Welcome and Information Guide
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Sixth Form
Welcome
Every year it is a hugely exciting moment to welcome our new Lower Sixth. Each one of you have already been hugely successful in your school careers, culminating in your excellent recent GCSE results.
I am extremely proud of the Sixth Form that we have here at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. Beyond the high-quality classroom teaching and outstanding A Level results that we achieve, what really sets us apart is the community which is created by students and staff alike. Each year there are stories of Sixth Formers who try something new, rise to challenges, achieve great things and, for the next two years, this will be you!
One of the things that sets our Sixth Form apart is that the students are significant stakeholders in their own experience. On the next page there is a welcome from our School Captains, Sheoli and Elliot, who lead a team of Student Officers. I hope that this guide covers some of the many questions that you might have about what life is like in our Sixth Form. However, should anything not make sense, or you have any further questions, Sheoli and Elliot and their friendly team, along with the Sixth Form staff, will be available to answer them on Sixth Form Induction Day.
I hope that you are excited about what lies ahead. We cannot wait to meet you on Wednesday 3rd September!
Dr Rackham Head of Sixth Form
School Captain Welcome
Kudos on getting into the amazing Sixth Form here at Bishop Vesey’s! You’ve all done so well in getting through the GCSE season with outstanding grades. This is just the start of a thrilling two years at our school.
The first few months can come as a shock to the system, especially after the 12week summer! The one thing we took away from the early part of Lower Sixth were the instant connections formed, the tremendous support from the teachers and the wide range of extra-curricular activities. Use the opportunity in these two years to become a well-rounded individual with opportunities ranging from sports to music to learning new languages.
A key thing to remember throughout your time here is that everyone here wants the best from you and will find the best way to support you. Any problems, there are lots of people to talk to: your peers, the Officer Team, your Form Tutor, your Head of Year (Mr Freer) and the Head of Sixth Form (Dr Rackham). If you see us around the corridors, we will always be happy to help!
Our last piece of advice to you is: work hard, have fun and get involved in as many things as you can. You’ll have a great time!
Best wishes, Sheoli and Elliot
Joining Vesey For The First Time?
Adjustment
Don’t panic! Adjusting to a new school and timetable may seem difficult at first. There may even be some odd words and phrases which are particular to Vesey! Everyone is here to help and soon it will all become second nature.
Not The Only One
New Veseyans make up a sizeable chunk of the Sixth Form. Lots of students don’t know that many people to start with. All the people that you meet in Form Time, subjects, extra-curriculars or just in the Common Room means that will soon change.
Friendship
Friendships take time to build so if you haven’t found your new best friend group in a couple of weeks then don’t worry! You’ll make amazing ones if you give it time. The more you get involved, the more people you will meet.
Stay In Touch
It can be great to have friends who go to a different Sixth Form. It’s fun to catch up and have a different conversation from the ones you have at school! There’s lots of time to keep in touch and maybe introduce them to your new
Time
08:30
08:45
09:05
The School Day
What’s Happening
Arrival
Tutor Time
Period 1
10:05 Period 2 11:05
Break 11:25
Period 3 12:25
Period 4 13:25
Lunch 14:05 Period 5 15:15 Dismissal
• The school operates a two week timetable This means that you will be given a schedule for two weeks of lessons which then repeat.
• You should aim to arrive on site by 8:30am and then go to your Form Room.
• During the day, it is compulsory to attend Tutor Time and Periods 1 to 3. Some of these may be Supervised Study Periods.
• Home Study is permitted in the afternoons if you have no further lessons. You must sign out using one of the scanners.
• If you have no Period 4 and Period 5 you may sign out at the end of Period 3
• If you have no Period 5 you may sign out at the end of Period 4.
Days where there are changes to the usual schedule:
• Tutor Time is extended by ten minutes on a Tuesday and the first two lessons are five minutes shorter. Don’t worry if you don’t remember this - your teacher will direct you.
• On a Week 1 Thursday there is an additional Co-Curricular Period 6 which finishes at 4:15pm. It is not possible to sign out for Home Study on these days.
• Wednesday Period 5 is Games which is compulsory for all Year 12 students.
• Year 12 Assembly is on Wednesday morning and you will be registered in the Lowndes Hall.
Supervised Study
Supervised Study will typically take place in the Lowndes Hall until the Learning Resources Centre (which will have significant Sixth Form space) is completed during the Autumn Term. On occasions it may be scheduled in other rooms. You will have Wi-Fi access and can borrow a laptop for use in these sessions; alternatively you may bring your own laptop. These sessions will be clearly marked on your timetable.
You are expected to organise your own work for Supervised Study Periods. This should include homework and revision for your A Level subjects. Remember that going over a topic that you have previously learned can be very productive, even if there is no imminent assessment. This time can also be used for reading books which are on the reading lists for your subjects, preparing for entrance examinations and other work related to your studies. Non-academic activities are not permitted during this time.
You must go to your timetabled location for your Supervised Study periods. It is not permitted to go to the Sixth Form Common Room or any other location. Each of these Supervised Study periods is overseen by a member of staff who will take a register. It is your responsibility to ensure that you get registered.
Break and Lunchtime
• Break is twenty minutes and lunch is forty minutes in duration. It is not permitted for Sixth Form students to leave the site during these times.
• You may purchase food at either break or lunchtime from the Dining Hall, the Sixth Form Common Room or the kiosk in The Quad using a prepaid account which will be set up on your Induction Day. Students may also bring a packed lunch.
• Sixth Formers may use the Sixth Form Common Room, Library or The Quad during these times. Once the new Learning Resources Centre is opened then there will be much more space for Sixth Formers to use at Break and Lunchtime.
• It is the responsibility of Sixth Formers to look after and respect the areas used at Break and Lunchtime and ensure that all rubbish is put into the bins.
Absence
At Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School we expect a high level of attendance - our aim is 97% or above.
Unexpected Absence
We realise that sometimes absence from school is unavoidable and in this case, we expect parents to contact school as early as possible on each day of absence with the reason for the absence. This can be done by emailing attendance@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk . The student’s name and form should be included in the subject line of the email.
A message is sent to parents of all students who are absent from school and this will be followed up until a reason is provided.
Planned Absence
For planned absence, such as medical appointments, students or their parents should let us know as early as possible, preferably at least 48 hours in advance. This can be done by emailing attendance@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk or, for students, by visiting the Sixth Form Office.
Students requesting their own planned absence should provide evidence of the reason such as:
• An appointment slip/letter
• An email from the organisation that you are visiting
• A letter or email from a parent or carer.
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School does not recommend or authorise absence during term time except for in exceptional circumstances. These do not include activities such as holidays, visiting friends and family, childminding siblings, and driving lessons.
Punctuality And Behaviour
One of the key mantras in our Sixth Form is being professional. This includes being in the right place at the right time and behaving in a professional manner.
Punctuality
It is your responsibility to ensure that you plan a route to school which allows you to arrive on time. We understand that there are occasions where unforeseen circumstances, such as a cancelled train, can cause a student to be later than they anticipated but consistent lateness will result in an after-school detention and, eventually, parental meetings.
Behaviour
Our Code of Conduct is built around the following core values:
• We are considerate and treat everyone and everything with respect
• We cooperate with all members of our school community
• We speak in a polite and courteous way at all times
• We aim for excellence in all we do
Sixth Formers are the senior students in the school and, as role models for the younger children, we expect a high standard of behaviour at all times.
Mobile phones should not be used around the school site without permission from a member of staff. The unauthorised use of a mobile phone or headphones will result in confiscation and an after-school detention.
Uniform
• Black blazer with school badge on pocket, to be worn at all times.
• White shirt with a Sixth Form tie.
• Black trousers or black skirt. Trousers must be smart and should not be made from denim, corduroy or canvas and must not be low slung or tight fitting. Skirts must not be shorter than one inch above the knee and should not be tight fitting.
• Sensible and plain black shoes without branded logos or canvas sections. Any form of trainer is not acceptable and shoes must be polishable.
• Optional grey or black V-neck jumper. No sweatshirts or round neck jumpers.
• Sixth Form ID Card and lanyard (this will be given to you in school).
• Coats should only be worn on top of your blazer outside of school and should be a reasonable style.
• School hoodies are to be worn on the training ground only, not in school.
• Hair must be of a reasonable style and length and follow the guidelines for safety in science laboratories, PE and workshops.
• Jewellery should be discrete and kept to a minimum. Earrings should not include drops or hoops and bracelets may only be worn for religious or medical reasons. A single nose piercing is permissible; however, the stud should be discrete. Other facial piercings are not allowed. Exemptions should be applied for through the Head of Sixth Form.
• PE kit is a plain capped T-shirt (not vest tops or cropped tops) and plain joggers/tracksuit bottoms/shorts.
• The school’s uniform supplier is Clive Mark .
Enrichment
At Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School there is an array of enrichment options available. These include both academic and non-academic pursuits. Sixth Formers often play a key role in these as they attempt to broaden their skills, knowledge and leadership ability.
Every Thursday Week 1 there is a compulsory Period 6 for co-curricular activities. Students will be able to choose their option during the first week.
There are many options for enrichment activities which will be advertised during Form Time, on Microsoft Teams or in assembly. These include:
• Undertaking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
• Sports clubs or teams
• Music lessons and ensembles
• Academic societies such as Medical Society
• Business and charity interns
• Organising activities for primary school children
• Community volunteering
• Drama productions
• Subject-specific competitions such as Chemistry Olympiads, Maths Challenges, etc.
• ...and many more
All students will have termly meetings with our Pastoral Assistants to talk about the enrichment activities that they are undertaking. It is expected that all Lower Sixth students will partake in some form of enrichment activity, either inside or outside school, as well as their co-curricular choice on a Thursday Week 1.
The Vesey Award
All Lower Sixth students are encouraged to participate in the Vesey Award Scheme. This is a formal certificate to recognise and reward individual participation in the co-curricular life of the School and to assist with a strong and well -rounded post-18 application. Those who successfully compete the scheme are awarded with a certificate and full colours crest.
To receive the award students must complete at least five of the six criteria during the first two terms of the Lower Sixth. The examples given below are ideas rather than a comprehensive list.
Internal Leadership (minimum one term)
Academic mentoring; Classroom assistance; Leadership in sport/music/drama
Community Contribution (minimum one term)
Charity shop; Care home; Primary school placement
Event
Form assembly; Year group assembly; House assembly; Helping in a wholeschool event such as Open Evening
Extra-curricular participation (minimum one term)
Sports team; Choir, band, ensemble etc.; Debating; Drama
Academic Enrichment
University masterclass; Summer School; Subject Taster Day
Charity
Involvement in leading/creating an internal or external charity event.
UCAS And Careers
We recognise the importance of careers advice and guidance for students during their post 16 studies. Students participate in a variety of careers-related activities and we offer a high level support to help students progress to the next stage of their journey beyond school.
• All students are offered 1-to-1 appointments for careers advice with our Careers Lead, Mrs Fordham. She is also readily available for informal advice or ad-hoc appointments
• Mrs Fordham is also our UCAS Co-ordinator and, for those students who are applying for university, she will help through all stages of the process from writing an excellent Personal Statement through to receiving and accepting offers. Each year we offer classes to support those sitting entrance examinations and practice interviews for those who need them.
• We have numerous employers and universities in school each year to talk about career paths and options such as Degree Apprenticeships.
• There is a week of Work Experience for students in the Summer Term for which students arrange their own placements. If you wish to complete work experience, please arrange it either for the holidays or during this week.
Equality and Safeguarding
We are deeply committed to ensuring that Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is a safe and comfortable environment for students of all identities, social backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders and religions.
Should you see or experience any prejudice or inequality during your time in the Sixth Form then please tell your Form Tutor, one of the Sixth Form Team or our Safeguarding Lead, Miss Steadman (k.steadman@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk
Any form of discrimination or bullying will be dealt with very seriously by our Pastoral Team. If you are being bullied or know of any instances of bullying then please report this to a member of staff.
If you are facing any other challenges or difficulties then we can provide support. Staff are always available to provide a safe space and give non and advice. A problem shared is a problem halved: don’t suffer in silence.
You will be given login details to an app called Tootoot which allows students to report any concerns electronically if they find that easier than face details will be distributed at the start of term.
Tips
Be Organised
Excellent calendar and todo list apps are available for smartphones. Meet deadlines and plan your time.
Communicate
Make sure you speak to your teachers. They are there to help you. Read the messages that they put on Teams carefully.
Get Involved
Join in with enrichment activities and societies. Be an enthusiastic and committed member of the BVGS community.
Be A Scholar
Use reading lists, blogs, YouTube, podcasts, etc to explore your subjects. It all looks good on your CV/Personal Statement.
Be Professional
Take pride in being smart punctual. Act like the person that you want to become in five or ten years time.
Study Smart
Break your study into manageable chunks and work efficiently, especially in your Study Periods. Avoid distractions.
Look After Yourself
Try not to put yourself under too much pressure. Seek support if you need help or advice.
Enjoy!
BVGS is an excellent Sixth Form! Students achieve great things and have a thoroughly enjoyable time.
Sixth Form Staff Team
As well as your subject teachers, the Sixth Form staff team will help guide and support you during your time in Lower and Upper Sixth. They are all very approachable and ready to offer assistance at any time you need it.
Useful email addresses:
• Sixth Form enquiry email: sixthformadmin@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk
• Attendance email: attendance@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk
We hope that you have found the information in this guide useful. There will undoubtedly be other questions that you have before you move onto this next stage in your school career. Feel free to ask one of us, or the Sixth Form Officers, on Induction Day or email us on the email address above. We look forward to seeing you in September!