- Students are encouraged to progress onto a study programme that suits their personal needs and aspirations. This process begins in year 10 and is supported throughout year 11 for Quarrydale students.
- Students are given a free choice of 3 or 4 A Levels/BTECs depending on their entry profile. Students are able to choose a combination of the different types of qualifications available.
- Students with 5+ GCSE grade 7-9 can study 4 subjects
- A-level subjects have entry requirements such as maths and sciences requiring a grade 7 minimum at GCSE
- This is guided through the application and interview process.
Post 16 Curriculum Implementation
- Year 12 and Year 13- 9 teaching periods per subject over a two week period plus students are directed to use their independent study time to consolidate and deepen their learning,
- All students are assigned to a tutor group and have an AM and PM registration period every day in which tutors are able to disseminate information and check in with their students.
- One to one meetings between tutors and students take place at least once every term. These are used to highlight any concerns, praise achievements, discuss and make plans relating to Post 18 options and check on general wellbeing.
- Heads of Post 16 track and monitor progress data, attendance and participation in extracurricular activities and regularly check in with students.
- Students can apply to study the EPQ in additional to their level 3 qualifications
- Students engage in an enrichment programme to support their curricular learning. This includes working closely with the local universities, employers, apprenticeship providers, charities, local primary schools, The Scholars Programme, EDT and many other third party organisations.
- Students participate and engage in sessions and workshops that promote study skills, employability skills, independence and other character development, as well as those that which aim to provide information, advice and guidance on Post 18 options.
- Students are able to voice their views and concerns through ‘pupil voice’ sessions which take place for all KS5 subjects on a termly basis.
- Students given the responsibility of organising some elements of their own enrichment programme through participation in the social committee, organising sporting activities, fund raising events and other activities engaging the wider school and local community such as Q radio and voluntary work.
- All sixth form students undertake a period of work experience
- There is a designated safeguarding lead for Post 16 students who has additional Mental Health First Aider training.
- All subjects are taught by teachers who have relevant expertise and experience in the delivery of Key Stage 5 education. Regular assessment is completed and students, parents and staff are informed of progress.
- Regular assessment times are scheduled within the year. There are three AP points for each year group, one in each term. This is consolidated by two parents’ consultation evenings for year 12 students and one for year 13 students.
- Students understanding is systematically checked and students are familiar with strategies and techniques used. It allows for any misconceptions to be accurately addressed as well as providing the opportunity for clear and direct feedback.
- The Sixth Form building is designed to facilitate and aid the learning of students through providing an environment to be solely used by Post 16 students. There are both communal and quiet spaces, with access to resources and IT equipment.
- The environment in each classroom is one that supports the delivery of a coherently planned curriculum. The environment also develops study skills ready for transition to higher education post 18.