Six Magazine 2022

from the Head of Sixth Form Dear Fifth Form, Hello, and welcome to the latest issue of Six Magazine.

The purpose of this publication is to give you a flavour of life in the Sixth Form - the culture, the wider programme (academic, social, professional, and more), a few practicalities, what we will expect from you, and - of course - what you can expect from us. Do not worry about the details at this stage, but do start to think about your broader aims and aspirations: what do you want from the Cokethorpe Sixth Form?

You should regard the Sixth Form as a theme park of opportunity; the opportunity for purposeful learning, the opportunity for hard work, the opportunity for leadership, the opportunity for developing skills and interests, the opportunity for making life-long friends, and the opportunity for becoming a self-aware, confident and gracious young adult.

The theme park is well equipped, but the onus is on you to make the most of it. Do not just sit in the cafe watching the world go past - run around and get involved. Try out a new ride. Be busy. Have fun.

This magazine focuses on those aspects of Sixth Form life that differ from lower down the School, but there is, of course, much that stays the same. You will be relied upon, more so than ever before, to support wider community life, be it in sport, music, drama, and beyond. The Sixth Form is a chance to give back, to lead by example, and to support those in the younger years. Otherwise, the privilege the Sixth Form Centre, the coffee shop, the extra freedom - means little.

Congratulations on reaching the end of your GCSE exams. Have a terrific summer break, and see you in September.

Mr Tolputt

Expectations In the Sixth Form, you will be expected to: •

work hard; you should plan to achieve the best grades possible

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consider others; it is a community that relies on care and kindness

•

take ownership; it is your Sixth Form

•

have fun; there is no rewind button.

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The smaller class sizes means that you can have fascinating discussions about topics you may not have considered before.

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Subjects Sixth Form study gives you the opportunity to focus on a smaller number of subjects than at GCSE. The majority of these subjects will be well known to you, although there are some subjects that are only studied in the Sixth Form. You are encouraged to take the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) in addition to your main subjects. For more information, please refer to the Sixth Form Subject and Application Guide.

Biology BTEC Business Business Studies Chemistry Design and Technology Drama and Theatre Studies Economics English Language and Literature English Literature Fine Art French Geography Government and Politics Greek History Latin Maths Further Maths Music Physical Education Physics Psychology Sociology Spanish Textiles

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Being someone who often finds himself very busy, the motivation and encouragement you receive from teachers is invaluable.

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independent study You will have a number of Study Periods built into your timetable during the School week. These sessions are supervised but self-directed. As a guide, you should match time spent in lessons with time spent studying on your own; it is wise, therefore, to use your time efficiently.

Learn independently - don’t wait to be told what to do.

Take advice - don’t be held back by your own self-regard.

Be organised - have your own To-Do list that is not just the Teams assignments set by your teachers - ownership is important.

Collaborate - work with your friends - listen - talk.

The more work you do during the day, the less work you’ll have to do in the evening.

easy to reach out and get “helpIt isfrom any teachers or staff.

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Dress Code shirt tie

brown or black polishable shoes

smart dark trousers smart dark blazer waistcoat optional

plain v neck jumper optional

Dress Code blazer

blouse trousers

dress

skirt

sensible shoes

Facilities One of the great benefits of Sixth Form life is the use of the Sixth Form Centre. This is where you assemble in the mornings, work during Study Periods, meet for talks and seminars, and, of course, unwind and socialise. It is your space - you have a say over the look and arrangement of the Sixth Form Centre, and how it is used.

You also have use of the Ue Coffee Roasters café - Mr Tolputt’s favourite is the house blend, but tastes vary...

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Make sure to find a balance that works for you in terms of socialising, studying and using your free periods as productively as you can.

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Follow us @cokethorpesch Follow us @CokethorpeSch Follow us @CokethorpeSch

Support There is a whole host of people available for support and guidance throughout your time in the Sixth Form.

MY TUTOR MRS COOPER, HEAD OF lower SIXTH

MY HOUSEMASTER/ HOUSEMISTRESS

ME MRS BIGNELL, HEAD OF CAREERS MR GALE, HEAD OF upper SIXTH

MY TEACHERS

MR TOLPUTT, HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

sixth form time After lessons on a Tuesday is designated Sixth Form Time.

The time is used for three things: 1.

Study Skills - how to organise your time, how to prioritise, how to resist procrastination, and more...

2.

University and Careers - looking ahead to life beyond Cokethorpe, deciding upon universities and colleges, UCAS guidance, apprenticeships, work experience, and more...

3.

Enlightenment Lecture Series - a rich and varied programme of visiting speakers, from Shami Chakrabarti (Human Rights Activitist and Labour Party Politician) to Alex Hibbert (Arctic Guide and Explorer).

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Sixth Form differs considerably from previous years at school, as you are given more independence, freedom and opportunity for academic exploration.

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Electives Programme Production Planning and Quality Control with Mrs Brown Art in Action: A practical study with Ms Peach-Toon

Coding for Beginners and Non-beginners with Miss Ryan Writing Creatively: An exploration of reading, crafting, and editing creative pieces with Mrs Oram

Cultural Appreciation: A coming of age seen through films, books and music with Mr Tolputt

Key Info

• You will choose one course for each term of your Lower Sixth • Each course will comprise ten weekly 45-minute seminars

Good Thinking: An introduction to some of the Big Questions of Philosophy with Mr Waldron

An Introduction to Music Technology with Mr Hughes Prisoners of Geography: Using maps to understand Global Politics with Mr Uglow Say What?

Exploring Language and Linguistics with Dr Harrison Econ up your life!

How to understand your life and the world we live in through the eyes of an Economist. with Mr Jones

No exam - no homework - no mark-schemes – no stress.

Just learning for learning’s sake.

social events Your time in the Sixth Form will be punctuated by social events, all of which you will have a hand in suggesting and organising should you so wish. The calendar varies from year to year – after all it is your Sixth Form, and you are encouraged to contribute ideas and planning. However a typical year might include a Lower Sixth walk, a Christmas Dinner, a beer-tasting evening, and much more.

The highlight of each year is the Peacock Ball, a leavers’ ball for students in the Upper Sixth and their parents. The evening includes a three course-meal followed by a live band, a DJ and fireworks. This black tie event is a great way to say goodbye to the School, to your teachers, and to each other.

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I love being a part of the Sixth Form at Cokethorpe, and I’ve already been involved in a number of sporting, drama and music events, and competitions.

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Timeline of events lower sixth summer BTec: may examinations a level: internal examinations

lower sixth lent

house drama young musician of the year

lower sixth michaelmas lower sixth walk house singing crawford relay sixth form christmas dinner

upper sixth summer a level: examinations prizegiving peacock ball The end of sixth form

upper sixth lent btec: january examinations a level: mock examinations house drama young musician of the year

upper sixth michaelmas house singing crawford relay submit ucas application submit final draft of EPQ Sixth form christmas dinner

Ten top tips Here are ten top tips, from previous Sixth Formers...

1 Make sure to make the most of the opportunities that are presented to you… They won’t be around forever!

2 Manage your time effectively, leave enough time to relax.

3 Try to read around your subject to gain a deeper understanding of the material.

4 Try lots of different things, push yourself outside your comfort zone.

5 Create good work routines to prepare yourself for higher education.

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The Sixth Form team and your subject teachers are always looking for ways to support you- if you’re struggling with work, feeling overwhelmed, or to share an idea.

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6 Use study periods wisely!

7 Build up a good relationship with teachers and sixth form staff.

8 Try to prepare revision materials as you go, to save you a big job at the end!

9 Be familiar with your course spec so you can understand the course process and stay organised from the beginning.

10 Choose subjects that you enjoy.

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There is always a welcome and someone to talk to in Sixth Form.

Everyone is keen to make friends and there is always lots of laughter.

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sixth form in numbers

follow us @ CokethorpeSch

@ cokethorpesch

@ CokethorpeSch @CKP_SixthForm @CKP_Careers

easy to reach out and get “helpIt isfrom any teachers or staff.

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