Welcome to the 6 th Form
Following their GCSEs, our students move into their 6 th Form, where they concentrate on their last stage of study at school. These final years form both an essential and exciting component of life at The British School of Paris. We pride ourselves on accepting and working with students from all academic backgrounds and developing young adults who are committed, self-motivated, who have a sense of purpose and a determination to succeed.
The 6th Form offers the opportunity to maximise academic potential and to get involved in school life through volunteering and co-curricular activities as well as evolve in a friendly social and multicultural environment.
Students are taught to be self-disciplined and to take responsibility for their own learning and development, whilst being fully supported on an individual basis through the important transition into the 6th Form and then onto the next step.
6th Formers move from pupils to becoming students in the school, a small change in status but one that carries both freedom and responsibility. Students are treated as young adults and are encouraged to explore both who they are as individuals and what role they play in both the school community and wider society.
The purpose of this guide is to explain how 6th Form life differs from that of other parts of the school. The information within it has been designed to showcase some of the opportunities available and to provide valuable insight to help students succeed in studies and benefit from the many opportunities that await them in the 6th Form.
A comprehensive team of professionals including the Head of 6th Form, Heads of Year and Tutors, and the Head of Futures are in place to encourage success and provide the best environment for students to explore, develop and strive for academic excellence whilst at the same time preparing them for the independence and challenges of life post the BSP.
Mrs K. Gorman - Head of 6 th Form
Philosophy and Objectives
Our School Values
We welcome students from all over the world into our 6th Form and this makes for a wonderfully rich learning environment. We strive to produce young adults who will make active and positive contributions to society across the world. In order to achieve this we work hard to ensure that all aspects of 6th Form life and the resultant environment are modelled on the school motto and values.
The School’s motto Validus Corpore, Animoque, or Strength in Body and Mind is a fine sentiment for a place of learning which seeks to help students challenge themselves both academically and socially.
Our School crest gives a graphic expression and embodiment of our values as a school. These values serve as an indication of our purpose and we, as a school, are at our best when we are mindful of this.
At the top of the crest is the victor’s crown, a symbol of excellence and with it integrity
The two supporting lions bring to mind the values of determination and endeavour, qualities that see us recognise achievement and the will to strive when times are tough.
The galleon, symbol of our host city, Paris, reminds us that we seek to learn with a spirit of discovery and that we appreciate the opportunity of learning within our vibrant community, in France and beyond.
The Fleur-de-Lys points us in the direction of both community and service, concepts from which we learn and benefit.
Together these values reflect high expectations which, when learned and embodied by our students, ensure that all those who are educated at The British School of Paris are best placed to serve as upstanding members of and positive contributors to society.
Philosophy and Objectives
Our philosophy throughout the school is to provide a high quality British Education. We strive to ensure a focus on the individual. Our objectives in the 6th Form include:
• Enabling students to achieve their full academic potential
Experience shows that the single most important factor in 6th Form aspirations is excellent examination results and so we strive to ensure that each student achieves the best possible grades they are capable of.
• Promoting independent learning
Students arriving in the 6th Form may have had very little experience of organising extended pieces of work over longer periods of time or of taking class notes which then need to be processed and reflected upon. Post school these are skills that will be very important and so upskilling students to organise, manage, work effectively and meet deadlines is critical.
• Encouraging social responsibility
As 6th Form students approach adulthood it is very important that they realise the value of being socially aware citizens who are valuable to society and fully aware of the implications of actions taken. A large focus in Personal Social, Health and Economic Education is placed on students’ role in the school, local and global communities.
• Ensuring a happy environment
Students learn best when they are happy and we feel that it is our duty to know each student individually, both where they have come from and where their future aspirations lie. This will ensure that the pathway through 6th Form is a positive one in a happy, safe and healthy environment where the aims outlined above can be fully met.
“Effective learning and an enthusiastic approach to study are pre-requisites for academic success.”
How to be successful in the 6 th Form
Positive Relationships
Success in the 6th Form begins with and is supported by positive relationships in school.
It is important that you approach interactions with all staff and students in a mature and considerate manner. Respect for and trust in the environment and those around you is vital in ensuring the best learning conditions for all.
Time Management
In the 6th Form you will discover that the number of commitments you have will multiply. In addition to your heavy academic workload, you may also find yourself involved in sport, drama, music, prefect duties and a variety of other activities. You could also expect there to be an extension of your social life. All of these will make significant demands on your time.
From the start, you should establish your priorities, as you cannot do everything well and academic study must always take precedence.
Balancing academic, co-curricular and social activities can be a challenge. Effective organisation with the support of the 6th Form Team, will prove invaluable.
Pace yourself - sensible planning is essential.
Do not leave assignments until the night before; work is set well in advance so that you can plan ahead and manage your tasks. Set yourself targets that are challenging but attainable; develop a routine that allows you to meet them. Build in time to review the work that you have done previously, and keep your folders organised. This investment in time will pay off when it comes to revising for exams; at the end of Year 12, for January mocks in Year 13 and, of course, at the end of Year 13 too.
Academic Work
As a student you should be thinking about your subjects outside lessons as a part of your independent learning. In the 6th Form, work in class with your teachers is the minimum required and must be developed in your own non-contact time. You must read around the subject, pursue individual research and continually review all the work you are studying. We expect at least 5 hours of independent work per subject outside lesson time every week. Keeping a balance between all subjects is key.
Effective learning and an enthusiastic approach to study are pre-requisites for academic success. Many of these learning skills will be unfamiliar to you but the 6th Form Team will help you master these techniques. The faster you develop good study habits, the more effectively you will learn, the more enjoyable your courses will become and the better your final grades will be.
Private Study
It is important that students who are mature, responsible and considerate should be allowed certain privileges and encouraged to take responsibility for their own study programme. We want you to use the 6th Form as an opportunity to move from the more formal lower school regime to the freedom and responsibility of the post school environment as smoothly as possible. On joining the 6th Form you change from being a pupil to a student in more than name only.
As a 6th Form student you will have periods of non- contact time available for private study. During these times you will be increasingly responsible for your own learning and helped to develop independent thinking and selfdiscipline where necessary. Study periods should be used effectively for preparing reports and essays, reading, research, completing coursework and preparing for tests and examinations. You will certainly not make the best use of your study time if you view it as “free time” or “time off”.
Study Facilities
To support you in your studies there are a number of facilities available to the 6 th Form. There is a fully equipped library, a dedicated 6 th Form Study Room and a 6 th Form Common Room combining study areas and a space to relax.
The Library is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm from Monday –Friday and 6th Form students have access to this area during non-contact periods. The library is primarily used to support curriculum studies and reading for pleasure. The Librarian is at your disposal to help with your individual needs.
The Study Room offers students a quiet and comfortable place to work and to hold 6th Form meetings.
The 6th Form Common Room allows for individual and communal study and is equipped with charging devices as well as presentation facilities. It also provides areas for relaxation.
“The 6 th Form at the BSP is a very enriching experience, allowing for more independence for me to take the lead over my own studying, whilst getting beneficial and valuable help from teachers whenever I need it. The courses are comprehensive and led by passionate teachers which help invigorate my passion for learning and the 6 th Form team are always there to support any part of school life to help make it the best possible experience. Furthermore, the range of activities, spaces, and opportunities given within the 6 th Form to help the larger community is extremely rewarding and helps to build soft skills which are integral for self-development.”
Student profile: Chrissie
Learning & Study Skills
The 6th Form PSHE (Personal Social,Health and Economic Education) programme focuses on skills programmes that support you in your transition to the 6th Form and beyond. These programmes focus on individual learning styles, organisation, time management and study skills. Staff are on hand to provide individual support for students who would like more personalised guidance on improving their preferred learning and study techniques.
The programme covers advice on:
• time management and motivation
• memory improvement techniques
• reading for different purposes
• effective note taking
• revision
The 6 th Form Team
The 6 th Form team is here to encourage and provide the best environment for you to strive for academic excellence, whilst at the same time preparing you for the independence of university life and the world outside school.
Head of 6 th Form :
The Head of 6th Form plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organisation and running of the whole of the 6th Form. They focus on guaranteeing a smooth transition for existing and new parents/guardians and students, providing guidance and support to ensure a seamless integration into the 6th form community. The Head of 6th Form works very closely with the Head of Futures to make sure that students are prepared for life after school, whether that be higher education, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce. This collaboration ensures that students receive comprehensive advice and support tailored to their individual aspirations.
In addition to their academic responsibilities, the Head of 6th Form is also the Head of Welfare for Key Stage 5, overseeing the wellbeing and overall success of students. They are dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
The Head of 6th Form also organises the Prefect body, coordinates 6th Form social events, and manages disciplinary matters, ensuring a cohesive and supportive 6th Form team.
The Head of 6th Form also works closely with the Head of Teaching and Learning in monitoring student progress and identifying academic challenges. Collaboration with the Head of Teaching and Learning allows for effective response to students and parents/guardians on all academic matters.
The Head of 6th Form works closely with the Head of Safeguarding to ensure that all students feel safe and supported throughout their time in the 6th Form.
6 th Form Heads of Year and Tutors:
The 6th Form pastoral team is made up of two Heads of Year and their tutors. Each team follows the student through the 6th Form thus building trust and confidence.
The 6th Form Tutors meet with their students daily. Guided by the Heads of Year and Head of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education), the 6th Form Tutors deliver the PSHE programme according to UK government guidelines. The PSHE curriculum helps children and young people stay healthy, safe and prepared for life and work. PSHE education also helps pupils to achieve their academic potential.
The 6th Form Tutors are the principal point of contact for the student, and they are supported by the Heads of Year. The 6th Form Tutors can advise students on achieving targets and identify areas of difficulty. The Tutors liaise closely with the Heads of Year to provide guidance and assistance where appropriate.
Head of Futures:
The Head of Futures guides students towards their future pathway and destination, whether that involves university (UK or international), higher education, entering the workforce or taking a gap year. This guidance is provided through one-on-one sessions with Future Advisers, using tools such as Unifrog and SPW Careers alongside MyFutureChoice profiling. The Futures programme, embedded into the PSHE curriculum, ensures comprehensive support.
The Head of Futures also gives students firsthand experience of different educational environments. They focus on building students’ confidence and developing their Futures profile in a caring and supportive environment. This engaging approach ensures students are well-prepared and confident in making informed decisions about their future.
Futures
Your Pathway to the Future.
The Futures team plays a pivotal role in guiding students through their final two years of school, ensuring they are well-prepared for their next steps, whether that be higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce. We offer continuous support for sixth form students through a comprehensive two-year cycle, designed to help students navigate their future pathways and destinations. Students attend a global university fair, and visits are organised to the BSP, exposing students to university life and providing opportunities to meet speakers representing various career paths.
One of the key resources we use is Unifrog, an online platform that helps students explore their options and make well-informed choices about their future. Unifrog allows students to compare university courses, apprenticeships, and further education opportunities both in the UK and internationally. It also provides tools for building CVs, writing personal statements, and tracking applications. The benefits of using Unifrog include its extensive database of opportunities and user-friendly interface, ensuring each student can find the path that best suits their interests and goals. It is an invaluable resource for exploring different types of careers through webinars, online articles and videos.
In addition to Unifrog, we support students through the UCAS application process for UK universities and provide guidance for those applying to international universities. Our dedicated team assists students with every step of their applications, from choosing courses and universities to writing personal statements and preparing for interviews.
We also use external careers consultants (SPW Careers) to offer profiling through myFutureChoice, followed by oneto-one interviews. With the increasing number of students applying to international universities in countries such as the USA, Canada, Spain, Italy, France and Australia, we ensure they have the best possible chance of success.
Beyond traditional university pathways, we recognise the importance of further education and vocational training. We offer support for students interested in qualifications in fields such as childcare, beauty, and other vocational areas. For those considering a foundation year, we highlight the benefits of building academic skills and gaining confidence before a full degree program. Additionally, we understand that gap years can provide life experiences and the development of new skills. Our commitment to student development begins early, with PHSE programmes that include interview skills, transition to life after the BSP, and career choices starting from Year 9. We work closely with parents/ guardians through webinars and in-person presentations, and collaborate with teachers, parents/guardians, and students to provide the necessary support and welfare. We are aligned with the Gatsby Framework, ensuring our students receive the highest standard of career guidance.
“Life
in the 6 th Form is an exciting step in terms of independence. I appreciate how present and dedicated the teachers are. Whether outside of class for extra practice or just to ask questions, they are always ready to help and support. Being in the 6 th form gives me the opportunity to have one-on-one relations with my teachers based on what I wish to improve.”
Student profile: Clémence
Futures Activities and Events Guide
Two-Year Futures 6 th Form Cycle
YEAR ONE:
• Introduction to Unifrog: Navigation sessions to familiarise students with the platform.
• One-to-one Meetings: Personalised support with a Future Adviser for choices, CV, personal statement and applications.
• Profiling Tests and Interviews: For new students.
• PSHE Futures Curriculum: Understanding application processes for UK and international universities, exploring further education, gap years, apprenticeships and work experience.
• Career Path Exposure: Using Unifrog to explore various career paths.
• MOOCs Enrollment: Signing up for Massive Open Online Courses via Unifrog.
• Webinars: For students and parents/ guardians on different job opportunities.
• Future Pathway and Destination Meeting: Overview of Futures Support for parents/guardians.
• Early Applicants Support: For Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine.
• UCAS Registration: Process covered.
June Workshop: A two and a half day event covering interview practice, CV and personal statement writing, country-specific application processes, building your future profile and life after the BSP (includes a mini university fair).
Work Experience: Students are encouraged to organise their own work experience during holidays. The BSP provides insurance paperwork within France. For other countries, parents/guardians must ensure insurance, health, and safety. Unifrog offers online work experiences if in-person is not possible. The Futures Team supports identifying suitable MOOCs.
YEAR TWO:
• Unifrog Navigation Training: Continues with seven sessions focused on UK and international application processes.
• Timelines and Deadlines: Communicated to students and parents/guardians.
• Parents Information Evening: Webinar and in-person sessions for Futures Pathway and Destination.
• Early Applications: Internal BSP deadline for UCAS UK early applications is 1st October; UCAS deadline is mid-October.
• UCAS Applications: Internal BSP deadline for UK applicants is 1st December; UCAS deadline is mid-January.
• One-to-One Meetings: Ongoing support with a Future Adviser for choices, CV, personal statement and applications.
• Mock Interview Practice: Sessions to prepare for interviews.
• PSHE: Transition to life after the BSP.
Global University Fair: Invitation for 6th Form students to attend the fair at the Ermitage International School in September.
Results Day in August: Support is available until all university issues are resolved. Continued support is provided for former students until they secure a career or higher education position that meets their expectations.
Throughout the two-year cycle we connect with our Alumni who provide invaluable career support to students by offering mentorship and sharing their industry insight.
We look forward to supporting students to find their chosen best fit pathway!
Mrs G. Anderson - Head of Futures
Choosing your Academic Programme
You are about to embark on the most exciting stage of your school career. As you approach the end of compulsory education, you will need to think carefully about the subjects you wish to study in the 6 th Form.
The Advanced Level programme we offer leads to university entrance worldwide. The courses are all designed for specialists, and are therefore excellent preparation for the rigorous demands of top-class universities.
At The British School of Paris we are extremely proud of the academic successes of our students. For several years we have had a strong pass rate at Advanced Level, with up to 75% of students receiving grades A*, A and B. Our results compare favourably with schools recognised for their excellence in the UK and are a tribute to students who have often moved many times in their educational career.
“Moving from year 11 into the 6 th Form can be a bit overwhelming at first. This can be for a number of reasons: the increased level of difficulty in class, the different relationships you build with your teachers and not knowing what to do with the greater freedom provided for independent study. However, that only lasts for a while, so there isn’t a need to worry. The biggest advice I can give is to use your study periods (free periods) productively. This will allow you to finish all the work you need to hand in during the school day, while allowing you to review anything you need, or take a break at home. Hence, creating a healthy balance between work and personal life.”
Student profile: Manos
We are proud to be able to offer a large variety of subjects to Advanced Level:
• Art and Design: Fine Art
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Design and Technology
• Drama and Theatre Studies
• Economics
• English Language and Literature
• French
• Geography
• German
• History
• Mathematics and Further Mathematics
• Photography
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Politics
• Psychology
• Spanish
We also offer support and extension possibilities. Extension opportunities include EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and a Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics.
The Futures Team
Mrs G. Anderson Head of Futures
Mrs K. Gorman Head of 6 th Form
Mr J. Williams Head of BECT
Ms F. Wall Head of Art
Ms C. Somes Science Teacher
Mrs S. Pettifer Head of Physics
Mr D. Murphy Head of Learning Support
Mrs K. Roberts Examinations Officer
Mrs G. Anderson Head of Futures
Mr G. Bates Head of Community and Service
Mr I. Bilobrk Head of Computer Science
6th Form Futures Advisers
Mrs C. Magee LS and Sport Teacher
Mr W. King Head of Mathematics
Mr D. Brown Head of English
Mr D. Chorley Head of Teaching and Learning
Ms L. Crumplin Head of Year 13
Mrs K. Gorman Head of 6 th Form
Mr C. Guinet Head of Year 12
6 th Form Community and Responsibility
Life in the 6 th Form is not just about academic programmes and success.
6 th Formers play a crucial role within our school community and have the opportunity to contribute to school life in a variety of ways. Becoming an active and responsible member of the school community helps our students to grow and provides an excellent experience which will serve them well in later life.
Making the most of opportunities in the 6 th Form is now seen as an essential part of a successful university application.
Prefects
On joining the 6th Form, students are invited to apply to become school prefects. Those chosen serve a year’s prefectship from April to April. Prefects assist in the smooth running of the school day and are a link between pupils and staff. School prefects assist tutor groups lower down the school and can be turned to by younger pupils for advice. On an individual level prefects run projects in areas they have identified in the school to help develop the school environment.
HEAD PREFECTS
• The Head Boy and Head Girl are key figures within the school, they help to organise 6th Form life for their fellow students and have weekly meetings with the Headmaster and Head of Year 13 to discuss 6th Form matters. The Head Boy and Head Girl manage the Prefect Body which is divided into sub groups:
CHARITY PREFECTS
• The Charity prefects work with the whole school to organise school wide and year group specific events. They promote both local and international charities.
ACADEMIC PREFECTS
• Students are given the opportunity to mentor other students in the Senior School. This brings great benefit to both sets of students: one receiving guidance whilst the other improves their skills in communication and empathy.
PASTORAL PREFECTS
• These students aim to settle our new pupils by helping them understand school procedures and answering their questions about school life.
6 th Form Council
The 6th Form Council is a leadership group which represents the interests of the 6th Form student body. The aim is to ensure that 6th Form students enjoy elements of autonomy within their school life and that these are student-run.
The 6th Form Council is an integral part of the 6th Form community and members are elected by their peers to represent the interests of the 6th Form student body. The Council is composed of two class representatives from each of the six Tutor groups, two prefect representatives and the Head Prefects. Council meetings occur half-termly.
• Uniting the 6th Form group: The 6th Form is an amalgamation of two year groups and includes new students joining the group. It is the role of the Council to ensure integration and harmony exists within the group, that all students are respected as individuals and that all are given an equal voice within the 6th Form body.
• Acting as the 6th Form student voice: Council members are ‘go to’ people for the 6th Form student body to communicate ideas to the 6th Form team. Likewise the 6th Form team will actively seek the opinion of the Council whenever the views of the students are required.
• Taking charge of common areas: The council is to ensure that common areas are cared for and that behaviour in these areas reflects both the expectation of the school on senior students and an environment which is welcoming for all.
• Arranging social events: Council members are responsible for suggesting and arranging social events each term for the 6th Form students. Events include end of term parties and the Leavers Ball.
• Organising charity events and fundraisers: Charity awareness is a large part of school life and the 6th Formers are encouraged to be leaders in this regard. The council is encouraged to identify a charity of choice and set certain aspirations or charity goals for the year. They should then work with the entire 6th Form to raise awareness of the plight of others both locally and globally.
Community and Service
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering and charity work at the BSP
– “an exchange of time for an experience”
Volunteering and charity opportunities give students the chance to widen their learning outside the classroom. The world beyond the gates of the BSP is rich and diverse; volunteering teaches young people the lasting value of giving time to others.
Our volunteering programme is not about having something to write about on a CV, it is about developing a positive attitude, supporting the wider community and understanding the importance of service before self.
“Whether there’s a particular cause that’s close to your heart, or you’re just keen to meet some new people, get out of your comfort zone and try something new. I would encourage students facing the big decision of “what next?” over the coming years to start by giving some of their time to others. The truth is, volunteering is never one-way, it’s an exchange of time for an experience, an interaction or enrichment and you never know where that could lead you.”
Georgina Connors (BSP alumna 2012-2016)
Students also take part in volunteering in the local and school community. Students are actively encouraged to involve themselves in humanitarian causes with organisations like Emmaüs, ELLSA and the Red Cross on a regular basis: 6th
Form students work with a local school for disabled children providing sporting and social interaction opportunities, as well as play music in the Chatou/Croissy community.
Students may also volunteer to help in classrooms at the Junior School, either with pupils on a one-to-one basis or with group activities according to the class teacher’s requirements.
Since 2021 the Community Shop has developed considerably. It started online in the wake of Covid and is now a core
part of our volunteering programme. More than 50 students volunteer each week to keep our second-hand book shop and thrifting shop open to students, and the weekend Community Shop is a collaboration between students, staff and parents/guardians. 6th Form students are a key part of this endeavour. Since its opening we have raised over €20,000 for local and national charities such as the Red Cross and UWS.
6TH FORM SPECIFIC COMMITTEES, CHARITY AND EVENTS
The Charity Committee organises fund raising events such as the Jeans for Genes Day, Children in Need or Love in a Box, enabling students to become more socially aware and raising money for a variety of charities.
6th Formers on the events committee organise social events for their fellow students to mark different occasions throughout the year: Halloween Party, Back to School 6th Form BBQ, Annual Talent Show and often a formal 6th Form Ball.
UNITED WORLD SCHOOLS
The BSP and the parent body have raised over €150,000 to build and fund the running of two schools in Cambodia, Bak Kae and Le Meuy. This year we are running our third trip to Cambodia where 6th Form students will work in the local community and witness the benefits of building schools in marginalised rural communities.
The 6th Form is very much at the forefront of this campaign to raise money and awareness so we can help educate some of the almost 60 million primary school-aged children worldwide who have never been to school.
Co-curricular Activities and Facilities
The value of individual extension work within the overall 6 th Form package has long been recognised and, with the students’ personal statements, forms an important part of the UCAS application procedure and as such has real value.
You can enjoy a wide variety of lunchtime and afterschool extra-curricular activities at The British School of Paris. The programme varies from term to term.
General
• Model United Nations
• Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
• Young Economist
• Mathematics Competitions
• Drama Production
• Lamda Public Speaking
Speakers Programme
We offer a chance to listen to a range of inspiring speakers from our community. These speakers are chosen because of their advanced knowledge and experience across a variety of topics. The speaker programme is updated regularly to ensure that that the talks target current world events and allow development of knowledge across a broad spectrum.
Sports
• Cross Country
• Football
• Hockey
• Netball
• Rugby
• Volleyball
Music
The British School of Paris offers teaching and support for older musicians through the Individual Instrumental tuition scheme. Lessons with visiting professional performing musicians can be organised in most instruments throughout the school day and are often fitted into non-contact periods.
External certification of music skills and achievement at school is through the ABRSM, Rockschool and other similar bodies which have been vetted by UCAS.
There are opportunities for musicians to become involved in a range of musical activities in the school, notably the School Orchestra, Choir and Jazz Band (entry by invitation only) which meet weekly.
The Music Department organises a major, formal concert each term which involves these principal ensembles. These concerts are also a platform for a number of smaller ensembles to perform. In recent years these have included a flute ensemble, sax ensemble, senior chamber ensemble, brass ensemble, guitar ensembles (electric and acoustic) and mixed wind ensembles.
There are a host of smaller informal musical events throughout the year in which any participation is welcome. These include visits to local retirement homes as part of the school’s Community and Service programme, performances in Croissy town centre, the “Fête de la Musique” in school in June, and contributions to the BSPCA Christmas and Summer Fairs.
If you have any level of musical skill or interest, please see the Head of Music so that we can get you involved, whether it be for your own personal interest and well-being, your further graded musical education, or just to perform with friends.
Get involved!
