Academic Support
Light Hall Sixth Form Curriculum Offer
Here at Light Hall, we offer a wide range of different A-Level (Level 3) subjects. These include the traditional academic subjects such as English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages and History which are taught at GCSE, but also include subjects new to students, such as Psychology and Sociology. It is expected that as our Sixth Form grows, the range of courses will also grow. As such, please check with the relevant Subject Leader or on our website for the most up-to-date information.
Students will predominantly choose 3 A-Levels for what is known as their ‘Programme of Study’, complimented by the innovative ‘Academic Studies’ course, a range of extra-curricular activities and the tailored pastoral support. For some students, where this is believed to be the best option, there is the possibility to study 4 A-Levels, dependent on achieving the necessary prerequisites and in agreement with the Head of Sixth Form, student and students’ parents.
Choosing your A-Levels
Choosing your Programme of Study
Sixth Form learning provides you, the student, with the opportunity to tailor the ‘Programme of Study’ to your interests, intended university course and future career path. With the vast choice also comes a great deal of responsibility and we understand these big decisions can be daunting. These subjects will be the key to university applications and future careers and that’s why we support our students to make informed decisions.
Please visit our Resources Page for links to sites to get you thinking about the subjects that interest you most. Additionally, please see our FAQ section at the bottom of this page for advice on what to consider when deciding!
To support students in their choices, all applicants will have a chance to discuss their application and their potential A-Levels with the Head of Sixth Form. Entry into the Sixth Form is ultimately always at the discretion of the Head of Sixth Form and subject to a suitable and realistic combination of subjects being available and agreed. Any potential changes to courses will also need the same consultations and permissions.
A-Level Subjects
In the 2024/25 academic year we plan to offer the following list of Sixth Form courses, some of which you will not have studied before. In actual fact, it is possible to commence some courses without having studied them at GCSE, although, of course, it would always help if you did!
Please select the subject to find out more information about the course and the minimum requirements needed to study them. If you have any queries about these requirements, then please speak to the relevant Subject Leader or Head of Sixth Form.
It is expected that as our Sixth Form grows, the range of courses that we offer will also grow, as such, the most up-to-date information can always be found on the website. Although not currently available, we are provisionally adding the following courses for 2025/26:
- A-Level Economics
- A-Level Physical Education
- A-Level Theatre Studies
Subject Information
- Start with your career? – This may sound like you’re jumping ahead, but you might be able to work backwards! There are many tools and resources that you can use to have a think about what courses you might like to take. Try looking into different industries you might be interested in working in. From there, you can work backwards and work out which A-Level subjects would prepare you for that career.
- What am I good at? A-Levels are challenging and require a good level of understanding at GCSE level to set yourself up for success. So have a think about what you’re good at – are you creative? A great communicator? An expert essay writer? Or do you love to problem solve and get stuck in, in maths? Think about your strengths and the subjects you’re getting the best grades in.
- What do I enjoy? Being good at something is great but it’s not the whole picture. If you enjoy what you’re doing you’ll ‘never work a day in your life’ right? Whilst this may not be wholly true, enjoying what you’re doing is very important. People who are good at their job are often passionate about it too and can therefore make a real difference. So which subjects do you enjoy the most? Do you enjoy working with people? Do you like helping/teaching others? Do you want to make a difference?
Think about all these things combined to start narrowing down your options.
Need more help?
Talk to those around you, your friends, family, teachers! They will help you to identify your strengths and teachers can talk to you about their subject and where it could lead you.
During your admissions interview you will have the chance to discuss your choices with Mr Brookes who will help inform you about what courses may help you get onto the right university course or apprenticeship.
https://www.ucas.com/ – take the career quiz! You can also create a hub account and access loads of free resources to inform you about university courses and what A-Levels they require. There’s information on apprenticeships too! And a platform to chat to Uni students to get some advice!
https://oxplore.org/ – asks you some of societies biggest questions to get you thinking about what you’re interested in.
https://www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/ – provides videos and articles on all science topics to get you interested in working in STEM.
https://myheplus.com/ – information provided by students for the University of Cambridge to help you find your passion.
https://ed.ted.com/lessons?content_type=animations&direction=desc&sort=publish-date&user_by_click=student%20 – beautiful animations to get you thinking about what you want to know.
Some University courses have very specific entry requirements. If you’re sure you know which course you want to do, visit the UCAS website to find out more about what A-Levels they require. An up to date course catalogue is released in April/May for entry the following year (April 2024 for September 2025 entry).
However, other courses have several options for their requirements.
‘Facilitating’ subjects are asked for by a variety of courses. ‘Facilitating A-Levels’ include Biology, Chemistry, English, Geography, History, Mathematics and Physics. The more of these subjects you choose, the more courses will be available to you.
A-Levels are more challenging than GCSEs. Whilst the number of subjects you study is fewer, the quantity and complexity of the content increases. This is why we have specific entry requirements for each subject, relative to the difficulty of the course. If you can meet these requirements we are confident you can excel in the A-Level too.
A-Levels involve more than just attending your lessons. It requires focus and independence. You have to take control of your own learning and motivate yourself. But don’t let this overwhelm you. Most students take on this challenge and surprise themselves with just how much they’re capable of when they work hard. You are working towards your own future!
This does not mean you are left to struggle alone – if you need help please ask for it! Your teachers and support team are there to help you and will do all they can to support your studies. They will provide extra reading, homework and revision sessions and be available to talk to if you have any worries.
Your programme of study will be complimented by time for enrichment and extra-curricular activities to allow you to explore your interests and have fun! It’s all about balance!
Some of you will have your sights set on University, whilst some will be undecided, and some sure it’s not for them, and that’s fine!
A-Levels open doors for other opportunities too – including apprenticeships.
An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work and study at the same time. Completion of an apprenticeship can leave you with qualifications ranging from the equivalent of GCSEs to a master’s degree!
You can browse the range of apprenticeships here to see the sorts of things that might be available for you following your studies.
