The High School Curriculum
Key Stage 5
Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)
Key Stage 5, also known as Sixth Form, is the final stage of education at Cayman Prep & High School. It is a time of increasing academic challenge, greater independence and growing personal responsibility as students prepare for university, specialist training and future careers.
Our Sixth Form has a long and respected record of academic achievement and offers a wide range of A Level courses within a caring, stable and high-achieving environment. Students benefit from exceptional teaching, strong pastoral support and expert guidance as they navigate the transition from IGCSE study to advanced level qualifications.
Students are supported from the outset to become both university-ready and future-ready through a personalised and balanced curriculum that promotes academic success, personal growth and intellectual curiosity. Through small class sizes, specialist teaching and close mentoring relationships, students develop the independence, resilience and study habits needed to thrive in Sixth Form and beyond.
Our A Level programme provides internationally recognised qualifications that support progression to universities across the UK, North America and beyond, including opportunities for college credit transfer at some institutions.
Entry Requirements
Students applying to Sixth Form must meet the school’s entry requirements as well as the specific entry criteria for their chosen subjects.
Typical entry requirements include a minimum of four CXC Grade I passes (or equivalent qualifications) together with the prerequisite grades for the subjects selected for study in Sixth Form. Students are also expected to enrol in a minimum of three courses. Full details can be found in the KS5 Curriculum Guide.
Many students begin Year 12 studying four subjects, although a three-subject pathway may be more appropriate for some students depending on their academic profile, future aspirations and intended university pathway.
A Personalised Academic Programme
Sixth Form students can select from a broad range of A Level subjects across the arts, humanities, sciences, languages and business-related disciplines. The curriculum is designed to provide both academic depth and flexibility, enabling students to pursue pathways that align with their interests, strengths and future aspirations.
Our A Level curriculum includes:
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Drama and Theatre Studies
- Economics
- English Literature
- Further Mathematics
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Marine Science
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- French
- Spanish
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Travel and Tourism
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is also available in Year 12 as an additional qualification for students seeking further academic challenge and an opportunity to develop independent research skills.
Choosing Your Subjects
Selecting A Level subjects is one of the most important academic decisions students will make. Students are encouraged to think carefully about their future plans and consider their interests, strengths and long-term aspirations when choosing courses.
Throughout the selection process, students receive personalised guidance from subject teachers, tutors and Sixth Form staff. Advice is tailored to individual goals, helping students choose subject combinations that support university entry requirements and future career ambitions.
Whether students are aspiring to study Medicine, Engineering, Law, Finance, the Arts or other specialist fields, our experienced staff help ensure they select an appropriate and balanced programme of study.
University and Career Preparation
Preparing students for life beyond school is a central part of the Sixth Form experience. Extensive university and careers guidance is embedded throughout Key Stage 5, helping students make informed decisions about their future pathways.
Students receive support with:
- University applications
- Personal statement preparation
- Admissions guidance
- Career exploration
- Interview preparation
- Research into study opportunities in the UK, USA, Canada and beyond
Students are supported throughout the application process by subject specialists, tutors and Sixth Form leadership, helping them navigate a wide range of higher education and career pathways with confidence.
Academic and Pastoral Support
Students are supported by specialist subject teachers, Form Tutors, the Head of Year and the Head of Sixth Form. Each student is supported by a dedicated tutor whom they meet daily, ensuring consistent academic guidance, wellbeing support and personalised advice throughout their Sixth Form journey.
All students are assigned to a tutor group and participate in the PSHE programme, which supports wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, economic understanding and preparation for adult life.
To support the transition from IGCSE to A Level study, all Year 12 students participate in Study Skills sessions during their first term. These sessions help students understand their learning styles, develop effective study habits, improve organisation and strengthen independent learning skills.
Sixth Form students also benefit from dedicated private study periods within the school day, helping them develop the independent learning habits required for success at A Level and university.
Additional support is available through our Learning Support team where appropriate, helping students achieve their best and develop as confident, independent learners.
Bridging the Gap to A Level
The transition from IGCSE to A Level study is an exciting step that brings greater independence, deeper subject knowledge and increased academic challenge.
Our Bridging the Gap resources have been designed to help students prepare for the demands of Sixth Form study before they begin Year 12. Each subject includes recommended reading, research tasks, key knowledge and preparatory activities to help students make a confident start to their chosen courses.
Students are encouraged to complete the relevant activities during the summer before joining Sixth Form. These resources provide an introduction to A Level study and help develop the independent learning skills that are essential for success in Key Stage 5.
Please download the resources relevant to the subjects you intend to study in Sixth Form.