17 A Level Courses
5 BTEC Vocational Courses
Purpose Built Sixth Form Centre
Student Conference Room
Opportunity for Blended Learning Journeys
Purpose built A-Level Science Laboratories
Outstanding Wellbeing provision
Our aim at Safa British School is to provide our Post-16 students with a stimulating, purposeful and balanced curriculum, leading to qualifications which are internationally recognised and accepted as entry requirements for the leading institutions of Higher Education.
At Safa British School there is a wide range of options available with three academic pathways on offer to our sixth form students. We are very proud that we are an inclusive Sixth Form offering both the A Level and BTEC Programme, or as appropriate, a blended combination of the two.
We recognise the importance of our students’ personalised learning journey, empowering all our students to aim high and reach their academic potential, in a supportive, community-based environment. This booklet is designed to help give you a ‘flavour’ of the courses offered at Safa British School and help guide you in your pathways.
It is said that virtually all students find their time in the Sixth Form to be the most exciting and enjoyable of their whole school careers. It is not just an extension of life lower down the school; you will be studying the subjects that you have chosen. At Safa British School we offer personalised learning pathways, with a range of different subjects and teaching styles to suit your learning needs and future plans.
Mastering time management is key to success in Sixth Form. Developing self-discipline to balance academic commitments and extracurricular opportunities is crucial not only for navigating Sixth Form but also for university and future careers.
In Sixth Form, students play pivotal roles in school life, taking on leadership positions such as President, Vice President, and Senior Prefects, shaping the Senior School community.
Our Sixth Form boasts a stellar academic record, fueled by the exceptional caliber of our students and the excellence of our teaching. Supported by top-notch facilities, small teaching groups, and comprehensive support systems, students thrive in an environment conducive to achieving their fullest potential and securing outstanding A-Level grades, paving the way for university placements and rewarding career paths.
We believe the opportunities at post-16 should surpass the academic, and all our students are encouraged to take part in a wide ranging extra-curricular offer, in order to aid their development as lead members of our school community, and in preparation in entering university life. The programmes we offer include:
Transitioning to Sixth Form marks a notable shift from the familiar experiences of Years 7-11. While the subjects covered may be fewer, the depth of study at this level far surpasses that of GCSE. The initial months often present a challenging yet rewarding adjustment period as students acclimate to the rigorous pace and demands of Level 3 courses. It’s crucial for students to approach this phase with dedication and thorough preparation for assessments.
For the first time, Sixth Formers have designated non-contact periods within their weekly schedules, providing invaluable time for independent study tailored to their course requirements. This fosters independence and cultivates lifelong learning habits, priming students for future academic pursuits at university or in the professional realm. To facilitate productive use of non-contact time, we’ve curated a variety of inspiring study spaces designed to enhance student engagement and productivity.
Transitioning to Sixth Form marks a pivotal moment in students’ lives as they prepare to leave behind their longstanding association with the school and step into formal adulthood. This significant milestone demands careful consideration and thorough preparation, as decisions made now will shape their future trajectory. With a multitude of options available, planning ahead and aligning ambitions with abilities are integral parts of the preparation process.
In Year 12, students embark on exploring their future careers. Throughout Sixth Form, they benefit from career presentations by guest speakers and universities, as well as coaching sessions to guide them in their career aspirations. To aid in course and institution selection, regular visits from university representatives provide opportunities for students to ask questions and gain insights. Additionally, our dedicated software program allows students to search for relevant courses based on their interests and academic achievements. Personalised advice on careers and higher education courses is prioritised, with each student allocated guidance meetings with a dedicated specialist. University preparation is seamlessly integrated into our PSHE programme.
Under the guidance of the Head of Sixth Form and Form Tutors, students navigate the UCAS and Common Application systems for higher education, including the development of their personal statement. The crucial school reference, rooted in a comprehensive understanding of students’ achievements and potential, reflects their growth throughout their school journey.
Transitioning to Sixth Form marks a pivotal moment in students’ lives as they prepare to leave behind their longstanding association with the school and step into formal adulthood. This significant milestone demands careful consideration and thorough preparation, as decisions made now will shape their future trajectory. With a multitude of options available, planning ahead and aligning ambitions with abilities are integral parts of the preparation process.
In Year 12, students embark on exploring their future careers. Throughout Sixth Form, they benefit from career presentations by guest speakers and universities, as well as coaching sessions to guide them in their career aspirations. To aid in course and institution selection, regular visits from university representatives provide opportunities for students to ask questions and gain insights. Additionally, our dedicated software programme allows students to search for relevant courses based on their interests and academic achievements. Personalised advice on careers and higher education courses is prioritised, with each student allocated guidance meetings with a dedicated specialist. University preparation is seamlessly integrated into our PSHE programme.
Under the guidance of the Head of Sixth Form and Form Tutors, students navigate the UCAS and Common Application systems for higher education, including the development of their personal statement. The crucial school reference, rooted in a comprehensive understanding of students’ achievements and potential, reflects their growth throughout their school journey.
Regular academic progress reviews are conducted in collaboration with teaching staff to ensure students are on track. Mock examinations are administered before external exams in both years, with comprehensive written reports sent to parents. Additionally, parents are invited to meet subject staff and tutors at key intervals throughout the academic year to discuss their child’s progress.
This programme is designed to allocate time and resources for university applications, careers guidance, and discussion of appropriate issues such as time management and revision schedules. We also address social issues, including eating disorders, and personal matters such as stress management, financial planning, and domestic chores in preparation for university life. The programme is offered one period per week and is led by the Sixth Form Team. The Sixth Form and Careers Team collaborate to provide a structure that enables students to be prepared for application deadlines to institutions of higher education worldwide.
Within the Sixth Form at Safa British School, numerous worthwhile activities are available, with an expectation for every student to actively engage in the broader school community. Some of the options include:
Advanced Level Qualifications
International A levels have been crafted to the highest standards, with the global learner in focus, and hold recognition from universities worldwide. They provide a natural progression from our GCSEs or International GCSEs and can complement our BTEC National qualifications, offering students a comprehensive array of subjects. It’s important to note that International Advanced Level qualifications are not accessible to UK schools.
The National is a vocational course, equivalent to up to 3 A levels, offering a specialized work-related program of study encompassing essential knowledge and practical skills. It provides flexibility and emphasizes choice through its range of specialist units.
BTEC courses comprise various units, totaling a specific number of credits, which vary depending on the chosen qualification and its alignment with other option choices. These courses can equate to the equivalent of up to 4 A-levels, depending on the qualification. All BTECs are internally assessed, meaning they are assignment-based with no exams.
More than 90 UK universities, 80 American universities, and institutions in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, France, Germany, and over 30 countries worldwide accept entries from students with one or more BTEC qualifications at level 3. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the acceptance of students with BTEC qualifications into top universities, previously unrecognized as equivalent to A-levels. The skills acquired through work placements and the self-discipline fostered by completing frequent assignments independently serve as a strong foundation for university applicants, especially those interested in practical-based subjects.
Absolutely! BTECs can be selected alongside A-levels, offering a diverse and comprehensive skill set. They can even be pursued at different qualification sizes, allowing for customization to ensure you attain the best possible outcome, whether for university application or seeking employment opportunities.
Internal Candidates
Complete the Sixth Form application (Appendix 10, indicating your preferred options and submit it to your Form Tutor (for SBS pupils only). Please ensure that you meet the entry criteria.
External Candidates
Complete the Sixth Form application form and submit it to admissions. Please ensure that you meet the entry criteria for chosen subjects. Once all documentation is received a confidential reference will be requested from your previous school.
Qualifying candidates will be called for a short interview with the Head of Sixth Form or another senior member of the Safa British School staff.
Following the interview, Sixth Form conditional offers will be issued as places on specific courses become available. Places are held provisionally pending results only when all acceptance criteria are met.
Internal Candidates
Following the release of GCSE results, students will have to confirm their A level choices, dependent upon results meeting entry criteria.
External Candidates
The deadline for students to officially submit their final GCSE Results grades to the SBS Registrar and confirm their subject options is 24th August.
Students requiring additional access arrangements during examinations, such as the use of a reader or a scribe, may be subject to additional costs for invigilation.
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