Sixth Form

The two years spent in the Sixth Form is an exciting and enjoyable period for those boys who have achieved success at GCSE and who wish to pursue further studies.

At Saint Ambrose College we maintain a Sixth Form of traditional values of excellence. Each year the majority of Upper Sixth boys go on to study at university. To achieve such academic success requires an ordered, self-disciplined determination to work hard.

In accordance with our Mission Statement, we seek to provide a disciplined and caring environment in which our boys can fulfil their potential.

We believe that boys should participate in extra-curricular activities that contribute to the growth of happy, well-adjusted, creative young men of faith, concern and integrity. We offer a wide choice of activities: rugby, soccer, basketball, badminton, cross country, athletics, tennis, skiing, debating, public-speaking, orchestra & choir, drama, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Chaplaincy team, charity work, pro-life, mentoring of younger pupils etc.

There are also opportunities for foreign study visits, field studies and to attend the theatre and outside lectures.

Entrance to Sixth Form

Generally, the minimum entrance requirement is five GCSE passes (grades A*, A or B) with at least a grade B in the subject to be studied at A level (where applicable) and at least a grade C is expected in Maths and English

Language. We do, however, consider each individual boy on merit.

Entry into the Upper Sixth is not automatic, and is dependent on gaining the equivalent of four D grades at AS Level, excluding General Studies. A satisfactory level of attendance and a positive attitude towards learning are also essential criteria that will be taken into consideration.

Joining Saint Ambrose at Sixth Form Level

Each year the College welcomes boys from other schools who wish to join the Sixth Form of this Voluntary-Aided Roman Catholic Edmund Rice Grammar school, providing they meet with our usual entrance requirements and have an acceptable record of work, behaviour, attendance and punctuality.

In the past such boys have settled in well, made friends, played a full part in the life of the Sixth Form and have been successful academically.

The study programme consists of four AS (Advanced Subsidiary) subjects taken in the Lower Sixth, three of which are continued to A2 (full A level) in Upper Sixth. In exceptional cases a boy may study four subjects to A2.

Further breadth is currently provided by each Sixth Former taking General Studies at both AS and A2. This provision will be reviewed during 2011.

A lively and thorough Religious Education programme is an essential part of the Sixth Form curriculum.

During Study periods boys are able to carry out private study in the Sixth Form common room or the college library.

There are also lessons when advice is given on applying to university. 

Above all, we believe that boys should be learning in a vibrant community where the Catholic faith is lived out as an integral part of their lives.