Key Stage 5 Curriculum

Key Stage 5 (aged 16-19)

At Key Stage 5 we recognise that some of our students are ready to move onto full time college places or apprenticeships. However, we hope that the majority of our students will choose to continue their studies in the Sixth Form once they have completed Year 11.

Strong track record

The school has a strong track record in preparing students for Higher Education and the Key Stage 5 curriculum offers a wide range of courses at Level 3 including traditional A Levels, alongside more vocational courses such as BTEC level 3 courses. Both A levels and BTEC Level 3 courses are accepted by universities as a means of entry onto a wide range of undergraduate courses.

Alongside the Level 3 qualifications, we support students who have not yet achieved a grade 4 in their GCSEs in English and/or Maths by offering additional lessons in preparation for resits in the following year. We understand the importance of establishing a strong foundation upon which our Level 3 courses are built and for students to maximise on the opportunities open to them beyond KS5 study.

“I joined Queen’s Park Sixth Form from another school and I am convinced that the outstanding quality of teaching from the friendly staff is what got me into Oxford University to read Maths.
Thanks for everything Queen’s Park”

Former student

Uniformed Protective Services

Our continued partnership with APST has enabled us to offer a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services. This exciting BTEC course is equivalent to three A Levels and provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a range of careers such as the Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance), Armed Forces (Army, Navy, RAF) or Border and Justice Agencies (Border Force and Prison Service). This course will also provide access to university, if that is your preferred pathway.

For further information, please visit: Uniformed Protective Services Level 3 Diploma

Super-Curriculum & our wider curriculum

Our super-curriculum enhances the enrichment of students’ subject knowledge and supports their applications to the most prestigious of universities. A wider curriculum is also delivered through our PSHE and the tutor time programmes to support students to develop their Personal, Social and Health Education and work related skills.

GCSE English and maths resit

Any student who has not achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE English (Language or Literature) and/or GCSE maths will be required to attend resit lessons and resit the GCSE exams. If a student achieved a grade 2 or below in GCSE English and/or maths we may consider entering them for a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification instead. This will be decided by the school on a case-by-case basis. Resit lessons are a compulsory part of a student's Sixth Form programme and is part of the Government's 16-19 condition of funding.

16-19 programme of study

The government policy on 16 to 19 study programmes can be found here. It covers academic and vocational study programmes and applies to all providers of 16 to 19 education in England. All ESFA funded education for 16 to 19 year olds should be delivered as a study programme which combines qualifications and other activities, and which is tailored to each student’s prior attainment and career goals.

Queen's Park High School's programme of study typically includes the following:

Substantial qualifications that stretch students and prepare them for education at the next level or for employment. Our offer includes a range of A Levels and Level 3 BTEC courses.
Resit GCSE English and maths as required (see above).
Work experience placement in Year 12.
World view and Personal Development (WPD) lessons.
An extensive CEIAG programme.
The opportunity to study the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
The opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's award.