We aim to provide excellent support to our students, whatever their needs.
Pastoral Support
We understand that the sixth form years can be both exciting and challenging. Our commitment to providing exceptional pastoral care ensures that our students feel supported and nurtured throughout their time with us. Our dedicated team offers a range of support services, including:
Dedicated Sixth Form Support Officer: A single point of contact for students' concerns and needs.
Safeguarding Team: A visible presence committed to student well-being.
Experienced Sixth Form Tutors: Providing personalised guidance and support.
Mentorship Programs: Connecting students with mentors for additional guidance and support.
Inclusive Societies: Promoting diversity and inclusivity through LGBTQIA+ Society and Diversity Club.
Academic Support
At QPCS Sixth Form, we are committed to providing exceptional academic support to every student. To ensure optimal progress, we implement a rigorous assessment system that combines internal and external examinations. Year 12 students complete three internal assessments, while Year 13 students undertake two, followed by their external exams, allowing for timely monitoring and intervention.
We believe in a personalised approach to learning. Through regular assessments and constructive feedback, we identify areas for improvement and develop tailored action plans. These plans may include subject-specific interventions, supervised study sessions, and emotional support to address individual needs. By providing timely support and guidance, we empower our students to achieve their full potential.
We foster a strong partnership with parents to support student success. Regular communication is key, with detailed grade and work ethic reports shared after each assessment period. We actively engage with parents to address any concerns and work collaboratively towards student progress.
Additionally, our comprehensive PSHE program equips students with essential study skills, such as effective note-taking, time management, problem-solving, growth mindset, revision techniques, and strategies for managing exam stress. These skills empower students to approach their academic journey with confidence and resilience.
Educational Visits
Our school offers a variety of residential and day trips to complement Advanced Level courses. These enriching experiences enhance learning and broaden students' horizons. Notable examples include:
Language Immersion: Spanish and French exchange programmes
Scientific Exploration: CERN Trip (Hadron Collider)
Cultural Enrichment: Music trips to European cities, theatre visits, and museum excursions
Real-World Learning: Geography and Biology field trips
Higher Education Support
We are committed to supporting every student in making informed decisions about their future. Our experienced team of sixth form tutors provides invaluable guidance throughout the UCAS process and other post-18 application systems.
Personalised Guidance:
Individual Consultations: one-on-one consultations to discuss specific concerns, strengths, and weaknesses.
Tailored Advice: Provide personalised advice based on each student's unique aspirations and academic profile.
Post-Application Support: Assist students in understanding and meeting the conditions of their offers.
Clearing Support: Provide timely advice and support during the clearing process
Comprehensive Resources:
Online Resources: Access to Unifrog, a dedicated online platform with resources eg university course guides, personal statements guidance, and careers profiles.
UCAS Workshops: A range of workshops to cover topics such as personal statement writing, choosing courses, student finance and understanding the application process.
Mock Interviews: All students are involved in mock interviews with professionals, to help students develop confidence and effective communication skills.
Industry Mentor Programmes: Students are connected with professionals in their desired fields for guidance and networking opportunities.
University Visits: All students attend a t least two organised visits to universities to provide students with first-hand experiences.
Partnership Programmes: We have built a network of contact with local institutions to offer exclusive opportunities, such as internships or work experience placements.
Guest Speakers : students are invited to attend a variety of career talks and presentations delivered by professionals from diverse fields, including sports marketing, accounting, public relations, film and television, investment banking, journalism, and the culinary arts.
By implementing these strategies, we empower our students to navigate the UCAS process and apprenticeship applications with confidence and make informed decisions about their future.
Oxbridge
The UCAS support for students wanting to apply to top universities is a highly structured and supportive process designed to help students gain admission to prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge. Our approach emphasises the importance of preparing students well in advance, not just academically but also in terms of super curricular engagement, personal development, and interview readiness.
1. Long-term Preparation: The process starts well before UCAS applications, with an emphasis on developing a genuine passion for the subject.
2. Super Curricular Engagement: Encouraging students to go beyond the curriculum by engaging with academic talks, reading relevant books, and applying for summer schools (e.g., at Imperial and Cardiff).
3. Personalised Guidance: From group seminars that introduce Oxford and Cambridge’s requirements to one-on-one support, each student’s application is tailored to their strengths and interests.
4. Mock Interviews: These are conducted both in school and with other schools, providing a realistic experience of the interview process. Students receive personalised feedback after each mock to help them improve.
5. Expert Staff Support: Faculty members like Mr. Harbon and Mr. Crabtree are integral to helping students navigate this complex process.
Medicine and Dentistry
Our Sixth Form is renowned for its rigorous preparation of students for the highly competitive interviews required for medical and dental school admissions. Under the expert guidance of Ms. Cuguttu, a seasoned professional with many years of experience, our students receive comprehensive training to excel in these demanding assessments.
Throughout the UCAS application process, students benefit from dedicated support. At the end of Year 12, they participate in a specialised sessions covering:
Interview Formats: Panel interviews and multiple-mini interviews (MMIs)
Question Types: A wide range of potential questions, from ethical dilemmas to personal experiences
Effective Communication: Techniques for articulating thoughts clearly and concisely
Personal Statement Writing: Guidance on crafting compelling personal statements that highlight unique qualities and aspirations
At the beginning of Year 13, students undergo intensive preparation through mock interviews conducted by Ms Cuguttu and a lecturer from Imperial College London. Following each mock interview, students receive personalized feedback to refine their performance and address specific areas for improvement.