Chesterfield High School is a Comprehensive School and the ethos of open access and equality of opportunity extends to our Post-16 provision. However, appropriateness is the key to building successful programmes for individual students and as such we advise students on the basis of their prior achievement.
The structure of qualifications at 13+, together with information about individual students, is our guide in placing students at the appropriate levels. Students will follow programmes at Level 3 for two years. We avoid setting rigid rules about access to courses at particular levels given that there will always be exceptions in personal circumstances. However, we do work to clear guidelines. Students entering the Sixth Form must have a very good record of attendance, punctuality, application to work and conduct pre-16.
We see our provision as representing one stage in a process of lifelong learning for our students. Allowing a student to follow inappropriate courses at this stage may be very costly in terms of their long term future.
The Curriculum
The ultimate aim of a Sixth Form programme is success in terms of formal qualifications and broader personal development. Chesterfield students have a record of high achievement. Many Advanced Level students each year go on to do degree courses at University, including the most prestigious and selective Oxford and Cambridge colleges. Courses pursued by our former students are many and varied.
We care about every student and offer the appropriate individual advice and guidance to ensure students are following the right course for them. We tailor their programme of study to match their current interests and future ambitions, resulting in a curriculum which allows students to develop their potential and to acquire a range of qualifications which will open doors for them in an increasingly competitive world.
We are proud of the fact that the majority of our students gain considerable success in University entrance with many students achieving their first choice of University. The size and success of Chesterfield is such that we have a large and highly qualified staff, this being a key factor our students value about their Post 16 education.
We are able to offer a range of Advanced (Level 3) GCE, Level 3 BTEC courses and Level 3 OCR Nationals within a curricular structure which allows breadth and flexibility while at the same time offering the necessary opportunities for specialisation and depth.
Opportunities for accredited additional studies are also available, including Leadership Awards, Extended Project Qualification and personal development accreditation including the PIXL Graduate/ Master program. We will continue to develop and diversify our curriculum provision at Chesterfield in our endeavour to offer our students the very best opportunities.
Sixth Form Courses currently offered include
| Subject area | Qualification at Level 3 | Exam Board | Qualification title |
| Applied Science Single | Vocational | Pearson | BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science |
| Applied Science Double | Vocational | Pearson | BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science |
| Art | GCE | Eduqas | Level 3 Advanced GCE in Art & Design |
| Biology | GCE | AQA | Level 3 Advanced GCE in Biology |
| Business Studies | Vocational | OCR | Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Business |
| Chemistry | GCE | AQA | Level 3 Advanced GCE in Chemistry |
| English Language | GCE | Eduqas | Level 3 Advanced GCE in English Language |
| English Literature | GCE | Eduqas | Level 3 Advanced GCE in English Literature |
| Extended Project | AS | AQA | Level 3 Extended Project Qualification |
| Further Mathematics | GCE | Pearson Edexcel | Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics |
| French | GCE | AQA | Level 3 Advanced GCE in French |
| Geography | GCE | AQA | Level 3 Advanced GCE in Geography |
| History | GCE | AQA | Level 3 Advanced GCE in History |
| IT | Vocational | OCR | Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in IT |
| Mathematics | GCE | Pearson Edexcel | Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics |
| Media Studies | GCE | Eduqas | Level 3 Advanced GCE in Media Studies |
| Performing Arts | Vocational | Edexcel | BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts |
| Physics | GCE | AQA | Level 3 Advanced GCE in Physics |
| Psychology | GCE | AQA | Level 3 Advanced GCE in Psychology |
| Spanish | GCE | AQA | Level 3 Advanced GCE in Spanish |
| Sport 1 | Vocational | Edexcel | BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sport |
| Sport 2 | Vocational | Edexcel | BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport |
| Sport 3 | Vocational | Edexcel | BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport |