Year 11: Beyond GCSEs | Senior School Surrey | Surbiton High School
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Year 11: Beyond GCSEs

Year 11 pupils finished school abruptly on 20 March. However, their full timetable continued on Monday 23 March until the start of study leave in early May. This not only ensures pupils finished their full curriculum but also places them in good stead going forward for subjects they will be pursuing at A-level.

Our staff have been working exceptionally hard over the past few weeks to devise a ‘Introduction to A-levels’ five-week programme which commences at the start of what would have been study leave. The programme has been carefully designed for all pupils, ensuring there is something for everyone and will also include a week of virtual work experience.

These courses are aligned with A-level choices of our pupils and will provide both an insight into the subject content of A-level and the skills needed to be successful. The programme contains three elements:

1. Subject-based lessons – these will be once or twice weekly with additional work to complete independently between each lesson. All materials will be relevant to the A-level courses and will enable our pupils to get ahead and be in the best possible place for starting their courses in September.

2. Non-subject based enrichment critical thinking tutorials where we aim to develop pupils’ thinking, debating and general academic skills in preparation for A-level whilst also widening their interests.

3. Virtual work experience and professional skills development. All pupils were asked to confirm their A-level choices by Wednesday 29 April and were then automatically signed up to the relevant subject options.