What is Personal Development?
It is an element of your study programme, which will offer you support and guidance as a Sixth Form student. Personal Development or PD is on your timetable from enrolment and during your allocated 1 hour per week you will spend time with your Progress and Development Tutor who will offer support and introduce you to lots of different topics to help you develop a range of skills to prepare you for your next steps. You will also have allocated time with your tutor for at least 6 one to ones across the year during which you will discuss your progress and offer support for both academic and pastoral elements of your student journey.
We are really looking forward to welcoming you to the Sixth Form in September, the Raising Aspirations Advisor and The Progress and Development tutors are a dedicated team of experienced individuals who have a vast knowledge of support services and ways to help you to get to where you want to be in the future. Find out a little more about them below
Lisa Rochnia – Personal Development and Wellbeing Manager - Hartlepool Sixth Form and Sunderland Sixth Form
I manage the team of Student Progress and Development Tutors and the Raising Aspirations Advisor at both Hartlepool Sixth Form and Sunderland Sixth Form and am responsible for the Personal Development and Wellbeing of the students while they study at the Sixth Forms. I co-ordinate the content of Personal Development sessions and embed key themes across the year to support and enhance student experience as well as heading the Raising Aspirations and High Achievers programme I am Designated Safeguarding Officer and have students well being at heart, maintaining measures to ensure Sixth Form students feel safe and supported.
A little about me: I studied Three-Dimensional Design at Northumbria University and was a freelance designer for a few years before studying for my PGCE. I have been part of Education Partnership North East supporting students in a pastoral capacity for over 11 years.
Rosa Fox – Raising Aspiration Advisor - Hartlepool Sixth Form and Sunderland Sixth Form
Hi I’m Rosa I’m the Raising Aspirations Advisor and work across both our sixth form sites – Hartlepool Sixth Form and Bede Sixth Form at Sunderland College. I studied English at Sunderland University, going on to study an MA in English Studies and further down the line gained my Post 16 teaching certificate. I have worked in education for over fifteen years from teaching English, media and the Gifted & Talent Co-Ordinator for a local school before going onto working for Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form. I have a vast range of skills and experience in education and how to progress to higher education.
I co-ordinate the Raising Aspirations Programme which offers students opportunities, information, access to work shop and guest speaker as well as guidance on how to exceed and aim high for the future.
I also run the High Achievers (Honours) Programme across both the Sixth Forms. The High Achievers programme aims to enhance the opportunities available to students who have a strong GCSE profile or who are excelling in a particular field. We have links with Russell group universities and offer guidance and advice to support help student to exceed their potential.
Charlotte Appleyard – Student Progress and Development Tutor - Hartlepool Sixth Form
I'm Charlotte, an ex student of Hartlepool Sixth Form (2009-2012). After leaving college, I studied at the Northern School of Art where I completed an FdA degree in Contemporary Textiles Practice and a BA (Hons) in Textiles and Surface Design. I then went straight into a teacher training degree at Teesside University where I graduated in 2016. I was fortunate enough to be hired as a Progress and Development Tutor here at HSF after graduating and will be going into my sixth academic of year supporting students in September 2021.
Kate Burnikell – Student Progress and Development Tutor - Hartlepool Sixth Form
I have a degree in Performing Arts and am a qualified teacher. I have experience in a post 16 setting, 1.1 support and working with SEN students. I joined Hartlepool Sixth Form two years ago and I thoroughly enjoy working with every student. I am a very supportive, warm and friendly person who always wants to encourage each student to reach their potential. I can support with queries that students have and I make sure that individuals are signposted to the correct support service. I aim to develop student's independent skills to encourage ownership of their own choices and decisions when thinking about next steps.
Kate is currently on Maternity leave
Mark Laing – Student Progress and Development Tutor - Hartlepool Sixth Form
I'm Mark, I have a BSc in Sports Coaching from the University of Sunderland where I went on to study a postgraduate certificate in Sport and Exercise Sciences. I have worked in the sports industry for over 10 years. I have been involved in multiple sports as both a coach and athlete at various levels including both coaching and competing nationally in American Football. I have also completed a MSc in Business with Marketing Management at Northumbria University. I joined Hartlepool Sixth Form in February 2020 before transitioning into a Progress and Development Tutor. My aim is to help students to develop during their studies and allow them to progress into their chosen career path.
Deborah Wilson – Student Progress and Development Tutor - Hartlepool Sixth Form
I studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Kent and worked in a bank before completing my teaching qualification. I have worked as a tutor at Hartlepool Sixth Form since 2015 and find the role very rewarding. I enjoy supporting students to achieve their ambitions and it makes my day when they let me know about the university offers they have received or the apprenticeship they have gained.
Rebecca Wilson – Student Progress and Development Tutor - Hartlepool Sixth Form
I’m Rebecca, I have worked at Hartlepool Sixth Form for the last 4 years. Before going on to study Early Primary Education at Northumbria University, I was also a student at Sunderland College. I am a qualified Teacher and before starting this job role, I worked within a primary school for two years. One of the most rewarding parts of my role as a Progress and Development Tutor is supporting students in gaining confidence and exploring different opportunities to help them achieve their end goals. I find it fulfilling when student’s inform me where they have ended up after the completion of their level 3 subjects and sometimes even when ex students contact me years down the line. I am one of the chattier members of our tutor team and am more than happy to help in any way. I believe myself to be a warm, friendly and approachable person who is also a Mental Health First Aider and First Aider within the college.
I have an MA in Film Production, and worked in the Media/Film industry for a number of years, I am also a qualified teacher with media and film theory and production as my specialism which I taught for over 10 years. I have been involved in pastoral and student progression for a number of years, supporting students throughout their program of study, to enable them to achieve and succeed in their future career endeavors.
Chris Atkinson - Course Tutor, Graphics, Student Progress and Development Tutor - Hartlepool Sixth Form
One of my roles at Hartlepool Sixth Form is a Progress and Development tutor. I have been in education for over 22 years at different levels. This experience allows me to support learners in many ways, from day to day attendance issues to guidance on UCAS and university choices. I can also offer advice on local accommodation and student finance issues and even to setting up starter businesses.
I believe that the role of a personal tutor is to be fully understanding of situations and to help guide the learner through to the next stage of their journey in education and life.
During your Personal Development session which is for 1 hour once a week you will be in a tutor group class often mixed with other students who study different subjects to you. As a group you will carry out activities to gain knowledge of wider issues and develop your own personal skills. In addition you will have scheduled and timetabled one to one meetings with your Progress and Development Tutor who will discuss and pastoral needs as well as your academic progress and offer guidance and strategies to support you to exceed your targets!
Year 12
The focus of Personal Development is to give you opportunities to experience new things and to gain those important personal skills which will help you to progress on to next steps which include University, Employment, Apprenticeships or Higher Apprenticeships. Activities include: guest speakers, work experience, university visits, enrichment, skills workshops, careers advice, volunteering, learner voice including student council plus much more. In addition you will start to carry out research and make decisions about what you want to do once you complete your A Level or Level 3 Vocational programme of study. By the end of year 12 we hope that you will be well informed about your next steps and be underway with your UCAS university application or equivalent. All while you have at least six focused, bespoke one to one meetings with your tutor to discuss your progress and support.
Year 13
Personal Development sessions will offer you the tools and support you to send off your University application, prepare for academic and employment interviews, explore apprenticeships routes, employment opportunities and prepare for the transition into life after Sixth Form. Your Progress and Development Tutor will guide you through the processes and make sure you are supported when making important decisions about your future. You will also have group one to one meetings as well as individualised one to one meetings throughout the year to discuss academic progress, next steps and preparation for examinations and coursework and any other support needs you may have.
Alongside your PD classroom session you can also access a range of Personal Development activities and support services to enhance your learning journey . Examples include the following:
Raising Aspirations Programme
As the Raising Aspirations Advisor Rosa Fox ensures students have access to the latest information, advice and guidance regarding higher education and careers. She works closely with universities to provide regular sessions supporting students’ development and helping you to achieve your goals!
At Hartlepool & Sunderland Sixth Form, we are committed to making sure every student stretches themselves both academically and personally in order to reach their full potential. We recognise the challenges high calibre students face when competing today because of this we offer bespoke support to all of our students who demonstrate particularly high academic ability.
High Achievers (Honours) Programme
As the Raising Aspirations Advisor Rosa Fox ensures students have access to the latest information, advice and guidance regarding higher education and careers. She works closely with universities to provide regular sessions supporting students’ development and helping you to achieve your goals! We encourage our Honours Students to become RAY mentors, supporting the delivery of the programme and becoming role models to future students.
High Achievers formerly known as Honours is an extra-curricular programme for high achieving students who want to get the most out of their time at Hartlepool & Sunderland Sixth Form. Students apply in September and are given access to guest lectures, university programmes and support when applying to competitive institutions.
What We Offer
Specialist Support You will be offered specialist support from our High Achiever's Advisor to support you in your application Russell Group and other prestigious institutions. We can also support you if you aspirations to secure admission onto competitive degrees such as Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science courses.
Support you in drafting your Personal Statement which forms a key part of your UCAS application. As the most prestigious and competitive universities select by interview, you will also be given the opportunity to participate in practice interviews. These will test and refine your skills, which will also include professional feedback to enable you to improve your performance in the real thing.
Russell Group University Trips, Visits and Seminars Students on the programme have the opportunity to visit Oxford and Cambridge, There is also the annual Oxbridge Regional Conference where students attend lectures and find out information about studying there. Our high achieving students are also encouraged to apply for the UNIQ Programme.
Mentor programme to support students aiming to apply to make successful applications to Russell Group universities (including Oxford and Cambridge Universities) as well as other top Medical and Dental schools. (Will have to sort this, do you think it is a good idea?)
Study Skills Support
Our Learning Centre or Library offers a wide range of study skills resources including revision guidance, essay writing, exam techniques, bookable study/collaboration spaces as well as a range of books, eBooks and Journals to support you in your studies.
Support Services
At Hartlepool Sixth Form it is important feel safe and supported, we have a range of services available to help you during your time as a student.
The Intensive Support Team offer individual support that is tailor made for students who are experiencing personal and social issues that could impact on their lives and cause barriers to progression. The team will take the lead from the student and provide a safe environment to address any issues they may be facing. If the student is linked in with external services, the team will attend meetings and will be the link person for the student. As part of the Safeguarding element of the service there is also a counselling provision offering confidential sessions.
We have a dedicated learning support team who offer a calm, supportive and welcoming environment for either quiet or supported study. Students can access support from one of the learning mentors including 1:1 support or study skills support. A Learning Mentor also offers support within GCSE maths and English classes.
There is also welfare and financial support available to students, including, Travel Support and Kit, Guaranteed Bursary, Free Meals, 19+ Support, Childcare, Hardship Fund, Sanitary Products all of which will be discussed during enrollment.
Enrichment including Student Engagement
When you join the Sixth Form you will be given to opportunity to sign up for Enrichment activities to help you experience new things and gain important key skills. Enrichment activities include, sporting events, clubs and societies, volunteering, debating, trips and visits, short courses plus many more.
We have an online Enrichment site which will be shred with you in the first few weeks of year 12 offering you opportunity to get involved.
Advice and guidance from The Student Room about what to expect/differences from school:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/a-level/advice/starting-sixth-form
Interactive and designed to engage and develop critical thinking skills:
Just for fun, check out your personality type with the Buzz quiz below:
The HE+ website brings you exciting supercurricular resources created and written by Cambridge students and academics including challenging activities, engaging videos, reflective questions and much more Our content is aimed at school-aged students looking to go beyond the school curriculum and discover their passion for a subject today.
Learn something new or explore your favourite subjects with online resources from Cambridge University and their Festival partners:
Archaeology and Anthropology: https://www.classics.cam.ac.uk/museum/things-to-do/things-to-do-at-home-1
Biology: The Cell Explorer: https://scopegurdoninstitute.co.uk/digital-toolkit-1-investigate-the-cell-3d-model
Biology: MRC Epidemiology Unit: https://www.mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk/snackington/
Chemistry: Chemistry in your Cupboard: https://edu.rsc.org/resources/chemistry-in-your-cupboard/4012342.article
Physics: https://isaacphysics.org/
Psychology: A-Z: https://www.psychol.cam.ac.uk/study/psychology_a-z
General Science: https://www.thenakedscientists.com/
Explore more subjects here: https://www.cam.ac.uk/public-engagement/get-involved/do-try-this-at-home#secondary-school
Complete the tasks to consider the skills you have and how you can make reference to them when considering a job role.
The workbook can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/19ufFSicT-4XM5_MnB-T0CDO8hAnXbezaty_GJcw3_Xc/edit?usp=sharing
Career pilot: Aimed at 11-19 year olds to plan career pathways
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, scrub up your study skills with this quick and fun workshop!
Explore future under graduate University Course and Subjects that you might do after your A Levels / Vocational Course by exploring this search tool below:
The Guardian Mind Games - https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/oct/13/mental-exercises-to-keep-your-brain-sharp
Mensa Brain Teasers - https://www.mensa.org.uk/puzzles/brainteasers
Cognifit - https://www.cognifit.com/brain-games
Critical Thinking Workbook - https://www.schrockguide.net/uploads/3/9/2/2/392267/critical-thinking-workbook.pdf
Women's International Week - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/c/international-womens-day-virtual-events-cwyrywd/
Routes & Options After College - https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MmQ3YTI4YjktYTFlZC00ZjM3LWE5YzktYmNhNGQ0NWMxMWQ4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224e8d09f7-cc79-4ccb-9149-a4238dd17422%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22bef078f4-7112-48dd-899f-2507cb396ae1%22%7d