Sixth Form Prospectus
WELCOME TO SIXTH FORM ‘The sixth form is outstanding’ 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. Our vision is for everyone to enjoy, achieve and belong and for our students to be exceptionally well prepared for life. In short, CGS Sixth Form is a place where you will 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.
Ben Wescomb Director of Sixth Form
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD STUDENTS Welcome to Chesham Grammar School Sixth Form. We are thrilled that you are considering our school for your Sixth Form education. We are delighted to represent the Sixth Form and act as rolemodels for younger students. We have 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 supported and inspired us, helping us make informed decisions about the next chapter in our lives, especially when regarding options post sixth form, such as university or degree apprenticeships. We would recommend CGS to any student looking for a school that offers both academic and extracurricular 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.
SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM All A levels are linear, with exams sat at the end of the course. In order to ensure that students leave Chesham Grammar School Sixth Form with the very brightest of futures, we have introduced a Sixth Form Curriculum summarised as follows: 3 A levels Life Skills Physical Education/Sports Sixth Form Lecture Programme Plus at least one of the following enrichment options: Fourth A level subject Extended Project Qualification Volunteering MOOCs via Unifrog Young Enterprise Cooking Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Mentoring
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 into adulthood.
Physical Education/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 and enriches each students experience. It is co-ordinated by the Sixth Form team who take pride in ensuring that our students receive a wide range of information during this time. We have external 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 support the Life Skills curriculum (including money matters, mental health and wellbeing) and the lectures 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 the new A levels, 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 subjects they have a real interest in. A member of staff acts as a supervisor and 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. 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 or above.
Volunteering We 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 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. A wide range of different topics is available.
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 cause they would like to support and then raise money for. 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. A number of Sixth Formers undertake the Gold Award during Year 12.
SUBJECT SPECIFIC CRITERIA Subject & Criteria For entry in September 2024
Art & Design Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science Drama & Theatre Studies
Economics
English Literature French Geography German History Maths Further Maths Music Physical Education Physics
Photography Politics Psychology
Religious Studies Sociology Spanish
Grade 6 at GCSE in Art Grade 7 at GCSE in Biology or 7-7 in a combined Science GCSE course Grade 7 at GCSE in Chemistry or 7-7 in a combined Science GCSE course Grade 6 at GCSE in Computing. We also recommend that you achieve a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths Grade 6 at GCSE or above in Drama. We also recommend that you achieve a Grade 6 in GCSE English Grade 6 at GCSE in Economics or a Humanity. We also recommend that you achieve a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths Grade 6 at GCSE Grade 6 at GCSE Grade 6 at GCSE in Geography or a Humanity Grade 6 at GCSE Grade 6 at GCSE in History or a Humanity Grade 7 at GCSE in Maths Grade 8 at GCSE in Maths Grade 7 at GCSE in Music and a Grade 5 practical Grade 6 at GCSE in PE or Biology Grade 7 at GCSE in Physics or 7-7 in a combined Science GCSE course Minimum 48 points in best 8 GCSEs Grade 6 at GCSE in History or a Humanity Grade 6 at GCSE in Biology. We also recommend that you achieve a grade 6 in GCSE Maths Grade 6 in either FC or SC RS or a Humanity Grade 6 at GCSE in a Humanity Grade 6 at GCSE
TEACHING AND LEARNING “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
POSITIVE OUTCOMES “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.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES “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 Year 12.
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’S DIFFERENT ABOUT CGS? “I feel well supported and am highly thankful for the help I have received” Student Sixth Formers enjoy a close relationship with staff and they play a unique part in the life of the school, combining increased independence and new opportunities 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.
REALISING POTENTIAL, CREATING THE FUTURE “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.
DRESS CODE ‘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 take pride in their appearance and be smartly and appropriately dressed at all times, recognising that they have chosen to remain in a formal school environment. They should dress in a way which is keeping with the ethos of the school and which sets an example to younger students. Affordable clothing, appropriate for school and in keeping with the expectations set out below can be purchased at a range of high street retailers including Zara Basics, H&M and New Look. Students may choose from the following: • • • •
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A suit in black, blue, grey or navy incorporating trousers or skirt; or separate trousers, skirt or dress, worn with formal top/shirt/blouse where appropriate, and a jacket. Boys are expected to wear a tie. Skirts and dresses must be of a respectable length and must not be Lycra or Bodycon. Shoes must be formal and in keeping with the above. Boots may be worn if they are of a formal style and colour (eg block heeled/Chelsea boots). Jewellery should be kept to a minimum, consistent with good taste and safety. Apart from pierced ears and/or a nose stud, no other piercings are allowed. In the interests of health and safety, students must not wear hoop earrings. School lanyards must be worn at all times. This is so that all members of the school community can be clearly identified for the safety and security of staff and students.
Practical subjects will make special arrangements for their lessons when necessary.
APPLYING TO CGS SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Thursday 16th November 2023
Application forms from students to be received by
Friday 8th December 2023 Conditional offers sent to external applicants February 2024
SIXTH FORM INDUCTION DAYS External Students – 27th June 2024
RESULTS DAY - External 22nd August 2024 • Applicant downloads the spreadsheet from CGS Website and emails CGS with examination results and any requests for changes to subjects. • If results match entry criteria, the place is confirmed by email along with details of access the how to Admissions forms on the Portal.
Internal Students – 26th June 2024
RESULTS DAY - Internal 22nd August 2024 • If results match entry criteria student confirms enrolment into Sixth Form by completing a Microsoft Form details of which will be emailed to students. • If the student wants to change original choices they must speak to a member of the Sixth Form Team
September 2024 – First day of term will be confirmed when place confirmed. Admissions criteria: the criteria for gaining admission to our Sixth Form can be found on our website. Please contact the school office should you require a hard copy
Chesham Grammar School Sixth Form Chesham Grammar School White Hill Chesham Buckinghamshire HP5 1BA By phone: +44 (0)1494 782854 Online: Visit the School’s website: cheshamgrammar.org