AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF OUR SIXTH FORM

Dear Parent/Guardian

I am delighted you have decided to take time to read about our Sixth Form. I hope that when you have done so, you will agree that Shorefields 6th Form can offer a programme of study, which suits your child.

Clearly, at the end of Year 11, there are decisions to be made concerning a young person’s future: I hope that the information in these pages will make the choice easier. So why choose to return to sixth form?
We offer a range of subjects at Levels 1 and 2 to meet the needs of our students. Those studying any advanced course can access ‘A’ Levels from the Faiths Partnership (St. Hilda’s, St. Margaret’s, Bellerieve and Archbishop Blanch). For those students who have not achieved a ‘C’ or above at GCSE in English, Maths and ICT, we offer the equivalent Level 2 in these subjects. Our courses are all vocational taught by teachers committed to developing the full potential of the students.

Students are familiar with the staff and many have developed close relationships with them. They are familiar with the school environment and its ethos, and with their fellow students.

All of these factors ensure a supportive, friendly, yet demanding working environment.

There are excellent academic and recreational facilities, which I am sure many of you will have seen during our frequent Open Days and Evenings. In addition, the 6th Form have their own programme of sports, and enrichment activities. Clubs are open to all.

We offer a range of motivational programmes, often based on close supervision of a student by his/her personal tutor. There is also a Mentoring Programme where goals are set and progress monitored. The school has also undergone a massive refurbishment both in terms of suites and resource areas, with up-to-date ICT equipment an integral part of our new status as a City Learning Centre, a dedicated 6th Form I.C.T. room and a Common Room.

All students may undertake some work experience which is carefully monitored by the staff. Careers advice is available on a regular basis. Part of the tutorial covers such matters as preparation for Higher Education, interview techniques, job application letters, students study skills etc. We are also grateful to local employers who participate in mock interviews, later de-briefing our students and offering them the benefits of their practical experience.

There are many other activities, schemes and initiatives, further details of which are in the following pages. May I also mention what we expect of our students.
In many ways, Shorefields has become rather more traditional over the past few years. We have compulsory uniform throughout the school and have instigated a successful prefect system. We have two 6th Form Presidents. We expect our senior students to set an example for the rest of the school to follow in terms of appearance, attitude, behaviour and ambition; the staff will support them in this completely. We offer privileges to 6th Formers which others do not enjoy, and encourage the development of their sense of responsibility through many areas such as the steward system, paired reading scheme, participation in the student council etc.

Our OFSTED report was extremely complimentary. Among a great many other positive comments it states:

• "The Leadership and Management of the Sixth Form is very good, based on mutual trust and respect."
• "The Head of Sixth Form supports and guides students very well, so that their personal development is very good."
• "The overall effectiveness of the 6th Form is very good."
• "In the Sixth Form, attitudes and behaviour are excellent."

Naturally, the staff share their enthusiasm and offer their academic and pastoral support to all 6th Form students, who may then undertake further studies with confidence in Shorefields.

J. Brown

Head of 6th Form