PROSPECTUS SIXTH FORM
WELCOME
The sixth form journey at Claremont Fan Court School is an exciting and valuable experience. Our students enjoy a wide breadth of academic options taught by inspiring and passionate teachers, whilst growing through positions of leadership and independence. I am always struck by the warmth with which our students and recent leavers describe the cohesive and welcoming feel of their peer group, the general buzz of the sixth form centre and the excellent quality of their teachers and courses. I encourage you to consider Claremont for your family.
William Brierly HEADMASTER
Being a sixth form student at Claremont is a holistic experience. We support students to achieve their potential, become well rounded young adults and reach their academic goals by providing a range of developmental and leadership opportunities. Our sixth form is a community of happy and thriving students, with whom we feel it is a privilege to work.
Caroline Cahillane HEAD OF LOWER SIXTH, DEPUTY OF HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
WHY JOIN THE SIXTH FORM AT CLAREMONT?
There has never been a more exciting time to join the sixth form at Claremont. Students thrive here as they are encouraged to study subjects they enjoy and choose from a wide range of options, working in smaller, vibrant teaching sets and receiving the pastoral care Claremont is renowned for, all within a wider school community.
The sixth form is not just about examination outcomes, it is about preparation for the journey ahead. We make this an integral part of the Claremont sixth form experience, allowing our students to step confidently off our campus and on to their next stage of study and work.
Many leadership opportunities are available to sixth formers including posts as prefects, senior prefects, house captains, mentors and sports captains. Additionally, all members of the senior prefect team have
the opportunity to participate in a leadership training programme offered by the Society of Heads.
Each year sixth form students are given the opportunity to select a charity. Students organise a range of events such as the Year 7 disco and the big breakfast to raise as much money as possible for their chosen charity. This is a great way to highlight charities which are important to our students, raise awareness and also raise important funds.
Our students achieve excellent results and go on to study at Russell Group, Oxbridge or music and arts specialist universities, conservatoires or specialist institutes of further education. A small proportion move directly to competitive apprenticeships.
“THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT THAT CLAREMONT HAS GIVEN ME IS SUPPORTING ME IN MANY ASPECTS OF MY UNIVERSITY EDUCATION.”
FORMER SIXTH FORM STUDENT
STUDYING IN THE SIXTH FORM
At Claremont Fan Court School we pride ourselves on offering an incredibly broad range of subjects to study, covering the creative arts all the way through to sciences and classical civilisation.
We typically advise students to choose three subjects at A level, although a proportion of students will choose an additional fourth subject, where appropriate.
Students are taught in smaller tutor groups for in depth support and expert subject guidance. Class sizes vary from a minimum of 3 to 4 to around 12 to 14 students ensuring they are small enough for individualised teaching but large enough for engaging and lively debate.
Specific mentoring is available for Oxbridge and medicine candidates including interview preparation and
practice for the Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (CAAT) scheme.
Regular subject support clinics are available across all departments, aimed at stretching students but also supporting those less confident. Individual needs support is available for those students that require it.
Sixth form students enjoy use of our new sixth form centre with quiet study areas, social areas and a sixth form café. The heads of sixth form are based within the sixth form centre to ensure excellent development of pastoral care and individual knowledge of each student.
COURSES ON OFFER 2024/25
Both A levels and Level 3 applied diplomas are offered for study in the sixth form. New courses are regularly reviewed for addition to the curriculum, based on the needs and interests of the students. Courses available for 2023 are:
A levels:
Art
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Classical civilisation
Computer science
Criminology
Drama & theatre
Economics
English language
English literature
Film studies
French
Further mathematics
Geography
German
History
Mathematics
Media studies
Music
Religious studies (philosophy)
Photography
Physical education
Physics
Politics
Product design
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Textile design
*These courses will run subject to sufficient student interest and staff availability
Level 3 Applied Diplomas:
Criminology
Food science and nutrition
Diplomas are a combination of coursework and exams, they are continually assessed as opposed to being entirely exam based. Diplomas are recognised by most UK universities and have a similar UCAS tariff profile to A levels.
“I
DECIDED TO STAY AT CLAREMONT FOR SIXTH FORM BECAUSE IT JUST HAS EVERYTHING I WANT AND NEED. CLAREMONT OFFERS ALL THE SUBJECTS I WANTED TO STUDY FOR A LEVELS, THE TEACHERS ARE INCREDIBLY SUPPORTIVE AND KIND AND THEY ALSO OFFER MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE PART AND REPRESENT THE SCHOOL IN A VARIETY OF SPORTS”
BEN - CURRENT SIXTH FORM STUDENT
RESULTS 2024 AND UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS
In 2024, our students achieved truly outstanding results. The achievements were as a result of their excellent work ethic and the tremendous amount of support offered by tutors.
University destinations:
Listed are some of the destinations our students progressed to in 2023 and 2024: Arts University Bournemouth, University of Bath, University of Birmingham, Bournemouth University, University of Bristol, Cardiff University, University College London (UCL), Durham University, University of Exeter, Imperial College, Kingston University, King’s College London, University of Kent, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, Loughborough University, University of Manchester, Newcastle University, University of Nottingham, University of Plymouth, University of Reading, University of Southampton, Swansea University, University of St. Andrews, University of Sussex, University of Warwick, Webber International University (Florida), University of York.
THE JOYCE GRENFELL PROGRAMME
The Joyce Grenfell Programme, named after former pupil, actress and singer Joyce Grenfell, is our academic enrichment provision that provides students with the opportunity to grow as independent and creative thinkers.
The sixth form programme is an extension of our academic sixth form curriculum and allows students to gain additional qualifications outside of their A level subject choices.
Courses that may be offered include:
• EPQ (Extended project qualification)
• MOOC (Massive online open courses)
• TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language)
• CISI financial services award
• Level 3 maths in context
• LAMDA
• English Speaking Board: Advanced Certificate in Spoken English
• Sports coaching qualifications
It also provides higher education support, with an emphasis on preparing students for high-level university applications, as well as applications for Law and Medical Sciences.
In addition, the wider enrichment programme coordinates a series of internal and external academic competitions, guest lectures, workshops, trips and other opportunities for students throughout every year group.
The Joyce Grenfell Programme is designed to:
• Foster independent study, research and extended writing skills in preparation for university.
• Gain additional qualifications outside of A level subject choices
• Allow students to gain extra points towards their overall UCAS score
• Support the expectation from universities that students can demonstrate independent thinking, intellectual curiosity and an interest in the subject that they wish to study.
SUPPORTING FUTURE PATHWAYS
Claremont Fan Court School is committed to supporting sixth form students as they make choices about future careers and higher education. The supporting future pathways programme gives:
• A cohesive careers programme delivered through PSHEE lessons, individual and group tutorials
• Work experience placements giving students employability, interpersonal and communication skills. This also gives an insight into the world of work and stimulates future career ideas
• All applicants are assigned a UCAS specialist subject mentor
• Regular one-to-one sessions with the higher education coordinator for advice and support
• Oxbridge and medicine applicants with personal mentors to support them through the application process and interview practice/techniques
• A comprehensive careers fair with university application process and personal statement specialists and a wide range of industry specialists to meet and network with
• Regular opportunities to meet and hear from industry specialists
All students have one-to-one careers appointments throughout their two years in the sixth form with a specialist careers advisor and a subject-specific mentor.
Students also have the opportunity to visit a university fair and will receive individual support preparing personal statements and UCAS applications.
“I FEEL THAT THE SCHOOL REALLY HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF WELLBEING AS WELL AS ACADEMICS WHICH HAS ASSISTED ME GREATLY. THERE IS ALSO AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF EMPHASIS PLACED ON WORK EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERING WHICH GO TOWARDS PERSONAL STATEMENTS AND WILL HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON MY FUTURE PROSPECTS.”
ELLY - CURRENT SIXTH FORM STUDENT
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Community partnership is an important aspect of being in the sixth form; it enables students to develop a wider sense of responsibility and world view. A new community partnership project was launched in September 2019 for sixth form students, the aims of the project are to enable students to:
• Make a positive difference to other people’s lives
• Become more involved in the world beyond school
• Gain greater awareness of issues facing other communities
• Reinforce their subject knowledge
• Build upon communication and team-working skills
• Learn new skills and gain work experience
• Become well-rounded and empathetic individuals
The community partnership project allows students to participate in the ‘vInspired’ volunteering award scheme, a nationally recognised, UCAS endorsed award for 10, 50 or 100 hours of flexible volunteering. Students are also required to volunteer one afternoon per week and work with a variety of organisations such as:
• Brooklands Museum
• BUPA Wingham Court
• Claygate Primary School
• Cobham Centre for the Community
• EcoHub
• Elmbridge Rentstart
• Keep Britain Tidy
• Momentum
• Painshill Park
• Rose Theatre, Kingston
• St Paul’s Catholic Primary
• St Andrew’s Primary School, Cobham
• Whiteley Village
Each year sixth form students are given the opportunity to select a charity. Students organise a range of events such as the Year 7 disco and the big breakfast to raise as much money as possible for their chosen charity. This is a great way to highlight charities which are important to our students, raise awareness and also raise important funds.
SPORT AND CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS
Sport plays a key role in Claremont sixth form life for many students. It is often a perfect counterbalance to the demands of academic work, a chance to engage different parts of the mind and body and generate plenty of endorphins.
As well as forming the most senior teams in core sports like rugby, football, lacrosse and netball, as part of a wider school community they have the chance to try a range of other activities such as archery, dance and fencing. Sixth form students also participate in whole school events such as sports day and other house days.
There are more than thirty five co-curricular clubs available for any pupil from Year 7 to upper sixth, providing a huge range of choice for sixth form students
along with the opportunity to help younger pupils develop their interests. Activities on offer range from debating to car maintenance, self defence to university cooking skills, as well as organisations such as medical and law societies. Some of these activities are set up and run by the students themselves, with our guidance and support.
Sixth form students also play an integral role in all major Senior School performances, including the carol service, annual theatrical production and musical teas. They also act as captains of each of the houses, take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and Young Enterprise programmes.
SPORTS ON OFFER:
LACROSSE
RUGBY
NETBALL
FOOTBALL
CRICKET
ATHLETICS
BASKETBALL
GYMNASTICS
TENNIS GOLF
TABLE TENNIS
ARCHERY
BADMINTON
CROSS COUNTRY
FENCING
FITNESS SUITE
OUR FACILITIES
From our beautiful grade I listed mansion, once home to British and French royalty, to the inspirational Sir Sydney Camm science and technology building, opened in 2019, our vast 100 acre campus offers a wonderful blend of old and new.
The mansion offers a unique location for most pen and paper-based subjects, whilst our science and technology building provides contemporary, purpose-built teaching rooms where our pupils can get ‘hands on’ with these subjects using state-of-the-art equipment.
Our sixth form students work and socialise in a dedicated, recently refurbished sixth form centre at the heart of the school campus.
The outdoor space we have at Claremont is truly unique and our spectacular grounds offer pupils the opportunity to participate in a broad range of sporting activities from rugby to archery, lacrosse to athletics. September 2022 saw the addition of a gym for sixth form use.
STUDENT PROFILES
Jagger
Studying: Maths, physics, computer science, and media studies at A level
University aspirations: Aerospace engineering, ideally at Imperial College, Cambridge or Bristol.
“One of the aspects I appreciate the most about Claremont is how accommodating the school is to students and their individual needs. There is a true focus on recognising each student’s uniqueness rather than viewing us as a collective group, this really shines in the vast amount of clubs, extracurriculars and activities the school offers.”
Ava
Studying: Sociology, media and drama at A level
University aspirations: Marketing, communications and advertising
“The close-knit community here at Claremont is beyond compare as I have made true friends and feel completely comfortable to talk and share with my teachers especially the heads of sixth form. I have loved growing up at Claremont, and don’t want my journey here to end so soon.”
GeorgeStudying: Sports science, economics and psychology
University aspirations: Sports management
“I chose to stay at Claremont for sixth form because of the strong bonds that I had made with both my friends and teachers which created the perfect environment for me to learn. As well as this, the wide availability to take part in sports made it hard for me to consider anywhere else.”
Ben
Studying: Economics, psychology and Spanish at A level
University aspirations: International business with MFL
“I decided to stay at Claremont for A level because all the teachers are extremely supportive and approachable plus the school spirit is amazing.
The best part of sixth form in my opinion is the atmosphere between the Year 12s and Year 13s. I also really enjoy the fact that sixth formers have their own area in school, where we can study, be social and also relax during break/lunch periods.”
Georgia
Studying: Geography, business and media studies
University aspirations: Business with sustainability or marketing
“I love how supportive and invested the teachers are at Claremont, and have found this very helpful with A levels and deciding what to study in the future. The smaller class sizes ensures that everyone’s voice is heard. In particular, the heads of sixth form and my teachers are always available to help and give advice when needed.”
Arwa
Studying: Maths, biology and chemistry at A level
University aspirations: Biochemistry
“The school has outstanding facilities which provides a variety of opportunities for you to participate in as well as the freedom and resources that you need. Additionally, the entire sixth form is a very friendly community with a strong sense of unity.”
FAQS
HOW DO WE APPLY TO THE SIXTH FORM?
Applications should be made via the website by 5 October 2024. The student’s current school will then be contacted for references. In mid-October students will be invited to Claremont to participate in the selection process.
WHAT GRADES DO STUDENTS NEED TO GET INTO THE SIXTH FORM?
Applicants will be offered a place conditional on meeting any prerequisite GCSE grades. Prospective A level students are expected to have achieved an average GCSE points score of 6 points across at least 8 subjects and specifically to have achieved high grades in their chosen/related A level subject. Further details regarding specific grades can be found in our A level curriculum booklet which can be downloaded from our website.
DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?
Yes we do. Students are invited to apply for our prestigious scholarships which include: academic, sports, drama, music, art/photography and textile design.
Further details on how to apply for scholarships are available through our website. Provisional offers are made in December of Year 11, with confirmation after GCSE results.
DO YOU OFFER BURSARIES?
The governors of Claremont are committed to broadening access by offering to pupils means-tested discretionary financial support with the payment of school fees. Bursaries are based on the financial need of the applicant and can be worth 100% of the school tuition fees. For individual queries regarding the bursary scheme, please email: bursar@claremont.surrey.sch.uk
WHAT SIZE IS THE SIXTH FORM COHORT AND THE SUBJECT CLASSES?
The 2024 Year 12 sixth form group is just over 100 students. At the time of writing the sixth form was made up of 54 girls and 50 boys.
Class sizes vary from a minimum of 3 or 4 to around 12 to 14 students. This offers a small enough size for focused study and individual attention, yet large enough for stimulating debate and discussion.
WHAT CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES DO YOU OFFER?
We offer an extensive range of diverse activities across all three parts of our school. Some run throughout the year whilst others are term-specific, giving pupils the chance to experience many of the activities.
DO STUDENTS STAY IN SCHOOL FOR THE WHOLE DAY?
The sixth form at Claremont uses a privilege pass system. After the first half term, students can earn a privilege pass which allows greater flexibility during the school day to arrive late and leave early depending on other commitments.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR SIXTH FORMERS?
In preparation for the working environment, we ask our sixth formers to wear smart business attire.
FIND OUT MORE
If you have any questions about the sixth form at Claremont, please contact the admissions department and we will be happy to help.
admissions@claremont.surrey.sch.uk |
