SANDHURST SIXTH FORM
Sandhurst has a small, friendly and well established Sixth Form which has been growing steadily in numbers over the last 5 years. We currently have 97 in year 12, most of whom are studying A Levels, with some vocational level 3 courses. Year 13 is a smaller cohort of 35 students.
Most students are recruited from our Year 11, with a small number of students joining from other schools in the local area, or whose parents have moved with the army to Sandhurst.
There is a wide range of ability in the sixth form, with some very high attaining students, some students with the minimum entry requirements and some with special educational needs. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive 6th form, which offers the opportunity to succeed to a diverse range of students, whilst maintaining rigorous academic standards and excellent standards of behaviour.
The Head of Sixth Form enjoys the support of a deputy who teaches a reduced timetable, enabling him to support the monitoring of students, assist with the organisation of enrichment and citizenship and take a full part in the mentoring of underachieving students. He also takes responsibility for the UCAS admissions procedure and PSHE lessons which prepare students for Higher Education.
We have a highly skilled Sixth Form administrator who takes care of all the routine paper work for the Head of 6th Form. As well as typing all letters, she manages all the administration for recruitment, student finance, citizenship and attendance monitoring. She enjoys an excellent relationship with the students, who go to her with their day-to-day issues and enquiries.
The Sixth form area has a large common room with kitchen area and a large study room with 25 networked computers.
Citizenship is also coordinated by the Head of 6th Form. We have a well established programme, with a number of visiting speakers. A wide range of topics is covered: smoking, drug and alcohol abuse; sexually transmitted infections; driving safety; living on a budget; UCAS preparation; team building; and dealing with stress. In year 12, all students go on a Taster Day to Southampton Solent University where they see halls of residence and tour the campus in the Summer Term Students are also encouraged to take an active part in inter-House sports events.
In addition to this, tutors follow up attendance at the weekly tutor meetings, with a weekly attendance summary provided by the 6th Form administrator. They also meet with their tutees for special academic interviews to support student progress. Tutors are encouraged to ring or write to parents if they have any concerns and they take a very pro active role in supporting and guiding their students. There are 4 Year 12 tutors and 2 year 13 tutors.
One of the unique characteristics of a school Sixth Form is the relationship and responsibility 6th formers have to younger students. They take responsibility for organising sports or public speaking teams. In the past, 6th formers have become peer mentors and listened to younger students read. Other students support teachers in lower school lessons. 6th form students also host the annual Junior and Senior Celebration of Success events. This is an area which could be developed, as we would like to promote further our 6th formers as role models.
Nick Marshall
Head of Sixth Form
May 2015