Sixth Form Life

We view all our pupils as rounded individuals who achieve not only in their studies but in every aspect of their life. To this end, we aim to provide them with opportunities to achieve excellent results, contribute in a significant way to the Academy through pupil leadership roles and to make a positive impact on the wider community during their time in the Sixth Form and again when they move on to employment or higher education.

While in the Sixth Form, we will encourage our pupils to give some of their time and energy to the Academy and to the local community by volunteering for reading or mentoring, helping out with sports including football and basketball coaching, working with the local radio station or involving themselves in creative arts events for or with the younger students. In the past, Sixth Form pupils have regularly assisted at dance, drama and music secondary school events, helped out in local charity shops, schools and care homes and helped fundraise through a number of different sponsored and non-sponsored activities.

Our philosophy is that all of our pupils should be supported on a personal and individual basis in terms of both their academic progress and their general welfare and well-being. It is our aim to ensure that they not only achieve their educational goals but they also become thoughtful and active citizens leaving us with confidence, commitment and optimism for their future.

Facilities

Our Sixth Form hubs are at the heart of the Academy and boasts a designated common room, a reading and research area containing a fully equipped kitchen with tea and coffee making facilities, two study bases with computers and printers and a careers library solely for the use of Sixth Formers. These dedicated areas enable our pupils to enjoy a more mature and focussed environment to pursue their studies while also allowing them to benefit from the other excellent facilities offered by the Academy.

Our teaching and learning spaces include a wide range of dedicated class and resource rooms; music technology department feature modern Mac suites, with art taught in dedicated and well-equipped classrooms including wet art spaces and computer rooms whilst the music department features a digital music suite and recording studio and large music-resourced classrooms as well as individual music practice rooms.

Sport students in the Sixth Form also have on-site access to a gym, all-weather pitch, multi-use games area, two large sports halls, and extensive playing fields.

Guidance & Support

Careers guidance

We take careers guidance very seriously and pupils will take part in a full programme of activities and given individual targeted help to progress successfully into their chosen career and to meet their future aspirations.

Support with university application

To help pupils with the university application process we have a dedicated Careers Lead, trained Sixth Form staff and representatives from local universities on hand to offer advice and support.

This includes guidance in helping pupils choose the correct course of study, the right institution and what experiences their will want to gain from university in addition to ensuring they meet all the application deadlines.

Apprenticeships and other progression

We are well aware that university is not the right option for all, therefore pupils are fully supported in building CVs, composing covering letters and given help with searching for other suitable opportunities.

We work in partnership with local apprenticeship providers to help pupils navigate through this process.

Work experience

We believe in offering work experience placements to pupils, to help them overcome barriers to entering work, either through enhancing their CV, or more importantly, gaining confidence and learning how to make a positive contribution to an organisation.

Our team provides advice and guidance to pupils regarding identifying appropriate placements and will work with them to help secure the work experience they need and to review their placement afterwards.