STUDYING IN THE SIXTH FORM

Academic Programme
We are a Level 3 provider offering a range of A Level, BTEC and Level 3 certificate courses. A detailed description and the entry requirements for all of our courses can be found in our Level 3 Course Guide.

As a sixth form student, you will study a minimum of 3 subjects or equivalent. This might be made up of different A Levels, one of our BTEC Extended Diplomas (equivalent to 3 A Levels), or a combination of A Levels, Level 3 Certificates and BTEC courses.

One of the important aspects to consider is the assessment for each qualification to see if it matches your strengths. A Levels are predominantly end of course examination subjects, whereas the BTEC subjects are a combination of assignments and smaller examinations. Some courses also have a practical element as part of the assessment.

Core Programme
In addition to your academic programme, we build a core programme into your timetable to help you to develop skills and qualities that will enable you to successfully move into your preferred Post 18 route. The core programme comprises a Tutorial Period, Core RE and Enrichment.

Tutorial Period
As a Year 12 student, you will be part of a Year 12 form group. We have a registration period each day and you will also have an hour of Tutorial per week with your form group. During Tutorial, we follow a programme of activities designed to help you develop a successful Level 3 student mindset and to provide all of the guidance you will need to apply to your chosen Post 18 pathways. Some examples of our Year 12 tutorial sessions are; VESPA mindset, the inter-form debating competition, time management and mental health and personal well being. We also have visiting speakers such as the Drive for Life Team and Gap Year providers. As you move into Year 13, the focus on Post 18 continues and we spend much of the first term devoting time to university, apprenticeship and employment applications before delving into a programme of ‘Leaving the Roost’ survival tips for when you move away from home!

Core RE
Core RE is an hour per week and is a period of time where you will discuss and debate moral and ethical issues pertinent to your age group. There isn’t any assessment attached to the course but you will develop skills in presentation, debate and team work. It is an engaging and fun course that helps you to develop skills that can be transferred to future courses or employment and it aims to widen your knowledge of contemporary issues.

Enrichment
Enrichment is a very important part of our timetable and your provision for whilst you are in the Sixth Form because it will provide you with extra-curricular opportunities and experiences which will support your Post 18 applications. Our aim is to provide activities that are engaging, fun and useful. We offer a huge range of options from the volunteering scheme to cooking, alumni talks and sport – plus many more! The enrichment programme is complemented by additional opportunities such as mentoring Year 6 students, taking part in a paired reading scheme, completing work experience at the hospitals or participating in university outreach programmes.

Independent Learning
Part of the sixth form experience is to equip you with the skills needed to be a successful independent learner and to instill a passion for lifelong learning. The sixth form study facilities and the support available in school will aid you with your learning. We have a Virtual Learning Environment with access to class and homework resources, an online homework App and, due to your flexible timetable, you will have opportunities to work with other students and your teachers outside of your lesson time.