The Wider School Curriculum The Wider School Curriculum

Introduction The Sixth Form at Exeter School is much more than a place to study for A Levels. It provides a wide range of opportunities to develop existing interests and activities. Sixth Form pupils also develop leadership skills and have access to many sources of advice about future Higher Education and employment. Two years in the Sixth Form provide a host of exciting and enjoyable opportunities outside of the classroom. Pastoral Care Exeter School places great emphasis on high quality and effective pastoral care. We believe that our knowledge and understanding of each individual is key; we aim to develop the personal wellbeing of our pupils while supporting them to achieve their very best academically. The main focus for pastoral care and academic guidance in Exeter School is the House system. Everyone belongs to a House made up of approximately 70 pupils from the 3rd Form to the Upper Sixth and they remain in that House throughout their time at the school. The House staff play a very important role in the lives of our pupils, getting to know them well and supporting them throughout their school career. Houses are led by a Head of House and supported by a Deputy Head of House and a Sixth Form Tutor. Exeter School believes firmly in working closely with our families and we host many opportunities throughout the year which aid in developing strong relationships. Pupils and parents are encouraged to attend as many Parents’ Evenings, school events and social functions as possible. Parents are also urged to keep in touch with their son or daughter’s Head of House regarding any matters affecting his or her academic or general development, or in connection with his or her future career plans. Mr Hughes (Senior Deputy Headmaster), Mrs Fairweather (Deputy Head, Pastoral), Mrs Marsh (Head of Sixth Form) and Reverend Tom Carson (Chaplain) also contribute significantly to the pastoral system. Leadership Many Sixth Formers are given jobs of responsibility in helping to run the school: as prefects, in clubs and societies, within the house system, in school teams, and as part of their role within the Friday 8 programme (see page 37). All these positions offer opportunities to learn more about leadership and management. Employers, choosing between several applicants, look for those with the most wellrounded personalities. A pupil’s exam results are, of course, extremely important. However, it is an advantage to be able to have hard evidence that they have skills such as: • an ability to accept responsibility and to carry out tasks reliably • an ability to work as part of a team • an ability to think and act independently of instruction or supervision • an ability to lead junior pupils and those from their peer group The positive qualities needed as an adult are precisely those which pupils are encouraged to develop here as Sixth Formers.

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