Choosing Your Programme

Choosing your Sixth Form programme is an important decision, but it should begin with you rather than with the name of a qualification. 

Think about the subjects you enjoy and in which you are strongest, your GCSE performance, how you like to learn and be assessed, whether you want to maintain breadth or specialise more deeply, and what you may want to do after Sixth Form. The right programme is one that challenges you appropriately, keeps the opportunities that matter to you open and gives you the best chance to succeed. 

At Hockerill, the breadth and flexibility of our curriculum means there are several ways to build that programme. Our IB Diploma, A Level and Applied pathways are all academically rigorous programmes designed to prepare students for progression to university, apprenticeships and future careers. The important question is therefore not which pathway is ‘best’, but which combination of subjects and qualifications is right for you. 

Breadth or specialisation? 

One of the most important considerations is how broadly you want to study. 

The IB Diploma Programme is designed for students who want to maintain considerable academic breadth. You will study six subjects across different areas, with three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, alongside the IB Core. 

Our A Level and Applied pathways allow greater specialisation. Most students will concentrate on three principal subjects, with a specialist four A Level Mathematics route also available and the opportunity to combine two A Levels with a Level 3 Applied qualification. 

At Hockerill, however, specialisation does not necessarily mean giving up breadth. Students following A Level and Applied pathways also choose a Sixth Form Elective. This may allow you to continue with an additional area of study, undertake an additional qualification or select from a range of IB Standard Level subjects. 

For example, you might specialise in three A Levels while continuing a language you have previously studied, begin a new language through an IB Ab Initio course, or maintain Mathematics within your programme through IB Standard Level Mathematics. 

Think about your subjects and your academic strengths 

Your individual subject choices matter just as much as the overall programme. 

Start with the subjects you genuinely enjoy and those in which you have demonstrated academic strength. Your GCSE results and current performance should form an important part of this decision. Sixth Form study represents a significant step up, and choosing subjects in which you have a strong academic foundation will help put you in the best position to succeed. 

Different subjects and pathways have specific entry requirements. Before making your choices, look carefully at our Sixth Form and subject entry requirements and consider how these relate to your own strengths and GCSE profile. 

If you already have a particular university course or career in mind, it is also important to investigate whether there are subjects you will need to study. If you are less certain about your future direction, maintaining an appropriate range of subjects can help keep different possibilities open. 

Our staff will help you consider these questions before your programme is finalised. 

Think about how you learn and how you perform best 

You should also think carefully about how you learn and how you perform in different forms of assessment. 

The IB Diploma combines six subjects with Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service. Assessment varies between subjects and includes final examinations alongside internally and externally assessed work. The programme also requires students to undertake independent research and manage different pieces of work across a broad curriculum. 

A Levels allow students to devote more of their timetable to a smaller number of subjects and explore those areas in greater depth. Assessment arrangements vary by subject, but many A Levels place considerable emphasis on examinations at the end of the course, while some also include coursework, practical assessment or other non-examined components. 

Applied qualifications provide another academically demanding route, with a greater balance of different assessment methods. Depending on the qualification, this can include externally assessed examinations alongside internally assessed assignments and controlled assessment. 

Think about your own experience. Do you tend to perform particularly strongly in examinations? Do you value opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge through extended assignments, research or practical work? Are you organised and comfortable managing several different deadlines? These should not be the only factors in your decision, but they are sensible things to consider when building a programme in which you can perform at your best. 

Think about where you want your programme to take you 

All of our pathways are designed to support progression beyond Sixth Form and are recognised routes to higher education and employment. 

For some students, that may mean a particular university course. Others may be considering degree apprenticeships, employment, further training or may not yet know precisely what they want to do. 

For students considering university overseas, the IB Diploma may be particularly attractive. It is an internationally recognised qualification studied in schools around the world and provides a well-established route to universities in many different countries. Within Hockerill's international community, studying abroad can therefore be a realistic option to explore rather than simply an abstract possibility. 

A Levels and other Level 3 qualifications also provide established routes to higher education, including opportunities to study internationally. Whichever pathway you are considering, it is important to investigate the requirements of particular universities, courses or countries if you already have a destination in mind. 

You do not need to have your future mapped out before starting Sixth Form. You do, however, need to make informed choices. Our careers and university guidance will help you explore possible destinations, understand any subject requirements and keep appropriate pathways open. 

One Sixth Form, different pathways 

Whichever programme you choose, you will be part of the same Hockerill Sixth Form. 

Our identity as an IB World School extends beyond a single qualification. All students learn within the same diverse and internationally minded day and boarding community, with high academic expectations, excellent teaching and opportunities to develop their independence, leadership and engagement with the wider world. 

The different curriculum pathways allow students to choose the qualifications and combination of subjects that suit them best without choosing between different versions of the Hockerill experience. 

We will help you decide 

You are not expected to make these decisions alone. 

Throughout the application and enrolment process, students will have opportunities to discuss their proposed programme and subject choices with experienced staff. We will consider your GCSE performance, academic strengths, interests, future plans, preferred ways of learning and the demands of the programme you are considering. 

Our entry requirements are an important part of this process. They are there to ensure that students have the academic foundations necessary to succeed in the subjects and programmes they choose, and we encourage students and families to consider them carefully when exploring the different options. 

If you are uncertain about which pathway or combination of subjects might be right for you, we encourage you to come and visit Hockerill, meet our students and staff and ask questions. Our Open Mornings provide an opportunity to explore the Sixth Form, find out more about the different programmes and subjects, and experience the wider College community for yourself. You can also contact our Sixth Form team with questions as you consider your options. 

There is no single programme that is right for every student, and there does not need to be. The IB Diploma, A Levels and Applied qualifications provide different ways of constructing a challenging and purposeful Sixth Form education. 

Our aim is to help each student build an appropriately ambitious programme that reflects their strengths and interests, supports their future plans and places them in the best possible position to succeed. 

Explore your options 

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 
Explore the structure, subjects and opportunities within the IB Diploma. 

A Level and Applied Pathways 
Explore our three A Level and Applied routes and the flexibility available within them. 

Sixth Form Electives 
Discover how you can broaden your programme beyond your principal subjects. 

Subject Guide 
Explore the subjects and qualifications available from September 2027. 

Entry Requirements 
Find out about our overall Sixth Form and individual subject entry requirements.