Information for parents

Information for parents

HomeEducationSixth Form

Sixth Form

Key Stage 5 Ages 16+

Sixth Form / BTEC

Joining our Sixth Form means being part of the drive and commitment by staff and students to make Wingate Sixth Form Study Centre an environment of excellence for advanced learning.

You will find a constructive atmosphere, one where we are determined to ensure that your time here is successful and you achieve the best academic results you can. Our small class sizes are an ideal setting for you to learn, discuss and develop the all-important questioning and reasoning skills that will help you maximise your potential. 

There are many challenges and opportunities both exciting and demanding. You will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning with the help, advice and support of your teachers, tutors and supervisors. 

Alongside your studies the expectation is that you carry out extra-curricular activities based on your interests and future plans. We actively encourage you to undertake work experience in the holidays as well as giving you the opportunity to hone your skills through school events; enhancing your university or job applications and helping make you a ‘well-rounded’ individual.

Wherever you see yourself in the future, Wingate Sixth Form is the ideal location to start you on your journey.

Wingate Sixth Form offers a suite of Advanced Academic and Vocational Courses including Pearson Edexcel International A Levels, GCE’S as well as Level 1, 2 and 3 International BTEC qualifications (Business and Technology Education Council) which can be used as part of your University application, or as stand alone qualifications to grant direct access into the career of your choice.

You will be carefully guided by our University Careers Officer, Head of Sixth Form and Pastoral Tutors to find the perfect career path for you; whether it be University, another form of higher education or directly into the workforce. You will be allocated a personal Unifrog account (An Academic and Careers Platform) to support your decision making and University application process!

If you are not yet a student at Wingate, and have not had the chance to evaluate your ideal career path, but would like to study in our Sixth Form, book an appointment with us and we can help you chose the best course(s) for you. It may be A’levels, BTEC or a combination of both, to drastically increase your chances of being accepted at your preferred University, further education or indeed directly into the workforce.

 

SIxth Form Curriculum overview

The essence of the Wingate Education

“Wingate Sixth Form has an exemplary track record for supporting our students in whichever academic direction they choose. This is all underpinned by our excellent pastoral care which ensures that every student has the opportunity to develop, ready for their individual academic or career pathway.”

Miss Tolfrey - Head of Senior School

Biology

Students sit the Edexcel International Advanced Level (IAL) in Biology which is available for International centres only. This qualification contains a written exam instead of coursework. This subject lays the foundation for a wide variety of further studies in Biology based Sciences, from Medicine to Marine Biology.
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Chemistry

Students sit the Edexcel International Advanced Level (IAL) in Chemistry which is available for International centres only. This qualification contains a written exam instead of coursework. This course provides the foundation for further careers in everything from Medicine to Architecture and Engineering, providing the essential link between Biology and Physics.
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Physics

Students sit the Edexcel International Advanced Level (IAL) in Physics which is available for International centres only. This qualification contains a written exam instead of coursework. The course will enable students to acquire sufficient scientific understanding to continue with further studies in subjects such as IT, Engineering and Maths as well as Physics.
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English Literature

We study the Edexcel English Literature syllabus to make the transition from IGCSE to AS level seamless and offer an engaging selection of highly-acclaimed texts. IAS and IAL Literature consist of an in-depth study of prose, drama and poetry set texts. In Yr 12, students prepare for and sit two exam papers, studying the following: a collection of post-2000 poetry (Poems of the Decade); a modern novel (the Kite Runner); and two plays (Death of a Salesman and Othello).
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Mathematics

This is a two-year course following the Edexcel syllabuses with students sitting 3 units at the end of Yr 12 and a further 3 at the end of Yr 13. The course consists of four compulsory units plus 2 units making the 6 needed for the full IAL, adding 1 unit each year from the list below:
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Business

The Business Studies syllabus enables students to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role it plays in society. It encourages a critical understanding of companies and the markets they serve. Students examine the management of organisations and, in particular, the process of decision-making in a dynamic external and global environment.
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Spanish

While living in Spain, it is important that our students acquire knowledge, skills and understanding of the Spanish language for practical use, further study and/or employment. Students sitting the Edexcel A Level Spanish are assessed on three exams:
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Psychology

Students sit the Edexcel Advanced Level (GCE) in Psychology. This qualification contains a written exam instead of coursework. By studying this subject, students will develop their interest and knowledge of Psychology and it also provides the foundation for further studies and careers in this field.
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Geography

The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Geography is a modular qualification designed to develop independent and critical thinking. It offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests across physical, human, and environmental geography. The course includes data-response questions, essays, fieldwork, and research-based questions. This structure prepares students for further education or employment by providing a comprehensive understanding of key geographical topics.
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History

The International History A-level is a dynamic and modular course designed for an international audience. Students begin by studying Units 1 & 2 in Year 12 and progress to Units 3 & 4 in Year 13. This engaging curriculum provides a thorough understanding of historical studies through a balanced approach. It includes an in-depth examination of a single country over a short period, a broad exploration of that country across four key topics over a longer time frame, and an analysis of international relations across a wide historical period. This comprehensive approach ensures students gain a nuanced perspective on historical events and their interpretations.
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Performing Arts - Units of study

Designed to provide students with practical skills and knowledge for a career in the performing arts industry. This course is ideal for those who are passionate about areas such as acting, dance, musical theatre, or production arts and want to develop their talents in a hands-on, real-world context.
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Creative Media - Art and Design

Covering a wide range of topics, including graphic design, digital media production, animation, photography, web design, and visual communication. Students learn to use industry-standard software and tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite, to create professional-quality work. The course also explores the principles of design, visual storytelling, and the impact of media on society, ensuring that students not only develop technical skills but also a critical understanding of the media landscape.
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Subject Combination Choice

Each year we review the combination of subjects in each option block and we endeavour to accommodate students’ choices of subjects by structuring the option boxes accordingly. However, inevitably, there may be some areas where a combination of choices will not be possible.
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A'LEVEL RESULTS 2024

Subject Nº of Students A*-E A*-A
Maths 4 80% 40%
FP Maths 1 100% 0%
English Literature 5 100% 60%
Biology 5 100% 75%
Chemistry 3 100% 67%
Physics 3 66% 66%
Business 6 100% 50%
Spanish 5 100% 20%
Psychology 7 100% 38%
EPQ 3 100% 67%
History 4 100% 75%
  Total: 46 Total: 96% Total: 50%

Additional info

Requirements

  • Minimum of 4 GCSE at 4-5 (C) or above, including English Language
  • A Level 2 qualification at Merit or above
  • An interview/audition where you will need to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to this area of work
  • You will take an initial assessment, which you will need to pass at Level 2 to gain access to the course
  • All courses are subject to a successful and positive reference from a previous tutor or employer

Additional info

Useful information for parents

Information Regarding "Homologación" (formally known as Convalidation)

Homologación is the recognition by the Spanish authorities that a benchmarked level of Secondary education, Spanish language and Spanish studies have been achieved. The importance of Homologación, the requirements and process will be explained to all students.

Homologación is available to:

  • Year 11 = 4º ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria)
  • Year 13 = Bachillerato

What you need to qualify for Homologación at the end of Year 11:

  • 4 (I)GCSEs with Level 4 or higher (this can include Spanish IGCSE).
  • You must pass the Spanish* and Social Science internal examinations, which are based on the Spanish curriculum. The Spanish curriculum is only taught in Set 1 Spanish. These examinations are then inspected and validated by the Spanish authorities.

* The Spanish result at IGCSE does not guarantee a pass in the internal Spanish curriculum examinations. Homologacion is required at the end of Year 11 if students wish to continue with Spanish vocational qualifications or Bachillerato.

What you need to qualify for Homologación at the end of Year 13:

  • The Homologación certificate from Year 11
  • 5 GCSEs with Level 4 or higher
  • 2 A levels* at grade E or higher, or 2xAS and 1xA level with grade E or higher

* Spanish is not a compulsory subject and there are no Social Science studies in the Sixth Form. Homologación is required at the end of Year 13 if students wish to continue their Spanish vocational qualifications at a higher level. In some circumstances it may also be required for entry into a Spanish University.

What is “Social Science”?

Social Science combines both Geography and History from the Spanish curriculum.

In Years 7, 8 and 9 Social Science lessons are part of the school curriculum and taught in English. In Years 10 and 11, these subjects are taught in Spanish to the Set 1 Spanish
This is compulsory for students with Spanish nationality and optional for other nationalities who wish to obtain Homologación. This will not affect their other (I)GCSE subjects.

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If a student does NOT wish to study Social Science in Year 10 and 11 then it will not be possible to obtain the Homologación. Consequently the student will be unable to continue to further their education in the Spanish system.

Mr M Howells
Head of Wingate School

Document to be reviewed September 2025

Entry to Universities

Normally this requires success in three subjects at A level. The higher the grades you achieve, the greater the choice of universities and courses open to you. Universities may also look at your IGCSE results as well as your AS and A level grades. We will help guide you through the process of applying for university in the UK, Europe or further afield. For students whose first language is not English, there may be an additional requirement to take an IELTS English language qualification for access onto a course taught in English. This is not presently taught at the school and is examined in the north of Tenerife, which you must arrange yourself.

Entry to Universities in Spain

Your A Level results must first be validated by the Spanish authorities (Homologación) before
UNED can give an official “Acreditación” for entry into a Spanish university. The minimum requirement for the “Homologación” is two A levels (or two AS and one A level). This can only be applied if students have passed the Social Sciences and Spanish courses in Yrs 8 to 11 and have their IGCSE results convalidated (Homologación), or completed their formal secondary education to age 16 in the Spanish system. Furthermore, each University in Spain has its own entry requirements above and beyond the “Homologación” and UNED Acreditación. This often includes taking further exams in subjects from the Spanish Bachillerato. These exams are in Spanish and are not taught at Wingate, but information will be made available and we will help guide you through the Spanish application process to the university of your choice. If your idea is to study at a Spanish University, you should ask advice from Sra. Barrio, given that the admission requirements have changed recently.

University Requirements: For access to a UK, EU or International Universities, students must also complete a minimum of 3 International Advanced Levels or GCEs from the following; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Business, Psychology, Spanish, French, German, Russian, English Literature. BTEC Level 3 options are available in Art and Design and Performing Arts which are accepted by many university establishments. The Pearson Extended Project Qualification and a Sports Leaders Award are offered to develop additional skills.

2019-23 UK and International Acceptances: University of Salford, University of Westminster, University of Essex, University of Bath, University of Warwick, European School of Economics, Queen Mary University of London, University of Manchester, University of Greenwich, University of Nottingham, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, Bournemouth University, Royal Holloway University, Imperial College London, Bangor University, University of East Anglia, University of Strathclyde, University of Northumbria, University of Leeds, University of Sheffield. Technical University of Denmark, Universidad Europeo de Madrid, Universidad Europea Orotava, Maynooth University Ireland, Leiden University Netherlands, Erasmus University Rotterdam, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, University of Groningen Netherlands, Universidad Católica de Valencia Spain, Glion Switzerland, DeAnza College Silicon Valley USA.

Documents download

Useful documents for parents

Sixth Form Prospectus

The right choice for post - 16 learning

BTEC Prospectus

After Wingate

Entry to Universities

Normally this requires success in three subjects at A level. The higher the grades you achieve, the greater the choice of universities and courses open to you. Universities may also look at your IGCSE results as well as your AS and A level grades.

We will help guide you through the process of applying for university in the UK, Europe or further afield. For students whose first language is not English, there may be an additional requirement to take an IELTS English language qualification for access onto a course taught in English. This is not presently taught at the school and is examined in the north of Tenerife, which you must arrange yourself.
Entry to Universities in Spain: UNED will give you an official “Acreditación” for entry into a Spanish University.

The minimum requirement is three A levels and the maximum grade you can get is 10. If you need a higher grade to enter into the University of your choice, you will need to take further exams in subjects from the Spanish Bachillerato which are not taught at Wingate. In some cases you can access the University with two A levels or one A level and two AS if you have the Homologación of years 12 and 13.
We will help guide you through the process both in application to the university and the Homologación process.

If your idea is to study at a Spanish University, you should ask advice from Sra. Barrio, given that the admission requirements have changed recently.

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