Expectations

Expectations

The school has very high expectations of its Sixth Formers.  Students are expected to be considerate, courteous and understanding at all times in their attitude towards their fellow Sixth Formers, members of staff and other pupils in the school.  They should be an example to younger pupils and the opportunity to serve as Prefect is open to all Sixth Formers.

A positive attitude to school and work is essential as we look for self-discipline, motivation and a genuine interest in study.

A Sixth Form pupil studying A Level or BTEC qualifications is a full-time position.  Pupils are expected to attend all day, every day, unless otherwise directed around a scheduled learning core, and attend mentoring sessions and assemblies with Tutors as part of their school day.

A timetable will consist of compulsory lessons in Welsh Baccalaureate as well as your opted subjects (the Welsh Baccalaureate will be opted for in one of the Option Blocks unless otherwise confirmed). 

A Sixth Form Code of Conduct will be issued at the start of Year 12 and clearly defines the expectations the school has of students, whilst recognising the school’s responsibility to Sixth Formers.  Contracts will be issued with the exam results in August and students will not be permitted to begin classes in September until the contract has been signed and returned online prior to the enrolment day in September 2024).

Academic Work - Commitment

1. All courses require motivation and enthusiasm.

2. All Sixth Formers must have the self-discipline to work by themselves, unsupervised.  They are less teacher-directed than previously; this means that they must be prepared to put in all the hours necessary for background reading and research.

3. Students must learn how to accept advice and criticism constructively.

4. They must seek to develop initiative and independence of mind.

5. The work performance and progress of students will be monitored regularly.

Students will only be allowed to continue their courses if work and effort are satisfactory and their subject attendance remains in excess of the whole school target of 95%.  Students who do not maintain at least 95% attendance in their first school month of September will automatically be removed from roll; thereafter students will be required to attend Key Stage Leader mentoring until students have returned to the minimum attendance threshold.

Contribution to School Life and the Community

All Sixth Formers are encouraged to make a positive contribution to the various activities organised by the school and to show those qualities of responsibility and leadership expected of senior students.  They will be asked to make suggestions as to ways in which they develop their personal contributions. 

Service to the Community

During their time in the Sixth Form we expect all Sixth Formers to make a contribution which is of value to others.  This may be:

(a)    within the school community or outside of school;

(b)    in non-contact time or out of school hours;

Recent examples of such community service include:

• support of young pupils with their reading;

• helping young pupils as support teachers in registration;

• assisting with teams and clubs for younger pupils at lunchtime and after school;

• drama productions

• from January 2020 all Year 12 students are involved in school walkabouts to support peers and further increase Sixth Form visibility in the school

Increasingly we find that universities/colleges/employers are looking beyond academic performance.  They will want to see evidence of the key skills such as teamwork, service to others and in particular experience of the world of work, hence the focus on doing, not lounging!