Information booklet 2019

2019Information SIXTH FORM torquay girls’ grammar school

OPEN EVENINGS: WELCOMEWednesday, 14th November & Wednesday, 16th January at 6.30 pmWe are holding two Open Evenings, each covering the same content.We hope that these evenings will give you the opportunity to see thefacilities and to talk to staff in the subjects that you are consideringtaking at A Level. You will also be able to attend presentations on howwe prepare students for careers in general and more specifically inMedicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Law and Oxbridge.TEAS AND TOURS:Our Open Evenings will be followed by two ‘Teas and Tours’ sessions.These will provide you with a further chance to talk to teachers andSenior Leaders, and to look around the school in daylight hours whenlessons are taking place. This should help you to get a sense of whatdaily life is like in the school. Please contact our Sixth Form office [email protected] if you would like further information.INDUCTION DAY: Tuesday, 26th March 2019We will be holding our Sixth Form Induction Day for all applicants, onTuesday, 6th March. This day will give you the opportunity to experiencetaster A Level lessons, begin to make new friends and to speak withstaff and current students. There will be an opportunity for your parentsto talk to members of the Sixth Form team should they wish to do so atthe end of the day.TGGS STUDENTS:Year 11 students who currently attend the school will have subject talksfrom all departments between November and January giving moredetail on A Levels in the subjects that are not available at GCSE. Therewill also be ‘taster’ sessions offered to students during this time whowould like to try a subject A level lesson before they make their finalchoices.The closing date for Sixth Form applications is Friday, 8th February 2019.

A Warm Welcome from the TGGS Sixth Form TeamAn exciting and important part of Year 11 is the opportunity exams that some university courses now desire as well asto choose the direction of your sixth form education. At developing strong skills in reasoning and critical analysis.Torquay Girls’ Grammar School, not only do we offer abroad range of subjects to study at A Level, we also provide Throughout Years 12 and 13, we promote variousmany opportunities that will prepare you for life beyond opportunities which include UCAS and OxbridgeSixth Form, whether it be going off to university, into an preparation, studying abroad, taking part in communityapprenticeship or into the world of work. projects overseas, work placements and attending TGGS careers conferences in Medicine & Dentistry, Law, STEM,You can create a bespoke academic experience with Business and the Performing Arts.us at TGGS. Alongside your core A Level subjects, we alsoprovide the opportunity for you to take an AS level in a But sixth form life at TGGS is not just about work; we alsocreative subject such as Art, Drama, Media, Music, or, a have lots of fun! We take part in many charity eventsModern Foreign Language, complete an Extended Project including Macmillan Coffee Mornings, running a ChristmasQualification, study a course in Critical Thinking as well as Bazaar and hosting a whole school charity week. We havebecome involved in our enrichment programme. All of team building days and residential opportunities that notthese extras can be undertaken as stand-alone options or only encourage team work but promote friendship andcan be combined to gain the AQA Baccalaureate at the camaraderie. There are also Sixth Form socials to take partend of two years. in - pizza lunches, cake breaks, shopping and bowling trips, a weekly quiz league as well as an annual Sixth FormOur enrichment programme offers many varied activities ball. We encourage you to relax in our purpose built Sixthincluding the Duke of Edinburgh award, volunteering at Form café or use the newly built gym – we pay for yourthe Torbay Community Project or Mayfield School, taking gym membership as part of our mindfulness programmepart in the Junior League of Friends, supporting students in because we know a healthy body and a healthy mind areour Hub Scheme, learning how to debate, experiencing important if you are to succeed in life.new subjects like Geology, playing Music or Sports, as wellas undertaking roles as Academic Ambassadors or being Our Sixth Form is not just a place to study, but somewherepart of the Head Girl team. All girls in Year 12 take part in that allows you to thrive and challenge yourself in a safeenrichment and develop great pride in learning new skills or and caring environment. Please take the time to lookhelping those in the community. around our school and Sixth Form, talk to current pupils and staff and read our prospectus. We look forward to receivingThe Extended Project (EP) is perfect for broadening your your application soon.learning beyond A Levels in an area that interests andengages you. The EP carries more UCAS points than an Ms Emma Browne Mrs Abby HorrocksAS level and is highly regarded by universities as you Head of Sixth Form Head of Year 12learn how to independently research, Harvard referenceand time manage - competencies which are essential inan undergraduate degree course. Critical Thinking alsoprovides excellent preparation for the additional entry

TGGS is a top performing, single-sex grammar school which not only attains THE FACTSexcellent public examination results, but develops the skills and confidenceof its inspiring study-body by offering a stunning range of extra-curricularactivities.The Sixth Form centre offers modern classrooms with interactive white-boards dedicated exclusively to the teaching of Year 12 and 13 students;a spacious coffee shop; a careers area and a designated ICT suite. Thebuilding is situated close to the Drama and Music block with its superbfacilities and the Study Centre (offering quiet work space throughoutthe day). One of the central reasons that the Sixth Form works at TGGS isbecause it is placed both geographically and spiritually at the heart of theschool.TUTORIALSAll students are assigned a form tutor with whom they meet on a dailybasis for registration and general administration. Tutors are responsible foroverseeing academic progress and providing pastoral care. There areapproximately 20-25 girls in each tutor group. There is a weekly tutorialsession which covers a range of topics, including careers advice and studyskills to ensure that students receive the necessary support and guidance.HOUSE SYSTEMAll Sixth Form students are attached to one of five houses that are organisedvertically on a whole school basis. This enables the Sixth Form to feel partof the school as a whole. Sixth Form students are given the opportunity tostand as Heads of House and to lead their houses as part of the Head GirlTeam.

OFSTED DRESS CODEOfsted inspected the school in September 2011 and said: Torquay Girls’ Grammar School is a place of work and all Sixth Form students must abide by a simple dress code so‘Students make outstanding progress in the sixth form’; that they present a professional image to the rest of the school and to members of the public. We ask girls to observe‘The extent to which students develop independent a code, which seeks to ensure that they are dressed smartly,learning and personal skills, take on responsibilities and show appropriately and safely, and to avoid extremes of fashion.leadership is striking’; All Sixth Form students are required to wear:‘The implementation of the English Baccalaureate and theExtended Project is highly innovative’. • a smart tailored black jacket (no denim or leather); • a white or cream plain blouse;Overall, they found the Sixth Form to be ‘Outstanding’ - only • black trousers or a black knee-length skirt;about 10% of Sixth Forms achieve this. • smart black shoes or boots; • a smart knee-length, plain black dress suitable for aFor us, whole-school statistics matter less than helping thewonderful young people we work with to fulfil their potential; place of work is also acceptable.we remain dedicated to caring, whether that be throughcreating high expectations or offering one-to-one support. • Discreet ear and nose piercings are acceptable; however, sixth form staff may challenge students andFINANCIAL SUPPORT ask them to remove facial jewellery if it is deemed too excessive.The school has been allocated a fixed sum of money by thegovernment for payment to those students who are identified • Hair dyed in extremes of colour is not acceptable.as being in need of financial support. If you are facingfinancial difficulties and are aged under 19 on 31st August The Sixth Form Dress Code should be followed from Mondayin the academic year in which you start your programme to Thursday. However, on Fridays there will be a relaxationof study, you may be eligible to receive bursary support. of the code. Students will be allowed to wear mufti eachApplications can be made to the Learner Support Bursary Friday, and once a month we will ask for a contribution of £1once you have begun your A level studies with us. for this privilege. Each term we will ask the students to vote for a charity and all monies collected will be donated to the nominated charities. Please be aware that mufti should be appropriate to a school setting/working environment. Students who do not follow the code Monday to Thursday will not be allowed to participate in the relaxation of the dress code on Fridays.

OUR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ENTRY CRITERIA6 full-course GCSE grades at 6 or aboveGrade 5 or above in both English Language and MathematicsAll subjects have specific entry requirements, which will need to be metin order to be admitted onto the courses. Details can be found on theadjacent page.An individual GCSE short-course will not count as part of the six subjectsneeded.If a student who currently attends another school achieves less than twoGrade 7s in double science, we will ask them to arrange for their school’sExamination Officer to complete a form to provide evidence of theirperformance in each Science subject.Our full Sixth Form Admissions Policy can be found at:www.tggsacademy.org/sixthformadmissions

Subject GCSE Grades Required Art 6 or above in GCSE Art Business Studies 6 or above in Maths and English Language. GCSE Business Studies is not a requirement but, if taken, a 6 is required. Computing No additional requirements Drama and Theatre Studies 6 or above in English Language and English Literature. 6 or above in Drama. Students who have not studied GCSE Drama will be considered on an individual basis but will be expected Economics to perform a short monologue. 6 or above in Maths and English Language. GCSE Business Studies or Economics would be English Literature useful but is not a requirement. If the GCSE has been taken, a 6 is required. French 6 or above in English Language and English Literature. 7 or above in French. If a student achieves a 6, but still wants to take the subject, then the Geography Head of Department will assess that candidate’s suitability. German 6 or above in Maths and English Language. 6 or above in Geography. 7 or above in German. If a student achieves a 6, but still wants to take the subject, then the Government and Politics Head of Department will assess that candidate’s suitability. History 6 or above in English Language. Maths 6 or above in English Language and English Literature. 6 or above in History. 7 or above in Maths. 6 or above in core and additional science or at least a 6 in two out of Further Maths three separate sciences. 8 or above in Maths. 6 or above in core and additional science or at least a 6 in two out of Media Studies three separate sciences. Music 6 or above in English Language and English Literature. 7 or above in Music. Students should be approximately grade 4-5 standard or higher on any Psychology instrument and have reasonable grounding in music theory. 6 or above in Maths. 6 or above in English Language or English Literature. 6 or above in both Physical Education Core and Additional Science. Or single Science 6 or above in any two Sciences. A strong practical background is required as well as 6 or above in Additional Science or 6 or above in Single Science Biology. GCSE PE is not a requirement but if taken a 6 is required.Philosophy 6 or above in English Language and English Literature. Humanities subject – History, Geography or RE - 6 or above. GCSE Religious Education is not essential.Sciences: Biology Chemistry 6 or above in Maths. Separate Science GCSE students Physics 7 or above in Maths. 7 or above in chosen A Level science and 7 or above in Maths. 6 or above in other two sciences OR Double Award Science GCSE students 6 or above in GCSE Combined Science, with an overall 7 in chosen science and 6 or above in the other two science components.

All of our students take three A Level subjects chosen from an THE CURRICULUMextensive range.Students can also choose to study an optional AS Level in a creativesubject, alongside their three A Levels, in: Art & Design, Drama& Theatre Studies, Media Studies, Music, or a Modern ForeignLanguage.We will enable a student’s request to take a fourth A Level as longas it fits within their timetable and the subject classroom size isn’texceeded.Where there are subject clashes, we make every effortto resolve this through our collaboration with TBGS.You would need to choose three (or four, or 3 + a creative AS level)from the following:Art & Design GermanBiology Government and PoliticsBusiness Studies HistoryChemistry Mathematics & Further MathematicsComputing (TBGS) Media StudiesDrama & Theatre Studies Music (TBGS)Economics PhilosophyEnglish Literature Physical Education (TBGS)French PhysicsGeography PsychologyThe choice of which A Levels to study should be based on a mixtureof three things:-• What you enjoy the most – this is really important as you will need to fully immerse yourself in your subjects and engage in super curricular study;• What you are best at – this can really help facilitate your ability to achieve your full potential and maximise your grade potential;• What you need for your chosen career – e.g. to become a Physiotherapist you usually need to gain a Biology A level.

The British Baccalaureate and The Extended ProjectIn addition to taking A Level subjects, we offer the opportunity are prepared to be flexible with A Level offers if studentsto gain the highly regarded British Baccalaureate. This perform highly in their EPQ.qualification allows students to continue with A Levels whilstsupplementing their study with a programme of additional In UCAS. points terms, it is the worth more than half an Aactivities. It allows a broad curriculum to be studied, whilst Level. The project can be one of the following:still maintaining the rigorous depth the A Level qualificationsprovides. • a dissertation style essay;The British Baccalaureate is gained by securing 3 A Levels • a research project;and taking the following additional components: • the making of an artefact;The Level 3 Extended Project known as the EPQ • putting on a performance.All students in Year 12 are encouraged to take the Level 3Extended Project. A Programme of EnrichmentThis is essentially an opportunity for individual students to This incorporates a range of activities, from helpingchoose a topic from any area of interest and then to work with disadvantaged children in a local school, to raising funds anda designated supervisor to produce either a 5000 word style awareness of the Torbay League of Friends. The list really isdissertation, or an artefact (painting, model etc.). Pursuing endless, and as a school we provide an array of opportunitiesthis qualification allows the student to take real ownership and activities for the girls to participate in. We also have anof their project, choosing both the area researched and the established and vibrant outdoor education programmemode in which this research is conveyed. It is high-level work which can include Ten Tors, The Duke of Edinburgh Awardcarried out independently; there is no checking of rough Scheme and World Challenge.drafts but there is consultative guidance. Some studentschoose to study an area related to their chosen Higher Critical Thinking CourseEducation course, whilst others pursue an interest that theyare passionate about. Although universities do not generally make offers based on Critical Thinking, they highly value the skills it teaches, andTopics chosen this year include: the politics of Eurovision, most entry tests, such as the BMAT, UKCAT and LNAT, arethe reasons for the demise of Polari, researching how music Critical Thinking tests. Students aiming for courses that requiretherapy techniques used with autistic children could help all entrance tests should consider taking a course in Criticalchildren and the publication of a vegan cookbook. Thinking in Year 12.The students are supported through the process by: THE WORTH OF THE AQA BACCALAUREATE• A series of taught skills lectures and seminars; Taking the AQA Baccalaureate makes entry to universities easier because:• Watching presentations by Year 13 students on their chosen topics; • The Russell group of universities approve of what the course offers, indeed, some universities have reduced• One-to-one mentoring with staff supervisors who provide their offers because of it; guidance and support throughout the process; • The Extended Project is worth more points than an AS;• Designated time in the curriculum to undertake independent research. • Critical Thinking helps facilitate success in applying to competitive universities and/or courses, including LawThis exciting opportunity allows bright students the and Medicine.opportunity to research a topic of interest to them, and notonly is this highly motivating for the girls – as we have seen In principle, and for the majority of students, the Enrichmentwith our present Year 13 – but is looked on very favourably by will happen throughout Year 12. The Extended Project willuniversities as evidence of independent learning beyond that be launched during the Spring term of Year 12 and will benormally offered by potential applicants. Some universities submitted at the start of Year 13.

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMESToo few women are leaders – we aim to change that!One aspect of TGGS that may distinguish us from other schools isour focus on the development of female leadership. We work reallyhard to nurture the kind of self-belief needed to be successful intoday’s work place. This is achieved through our school ethos andcurriculum, as well as the many opportunities that we provide forour students to undertake leadership roles.Some of these opportunities include: joining the Head Girl Team– a pivotal role within school which develops students’ leadershipand management skills; acting as Heads of House, promoting andencouraging a strong house culture throughout school; running theHUB scheme and leading and organising in-house academic andpastoral support for the lower years. Students are also able to workclosely with Heads of Departments as Academic Ambassadors,promoting and supporting learning in their subjects. This list is notexhaustive of the activities that students can take part in, butprovides an insight into the kind of opportunities that we makeavailable to them.We also run a highly successful Duke of Edinburgh programmeand regularly enter teams in the annual Ten Tors Competition,encouraging leadership and resilience.If our students have the skills to develop into the leaders of tomorrow,but lack the confidence to flourish, then we believe that taking onroles and responsibilities such as those mentioned above will help tochange that.OXBRIDGE APPLICANTSAs applying to Oxbridge is a demanding and at first sightbewildering experience, Mr Charlwood, Deputy Headteacher,delivers this preparatory programme, which helps to facilitatestudents throughout the application process. The detailedprogramme includes:• Visits to both universities;• Detailed analysis of the colleges – their strengths and ratio of applicants from private/state schools, and in different subjects;• Individual help - all students receive tailored advice;• Interview practice from retired Oxbridge staff and members of the Senior Leadership Team.

THE OPTION TO TAKE AN AS LEVEL IN A CREATIVE MEDICAL/VETERINARY/DENTISTRY PROGRAMMESUBJECT ALONGSIDE YOUR 3 A LEVELS We have a specific programme designed to support thoseAt TGGS, we recognise that you might want more breadth who wish to pursue a career in a medically related field suchin your curriculum choices; the option to study a creative as Medics, Vets, Dentists, Nurses, Occupational Therapists,subject as an AS level could provide an opportunity for you Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, Chemists, Opticians andto explore your more creative side. This will enable students Midwives. The programme involves:to continue studying their core 3 A level subjects, withouthaving to give up a creative option. As a school, we are • Early guidance on the types of activities that would aid acommitted to supporting students who wish to undertake an successful application;AS level in Drama, Art, Media Studies, Music, or a ModernForeign Language, to support the holistic development of • Formal application preparation sessions with Dr Smith;each individual; an ethos which underpins our vision at TGGSSixth Form. • The opportunity to undertake an Extended Project on a career-related subject;THE CAREERS PROGRAMME • The opportunity to take critical thinking to improveThe careers programme we offer aims to give independent, performance in the BMAT, UKCAT & interviews;impartial advice to all our students.Some of its key components are: • Internal interview programme which includes up to three 1 to 1 interviews with Dr Smith.• Individual interviews with our own highly knowledgeable and approachable Careers Advisor, Mrs Tully and Mr We run a successful MEDSOC that enables students to Gordon Neighbour, our Head of Careers; research and discuss current medical and ethical scenarios in a problem solving setting.• Access to UNIFROG – an online portal giving full details on university courses throughout the UK, live apprenticeships STUDYING ABROAD and MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses) on a wide range of subjects which students can complete free of We encourage our girls to broaden their horizons in terms charge; of considering where they will study after Sixth Form. We regularly invite speakers to talk to the students about studying• Talks on non-university options post school such as in Europe and America as we feel it is important for them apprenticeships; to consider all options. The TGGS Sixth Form has become a more cosmopolitan and vibrant place due to the European• Talks by university subject specialists; students who study with us for either a term or a full year. We feel that this is hugely beneficial for all of our students• Mock interview practice; as we are promoting acceptance and understanding whilst helping them develop as ‘global citizens’. Students are able• Support with work-experience placements throughout to share ideas with each other, learn about different cultures, the Sixth Form. and speak new languages whilst forming strong friendships that will last a lifetime.CAREER CONFERENCES One of our students, Rebecca Tinkler, gained places at Bath,We run nationally recognised Subject Conferences that are Nottingham, Durham and York universities and was successfulvery well attended by TGGS students and students from in gaining a prestigious fully paid scholarship at Emoryother schools alike; in previous years, these have included University in the USA where she has chosen to study. She is anconferences in Psychology, Business related careers, exceptional student but it does show that the support is hereMedicine, STEM and Law. We can confirm that we will be for students who want to study in America and elsewhere.running a conference in 2019. Details will follow soon.

HOW SUCCESSFUL ARE WE?We are proud of the fact that for the last two years, at least 93% of OUR RESULTSstudents took up places at their first choice university. 63% of ourstudents went to one of the prestigious universities in what is knownas the Russell Group, and last year 50% of our Oxbridge applicantssuccessfully gained a place.“The preparation and support for University applications was brilliant.The staff were fantastic at explaining the application process andwere always there to answer any questions we had. When weactually put in our applications, the one-to-one sessions with myPersonal Statement mentor were extremely useful, especially asI found this aspect of the application quite difficult. The supportdoesn’t stop as soon as the application goes in either, for thosewith interviews at their universities, lots of advice sessions andmock interviews were available, both of which I personally foundvery helpful, and I think did a good job at preparing me for myinterviews.“ Katie, TGGS StudentOur OUTSTANDING Sixth Form is ranked in the TOP 10% IN ENGLANDfor Academic Progress and was the 25th best performing school inthe country for A Level results this year (Source: Department for Education/Alps Data)Results at A2 in 2018:84% of A Level grades were A* - B.54% of grades were an A or better.Student Progress (Value Added Score) = .20(Above Average - Provisional figure to be confirmed Jan 2019)Extended Project results in 2018:For the Extended Project, 96% of grades were at A* - B;75 projects were completed.

A LEVEL RESULTS 2018Pass rate = 100% Number of girls: 116A* & B = 84% Entries A* A B C D E UBiology 33 7 11 5 6 3 1 0Business Studies 14 0 5 6 2 1 0 0Chemistry 24 3 10 3 7 1 0 0Drama 8 1 2 5 0 0 0 0Economics 26 3 7 13 3 0 0 0English Literature 44 10 16 15 3 0 0 0Fine Art 6 3 0 3 0 0 0 0French 8 0 1 3 3 1 0 0Geography 30 4 17 6 3 0 0 0German 9 0 2 3 2 2 0 0History 20 6 7 7 0 0 0 0Mathematics 34 3 22 6 3 0 0 0Mathematics (Further) 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 0Media Film & TV Studies 13 1 9 3 0 0 0 0Music (TBGS) 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0Philosophy 6 0 1 4 1 0 0 0Physics 7 0 2 3 2 0 0 0Politics 14 1 7 3 3 0 0 0Psychology 43 2 14 15 10 2 0 0Sport Studies 6 1 1 2 2 0 0 0TOTALS 350 49 135 105 50 10 1 0

Listed are some examples of degree courses (this is by no means BEYOND A LEVELSan exhaustive list), together with the A Level subjects commonlyrequired or expected.It should be noted that all degree courses welcome and recogniseA Levels, and that high grades at A Level will get you into thetop universities. When you attend Open Days at universities, theyalways include A Levels as part of their talk - no other qualificationis recognised and accepted so widely.Not all higher education establishments have the samerequirements, and very rarely is there no flexibility at all. On theother hand, if you apply with an unconventional combinationof subjects for a particular course, you may put yourself at adisadvantage with respect to other applicants. Some A Levelsubjects will be listed as ‘Required’ and are essential and somelisted as ‘Recommended’ and, although are not essential, maybe qualifications held by the majority of people applying for thatcourse. The most up to date information is usually on universitywebsites and university Admissions Officers do not mind answeringqueries.A further consideration may be your proposed career directionbeyond university. Some degree courses may lead to specificoccupations while others are less ‘vocational’. You should bewary of letting this aspect totally determine your A Level subjectchoice and remember that the quality of both A Level passesand a degree are widely regarded as a measure of a set of skillswhich can be applied in any number of occupations. The majorityof graduates rarely employ the information gained through theirdegree but do employ their cumulative skills. In other words, whilstyou may want to keep an eye on the future, there is much to besaid for choosing subjects in which you are interested and arelikely to be successful.Therefore if you have any concerns about A Level course choicesand their suitability, please make an appointment to see MrNeighbour.NB. Sustained and relevant work experience may be arequirement for some courses.

Animal Sciences Computer Science Geology / Geophysics Occupational TherapyBiology and Chemistry Maths and Further Maths, Earth Sciences / A social science or Sciencepreferred. Relevant work with some preference Palaeobiology / subject required for mostexperience is useful. for Physics. STEP used by Palaeontology courses.Archaeology some universities as part of Maths/Science subjects PharmacyHistory, Geography, English conditional offer. usually required. Chemistry, Chemistry and one or twoand/or a Science subject Dentistry Geology, Maths and other Sciences usuallymay be preferred. 2 Sciences Chemistry plus Biology usually Physics often preferred. required.required for Archaeological required. Another Science (For Palaeobiology / Philosophy /Science courses. subject may be required Palaeontology courses Maths PPE - Philosophy, Politics andAnthropology or preferred. Evidence of often useful). Geography EconomicsBiology, Economics and manual dexterity must be may be accepted as an No specific subjects required.Geography preferred given (e.g. model-making or additional Science for some Maths is very useful for logicfor some biological playing an instrument). courses. (and Economics) and ananthropological courses Drama/Theatre Studies History essay-based subject can(Social Anthropology) English and Theatre Studies History with 2 other Arts give evidence of ability toArchitecture/ may be required. Extensive subjects. A Science subject expand on ideas.Architectural Engineering record of involvement in or Modern Language may PhysicsMaths and/or Physics theatre productions often be considered for a third A Physics and Maths (andrequired or preferred for required. Not all courses level. Chemistry sometimessome courses. Art sometimes involve acting - you need Law preferred). Further Mathsa requirement and a to check. You may also A very high standard highly desirable for someportfolio of artwork is often wish to apply through UCAS required in 3 subjects. courses.requested. Conservatoires – see Mr Preference for at least one PhysiotherapyArt / Design Neighbour for details of how essay based subject. (LNAT – One or two Science subjectsArt A level and portfolio of to do this. the Law National Admissions required.artwork required by many Economics Test often required – check Physical Educationcourses. You may choose to Maths and Economics may course websites). PE, Sports Science requiredcomplete an Art Foundation be required or preferred. Materials Science for some courses. Maycourse prior to university. Check university websites Maths, Physics and/or be useful to have studiedBiochemistry / Biomedical carefully for other preferred Chemistry. Biology / Chemistry.Science / Genetics / subjects. Mathematics/Statistics PoliticsPhysiology Educational Studies Maths and Further Maths, No subjects specified. HistoryChemistry required. Biology A level in the main subject of preference given to Physics. or English useful.usually preferred, one or choice required plus one or STEP may be used. Psychologytwo Maths/Science subjects two other A levels. Medicine/Veterinary Science A Science subject sometimesrequired. Engineering Chemistry and Biology required. Look carefully atBusiness and Management Maths and/or Physics usually required. Subject individual course outlines -Courses/Accountancy required. Further Maths requirements vary - check some more science-basedMaths is often essential or sometimes recommended. university websites carefully. than others. Maths can alsodesirable. There is a wide Some universities may use High grades, relevant work be useful.range of courses, some show STEP as part of conditional experience essential and an Sociologypreference for Economics, offer. interview will be required. No subjects specifiedBusiness Studies, Geography, English Additional admissions test Town and Country PlanningEnglish or a Foreign English Literature required, may also be required (BMAT, Geography may beLanguage. often two other Arts subjects. UKCAT). specified.Chemistry / Environmental Science Music Zoology /Chemical Engineering One or two Science subjects A level Music plus Animal ScienceTwo Science subjects are usually stipulated. Maths instrumental grade usually Biology and Chemistryincluding Chemistry may be required. required. preferred.(Chemistry, Physics and Geography Natural SciencesMaths is a good combination Geography with two other High grades in 3 Scienceswith Further Maths for some subjects. Maths or Science (check individual coursecourses). required for BSc. requirements). Maths useful as a fourth A level.

“I’ve never felt more at home. I am always pushed to achieve excellence, to reach my full TESTIMONIALS potential and to aim for the stars. Having been given ample opportunities, I can leave year13 without any regrets. I am proud to say that moving to TGGS was the best decision that I have ever made” Bethany Gillson (joined us from Newton Abbot College)“With the support of my teachers and the high standard of teaching, this school has helped me fulfil my potential. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere has made the process of settling in and making friends much easier. I have really enjoyed my time here and look forward to facing the opportunity and challenges in the year ahead” Hanan Yonis (joined us from Westlands) The TGGS Sixth Form is an environment which has inspired me, as a young woman, to be confident and ambitious in all areas of life. My year on the Head Girl Team involved organising numerous whole-school events and taught me so many invaluable skills, such as leadership, teamwork and time-management, which I will take forward with me. The size of the Sixth Form means that the staff care about you as individuals, and I’ve received nothing but support and encouragement from the staff regarding my aspirations to go into theatre. If you want to study somewhere that will challenge you to be the best you can be and receive unwavering support along the way, I cannot recommend the TGGS Sixth Form highly enough! Ellie Finnerty (Deputy Head Girl 2017)“My time at TGGS Sixth Form was filled with opportunities, enrichment and laughter. The staff nurtured all the students and enabled us to learn in a safe and fun environment. Personally, I believe this time provided me with a platform to develop not only my academic skills, but also my confidence and self-belief, which was pivotal in me applying to and gaining a place at The University of Bath.” Britt Tonge (Britt is studying Modern Languages and European Studies at Bath)“Throughout my time in sixth form I was encouraged to grasp every opportunity; by far my biggest accomplishment was representing my school as Head Girl. This role endowed me with a plethora of skills and gifted me new passions, whilst simultaneously moulding me into the resilient woman I am today. Such academic and administrative rigor thoroughly prepared me for the highly competitive admissions process necessary for drama schools. I attribute my success to the wide-ranging opportunities I received at TGGS; I now feel fully equipped to take on a demanding, but rewarding, career in the Arts.” Laura-Jo Williams (Laura-Jo is studying American Theatre Arts at Rose Bruford College)

“The dedication and hard work of the teachers at TGGS is something that I will always be grateful for – they were always prepared to give up their time and go the extra mile for any student – in academic, pastoral or even careers help and guidance. Undoubtedly, this support enabled me to have the courage to apply fora legal apprenticeship – something I was uncertain about, however the support and open minded approach of TGGS sixth form was unbeatable and I am now loving the path that I have taken. I feel that attending TGGS sixth form has given me such a head start in my career, the hard work, drive and professionalism encouraged at school, has already been recognised by my managers and colleagues in the work place, and I put this down to the confidence, independence and passion for my work that sixth form at TGGS allowed me to develop. Student wellbeing is key to TGGS, and the memories and opportunities that sixth form gave me, are just as important to me as strong academic and vital skill set that TGGS encourage and grow with every student” Sophie Dumont (Legal Apprenticeship with Womble Bond Dickinson)“During my A Levels I was supported in taking, and engaging with, subjects I enjoyed on a more profound level. My teachers were always helping to cultivate a creative environment, where I was encouraged to develop my opinions and challenge conventional thinking. Many of the skills which were coached have been crucial in my transition to university, and beginning to think independently about our world and current events. The support I received from pastoral and teaching staff was excellent, and I was accommodated at every stage of my sixth form experience. The Sixth Form staff are always working to facilitate every girl’s needs, and create long-lasting relationships with the students, through their care and supervision. I believe the guidance and encouragement I received throughout my A Levels contributed hugely in helping me build the resilience and initiative to pursue new opportunities at university, and beyond.” Amelia Harkabuzik (Amelia is studying Management in Canada after an internship in New York) “TGGS is the most supportive, encouraging and transformative place to spend a crucial seven years of your life. You may occasionally end up standing in the middle of a river on Dartmoor picking up bed rock, skyping in a classroom with a group of Australian boys about a poetry collection, or performing as one of the Backstreet Boys in end of term entertainment, but these are all life-affirming events in their own right. The opportunities my friends from school and I have gained from the sense of drive and confidence instilled in us by the incredible teachers and students have led to, five years on, us having lived in various countries around the world, working and studying in places we first talked about the possibility of at school. I would recommend TGGS to anyone and everyone considering whether they want to go.” Sophie Cowling (English & American Studies Graduate now working in PR in London)

All students will embark upon a programme of three A Levels, YOUR CHOICEhowever a fourth A Level may be accommodated within yourtimetable; this will be dependent on group sizes. Most students willstudy three A Levels from the outset, however, the option of initiallyundertaking four subjects, may allow you to make a more informeddecision about which three you will finally take examinations in.Enrichment:A wide range of enrichment opportunities are available to all ofour students. This might include volunteering within the schoolcommunity, joining the Head Girl team, leading the HUB scheme andmentoring lower school students, acting as academic ambassadorsor form buddies, or within the wider community such as volunteeringat Mayfield School, Torbay hospital and the Torbay CommunityDevelopment Project. Other opportunities include achieving theDuke of Edinburgh award or participating in Ten Tors.Extended Project:The EPQ is worth more than an AS level and is regarded highlyby universities. The qualification allows students to develop andimplement a project of their own choosing, developing higher levelthinking skills including scholarly research, analysis and the synthesisof ideas leading to a substantiated judgement, often in the form ofa 5000 word essay.Critical Thinking:This course is delivered over 10 weeks and will focus upon developingskills of hypothetical reasoning, critical evaluation of sources andhow to develop a justified argument. This course will complementthe teaching of the Extended Project and will be very useful foruniversity entrance tests such as the UKCAT and the LNAT.AS Level in a Creative Subject:The option to study a creative subject as an AS level could providean opportunity for you to explore your more creative side. Thiswill enable students to continue studying their core three A levelsubjects, without having to give up a creative option. As a school,we are committed to supporting students who wish to undertakean AS level in Drama, Art, Media Studies, Music or a Modern ForeignLanguage, to support the holistic development of each individual.

AQA Baccalaureate:The AQA Baccalaureate Programme is a British educational qualification which comprises of:• three A Level subjects (a student’s main subject choices)• independent learning through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)• skills development through Enrichment activities: work-related learning, community participation and personal development• breadth through one additional AS level, provided that this differs from a student’s main programme of study. Universities approve of what the course offers because it encourages student self-reflection and recognises the value of activitiesundertaken outside the classroom as vital contributors to a well-rounded education.

O“ utstanding” - Ofsted Torquay Girls’ Grammar School 30 Shiphay Lane Torquay TQ2 7DY Telephone 01803 653 765Email [email protected] Website www.tggsacademy.org