Academic Development

The Curriculum
Ewell Castle School offers a broad academic curriculum, which is underpinned by Ewell Castle Skills for the 21st century, an inspiring programme which focuses on nurturing and achieving skills for a modern world and achieving each child's potential.
To view the individual subject Programme of Study as well as information on A-level Text Books and Study Aids for each subject, please CLICK HERE for the Sixth Form Curriculum section of this website.
 
  
Academic Development and Support

Extended Project Qualification
The EPQ offers students a unique opportunity to explore a topic of personal interest while developing essential skills for university and beyond.
In the Year 12, students follow a structured programme that builds research, study, and life skill; laying the foundation for those who choose to pursue the EPQ in the Year 13.
In the Year 13, students complete an independent research project (3,000–5,000 words) and present their findings. This qualification enhances critical thinking, academic writing, and presentation skill and is highly valued by universities and employers alike.
 
 
Oxbridge, Medicine, Law & Competitive Pathways Programme

Ewell Castle Sixth Form offers  bespoke support for students aiming for the most competitive university courses, including Oxford and Cambridge, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, and Law.
Students benefit from:

• Tailored interview preparation, including mock interviews with staff and external experts
• Admissions test support (e.g. UCAT, BMAT, LNAT, TSA) and personal statement guidance
• Access to guest speakers, university outreach events, and subject-specific enrichment
• This programme is designed to stretch academic potential and build the confidence needed to succeed in high-stakes applications

Recent successes include:
A 2025 offer to study Medicine at St George’s, University of London
A 2024 offer to study Computer Science at the University of Oxford
 

Performing Arts Award

The Performing Arts Award at Ewell Castle School offers Sixth Form students the opportunity to develop their talents in Dance, Drama, and Music through dedicated weekly training. Delivered alongside A-levels, the programme supports students in becoming confident, creative performers while working towards the prestigious Trinity Gold Arts Award; worth 16 UCAS points.

Students explore all three disciplines before focusing on one or two for assessment, gaining experience in performance, arts leadership, and professional practice. Ideal for aspiring performers, public speakers, and leaders, the Award nurtures artistic growth, self-expression, and transferable skills valued in higher education and beyond.

For more information, please contact Mr Alex Tosh at a.tosh@ewellcastle.co.uk

 

Academic Further Information

If you would like to know more about our academic offering, please contact Mr Ben Woolford, our Director of Sixth Form at b.woolford@ewellcastle.co.uk 

Community Development

We are proud to be a part of the Ewell Castle Community and believe the Sixth Form experience is enhanced through participation and leadership within the wider community.

Student Leadership at Ewell Castle Sixth Form
At Ewell Castle, student leadership is more than a title; it's a dynamic, structured, and impactful programme that empowers Sixth Form students to shape their school community. Unlike traditional models that rely solely on a small group of Head Students, our approach is inclusive, strategic, and aligned with key areas of school development.

A Distinctive Model
Our leadership structure is built around a Head Student Team, supported by Deputy Heads and a network of Senior Prefects who lead specialised Focus Teams. Each team is aligned with a core area of school life; ranging from High Performance Learning (HPL) and Diversity to Mentoring, Sustainability, and Charitable Works.

This model ensures that leadership is not only representative but also purposeful. Students are selected not just for their academic or extracurricular achievements, but for their passion to lead change in specific domains. This distributed leadership model allows for deeper engagement, greater accountability, and more meaningful impact.

Focus Teams: Leadership with Purpose

Each Focus Team is responsible for a key strand of school life:

Media: Manages school communications, including newsletters and social media, celebrating student achievements and promoting events.
HPL (High Performance Learning): Champions effective learning strategies and supports academic excellence across the Sixth Form.
Student Voice: Gathers feedback and ensures student perspectives are central to school decision-making.
Charitable Works: Organises fundraising and community service projects, fostering a culture of social responsibility.
Operations: Oversees the logistics of school events, ensuring smooth planning and execution.
Mentoring: Provides peer support to younger students, promoting wellbeing and academic confidence.
Sustainability: Leads environmental initiatives and educates the community on eco-conscious practices.
Model UN: Simulates global diplomacy, enhancing students’ public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills.
Diversity: Promotes inclusivity through events and workshops that celebrate different cultures and perspectives.

Impact and Outcomes
This model has already demonstrated tangible benefits:

Student Voice initiatives have led to changes in school policy and improvements in the Sixth Form experience.
Mentoring Programmes have supported Year 12 transitions and improved academic outcomes for younger students.
Sustainability Projects have reduced waste and increased environmental awareness and developed key projects in the school including the development of a Bug Hotel and a Meadowed area.
Charitable Initiatives have raised significant funds for local and global causes, strengthening community ties.

Representation and Collaboration
In addition to Focus Teams, the Student Council plays a vital role in representing the wider student body. It acts as a bridge between students and staff, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in shaping school life.

A Platform for Growth
Our student leaders gain invaluable experience in leadership, project management, communication, and teamwork; skills that prepare them for university, careers, and life beyond school. The structure also supports regular self-evaluation and continuous improvement, ensuring that leadership remains responsive, reflective, and relevant.

Holistic Development

At Ewell Castle Sixth Form, we believe in developing the whole student. Our Wider Curriculum supports personal growth and prepares students for life beyond school; whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or employment.
Planned in line with PSHE standards and the Gatsby Benchmarks, enrichment is delivered through assemblies, form time, and dedicated sessions.
Enrichment is a core part of Sixth Form life, taking place every Friday during Periods 6 and 7. Students engage with:

• Guest speakers and keynote talks
• Enterprise challenges and group projects
• Careers preparation and university/apprenticeship support
• Model United Nations (once per term), developing skills in debate, negotiation, and global awareness
• Team-building and networking, including our annual Careers Fair

 This programme equips students with the confidence, skills, and insight to thrive in their next steps.

 
Co-Curricular
Our Co-Curricular programme aims to extend this stretch, challenge and support beyond the classroom and into the mindset of our students.
We offer a variety of different activities and opportunities including:

 

• Regular Sports fixtures and training (Including: Tennis, Rugby, Football, Netball, Cricket) and Sports Coaching and Lessons
• Individual Music lessons and Performing Arts activities
• Drama and Musical Productions (Most Recently; Grease, Alice and Legally Blonde)
• Student Lead Clubs such as Coding Club, Rainbow Club and Chess Club
• Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze, Silver and Gold)

To see an up to date calendar of events please see SOCS CLICK HERE

There are a wide variety of Trips available to Students in the Sixth Form including:

• Subject Specific Tours and Lectures
• Opportunities for wider travel (Most Recently; China, Dubai, Rome and Peru)
• Teambuilding activities including High Ropes and Paintballing

Pastoral Development
 

We recognise that progress is not always linear and that support comes in many forms and from many different directions.

We are proud of the personalised and bespoke approach we provide to our students; one of the benefits of the size of our Sixth Form is that every student is known and valued as an individual.

All support is triaged through the Sixth Form Team and respective stakeholders; underpinned by our respect for the wishes of the student and the family. The school employs the services of a professional counsellor and an ELSA should any student wish or need targeted support.

Academic support and intervention is grounded in Domain Specific Knowledge and is pedagogically informed. It is provided at a variety of levels including Subject Teachers, Heads of Department, the Deputy Head Academic and the Tutor team.

Students who require additional support to meet their potential also work closely with our Learning Support Department, developing individual strategies and actions to help them reach their potential.

Students receive personalised Careers support throughout their time at Sixth Form; including one to one meeting with our Careers Advisor. The Sixth Form Team also coordinate and support Post 18 applications including the support and guidance for work experience, the UCAS Process and applications for Apprenticeships.