A sixth form education that looks beyond school, to ensure young people are ready for the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We obviously want our British Baccalaureatae students to get outstanding grades and go on to top global universities but we want more than that. We want them to develop the skills and attributes they will need in a world where many jobs will be automated and distinctly 'human' qualities - like creativity, collaboration, resilience – will be prized above all else.
Academic
We offer two routes for university entry qualifications: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and A levels (supplemented where necessary with Spanish qualifications.) Both are internationally recognised and respected by leading universities around the world but they are very different. By offering the two systems students can choose which route suits them best.
Working with Professor Guy Claxton, neuroscientist at King´s College London, we have developed a philosophy of teaching and learning that helps students both obtain excellent results and develop skills such as problem solving, curiosity, creativity and independence. Our British Baccalaureate students will be prepared with the tools they will need at university and beyond, not simply spoon-fed for exams
Academic
Sixth Form Programme
At Hastings Nexus we offer two world class qualifications – both of which allow students to gain access to top universities in the UK, Spain and around the world.
The IBDP
• Students choose six subjects and certain subjects, such as Mathematics, are compulsory.
• These subjects are offered at two different levels of difficulty:
Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL). Three must be taken
at HL and three at SL. Which HL courses students choose will be
important for future university applications.
• In addition to those six subjects, all IB students take the
following “core” courses:
- Theory of Knowledge – a philosophy of knowledge
course.
- Creativity, Activity and Service – students must do
something in each area outside the classroom.
- Extended Essay – a 4000 word piece of academic
writing which is fantastic preparation for university.
Students receive a broad education under the IB programme
which develops their character alongside their academic ability.
A levels
• Students choose three A levels and most at Hastings also
take Spanish as a fourth.
• There is no requirement to take any particular subject.
Within what is offered in the timetable students can choose
any three subjects. Maths, for example, is not compulsory.
• Alongside A levels, students may choose to take:
- The Extended Project Qualification (similar to the
“Extended Essay” element of the IB)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing
System)
- PCEs which are Spanish curriculum subjects that
can be needed for Spanish universities.
PCEs and Spanish Public Universities
PCE stands for Pruebas de Competencias Específicas - Spanish subjects taught in Spanish. Currently students taking A levels will need to take two PCEs in order to be able to obtain the maximum 14 points for Spanish public university entry.
Currently, IB students do not need to take these additional courses as the IB Programme on its own allows students to be awarded up to the maximum points for Spanish university entry.
Universities and Careers
We have a full-time Universities Counsellor and a Director Técnico, who provide outstanding support for university applications.
Students from Hastings leave to universities in the UK, Spain, Netherlands, US, Ireland and many other countries. We want our students to be ambitious and last year students obtained places at Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial, Trinity College, IE, Navarra, Autónoma, Politécnica, Amsterdam, Delft, Eindhoven and Leiden.
Students receive regular careers advice and can also connect to our alumni community for advice and support.
Personal focus and support
We aim to make sure all students are valued
and given strong individual support:
• Personal tutor with regular 1:1 guidance
• Small class sizes average under 10
• Strong sixth form team
• Specialist university and careers guidance
• Full time psychologist
Our Enrichment Programme
There are a wide range of opportunities outside
the classroom (vital for personal development).
These include:
· The European Youth Parliament
· The Duke of Edinburgh´s Award Scheme
· Model United Nations
· Artificial Intelligence club
· Eco Committee
· Amnesty International
· Maths club
· National and International trips
Outstanding staff
The key to our success is our superb team of
caring and experienced teachers. Most are
from the UK and all have experience in
supporting young people in obtaining
excellent academic outcomes and developing
the skills they will need for university.
Sixth Form FAQs
The Nexus Sixth Form offers a unique educational experience that bridges the gap between school and university. Located in our state-of-the-art campus at Manuel Marañón 8, the environment is designed to emulate university settings, fostering independence and responsibility. With small class sizes averaging 10 students, personalized attention is a hallmark, ensuring each student receives tailored guidance to excel academically and personally.
Nexus provides two globally recognized qualifications: A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Both pathways are esteemed by top universities worldwide, including those in the UK, Spain, and beyond. This British Baccalaureate program emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the development of essential skills such as creativity, curiosity, and collaboration, which are vital for university success.
At Hastings, Sixth Form education is viewed as a critical phase that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Beyond achieving outstanding grades, the focus is on nurturing attributes like creativity, curiosity, and collaboration, ensuring students are well-prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Personal development is a cornerstone of the British Baccalaureate Nexus program. Students benefit from regular one-on-one guidance with personal tutors, small class sizes for individualized attention, and a dedicated Sixth Form team focused on their well-being. Additionally, access to a school psychologist and specialist university and careers guidance ensures that students receive comprehensive support tailored to their personal and academic needs.