Bramdean School | The Sixth Form

Sixth form girls studying on the computer

To qualify for 'A' level courses, students are required to pass a minimum of five GCSE
examinations at grade A-B. Post-16 studies at Bramdean are academically based and the school
offers a full range of subjects at both GCE and IGCE. After gaining their 'A' levels the majority
of students apply for places at a wide range of universities.

A Level Results - 2010

This year's upper sixth A Level candidates achieved an average of 400 points per student based on the UCAS point scoring system. The percentage of A and B grades was 92% across the year group with 70% achieving an A or above, a result made all the more impressive considering that Bramdean is a non-selective school.

Students studied the principle core academic subjects of Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, English, History and Law. A grades were also achieved in A Level Music. These results have enabled all students to take up a place at their chosen university. The AS results achieved by students in their first year of sixth form studies are very pleasing.

Headmistress, Diane Stoneman, said: "We are delighted for the pupils as they have worked very hard and deserve these fine results."

Sixth Form Overview

The Bramdean Sixth Form offer pupils the opportunity to study a wide variety of subjects to ‘A’ level, many in tutorial sized groups. Pupils are encouraged to take an active part in school life, which includes the opportunity to participate in all sports activities. Pupils at 16+ are given the opportunity to gain suitable work experience and careers advice, to assist in subject and university choices. At Bramdean we specialize in teaching each pupil as an individual, worthy of the attention which that implies. Consequently, each pupil is encouraged to follow a course of study suited to his or her particular strengths.

It is our wish to expand our Sixth Form and retain the personal and individual approach that pupils have enjoyed throughout their time at Bramdean. There are a wide range of 'A' level courses on offer. The progress of each pupil is assessed individually at regular intervals throughout years 12 & 13 and targets are set to ensure that pupils reach their full potential. No pupil would be expected to study for advanced level academic qualifications at the expense of their social and moral development. It is our intention to enable all pupils to fulfil their potential in the broadest possible sense and to work in partnership with parents to ensure that this is the case.

Bramdean is a recognised and registered centre for the University of Cambridge suite of qualifications. In some subjects pupils will follow the Cambridge University International GCE (or 'A' Level) course of study. These courses are recognised by universities as being fully equivalent to the standard UK 'A' Levels. Pupils are encouraged to extend their studies beyond the traditional choice of three 'A' levels. 'A' levels are divided into two stages:

Stage 1:
An AS level (consisting of 3 units) which is designed to be a one year course.

Stage 2:
An A2 level (consisting of a further 3 units) which will be studied in the second year, and will provide the final part of the 'A' level.

Therefore, each complete 'A' level consists of an AS level and an A2 level. A2 is more difficult than AS as there is a synoptic assessment in the final examination. Pupils must achieve an A-E grade at AS before progressing to A2. Many pupils studying an advanced course study the equivalent of:
3 or 4 AS levels in Year 12
3 A2 levels in Year 13

Bramdean School sixth form study room

bramdean independent school exeter 6th man

"Pupils who choose to stay on into the sixth form gain the necessary qualifications for a place at the university of their choice."

HMI Ofsted (Oct 2009)