Together with most HMC schools, King’s Rochester expects the majority of Sixth Form pupils to study three subjects at A level.

With the changes being made to A levels by the Government, all A level subjects are now linear.

A linear subject means that all of the examinations needed to obtain an A level in that subject will be taken at the
end of two years.

In addition to A levels, some pupils also take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This enables them to
extend their academic interests and to develop some of the skills useful for university. This qualification, worth
half an A level, is highly regarded by universities. Final selection of those who will take the EPQ is not made until
after GCSE results but it is useful for pupils to indicate now if it is something in which they would be interested.
Further information can be found towards the end of this booklet.

The strength of the Sixth Form curriculum at King’s has always been its flexibility. Pupils are free to choose three
of the subjects available for study in the Lower Sixth and all pupils take part in a games programme in which they
can choose from a variety of sports. The School’s Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE)
programme provides further depth and breadth to the curriculum.

Pupils are encouraged to use their Private Study periods in the Library or the Sixth Form Centre constructively
and are supervised by members of staff. Facilities in the Sixth Form Centre include a work room with networked
computers, a lounge and a kitchen where pupils can make hot drinks and snacks at break and lunch time. There is
also site-wide wifi across the school.

An Activities Afternoon on Fridays for the Lower Sixth allows pupils to take part in one of the Combined Cadet
Force (CCF) sections, to join our Technical Theatre group, to help in local schools or to visit the elderly in their
homes through our Hands programme and support local causes by fundraising with our Charity Commitee.

Aptitude Tests and Challenge Grades

Each Michaelmas term pupils in the Lower Sixth sit aptitude tests. These national tests are formulated by the
Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) at Durham University which analyses the results and, from statistical
data spanning at least ten years, is able to predict, with reasonable certainty, the results pupils are likely to get at A
level. We use these predictors, our professional judgement and what we know of each pupil, to devise Challenge
Grades which are aspirational but attainable with hard work.

Entry Requirements to the Sixth Form

Pupils should attain a minimum of a grade 6 in the subjects they wish to study at A level. For some subjects
such as Mathematics, Languages and the Sciences however, a grade 7 or above is expected. The minimum entry
requirement for the Sixth Form is five GCSE passes.

Pupils already studying at King’s are expected to continue their education in the Sixth Form if they achieve the
matriculation criteria above. If this is not to be the case, the usual written notice of one term will be required.

Miss N. Steel – Deputy Head (Academic)