Sixth Form News May 2019
A huge thank you to our old senior students: Oliver, Bertie, Xaha, and Tom. They have done an excellent job and raised over £5000 for charity. They have been a great team and have always been willing to offer their support to anything I have asked of them.
We are currently in the throes of voting in the new Senior students. We had a strong field of applicants and I would like to thank all the applicants for their interest in representing the school and taking the time to fill in good applications. There were lots of great ideas which I look forward to seeing implemented. The Senior Students for 2019 - 20 are Maddison, Alexia, Sean and Daryl
By the time you receive this we will have had Wing Commander Alex Bacon, who is a Medic in the Airforce, come in to speak to prospective Medics and those interested in a military career path. Year 11 and 12 have been invited to this lunchtime session.
Year 13 students are now focused on their exams, the library and PS1 are generally full with students studying hard. Lessons continue up until 17th May, thereafter Year 13 only need to come into school for revision sessions and exams. As the 17th May is the last day of school for year 13, we have arranged for a final assembly period 4. This will be followed by the usual BBQ. Their final leaver's day, when they need to bring in all resources and dig out that library book from under their bed, is Wednesday 26th June. We expect students to come into school and complete their leavers form and to get their final sign off. Students unable to make this day can collect a form in advance and get it signed off by their teachers, however they must not interrupt any lessons to get Teachers signatures - preferably catch staff at break or lunchtimes.
The Year 13 prom is on Friday 28th June at the Woburn Safari Park Lodge from 7:30 p.m. Tickets this year are priced at £35 and are available up until 24th May. Please ensure Students have purchased a ticket by this time, so we can finalise numbers. We look forward to seeing everyone dressed in their finery and celebrating the end of school and the start of the next phase of their lives.
Year 12 lessons continue throughout the exam period as very few students are taking AS levels. However if any student is sitting an AS exam then they may take the ½ day preceding the exam for study leave. It is vital that the Year 12 students attend lessons as we must commence the year 13 syllabus and the extra half term of study will be as the exam boards have brought forward the dates of the Year 13 exams.
Year 12 will have end of year exams mainly during the fortnight beginning the 10th June. These will be incorporated within their timetabled lessons, as far as possible, to not impact on other subjects. It is imperative that students demonstrate that they have a good grasp of the Year 12 material before continuing onto year 13. The two year A levels have alleviated pressure on the Year 12 students this year but with the whole two-year course being examined at the end of year 13, students will struggle to achieve their potential if they leave all their revision until next spring.
Students studying a stand-alone AS level or an EPQ will find that their timetables are lighter next year, due to the completion of these courses in year 12. Students will now have 'Future Planning' on their timetable. This lesson is designed to ensure that every student gets help fortnightly with whatever they may choose to do after Sixth Form. The initial focus is on university applications (UCAS). We advise everyone to go through the process of application, even if they don't actually apply. This is because students frequently change their mind, (Three students applied within the last two days this year). Focus will then move on to apprenticeships and CV writing / job interviews.
Year 12 also have work experience fast approaching. We are in the process of communicating with the placements of those who have secured a work experience placement. However, there are others who still need to finalise their placements. Work experience is not optional and even if someone doesn't know what they want to do in life or has a career choice where is it very difficult to find work experience, they must organise something. Most placements will help them develop transferable skills and the process of getting a placement may well help them mature and develop independence. So if your child has not yet done anything please can you encourage them to do so urgently. If you have any queries, please speak to Ms Bestic in the sixth form office.
Good Luck to all those taking exams this year, may we wish them the success they deserve and that they secure their place in their next life choice.
Ashley Calloway
Head of Sixth Form
Assistant Head teacher
