
		11-16 schools

		6th form schools

		Colleges

Timetable

Random alignment in the sixth-form timetable

In this example, the year 13 block B is timetabled against different year 12 blocks – blocks C, D, A and B. Students do not have access to subjects across the two year groups. Furthermore, consistent combinations of staff cannot be established, limiting the extent to which they can be deployed elsewhere in the school.

	Monday				Tuesday				Wednesday				Thursday				Friday
Period	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4
Year 13	B	B													B			B
Year 12	C	D													A			B

Consistent alignment in the sixth form

Here the blocks have been aligned so that consistent patterns are established. Students can see the combinations that are possible over the two years. Block E is common. It is used for key skills and for events or subjects, such as free-standing AS, which are available to students of both years.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Period

Year 13

Year 12

Consistent alignment across the sixth form and key stage 4

Consistent alignment across the sixth form and key stage 4 is possible here because each A level subject has eight lessons, amounting to five hours a week, and each GCSE subject, except English, has four lessons. Accordingly, each advanced block is aligned against two key stage 4 blocks. In view of pressure on specialist facilities for science and for design and technology, the block timetable for these subjects must be in place at an early stage. It is shown here as far down as year 9.