INTRODUCTION

Our Post 16 Prospectus outlines the expectations, challenges, opportunities and rewards that Bexley Grammar School offers its Sixth Form students. These pages aim to fill in some of the detail that you need to make informed decisions about your next steps. It is, however, only generic information, offered as a starting point. BGS students should seek advice from the wealth of experience offered by the staff here at school and use the Information Evening to research carefully. Similarly, external students should seek the expertise offered by their own schools. All students should read the details about each subject offered in the Sixth Form (see the relevant pages for IB and A-level).

ROUTES ON OFFER

BGS offers two, challenging Post 16 routes: the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Levels (A-levels). We have high expectations of students whichever route they follow and yet the entry requirements to our Sixth Form are designed to encourage as many of our own students as possible to join our rich Sixth Form life. The result is that most students find the expectations of A-levels and the IB a considerable shock after GCSEs; this is why it is so vital that students choose carefully from the options we provide. The demands of the Sixth Form are frequently under-estimated by students; they need to become independent and responsible for their own learning from the first day of their two-year commitment.

The International Baccalaureate is a unified programme leading to a Diploma. Students follow a programme of six subjects with three studied at Higher and three at Standard Level. They follow a Theory of Knowledge course, undertake 150 hours of Creativity Action Service and complete an Extended Essay. At the core of the IB programme is an endeavour to nurture independent, creative learners with a lively curiosity about the world in which they live.
The status of an IB Diploma is recognised internationally and is perceived by universities as a very strong and stable currency. For more detailed information about the subjects on offer and the combinations possible, see the IB Subjects page.

Advanced Levels are separate qualifications which do not fall under a unified programme. Most subjects are divided into four modules: the first two modules lead to an Advanced Subsidiary (AS) qualification examined in Year 12 and the second pair of modules (A2 modules) is examined during Year 13. The AS and A2 qualifications are combined to make up the full A-level qualification over two years. Students at BGS follow four A-levels over two years alongside a Curriculum Enrichment option to broaden their educational experience; some enrichment courses also offer examination at AS or GCSE.
A-levels are a well known currency in this country and the recent introduction of the A* grade will distinguish the strongest results from the 20% of A-levels that are awarded A grades each year. For more detailed information about the subjects on offer and the combinations recommended, see the A-level Subjects page.

Students following both routes also have a tutorial programme covering Personal, Social and Health Education, current affairs and topical discussion, Religious Studies and Careers (including application to higher education).