YEAR 2021 -22
The Sixth Form AT BREDON SCHOOL
PREPARATION FOR THE FUTURE
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
An extensive range of A Level, BTEC and vocational courses to suit our pupils
Bredon School offers its Sixth Form pupils an extensive cocurricular programme
"I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE MY ART AT UNIVERSITY ... ALL THANKS TO BREDON ALLOWING ME TO DEVELOP MY CREATIVITY."
TABLE OF CONTENTS 05
Introduction from the Headmaster
06
Introduction from the Head of Sixth Form
08
The Sixth Form Ethos at Bredon School
09
Sixth Form Leadership and Expectations
10
Our Academic Offer
12
Our Vocational Offer
14
Beyond the Classroom: Our Co-Curricular Offer
16
Sixth Form Facilties at Bredon School
17
Sixth Form Dress Standards
18
Preparation for the Future
"A SIXTH FORM PROVISION THAT IS SUPPORTIVE AND AMBITIOUS FOR ITS PUPILS"
INTRODUCTION FROM THE HEADMASTER Welcome to the Sixth Form at Bredon School. This is an important and hugely exciting time for pupils as they move on to the next stage of their educational journey. It is also an opportunity to welcome to our Sixth Form those pupils who join the Bredon community from a range of different schools. The Sixth Form at Bredon School ensures that pupils have every opportunity to fulfil their true potential and are equipped with the necessary qualifications and skills that will prepare them for their future, whatever or wherever that may be.
Developing confidence through leadership and teamwork via a number of activities and opportunities, our Sixth Form pupils act as role models for our younger pupils, setting standards across the school. Sixth Form pupils enjoy extra privileges including a dedicated events programme and Sixth Form Centre. We actively encourage them to take more responsibility for themselves in preparation for life beyond Bredon and build essential life skills. Academically, Bredon offers a vast array of curriculum choices from traditional A Levels to a wide range of vocational and BTEC courses. All Sixth Form pupils have the option to take a selection of enhancement programmes, including the highly respected Duke of Edinburgh Award, Uniformed Services and Combined Cadet Force (CCF). We are proud that the Sixth Form at Bredon is a supportive environment that challenges and promotes the ambitions of all our pupils. We encourage pupils to strike a healthy balance between the academic and the co-curricular opportunities on offer in order to make the most of their time with us.
Mr Oldham Headmaster
05
WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF SIXTH FORM The Sixth Form Leadership Team would like to offer you a warm welcome as you consider the next stage of your academic journey. As you near the completion of your studies in Year 11, there are undoubtedly important decisions to be made. The starting point is to select the educational environment that offers you the support and guidance you need to achieve your potential. By doing so, the transition from Key Stage 4 to adulthood will be as effortless, effective and enjoyable as possible.
We believe we are here to provide you with the tools to develop into a well-rounded individual. We will offer you the support you require to experience academic success, but just as importantly, to enable you to develop the vital skills you need for your future, whatever pathway you may choose to take. Our strong pastoral provision is delivered by experienced tutors, supported by the extended pastoral team, offering an essential point of contact and continuity throughout your time in the Sixth Form. Your personal tutor will support you through challenging times and be there to celebrate your individual successes. Alongside your chosen subjects and embedded within the Sixth Form Programme, are a series of Wainwright Lectures that aim to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the wider world, enabling you to become a more responsible citizen. You will be challenged, not only in the academic setting, but also through outdoor activities, helping you to develop leadership skills, learning to communicate effectively and overcoming challenges you may never have thought possible. We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant Sixth Form community and helping you to embrace all the opportunities on offer.
7 BENEFITS OF INDEPENDENT EDUCATION POST 16
MRS ADAMS, HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
01
Offering breadth and depth to Sixth Form education
02
Increasing opportunities for independence
03
Outstanding pastoral care
04
Providing interaction with alumni networks
05
A strong and supportive Careers Department
06
Broadening experience beyond school
07
Encouraging an inquisitive and open mind
THE ETHOS OF OUR SIXTH FORM The Sixth Form at Bredon School is all about preparation for the next step, distilling the experiences gained and lessons learned as pupils have moved up through the school. With a bespoke study centre, exceptional support from teaching and pastoral staff and a wide range of extra-curricular options to explore, the 6th Form allows pupils the time and space to decide on their future path.
SIXTH FORM LEADERSHIP AND EXPECTATIONS
Responsibility goes hand in hand with privilege and all pupils in the Sixth Form are expected to act as positive role models for those lower down the School. This can be experienced on a formal level through mentoring younger pupils, which our small school size allows us to do very effectively, or on an informal basis through conduct and appearance. It is very important that pupils have the opportunity to give back to the community what they have taken out in their time at Bredon, and none more so than in the Sixth Form.
Senior pupils are the "weather setters" for a school, none more so in a community like Bredon where younger pupils will know them by name, whether through our vertical house system or the boarding houses. Those school prefects chosen in the most senior roles also have the opportunity to have formal training through the Society of Heads Senior Prefects Development Programme, which covers areas such as public speaking, project planning and leadership skills. Away from the Prefect body, there are other equally valuable opportunities for leadership in the Sixth Form, whether on the sports field, within our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) or leading an entrepreneurial project through one of our vocational courses.
09
OUR ACADEMIC OFFER Bredon School’s unique and broad academic offer provides limitless opportunities for pupils to discover and build upon their individual strengths, develop enquiring minds in search of adventure and answers, and apply new thinking. Our bespoke academic offer provides a smooth transition between all key stages of learning and has a variety of vocational qualifications and A Levels.
The Academic Offer matches the strengths of our pupils and offers new challenges that will enable them to be successful in the next stage of their learning and future careers. Our value added scores demonstrate that our Academic Offer provides individual achievement, progress and development beyond expectation. Pupils are supported by a personal tutor who will work with them on a daily basis. Tutors provide guidance and support and will monitor the progress of their pupils to help them reach their full potential. Personal tutors are the first point of help with Higher Education applications who work closely with the careers team to enable a seamless transition into future life.
Our broad and varied range of subject options allow up to three main subject choices to be studied for both years in Sixth Form. Subject options include A Level, vocational BTEC qualifications and CISCO. Full details of all the courses offered at Sixth Form can be found on the School's website: www.bredonschool.org/sixth-form/options
11
OUR VOCATIONAL OFFER The founder of Bredon School, Lt. Colonel Sharp, believed that vocational and occupational training were integral parts of a well-rounded and successful educational experience. This ethos of holistic all round teaching including academic, vocation and experiential teaching continues into the present day and sits at the heart of all we do at Bredon School.
As part of the Sixth Form package of courses we offer a wide range of vocational courses. These Courses will not only give you access to apprenticeships and a wide range of higher and advanced courses beyond Bredon School but also teach a wide and invaluable range of life skills that will benefit you in whatever direction that you may choose to go after leaving school. All our courses are offered over the two years of Sixth Form and can be followed as both Level 2 and Level 3 options. Subject areas offered include: Farming, Animal Care and Agriculture Catering and Hospitality Engineering and Maintenance Travel and Tourism Uniformed Services Business Studies Sport Sciences Childcare Our teaching staff are all highly qualified and experienced in their chosen fields, many with years of ‘real world’ practical experience behind them. Bredon School endeavors to provide the best and most appropriate learning environment for all our subject areas. To this end the vocational areas you will study in are specifically designed and resourced for the subjects that you have chosen. We believe that the vocational educational experience that we offer at Bredon School is second to none and we all look forward to sharing this journey with you.
"BREDON HAS HELPED ME TO DEVELOP THE SKILLS NEEDED TO GET TO UNIVERSITY"
13
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM OUR CO-CURRICULAR OFFER
Our Academic provision is fully supported with additional activities and qualifications that are designed to take our pupils beyond the classroom. We take a holistic view to our pupils' studies to ensure they have a balanced overview of their education.
We currently offer and support:
Combined Cadet Force
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
Our CCF unit has continued to go from strength to strength and is now exceeding 70 pupils, from Year 9 to the Upper Sixth.
Our Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award is a natural pathway for pupils who have already completed the Silver Award. This highly recognised award allows our pupils to gain both skills and confidence, it also gives our pupils a clear advantage when applying for further education and university placements. Beyond academic success, universities and employers are keen to see how pupils have developed their skills through extra curricular activities, reflecting key skills in communication, teamwork and leadership. Our pupils who complete this fantastic award reflect on the growth and resilience that the course has offered, giving clear enhancement for their future pathway.
The CCF programme encourages pupils to develop their responsibilities, self discipline and leadership skills. This is achieved through a wide range of challenging and educational activities. It allows pupils to take charge of their lives so they can reach their full potential at school and beyond. Each unit is an educational partnership between the school and the Ministry of Defence. There is certainly lots for pupils to do and choose. Work Experience Our bespoke work experience programme enables our pupils to visit work placements and to develop key skills needed for the workplace. We are keen to support our pupils' interests and areas where they would like to consider a career pathway, allowing them essential time to consider this information and enhance their own curriculum vitae. Work experience is adjusted to fit into the individual timetable of each pupil. First Aid Training Our new first aid training for Sixth Form pupils gives them not only a qualification but the opportunity to acquire an important life skill. Through small group training sessions, pupils develop their confidence to do the right thing when it really counts and receive a recognised accreditation. This is also fantastic for enhancing a curriculum vitae.
15
SIXTH FORM FACILITIES AT BREDON
From September 2021, the new Sixth Study Centre will provide pupils with a dedicated space to study in a calm and quiet environment. They will have access to individual workspaces with laptops in situ, as well as a collaborative workspace with access to a projector for shared projects. The walls will offer space for pupils to formally display their artwork alongside the ‘Leavers' Tree’ which will flourish over time.
16
Incorporated within the Study Centre is an office for the Sixth Form staff who will be available to support pupils from both academic and pastoral perspectives or hold meetings with individual pupils. Attached to the front of the study area will be an area of partially covered decking, offering pupils the opportunity to socialise during break and lunchtime, and dine al fresco seated at picnic benches, or to sit comfortably in the relaxed seating area.
SIXTH FORM DRESS STANDARDS
Sixth Form pupils are expected to be well turned out at all times. They are role models to pupils lower down the School and act as ambassadors when giving tours to visitors. Presentation and appearance is also important in order to prepare for life beyond Bredon, whether that be at university or job interviews or for other professional pathways. Sixth Form Dress Standards:
Lower Sixth
Upper Sixth
Navy (dark) blue Charcoal (dark) grey or black suits/skirt suits *all 2 or 3-piece suits to be plain in design, no check or pinstripes
As per Lower Sixth uniform, with the exception of Prefects who can wear a pastel coloured shirt/blouse and their prefect tie (issued by the Headmaster) Additional information
or dark green tweed blazer and plain Charcoal (dark) grey trousers/skirt Both of the above are to be paired with a plain white shirt/blouse and house tie (provided by the school) Optional v-neck pullover in navy, charcoal grey or black can be worn in addition to a jacket/blazer (but not in place of) Black or brown leather shoes (boots are not acceptable)
If trousers are worn, black or navy blue socks should accompany them. If skirts are worn, they should be no shorter than a maximum of two fingers’ width above the knee. Tights are to be of plain design and black, navy or beige. Any coats worn are in addition to the suit jackets/blazers required, not in place of, and must be navy blue, charcoal grey or black in colour.
17
PREPARATION FOR THE FUTURE Throughout their time in the Sixth Form, pupils will be exposed to a variety of academic challenges and enrichment activities that will promote their personal development, helping each individual to prepare for success in the post-18 world. Their personal pathway may take them on to university, an apprenticeship or employment, and students will be offered guidance and support from our Careers Advisor, as well as their subject specialists and the Sixth Form team, in making decisions that are right for them.
As Sixth Form pupils, they will be provided with the skills to become independent learners, with guidance as to how to manage their time effectively and keep abreast of their workload and responsibilities. Our ultimate goal for each pupil is that they leave Bredon School as resourceful, responsible, resilient young people who have the appropriate skills, level of confidence and potential to achieve in their chosen career.
"GOING TO UNIVERSITY IS EXCITING AND SCARY BUT USING THE SELFCONFIDENCE I GAINED FROM MY PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART TEACHERS HAS GIVEN ME THE BELIEF TO ACHIEVE THINGS I NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE. "
19