FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our Sixth Form.

Why should I join CGA Sixth Form?

If you are a bright, enthusiastic and dedicated student you should give the Sixth Form at CGA serious consideration. We have everything in place to help you achieve your dreams - a tradition of academic excellence, wonderful facilities and an amazing portfolio of extra-curricular and social events that will allow you to build leadership, team-working and interpersonal skills. Our Higher Education and Careers Guidance is second-to-none and there are numerous opportunities to listen to experts in their field and to visit HE institutions.

The Sixth Form is small enough to allow our highly qualified teachers to really focus on your individual needs - we don't just get you to where you want to go, we equip you with the knowledge, skills and attributes that you will carry with you throughout your life.

What sort of GCSE grades will I need?

You should expect grade passes of 6/7 in the subjects that you wish to follow at A-level, or the nearest equivalent in the case of subjects not being taken at GCSE. You should also expect a minimum of 6 good grades 5/6 at GCSE. External candidates will also be interviewed and references sought. For BTEC courses you need 4/5 passes at 4 or above to access the level 3. For more information checkout this website and our prospectus.

How many A-levels or BTECs do I do?

The linear A-level means that you will now have to choose 3 A-levels to study for the 2 years you are with us. In exceptional circumstances you may be able to choose 4 (you have 8 or more GCSEs 6 and above). You will study one BTEC qualification that is the equivalent of 3 A-levels.

As a new student to CGA will I feel left out? Are all the other students in their own friendship groups as they already know one another?

Each year, 40% of our Sixth Form is made up of students new to CGA. They are always quick to settle into life at here. Yes, 60%+ of the students will be moving up from CGA’s own Year 11 but these young women are very aware of the arrival of new students and they will go out of their way to befriend you. I think they appreciate some new faces around the place! Don't worry, you will be warmly welcomed into the CGA family. The size of our Sixth Form means that all girls get to know each other very quickly.

You will have opportunities to visit us before you officially join Year 12 and get to know staff and each other, we have an induction day in July when you can truly see what it is like to become a CGA sixth former. You will have lessons and be set work to complete as well as taking part in team building activities so you get to know everyone.

What will the classes be like?

You will certainly notice a difference from your GCSE studies. Classes will be smaller and although each teacher has his or her own style, you will appreciate that the learning process has become much more of a partnership between you and the member of staff as you work together to reach your full potential. Rather than studying a broad range of subjects like you did at GCSE, you will now study just a few subjects but in much greater depth. You will not just be spoon-fed the information; you will be encouraged to ask more questions, to pursue your own research and to think independently. There is a great deal of work to get through and you will have to be disciplined and organised in your approach to learning both in and out of the classroom.

Can I come and have a look around the Sixth Form?

Yes, but at the moment we are having to make sure we are adhering to strict government guidelines with Covid-19 so these visits will have to be arranged for later in the school year. In many ways the best way to see the Sixth Form is to come and visit us virtually by looking on the CGA website, follow our Sixth Form tour and meet with our current students. During term time you can always contact Ms Savory or Ms Campbell at bsavory@clapton.hackney.sch.uk / lcampbell@clapton.hackney.sch.uk and arrange a mutually convenient time to come in and visit us when it’s safe to do so. Come along to our Sixth Form Open Evening which is held in November each year. This year it will be held virtually but you still have the opportunity to ask and questions you have. The event will be uploaded to this website afterwards so don’t worry if you missed it.

How many new students do you take on each year?

Numbers vary slightly each year but we usually admit about 160 students into year 12, of whom anything from 60– 70 will be new to CGA.

Where do students go after Sixth Form and what sort of careers do they follow?

We have been sending our graduates out into the world for many years and they have made quite an impact!

Upon completion of A-level or BTEC study, the vast majority of our students (well over 75%) go onto Higher Education; most of them to their first choice university. Please look at our destination photographs that are up and around the school, in the Nightingale block and on the Sixth Form website. The remaining 25% go onto apprenticeships, we support you with choosing the right one and our excellent careers guidance will make sure that you are fully prepared for the world of work. We have a global network of alumni in a wide variety of different careers, many rising to the very top of their profession, you can learn more about these on our Sixth Form website and by following us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Do I attend all day?

CGA Sixth Form is part of a school and as such you are expected to be here at 8.40am each morning for Collective Time. This is time for you to be with your peers and your personal tutor, to take part in activities, leadership roles through the rest of the school and to get information about opportunities that we offer.