Do you want to work on your critical analysis, evaluation and reflection skills? Have you always had an interest that you would like to explore more? Do you want to develop your independent study skills to stand out at university? If the answers to any of these questions are ‘yes,’ then the EPQ is the fourth subject for you! The EPQ is recognised by many universities and employers and is worth half an A Level. Many universities make lower A Level offers to learners who have undertaken the EPQ. The subject is focused around the creation of a Production Log and Assessment Record that you complete over the course of the qualification. You will need to undertake a research project that is handed in to your supervisor and complete a presentation about your research to you present to an audience. L3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level AQA 4.5 Up to 28 93% Filton 3 This website is on the move! Please head to www.sgscol.ac.uk to discover and apply for our range of offerings. Summary Do you want to work on your critical analysis, evaluation and reflection skills? Have you always had an interest that you would like to explore more? Do you want to develop your independent study skills to stand out at university? If the answers to any of these questions are ‘yes,’ then the EPQ is the fourth subject for you! The EPQ is recognised by many universities and employers and is worth half an A Level. Many universities make lower A Level offers to learners who have undertaken the EPQ. The subject is focused around the creation of a Production Log and Assessment Record that you complete over the course of the qualification. You will need to undertake a research project that is handed in to your supervisor and complete a presentation about your research to you present to an audience. Entry Requirements To undertake the EPQ in your first year you should have a grade profile of grade 7s and above. The EPQ is taken as a fourth subject choice alongside your other subjects. Course Content The EPQ is studied over one year in addition to your three subject choices. You will undertake the following over the course of the year: 1. Identify and choose an area of interest that you would like to explore deeper. 2. Draft a title and aim for your project and discuss this with your project supervisor. 3. Plan, research and carry out the project. Learn and develop the skills you need to be able to project 4. Deliver a presentation around your topic to a non-specialist audience. 5. Provide evidence of your project development and keep a production log before final submission to your supervisor. The skills you will develop on the EPQ include: Research skills - The ability to search for and identify suitable sources of information for your chosen topic area. Project skills - Being able to develop skills and techniques for the safe execution of your project including ethical considerations, research methodology and writing techniques. ICT skills - You will develop skills around the production and development of your project and its presentation. Project Management skills - Including time, resource and task management skills. Writing and referencing skills and the prevention of plagiarism. Presentation skills - Building the confidence to develop and present your findings to an audience. Progression Routes The EPQ can help prepare you for the independent study skills you need to be able to thrive at university. It works similar to how a dissertation is undertaken at university and helps prepare you with the study and research skills to thrive on a range of subjects from the Sciences to Humanities, Creative and Professional subjects. Additional Learning Opportunities The EPQ is an additional qualification offered to learners and as a fourth subject choice, those taking it will not need to choose a Sixth Form Academy. The EPQ develops a range of skills and attributes with those who take it including project and time management skills, research and writing skills and ICT and presentation skills. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

Are you curious about how the world works? Do you have an interest in a range of subjects from chemistry, mathematics, astronomy, or biology? Are you interested in pursuing a career in a STEM industry such as Healthcare, engineering, computing, or maths? Are you interested in undertaking practical experiments to back-up your learning of knowledge in the classroom? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, then Physics is the subject for you! Physics is the study of the fundamental mathematical relationships that govern natural phenomena and the application of these relationships. You will gain a set of incredibly useful skills that make you attractive to a wide range of employers from engineering and manufacturing, computer programming, the construction and aerospace industries, medicine, and academia. If you take Physics, you must also study A Level Mathematics alongside to help develop your mathematical reasoning skills. A Level Physics is a two-year programme and is taught on the OCR A specification. At the end of the second year, you will sit a full A Level exam. There are three papers for the final A Level as well as a practical endorsement qualification that shows you have completed a series of practical experiments throughout your studies. A Level Physics add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level OCR 4.5 A* = 56 90% Filton 3 This website is on the move! Please head to www.sgscol.ac.uk to discover and apply for our range of offerings. Summary Are you curious about how the world works? Do you have an interest in a range of subjects from chemistry, mathematics, astronomy, or biology? Are you interested in pursuing a career in a STEM industry such as Healthcare, engineering, computing, or maths? Are you interested in undertaking practical experiments to back-up your learning of knowledge in the classroom? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, then Physics is the subject for you! Physics is the study of the fundamental mathematical relationships that govern natural phenomena and the application of these relationships. You will gain a set of incredibly useful skills that make you attractive to a wide range of employers from engineering and manufacturing, computer programming, the construction and aerospace industries, medicine, and academia. If you take Physics, you must also study A Level Mathematics alongside to help develop your mathematical reasoning skills. A Level Physics is a two-year programme and is taught on the OCR A specification. At the end of the second year, you will sit a full A Level exam. There are three papers for the final A Level as well as a practical endorsement qualification that shows you have completed a series of practical experiments throughout your studies. Entry Requirements A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including English Language. A grade 7 in GCSE Maths or above, and a grade 7 in GCSE Physics or 7-7 in GCSE Combined Science or above. We will accept you with a grade 6 in GCSE Maths and a grade 6 in GCSE Physics or GCSE Combined Science if you pass an entrance assessment. If you take A Level Physics must also study A Level Maths alongside Course Content Year 1 In the first year you will study four key units. 1. 'Development of Practical Skills in Physics’: In this unit you will develop your skills and abilities for experimental methods to analyse empirical data. You will learn how to plan, implement, analyse, and evaluate experiments and gain an understanding of how a range of apparatus and techniques can be used. 2. ‘Foundations of physics’: This unit introduces you to the important conventions and ideas that are present in the world of physics. You will gain an understanding of S.I. units, how to take measurements, and how scalar and vectors quantities operate. This will provide you with a fundamental understanding of the basics of physics from which the rest of your learning will develop. 3. ‘Forces and motion’: This unit will introduce you to the principles behind forces and motion and how to model these using mathematics. You will develop your skills in kinematics, linear motion and projectile motion whilst also exploring how forces operate in motion by looking at dynamics, equilibrium density and pressure. You will take this knowledge to then explore potential and kinetic energy, power, materials and Newtonian laws of motion and momentum further. 4. ‘Electrons, waves, and photons’: This unit will introduce key ideas of quantum physics. You will gain an appreciation of what electrons are how they behave in electrical circuits and a basic understanding of the properties of waves and the different forms of waves from electromagnetic, superposition and stationary waves. Lastly you will also learn about photons, the photoelectric effect and wave-particle duality. Year 2 5. ‘Newtonian world and astrophysics’: In this unit you will learn about the impact that Newtonian mechanics has on physics. From exploring the microscopic motion of atoms, to understanding macroscopic quantities such as pressure and temperature, to predicting the motion of planets and distant galaxies; Newtonian laws help explain these. You will learn about thermal physics, circular motion, oscillations, gravitational fields, and astrophysics. 6. ‘Particles and medical physics’: This unit focuses on the role particles and physics has in the medical industry. You will learn about the role of capacitors and their properties, electrical fields and Coulomb’s law and electromagnetism, including the application of Lenz’s law and Faraday’s law. You will also learn about Nuclear and particle physics and their applications to medical imaging. 7. ‘Practical Endorsement’: Throughout your studies you will undertake 12 assessed practical activities. These are there to show you have demonstrated competence in the range of skills and techniques required in Physics. Progression Routes Physics is an essential subject for a range of different careers. Combining Physics with different combinations of other subjects help provide direction for these. Due to the mathematical content of physics, all learners undertaking this A Level must also study A Level Mathematics. Adding Biology or Chemistry to Physics allows you to specialise in the Sciences for a range of medical careers. Combining Physics with Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry provides the foundation for a focus on engineering or electronics. Additional Learning Opportunities There is a range of opportunities to extend your learning whilst studying Physics. You could join our Medical or Science academies to further extend your understanding and develop your skills in the subjects. Physics learners also can take part in our regular ‘STEM@Lunch’ talks series. This includes regular talks from academics and employers. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

Do you enjoy studying science but want to focus on vocational and practical skills for a career in STEM industries? Do you want to underpin your studies on other subjects with a thorough understanding of the applications of science? Do you prefer completing assessments throughout you course of study rather than in a final exam at the end of the course? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then Forensic Science is the course for you! Forensic Science is a two-year course which is its own study programme, you will only study this subject. At the end of the first year, you can achieve a Foundation Diploma, which is equivalent to studying 1.5 A-Levels, before going on to complete the Extended Diploma in the second year of study which is equivalent to 3 A-Levels of the course of two years and carries the same amount of UCAS points as studying 3 individual A-Levels. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to pursue a career in science and combines academic study with the acquisition of practical skills. Throughout the two-year course, you will explore key concepts across all three main sciences whilst also developing practical experience in laboratory techniques and investigatory skills, beneficial for employability within the science sector. At the end of the course you will be awarded a BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with a Analytical and Forensic Science specialism. BTEC Forensic Science add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level Edexcel 12.5 Up to 168 New for 2025 Filton 3 This website is on the move! Please head to www.sgscol.ac.uk to discover and apply for our range of offerings. Summary Do you enjoy studying science but want to focus on vocational and practical skills for a career in STEM industries? Do you want to underpin your studies on other subjects with a thorough understanding of the applications of science? Do you prefer completing assessments throughout you course of study rather than in a final exam at the end of the course? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then Forensic Science is the course for you! Forensic Science is a two-year course which is its own study programme, you will only study this subject. At the end of the first year, you can achieve a Foundation Diploma, which is equivalent to studying 1.5 A-Levels, before going on to complete the Extended Diploma in the second year of study which is equivalent to 3 A-Levels of the course of two years and carries the same amount of UCAS points as studying 3 individual A-Levels. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to pursue a career in science and combines academic study with the acquisition of practical skills. Throughout the two-year course, you will explore key concepts across all three main sciences whilst also developing practical experience in laboratory techniques and investigatory skills, beneficial for employability within the science sector. At the end of the course you will be awarded a BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with a Analytical and Forensic Science specialism. Entry Requirements A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including English Language. A grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths and a minimum of grade 5 or 5-5 in GCSE Sciences. Course Content Over the two year course you will study Year 1 Unit 1 – Principles and Applications of Science I – This unit is assessed through an external examination. In this unit you will develop an understanding of key concepts relating to the major sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This creates a solid foundation for the other units you will study of over the rest of the course. Unit 2 – Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. You will develop practical scientific skills, including techniques used in experiments and the ability to analyse results. You will also learn how to calibrate laboratory equipment as well as other transferable skills required for working within different scientific industries. Unit 3 – Science Investigation Skills – This unit is assessed through an external examination. You will discover and explore the various stages of planning a scientific investigation and the skills required to conduct investigations, including how to record and interpret results, how to draw valid scientific conclusions from the results as well as evaluating the outcomes of different experiments. Unit 4 – Laboratory Techniques and their Application – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. You will develop an understanding of the importance of health and safety in work-place laboratories, explore how data is stored and communicated within these organisations as well as preparing organic liquids and solids in the laboratory. You will also compare how industrial production and testing of compounds compares to the processes that you carry out in the laboratory. Unit 8 – Physiology of the Human Body – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. You will look at the make-up of three human body systems: The musculoskeletal, the lymphatic and the digestive system. You will explore how these systems function and what happens when there is a problem with them. Unit 19 – Practical Chemical Analysis – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. You will develop further the key practical skills from Unit 2 of the course, and you will gain insight into analytical techniques used in laboratories. You will explore different chemical analysis techniques to analysis commercially available products. You will learn how to interpret data from spectroscopic and instrumental chromatographic methods, which have become the techniques of choice for many industries. Year 2 – Analytical and Forensic Science Specialism Unit 5 – Principles and Applications of Science II – This unit is assessed through an external examination. This units builds on and extends the range of key concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics that were covered in Unit 1. The knowledge and understanding you gain in this unit will give you a strong basis for progression in the applied science sector. It is important that scientists and laboratory technicians are able to use and apply key science concepts to work efficiently and effectively in science and science-related organisations. Unit 6 – Investigative Project – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. In this unit, you will carry out an investigative project that you have chosen in collaboration with you teacher. You will plan and carry out the project safely using scientific investigation skills, project management skills and draw on knowledge you have learnt from other units in your course. Unit 7 – Contemporary Issues in Science – This unit is assessed through an external examination. In this unit, you will explore contemporary science issues and their impact on the world we live in. You will develop your critical thinking skills and analysis skills by learning how to assess the reliability of published scientific information. You will look at the environmental, ethical, moral, social, political and financial impacts of a range of contemporary science issues; from advances in medical treatments, including stem cell therapy and genetic engineering, to developments in nanotechnology and food technology. Unit 11 – Genetics and Genetic Engineering – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. Massive advances in DNA technology over the last few decades have driven genetic research forward at an extraordinary rate. This unit you will develop your practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding of genetics and genetic engineering techniques. This unit will be of interest to learners wishing to follow careers in forensic science, biomedical science, veterinary science, agricultural science or industrial science. Unit 14 – Applications in Organic Chemistry – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. In this unit, you will learn that the majority of the substances we use every day are, or contain organic compounds. Pharmaceuticals such as aspirin and paracetamol, synthetic fibres for our clothes such as acrylics and polyesters, fuels for our transport vehicles, soaps and detergents, dyes, flavourings, perfumes and liquid crystal display materials are just a few of the many organic substances that are manufactured on an industrial scale for us to use. You will prepare and test a range of organic compounds and develop an understanding of their properties and uses in everyday life. Unit 23 – Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the practical approaches to forensic investigations. You will explore techniques used in the collection, analysis and reporting of biological, chemical and physical evidence during forensic investigations. You will have the opportunity to take part in analysing a simulated crime scene undertaking the role of a scene of crime officer and a laboratory analyst. You will explore the different biological, chemical and physical analysis techniques forensic scientists use to analyse evidence collected from a crime scene, such as blood typing, microscopy of hairs and fibres, DNA testing of bodily fluids, fingerprint analysis, chemical testing of fire-arms residue and drugs, handwriting analysis, footwear analysis, ballistics and bone and skeletal physiology. Unit 25 – Forensic Fire Investigation – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. In this unit, you will explore a specialised branch of forensic science, fire investigation. You will gain an understanding of how challenging the analysis of a fire scene can be for investigators due to the destruction that occurs at the scene and the health and safety implications that are involved. You will explore the ways in which investigators determine the origin of the fire, the cause and how the fire developed by examining the remains of the fire, uncovering evidence of what caused the incident and reconstructing the events at the scene of the fire. Progression Routes The Extended Diploma in Applied Science carries equal UCAS points to 3 A-Levels. This gives learners the flexibility to choose the pathway they are most interested in during their first year of study. The knowledge and skills gain through studying the Applied Science course are beneficial to learners wanting to continue their studies within a scientific field such as undertaking a degree in Applied Science, Chemistry with Analytical Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Forensic Science, Biomedical Science, Radiography or Sports Science; or pursuing a career in as a laboratory science technician in industry or undertaking an engineering apprenticeship. Additional Learning Opportunities There is the opportunity to go to NHS Blood and Transport and Body Worlds to support the learning of Human Body Systems in the first year and experience a real-life working laboratory. We organise regular talks for our STEM learners in the Sixth Form from scientists and academics through our STEM@Lunch series. You can join our Science Academy and Medical Academy whilst studying Applied Science. These academies explore career and university opportunities for science learners whilst expanding on what is taught in the classroom. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

SGS Sixth in Bristol has once again achieved an impressive set of A Level results, with 75% of our learners attaining grades A*-C. The college's drive to improve the lives of young people living in our communities along with the dedication from our staff to deliver excellent teaching and learning has meant that results at the Sixth Form have improved once again. Some notable accomplishments were seen in Maths (70.6% A*/A), Psychology (77.5%A*-B) and Biology (89.5% A*-C) with A*’s being achieved in Biology, Criminology, Economics, Further Mathematics, History, Maths, Psychology, Physical Education and Sociology. The overall pass rates were also strong, with (97.3%) achieving their full qualifications. There was also excellent performance in our BTEC courses all students achieving passing grade profiles and 60% of learners achieving Distinction and Distinction star profiles. Behind these figures lie the remarkable stories of individual achievements against back drops of ill-health and barriers to learning.  The achievements accomplished by each learner demonstrates not only their academic ability, commitment and ambition but also reflects the outstanding guidance and support provided by the teachers within the Sixth Form and the wider college including our wellbeing and study support teams. As these students step forward to embrace their academic futures, many are poised to enter some of the country's most prestigious universities to study the likes of Medicine and Law. Alongside Higher Education destinations, several of our learners have secured degree apprenticeships through Ernest Young, PWC and Balfour Beatty.   A Level learner Isaac Lee, is celebrating today after receiving an A* in Maths, an A in Further Maths and an A in Economics. He is now off to the University of Bristol to study Economics. He said: “I am very happy with my grades. I would really like to become a financial advisor and this is the first step in my journey.”   Another A Level learner, Ahmed Elhjaje is elated today after learning he has been accepted to the University of the West of England to study Sociology. Ahmed today received a B in Sociology, an A in Philosophy and an B in Law. He commented: “I have been stressing out so much but I am so happy. The teachers have been amazing and I don’t think I could have done it without them.  I can’t wait to start University and the next steps in my journey.”   SGS Sixth is more than just grades and percentages; it's a place where individual talent is nurtured, and students are allowed to pursue a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 30 Academies and access to professional-level sports facilities. This academic year, our learners have had the opportunity to play high levels of sport alongside their studies as well as engage in academies such as SAGE and Mastercard classes, Science, Creative Writing, STEM lecture from local partners including the NHS Blood and Transplant Service. Head of SGS Sixth (Pastoral), Gary Parsons, commented,  "Our student's achievements are a testament to their hard work and perseverance, as well as the tireless efforts of our teachers. SGS Sixth takes immense pride in providing a nurturing environment enabling students to flourish academically and personally as well as providing opportunities to explore avenues of interest through our academies programme."   Head of SGS Sixth (Academic), Becky Riddell said “ I am delighted with the achievements of each and every one of our learners, the grades they have achieved and the distance each learner has travelled is testament to their hard work, dedication and commitment to their studies at SGS. We wish each and every one, the best, on their future travels and endeavours. It is important to acknowledge our fantastic curriculum teachers and wider support teams, including our Heads of Year and wellbeing team, who have contributed to the academic success through their 121s, consistent and unwavering support and their extensive and exceptional subject expertise and pastoral care. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” SGS Sixth continues to welcome student applications and has an impressive range of academic, technical and vocational qualifications to meet the student’s needs. To apply via the late applicant advice and guidance sessions, please visit  www.sgscol.ac.uk  for further details. The first A-Level Open Day for 2024-25 is the 26th of September from 5:30pm-8pm.

We are extremely proud to announce that two of our learners, Rowan Graham and Mollie Williams have been shortlisted as finalists for the Bristol Young Heroes Awards. These awards aim to shine a light on those who have overcome difficult circumstances, made a difference to the lives of others, or achieved something extraordinary. Rowan is a finalist for the Sports Hero Award due to his achievements in Taekwondo. He has combined being a two-time world champion alongside achieving his GCSEs and A Levels at SGS Sixth. Molly is a finalist for the Superhero Award for her work with the Teenage Cancer Trust and her aspirations to continue her studies. The award ceremony will be taking place on the 5th July with Evie Hemmings who nominated Rowan and Chelsey Price who nominated Mollie attending a nominees reception at City Hall in Bristol on the 14th May. We wish Rowan and Mollie the very best of luck! at the awards ceremony and are extremely proud of them both.

On the 23rd April all of our Year 1 learners were given the opportunity to attend a UCAS Discovery Event in Newport, Wales. Around 200 of our learners attended and were able to speak to a range of different universities, apprenticeship providers in addition to listening to talks about all aspects of the UCAS process with UCAS advisors. This marks the first stage for our Year 1 learners on thinking about their future plans. They were able to ask lots of questions about the differences between studying in a city versus an out-of-town campus, what it is like studying at a Russell Group university, and find out which universities specialise in specific subjects. They were also able to speak to apprenticeship providers as well for alternative routes after Sixth Form. Over the next few months in the Sixth Form, Year 1 learners will continue their journey to formulate their future plans with help identifying which universities or apprenticeships they would like to apply for, support with creating a UCAS account and help with constructing personal statements.