Curriculum

The RGS Sixth Form curriculum is a unique combination of elements which together will provide you with an excellent preparation both for entry to university and for life beyond it.

At Reigate Grammar School, Sixth Form students can choose from a uniquely flexible menu of courses allowing them to select the most appropriate options. Unlike many schools, we do not start with a pre-determined list of options, but design our timetable afresh each year in order to accommodate the wishes of students. Although no guarantee can be given that every choice of subject will be available, we are usually able to provide most students with their first preferences.

Sixth Form Programme

Students are encouraged to study the right programme for them. We are hugely flexible in what this looks like, from a combination of A Levels, BTECs, EPQs or other courses. Whichever route you choose, our programme will set you up for further study at top universities or prepare you to join the world of work or degree apprenticeship.

While most students will study three A Levels or a combination of BTEC and A Level, there will be some students who study four A Levels over two years, because they have a specific degree and professional pathway in mind, such as Engineering or Natural Sciences at specific universities such as Oxford or Cambridge. In most cases, Further Maths is taken as a fourth A Level or a combination of A Level and BTEC, and a fourth option is usually not needed. Universities are looking for top grades in your chosen subjects so your choice of subjects should be based on your own interests and aspirations with guidance from your teachers and the careers team.

Co-Curricular Programme
In the Sixth Form we run our own specific timetabled co-curricular programme for each year group (Henry Smith Studies in the Lower Sixth and 7Plus in the Upper Sixth).

Henry Smith Studies
Henry Smith Studies is a bespoke and flexible curriculum for all Lower Sixth students. The primary purpose of Henry Smith Studies is to encourage all students to broaden their academic horizons beyond the confines of A Level study. It gives all students tangible and credible evidence of independent study interest, intellectual ambition and undergraduate level study skills, boosting the quality of their university applications.

However, the main purpose of Henry Smith Studies is to encourage students to engage in intellectual debate, discourse and research in areas of academic life which pique their interest. It is a rare opportunity for all students to tackle an area of study simply because they are enthused by it and curious to explore it further, not because it is on an A Level curriculum.

Henry Smith Studies is tailored to each student’s academic curiosities and ability. At its heart is the completion of an extended project on a topic of the student’s choice, supported by their Henry Smith Tutor during timetabled lessons. Over the course of the year, students will either complete:

1. An extended academic essay or;
2. Produce an artefact (for instance, a piece of music, a piece of literature, an example of engineering, an experiment or a piece of art) and a short accompanying commentary or;
3. A suite of online open courses (MOOCs) from providers Future Learn and the Open University’s Open Learn.

The programme also includes the following modules:

1. - Seminars on advanced skills, equipping students for A level study;
  - Lectures on a range of topics from external speakers;
  - An induction into using the library for higher level research;
  - UCAS preparation and support in making an application.

7Plus
7Plus is the Upper Sixth Form programme that is designed to bridge the gap between school and university or professional life. The programme includes the following modules:

UCAS preparation, guidance and finalising applications;
An introduction to student and personal finance;
A taster course of well-being modules, such as mindfulness, yoga, managing stress, fostering positive relationships and alcohol and drug awareness;
A carousel of practical skill modules, such as DIY, life-saving, sports coaching, student cooking, first aid, CV writing and interview skills. Where possible, these modules are run by external providers and are accredited.

Academic Clubs and Societies
There is a vast range of Sixth Form specific academic clubs and societies that offer extended enrichment opportunities and foster a love of learning for the sake of enjoyment in a subject or discipline.

Academic clubs and societies range from Senior MUN, TSI Friday (Thank Science it’s Friday), The Academy (a theology and philosophy discussion group), History and Politics Society, the Medical Discussion Group, A Novel Approach (a literary discussion group), the Economics Society and the Senior Geography Society.

All clubs and societies are open to all members of the Sixth Form (whether they are studying that subject at A Level or not) and are based on the principle of student led presentations followed by open debate and discussion. Societies and Clubs also host guest speakers, visit university lectures and attend functions and events.