Making the move from GCSE to A Level and Level 3 Qualifications

This is the biggest jump in demand of work, concept and focus between any two phases in education: Level 3 studies are challenging, but that’s why they open up a world of opportunities when they are complete.

What to keep in mind when choosing the subjects you will study in years 12 and 13

A Levels are very challenging.  Moving from GCSE, it is an important step that provides more independence and choice so that you can really focus on the three subjects that you are passionate about and that you need for your future.

However; this means that once the choice is made, it is extremely difficult to change and there cannot be a programme of study with less than three A Level equivalents in it.  Once you have committed to your subject choices, you will need to follow all three through to completion over the two years of Mendip Sixth.  The subjects that you are studying from the end of September will have been carefully informed by:

• Reading through this website carefully
• Attending the Mendip Sixth Information Evening
• Talking to subject leaders about the courses available
• A one-to-one interview with the Headteacher
• Induction lessons in the summer
• Summer assignments
• Personal Learning Checklists for all subjects
• Reading lists
• A further one-to-one meeting after GCSE results
• A three week Induction window at the beginning of the first term in year 12

Rising to the challenge of Level 3 Subjects

To help you to make a successful transition from year 11, Mendip Studio School provides a comprehensive Induction Process.  This includes:

• A one-to-one interview with the Headteacher
• Induction lessons in the summer
• Summer assignments
• Personal Learning Checklists for all subjects
• Reading lists

We follow this by a further one-to-one meeting after GCSE results and a three week Induction window at the beginning of the first term in year 12 designed to ensure you are taking the correct subjects for you.

We passionately believe that all students must consider the following three things in order to select the right programme of study for their Sixth Form experience:

• What you enjoy and have done well in
• How you learn e.g. practical, essays, making, designing
• What you want to do when you leave Sixth Form

We very much look forward to receiving your application and meeting you in person to design your personalised Sixth Form experience.