Core Maths’ is a qualification designed for those pupils who have achieved at least a grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics and are studying A Levels that have a mathematical component, but who are not intending to take A level Mathematics. It enables you to strengthen and develop the knowledge and skills you learnt studying GCSE which can then be applied to challenges you are likely to face in your other A levels or your university degree as well as in the world of work. 

This qualification is particularly relevant if you are studying A level subjects such as geography, business, chemistry, biology and psychology, giving you the skills to tackle problems in a variety of real-life situations. 

RHS uses the AQA Level 3 Mathematical Studies course which is the same as an AS level. Universities recognise the course and encourage social science applicants to study it where possible as it can result in a lower grade offer. 

A level Further Mathematics is the only fourth A level offered by RHS and is primarily aimed at students considering a mathematics or engineering degree.  

It is a full A Level taken over two years and is only available to pupils who have opted to take Mathematics A Level and have attained an 8 or 9 in the subject at GCSE. It is a challenging course which both extends and deepens your knowledge and understanding of mathematics. 

The Further Mathematics qualification is highly respected by universities as it demonstrates a strong commitment to studying and a passion for the subject - an ideal combination for any maths’-rich degree. Indeed, Further Mathematics is a requirement amongst some universities when choosing certain courses whilst others may adjust their grade requirements for those who study it. 

If you are not planning to study a maths’- rich degree but are passionate about the subject, you will find it an absorbing course that identifies you as having excellent analytical skills, whatever you are considering as a career. 

This A Level course has pass grades of A* – E like any other A Level. 

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is designed to stretch you in preparation for competitive university courses. It involves a research project that allows you to complete a university-style dissertation in an area of your choice.  

You will identify, design, plan and complete an individual or group project applying a range of organisational skills and strategies to meet the objectives agreed with your supervisor. Little of this course is teacher-led, so you will need to be able to learn independently, meet deadlines, plan and manage your project whilst taking decisions and solving problems as well as learning presentation and communication skills. 

The EPQ can take the form of a written essay, a scientific investigation, an investigation of a hypothesis, the manufacture of an artefact or involve some other form of production technique. Those who want to specialise in creative writing can research a range of different genres and forms of writing to hone skills in both creativity and written accuracy before producing a piece of extended writing such as a novella, short story, poetry, piece of drama or screen-play. 

Intrinsic to the EPQ is keeping a detailed log of the entire process from start to finish with appropriate reflection as well as a formal presentation to a non-specialist audience. 

Universities welcome candidates with an EPQ as it fosters essential skills required for a successful university career including independent study, research and essay writing skills as well as the enjoyment and ownership of learning. Some universities give lower grade offers to those who high EPQ grades. 

This AS Level equivalent course has pass grades of A*– E, and is worth between 8 and 28 UCAS Tariff points.  

This course is a nationally-recognised qualification which enables students to learn how to lead groups of people in sport and recreational activities. You will learn generic leadership skills including organisation, planning, communication and teamwork through the medium of sport.  

Both practical and classroom based, the course involves working with children of primary school age, older people and/or disabled people, delivered in eight units. Throughout the course you will complete your learner evidence record and will be assessed on your leadership skills in a variety of practical situations. 

Unit 1 involves evaluating your own leadership skills and looking at the qualities and skills of a good leader.  

Unit 2 looks at the provision of sport within the community, the health of the nation, community integration and barriers to participation as well as some practical hours spent within the community. 

 Unit 3 looks at fitness and involves some anatomy and physiology; it investigates the active involvement of learners as well as some fitness testing.  

Unit 4 involves the organisation and leading of a sports’ event or competition from event promotion to evaluation and feedback afterwards. You will work on this unit in the Summer Term. 

Unit 5 focuses on legal and ethical responsibilities when working with others looking at duty of care, child protection and recognising maltreatment.  

Units 6, 7 and 8 all involve spending time with three groups (children aged 4 – 11, older people and disabled people) and planning, leading and evaluating a number of sports’ sessions with each group. 

The awarding body is Sports Leaders UK.  This course has a limited capacity and places will be awarded to applicants that have have the skills and attributes to best benefit from completing the qualification. 

IELTS is a rigorous examination designed to test the ability of non-native speakers in academic English in four skill areas: writing, reading, listening and speaking. A high score (usually 6.5 or over) is required for university entrance, usually demanding success in each skill area. If you are an EAL student planning to go to university in the UK and you do not have a grade 4 or above in GCSE English or a B or above in IGCSE English, then you need to take this course. 

The course will enhance these four skills and build up the essential vocabulary and grammar competencies needed to ensure a high grade. As the examination demands a wide vocabulary, you will be exposed to a range of texts, videos and audio clips on a diverse number of subjects which will then be discussed and written about. This course will recycle vocabulary, improve pronunciation and fluency, as well as developing ideas in writing ready for the examination before the university application process begins. 

This qualification does not carry UCAS points but is a necessary UK university entry requirement for those EAL students without the required grades in GCSE or IGCSE English. 

 The RHS Sailing Academy offers Year 12 pupils the opportunity to develop their sailing skills and train to become an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) instructor as part of the Sixth Form elective programme. There are two programmes to choose from, depending on your level of experience:

 

LEARN TO SAIL

Aimed at pupils with little or no sailing experience, you’ll begin with the basics of how to sail safely and confidently before developing advanced skills such as racing and advanced seamanship skills. 

  Topics covered include: 

• How to sail, including rigging, launching, sailing in all directions, capsize recovery and essential safety knowledge. 

• How to handle a boat in all circumstances and solve problems afloat. 

• Everything you need to know about sailing with conventional or asymmetric spinnakers. 

• An introduction to club racing including all you need to know to get safely and effectively around a race course.
   

RYA INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

Aimed at pupils with a good level of sailing experience who are ready to undertake the Dinghy Instructor Pre-Entry Skills Assessment. 

This programme will provide you with all the qualifications to become an RYA Dinghy Instructor . Planned outcomes are: 

• RYA Powerboat Level 2 

• RYA First Aid 

• RYA Safe and Fun safeguarding course 

• RYA Dinghy Instructor 

• RYA Start Windsurfing 

An overview of each course is as follows: 

 RYA Powerboat Level 2  

This entry-level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). It focuses on low speed, close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations.  

 RYA First Aid Certificate (8 hour) 

This course covers all the usual first aid subjects but from a boating perspective. It is aimed at anyone who goes afloat whether inland, on rivers, estuaries or on cross-channel passages. In a medical emergency, a little first aid knowledge and immediate action can save lives, especially in remote locations. This course is designed to provide a working knowledge of first aid for people using small craft and to support skippers. The syllabus includes: the recovery position in a confined space, CPR, including the drowning protocol, cold shock and hypothermia from immersion and/or exposure, seasickness and dehydration, medical assistance or advice by VHF, helicopter rescue.  

 RYA Safe and Fun safeguarding course 

This course is suitable for anyone working with children and vulnerable adults in an RYA environment. This includes those volunteering or working at recognised training centres and affiliated clubs. It provides a basic level of knowledge and awareness, put in the context of realistic scenarios that anyone could encounter at their club or centre  

 RYA Dinghy Instructor 

Training in teaching techniques afloat and ashore is provided during the course. Instructors are qualified specifically to teach on either dinghies, small keelboats or multihulls, depending on their training course and experience. Candidates will be required to demonstrate competence in course preparation, delivery and management, as well as customer liaison.   

 RYA Start Windsurfing  

A course for complete beginners that teaches you the basics of windsurfing using the right equipment. At the end, you will be able to sail to a chosen point on the water and return to where you started from in light winds.  

 RYA Dinghy Instructor Pre-Entry Skills Assessment 

Candidates should be able to complete tasks such as those listed below, sailing at all times with an awareness of the 'five essentials', and confirming they can sail in a controlled and confident manner showing consideration for preparation, communication, approach and execution, at all times.   

 During the assessment, the candidate will be asked to complete the following: 

• Sail around a triangular course of 100m (minimum) legs to the best of their ability using all the boat’s normal equipment, including spinnaker if carried. 

• Sail a tight circular course around a stationary boat, making only one tack and one gybe. 

• Sail a ‘follow my leader’ course behind another boat.  The course may include all points of sailing and may be behind another sailing dinghy or behind a powered boat. 

• Pick up a man overboard dummy; the boat to be stopped and more than one attempt should not be needed.   

The candidate may also be asked to complete some of the following: 

• Sail without a rudder, or with the tiller on a loose elastic, around a triangular course.  You will be expected to make good progress around the course in a seamanlike manner (not applicable to keelboat or multihull instructor candidates). 

• Lee shore landing and departure 

• Anchor or pick up a mooring - wind against tide (if appropriate)       

• Come alongside a moored boat - wind against tide (if appropriate) 

• Recover a capsized dinghy and sail away (not keelboats) 

 Both sailing programmes are charged at an additional cost of £250 per term.