e m o c l e W From the Headmaster
The Sixth Form is the most exciting time in a student’s education. Here at RGS Worcester, we encourage our students to seize this opportunity and really take the lead, enjoying all that our school community has to offer them. Academic – RGS Sixth Form students have the opportunity to study a wide range of academic subjects taught by specialist teachers in high quality facilities. Students are encouraged to explore their subjects through the teaching and guidance they receive, by conducting research and through experiencing subject based activities, as well as participating in academic clubs and societies. Co-curricular – The breadth of opportunities available is breathtaking with Sixth Form students encouraged to lead many of the clubs and societies as well as participate in whatever area of school life takes their interest, from sport to music, drama, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, debating and so on. The list of opportunities is extensive and, if we don’t offer it, then students will be encouraged to introduce it! Personal Development – The Sixth Form at RGS Worcester provides the caring and supportive environment needed for each student to realise his or her potential. Students become quietly confident in their abilities, are able to interact in different environments and develop a strong sense of their responsibilities in the community. They are treated as individuals and their abilities, interests and needs are catered for. Leadership – Sixth Form students are given responsibility in leading many areas of school life so that they can develop skills of leadership that are so important for their futures. Opportunities for leadership are diverse and include Prefects, School Council Leaders, Digital Leaders, CCF Officers, Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, Debating Committee and many more. Technology – RGS Worcester is at the forefront of the use of digital technology in education, which is preparing our students for the 21st Century. Digital technology is fully integrated into learning, organisation and independent research across the School so that students understand how to use technology safely and appropriately in a modern technological world. Careers – Through careful guidance and opportunities, students achieve the qualifications they need for the next stage of their education and obtain the experience and support to ensure that they are fully prepared for the next step. Students from RGS Worcester go on to shine in a very broad range of fields from Science, Engineering and Technology, to the Arts, Music, Drama and Sport and the staff have the expertise to guide our students in whichever direction they wish to follow. An RGS Worcester Sixth Form education is an opportunity not to be missed. The students enjoy the use of their own Sixth Form Centre in addition to the extensive facilities available at RGS and they establish life-long friendships in this friendly, welcoming school. We are very proud of the students in our Sixth Form, the contribution they make to the School, and all that they go on to achieve.
John Pitt, Headmaster
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Introduction Welcome to the Sixth Form at RGS Worcester The Head of Sixth Form (Dr Phil Ehlers), the Deputy Head of Sixth Form (Mr Jon Friend) and the two Assistant Heads of Sixth Form (Mrs Sarah Cooper and Mr Nicholas Phillips) are responsible for the academic progress and pastoral care of students in the Sixth Form and for ensuring that they get the most out of the opportunities we offer. While supporting students, it is our aim to prepare them for the future, teaching them study skills and encouraging them to take responsibility for their own learning. We are very experienced at supporting the University application process, guiding students to a wide range of universities every year (including Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group institutions) and similarly supporting applications to Art Colleges, Drama Schools and Music Conservatoires. We also provide careers advice and support for those seeking to go straight into employment or onto work based training schemes. While academic success is key to the ethos of the Sixth Form, there is also a wealth of co-curricular activity on offer: sports, drama, music and debating to name a few. Sixth Form students are encouraged to take a lead in these aspects of the School, leading and conducting music groups, taking lead roles in drama productions, supporting and leading House activities, taking on Captaincies of the senior sports teams. Indeed, while they have their own space within the School (including a coffee shop in their Common Room and a recently refurbished study area), it is very much the case that Sixth Form students are at the heart of the School. As they move through the Sixth Form, we look to them to take on Prefect roles, too, and we expect all Sixth Formers to act as role models to younger pupils. The Sixth Form Team, together with the Form Tutors and the Assistant Head (Pastoral) provide excellent care and advice to all students. There is a well-developed PSHCE programme geared towards the needs of Sixth Form students and an Enrichment programme aimed at broadening their experience and knowledge beyond the classroom.
Choosing a Subject The most important reasons to choose a subject are that you enjoy it and find the subject interesting. It is certainly the case that certain degree and career choices require particular A Levels for entry, but it is best to put your interests first and let them guide your choices for later study or career. It is also sensible to choose courses that you are good at and some of our A Level subjects do require an A grade in certain GCSE subjects for you to study them. Enjoyment and interest are key to help maintain your motivation during your studies. There are subject specific pages at the back of this prospectus and advice on University and Careers and we encourage you to ask questions and seek advice from RGS staff to help you make the best choices.
Life in the Sixth Form is a busy and enjoyable experience, whether you join us new or have come up through the RGS family of schools. We look forward to showing you to our friendly, welcoming Sixth Form. Dr Phil Ehlers, Head of Sixth Form
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Entry to RGS Sixth Form We expect students to fulfil the following criteria: • To achieve a minimum of six B grades at GCSE and no less than B grades in
any subjects (except Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages which require an A grade) that you wish to study in the Sixth Form. New subjects, such as Economics, Politics or PE will look at your results in GCSE subjects, which contain similar content or require similar skills; for instance, Economics will look at Mathematics and English, Politics at English Literature, Religious Studies or History. • Have a good report from Year Eleven. • If you are joining from another school, you will be asked to sit a Verbal Reasoning Test and have an interview before being offered a place. We will ask for a reference from your present school. You will also need GCSE passes (C grades or better) in English and Mathematics. • If you are already at RGS and do not achieve a C grade, or better, in GCSE Mathematics and English Language you will be expected to resit these subjects while in the Sixth Form.
Selecting your A Level Subjects Before making your final choice of subjects, you might like to consider the following: • Reflect on the information and advice given by Careers staff and through the presentations at Parents’ Evenings. • Read the subject specific course descriptions.
Subjects offered: A Level and AS Level •
Biology
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Chemistry
•
Physics
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Mathematics
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Further Mathematics
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Computing
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English
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Economics
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Business Studies
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History
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Politics
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Geography
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Religious Studies
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Classics
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Latin
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French
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German
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Spanish
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Art
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Textiles
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Design Technology
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Music
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Drama
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Physical Education
• Choose a sensible combination of subjects. It may help to consider the following points: Which combination is most likely to produce the best results? Consider transferable skills and supporting subjects. Which combination of subjects is likely to be favoured by Universities? • Consider which subjects are required by Universities for courses you are likely to select, and which are preferred. Which subjects will help your preferred course at University, even if they are not necessary for entrance on to that course.
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Games in the Sixth Form Games is provided for Sixth Form students for one afternoon each week. The range of activities is broad and includes: athletics, badminton, cricket, cross-country running, dance, football, golf, hockey, netball, rowing, rugby, sailing, health related exercise, rounders, dancercise, fitness and tennis. In addition, there is a comprehensive programme of fixtures with other schools in a variety of sports, many of which occur on Saturdays. Teams train during each week and receive specialist coaching from leading coaches including former national and international players.
Co-Curricular activities available We strongly encourage all students to participate in co-curricular activities. Sixth Form students will often lead these activities. This broadens their experience and gives them an opportunity to display initiative, exercise responsibility and lead younger students.
Such activities include: BISMARCK Modelling Club
Drama
Board games
Outreach in local schools
Chess Club
Fencing
Christian Union
History
CCF
Film Society
Charities
Literary Society
Community Service
Music
Debating and Public Speaking
Trampolining
Dance War Games Society Duke of Edinburgh Award Work Experience & Job Shadowing
If a Sixth Form student identifies a club or society they would like to start then this will certainly be considered.
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RGS Careers Department The Careers Department is well equipped to enable students to go out into the world with a plan that suits their aspirations. This might be going to University in the UK, advice on European and American University entry, Apprenticeship schemes that encompass strengths or relevant Gap Year activities that enhance a CV. There is a dedicated Careers room that is open all day, with computers and literature that allow pupils to research different Careers and University options. External speakers visit the School regularly to give Careers talks and there is the opportunity to sit an on-line Careers Profiling assessment to explore the options available to you. UCAS applications and Apprenticeship guidance are explored in the Lower Sixth Form in PSHCE sessions and the guidance and search tool Unifrog enables students to investigate courses according to their interests and other preferences. Students, who are looking to apply to Oxbridge, or for Medicine and Veterinary Science as well as Law and Engineering, all receive specialist help and support throughout their application process. All students will be given access to the Work Experience Database to find a placement that has undergone all the Health & Safety and Safeguarding checks necessary. Placements are normally arranged for the holidays but can be completed at other times.
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Degree/Career Opportunities requiring specific A Level Combinations Degree Course
Normally required
Degree Course
Normally required
Accountancy..................................................................................................... Maths Architecture.......................... Maths* (some), (Art portfolio+ most)
Geology....................................... Maths, Physics (or two sciences+)
Biology........................... Biology, Chemistry or Maths or Physics
Land Management............. Maths (few), Geography preferred
Business Studies....................................................................... Maths (some) Chemistry.......................................... Chemistry, (Maths or Physics+)
Law............................................................................................................................... None Materials Science........................... Maths, (Physics, Chemistry+)
Classics..................... Latin (some), Classical Civilisation (some)
Mathematics...................................................................................................... Maths Medicine....................... Chemistry, (Biology, Physics or Maths+)
Classical Civilisation.................................................................................... None Computing & IT............................................................................ Maths (some) Dentistry............. Chemistry, (two of Maths/Biology/Physics+)
History................................................................................................................... History
Music........................................................................................................................ Music
Drama.................................................................................................................... English
Oriental Languages.......1 Class. or Modern Foreign Language Pharmacy..................... Chemistry, (Biology, Physics or Maths+)
Economics ......................................................................................................... Maths Engineering (Chem.) ................... Maths, (Physics, Chemistry+ )
Philosophy............................................................................................. Maths (few) Physics..................................................................................... Physics, (Maths+)
Engineering (others)........... Maths, (Physics, Further Maths+)
Physiotherapy......................................................... Biology, (Chemistry+)
English ................................................................................................................ English French - Languages ......... French, (Geography or Spanish+)
Politics....................................................................................................................... None
Geography.............................................................................................. Geography
Psychology.............. Two sciences (few). Maths an advantage Vet. Science............. Chemistry, (Biology, Physics or Maths+) + Desirable
* Most Universities also ask to see an Art portfolio
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) The EPQ is recognised and welcomed by all universities as excellent preparation for undergraduate study. Students have the opportunity to explore a topic area or a question that is of particular interest to them. They may design an artefact, write a dissertation, put on a performance, produce an Art installation, organise an event, or carry out a scientific or fieldwork investigation. An EPQ is recognised by UCAS as half an A Level, being graded A*- E and is worth up to 70 UCAS points. It is likely to enhance applications to Higher Education or for a job and will help students to stand out in both their Personal Statement and at interview. Through the weekly Sixth Form Enrichment Programme the taught skills element of the EPQ is delivered and students have a chosen teacher as a personal supervisor. The focus is on independent learning, aimed at developing essential research, study and presentation skills, as well as higher order critical thinking. UNIFROG Unifrog is a fantastic online tool that connects students to the best University courses for them as well as live Apprenticeship vacancies across the UK. It enables students to compare courses and vacancies using different factors such as distance from home, qualifications required, social life and potential salary. The search tool provides independent and impartial Careers information and uses Labour Market evidence to help students make informed choices. Both teachers and parents can track a students’ progress in making their choices. Unifrog is the only Careers tool that contains a comprehensive list of every University course and every Apprenticeship vacancy in the UK. As an innovative product it allows parents to login alongside students, so that they become part of the Careers guidance process.
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