Support in Sixth Form and Post 18

We support our students in many ways pastorally and academically and find that the more opportunities students are given, the more they will achieve.

Pastoral Support

We offer the highest pastoral support to our students, with an open door policy offered to all. Our Sixth Form Team are ready with a listening ear, are fully trained in safeguarding and mental health first aid and prioritise students mental health. The Safeguarding Team are introduced through an assembly at the start of the year and students are encouraged to be kind and support one another. 

Introduction to the Sixth Form Evening

At the start of the academic year all Year 12 and their parents are invited to an introduction to the Sixth Form evening where information about the sixth form is distributed and opportunities for the future are discussed. We also cover ways to study and life after sixth form. This evening is highly informative and helps students understand the importance of their time at sixth form. Previous students visit and give their advice on how to cope with the demands and rigour of A-levels and how to develop study skills.

Sixth Form Work Experience and Progression Evening

In the Spring Term – Year 12 parents and students are invited to an evening where information on work experience arrangements is provided and potential next steps after Sixth Form are discussed and explained. There is a dual focus on the increasingly popular apprenticeship schemes offered by firms and also the more traditional, academic route into university after A-level study. As a school we offer a balanced viewpoint and are totally focused on the student and what is best for their future career. In recent years we have had various companies detailing their apprenticeship schemes, alongside universities explaining the wide choice, rationale and finances of attending university.

Parent/Teacher Evenings

We offer parents and students the opportunity to discuss their academic progress with their teachers at evenings virtually and in person to understand how to improve and the progress they have made. These evenings are a support technique to help the students understand their achievements and look at any areas they may need extra support in. 

Careers and Guidance

In terms of general careers and guidance – we offer both visits to Apprenticeship conventions and also University conventions which give students the opportunity to find out about various careers options and opportunities. To accompany this in school, we run sessions to support applications for apprenticeships in Year 13 and also in regards preparation for completion of the UCAS process. This is involves selecting courses, completing Student Finance and preparing the Personal statement.

Careers Days

In the Summer term we offer Year 12 students 3 days based on Post 18 options. The first day allows students to visit the UCAS Discovery Exhibition to gather information on Universities, Apprenticeships and Workplaces. The second day involves students undertaking an employability skills workshop with an external provider, participating in a one to one interview with a representative from an external company and are given feedback on how to improve. Students also participate in an assessment centre activity to understand ways companies recruit and also get the chance to engage with Alumni panels who discuss and explain the career routes they went down to achieve the fantastic careers they have achieved today. The third day is a day of applications where students are taught how to write a personal statement, how to complete an application form and are given time to complete applications. Our students find these days incredibly beneficial and we build upon them throughout the remainder of Year 12 through into Year 13. 

Post 18 Support:

We completely believe that all students should do what works for them, whether it be decision making on subject choices or thinking about post 18 options.

University Support

• Application help and support, including personal statement workshops
• ‘Aspire Group’ set up for those considering Russell Group Universities, including regular meetings and advice on applications
• Organised trips and visits to universities
• University speakers coming in to support students
• Mentor programme with Sixth Form students matched up with University students
• Practice university interviews with external companies
• Alumni talks on university and beyond
• Direct links with specific universities depending on the Pathway of your choice

We offer an ‘Aspire’ Group for those students wishing to apply for Russell Group universities or Oxbridge/ or other aspirational courses. This includes visits to/from high ranking institutions, to advice on personal statements and super-curricular activities, there will be a real focus on increasing the level of assistance students get in order to access such universities

Apprenticeships

• Support with applying for apprenticeships and completing application forms
• ‘Apprenticeship’ Group set up for ideas on how to find apprenticeships and how to improve your CV with regular meetings
• CV Workshops
• Practice apprenticeship interviews and assessment centres
• Alumni talks on apprenticeships and beyond
• Direct links with specific apprenticeship providers depending on the Pathway of your choice

Work

• Support with applying for jobs and completing application forms
• CV Workshops
• Mock interviews
• Alumni talks on work and beyond
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Drive Safe Day

We offer a day dedicated to students learning how to Drive Safely. We pull in external companies to talk to students about remaining safe on the road. These include the Fire Brigade, Car Insurance companies, Car Sales people on what to look for in a car, and Car Workshop/Maintenance to allow students to understand how to look after the car. 

 

Talk the Talk

We encourage excellent oracy across all students and we allow students to access workshops by a variety of companies to support this, including Jack Petchey Talk the Talk. This helps improve students oracy skills and learn how to be a confident speaker. 

Personal Development Lessons

All of Year 12 and 13 attend Personal Development Lessons in a variety of topics including Relationships, Sex and Health Education, Social, Moral and Cultural lessons, Health, Life Skills and Career Lessons. We also offer extra opportunities for students to engage in activities to enhance their knowledge on particular subjects, including Theatre workshops, The Drugs Bus and Student Voice. 

Support Development Plans

Following student assessments and Mock Examinations we analyse results and look at students who may need extra support moving forward. These students are put onto a performance development plan, an individualised plan that allows students to receive regular mentoring and extra teaching support to allow them to achieve and access higher grades. This programme involves regular communication with parents to encourage the student to challenge themselves and achieve improved grades.