Welcome to the Lowestoft 6th

The Lowestoft Sixth links Benjamin Britten High School, The Denes High School, Kirkley High School and The Ashley School, bringing together 16 to 19 year olds from Lowestoft and the surrounding area. As it combines the best from the established institutions, the Lowestoft Sixth can offer a large variety of one and two-year courses, excellent guidance and support and highly experienced staff. Expertise and resources are pooled across all three schools with free transport available between the sites, allowing easy access to an impressive range of facilities.

As a student of the Lowestoft Sixth, you will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of courses. We offer one and two year courses, both of which can involve vocational qualifications. Advanced Level (A Level) are divided into two equal parts – the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and the A2. The AS is achieved at the end of the first year of study and you can turn this into an A2 by continuing the subject into the second year. The Lowestoft Sixth also offers Level 2 and Level 3 broad-based vocational qualifications designed to allow you flexibility in progressing onto higher education or further training for employment.

From September 2009 there will be a new qualification: the Diploma. This is an alternative to the traditional A Level route, but one which keeps just as many options open for you. It could lead to further study or to a job. Diplomas are not replacing GCSEs and A Levels, but gives you a different option and you can take A Levels or other qualifications as well, either alongside or as part of your Diploma. The Diploma is a qualification which will give you opportunities to experience different styles of learning in different environments, with an emphasis on practical activities. The Lowestoft Sixth is pleased to be able to offer two new Diplomas from September 2009 – Construction and the Built Environment and Environmental & Land Based Studies.

In order to take our two-year courses you will need at least five GCSEs at Grade C or above, normally in subjects relevant to the course. In Yr 12 students will study four AS Levels, moving onto three A2 Levels in Yr 13. By the end of Yr 13 all students must have a grade C in English and Maths GCSE in order to enter University.

In order to take our one-year courses at Level 2 you will need at least five GCSEs at Grades D to G. In order to take the Level 1 Diploma you will need to have successfully completed Yr 11.

Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) have created a series
of Levels that represent all qualifications in the UK:-

Level 1 = GCSE Grades D to G
Level 2 = GCSE Grades A* to C
Level 3 = AS, A2 and vocational qualifications
Level 4 = First Degree (such as BA or BSc)

Some subjects are vocationally directed through portfolio work and known as Level 3 courses. AS and A2 courses represent an academic course at Level 3.

The Lowestoft Sixth isn’t just about studying. While we want you to benefit from some of the best teaching available locally, we also know it’s important for you to develop outside of the classroom. Every Wednesday afternoon is dedicated to the Wednesday Afternoon Project (WAP) – an enrichment programme that is run to suit individual interests or to support a career aim - everything from the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme to sporting pursuits. Other options available include the Community Sports Leader Award, work experience, self-generated student clubs and activities.

We hope you will like the Lowestoft Sixth’s unique blend of familiarity, opportunity and challenge, quality and achievement and that you will make the Lowestoft Sixth your first choice for September 2009.