Sixth form prospectus
Why choose AIS for your sixth form studies?
Years 12 and 13, known as the sixth form, are two very important years where you extend your subject knowledge in the subjects of your choice and you start learning to be an independent learner.
At AIS, our small group teaching and learning experience with subject specialists has demonstrated proven exam success. Our focus on preparing you for the next step of learning and self independence, through life skills, IT classes, teamwork in group sport and using dedicated study areas enables you to be ready for the challenges of university.
We put you first, customising a subject timetable and programme of skills and practical activities that will help you achieve personal growth and development and get what you want out of life. We follow our sixth form students closely, discussing individual progress with your teachers regularly and acting straight away to help you improve if there are any issues.
We demand a lot from our sixth formers- we have high expectations that our students love to meet. Our exam grades are outstanding and students leave the sixth form as knowledgeable and well rounded young adults ready for the challenges of university and independent life.
Head boy, Head girl and subject prefects are chosen from the sixth form and develop their leadership skills. They then help lead the rich and fulfilling student life program which includes fundraising, social events and community.
Our positive ethos is underpinned by our 5 core values: Readiness, Respect, Resilience, Relationships and Responsibility, which feed into our lessons, our students´ attitudes to study and all aspects of being a member of the school community.
Welcome from Head of Sixth Form Mrs Kate Reed
Working with sixth form students is very rewarding, as it is a time when students get to choose their own subjects and start to plan their future studies and career path. I lead the PSHE programme and work closely with the students to help them prepare for exams and to research and work on university applications and start to get ready for the next step in more independent study.
During the two years of sixth form study, I meet with each student countless times in order to support and guide them in their studies as well as for pastoral support.
I am also the first point of contact for parents for any questions and concerns. Click here to contact me.
Choosing your subjects
What subjects are you good at?
You need to have gained at least a grade B or a 6 in your GCSE to continue with any particular subject – A level is a challenge and a step up so you need to be strong at the subjects you choose to continue.
What subjects do you enjoy?
Choosing your subjects for
What are your hopes and career aspirations?
Have you got a particular university course or career in mind for the future?
You must consider:
- What subjects will lead you to that goal? (eg Architecture- Art and Maths, Medicine- Chemistry and Biology)
- Does the university demand certain subjects to be taken? (Research their websites)
- What are good combinations of subjects? (e.g. Media with Business or Maths with a Science)
- If you are still not sure what you want to do in the future, a balanced combination of subjects from different areas could keep your options open e.g. Maths, Business, English, Spanish
- You also need to consider what Spanish curriculum subjects will count for how many points, for entrance to Spanish university.
Possible A Level and Fase específica subjects at AIS
This list varies year by year as we try to fit subjects to students requirements and staff strengths:
A Level
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- English Language
- French
- German
- Global Perspectives
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Spanish
- Sports Science
Fase específica
- Biologia
- Economia
- Fisica
- Fundamentos del Arte
- Historia del Arte
- Matematicas Puras
- Matematicas Aplicadas
- Quimica
Timetable
There are 35 lessons in the week, which would be take up as follows:
3 or 4 A Level subjects (5 lessons each)
2 Fase Especifica subjects (3 lessons each)
PE
Tutorial / assembly
Volunteering within the school community eg. running sports (or other) clubs, reading / working with primary students on maths etc.
As well as these guided hours you will have a number of study lessons. During these you shouldf be reading / researching for your subjects, working on exercises
writing essays, working on group projects and researching university / future careers.
Outside of your subject lessons, you should expect to spend a minimum of 4 hours per week on individual independent study for each subject, some of which will be done in study lessons but a lot of which will need to be done in evenings/ weekends. It is really important to get into a routine of doing some work at home each evening, balanced with some sport/ social activities a couple times a week, very quickly. You will need a quiet place to work with access to all your books and materials.
We will be guiding you to be on top of your work from the start!
Preparing for your next step
As part of the PSHE programme, students research universities, courses and grade requirements. A trip to the UK university fair in Madrid is organised in October. This gives students the opportunity to visit some Spanish universities in Madrid.
Visits to the open days in Malaga and Granada universities are also organised as well as to the Spanish university open day in Malaga in January. Additionally, we also have a number of universities visiting the 6th
Mrs Reed (Head of Sixth form) leads the UCAS (UK University applications) applications system and coaches the students through the lengthy application form and personal statement. She also writes the reference based on information from all the subject teachers. A library of UK university prospectuses exists in the sixth form study room.
Ms Alvarez (
Students can apply to both systems if they wish, and we also have other students who apply to other countries also (including the UK, Ireland, Finland and the USA).
Student life
We offer you opportunities for personal growth and building skills of independence and leadership. Our students are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and embody the school values. Universities and future employers are looking for
Mrs Reed will write a reference for university applications which will talk about how good you are at particular subjects but also will include the other things that you were involved in, to show how you stand out from the crowd. Head boy and Head girl will be chosen early in the year. They will follow a program to build their leadership skills. They will also help to lead a series of events including fundraising for local charities, organising events for younger students within the school and running social/ team building events for sixth form students.
We also choose subject prefects, students who will represent a particular subject, talking with younger students about their subjects and leading activities within their subjects.
All sixth form students will spend at least one lesson per week with a younger group which fosters the sense of responsibility and family within the school. Both sixth form and the younger students gain a lot from this time together. Students might choose to run a club or work with a particular class and build the relationships over the year.
Throughout the year as a 6th form student, you will have the opportunity to be involved in a number of trips and activities.
“Being a part of the 6th form is highly enjoyable because of the harmonious and happy environment you are placed in. You get the chance to learn amazing things in the company of people from all around the world. The 6th form allows you to grow, not only academically but as a person. For example, you have the chance to learn to lead (whether it be as a
AIS has truly been a great place to grow up in. I couldn’t have imagined myself anywhere else!”
Robyn, Head Girl 2018 – 2019
Dedicated areas
During your study
Uniform
We have consulted with our students about what they would like to wear in the sixth form. Sixth form students need to look smart and set the example for our younger students.
The following has been agreed.
Summer uniform: a white polo shirt with navy shorts or skirt.
Winter uniform: a white polo shirt with black trousers or skirt and a dark red jumper.
This gives a separate uniform than the other younger students, at the same time as being smart, easy to wear and giving the sixth form students their identity and allowing younger students to readily recognise which students are in the sixth form.
How to apply
Step 1: Attend the 6th form Open Evening
Step 2: Read the subject descriptions (links above) and discuss options with our staff
Step 3: Fill out the application form
Step 4: On receipt of a conditional acceptance attend our induction day (June 2019). You will require a minimum “B” grade at IGCSE or a 6 for GCSE to be accepted for an A level course.
Step 5: On receipt of your GCSE results, discuss your entry to the 6th form with us to make your final choices.
Step 6: Official acceptance and join the 6th form in September 2019.
Contact us
We would love for you to visit the school and see for yourself what it is like to be a member of our sixth form. Please ring or email Mrs Reed to make an appointment or to ask any questions that you might have:
Telephone: +34 958 63 59 11
Email: kreed@almunecarinternationalschool.com
Message from the Head Teacher
Every year we improve aspects of the Sixth Form. We have several tutors who spend quality time with small groups of sixth formers. Tutorials are structured to create maximum impact on student progress and enable sixth formers to be prepared for “life after school”. Our team of teachers for the Sixth form are excellent and personalise their teaching to suit student needs. We look forward to the moment when each student is ready to spread their wings and look forward to new challenges.
Ms F Jacobs, Head Teacher – headteacher@almunecarinternationalschool.com