Sixth Form Prospectus 2023-24

SixthFormProspectus

WELCOMETOSIXTHFORM

Ofsted March 2014

We are delighted that you are considering Chesham Grammar School. We look forward to the energy and enthusiasm you will add to our already thriving community. It is a place to grow, develop and flourish.

We are justifiably proud of our A level results which have been consistently high for many years. Students in our Sixth Form benefit from a broad range of activities and responsibilities to enhance their education. We have a passion for developing highly qualified and well rounded young adults who are well equipped for university and employment.

The vast majority of our students progress to their first choice university. This includes the full range; Oxford and Cambridge, prestigious Russell Group universities; top music conservatoires, art and design colleges and more besides.

Whether you are a current CGS student or from another school you will be joining us at an exciting time in our forward looking and flourishing Sixth Form.

Whatever your interests, career ambitions and subject choices, we are sure that you will find CGS an enjoyable and exciting place to be.

AMESSAGEFROMTHE HEADSTUDENTS

Welcome to Chesham Grammar School Sixth Form. Wearethrilledthatyouareconsidering our Schoolfor your Sixth Formeducation.

We were delighted to represent the Sixth Form and become role models for the younger years like they had been for us.

Rohan and I have immensely enjoyed our time in the Sixth Form; it has been a great experience, teaching us more about the subjects we love and allowing us to grow as individuals. The Sixth Form team at CGS has been great at supporting and inspiring us, helping us make informed decisions about the next chapter in our lives, especially when showing our options post sixth form, like university or degree apprenticeships.

We would recommend CGS to any student looking for a school that offers both academic and extra curricular excellence in addition to leadership roles. By joining us you’d find yourself part of an incredible community that includes and respects everyone.

The Sixth Form has given us both the best possible start for the future and you too will experience this when joining CGS.

‘The sixth form is outstanding’

Ben Wescomb

DirectorofSixthForm

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CURRICULUM&ENRICHMENT

Life Skills

All students take part in the fortnightly taught programme this provides students with an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes to manage the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities that they will face as they grow up into adulthood.

PhysicalEducation/Sports

All students take part in the weekly PE programme this provides students with an opportunity to exercise regularly and remain healthy.

Sixth Form (Sx)Lecture Programme

Our Sx lecture series has been running very successfully for a number of years: for Year 12 on a Tuesday and Year 13 on a Friday. It is co ordinated by the Sixth Form team who take pride in ensuring that our students receive a wide repertoire of information during this time. We have a range of speakers who contribute their expertise. The sixth formers take an active role in selecting and arranging speakers/companies to come in and deliver general interest topics.

There are also talks to cover important aspects of the UCAS application and Life Skills curriculum (including money matters, mental health and wellbeing) and the occasional lecture to encourage students to continue to hone and develop effective study habits and become a life long learner

Fourth A level Subject

Some students may wish to study a fourth A level subject Further Maths students will study four A levels as Further Maths counts as two. Given the content heavy nature of our new A levels, we do recommend that most students study 3 A levels.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The EPQ is an opportunity for students to carry out detailed research on a topic that is related to their subjects that they have a real interest in. A member of staff acts solely as a supervisor and as such it is an exciting opportunity for students to truly manage their own learning. Previous projects have included: building a trebuchet, making a metal harp, filming a version of ‘Hamlet’. The project can be based on a subject area that the student wishes to study at university or simply an area of personal interest unrelated to their studies; where extensive research is carried out and an extended essay of 4000 words is produced. It is worth the equivalent of half an A level and some universities are now making a lower offer for students when they include their EPQ and get an A grade.

Volunteering

We greatly encourage our students to give something back to the school and the wider community during their time in our Sixth Form. Students are encouraged to undertake at least one hour of voluntary work per week. This is independently organised by students at a time when they have no timetabled lessons or done entirely out of school time. When the student finds something for themselves that they are eager and committed to do they will find it more worthwhile and rewarding!

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

All students should be carrying out extensive wider reading on a weekly basis to consolidate and develop their knowledge of their chosen A level subjects. A MOOC gives students the opportunity to focus on an area of interest in detail without committing to the EPQ, but can still be referenced on an application post CGS. As such it could be something that is going to benefit them in their university/apprenticeship/job application and could take the form of a wide range of different topics.

Enrichment

As part of the GCS Learner we reinforce the independent and collaborative learning habits which the school espouses. There will be a number of different activities that students can take part in over the course of the two years. The annual House Charity Days enable sixth formers to decide on a mutual cause they would like to support and then collectively raise money. The annual House Sports and Performing Arts events are also a perfect opportunity to get involved within school. Activities such as National Citizenship Service, DofE Award, Young Enterprise, Debating Society, the annual school newspaper and Drama productions can also be equally rewarding experiences.

Young Enterprise

Young Enterprise is the UK’s leading enterprise and financial education charity. Sixth Form students at CGS have the opportunity to work with the charity to develop their knowledge of the world of work, as well as developing key employability skills. Recently, a CGS team of students from CGS won the local Young Enterprise competition

Duke of Edinburgh

We are proud to be running the world’s leading youth achievement award. Students have the opportunity to take part and develop skills that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

SUBJECTSPECIFICCRITERIA

Subject & Criteria

For entry in September 2023

Art & Design Grade 6 at GCSE in Art Biology Grade 7 at GCSE in Biology or 7 7 in a combined Science GCSE course

Chemistry Grade 7 at GCSE in Chemistry or 7 7 in a combined Science GCSE course

Computer Science Grade 6 at GCSE in Computing. We also recommend that you achieve a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths Drama & Theatre Studies Grade 6 at GCSE or above in Drama. We also recommend that you achieve a Grade 6 in GCSE English

Economics Grade 6 at GCSE in Economics or a Humanity. We also recommend that you achieve a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths

English Literature Grade 6 at GCSE French Grade 6 at GCSE Geography Grade 6 at GCSE in Geography or a Humanity German Grade 6 at GCSE History Grade 6 at GCSE in History or a Humanity Maths Grade 7 at GCSE in Maths Further Maths Grade 8 at GCSE in Maths Music Grade 7 at GCSE in Music and a Grade 5 practical Physics Grade 7 at GCSE in Physics or 7 7 in a combined Science GCSE course

Photography Minimum 48 points in best 8 GCSEs

Politics Grade 6 at GCSE in History or a Humanity

Psychology Grade 6 at GCSE in Biology. We also recommend that you achieve a grade 6 in GCSE Maths Religious Studies Grade 6 in either FC or SC RS or a Humanity

Sociology Grade 6 at GCSE in a Humanity Spanish Grade 6 at GCSE

TEACHINGANDLEARNING

The climate for learning is outstanding because relationships between pupils and teachers and between pupils themselves are very strong. Pupils feel safe and comfortable to make mistakes and they told reviewers how much they value the support and encouragement they receive from their teachers.

Reviewers saw many examples of pupils working collaboratively together, expressing their ideas in a confident, respectful and articulate way. Pupils clearly enjoy learning and therefore they are engaged and motivated in lessons.

Teachers have high expectations of pupils, leading to very strong pupil progress by learners of all abilities. Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and are passionate about the subjects they teach. They use their expert knowledge of examination requirements to prepare pupils very effectively for the rigours of A level papers.’ Challenge Partners Review

January2018

POSITIVEOUTCOMES

“UCAS support was very useful, I found that the effort put in to completing my application by the staff was exceptional.”

Student

As a student at CGS you can expect careers guidance which ensures positive outcomes for all. You will be part of our Sixth Form Studies programme which includes work experience, general careers information and option routes Post 18. This includes the opportunity to attend a UCAS convention and university open days, as well as expert advice on Post 18 applications, finance and interviews. The vast majority of our students progress to their first university choice including Oxbridge, Russell Group universities and the top music, art and design colleges, higher apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships

CARE&GUIDANCE

“Sixth Form involves a lot more independent work, but I have more motivation because I’m doing subjects that I am really interested in.” Student

CGS’s academic success is built on excellent care, guidance and support within an atmosphere that enables students to deal successfully with the stresses of Sixth Form life whilst also enjoying themselves.

Students belong to a ‘House’ vertical tutor group helping them to develop a sense of belonging to the school. In addition to this our Sixth Form students have many leadership opportunities where they develop a range of skills and play a key role in the life of the whole school and the wider community.

LEADERSHIPOPPORTUNITIES

“Being in the Sixth Form has opened up many opportunities such as becoming a Prefect and joining the CSLA group. I am relishing getting more involved with the school and being in Sixth Form gives you the chance to make changes.” Student

At CGS we encourage all students to make the most of school life: members of Year 12 apply to become Prefects/Senior Prefects and ultimately some will be selected to be part of the Student Senior Leadership Team performing roles such as Head Students, Deputy Head Students, House Captains at the end of their year.

They will lead the School Senate and play a leading role in all formal occasions in school life. They are encouraged to become mentors and develop their leadership skills and extend their organisational skills.

WHAT’SDIFFERENTABOUTCGS?

“I feel well supported and am highly thankful for the help I have received” Student Sixth Formers enjoy a much closer relationship with staff and they play a unique part in the life of the school, combining increased independence and new opportunities available post 16 with being a known and valued part of the wider school community. Sixth Form students help lower school pupils through mentoring and in leading and supporting vertical form groups. This involvement develops new skills in our students as well as benefiting others in the school. The large, well equipped Curtis Sixth Form Centre, which incorporates an in house Café, acts as the centre of Sixth Form life throughout the day and is a popular place to study and relax. A Sixth Former has an active life involving trips, fund-raising events and inter-House competitions ensuring that Sixth Form life is lively and varied.

REALISINGPOTENTIAL, CREATINGTHEFUTURE

“Chesham Grammar School Sixth Form is very rewarding with a positive atmosphere. I would not want to be anywhere else.” Student

Chesham Grammar School is a school where you can be yourself. You are invited to join in, work hard and will be given the support you need to help discover new talents and interests. We provide an atmosphere of intellectual freedom and independence which will prepare you for life beyond school. Your teachers will know and support you to secure the highest grades and fulfil your academic potential.

DRESSCODE

‘Students are smartly dressed, courteous, and helpful to each other and to visitors. They are respectful of each other’s views, beliefs and feelings. As a result, the school is a calm, orderly community and has a strong ethos for learning.’ Ofsted

Sixth Formers should be smartly dressed at all times and take pride in their appearance, recognising that they are dressing for a formal working environment and helping to set the tone for the rest of the school. Smart, appropriate attire is expected at all times. Students may therefore wear from the following:

• A suit in black, blue, grey or navy incorporating trousers or a skirt; or separate trousers, skirt or dress, worn with formal top/shirt/blouse where appropriate, and a jacket.

• A formal top, shirt or blouse must be worn. T shirts, vests or other similar styles are not permitted. Ties are required for boys. With all tops, shirts, blouses and dresses, shoulders and midriff must not be showing.

• Skirts and dresses must be of a respectable length. Bodycon or Lycra style garments must not be worn.

• Shoes must be formal and in keeping with the above. Boots may only be worn if they are of a formal style (eg block heeled/Chelsea boots).

• Jewellery should be kept to a minimum, consistent with good taste and safety. Apart from pierced ears (no more than two piercings in either ear and only studs), no other piercing is allowed

Our Sixth Form girls’ working party have recommended New Look and H&M as offering an appropriate range which would suit most girls’ tastes and budgets.

Practical subjects will make special arrangements for their lessons when necessary.

We are conscious of the need to ensure that any form of dress within the school is cost effective and practical and can be purchased in High Street shops. The school has researched this and can provide information upon request.