Pathway Options and Entry Requirements

We live in a time where things rapidly change in the workplace and in education; therefore, students need to be flexible and demonstrate that they can learn successfully in a range of subjects. The school’s aim is for all post-16 students to have a choice about their next destination – whether it is to attend university, to seek an apprenticeship, to study further part-time or to work.   

In choosing the pathway for your post 16 study, it is important that you consider two questions. What is your preferred learning style – do you prefer being assessed by only examinations or would you prefer some coursework components as well? What are your career plans – are there any specific subjects that you must study? 

At Cardinal Wiseman Sixth Form, you can choose from three Pathway options for level 3 study: 

  • Academic – all A-level qualifications 

You will be confident with written examinations and are likely to have GCSE grades at 6 or above. Your route after sixth form is likely to be a place at university.  

  • Academic – a combination of A-level and vocational qualifications   

Rather than have only examinations at the end of the courses, you want to reduce the pressure by having a mixture of examinations and coursework components. You are likely to have GCSE grades mostly between 4 and 6, including maths and English. Your route after sixth form is likely to be a place at university but recognise that regular assessment will help you achieve your best grades. 

  • Vocational – all vocational qualifications 

You are likely to have a mix of GCSE grades, mostly at grade 4/5. Assessment through a mixture of examinations and coursework throughout the courses will allow you to maximise your grades. Your route after sixth form may be either a higher-level apprenticeship or progression to university. 

Sixth Form Entry Requirements 

The minimum entry requirements to study level 3 qualifications are 5 Grade 9-4 GCSE/BTEC passes, including a grade 4 in both English Language and Maths. 

In addition to the above, individual subjects have their own entry requirements as shown below: 

I wish to study … I require a minimum of … 
Applied Science Grade 4 in Combined Science GCSE. 
Art Grade 4 in Art (GCSE) or Merit in Art and Design (BTEC) or a portfolio of work if no experience of Art at KS4 
Biology Grade 6 in Biology or in Combined Science GCSE and Grade 5 in English Language or Literature and Grade 5 in Maths. 
Business Studies GCSE / BTEC (Level 2) in this subject is desirable but not essential. 
Chemistry Grade 6 in Chemistry or in Combined Science GCSE and Grade 5 in English Language or Literature and Grade 5 in Maths. 
Core Maths Grade 5 in Maths. 
Economics GCSE in this subject is desirable but not essential and Grade 5 in English Language or Literature and Grade 5 in Maths. 
English Literature Grade 6 in GCSE English Literature and Grade 5 in English Language 
Further Maths Grade 7 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language or Literature. 
Geography Grade 5 in Geography and Grade 5 in English Language or Literature and Grade 5 in Maths. 
Health & Social Care Merit (BTEC, Level 2) in this subject is desirable but not essential. 
History Grade 6 in History and Grade 5 in English Language. 
ICT Grade 4 in IT/Computer Science desirable. 
Maths Grade 7 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language or Literature. 
Media Studies Merit (BTEC, Level 2) in this subject is desirable but not essential. 
Modern Foreign Languages Grade 5 in relevant language or a portfolio of work and a linguistic assessment. 
Music Grade 5 in Music (GCSE) or Merit in Music (BTEC) or a portfolio of work and a musicality assessment if no experience of music at KS4. 
Performing Arts Grade 4 GCSE in this subject is desirable but not essential. 
Philosophy & Ethics Grade 6 in Religious Studies is desirable and Grade 5 in English Language.  If not studied at GCSE, entry requirements will be based on grades achieved in English and, if appropriate, History. 
Photography Grade 4 in Photography (GCSE) or Merit in Art and Design (BTEC) or a portfolio of work if no experience of Photography at KS4. 
Physics Grade 6 in Physics or in Combined Science GCSE and Grade 5 in English Language or Literature. Students must also study A Level Maths. 

Sixth Form Entry Requirements cont’d 

I wish to study … I require a minimum of … 
Psychology Grade 5 in English Language and Grade 55 in combined science or Grade 5 in biology. 
Sociology No additional subject specific requirements. 
Sport Grade 4 in Physical Education (GCSE) or Merit (or equivalent) at OCR Cambridge Nationals.  
Travel & Tourism Merit (BTEC, Level 2) or Grade 4 in Geography in this subject is desirable but not essential.