DAY TO DAY
Sixth Form
Hayesfield Mixed Sixth Form provides a comprehensive Post 16 education for students from the local community and beyond. We are dedicated to supporting all students, whether their aspirations lead them to apprenticeships, direct entry into the workplace, or to further study at universities and colleges, including those further afield. We take immense pride in our students’ strong academic outcomes and their successful progression to appropriate destinations.
Upcoming Events
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Curriculum
Intent
In Year 12 & 13, students have the option to take the Extended Project qualification as an additional enrichment option to demonstrate their independent learning and study skills to future employers and universities.
In addition, we offer a Level 3 Certificate in Applied Mathematics (Core Maths) to enable a wider range of students to study mathematics above GCSE level and to support their studies in a range of subjects from Business, Geography, Psychology to Product Design and Sciences.
Alongside our broad and varied A Level offer we offer a range of applied qualifications in areas such as Business, Medical Science, Health and Social Care and Early Years.
Implementation
Hayesfield’s curriculum ensures students build progressively complex knowledge across Key Stages 3-5, preparing them for future learning. Teachers carefully sequence content, informed by national guidelines and collaboration, to build secure foundations for deeper understanding and retention.
We employ various reinforcement techniques to aid recall and use low-stakes quizzes and formal assessments to gauge learning and application, focusing on knowledge mastery over teaching to the test at GCSE. The curriculum is delivered via a two-week, 50-period timetable across Key Stages 3 (Years 7-9), 4 (Years 10-11), and 5 (Years 12-13).
“Students who join the school in the Sixth Form say they chose it for the broad experience it provides.“
Ofsted (November 2022)
Subjects
Art Textiles
A Level Art and Design: This course is planned to encourage students to develop
skills, creativity, imagination and independence based on personal experience, taught skills and
critical understanding. Students show this through their responses to a range of stimuli.
This A-Level appeals to creative students who enjoy the practical style of learning; gaining an understanding of what it means to be a creative designer alongside the knowledge and a range of transferable learning skills sought by higher education and employers.
This course will explore 6 projects which include:
- Architecture
- Fabric Colouration
- Higher Level Making Skills
- Art Movement Collar
- Landscape Corset
- Personal Investigation
Year 13 will also be expect to complete externally set tasks as part of this course.
Biology
A Level Biology – A Level Biology perfectly complements other science, math, and technology subjects, preparing students to be scientifically literate for future studies or the workplace.
We support all students in maximizing their opportunities after the course, whether that’s university, employment, or apprenticeships. Many students use their A-Level Biology skills and knowledge to pursue degrees and apprenticeships in fields like biology, genetics, medicine, and psychology.
This course will explore numerous projects which include:
- Cell Structure, Biological Molecules, Nucleotides and DNA and Enzymes
- Biological Membranes and Cell Division
- Exchange Surfaces, Transport in Animals and Transport in Plants
- Communicable Disease and Classification and Evolution
- Biodiversity
- Ecosystems and Population and Sustainability
- Cellular Control, Patterns of Inheritance, Manipulating Genomes and Cloning and Biotechnology
- Homeostasis, Excretion and Neurons
- Hormones and Animal and Plant Responses
- Photosynthesis and Respiration
Business and Economics
A Level Business and Economics: In Business and Economics students make progress by learning and remembering in a more complex way as they journey through the curriculum.
We have created our own resources for all of the specifications on offer, differentiated by ability (target grade) and used by all teachers. We attended training courses and looked at research to create these resources and we believe that these match the requirements of the following courses; NCFE Business and Enterprise, AQA Applied General Business and Edexcel Economics (Specification A) A level specification.
This course will explore numerous projects which include:
- Financial Planning and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
- Business Dynamics and Managing and Leading people
- Developing a business proposal and Marketing communications
Chemistry
A Level Chemistry: A Level Chemistry is the perfect partner to all other KS5 scientific, mathematical or technological subjects, complementing and working harmoniously to build and develop the scientists of the future.
We guide all students to learn and build their skills to be scientifically literate and prepared for future studies beyond A Level, or application within the workplace.
We provide comprehensive support for all students to maximise their opportunities after completing the course, allowing them to access universities, employment or apprenticeships.
Many A Level chemistry students use the skills and knowledge gained to further their education beyond A Levels, including degrees and high-level apprenticeships, the sciences, medicine and mathematics.
This course will explore numerous projects which include:
- Atomic Structure and Amount of Substance
- Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Alkanes and Energetics
- Organic Analysis and Oxidation, Reduction and Redox Equations
- Kinetics and Periodicity
- Chemical Equilibria and Thermodynamics
- Optical Isomerism, Aldehydes and Ketones, Carboxylic Acids and Aromatic Chemistry
- Electrode Potentials and Electrochemical Cells
- Chromatography and Transition Metals
- Reactions of Ions in Aqueous Solutions, Acids and Bases
- Properties of Period 3 Elements and their Oxides and Rates Equations
Early Years and Health & Social Care
Both the Health & Social Care and Early Years qualifications offer in-depth study and practical skill development within their respective fields. The Health & Social Care qualification focuses on the theoretical and applied aspects of health and social care, including relevant legislation. The Early Years qualification develops understanding of diverse childcare settings, professional roles, and child development theories, while also building practical skills like teamwork, communication, and research.
Termly projects will include:
- Role of the Early Years, Childcare & Education Practitioner
- Human Development from Conception to 19 Years
- Key Legislation, Policy and Procedures
- Functions of Health & Social Care and Human Growth and Development
- Empowerment and Health Education
- Anatomy and Physiology
History
History lessons at A Level look to consolidate the key knowledge and skills of lower school whilst adding depth, detail and critical evaluation. A key feature of teaching at A Level will be teaching students how to think synoptically and to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar sources, interpretations, and wider historical context.
Explaining and evaluating the purpose and meaning of sources will still be important skills at A Level but we will start to shift the focus of teaching more towards critique and judgement. We make links between topics in order to provide a developed understanding of the links that drive historical change on a global scale.
Termly projects will include:
- The Affluent Society and Trying to Preserve Autocracy
- The Sixties and The Collapse of Autocracy
- The End of Post-War Consensus and NEA Module on Tudor Rebellions
- The Impact of Thatcherism and The Emergence of Communist Dictatorship
- Towards a New Consensus and The Era of New Labour
Medical Science
To study Medical Science, students need a Grade 4 in GCSE Biology (or 4/4 in Combined Science), Maths, and English Language. High-achieving students might consider taking OCR Biology A Level alongside or instead of Medical Science.
The Medical Science Diploma is a KS5 course, equivalent to an A Level, with 50% external and 50% internal assessment. This blend, with assessments spread throughout the course, eases exam pressure and supports students who may struggle with traditional exams.
Assessments include quizzes, summative tests, and tasks that allow for reflection and improvement, helping students become self-reliant and knowledgeable scientists prepared for further education or the workplace.
Termly projects will include:
- Transition, Biomolecules, Cardiovascular System and Respiratory System
- Physiological Measurements
- External Factors, Immune System, Nervous System, Musculoskeletal System and Lymphatic System
- Medical Science Research and Principles of Cancer
- Prescribing and Administering Medicines, How Medicines Work, Interaction, Distribution and Fate of Medicines
- Chemical Pathology and Assays
- Colourimetry and Light Analysis
- Genetic Techniques and Microbiology
- Haematology and Histopathology
Music
A Level Music: A Level musicians benefit from high levels of staff contact and the opportunities offered in an ever active and inspiring Music Department. We offer concerts, trips, foreign tours, musicals, live composition recording and
great results.
The main unities to study include:
- Listening
- Composing – Free
- Composing – Techniques
- Performing
PE
A Level PE: The Physical Education A-Level follows the AQA syllabus which allows students to engage critically with a
wide range of topics relating to Physical Activity and Sport. The course builds on what the students have been
taught at GSCE, broadening their understanding and knowledge of specific terminology and prompting them
to consider how concepts learnt impact the performer, coach and sport.
Termly projects will include:
- Cardiovascular System, Classification of Skill and Skill Transfer
- Respiratory System, Methods/Types of Practice, Principles and Theories of Learning and Performance
- Neuromuscular System, Use of Guidance and Feedback, and Memory Models
- Musculoskeletal System, and Information Processing
- Energy Systems, Aspects of Personality, Attitudes and Arousal
- Diet & Nutrition, Preparating, Training Methods, Motivation and Achievement Motivation
- and many more
Performing Arts BTEC
A Level Performing Arts BTEC – A Level Performing Arts BTEC offers a well-structured course focusing on devising, performing/designing, and practical text exploration for written exams. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on work with performance texts, often inspired by theatre practitioners, and allows flexibility in text choice to suit student needs.
Clear exam papers and live performance assessments by visiting examiners ensure a thorough evaluation of skills. This qualification promotes a smooth progression from GCSE and AS Level Drama, fostering collaboration, communication, and refinement skills. Many students continue to higher education in drama, including top conservatoires, or transition into diverse fields like Media, Journalism, Law, and English.
Physics
A Level Physics – A Level Physics complements all other KS5 science, math, and technology subjects, developing future scientists. We help students become scientifically literate, preparing them for higher education or the workplace.
Our comprehensive support maximizes post-course opportunities like university, employment, or apprenticeships.
Many students pursue degrees and apprenticeships in fields like engineering, science, medicine, and mathematics.
Termly projects will include:
- Forces and Motion and Work , Energy and Power
- Materials and Charge and Currant
- Energy, Power and Resistance and Electrical Circuits
- Quantum and Thermal Physics
- and many more
Product Design
A Level Product Design: At Hayesfield, the AQA A-level Design and Technology Product Design is a two-year course assessed 50% by coursework (NEA) and 50% by exam, both completed in Year 13.
In Year 12, you’ll build on your GCSE knowledge, mastering technical principles (Paper 1, 30%) through practical, computer, and theory lessons. We boast excellent facilities, including CAD/CAM and 3D printing, for hands-on learning, preparing you for the NEA.
Year 13 is dedicated to completing your NEA (50%), which involves creating a functional prototype, and covering Paper 2 (20%). Both exams are sat at the end of this year.
Termly projects include:
- Properties of Materials and Design Communication
- Timbers and Metals
- Polymers and Composites
- Health and Safety and Efficient Manufacture
- Design Methods and Processes
- and many more
Psychology
A Level Psychology: Psychology helps us understand ourselves and others, fostering British Values of democracy and tolerance by celebrating diversity. Offered at A-Level, it suits all abilities. Our course, unique for a predominantly white British school in Bath, challenges prejudice and gender bias, linking theory to students’ everyday lives.
Termly projects include:
- Research methods and Approaches
- Social Influence and Memory
- Research methods 2 and Pyschopathology
- Attachment and Biopsychology
- Gender and Issues and Debates
- Forensic Psychology and Schizophrenia
Sociology
A Level Sociology – In A Level Sociology students will gain an understanding of the social world that goes beyond the ‘common-sense’, ‘informed opinion’ type of understanding. They will come to understand what makes our society the way it is and develop a life-long curiosity about the world.
Students will be able to locate their own social experiences within the theoretical frameworks offered by the various sociologists they come across during the course: they will look at issues that are highly relevant to them as mixed sixth form students in Bath – from changing family patterns to feminist theory, from the status of scientific knowledge to the nature and causes of inequalities in society.
Termly projects will include:
- Introduction to Sociology and Families and Households
- Research Methods and Education
- Crime and Deviance
- The Media and Theory and methods
Trips & Opportunities
Hooke Court
26th – 27th September 2025
The upcoming Ignite Day is a team-building event designed to help the ‘Class of 2026’ foster a strong community spirit and develop essential communication and teamwork skills. This overnight trip to Hooke Court near Beaminster, Dorset, offers a fantastic opportunity for new Sixth Form students to get to know each other, build lasting relationships, and enhance key employability skills through a variety of engaging team-building activities over a 24-hour period. We strongly encourage all students to attend this valuable experience.
Year 11 & 13 Parents Information and Revision Evening
Thursday 2nd October 2025
The Year 11 and 13 Revision Fair serves as a crucial platform for students to proactively engage with strategies for effective revision. Through interactive workshops and presentations, students gain valuable insights into diverse revision techniques tailored to different subjects and learning styles, moving beyond passive studying.
Furthermore, the fair provides a direct avenue to learn about the comprehensive academic and pastoral support systems in place, including subject-specific guidance from teachers, mentoring programs, and well-being resources designed to navigate the pressures of exam preparation.
Crucially, students are also introduced to the wealth of resources available, such as online platforms, past papers, revision guides, and study spaces, empowering them with the tools necessary to optimize their learning and ultimately achieve their best possible marks in their crucial final examinations.
Important Term Dates
| Friday 26th – Saturday 27th September | Hooke Court |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 14th October | Year 12 Meet the Tutor |
| Thursday 6th November | Bristol Beacon Orchestra Concert |
| Tuesday 11th November | Year 13 Parents’ Evening |
| Thursday 13th November | Theatre Royal Bath Trip |
| Monday 24th November – Friday 5th December | Year 13 Mock Window |
| Tuesday 28th April | Year 12 Parents’ Evening |
|---|---|
| Monday 18th May – Friday 12th June | Year 12 Exams |
