Curriculum

Sixth Form Curriculum

Year 12 students study up to four subjects and take examinations in their first year; an approach we feel best prepares students for the challenge of A-levels. We also offer a number of BTEC qualifications for those who prefer a more hands-on approach and continuous assessment, rather than simply examinations. In Year 13, you will continue in your best three subjects and your previous years’ official results will serve you in great stead as you apply to university or seek employment or apprenticeship opportunities.

We offer students over five hours’ of teacher contact time, the highest level amongst our competitors. In recent years, A-level qualifications have become increasingly rigorous and demand the very highest level of independent study. We therefore combine academic lessons with a small number of study periods; it is vital that students use this time constructively and use our designated work areas to complete classwork and revision, free from noise and interruption.

Outside of core lessons, we encourage students to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), equivalent to an AS-level and highly regarded by universities and employers alike. Our EPQ results are consistently excellent and often prove useful in securing particularly competitive university places.

Sixth Form years are a crucial time in any student’s life; not simply because of the importance of achieving excellent A-level results as a passport to higher education and an excellent career, but also because it is during these years that young adults develop the necessary resilience and life skills to copy with ever-increasing independence.

At THS Sixth Form, we place equal importance on both academic and pastoral care. You can be confident that by attending our Sixth Form, you will not only achieving the best grades of which you are capable, but that great care and support will be given to ensure you leave us as a happy, rounded and resilient young adult, ready to face the challenges of your next step.

You will be encouraged to stretch yourself, make yourself heard and assume a great deal of responsibility as you find yourself at the head of our very successful school.

We are renowned for our outstanding facilities. In the Sixth Form, students benefit from well-equipped seminar rooms, a common room, a kitchen, an atrium with café-style seating, as well as an external terrace with views across the River Tees for relaxing or working in fine weather. Personal lockers are provided and students have access to IT rooms and devices to support digital learning. The atmosphere is friendly and informal in a space completely separate to the Senior School.

Sixth Form Prospectus (as at September 2023)

Entry requirements

Entry to THS Sixth Form is subject to five or more GCSEs being achieved at grade 5 or above, including grade 6s in those subjects chosen for A-level. For alternative qualifications, decisions regarding offers of places will be taken on an individual basis.

Teesside High School has a proud history of achievement and is keen to continue to attract outstanding pupils who will most benefit from the opportunities and experiences available here. We offer a number of scholarships (Academic, Music, Sport) to recognise able and gifted students. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of written tests, auditions or trials and through interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. For more information, please speak to our friendly admissions team.