Sixth Form Handbook 2020-21
Courses
The curriculum at post-16 provides opportunities for students to progress from Level 2 study. The majority of courses are two year A level linear courses. There is also a range of Level 3 vocational qualifications. The option blocks are organised after Year 11 students have indicated their qualification preferences. These blocks are designed, within timetabling and staffing constraints, to fit the optimum number of student choices for subject combinations.
In Year 12 the majority of students will study 3 subjects, with a small percentage studying four. Students in the sixth form will be expected to study for and re-take English and mathematics GCSE if they have not achieved a C grade or level 4 pass by the end of KS4.
All students follow a citizenship programme that includes careers and higher education advice. There is allocated time for sport. Throughout their time in the Sixth Form, students are strongly encouraged to complete the Edge programme, with the support of Mr Bell and their personal tutor. This is a scheme that allows students to demonstrate key attributes such as resilience, teamwork and organisation through a series of bespoke tasks to each student. It is a recognised qualification that enables students to show that they have “the edge” when applying for university places, employment or apprenticeship schemes.
Study Periods, Supervised Study Periods and Revision
– A rough guide is that for every taught hour in the classroom, students should be studying another hour on their own.
– There are two Pre-Public Exam sessions (mocks) in year 12 and one in year 13, when the students are expected to revise fully to demonstrate their understanding.
– Students will be allocated four supervised study periods per week. Attendance at these is compulsory and will count towards their 95% attendance target.
Time management is one key to success at Sixth Form.
– Students are given designated ‘study’ periods on their timetables. Departments may ask them to work in school on specific tasks, otherwise they may go home to study if they wish. However, students who miss work deadlines or fall behind may be requested to attend extra supervised study periods until their attainment improves.
– Students are advised to do no more than 7 hours part-time employment during term time. They cannot start a shift during the school day as they may be needed for special study lessons and visits including Period 6.
Careers and Applications to University
– Careers guidance is included as part of the citizenship programme and tailored for Level 3 students’ requirements.-
– Year 12 students will participate in work experience for one week in June following their AS level exams. Mrs Nicholls will be organising this programme.-
– University Admissions procedure begins in June of Year 12. The students go on a Taster Day to a University and over 10 hours of citizenship time is given over to helping them to apply for university. Parents can contact Mr Probert if they have any queries or concerns.-
Target Grades
– During Induction, every student is informed of their target grades, which are based on the typical outcome of a student with the same GCSE grades. They may vary between subjects. These are referred to as Minimum Expected Grades which may be raised but not lowered.
– We use these target grades to check if students are underachieving and need extra support, and to congratulate them when they do even better! Students may be asked to redo (with help) work not at their target grade, and progress towards this target is included on the Assessment Point (AP) reports.
– AP reports are sent home with the students every half term which will inform suitable and timely intervention. All students have a tutorial session every week with their personal tutor where they will discuss academic and pastoral issues.
The School Day
The school day for Sixth Form students begins with period one at 8:50am and ends at 4:05pm after period six. Students are expected to attend one tutorial session a week between 8.30 and 8.50 with their personal tutor. If a student is not required to be on site for a lesson or any other arranged meeting or activity, they may sign themselves out. Students must attend all of their timetabled sessions. These contribute towards the expected 95% attendance.
