Ashville Sixth Form brochure 2023-2024

2023-2024

WE ARE ASHVILLE

Ashville Sixth Form is not an examination factory; it is a place where pupils aged 16 to 18 years access a holistic range of opportunities to develop and gain the necessary skills, experiences, sense of ambition, and qualifications to be successful in the adult world.

Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth pupils receive excellent advice and guidance. In addition, our diverse Co-Curricular Programme and increasing chances to lead and organise activities afford opportunities that really count in the eyes of future employers.

We are very pleased that our FutureReady@Ashville programme, which is designed to further enhance our pre-university experience, continues to thrive.

The Sixth Form years are crucially important, and we are committed to offering the very best academic, social and co-curricular experience. Our aim is for all our Upper Sixth pupils to leave us with the strong academic foundations, personal characteristics and social skills they need to succeed and find fulfilment in the future, no matter what challenges lie ahead or where they may find themselves.

Mrs Rhiannon Wilkinson MA (Oxon) MEd Head of Ashville College

WE ARE

SUPPORTED

Who to turn to: Lower Sixth team

MEET THE TEAM

Who to turn to: Lower Sixth team

We understand the importance of the Sixth Form years. We share a genuine focus on each individual in our care, a determination to support them in achieving their personal best, and a belief that happy pupils are successful pupils.

Who to turn to: Lower Sixth team

Who to turn to: Lower Sixth team

Here are just some of the faces that will become familiar to you and your child as you get acquainted with Ashville Sixth Form:

Mrs Leanne Norton Head of Sixth Form

Who to turn to: Lower Sixth team

HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

Mrs Leanne Norton

Mrs Leanne Norton Head of Sixth Form

Assistant Head of Sixth

ASSISTANT HEAD OF SIXTH FORM (PUPILS)

Mrs Leanne Norton Head of Sixth Form

Mrs Joanne Wales-Smith

Mrs Leanne Norton Head of Sixth Form

Mr Damien Warren

ASSISTANT HEAD OF SIXTH FORM (ACADEMIC)

Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Future Ready)

Mr Damien Warren Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Pupils)

ASSISTANT HEAD OF SIXTH FORM (FUTURE READY)

Mrs Judith Grazier Future Ready Co-Ordinator

Mrs Leanne Norton Head of Sixth Form

Mr Gary Kurczij

LOWER SIXTH FORM TUTORS

Mrs Joanne Wales-Smith

Mr Gary Kurczij Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Academic)

Mrs Joanne Wales-Smith

Mr Damien Warren Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Pupils)

Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Future Ready)

Mr Gary Kurczij Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Academic)

SIXTH FORM CO-ORDINATOR

Mrs Deborah Oxley

LOWER SIXTH FORM TUTORS

Mrs Joanne Wales-Smith Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Future Ready)

Mr Christopher Edmonds Form Tutor (L6CE)

Mr Mathieu Medway Form Tutor (L6MM)

Mr Christopher Edmonds Form Tutor (L6CE)

Mrs Judith Grazier Future Ready Co-Ordinator

Mrs Joanne Wales-Smith Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Future Ready)

Mr Damien Warren Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Pupils)

FUTURE READY CO-ORDINATOR

Mrs Judith Grazier Future Ready Co-Ordinator

Mr Damien Warren Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Pupils)

Mrs Judith Grazier Future Ready Co-Ordinator

LOWER SIXTH FORM TUTORS

LOWER SIXTH FORM TUTORS

Mr Damien Warren Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Pupils)

Mrs Catherine Storey Form Tutor (L6CS)

Miss Naomi Dales Form Tutor (L6ND)

Mrs Judith Grazier Future Ready Co-Ordinator

Mrs Judith Grazier

Mr Chris Norris Form Tutor (L6AK)

Mr Gilmour Coad Form Tutor (L6GC)

Mr Mathieu Medway Form Tutor (L6MM)

Scan the QR code to find out about some of our team in more depth.

Miss Naomi Dales Form Tutor (L6ND)

Mrs Catherine Storey Form Tutor (L6CS)

Mr Chris Norris Form Tutor (L6AK)

Mr Christopher Edmonds Form Tutor (L6CE)

Miss Naomi Dales Form Tutor (L6ND)

Mrs Catherine Storey Form Tutor (L6CS)

Mr Gilmour Coad Form Tutor (L6GC)

Miss Naomi Dales Form Tutor (L6ND)

Mr Chris Norris Form Tutor (L6AK)

Mr Gilmour Coad Form Tutor (L6GC)

Mr Chris Norris Form Tutor (L6AK)

Mr Gilmour Form

LOWER SIXTH FORM TUTORS

Every Ashville Sixth Former is supported to achieve academic success through an exciting and diverse curriculum which serves their individual needs, interests and aspirations.

The academic approach in Sixth Form is founded in high expectations and a belief that learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom.

Our teachers are specialists in their chosen disciplines and work tirelessly to deliver the best possible opportunities for our pupils, whether they go on to university, an apprenticeship or begin their career straight from school. While self-discipline, self-motivation and the ability to work independently are key attributes of a Sixth Former, they are not on their own. Ashville Sixth Form offers a happy, safe and purposeful environment in which they can blossom as independent young adults, while enjoying strong and

A Levels

positive relationships with staff.

We are ambitious for our pupils and support them to ensure they can accomplish their aims and pursue their passions through a balanced range of academic courses, academic enrichment and co-curricular activities. Small class sizes allow teaching to be tailored to pupils’ specific needs; the largest teacher to pupil ratio in Sixth Form is 1:10, with class sizes in some subjects much smaller than this.

We offer more than 20 A Level, Cambridge Technical and BTEC courses to enable pupils to build a programme of study that will prepare them for their futures.

All our Sixth Form courses

And more...

ACADEMIC WE

ARE

Art and Design

Art, Craft and Design

Biology

Business

Chemistry

Classical Civilisation

Computer Science

Design and Technology

(Product Design)

Economics

English Language

English Literature

Film Studies

French

Further Mathematics

Geography

German

History

Latin

Law

Mathematics

Music

Philosophy, Ethics and Theology

Physical Education

Physics

Politics

Psychology

Spanish

BTEC Applied Science

BTEC Business

BTEC Sport

Cambridge Technical in Performing Arts

Future Ready (EPQ, AYLA, Sports Leaders, LEAP and IELTS)

Level 3 Core Maths

Pupils can also achieve the US High School Diploma – we are the only independent school in the North of England to offer this option, which is geared for pupils who wish to pursue further study in the US.

MULTISKILLED WE ARE

We encourage all Sixth Formers to approach these two years in a positive and committed manner so they can gain the most from the opportunities that come their way.

While passing exams is important, there’s more to preparing for the future. Ashville Sixth Formers enjoy a wide range of experiences that enhance their learning, open their eyes and equip them with valuable skills.

FutureReady@Ashville

Future Ready provides a framework for the development of skills employers look for, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience. They need people who can think critically, have analytical skills, and can demonstrate an aptitude for creativity. When you ask our pupils about their programme of study, they won’t just tell you about A Levels and BTECs. They will talk about their EPQ or other Future Ready courses that are designed to support their skills development, and to enhance their university application and preparedness for the world of work. We arrange a wide range of skills, enterprise, employability, and careers activities within school, from diverse and inspiring guest speakers to optional short courses such as First Aid, British Sign Language, and Personal Finance.

An inclusive education

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to academic progress, and at Ashville, individuals are valued wherever their talents lie. Our dedicated Learning Support department works with staff members, parents and individual pupils to ensure that all pupils can become the best versions of themselves, regardless of disability or learning difficulty. Likewise, we identify individuals who would benefit from opportunities for academic enrichment beyond the normal curriculum, to help our most able, gifted and talented pupils, including our Scholars and Exhibitioners, to advance where they are strongest.

Enhanced learning

Pupils look forward to being able to focus on their favourite subjects in the Sixth Form, and there are plenty of opportunities for them to take their learning to the next level. Due to the size of our school, each individual is known and nurtured, so our staff are well-placed to recognise when and how further enrichment can be provided, from a subject-based trip to extension clubs offered through our Co-Curricular Programme, to support to achieve additional qualifications.

Leadership and responsibility

Pupil leadership enables Sixth Formers to gain invaluable experience, confidence and additional skills that can support them in their future lives and careers. Our Red Ties are led by the Heads of School and represent Ashville at the most senior level. Green Ties work closely with Year 7 and 8 pupils, helping them to find their feet as they transition through Lower School. Peer Mentors offer invaluable support and a listening ear to fellow pupils. Academic Mentors support younger pupils in a particular academic field of interest. Other roles include Captaincies, which are awarded in a range of areas of College life from Music to Debating, Chair of the College Council, Charities and Community Chair, and Head Chorister.

I was worried about being academically well prepared but perhaps not having the other skills employers look for, so I was very happy when Future Ready was

Lucy, Upper Sixth

HIGH ACHIEVING WE ARE

SUCCEED

At Ashville Sixth Form, we work with every young person to help them realise their potential in their chosen fields of study and co-curricular pursuits.

We mark every success, small or large. We reward and acknowledge both academic work as well as any behaviour that embodies our school ethos of being caring, considerate and displaying resilience. We award Pupil of the Week every week in recognition of a strong approach to learning and service to the school. We regularly send postcards home celebrating success and pupils in Lower Sixth earn ‘Perks’ for demonstrating a commitment to learning and the wider school community.

And the big wins? We expect and support all pupils to give their all in their A Level exams of course, but there are so many other big moments awaiting them. These could be captaining a sports team, taking a lead role in a Drama production, delivering a solo in Music, exhibiting in our Art and DT Summer Show, flourishing as a Scholar or Exhibitioner and sharing their knowledge with others, being appointed as a Prefect, or winning a prize at our annual Speech Day.

RESULTS AND DESTINATIONS

We have a strong reputation for supporting every pupil to do their very best in their chosen areas of study and are proud of all our leavers as they enter the next stage in their lives.

In 2023, 94% of the Summer 2023 cohort of Upper Sixth pupils were awarded places at their preferred universities based on their A Level results. One third of Upper Sixth grades were at A*- A and two-thirds at A*- B. Chosen undergraduate degrees ranged from Aeronautics and Astronautics to Medicine, as well as Archaeology and Ancient Civilisation, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Finance and Management, Mechanical Engineering, Modern Foreign Languages, Physics, Physiotherapy, and Sports Management.

Where are some of our 2023 cohort studying now?

Birmingham

Bristol

Cornell (Ivy League)

Durham

Edinburgh

Leeds

Les Roches, Switzerland

Loughborough

Manchester

Newcastle

Northumbria

Southampton

Toronto University

University of Virginia

WE ARE

PARTICIPATE

By immersing themselves fully in Sixth Form life, pupils gain more from these two years than they expect.

Contributing to school life

Those who model excellence and give their all every day have a much more content and rewarding experience in Sixth Form. All Sixth Formers can act as role models for younger pupils in how they conduct themselves in day-to-day school life. Many go further by taking on a leadership role that empowers them to create change, support other pupils and develop skills for life.

Sports, Music, Drama, and the Arts

These are important parts of life at Ashville. We have a great wealth of talent amongst our specialist coaches and teachers, who help Sixth Formers to continue developing their sporting and creative skills and experience. Our primary winter sports are Rugby, Netball and Hockey, while during the Summer, Cricket, Athletics and Tennis are our main sports. Others on offer all year round include Swimming, Basketball, Football, Badminton, Volleyball and Table Tennis. There is a passion for Music and the Performing Arts at Ashville, as evidenced by the enthusiasm and talent displayed at annual events such as House Music, House Drama and the Senior School and Sixth Form Production. Creative expression is encouraged at Ashville; both Art and Design and Technology have a major presence on our Co-Curricular Programme while House events and the annual Summer Show are key drivers for our most artistic pupils.

Which House are you?

The Ashville House system helps to instil a greater sense of identity and belonging in pupils. All Sixth Form pupils are members of one of four Houses – Duckworth,

Ellis, Riverdale, or Windermere – and the friendly rivalry between them is palpable in every event or competition. Each of the four Competitive Houses appoints one or two Heads of House from the Upper Sixth to help lead their houses and assist with the smooth running of Competitive House events. The House system goes hand in hand with Sports, Music, Drama, and the Arts, but also a range of other subjects and areas of School life, from charity work to Debating. Each year, the Houses vie for the Rigg Cup for points earned in House sports events e.g. Rugby and Cricket, throughout the year, and the Festival Trophy for points earned in House creative and performing arts events e.g. House Music and House Art.

Co-curricular activities shape pursuits that last beyond school

We are committed to the education of the whole person through both our academic provision and Co-Curricular Programme, and we consistently see that many of our top performers in public examinations are pupils who have fully involved themselves in the co-curricular life of the College. Our varied and exciting Co-Curricular Programme has something for everyone, and it’s common for pupils to continue with their chosen pursuits long into the future beyond Ashville. Wednesday afternoons give Sixth Formers dedicated time to pursue a specific activity, whether it’s a seasonal team sport, Art, DT, cooking or voluntary work.

“

“ Participation is something that is promoted here, so, do what you want to do. Take every opportunity. People will not think badly of you for it; they will look up to you for it.

Annie, Upper Sixth

PURSUE THROUGH OUR CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME

Sixth Formers benefit from a large number of activities, ensembles, clubs and training programmes that enable them to try new things or continue to cultivate existing interests.

Our activities provision is known as the Co-Curricular Programme. We strongly believe that involvement in a wide variety of activities benefits not only a pupil’s personal growth and the development of life skills but also their academic progress.

There are numerous scientific studies which point to the positive benefits to brain development, physical and mental health and the feeling of community which comes from co-curricular involvement. Our programme offers our pupils opportunities for the development of excellence and also the chance for them to open their mind to new prospects.

WE

The activities are designed and planned for pupils to have fun, get the chance to represent their College, and most importantly, develop the eight Skills Builder Essential Skills (Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Staying Positive, Aiming High, Leadership, and Teamwork), which are taught and encouraged through our Future Ready programme and are geared to the World Economic Forum’s top job skills of tomorrow. Sixth Formers often start and run their own additional clubs based on their own interests or those of their peers.

WE ARE

PROUD

OUR FACILITIES

Ashville Sixth Formers pupils benefit from a range of high-quality facilities and a 70-acre campus across which to excel and collaborate.

HAPPY WE ARE

ENJOY

The Sixth Form days are about more than studying and exams and at Ashville we believe that pupils learn best when they are happy.

The Sixth Form offers a thriving community where pupils feel happy, valued, known and appreciated. In turn, having the right attitude, enthusiasm and passion pays dividends. Our academic and pastoral teams ensure not only that a strong academic culture and outstanding behaviour are maintained, but that there’s also plenty of fun in the Sixth Form!

Pupils look forward to the increased sense of independence and freedom that comes with being a Sixth Former. Passions and friendships cultivated can last a lifetime. There is a wealth of enjoyable and rewarding activities on offer at Ashville and we encourage and trust our young people to get involved with anything that brings enjoyment to their Sixth Form lives. It’s there for the taking, with participation in team sports and performing arts often cited by alumni as highlights of their time at Ashville.

Ashville is known for its school traditions. From incredible international school trips and enrichment events to sports days and seasonal balls and parties, as well as Upper Sixth rites of passage such as Leavers Day and the Valedictory Service, and everything else in between, there is plenty to look forward to.

Trips: where we are heading

in 2023-24!

Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions

Granada Iceland Lake District London New York

Nice Rome Ski trip in Italy Washington Yorkshire

Barcelona Benelux Cambodia France

VALUED WE ARE

THRIVE

Ashville is a caring, family school. We want every young person to feel supported and to know with certainty that they can ask for help if they need it.

By providing a structured underlying support system, Sixth Formers can enjoy exploring their new self-sufficiency in a safe environment.

Academic and pastoral support is intertwined in a bespoke tutorial system. Upon entering the Sixth Form, a pupil is assigned to a tutor group. A carefully matched tutor will see the pupil daily throughout their time in the Sixth Form and be the first point of contact for any issues that arise, whether academic or pastoral.

Tutors also carry out progress and attainment reviews during the year, providing support and motivation for pupils. We believe working together in this manner allows a pupil to reach their maximum potential.

Staff and pupils alike look out for each other at Ashville. No one stands alone. This ethos of care and the understanding that sometimes pupils only feel comfortable speaking to someone closer in age to them, led to the launch of the Peer Mentor programme in 2021. Peer Mentors, specially trained Upper Sixth pupils, provide a drop-in service to all year groups, and act as listening ear for pupils to discuss any thoughts of concerns they wish to share.

Parent partnership is of vital importance; as an Ashville parent, you should feel involved, supported and well-informed about your child’s progress. We keep parents updated through a variety of meetings and communication channels.

“

“ Ashville Sixth Form provides a space where you feel safe, valued and needed. Sofia, Upper Sixth

WE ARE BELONG

At every stage within the school, you will hear one word repeated probably more than any other: community.

Ashville is a special place, well known for its sense of community. Everyone has one shared goal – the happiness and education of all the children in our care. We are small enough to care for every member as an individual, but big enough to create global citizens ready for the future.

We have welcomed international pupils for over 50 years. Today, we have a mix of pupils from many countries, offering a diverse cultural

make friends and adapt to British culture. Our well-established US International Studies department serves 160 American pupils each year, as well as UK and international pupils who wish to study at an American university.

When your child joins Ashville, you join Ashville too. You will receive personal support from staff as your child progresses, and a warm welcome from our parents’ association, the New Friends of Ashville (NFoA). The NFoA is a strong and

Beth Hartwell, President of the Ashvillian Society

BECOME

Every pupil who leaves Ashville automatically becomes a member of the College’s alumni association, the Ashvillian Society.

We take great interest in the onward journeys and achievements of former pupils, many of whom keep in contact with old friends and the College many years after leaving school.

The College works closely with the Ashvillian Society to keep our ‘Old Ashvillians’ (OAs) updated regularly, to run dedicated events, and to encourage collaboration between OAs and current pupils.

Many of those who have been associated with Ashville feel a deep connection to the College and want to use the skills and experiences developed from their own Ashville education and since leaving School to support other young people, particularly Sixth Formers. This could be through mentoring, talks, or even mock university or job interviews.

CONNECTED WE ARE

A SNAPSHOT OF OUR OAS – WHAT THEY DID NEXT...

Airline pilot

Aston Martin engineer

Award-winning actor

Barrister

BBC journalist

Charity leader

Chief investigative reporter for The Times

Concert pianist

Consultant cardiologist

Entrepreneur

Exploration geologist

Film director

General practitioner

High Court judge

His Majesty’s Ambassador

Lead creative at Jaguar Cars

Lieutenant colonel

Member of Parliament

Professional rugby player

Publishing director

Red Arrows pilot Senior partner (law)

TV producer

United Nations officer University professor

Wimbledon chief executive

READY WE ARE

PREPARE

Sixth Form presents the most significant stage of preparation in a child’s school life. The Sixth Form programme is geared to helping pupils to be ready for the immediate next stage of their lives, as well as providing skills and experience that will serve them well long into their adult lives.

The journey to A Levels and BTECs finishes here, and we provide an exceptional and highly attentive programme of support to help pupils achieve the qualifications they need to enter their preferred universities. In 2023, 94 per cent of them did just do that, embarking on a diverse range of undergraduate degrees at prestigious institutions in the UK and around the world, from Russell Group to Ivy League.

FutureReady@Ashville aims to ensure every pupil leaves Ashville ready for their exciting future. A carefully designed programme of courses and events supports pupils in developing the employability skills identified by the World Economic Forum. These include:

• Courses, such as the Extended Project Qualification, Archbishops’ Young Leaders Award, LEAP (enterprise competition) and Sports Leaders

• Pupil leadership opportunities, from Red Ties to Peer Mentors

• Weekly guest speakers, from a range of backgrounds and career paths, to inspire our pupils and spark discussion

• A bespoke programme for pupils looking to apply to Oxbridge or/and for medicine, dentistry or veterinary courses

• Extensive careers guidance and a quality work experience programme

• Short courses to help pupils develop life skills, from cooking to First Aid

Lower Sixth work placements in 2023 – a snapshot:

British Library Harrogate District Hospital

Heathrow Airport House of Commons JORVIK

Viking Centre Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Leeds United FC Mercer Art Gallery RAF Menwith Hill Rudding Park The Duchy Hospital

We also often enlist the help of our Old Ashvillians, many of whom have built fantastic careers, in getting current Sixth Formers ready for the future.

I am on such a high! I know I tried as hard as I possibly could and now I’m heading to Durham University. I really feel I will thrive there and so many doors will open for me.

INSPIRING WE ARE

SCHOLARSHIPS

Ashville’s Scholarships and Exhibitions programme is at the heart of our celebration and nurturing of excellence and is central to the identity of the College.

We place great importance on nurturing outstanding talent, supporting pupils to further develop their skills, and in Sixth Form, empowering them to share their

In Sixth Form, the start of Key Stage 5, scholarships are awarded to pupils who demonstrate academic excellence or/and outstanding talent in Art, Music, Drama, or Sport. Scholars receive a financial contribution towards annual fees and become a member of the College Scholarship programme.

Being a Scholar or an Exhibitioner at Ashville offers a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom and experiences to help pupils to continue to enhance and demonstrate their talent, knowledge, understanding and skills. We expect Sixth Form Scholars to lead and be actively involved in activities in their specific areas of expertise and act as mentors for younger pupils.

We are proud to see our Sixth Form Scholars become ambassadors for their subject and many choosing to

Scholarships are awarded on the strength of the pupil’s performance in the entrance exam and Scholarship Day. There are additional forms of assessment for Scholarships in Art, Drama, Music, and Sport. Please speak to Admissions if you are interested in a

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The details make the difference when you’re choosing a school for your child.

Visiting us

The best way to experience Ashville is in person, either at one of our Open Events or by individual appointment. This is a great opportunity for us to meet your child and for them to have a look around the school. Please contact our friendly Admissions team on +44 (0)1423 724863 or admissions@ashville.co.uk.

Dates for your diary (2023-24)

• Sixth Form Options Fair

Thursday 11 November 2023

• Entrance exam

Tuesday 23 January 2024

• Full College Open Morning

Saturday 9 March 2024

Scan the QR code for events listings and to register. Scholarship assessment days are confirmed on an individual basis upon application to Ashville.

WE ARE ASHVILLE

Getting here

Through our partner Vectare, we offer daily home to school bus services to provide handy transport for pupils travelling from Harrogate and across the wider Yorkshire region.

Locations covered by our bus routes include:

Addingham Adel Alwoodley Boston Spa Bramham

Bramhope Chapel Allerton Harewood Harrogate

Ilkley Knaresborough Lawnswood Moortown Pannal

Pateley Bridge Pool in Wharfedale Otley Ripon

Roundhay Spofforth Wetherby

Parking is available for any pupils who have passed their driving test and wish to drive themselves to school.

How to find out more

How to find out more

More information, including on fees, can be found on our website.

More information, including on fees, can be found on our website.

We are now inviting applications for September 2024 and aim to make the process of applying to Ashville as smooth as possible.

We are now inviting applications for September 2024 and aim to make the process of applying to Ashville as smooth as possible.

Scan the QR code or visit www.ashville.co.uk/admissions

Scan the QR code or visit www.ashville.co.uk/admissions