and she can send you a late application form.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I START ANOTHER SIXTH FORM AND CHANGE MY MIND, CAN I MOVE TO CHARTERS SIXTH FORM?
This is dependent on how quickly you want to change. The longer you attend another school, the more difficult it becomes to swap as exam boards and content covered will vary from place to place.
You should call the Sixth Form and talk to us as soon as possible and we will be able to advise. Any swap that could be accommodated would have to happen before October half term.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE ON OFFER FOR STUDENTS?
We have a comprehensive programme of non-examined activities that help students develop the soft skills that all employers and universities look for.
CHARTERS SCHOLARS PROGRAMME
Students work independently on pre-selected Open University courses which they choose based on their interests. They also work through a series of lectures from EtonX which focus on a wide variety of skills based on becoming a leader, starting a career, and getting into university.
These courses focus on key skills such as critical thinking, public speaking as well as how to manage your finances at university.
TUTOR PROGRAMME AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Students present to their group, and to the year group. They discuss key issues that are relevant to them as well as having debates about the wider world, thereby developing their presentation skills as well as their ability to present a cohesive argument in a respectful manner. Students take the lead in many of these situations.
NextGen LEADERS
Students spend time working with Lower School students either in subject areas, with the Pastoral Team or as Reading Partners. This has dual purpose - the Sixth Formers become role models and provide inspiration for the younger students, whilst learning skills of communication, patience and resilience.
ENRICHMENT SESSIONS
We offer sport as part of our Enrichment every week. This is wide and varied including pilates, football, badminton, and exclusive use of the fitness suite. The choices are driven by the student cohort and based on their preferences.
This Enrichment opportunities offered during this academic year are listed below, but it will alter based on the student body next year.
| Social Action Group | This group takes on projects that benefit the school and local community and include visiting the local care home or primary schools weekly. |
| Board Games | Chess, Ludo, Draughts, Uno. A chance for students to get to know each other and learn some good strategy skills. |
| Japanese Club | Students learn about Japanese culture including workshops on how to make sushi. |
| Moocs | These are independent online courses that students complete and gain certification for. Great for enhancing study skills. |
| Culture Club | Students explore other cultures trying new foods, looking at how other cultures live and communicate. |
| EPQ | This is a qualification that students undertake and submit in the Easter of year 12. It is a piece of research work that they carry out independently. |
| Meditation | Students learn and practise the art of meditation to support positive mental health. |
ASPIRING HIGH & MEDIC GROUP
We run a comprehensive programme for those students who wish to apply to the universities of Oxford or Cambridge or who want to study dentistry, medicine, or veterinary science.
Students visit the universities, learn all about the application process, develop the key skills necessary to complete the external tests that are part of the application. They take part in tailor made activities that support the process of application from personal statements to interviews.
POST18 PATHWAYS
We have an individualised programme of support that uses the UNIFROG platform to help our students plan their post 18 pathway. It doesn’t matter what they want to do: University, Apprenticeships, or world of work. Our detailed support ensures that the students have the best opportunity to follow their dreams and aspirations.
