With more qualifications to choose from than ever before, sixth formers have some serious decisions on their hands when it comes to forging their vocational path
Once upon a time, a brace of good A-level grades was a student?s ticket to future success: the university of their choice and all that followed.
However, in 2024, the academic playing field is more crowded than ever, with not only the alternative path of the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) offering a broader scope of learning, but also BTECs for more business- or technology-based subjects pertaining to the world of work, and Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs), which allow students to develop and demonstrate the skills needed for a degree course through project management and extensive writing. While this breadth of choice ultimately benefits today?s sixth formers by offering them a diverse array of routes tailor-made to their learning strengths and chosen destinations ? be that university, an apprenticeship, or straight into their dream vocation ? these extra options have the potential to make this two-year period of big life decisions even more stressful.
Tailored learning
Gresham’s.
There are an array of excellent schools offering students a gamut of vocational choices ? one such school being Gresham?s, in Norfolk. ?The vision for post-16 studies here is ?sixth form your way? ? we offer traditional A-levels, as well as BTEC courses and the International Baccalaureate,? says deputy head academic...