Barnard Castle School Prospectus Sixth Form

sixth form

Something profound changes within a young person as they approach Sixth Form age: they yearn for autonomy, are ready to develop good judgement, and start to look more seriously to their future. In short, a young person’s time at Sixth Form has the ability to be the most formative period of their life.

The Sixth Form at Barnard Castle School provides a comprehensive framework that allows our students to capitalise on their natural predisposition for development. We believe that our ethos of academic diligence and self-motivation for students across the ability spectrum is both a driving factor for, and a consequence of our wider development programme that positions our Sixth Formers as the leaders and managers of our School.

Our students are taught in small teaching groups by experienced subject specialists. Under the guidance of their Teachers and Tutors, our Sixth Formers are expected to develop independent study skills, good timemanagement and self-discipline. Through our lecture and tutorial programme they gain vital study and research skills, and are exposed to speakers who both widen their horizons and initiate self-reflection.

Once they leave the classroom, the holistic development of our Sixth Formers continues. Almost every aspect of the School is organised by members of the Sixth Form, and no matter what their personal area of interest or skills, each student at Barnard Castle School has the opportunity to develop genuine leadership prowess.

When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things...

Christopher Butler Head of Sixth Form

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Barnard Castle School Sixth Form

Aiming high In the Sixth Form we want each student to deepen their understanding of their chosen subjects, of themselves and of their potential to make a difference. We want them to study with ambition, to speak with growing confidence and to face the world with a passion to play their part in it.

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Learning to learn Our Sixth Form curriculum offers students 22 highly-regarded subjects which are assessed by either traditional A’Level or the internationally recognised Cambridge Pre-U exams. Barney has a long history of preparing students for Russell Group and Oxbridge universities as well as other regional destinations and our curriculum focuses on the sort of challenging disciplines that are sought by leading universities.

An optional qualification for our Sixth Form students is the Extended Project which involves original independent research and is highlyprized by leading universities. Students enjoy the opportunity to study in unprecedented detail and demonstrate a degree of independence and intellectual maturity that surpasses the demands of traditional A’Levels.

“Everyone remembers a favourite teacher. Mine taught English.”

Nigel Farndale (1976-81), Bestselling author and award-winning journalist

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Resourcing the experience Sixth Form work is academically demanding, so we give our students all of the resources and time that they need to meet its challenge. To complement first class teaching in small classes, our students are encouraged to embrace essential private study in our library which is well stocked with books and up-to-the-minute journals carrying the latest in research and opinion. They have an excellent computer network and a dedicated Sixth Form web portal both for reference and for contacting their teachers wherever they are and they can make good use of our provision of online e-journals.

All of our Sixth Form students are enrolled at Durham University Library, a world-class facility, for reading around subjects and for informing Extended Projects. Adjacent to the School, the Bowes Museum houses one of the best collections in northern England as well as experts and a superb reading room which has generously been opened to our Sixth Form as an additional research and study facility.

“outstanding support and guidance of staff are important factors in the school’s success.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011

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Learning to lead Instantly recognisable in their fitted suits from the Barnard Castle School range, our Sixth Form students stand out. However, leadership is more than smart tailoring and in Sixth Form they enjoy two years of abundant opportunities and experiences which build understanding, confidence and poise.

Students enjoy lectures in leadership and management from eminent academics and business leaders and have a myriad of opportunities to practise their theories in general School management, in chairing and contributing to influential committees and in leading projects which can actually shape the experience of School for future generations.

“I hope that I will be able to inspire today’s students with some of my own life experiences and especially my work with Team Stadium and the Road to London 2012 .”

Tony Aikenhead (1970-1972), Director of Operations, Sir Robert McAlpine

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A dynamic community All Barney Sixth Form Students are welcomed into membership of the Sixth Form Common Room, which is run along university lines and affiliated to the National Union of Students, with all of the benefits that this brings.

The Sixth Form is led by an elected Executive Committee and a huge number of students become involved in it and its sub-committee work, chairing meetings of staff and younger girls and boys to promote important work and themes within the School. Skills of planning, presentation, diplomacy and organisation which students develop through this forum are invaluable.

Sixth Form is not all work. During free periods, students can visit the local coffee shop, relax or have a quick workout in the School’s excellent fitness suite. Students also benefit from a programme of exclusive social activities, ranging from light-hearted quiz nights to black tie dinners each term. Our Sixth Form community is at the heart of Barney life; it is dynamic, ambitious, great fun and very welcoming.

“Pupils refer to the atmosphere within the school as being ‘like a big family’.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011

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Embracing the future All education is ultimately about preparation. At Barney we are confident that after two years in our Sixth Form, students will have the skills, qualifications and outlook needed to leave us and begin the next stage of their lives with high standards, self-assurance and humanity. Some take

Telephone: +44 (0)1833 696030 School office: +44 (0)1833 690222 Email: admissions@barneyschool.org.uk www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk

a GAP year, others opt to begin their career, but the majority choose to pursue higher education where our students have an impressive record of pursuing study at the university of their choice.

Before they do so, they receive expert advice on every step of the university application journey, a process that begins in their Lower 6th year. Everything from course selection to personal statements and student finance is covered and parents are also invited to come and learn a little more about the latest developments.

At Barney each student is important to us and we take great pride in helping them to flourish. Our Sixth Form students express a deep sense of attachment to their School, but they also cannot wait to leave and that, as every moist-eyed parent knows, is as it should be.

“ M y t i me a t B a r n e y ga v e me t h e c o n f i d e n c e a n d t h e CV t o se c u r e a pla c e t o r ea d L a w a t Camb r i d ge . �

Louise Yarrow (1990-1992), Director, Deutsche Bank

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