General Qualification Pathway - A Levels (AS and A2)
After taking GCSEs and other qualifications at school, students in Sunderland can continue on a General Qualification Pathway by taking A Levels or the International Baccalaureate.
A Levels comprise one year of AS level study, followed by one year of A2 study in the same subject. In Sunderland, students can choose from a wide range of A Levels. These are available at Sunderland College; at Sixth Form Centres at the three Catholic Schools in the city; and at a number of Independent Schools with Sixth Forms.
Sunderland College
Telephone 0191 511 6000
Sunderland College has six sites which have been developed in partnership with the city’s secondary schools, and four of these sites offer A Levels, namely:
Bede Sixth Form Academy
Bede Centre, Durham Road, Sunderland SR3 4AH
This Sixth Form has been developed by Sunderland College in partnership with Academy 360, Farringdon, Sandhill View, Southmoor and Thornhill schools.
A Level subjects offered:
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Computing
Drama and Theatre Studies
English Language
English Language and Literature
English Literature
Film Studies
Fine Art
Further Maths
Geography
Government and Politics
History
Information Technology
Law
Mathematics
Media Studies
Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Sociology
The Headways Sixth Form Centre
Humbledon Building, Bede Centre, Durham Road, Sunderland SR3 4AH
This Sixth Form has been developed by Sunderland College in partnership with Hetton and Seaham schools.
A Level subjects offered:
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Computing
Drama and Theatre Studies
English Language
English Language and Literature
English Literature
Film Studies
Fine Art
Further Maths
Geography
Government and Politics
History
Information Technology
Law
Mathematics
Media Studies
Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Sociology
St Peter's Sixth Form College
Charles Street, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR6 0AN
This Sixth Form has been developed by Sunderland College in partnership with Castle View Enterprise Academy, Monkwearmouth and Red House Academy schools.
A Level subjects offered:
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Computing
Drama and Theatre Studies
English Language
English Literature
Fine Art
Further Maths
Geography
History
Information Technology
Law
Mathematics
Media Studies
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Sociology
Usworth Sixth Form College
Stephenson Road, Washington NE37 2NH
This Sixth Form has been developed by Sunderland College in partnership with Biddick, Oxclose and Washington schools.
A Level subjects offered:
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Computing
Drama and Theatre Studies
English Language
English Literature
Film Studies
Fine Art
Further Maths
Geography
Graphics
History
Information Technology
Law
Mathematics
Media Studies
Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Sociology
How to apply to any of the college sites
Application forms can be found in the centre of the college's 'School Leavers Guide 2010-11', available in all schools and Connexions Centres.
On-line applications can be made by visiting the college's website.
Places on courses are offered on a first come, first served basis, so it is best to start applying to college as early as possible in Year 11, rather than waiting until you have left school.
Applications should be made for just one site only. If you are unsure which site to choose, apply to the one that runs your chosen course or to the site closest to your home address. Your choice of site can be changed when you attend your interview, or even at a later date by telephone. Multiple applications from the same person for different sites will not be accepted.
Sixth Form Centres at Catholic Schools in Sunderland
Over 1,000 students from all over the city follow their Sixth Form studies at the Sixth Form Centres in the city’s three Catholic Schools. Applications are welcomed from students from all parts of the city who wish to pursue their studies in the environment of a school Sixth Form.
The three Sixth Forms have an excellent reputation for high academic standards, and a wide range of subjects is available. Their strong tutorial system and friendly atmosphere are important in creating this success. This care and support stem from the Catholic ethos of the Sixth Forms, which helps to provide a nurturing environment for their students. There are excellent transport links to the three Sixth Forms - by public transport to St Aidan's and St Anthony's (located near the city centre) and by special buses from all over the city to St Robert's.
A Levels are offered at all three Catholic Schools:
St Aidan's RC School
Willow Bank Road, Ashbrooke, Sunderland SR2 7HJ
Telephone 0191 553 6073
Fax 0191 553 6077
St Aidan's is located near to the city centre and its Sixth Form Centre caters for boys only. A number of courses are operated in partnership with the Sixth Form Centre, which is located at the Briery Site on Ashbrooke Road. A wide range of extra-curricular activities is also offered. There are currently over 270 students in the Sixth Form.
A Level subjects offered:
Art
Biology
Chemistry
Computing
Design Technology
Economics
English Language and Literature
English Literature
French
Further Maths
Geography
Government and Politics
History
Law
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy and Ethics (Religious Studies)
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Applied A Levels (Applied GCEs) offered:
Applied Art
Applied Business
Applied ICT
Applied Science
Although preference is given to students in Year 11 at St Aidan's, applications are invited from boys currently attending other schools in the city.
St Aidan's Sixth Form Open Evening is usually held about the middle of January each year.
Prospectuses and application forms are available from the school. Please contact the Sixth Form Manager at the school for any further information.
St Anthony's Girls' School
Thornhill Terrace, Sunderland SR2 7JN
Telephone 0191 553 7700
Fax 0191 553 7699
St Anthony's is located close to Sunderland city centre and its Sixth Form caters for girls only. A number of courses are operated in partnership with the Sixth Form at St Aidan's. The school has two separate Sixth Form centres, located in Gabriel House and Somerleyton House, and offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities. There are currently over 300 girls in the Sixth Form.
A Level subjects offered:
Art and Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Christian Theology
Classical Studies
Critical Thinking (AS level only)
Economics (subject to numbers)
English
English Literature
Food Technology
French
General Studies
Geography
Geology
Health and Social Care (Double Award/Single Award)
History
Human Biology
Information Technology
Latin
Law
Mathematics
Media Studies
Music
PE and Sports Studies
Physics
Politics
Product Design 3D Design
Product Design Textiles
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Although preference is given to students in Year 11 at St Anthony's, applications are invited from girls currently attending other schools in the city.
St Anthony's Sixth Form Open Evening is usually held about the middle of January each year.
Prospectuses and application forms are available from the school. Please contact the Head of Sixth Form at the school for any further information.
St Robert of Newminster Sixth Form College
Biddick Lane, Washington NE38 8AF
Telephone 0191 219 3810
Fax 0191 219 3815
St Robert's is located in Biddick Lane, Washington, and its Sixth Form College caters for both male and female students. The Sixth Form has close links with the Sixth Forms at St Aidan's and St Anthony's and with Sunderland College. The Sixth Form moved into its newly-built centre in September 2004. A wide range of extra-curricular opportunities is also offered. The Sixth Form is one of the largest in the country, with currently about 550 students.
A Level subjects offered:
Art and Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Critical Thinking
Design and Technology: Graphics
Drama
English Language
English Lang and Lit
English Literature
Film Studies
French
Further Mathematics
General Studies
Geography
German
Health and Social Care
History
ICT
Law
Mathematics
Media Studies
Music
Philosophy
Physical Education
Physics
Politics
Product Design with Textiles
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Travel and Tourism
Although preference is given to students in Year 11 at St Robert's, applications are invited from Year 11 students currently attending other schools in the city. Over half of the current Sixth Form students come from other schools.
St Robert's Sixth Form Open Evening is usually held about the middle of January each year.
Prospectuses and application forms are available from the school. Please contact the Director of Sixth Form at the school for any further information.
Sixth Form Centres at Independent Schools in Sunderland
Sunderland High School Senior School and Sixth Form
Mowbray Road, Sunderland SR2 8HY
Telephone 0191 567 7674
Sixth Form Curriculum:
Most Sixth Formers take 4 AS levels leading to 3 A2 levels, but this varies from person to person. It is the policy of the school that the Sixth Form timetable is created in response to the student’s choice and so, for this reason, we encourage each student to discuss their choices as soon as possible. The Head and the Head of Sixth Form welcome the opportunity to discuss possible subject choice at any time, even when students and parents are still unsure of their final choice of Post 16 education.
Students choose from the following AS/A2 courses:
Art
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Design Technology
English
Food and Nutrition
French
Geography
German
History
Information Technology
Latin
Mathematics
Media Studies
Music
P.E.
Physics
Religious Studies
Sociology
In Year 12, Sixth Formers also have two periods of Games per week, two periods of Enrichment and one Tutorial.
In Year 13, Sixth Formers have one Tutorial period per week.
Grindon Hall Christian School
Nookside, Sunderland SR4 8PG
Telephone 0191 534 4444
These subjects may be available:
Art and Design
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Drama
English Literature
French
Geography
History
Mathematics
Music
Religious Studies
Spanish