Our Unique Curriculum
SIXTH FORM LEARNING RE-IMAGINED
Our Unique Curriculum
Lower Sixth (Year 11)
In our three-year Sixth Form, we consider Year 11 (Lower Sixth) part of the Sixth Form experience.
Students in Lower Sixth started their courses in Year 10 (Upper Fifth). However, at the start of Lower Sixth they face a significant choice: which of their courses do they want to take to GCSE? And which do they want to take to our unique Thomas’s Qualifications (TQs)?
Most students will want to keep their future study options open, and take at least eight GCSEs alongside two TQs. The most academically driven may take 10 GCSEs, and complete any TQs in addition to enhance their profile. Some students may already know their future path is more creative or entrepreneurial, and take more TQs and fewer GCSEs.
The course content is the same for GCSE and TQ, so there is no anxiety about learning new material. The TQ is simply a different, and more future-ready, method of assessing learning. Students pick one of four styles of TQ to suit their learning and their abilities:
- TQ Connection: linking school-learning to issues in the contemporary world
- TQ Communication: assessment through oracy
- TQ Creativity: making an artefact to explore a topic
- TQ Critical thinking: creating a website or informative exhibit to explain complex subjects
More detail is in our Curriculum Guide.
For the typical student in Lower Sixth (not that there is any such thing at Thomas’s…), they will complete two TQs by Christmas. These TQs will complement their traditional GCSEs and help them stand out in their future applications. They will then have a little more time to study towards eight GCSEs in the summer.
Those doing all ten GCSEs will likely also complete at least one TQ, to help them stand out. Some students will complete two TQs by Christmas, and perhaps more by spring, allowing them to focus on fewer GCSEs in the summer and giving themselves more time and clearer focus to excel.
Middle and Upper Sixth (Years 12-13)
There are three elements to our innovative curriculum for these crucial two years: major subjects, minor subjects and the Tutorial Programme. The mix of majors and minors is similar to the style of learning often found in US universities, guaranteeing remarkable breadth and academic rigour.
We continue to offer Thomas Qualifications (TQs) as alternatives to A and AS Level for some students, which means more breadth and more balance than any comparable school environment.
Above all, we integrate the skills and ways of thought students will need for high-level degree apprenticeships, the best college and university courses, and the entrepreneurial world of work, into our main curriculum – rather than asking young people to develop these skills in addition to core study. As an experience, our Middle and Upper Sixth curriculum is the best preparation available for university and other outcomes and avoids the narrowness that can limit a more standard UK Sixth Form experience.
| Language & Culture | Science | Understanding the World | Create, Invent, Perform |
|---|---|---|---|
| French German Greek Latin Mandarin Politics Spanish | Biology Chemistry Computer Science Maths Further Maths Physical Education Physics Psychology | Business Studies Classical Civilisation Economics English Literature Geography History Theology & Philosophy | Art Design & Engineering Drama Music |
Students typically take three or four major subjects, almost always to A Level. Just like at GCSE, they can opt instead to finish a major course with a Thomas’s Qualification (TQ). It is less common at A Level, a more suitable option for creative or entrepreneurial students who are set on a less conventional path into their careers.
All students take the Thomas’s Project, which teaches high-level research and understanding. Students can choose their own subject, supported by a mentor, and they may choose to conclude the Project with either an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification – recognised and celebrated by UCAS and universities) or with one of our own TQs, which are more flexible and adaptable to students’ individual strengths.
There is a huge range of minor subjects available at Thomas’s College which provide unparalleled breadth in Middle Sixth (Year 12). Some are substantial, offering as many as six periods a week that may lead to an AS Level or TQ. Others may be as little as one period a week to allow for an interest to develop without the burden of a final assessment.
Our list of minor subjects changes every year but has included Astronomy, Creative Writing across a range of disciplines, Financial Literacy, Sports Leadership, Ancient and Modern Cultures, Woodwork, Jewellery Making, beginner language courses, and much more.
Tutorial Programme
Our Tutorial Programme (or Tutes) is a dedicated programme of personal development and future preparation. Tutes ensures variety and a depth of unique skill development. In an increasingly commoditised world, students need to not only develop the skills that make them happy, they also need to stand out and shine. Tutes is our approach to solving this problem.
The programme includes inspiring talks, lessons to prepare for life beyond school, careers and futures advice including one-on-one guidance on UK and international universities, and visits and information about the world of work, business and entrepreneurship.
See our Curriculum Guide for more information.
