Sixth Form Study

Welcome to UTC Reading’s Sixth Form

Our Sixth Form is different to the standard post-16 experience. 

We prepare our students for the world of work through an exciting employer-led curriculum designed to give students sought-after  qualifications in Computer Science and Engineering. A high percentage of our leavers go straight into in-demand apprenticeships.

Working directly with industry experts and experienced tutors, our varied STEM-focused curriculum is delivered both in school and online, and allows students to combine A Levels with BTECs in a small learning environment where they are really known.

But that’s not all.  Unique to UTC Reading’s Sixth Form is:

SPECIALISED AND VARIED CURRICULUM

A choice of A Levels and BTECs in a wide variety of subjects including 3D design with Architecture, which is unique in Reading

WORLD-CLASS EMPLOYER CONNECTIONS

We partner with some of the biggest companies in IT and Engineering to offer face-to-face learning, project days and mentoring

GOLD STANDARD CAREERS SUPPORT
We recently achieved the sought-after Gold Careers Mark for our excellent careers guidance, heavily supported by our employer partners

What can you actually study here?

Our Sixth form curriculum, like the Year 10 and Year 11 curriculum, is very focused on our specialisms of engineering, computer science and the other STEM subjects.  In our Sixth Form, you pick one of three routes of study; the Specialism Pathway, the Hybrid Pathway or the A Level Pathway. 

• In the Specialism Pathway, you will pick between the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering or the BTEC Extended Diploma in Computing. Both of these are equivalent to 3 A Levels. 
• In the Hybrid Pathway you can chose two A Levels alongside either an AAQ in Engineering or an AAQ in Computing. 
• In the A level Pathway you can choose up to three A Levels from the available subjects we offer as shown below. 
• Core Level 3 Maths is compulsory on all three pathways

Whichever route you take, you will have 15 hours of classroom time per week. In addition you will also have sessions for the Careers and Futures programme and further sessions on PSHE.  

You will also have access to the training and development options that take place on Thursday afternoons. 

For Year 12 and 13 students the timetable runs as follows: 

• Monday – Wednesday 09:00 – 16:00 
• Thursday – 09:00-15:00 (Training and Development runs from 15:00-17:00) 
• Friday – 09:00-15:00 

As a Sixth Form student, you will have approximately 17 hours of contact time scheduled over the week. Outside of this you are expected to work independently either in the UTC in our wonderful independent workspaces or you can work outside of the UTC if you wish. This is an important step in preparing you for the world of work in how to manage your time and working independently. 

THE SPECIALISM PATHWAY

THE HYBRID PATHWAY