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 2023 Curriculum Guide
Our A Level subjects: https://event.marling.study/room/search
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
Scholars' Programme
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 a dedicated Scholars' Programme, which is open to all students.
To make sure our students have the best possible chance of securing an offer, the Scholar’s 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 below a document containing advice and guidance on early applications for competitive courses.
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).
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 and members of families and communities.
The programme includes advice on health and wellbeing, financial skills, sex and relationship education and drug and alcohol awareness. The sessions are delivered fortnightly during a dedicated tutor period and during some weekly assembly sessions.
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!
