Most of the students in the Sixth Form follow advanced level courses.   A few of these students may add GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics to their programmes.  Some students may also follow in full our NVQ Football Coaching course.

Advanced Level courses

We offer an extensive range of advanced level courses.  The advanced courses which we currently offer and will offer for September 2008 are:

• Art
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computing
• Critical Thinking
• Drama and Theatre Studies
• Economics
• English Language
• English Literature
• Food Technology
• French
• Geography
• German
• Government and Politics
• History
• Mathematics (Pure Mathematics and Mechanics Mathematics, Pure Mathematics and Statistics, Further  Mathematics)
• Media Studies
• Music
• Music Technology
• Philosophy and Ethics
• Photography
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Psychology
• Spanish
• Textiles

 Please note, however, that most GCE Advanced level starting in September 2008 will be different in structure and content from the ones which are currently being taught in schools and colleges.  Up-to-date course descriptions will be available at our 'Into the Sixth Form' Evening in January 2008.

Non-Advanced courses

We offer a small number of non-advanced courses.

MATHEMATICS GCSE (EDEXCEL) This course is aimed at students who achieved below grade C at GCSE in Year 11.  The course is designed to review and revise topics in all three areas of Mathematics:  number and algebra, shape and space and data handling. Students are entered at the Intermediate level which will allow them to achieve grades B - G.  There will be two written assessments and a piece of coursework.  It is possible for students to re-submit the coursework produced in Year 11 if it is of a good standard. Students who follow the GCSE Mathematics course are automatically entered for the Numeracy qualification (Levels 1 and 2) which is recognised by employers and further education institutions.   Candidates are assessed in a one-hour on-line examination which can be taken at any time during the Lower Sixth year.

FOOTBALL COACHING This is full-time two-year course, offered by SCL (Soccer Coaching Limited) in conjunction with Guildford County School, aims to qualify students to become the next generation of football/sports coaches.  Although the emphasis is on football, the skills that are developed can be transferred to other sports. The first section of the course is devoted to achieving nationally recognised qualifications.  Students who successfully complete the two-year course will achieve the following:

• NVQ Level 1 Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations
• NVQ Level 2 Teaching, Coaching and Instructing
• Award in Coaching Studies Level 2
• FA Coaching Certificate level 1
• FA Coaching Certificate level 2
• Child Protection trained certification
• First Aid Award
• FA Referees Award

The second section works upon the student’s personal development.  Students have a chance to be coached by a Level 3 FA qualified coach to enhance playing ability, sports-related fitness and understanding of nutritional needs to perform at the highest level of sport.

Much of the course is practical but there is a theory element involved in work towards the NVQ and Award in Coaching Studies. 

Students can follow the full course alongside one or possibly two advanced level courses.  Advanced level students who do not have the time on their timetables to follow the full course can also add specific units in negotiation with SCL.

The course is open to male and female students.  Applicants should have a keen interest in sport, in particular in football, and must maintain a base level of   personal fitness throughout the course.

What about DIPLOMAS?

 You may have heard in the press about the development of Specialised Diplomas which are new qualifications to recognise achievement at ages 14 to 19.  They will combine practical skills development with theoretical and technical understanding and knowledge.  From September Specialised Diplomas become available nationally in a number of subjects.   

The Guildford Partnership, comprising the Guildford secondary schools, the PRU, two special schools and Guildford College, is offering a Creative Arts and Media Diploma.

Further details will become available later in the year.