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Learning at Lancing

Senior School and Sixth Form Curriculum

Third Form (Year 9)

The Third Form curriculum provides a broad and balanced foundation, enabling all pupils to develop key skills and make informed GCSE subject choices at the end of their first year.

Pupils are placed in sets or bands for most subjects based on their entrance exam performance and study the following:

  • English (4 lessons), Mathematics (4), Physics (3), Chemistry (3), Biology (3)
  • Two languages from French, German, Spanish, Latin, or EAL (4 lessons each)
  • Geography (2), History (2), Religion, Philosophy & Ethics (2)
  • Music (1), Drama (1), Art (2), Design & Technology (2)

In addition, ICT and research skills are integrated across subjects, with a dedicated metacognition programme (one period per week) focusing on learning strategies, critical debate, and academic scholarship. All pupils also have lessons in Physical Education and PSHE.

Subject sets may be adjusted throughout the year, particularly after the Advent Term examinations.

Lancing College Lab

Fourth and Fifth Forms (Years 10–11)

Pupils in the Fourth Form (Year 10) continue with core subjects:

  • English (IGCSE), English Literature (IGCSE), Mathematics (IGCSE)
  • Sciences (AQA GCSEs, either separate subjects or a dual-award equivalent)
  • Religion, Philosophy & Ethics (internally certificated at the end of Year 10)

In addition, they select three optional IGCSEs (or four if they choose the dual-award Science route). At least one option must be a Foreign Language.

 

Optional GCSE Subjects:

  • Art (Fine Art or Photography), Classics, Design & Technology (Resistant Materials or Engineering), Drama
  • French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Music, Physical Education, Spanish

Top set Mathematics pupils may take Additional Maths (a post-GCSE qualification). Non-native English speakers may take IGCSE English as a Second Language.

Pupils also continue Physical Education and PSHE and may take GCSEs in their native language where available.

 

Guidance on GCSE Choices

Information on GCSE options is available via the school’s website and VLE. Tutors and Housemasters/Housemistresses provide guidance, and a parents’ and pupils’ information evening is held in the Summer Term.

All pupils participate in the Morrisby careers programme. The Advent Term Careers Day supports Fifth Form pupils and their parents (as well as new Lower Sixth pupils). Additional career and university application support is provided through Saturday mornings, tutorials, and the PSHE programme.

Although Lancing cannot arrange work experience placements, we facilitate regular employer visits to help students and parents establish contacts. Parent briefings cover key areas such as university applications and careers planning.

Sixth Form (Years 12–13)

A Level Subject Choices

Pupils initially select three or four subjects in the Lent Term of Year 11, finalising their decisions after GCSE results.

  • Most students study three A Levels.
  • Those taking the BTEC Diploma in Sport (equivalent to two A Levels) choose two additional subjects.
  • Students with a GCSE Grade 7 average or higher may take four subjects, provided they meet individual subject requirements.

Specific subject entry requirements are detailed in the Sixth Form Course Guide, published annually on the College website. Lancing does not offer AS Levels, but students sit internal summer exams to assess progress.

Progression Requirements

To enter the Sixth Form, pupils must achieve:

Most students study three A Levels (or the BTEC Diploma + one A Level) in their final year.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Students are encouraged to complete the EPQ, a highly regarded research-based qualification that strengthens university applications. Training and tutorial support are provided throughout the two-year course.