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.
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.”
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.
The IAS has 3 units which are assessed by written exams, Unit 1 will be assessed in the January exam series and Units 2 and 3 in the June exam series:
- Unit 1: Molecules, diet, transport and health
- Unit 2: Cells, development, Biodiversity and Conservation
- Unit 3: Practical Skills in Biology I
The IAL consists of 3 more units which are assessed by written exams, Unit 4 will be assessed in the January exam series and Units 5 and 6 in the June exam series:
- Unit 4: Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity
- Unit 5: Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology
- Unit 6: Practical Skills in Biology II
Entry requirements: Level 6 or higher in IGCSE Biology and a grade B or level 6 and above in IGCSE Maths.
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.
The IAS has 3 units which are assessed by written exams, Unit 1 will be assessed in the January exam series and Units 2 and 3 in the June exam series:
- Unit 1: Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Unit 2: Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols
- Unit 3: Practical Skills in Chemistry I
The IAL consists of 3 more units which are assessed by written exams, Unit 4 will be assessed in the January exam series and Units 5 and 6 in the June exam series:
- Unit 4: Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry
- Unit 5: Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry
- Unit 6: Practical Skills in Chemistry II
Entry requirements: Level 6 or higher in IGCSE Chemistry and grade B or level 6 and above in IGCSE Maths.
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.
The IAS has 3 units which are assessed by written exams, Unit 1 will be assessed in the January exam series and Units 2 and 3 in the June exam series:
- Unit 1: Mechanics and Materials
- Unit 2: Waves and Electricity
- Unit 3: Practical Skills in Physics I
The IAL consists of 3 more units which are assessed by written exams, Unit 4 will be assessed in the January exam series and Units 5 and 6 in the June exam series:
- Unit 4: Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles
- Unit 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and Cosmology
- Unit 6: Practical Skills in Physics II
Entry requirements: Level 6 or higher in IGCSE Physics and a grade B or level 6 and above in IGCSE Maths.
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).
Yr 13, students study for a further two papers, covering the following: post-1900 unseen poetry; two prose fiction texts for comparison on a given theme (The Handmaid’s Tale and Frankenstein on Science and Society): Shakespeare (Hamlet); and an anthology of pre-1900 poetry from a chosen movement (English Romantics).
Entry requirements: 9 – 6 at IGCSE in both First Language English and Literature.
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:
Read Less
- Two units in Core Maths: Students study 6 units: P1, P2 +1 other in Year 12. In Year 13 you study P3 & P4 +1 other to make the 6. These cover algebra, calculus, coordinate geometry, functions, graphs, logarithms, numerical methods, proof, sequences, trigonometry, and vectors.
The other two units are chosen from the following:
- Decision Maths: It includes algorithms, algorithms on networks and graphs, the route inspection problem, critical path analysis and linear programming.
- Mechanics: Mechanics is the study of motion. The topic will include in-depth analysis of forces, velocity and acceleration. It can be applied to all objects from the mundane throwing of a ball to the orbits of the planets and the beginnings of rocket science.
- Statistics: This course includes detailed analysis of data, the presentation of data and aspects such as correlation, regression, probabilities and distributions.
- Further Pure Maths: Exceptionally mathematical students can also sit FP1 and/or FP2.
Entry requirements: Grade B or level 6 and above at Maths (Higher) IGCSE.
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.
The course comprises four units: For the AS Course these are Marketing & People and Managing Business Activities, whilst in the second year of the course students will study Business Decisions & Strategy and Global Business. The course prepares students to enter university to study a wide range of business-related topics, to complement almost any other university course, or to enable them to run their own business.
Entry requirements: Students need not have studied Business at IGCSE: The course requires a minimum of Grade C or level 5 at IGCSE in First Language English.
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:
- Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation.
Themes are based on the society and culture of the language being studied. - Paper 2: Written response to works and translation.
This paper draws on the study of two discrete Spanish works: either two literary texts, or one literary text and one film. - Paper 3: Speaking.
Students will be assessed on their ability to use a range of language accurately, communicate and interact effectively, summarise and analyse findings from written sources relating to their research subject; showing knowledge and understanding of the culture and society where the language is spoken.
Although the AS is a stand alone qualification, students will be encouraged to sit the AS exam at the end of Year 12 to consolidate their learning and receive an AS grade. Alternatively, students may have the option to sit the full A Level at the end of Year 12.
Entry requirements: To study A Level, a minimum grade 8 at IGCSE Spanish Foreign Language or grade 5 in First Language Spanish.
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.
The AS has 4 units which are assessed by written exams:
- Unit 1: Social Psychology
- Unit 2: Cognitive Psychology
- Unit 3: Biological Psychology
- Unit 4: Learning Theories
The A2 consists of 2 more units which are assessed by written exams:
- Unit 3: Clinical Psychology
- Unit 4: Criminal Psychology
Students are also expected to know Research Methods which relates to Psychological Skills.
Entry requirements: Students need not have studied Psychology at IGCSE: The course requires a minimum of Grade C or level 5 at IGCSE in First Language English.
Except in Languages, your final A Level grade is based on the combination of your results from both AS and A2 exams. If you think you have not done well enough in Science subjects or Maths at AS level (Edexcel IAL), you may have the opportunity to re-sit these units through the year but there are restrictions which you need to discuss with your subject teachers.
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.
- Unit 1- Area of study – Global Challenges
- Unit 2- Area of study- Geographical Investigations
- Unit 3 Area of study- Contested Planet
- Unit 4 Area of study- Researching geography
Entry requirements: Students need not have studied Geography at IGCSE: The course requires the equivalent to a minimum of level 4 at IGCSE in First Language English and Maths.
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.
- Unit 1: Depth Study with Interpretations
- Unit 2: Breadth Study with Source Evaluation 23
- Unit 3: Thematic Study with Source Evaluation 33
- Unit 4: International Study with Historical Interpretations 45
Entry requirements: Students need not have studied History at IGCSE: The course requires the equivalent to a minimum of level 5 at IGCSE in First Language English.
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.
Covering various disciplines within the performing arts, allowing students to specialize in areas like acting, dance, or musical theatre. The course is highly practical, focusing on workshops, performances, and projects that mirror professional industry practices. Students learn not just performance skills but also technical aspects like stagecraft, lighting, and sound, depending on their chosen pathway.
- Investigating Practitioners’ Work
- Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance
- Performing Arts in the Community
- Individual Performance Commission
- Final Live Performance to an audience
- Employment opportunities in the Performing Arts
- Singing for Performance
- Musical Theatre Techniques
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.
An excellent choice for those looking to turn their creative talents into a career, offering both the practical experience and the academic foundation needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of media and design.
- Creative Industry Response
- Exploring and Developing Creative Skills
- Advancing Creative Practice
- Responding to a brief
- Creative Project
- Personal Progression
- Personal Investigation
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.
Normally, students choose four subjects (one from each block) in total at AS Level in Year 12 and then go on to choose three to study at A Level in Year 13.
Year 12 Subject Combination Choices for 2022:
- A) Mathematics – Spanish
- B) Physics – Psychology
- C) Biology – Business
- D) Chemistry – English Literature
Students are able to build a more bespoke timetable where they have the option to study A Level: Art & Design, History or French as their fourth choice, if their timetable permits.
These can be discussed with the Head of Sixth Form on an individual basis. We try to be as flexible and as accommodating as possible for each student.
A’level results 2025
| Subject | Nº of Students | A*-E | A*-A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maths | 12 | 100% | 41% |
| FP Maths | 6 | 100% | 16% |
| English Literature | 4 | 100% | 25% |
| Biology | 15 | 100% | 25% |
| Chemistry | 10 | 100% | 10% |
| Physics | 8 | 75% | 0% |
| Business | 8 | 100% | 25% |
| Spanish | 10 | 100% | 70% |
| Psychology | 6 | 100% | 0% |
| EPQ | 3 | 100% | 67% |
| Total: 82 | Total: 98.6% | Total: 28% |
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
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.
