Teaching and learning

In our Sixth Form you will generally work within small teaching groups, supported by a team of well qualified, specialist staff. Our teachers are committed to working within a structure that encompasses students from the ages of 11-18. They are used to dealing with the needs of students of all ages and well understand the difficulties many face in making the transition from GCSE to your Sixth Form studies. They will encourage you and aid you in making that jump in your learning. Staff work hard to develop close, positive relationships and are determined to ensure you achieve your maximum potential.

Support and Guidance

When you join our Sixth Form, you will participate in our Induction Programme. You will be taught how to adapt to the new study skills and more independent style of learning that will be expected in the Sixth Form and will be told about the numerous opportunities open to you.

You will belong to a tutor group and will meet your Tutor each day to register and in longer, timetabled sessions each fortnight. Your tutor will provide help, guidance and support on issues that affect you and will help you to keep your studies on the right track. We like to maintain close links between school and home so if problems occur, they can be resolved quickly. In addition, when you are ready to move on from school, we will help direct your next step by offering comprehensive guidance on Higher Education, UCAS applications, training courses or employment.

Extended Learning

All sixth form students participate in our extended learning programme (Option K) so that they have the opportunity to enhance their programme of study by gaining additional qualifications. We have such a wide range of courses that there really is something for everyone. The full offer is published in the spring of each year as we introduce new courses each year but generally includes, amongst many others, the Community Sports Leader Award, Philosophy AS Level, Government and Politics AS Level and the opportunity to complete a practical course in the performing arts.

Taking opportunities

We provide a number of ways in which you can develop personally as well as academically. Our Personal Achievement and Service Scheme (PASS) encourages Sixth Formers to run clubs, coach sports, work with younger children at our school or at local primary schools or to take part in other voluntary activities. We take part in a number of charity fund-raising activities – raising large amounts of money but having fun as well! You could be part of our Sixth Form Management Group that meets regularly to put across the views of students. There are also lots of social events to take part in – you may even be organising them yourself!

A huge range of extra-curricular opportunities allows you to enhance your life in the Sixth Form. The school has excellent recreational and sporting facilities, which include a full-size floodlit astro-turf pitch and a leisure centre. You can enjoy cultural activities such as taking part in drama and musical productions or going on visits to theatres and art galleries. Every year we organise a number of residential and day trips in the UK and abroad. These have included trips to New York and London, field trips to Conway and even a visit to Chester Zoo for the Psychologists!