The Sixth Form represents a very significant time in the academic development of every student and at Priory School we aim to make these two years both challenging and fulfilling. The aim of Priory Sixth Form life will be for students to develop as useful, contributing members of society and to be responsible, considerate, compassionate, self-disciplined, reliable and socially aware. In an increasingly competitive world, good advanced level results are very important and our Sixth Form will balance a measure of pupil freedom with a high level of support and guidance, vital at this crucial stage of education. We aim to prepare students for the life ahead, to enable the development of full academic potential and leadership capacity; and to create some great memories along the way.
Students in the Sixth Form will benefit from:
1. The expertise of highly qualified staff
2. Small teaching groups
3. A strong system of pastoral care
4. A wide range of subject combinations
5. Sixth Form only tutorial groups
6. A number of Sixth Form privileges
7. Use of the Sixth Form common room with facilities for work and relaxation
8. The opportunity to help younger members of Priory School.
9. Extensive programme of careers advice targeted at university entry and the professions
10. A sixth form with a separate identity to the main school, but all the benefits of the school facilities.
Structure of Learning
Sixth Formers will normally begin with four AS subjects, for one year at least. Each subject will be allocated five hours per week (4 hours teaching and 1 hour independent study). Time will also be built in for sport, enrichment activities,careers and community service. Students will be expected to spend three to four hours per week outside of lessons on academic work in each AS subject. The timetable will change in the Year 13, when most students will continue with three of their AS subjects to final A2 examinations.
Guidance and Support
Advanced level studies demand that pupils take a much greater responsibility for their own learning, whilst introducing a degree of specialisation of study which is very different from the broad range of subjects taken at GCSE. In addition, the UCAS applications system and the university lifestyle upon which most students will ultimately be embarking require considerable personal and intellectual advances. The support offered to Priory School Sixth Formers is designed to guide them through this transition, increasing their skills and confidence in preparation for university and subsequent employment.
Leadership Opportunities
Students will given every opportunity to develop personal, social and leadership skills through a number of roles fundamental to the daily functioning of the school, such as Head Boy and Head Girl; Senior Prefects, House and Sports Captains; and members of a Sixth Form committee; organising clubs and societies, thus providing role models for the rest of the school.
Extracurricular Activities
Extra-curricular opportunities will be provided to suit Sixth Formers' broadened horizons and imminent entry to the wider world. We anticipate a range of opportunities such as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, music, drama and sports.
Privileges
Sixth Formers will be granted privileges. A new common room will be provided for the sole use of Sixth Formers to be used for private study and socialising. This will have its own discrete entrance and will be located in close proximity to the school library. Pupils will be granted independent study periods and will be given some flexibility in terms of the hours they are expected to be in school.
Admissions
Pupils are advised to choose subjects where an A or B grade has been achieved at GCSE, but equally important for advanced level study are self-discipline and commitment.
We welcome applications from students at other schools to join our own. If you choose to join the Sixth Form at Priory School, you will find a friendly and stimulating environment in which to continue your studies.
A Sixth Form Open Evening will be held on 11th October 2011, followed by a formal applications process; applicants may be offered a place subject to expected GCSE grades being achieved and dependent on the availability of places in the subjects requested.
We already have had significant levels of interest expressed in joining the sixth form in 2012. If you wish to register an interest in a place in advance of our formal launch then please contact Ms Frankie Jaffey.
In September 2012, a range of AS courses will begin. Further details will follow shortly, but we are likely to be offering subjects from the following list:
Art and Design; Biology; Business Studies; Chemistry; Design and Technology; Drama and Theatre Studies; English Literature; Geography; Government and Politics; History; Information and Communications Technology; Mathematics; Media; Modern Languages: French, and Spanish; Music; Physics; Psychology; Religious Studies: Philosophy and Ethics; Sociology; Sport.
Ms F. Guiver
Deputy Headteacher (Seniors) BA(Hons), PGCE, MA(Ed), NPQH
