What are Level 3 (L3) and Level 2 (L2) courses?

All qualifications are given a level which indicates their difficulty. This goes from Entry Level to Level 8.

GCSE’s at grades 9-4 are known as Level 2 courses (Grades 1-3 are Level 1) and once a student has passed their GCSE’s (typically this means they will have gained five or more GCSE’s at grade 5 or above), they are able to move onto Level 3 courses.

A-levels are just one example of Level 3 courses.

BTEC’s and WJEC Nationals are also Level 3.

At EGS, we also have a small selection of BTEC Level 2 courses, which are used as a bridging course for any of our students who may not have received the results they wanted to at GCSE. It gives them the option to study Level 2 courses for one year, and if successful, move onto Level 3 courses. Students will take 3 years and get the qualifications they need to progress onto university or apprenticeships.

On completing Level 3 courses students might go onto degree courses that are referred to as Level 6.

Are BTEC’s and WJEC’s the same as A levels?

They are equivalent to each other but involve different ways of getting to the end grade. BTEC’s and WJEC’s are classed as “vocational” subjects and include both exams and a portfolio of coursework to assess students. A levels on the other hand will always involve exams and for the vast majority of subjects it will be 100% exams.

In BTEC and WJEC subjects, grades come in the form of Pass, Merit or Distinction (rather than A-E grades). Each unit of work will be graded (Pass, Merit or Distinction) and goes towards the final grade. UCAS points are awarded in the same way as for A-Level subjects.

Where can I find out who is the best person to contact to discuss specific subjects and/or courses?

All subject teachers are listed in the contact section contained in the course information pages found on the school website – https://www.enfieldgrammar.org/6th-form/post-16-course-selection/ 

Staff emails are linked so all you need to do is click on the name and you should be able to contact them easily.

What are the minimum GCSE grades required to study A levels at Grammar?

The entry requirements for A-Level subject vary depending on which subject you would like to study.

Basic entry for Level 3 courses is 5 GCSE grade 5’s and above, however, some courses have specific requirements.

Most A-Level courses require a GCSE grade 6 or above in a related subject; some specify that other GCSEs, for example Maths and English at GCSE grade 6 may also be required.  To study A-Level Maths students need to achieve a GCSE grade 7 or above to enter the course.

All entry requirements can be found here:

https://www.enfieldgrammar.org/6th-form/prospectus-and-admissions/

Can you select more than one subject from a single block?

No, all of the subjects in each block are taught and timetabled at the same time so it would be impossible to be in both classes at the same time. However, if there is a clash it is essential that you let us know as soon as possible and we will look for a solution! If there is a clash, please do not worry, indicate the subjects that you would like to study on the application form and we will have a discussion with you when we interview all applicants. The vast majority of these clashes will be resolved easily as we work through the application process.

Provisional Option blocks can be found here: https://www.enfieldgrammar.org/6th-form/post-16-course-selection/

Who do we contact if there are any clashes between subjects in the option blocks?

Please email [email protected]  if you have any concerns about subject choice clashes or option block concerns. If there is a clash, please do not worry, indicate the subjects that you would like to study on the application form and we will have a discussion with you when we interview all applicants. The vast majority of these clashes will be resolved easily as we work through the application process. Provisional Option blocks can be found here: https://www.enfieldgrammar.org/6th-form/post-16-course-selection/

Can you guarantee to deliver all of the courses you offer at the moment?

All of the subjects and courses in our provisional option blocks can be staffed and accommodated on our school timetable. However, we stipulate that all of the subjects and courses are provisional and subject to students choosing them. We need to ensure that the group size is viable for the delivery of the course, both academically and financially. There needs to be enough students in each course to share ideas and discuss topics in depth. We are confident that the courses we offer are the ones our students want to study and have been successful at in the past. If a student wants to study a specific course that we are unable to deliver, we will work with our partnership school, ECS (Enfield County School), to try to secure a collegiate place on the desired course. If this is the case please email us directly so that we can investigate all options available.

Could the blocks still change?

Our published option blocks are provisional and because of this, they could change slightly. We firm up the option blocks following the application process – this allows us to cater for the subject choices of more students as sometimes, moving one subject will fit better into student preferences; we also work with ECS to ensure that collegiate students are able to benefit from our option blocking too. In reality, the option blocks have historically changed very little over the process and we ensure that any changes to the option blocks will not disadvantage a student if this is the case.

Provisional Option blocks can be found here: https://www.enfieldgrammar.org/6th-form/post-16-course-selection/

Where do people go afterwards and what sorts of careers do they follow?

We have been sending ‘Old Boys’ into the world for over 450 years and they have made quite an impact!

Upon completion of A Level study, the vast majority of our students (well over 90%) go onto Higher Education most of them to their first choice university.

We have a global network of Old Boys working in a wide variety of different careers, many rising to the very top of their profession. The list of former pupils is a prestigious one and includes many captains of industry, sportsmen and some household names – learn more about the Old Boys Association: https://www.enfieldgrammar.org/egs-community/alumni/

What kind of apprenticeships did boys accept after studying at EGS Sixth Form?

The apprenticeships that students progress to are both wide and varied; these will relate directly to a student’s interests and career aspirations. Information, guidance and advice relating to apprenticeships are shared through progression activities and applications are supported via our specialist careers advisor. We share a huge number of apprenticeships and available opportunities through our Google Classroom daily notices.

In 2020 we have had students accept both degree level and higher level apprenticeships at some very prestigious companies including KPMG Accounting and Metaswitch.

A number of EGS students have also accepted apprenticeships into trade professions such as plumbing and joinery. Also, in the recent past, a student accepted a position in a professional golf apprenticeship!

 What guidance is available for Post-18 options?

Individual student guidance has a high priority through our personal tutor and departmental tutorial system. Subject guidance outside of lesson times is available through individual and group tutorials/interventions. Careers and Higher Education advice is dealt with through a planned Progression programme and personal guidance is provided by our dedicated Careers/UCAS advisor.

Each student has a form tutor who teaches the A-Level Mindset (VESPA) programme and who they can turn to for advice and guidance. The experienced Sixth Form team is also available.

What is UCAS?

It stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. This is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. They process more than two million applications for full-time undergraduate courses every year and help students to find the right course via their excellent website: www.ucas.com

What are UCAS points?

It is a system for allocating points to qualifications used for entry to higher education. In simple terms a grade A* at A level is worth 56 points, an A is worth 48 points, B-40, C-32, D-24 and E-16 points. BTECs and other vocational qualifications have similar point equivalents. See the UCAS website for more details of all qualifications and entry requirements.

www.ucas.com/

What is a Russell Group University?

The Russell Group of universities is a group of 20 universities which all have excellent records in academic achievement and research. It is called the Russell Group because meetings of the group take place in the Russell Hotel. The term is used as a sort of short hand for top universities but actually many of the top universities are not part of this group. Durham for example is a top university but did not join the Russell Group and instead is part of the 1994 Group  which is a similar organisation. Universities who fall into these types of categories generally only take students with top A level grades. Typically, the minimum for such universities will be at least ABB grades at A level and many will also look at GCSE results as well, expecting students to have achieved mainly A* and A grades at GCSE.

www.russellgroup.ac.uk/about/our-universities/

My son has told me that there are ‘strands’, meaning you can’t take certain subjects together. I’m not sure what he means by this, can you elaborate?

Your student is referring to the way subjects are combined for career and university pathways; the way that they work together and compliment each other. There is an array of information about this on both the UCAS and Which websites (both of which are linked in our website).  We would recommend that you view the section on our website about choosing post-16 options.

Are some A Level / Post-16 subjects considered better than others?

This is quite a controversial issue; people have worried that certain Universities have a secret list of A level subjects they prefer, but the reality is that all Post-16 subjects are of value. Some courses will require specific subjects because they are relevant to the subject of the degree applied for. For example, music A-level is required for a music degree. Top universities like Oxford and Cambridge and Russell Group universities want to see students who have taken some ‘A’ levels that indicate students can cope with challenge – these are called facilitating subjects. They may also like certain combinations of subjects, because they believe they are more likely to provide an effective preparation for study at their Universities. The important word here is ‘combination’ of subjects so they are not saying there are any individual subjects that will be rejected.

Apprenticeships and employers may require certain subjects because they provide the skills they are looking for but others are more likely to be concerned with grades rather than the subjects.

Visit the Post-16 Course Selection page on our website for more information.

Do I need to have studied the subject at GCSE in order to study it at A Level?

It will depend on the subject. Some subjects like Psychology are not offered at EGS for GCSE and so there is no expectation that you have studied it previously. This is something that is best discussed with individual subject teachers as they will be able to explain the demands of their course and allow you to make an informed decision. See the subject specific entry requirements for additional information.

Can my student study a mix of A-Level and Vocational qualifications at EGS?

Yes, many students mix vocational and A Level subjects; this can be for a variety of reasons including interests and future career aspirations. Both A-level and L3 Vocational subjects are valued by most universities. We do not allow students to mix Level 2 and Level 3 courses except in exceptional circumstances.

Which subjects will be delivered at Enfield County rather than EGS?

The subjects in our published draft blocks are all delivered at EGS. Subjects that are taught at Enfield County School, along with the subject specific entry criteria, can be found at:

http://www.enfieldcs.enfield.sch.uk/

If a subject combination is not possible at EGS we may suggest that one of the subjects is taken at Enfield County if possible. We will discuss specific options with individual students during our student interviews.

Do students enjoy the Sixth Form?

In our most recent sixth form survey (Summer 2020) 97% of students said that they enjoy the Sixth Form and value the wide range of opportunities to get involved with.  98% of students believe that their teachers are accessible and that they are encouraged to develop their independent learning skills.

100% of students felt safe and stated that they are taught how to keep themselves safe and healthy.

Why should I join EGS School’s Sixth Form?

If you are a bright, enthusiastic and dedicated student, you should give the Sixth Form at Enfield Grammar School some serious consideration.

We have everything in place here to help you achieve your dreams – a strong tradition of academic excellence, wonderful facilities and an amazing portfolio of extra-curricular and social events that will allow you to build leadership, team-working and interpersonal skills.

Our Higher Education and Careers Guidance is second-to-none and there are numerous opportunities to listen to experts in their field and to visit HE institutions.

As a new student to EGS Sixth Form, will I feel left out? I assume all the other students will already know one another and will be in their own friendship groups?

Each year we welcome new students to our Sixth Form; last year’s Deputy Head Boy did not join us until Year 12!

Students are always quick to settle into life at EGS Sixth Form. Although the vast majority of Sixth Formers join us from the EGS Year 11, our students are very aware of the arrival of new students and will go out of their way to befriend them. I think our existing students appreciate some new faces around the place!

Do not worry; you will be warmly welcomed into our sixth form family!

Applicants will have opportunities to visit the School before they officially join Year 12 and have the opportunity to get to know some staff and other students from Year 11 moving into Year 12.

What will the classes be like?

Students will certainly notice a difference from their GCSE studies.

Classes will be smaller and although each teacher has his or her own style, you will appreciate that the learning process has become much more of a partnership between you and the member of staff as you work together to reach your full potential.

Rather than studying a broad range of subjects like you did at GCSE, you will now study just a few subjects but in much greater depth. You will not just be spoon-fed the information; you will be encouraged to ask more questions, to pursue your own research and to think independently.

There is a great deal of work to get through and students will have to be disciplined and organised in their approach to learning, both in and out of the classroom.

Are there any opportunities to mix with students from Enfield County School?

We like to think we have the best of both worlds here; we have strong partnerships with ECS and welcome many of their students onto courses delivered at Enfield Grammar School. Enfield Grammar students are also able to join courses at Enfield County School. Collegiate students are always welcomed at both sites and as we are next door to each other, there is the opportunity for some social interaction with other students.

Are parents kept involved?

We value the links that exist between home and school. In the Sixth Form there is a more adult atmosphere, but parents are still informed of progress through regular reports and parents evenings. Parents are also consulted if there is a concern over a student’s progress or attendance.

Is there a School Uniform in the Sixth Form?

As from 2023, there will not be a school uniform, however, we will have a smart/casual dress code. Dress smart, think smart.

Full details of this can be found in the Student Handbook (coming soon)

What are the opportunities for extra-curricular activities?

All the sporting, musical and other enrichment activities available in main school are available to sixth form students.

Representative teams exist in all the major sports and some minor ones.

The schools’ musical reputation is outstanding as is its’ reputation for quality musical performances.

Excellent opportunities exist for community service, school responsibility and leadership development. If there is a demand for an educational activity we will endeavour to supply it.