St Bartholomew’s School Andover Road, Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 6JP
Telephone: 01635 521255 | Email: office@stbarts.co.uk | Full Staff Contact List
Y7-Y11 Attendance: 01635 576372 | Y12/13 Attendance: 01635 576366
Subject FAQs
Choosing a combination of 3 subjects
You can explore the subjects using the tiles below. These will take you to more information on each subject, including entry requirements and our teachers and students discussing the course.
Please note that while we make every effort to accommodate all students’ first choice combination of subjects, it is not always possible to do so. Where this happens, we will make contact with students in the spring when timetable structures are confirmed and invite them to amend choices.
Opting for an additional course
In addition to your 3 chosen subjects, we would encourage students to consider completing a supplementary Year 12 course – either an Extended Project Qualification (known as ‘an EPQ’) or the Core Mathematics Qualification. These are one year programmes completed in Year 12.
Can I take a fourth subject?
Students who are on track to secure an average GCSE grade of 7.5 or higher are able to select a fourth subject. Please note that agreement to proceed with all four courses will only be confirmed following GCSE results and confirmation of a 7.5 grade average.
Choosing Further Mathematics
Students choosing Further Mathematics will be timetabled for 4 subjects, as the selection of Further Mathematics will automatically lead to completion of both Further Mathematics A Level and Mathematics A Level.
Please note that students opting for Further Mathematics should NOT make a separate selection of Mathematics as part of the application process. Instead they should select Further Mathematics plus 2 additional subjects. This is irrespective of grade average. Students should note that the entry requirement for Further Mathematics A Level is a Grade 7 or higher in GCSE Mathematics.
Are all combinations of subjects allowed?
To enable students to manage their workload effectively and in anticipation of the demands of the exam window in these subjects, students are advised to take no more than two of the following:
- 3D Design
- Fine Art
- Graphic Communication
- Photography
- Textile Design
Are there subject specific entry requirements?
Our overriding aim is to ensure that students access courses which they will be able to complete successfully. If you are looking to take an A Level course that you have studied at GCSE, all the evidence suggests that, in most subjects, successful completion of the course requires you to have secured a Grade 5 in that subject. The step up from GCSE to A Level work is particularly steep in some subjects. Please check individual subject pages for subject specific entry requirements.
For General Sixth Form Entry Requirements please take a look at our Sixth Form Admissions page.
Subject Choices
3D Design
Applied Science (BTEC)
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Computer Science
Dance
Drama
Economics
English Language (Linguistics)
English Literature
Environmental Science
Film Studies
Fine Art
French
Further Mathematics
Geography
German
Graphic Communication
Health & Social Care (BTEC)
History
Law
Mathematics
Media Studies
Music
Music Technology
PE
Photography
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Sport (BTEC)
Textile Design
Supplementary Year 12 Courses