We believe in empowering every student to succeed, both in their academic outcomes and in becoming confident members of our society, ready to lead fulfilling futures.
We want our students to be the next generation of leaders, who inspire others in whichever profession or pathway they choose for their future. We achieve this by ensuring that everyone commits to making outstanding progress, enjoys and engages in their learning, and are prepared to take on challenges without the fear of failure.
Our broad academic curriculum is supported by a range of extra-curricular enrichment, including visits in the UK and abroad, participation in music and art events, a wide selection of sporting activities and opportunities to develop leadership skills.
Whilst we have high expectations of all our students, we make sure they receive the personalised support they need to develop academically and as a young adult. We are committed to ensuring that our students are recognised as individuals and receive the pastoral care they need to thrive both academically and as a person.
Supporting You Through Every Step
At Thomas Paine Sixth Form, you will be supported every step of the way, from the application process through to gaining your qualifications and beyond.
Thomas Paine Sixth Form is a close knit environment where the sixth form staff know every student by name.
Form Group and Tutorials
All students at Thomas Paine Sixth Form belong to a form group. You will have the support of a form tutor and will have weekly tutorial lessons which follow a specialised programme.
These lessons will focus on a range of topics including, learning about study skills, university, and apprenticeship applications. You will also learn about issues linked with well-being and becoming an adult.
As part of form time, you will also have regular one-to-one tutorials with your form tutor. In addition, you will also have a Specialist Leadership Tutor, who will guide you on your Leadership Programme.
Academic Support
At Thomas Paine Sixth Form, academic support is provided by our dedicated Academic and Pastoral Mentor who is responsible for supporting students studying in the study centre, allocating students to intervention lessons with their class teachers, and managing external tuition.
Our wider sixth form team ensures that every student receives targeted support, mentors students who are struggling, or who require extra challenge and liaises with subject teachers and Heads of Department so that subject-specific support is provided.
Our highly qualified specialist teachers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for each student and work with the academic and pastoral team to support progression and achievement.
Sixth Form Life
Non-Uniform
Sixth form students do not have a specific uniform. However, clothing should be appropriate for a learning environment.
Equipment
Every Thomas Paine Sixth Form student will be given a personal laptop to use during their time in the sixth form. Every student has access to on-site high-speed WiFi and technicians to support with any problems.
Sixth Form Student Union
The Thomas Paine Sixth Form is led by sixth form students and staff. Sixth Form SU Committee Members hold key roles and contribute to making decisions that ensure that the Student Union takes a leading role in sixth form life. The Student Union engages in charitable and community activities and arrange social events too.
Sixth Form Ambassador
Being a Student Ambassador is a very prestigious role. Ambassadors are seen as role models to the younger years, are the face of and representatives of the sixth form, and are known for their role amongst students, staff and the community.
Preparing You For Post 18
At Thomas Paine Sixth Form we are committed to preparing you for your future and empowering you to reach your academic and personal potential. You will begin preparing for your next steps from the moment you arrive at Thomas Paine Sixth Form.
We work in partnership with the Norfolk Higher Aspirations Scheme (HAS) and University of East Anglia. Partners of HAS also include Oxbridge, University College London and Norwich University of the Arts. These organisations offer a wealth of information and provide a range of opportunities, including interview preparation, trips and visits.
Open Days
We run visits to the University of East Anglia, and to Oxbridge universities. In addition, we are happy to support you attending open days at other universities.
Work Experience
As part of your sixth form experience you will complete work placements in a sector related to your own aspirations. The precise format and timing of this will depend on what is most suitable for you, and you will develop a personalised programme of work experience with your personal tutor. We use WEX Norfolk, an online work experience programme to support this as well as seeking opportunities directly with employers.
Careers Programme
You will have access to careers advice throughout your time with us. Our Careers Advisor mentor students with regards to future aspirations. We offer advice and guidance on careers and higher education in Year 12, followed by expert assistance in preparing your university/apprenticeship applications in Year 13 or taking your first steps into work.
We organise regular careers events, with guest speakers from a variety of sectors, and workshops on applying for jobs, managing your finances and advancing your career.
Our Academic Literacy Programme teaches students about critical thinking, self-directed learning and literacy skills that differ from those experienced at KS4. The course covers aspects of structured writing, note taking, research strategies, referencing and plagiarism which prepare our students for university and other Post 18 destinations, as well as support students in their A-Level studies.
Oxbridge and Competitive Courses
Full guidance is given in Year 12 on preparing to make applications to highly competitive courses with interview preparation and ‘super-curricular’ activities that help set you aside from other high-achieving students. This is further supported by our outreach officers at Cambridge, Oxford, UEA and Higher Aspirations Scheme Membership. Students can participate in activities such as mock interviews, lectures and test
Leadership Opportunities
At Thomas Paine Sixth Form, we aspire that our students will be the next generation of leaders who inspire others in whichever profession or pathway they choose for their future.
Therefore, alongside your courses, you will also get the opportunity to take part in leadership opportunities both within the sixth form and the wider community.
Typical Day
Thomas Paine Sixth Form is a full time educational provision. Your day will be a mixture of taught lessons, tutor and mentoring activities, independent and supervised study sessions and enrichment activities. Students are expected to study independently for each subject, which will include completing work that is set, revising from notes, or doing further reading.
Our Curriculum
It is really important to make informed decisions when you choose subjects for sixth form, both when it comes to the courses themselves and your career aspirations.
You need to consider the subjects that are essential for some career destinations such as medicine, as well as consider those subjects you enjoy and know you will do well in. Thomas Paine Sixth Form offers students the opportunity to choose their own combination of courses, and to pursue different specialisms. We do not operate a system of pathways - believing that our students should be free to choose courses based on their strengths and their prior performance in individual subjects.
If a student has a specific career or specialism in mind we do support this through different “Professional Specialisms”. Further details regarding these specialisms can be found on our website.
The move to sixth form is all about you starting to take responsibility for your own studies, your choices and your future. We encourage you to be more independent - but we will also be on hand to support you when you need it.
The majority of students will study three courses, but it is possible to choose a fourth subject where this is appropriate for the student. As well as our main courses you also have the option to take additional qualifications.
We are always happy to talk through subject choices with students who need further guidance and advice, so please get in touch if you need some help selecting courses.
Alongside your course choices you will also participate in a wider curriculum offer to include our leadership and tutor programme, work experience and Thomas Paine Conference Sessions as a compulsory part of the education provision provided to students at Thomas Paine Sixth Form.
Extra-Curricular Activities and Enrichment
All Thomas Paine Sixth Form students are able to take part in any of the extracurricular activities run at Thetford Academy, with a wide range of sports, arts and hobbies available. In addition, the Sixth Form Student Union Committee runs dedicated extracurricular activities that are only for Thomas Paine Sixth Form students.
Students have access to Thetford Academy’s fitness room after completing an induction with a member of the Sports Department. Other activities on offer include a range of sports, creative arts, performing arts and mindfulness sessions, as well as:
Educational visits and trips close to home and further afield
Wider reading opportunities
EPQ study
Specialist workshops
Guest speaker programme
Music lessons.
Other opportunities include participating in schemes such as UEA’s Future Forward and the Gregson Scholarship Programme.
Thomas Paine students are also able to take part in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
Our Courses
Art
Art is a deeply human subject, offering insights into complex ideas and emotions. It is a creative subject for those who enjoy the challenge of communicating their ideas visually. Students will develop ideas by responding to artists’ work, as well as refining their own ideas and produce practical work.
Biology
A-Level biology is where we begin to delve deep into the study of living organisms, including humans, plants, insects and fish. This includes developing our basic understanding of cell biology and exploring the biochemistry that is shared by all life on Earth. There are also many opportunities to carry out practical work, from dissections to fieldwork at the beach.
Business
Our business A-Level will give you the opportunity to learn and understand a broad range of business and entrepreneurial knowledge and skills associated with working within a business enterprise. You will study the role of finance in planning an enterprise, analysing and making financial decisions, and how business organisations use the human, physical and financial resources at their disposal to achieve their dynamic goals.
Chemistry
A-Level chemistry helps you to develop research, problem solving, and analytical skills. It helps you to challenge ideas and will show you how to work things out through logic and step-by-step reasoning. Chemistry often requires teamwork and communication skills too, which is great for project management.
Computing
A-Level computing is a course which will teach you about the principles of computer science, computer systems, programming, and security and encryption. You will also learn how professionals analyse and develop mobile apps.
For more information on entry requirements, please visit our website.
Core Maths
Core maths has 3 key objectives; to deepen competence in the selection and use of methods and techniques, develop confidence in representing and analysing authentic situations and in applying mathematics to address related questions, and build skills in mathematical thinking, reasoning and communication.
Criminology
Criminology is the study of crime, explanations for crime and social reactions to crime. As an interdisciplinary social science subject, criminology draws on a range of perspectives, such as sociology, psychology and law.
English Language and Literacy
Whether you love fiction, autobiographies, poems, plays, newspapers or creative writing, English Language and Literature is the subject for anyone who loves stories. You’ll explore a variety of texts whilst discovering how language and literature has been used to challenge social, historical and political stances.
Extended Project Qualification
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a great opportunity to experience universitystyle study and expand your knowledge in an area of interest. It shows employers and universities what your personal passions and interests are, and shows that you can selfmanage, self-direct and set ambitious goals for yourself.
The EPQ is an enrichment qualification that supports your studies in other subjects and your career goals.
Food Science and Nutrition
Food science and nutrition is a subject for people who enjoy cooking and have a passion for learning about food. You will gain knowledge about food and nutrition and the relationship between food and the human body. There is a strong emphasis on practical work, making this an ideal choice for students who prefer learning through doing.
French
Studying A-Level French will give students the ability to advance their linguistic and communication skills, and further insights into a range of social, artistic, cultural and political topics.
Further Maths
Further maths broadens and deepens the mathematical knowledge and skills developed when studying A-Level maths. This exciting course will introduce you to imaginary numbers, matrices and hyperbolic functions.
Geography
Geography gives you the opportunity to learn about how the human and physical processes of our ever-changing world work. You will investigate topical global issues and develop a board range of skills.
Health and Social Care
Health and social care is a subject for people who like to know how we can care about the different people that live in our society and how we can provide the best levels of care for all. Health and social care also gives us an insight into the human body and how it works, how it sometimes malfunctions and how a nutritious diet impacts on a person’s mental and physical state.
History
History is a subject for people who like to ask questions about society and how things came to be the way they are today. History also gives us an insight into the nature of humanity as we uncover the attitudes and motivations of those who lived in the past, which can seem both strange and familiar to us today.
Maths
Maths is a subject for people who like to solve problems, model situations and think about how things work. This course is designed to expand on your existing mathematical skills as well as introducing completely new techniques to prepare you for a career with a mathematical or scientific basis.
Media Studies
The media saturates everything we do in the developed world in the 21st century. In A-Level media studies, you will learn to analyse and critique the media and see the ways in which the media pervades your lives. As part of this course, you will make your own films, newspapers, or even music videos.
Music
Music is a subject for people who have a passion and commitment to performing, rehearsing and explorative study through practice and analysis. The course gives an insight into the creative processes by studying performance skills, historical context of performance and all genres of popular music.
Performing Arts (Dance or Drama)
Performing arts is a course for those who have a passion and commitment to performance and explorative study through practice and analysis. The performing arts course gives an insight into the creative process through key practitioners of historical note and contemporary value.
Photography
Photography is a subject for creative thinkers who enjoy the challenge of communicating their ideas through photography.
Physics
Studying physics gives you the opportunity to explore the phenomena of the universe and to look at theories to explain what is observed. This course combines practical skills with theoretical ideas to develop descriptions of the physical universe.
Politics
Politics affects every aspect of our lives and is constantly changing and evolving. This course will help you understand the role politics plays in relation to current local, national, and global issues. Politics also involves us considering issues from a wide range of perspectives, helping us to understand differences in opinions.
Portuguese
A-Level Portuguese will inspire students to have an appreciation of the language, literature, film and culture of the Portuguese speaking countries are areas where it is an official language. It allows students to reward creativity, inspire with engaging themes and continually progress their critical thinking and analytical skills.
Psychology
Studying A-Level psychology enriches us by helping us to understand human behaviour, with all its social interaction, language, communication, motivation, emotions, and decision making. Learning about human behaviour can also help to build your communication skills and improve your teamwork and leadership skills.
Product Design
A-Level product design is a creative and thought-provoking qualification that gives you the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and confidence to succeed. In this course, you will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put your learning in to practice by producing prototypes of your choice.
Sociology
Sociology is a social science that studies human societies, their interactions, and the processes that preserve and change them. As an interdisciplinary social science subject. Sociology draws on a range of perspectives, such as criminology, psychology and law.
Spanish
Studying A-Level Spanish will give you the chance to further advance your linguistic and communicative skills and give a deeper insight into Hispanic social, artistic, cultural and political topics.
Sport
A-Level sport is a subject for those who like to know how the body works, how sports performers recover from training and injuries, and how to coach various groups of people. After studying sport, you will have a much better understanding of how the sports industry works and the requirements of staff in the industry.
For more information on the courses available including entry requirements, please visit our website.
Facilities
Thomas Paine Sixth Form provides students with a dedicated space while having access to the wider facilities of Thetford Academy.
Common Room - a mature social area in which to socialise and unwind during the day.
Study Room - quiet study space including desktop computers, supported by a fulltime member of staff to help you with your studies.
Library - further study space and access to a wide range of books and periodicals, supported by a full-time librarian who can give guidance on access to extensive online resources, including a subscription to JSTOR to access the latest research in your field.
Private Study Rooms - separate rooms available for private study without any distractions.
Meet our Therapy Dogs
We have two special members of our Well-Being Team - Lexie and Albus.
Research shows that interaction with dogs is good for physical and mental health, by helping to reduce blood pressure and releasing chemicals in the brain that have a calming effect. If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, spending time with Lexie or Albus can help you feel more relaxed. If you are nervous about dogs or allergic, please let us know.
Cafe - separate from the main school canteen, Thomas Paine Sixth Form students have a dedicated cafe providing hot meals, drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Library Terrace - outdoor space for relaxation and study, exclusive to sixth form students.
Subject Specialist Spaces and Facilties - these include science laboratories, a dance and drama studio, technology spaces, a music studio and practice rooms, indoor and outdoor sports facilities and arts studios.
Fitness Suite - fully equipped with sports apparatus, and available exclusively to Thomas Paine Sixth Form students, following the completion of an induction with a member of the sports department.
SEND Support
Our vision is for all of our students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to be integrated fully into life at Thomas Paine Sixth Form, and that all students have access to high-quality teaching.
At Thomas Paine Sixth Form we aim to ensure all members of the school community support students with SEND. Our SENDCO and SEND Lead Practitioner, work alongside our Pastoral and Academic Support Team to ensure all students identified as having SEND, as far as possible, have equal access to all aspects of the curriculum.
Financial Support Pastoral and Safeguarding Support
We want as many students as possible to experience the benefit of learning at Thomas Paine Sixth Form.
You may be able to access a range of funding options to help you in your studies. We encourage students (who are eligible) to apply to our bursary scheme.
The 16-19 Bursary Fund offers help to students at Thomas Paine Sixth Form to support students aged 16 to 19 in overcoming specific financial barriers to participation so they can remain in education.
The Fund is Split into two categories:
1. Vulnerable Bursary
2. Discretionary Bursary
Students are encouraged to apply if they have extenuating circumstances leading to a financial need in attending and participating in sixth form. Further details can be found on our website.
At Thomas Paine Sixth Form it is important that you feel safe, supported and happy in sixth form and at home.
We pride ourselves on the care that we give to all students. We have a Student Well-Being Officer as part of the Student Union and their role is to work with the Sixth Form Pastoral Team in addressing and supporting students’ well-being concerns. This is achieved through a programme of activities designed to support sixth form students in managing their physical, emotional and mental health.
We are committed to keeping staff, pupils and visitors safe and happy. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead ensures that effective support is provided to students that need it and our strong pastoral system ensures that all students are well known and their needs understood.
Travelling to Sixth Form
Thomas Paine Sixth Form is located on Croxton Road just off the A11 and has nearby rail and bus links.
By Car, Motorcycle or Moped
Students can park their car, motorcycle or moped in the Thetford Academy car park free of charge. Licensed registration numbers will need to be shared with our Sixth Form Admin Officer.
By Bicycle
We have secure bike racks on site and lockers are available for storage (lockers are available at a charge).
By Rail
All students at the Thomas Paine Sixth Form are provided with a railcard to get discounted train travel to sixth form and across the UK, with Thetford train station a short 20-minute walk away.
Travel Schemes
Wherever you are travelling from within Norfolk or Suffolk, there are discounted Travel Schemes available.
Norfolk Students - Post 16 Travel Scheme norfolk.gov.uk/education-and-learning/ school-and-college-transport/post16-travelscheme
Suffolk Students - Suffolkonboard suffolkonboard.com
Entry Requirements
To study with us, you need to have at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including a grade 5+ in both English and Mathematics. For the subjects closest to the courses you have chosen to study, you will need a minimum grade 5 or 6+. In addition, Subject Specific Entry requirements can be viewed on our website. If you’re not sure about which courses are best for you, please get in touch to discuss your options.
