Meadowhead Sixth Form – Entry Requirements 2025

Applicants to our Sixth Form are required to achieve the following criteria:

Minimum Requirements: At least five 4 grades at GCSE and grade 4 in Mathematics and English (Language or Literature)

Recommended Level of Attainment: At least a grade 5, 6 or Merit in the subjects to be studied.  Achieving the recommended level of attainment will ensure that students follow courses where they are likely to be successful. However, individual consideration will be given to students who meet the minimum requirements. It is vital that you aspire for the highest possible grades at GCSE to demonstrate your readiness for Sixth Form study.

Students usually study three subjects. Students with very high attainment at GCSE (six 7 grades or more) may be able to study four subjects – this will be discussed at interview. EPQ (in Y13) and Further Maths are usually studied as a fourth subject.

Applications to the Sixth Form for Meadowhead School pupils is via www.sheffieldprogress.co.uk. Students will be given login details and support with the application process in November.

Please note that subjects will run given sufficient demand.

Meadowhead Sixth Form – Making Your Choice

As a Sixth Form student, you should choose a set of subjects (usually 3) that are coherent and make sense when studied together. You should be able to explain the reasons behind your chosen subjects at your Sixth Form interview. Choosing an unusual set of subjects might make university applications more difficult and may lead to clashes on your timetable. The table below should help you choose sensible sets of subjects. Other combinations are possible but you should think very carefully about your motivations for choosing them.

The Russell Group (made up of 24 of the UK’s leading universities) offers guidance on A Level subject choice through www.informedchoices.ac.uk

Progression:

Art helps develop skills that all employers look for, such as creativity and problem solving, but there is a wide range of careers that studying Art can lead to. Examples include working within any design field (eg graphic design, fashion design, games design, architecture, urban design), film and television, advertising, theatre and events, animation, illustration, working with people (eg therapy or teaching) or being an art or craft practitioner.

This course is an ideal choice for students wishing to progress to Art related courses in further/higher education.

Entry Requirements:

You will need:

• GCSE grade 6-6 or higher in Combined Science OR
• GCSE 6 in Triple Science Biology plus one other grade 6 in either Chemistry or Physics

.

• GCSE grade 5 or above in GCSE Mathematics and English.
• You will need to show a high level of interest and enthusiasm in class and be capable of independent study.

How Assessed:

A-level grades will be based only on marks from three written exams.

A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A-level. Students will complete 12 required practical’s and will be assessed on their competency in a range of practical skills.

Progression:

Careers:

A level biology can lead to a wide range of careers including: medicine; veterinary medicine; dentistry; research scientist; medical research; physiotherapist; forensic scientist; pharmacologist; science writer; genetic counsellor; marine biologist; microbiologist and many more.

University Courses:

A level biology can lead to a variety of university courses. Common ones include: biology; midwifery; medicine; dentistry; veterinary medicine; biochemistry; biomedical sciences.

Links with other subjects:

A level biology partners well with Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

BTEC Level 3 National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate)

Overview:

Exam Board: BTEC Edexcel

To further strengthen knowledge surrounding effective care for a range of different needs in addition to the development of the human body between different life stages. Linking to a variety of careers such as midwifery, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, childcare, paramedic etc. You will learn skills and knowledge which are highly transferable to different occupations.

The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A Levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A Levels such as Psychology, Biology or English. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment.

Content:

Key Units/ Content

The qualification has three mandatory units covering the following topics:

 • Human Lifespan and Development – PIES and factors affecting growth and development, interventions and the different professionals providing care and treatment

 • Human Biology and Health – Human body structure and systems, normal physiological functioning and the impact of common disorders

 • Health and Social Care Practice – Core principles, values and legislation that underpin and influence health and social care, and the effect of social determinants on an individual health status

Students will also study an optional unit chosen by the establishment. This will be one of options below:

• Health, Social Policy and Wellbeing – Public health policy and its influences, including health-related organisations/groups and a range of strategic factors

 • Promoting Health Education – Health education, its purpose and use of different approaches and models to achieve positive health outcomes

• Safe Environments in Health and Social Care – Appropriate provisions in services relevant to different needs; governance relating to safe environments

 • Health Science – Types of infections and their potential impact on a local, national and international scale.

Key Skills

Organisations, time management, extended writing, independent study and reading, Cultural and social intelligence.

Students will develop knowledge and skills throughout this qualification that are key to health and social care related degrees. Students have the potential to develop transferable and study skills becoming well-rounded individuals, better prepared for the demands of Higher Education

Entry Requirements:

Minimum Requirements: At least five 4 grades at GCSE and grade 4 in English Language or Literature. Merit or above in BTEC Level 2 Health & Social Care.

Recommended Grade 5 in a science subject.

How Assessed:

How many exams: 2

Breakdown of marks:

Unit 1 exam- 90 Minutes- 80 marks

Unit 2 exam- 90 minutes- 80 marks

Coursework

Unit 3- Principles of Health and Social Care Practice

Optional unit- Coursework

Progression:

Midwifery, Health Science, Medicine, Social care, Health and Social Care, Childcare, Nursing, Paramedic, Primary education.

Links with other subjects: Psychology, Sociology, Biology, English

Overview:

Exam Board: Edexel

The Pearson BTEC level 3 national extended certificate in Business is intended as an applied general qualification covering 360 guided learning hours, and is equivalent in size to 1 A-level. On the BTEC Business you will study three core units: Exploring a Business, Developing a Marketing Campaign and Personal and Business Finance and the optional unit 8 The Recruitment and Selection Process.

The lessons will be based around local and international business case studies. Students will be given the opportunity to visit businesses to see theory put into practise.

Content:

This vocational course will allow you to study topics such as business development and strategy, financial planning and accounting, marketing, and recruitment and selection. You will learn from real business successes and failures. Analysing data and communicating using written, numerical, visual and verbal methods are all part of the course.

Entry Requirements:

5 GCSEs at 4/5 grade. Students must have achieved a grade 4 in Maths to be accepted onto the course. 4 in GCSE Business Studies if studied.

How Assessed:

The course will involve you studying 4 units in total

• Exploring a Business – Internally marked coursework unit, where you will look into detail at a range of different businesses
• Developing a Marketing Campaign – Externally marked exam (Completed on the computer), where you will write a marketing campaign for a business
• Personal and Business Finance – Externally marked written exam, where you will learn about person and business finance in detail
• The Recruitment and Selection Process - Internally marked coursework unit, where you will look into the recruitment process of a large business

Progression:

The course is an ideal choice for students wishing to progress their studies further in higher education or for students looking for further qualifications to help them gain employment. BTEC level 3 courses offer the equivalent UCAS points as A-Level subjects.

Many students apply to study Business related courses at University.

Others apply for jobs in a range of business and management related jobs and professions. Also a number of BTEC students have gone on to apprenticeships including in Accounting.

Overview:

Exam Board:  Edexel

Content:

The course provides pupils with a foothold in the real IT world. Pupils are required to demonstrate a range of skills including independent learning, research and analysis skills. They will develop their use of software by using advanced tools on programs and experience a range of software from Microsoft to the Adobe suite.

Independence is a key skill which they will develop to pursue a career in IT.

This Digital Skills framework has five categories with specific digital characteristics that apply in varying extent across sectors:

• Problem Solving – The use of digital tools to analyse and solve problems • Digital Collaboration and Communication – Using digital tools to communicate and share information with stakeholders
• Transacting Digitally – Using digital tools to set up accounts and pay for goods/services
• Digital Security – Identify threats and keep digital tools safe
• Handling Data Safely and Securely – Follow correct procedures when handling personal and organisational data

Entry Requirements:

5 GCSEs at 4/5 grade.  GCSE 5 or BTEC Level 2 Merit in ICT, other candidates on an individual basis.

You must have good time management, organisation and an ability to work independently in order to succeed on this course.

How Assessed:

The course has 4 modules which students will study. This will involve an externally marked written exam paper, an externally marked timed assessment (IT based) and two pieces of coursework.

• Unit 1:  Information Technology Systems – Students will study the role of Information Technology (IT) systems and the implications of their use in personal and professional situations. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of issues relating to the use of IT in personal and professional situations.
• Unit 2: Cyber Security and Incident Management – Students will study cyber security threats and vulnerabilities, the methods used to protect organisations against threats and managing security incidents.
• Unit 3: Website Development– Students will investigate fundamental principles in website development. They will design and develop a website in response to a client brief.
• Unit 4: Relational Database Development- Students will examine relational database development principles to understand the importance of data storage and normalisation techniques and apply their skills to design and develop data storage solutions to meet a client’s requirements.

Progression:

The course is an ideal choice for students wishing to progress their studies further in higher education or for students looking for further qualifications to help them gain employment.  BTEC level 3 courses offer the equivalent UCAS points as A-Level subjects.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Students should have a keen interest in IT and be willing to work on extended projects and coursework. 

Where can I find out more? 

You can find out more by speaking with Mr Kay, Mr Healey, Mrs Ali, Mr Benton, Mrs Freeman or Mr Green who would be happy to discuss your suitability for the course/course content in more detail. 

BTEC National Medical Science (AAQ) 

Overview:

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in medical sciences and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in medical sciences as part of a study programme alongside two level 3 qualifications, such as physical education and sport, sociology, chemistry and psychology.

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of human physiology, anatomy and pathology. Secondary research skills including collection and interpretation of data from valid sources and drawing reasoned conclusions. Practical skills in microbiology and their application in the diagnosis of disease and develop critical thinking. As this is a vocational course, there will be opportunities to take part in external visits and workshops including university lab sessions.

Content:

The course involves a combination of internally and externally assessed components. The first year includes a unit that develops their core and specialist medical science knowledge ready for an external exam. The qualification has three mandatory units covering the following topics:

 • Human Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology – Human body systems, cell ultrastructure, and how substances are transported

 • Health Issues and Scientific Reporting – The immune system, its dysfunction and genetic technologies; the validity and reliability of information used in health science reporting

• Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases – Methods of pathogenicity and infectious agents, growth of microorganisms and health and safety in a laboratory environment.

Students have a choice from three optional units covering the following topics:

 • Diseases, Disorders, Treatments and Therapies – Principles of physiological diseases and disorders and their associated drug and medicine development

 • Biomedical Science – Biomedical science techniques and their clinical application

 • Human Reproduction and Fertility – Reproductive science including causes of infertility and associated impacts on health and well-being.

Entry Requirements:

You will need a grade 5 in Science or a Merit grade at BTEC Science Level 2. You will also require at least a grade 5 in Maths and English Language or Literature.  Students will need to be enthusiastic and have a keen interest in the applications of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. You must have good time management, organisation and an ability to work independently in order to succeed on this course.

How Assessed:

A combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed exams. For each unit a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade can be achieved.

Unit 1: Principles of Human Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology, an external examination

1 hour and 30 minute paper made up of a number of short- and long-answer questions. The questions will assess knowledge and understanding of the underpinning principles of human physiology, anatomy and pathology, as well as the ability to apply your knowledge to new situations and will also test the skills of analysing and interpreting data and information from graphs, diagrams or text.

Unit 2: Health Issues and Scientific Reporting

The unit will be assessed through one examination of 80 marks lasting 2 hours. Students will be assessed through a number of short- and long-answer questions. Students will need to explore and relate to contexts and data presented. The questions will assess understanding of health issues and associated initiatives and reporting.

Unit 3: Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

The unit will be assessed by four assignments internally mark including practical based procedures and techniques. In this unit, you will carry out your own investigation into the effect of antimicrobial agents on the growth of microorganisms. This will enable you to begin to understand the role of clinical microbiologists. The investigation within this unit will benefit progression to higher education. It requires you to work independently to bring together understanding of scientific principles with practical skills to conduct an investigation to achieve a purpose, drawing on your understanding of cells, tissues and biological molecules gained in Unit 1, and your knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods gained in Unit 2.

Progression:

This qualification offers an alternative route into the medical sciences and for those students aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in medical sciences as part of a study programme alongside two level 3 qualifications, such as physical education and sport, sociology, chemistry and psychology.

Key Words:

BTEC National Medical Science

Overview:

BTEC qualifications are designed to provide highly specialist, work-related qualifications that give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to prepare for employment. www.edexcel.com has more details.

The Level 3 Performing Arts course is challenging, adventurous and explores many different dramatic conventions, styles, theatre practitioners and live professional production. It is a practical and engaging course and one that will need lots of energy and commitment from you. The course also requires you to complete extensive research tasks and reflective and analytical writing throughout. It will change the way you look at yourself and the world around you.

Content:

The course is a 360 guided learning hour qualification that consists of three mandatory units: Investigating Practitioners’ Work, Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance and Group Performance Workshop, as well as one optional unit, Improvisation.

You will develop a real understanding of the Performing Arts Industry and how to function within it. You will become an active member of a theatre company and be graded on what you do. The course is taught in Units, is very flexible and you will be looking at different styles of performance, writers and plays. You will work as an individual, but also as part of an ensemble.

Entry requirements:

Some students will have already studied BTEC Level 2 Performing Arts (Acting) or GCSE Drama. GCSE Grade 5 or above in Drama or Merit L2 in Performing Arts is desired.

Experience of performing is vital; you must enjoy working collaboratively and a Level 4 or above in English is essential. You must be willing to push yourself physically and emotionally, be both creative and disciplined and be open to new ideas.

How will I be assessed:

Over the two year course you will complete:

Three mandatory units – one internally and two externally assessed and one optional unit, internally assessed.

No final exam. Possible grades are Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*

Progression:

This course enables students to gain an entry qualification for a variety of courses in Higher Education – theatre based or in another academic discipline. Due to the nature of the subject we create a very versatile and transferable toolkit of skills which an education or employment establishment would be looking for. This includes problem solving, team work, perseverance, creative and analytical thinking. As well as understanding of how to present ourselves confidently and speak in a public forum.

Overview:

Exam Board: AQA

Why Study?

A-level Chemistry is a captivating subject that helps you understand the building blocks of the world around us. It explores how substances interact, how reactions happen, and how chemistry plays a key role in everything from the environment to technology. A-level Chemistry provides answers to intriguing questions such as:

• How do chemical reactions happen, and how can they be controlled?
• What causes climate change, and how can chemistry help reduce its effects?
• How are new materials like plastics and alloys designed and produced?
• How do batteries and fuel cells power our devices and vehicles?

By studying A-level Chemistry, you will gain a deep understanding of these topics, laying the groundwork for careers in fields like medicine, environmental science, chemical engineering, and materials science. Chemistry students often go on to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as developing sustainable energy solutions, improving environmental protection, and advancing new technologies.

As well as learning fascinating chemistry content, you will also develop important practical skills such as good laboratory practice and analytical techniques. You'll build transferable skills, including problem solving, independent research, and data analysis, which are valuable in a wide range of careers. Chemistry opens the door to numerous university courses and professional pathways, from pharmaceuticals to renewable energy.

Content:

Year 1: Atomic structure, bonding, amount of substance, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, reduction and oxidation, periodicity, group 2, group 7, introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and organic analysis.

Year 2: Thermodynamics, rate of reaction, equilibrium constant, electrochemical cells, acids and bases, period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, reactions of ions in aqueous solutions, optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, chromatography.

Key Skills

• Practical laboratory skills
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Independent research
• Problem solving and logical reasoning
• Data analysis and interpretation
• You should have strong maths skills, as there a lots of complex equations and concepts that can be tricky to understand.

Entry Requirements:

You will need:

• GCSE grade 6-6 or higher in Combined Science

OR

• GCSE 6 in Triple Science Chemistry plus one other grade 6 in either Biology or Physics
• GCSE grade 5 or above in GCSE Mathematics and English.
• You will need to show a high level of interest and enthusiasm in class and be capable of independent study.

How Assessed:

A-level grades will be based only on marks from three written exams.

A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A-level. Students will complete 12 required practical’s and will be assessed on their competency in a range of practical skills.

Progression:

Careers:

A-level Chemistry opens the door to a wide range of exciting and rewarding careers. These include: chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, environmental science, forensic science, toxicology, materials science, nanotechnology, food science, petrochemicals, and many more. It’s a key subject for those looking to enter professions in science, healthcare, and engineering.

University Courses:

A-level Chemistry is a requirement for many university courses, especially in scientific and healthcare-related fields. Common degree options include: chemistry, medicine, chemical engineering, biochemistry, pharmacy, environmental science, forensic science, materials science, and pharmacology.

Links with Other Subjects:

A-level Chemistry complements many other subjects, particularly Maths, Physics, and Biology, providing a well-rounded foundation for further studies in science and engineering.

A Level Economics

An externally-assessed written examination that has a pre-released context released in November each year. The students will demonstrate knowledge from all four themes in their answers throughout the exam paper.

Progression:

Economics has one of the highest graduate employment rates of any non-specialist degree and can lead to careers such as economist, accountancy, teaching, governmental & civil service jobs, transport sector jobs, jobs in business and many more!

Studying economics will help you develop transferable skills that will prepare you for studying at university or moving into the world of work. These include skills in data interpretation and essay writing. You will also develop commercial awareness.

Suitable higher education courses include economics degrees or degrees in applied economics such as environmental economics, labour economics, public sector economics or monetary economics.

You might choose to study business economics, international business or a business and management degree. Economics students can follow a wide range of careers in industry, commerce, finance and the civil service. You might choose a career in banking, sales, product management or general management.

Overview:

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

A-Level History provides the opportunity to develop an enquiring mind and excellent literacy skills, as well as studying a fascinating subject and developing your historical knowledge. History is a very interesting and practical subject, because it involves:

• Learning about people – how they interact, the motives and emotions that can tear people apart into rival factions or help them to work together for a common cause to bring about positive change.
• Learning about countries, societies and cultures – so many of today's conflicts and alliances have their roots in the past; how can you understand a country, culture or society if you know nothing of its history?
• Learning to locate and sift facts – analysing sources to identify truth and recognise myth, propaganda and lies. Also, summarising different interpretations and considering how convincing different ideas are.
• Researching evidence – you have to find out what happened through looking for different types of evidence and resources and deciding what is useful.
• Presenting what you've learned in a way that makes sense to others – communicating your ideas in extended written and oral form and having the confidence to defend your findings with evidence.

You will study a broad range of history from across the world and develop a greater understanding of how societies, cultures and governments have developed. The historical skills of analysis, interpretation of sources, understanding a coherent point of view, and problem solving play a key part throughout the course.

An Advanced GCE in History will give you a number of skills relevant to many types of employment, such as the ability to complete independent research to find information, and to analyse evidence and different interpretations. You will be taught how to present information clearly for others to understand in written and oral form.

We also offer a number of enrichment opportunities including a trip to Washington DC, and to Hampton Court Palace.

Content:

Paper 1: In search of the American Dream: the USA, 1917–96

This option comprises a study in breadth, in which students will learn about the dramatic political, economic and social transformation of the USA in the twentieth century, an era that saw the USA challenged by the consequences of political, economic and social inequalities at home and of its involvement in international conflict. The focus of study is on developments and changes over a broad timescale and so the content is presented as themes spanning a significant duration: 1917-80. This option also contains a study in depth of historical interpretations on a broad question, which is contextualised by, and runs on from, the themes: what impact the Reagan presidency had on the USA in the years 1981–96.

Paper 2: South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’.

This option comprises a study in depth of South Africa during its transition from white minority rule to the free elections of 1994, a long, and at times, dramatic process in which South Africa changed from an apartheid state into a multi-racial democracy. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the creation and consolidation of the apartheid regime by the National Party and the response and methods used by their political opponents in the struggle to overthrow apartheid, as well social, economic and cultural changes that accompanied this process.

Paper 3: Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603

Together, the breadth and depth topics in this option explore the nature of rebellion and disorder under the Tudors and the way the various challenges were met, the nature of change in government over the period and the changing relationship between the Crown and key sections of society. The option enables students to explore the way in which, despite a shaky start, the Tudors were able to establish their dynasty as one of the most powerful England has seen.

Coursework: The abolition of the Slave Trade

The purpose of this coursework is to enable students to develop skills in the analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history in a chosen question, problem or issue as part of an independently researched assignment. The focus is on understanding the nature and purpose of the work of the historian. Students will be required to form a critical view based on relevant reading on the question, problem or issue. They will also be specifically required to analyse, explain and evaluate the interpretations of three historians on the topic of the abolition of the British Slave Trade in 1807.

Entry Requirements:

History GCSE at Grade 5 or above if studied at GCSE. Students can still do A Level History if they have obtained a grade 5 or above in five subjects at GCSE, including a 5 in English Language.

How Assessed:

The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in History consists of three externally examined papers and coursework. Students must complete all assessment in May/June in any single year.

Progression:

Careers

History can open the door to a wide variety of careers and not just the obvious ones. Apart from being very interesting, history is very practical and teaches you vital skills that employers’ value. The skills you will obtain through studying History will be useful in a number of careers, either directly related to history (e.g. historian, archaeologist, museum Curator, teaching, tour guide, archivist, conservationist, heritage sites) or in areas such as journalism, law, politics, business, editing and publishing, tourism, research, libraries, national and local government and the civil service.

University Courses

You can progress to higher education courses such as an honours degrees in History, or to degrees in related subjects such as Politics, English Literature, Economics, Archaeology or Geography; or to vocational qualifications such as the BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Media (Journalism) or in Travel and Tourism.

Links with other subjects

History compliments a number of subjects, particularly English Literature, Geography, Sociology, Business, Economics and Languages. It is vital to understand the historical context of events, people, societies and literature in order to understand developments in world affairs and economics. 

Key Words:

Other names the course may have:

History

Ancient History

Archaeology