student guide
th Form
The 6th Form
6th Form Student Guide
Introduction to Sixth Form Life Years 12 and 13 make up our Sixth Form. These final years of study at school form both an essential and exciting component of British School of Paris life. We pride ourselves on accepting and working with students from all previous academic backgrounds and developing young adults who are committed, self-motivated, who have a sense of purpose and a determination to succeed. The Sixth Form offers an opportunity to maximise academic potential, get involved in school life through volunteering and extra-curricular activities as well as to develop in a friendly social and multicultural environment. Students are taught to be self-disciplined and to take responsibility for their own learning and development, whilst always being fully supported on an individual basis through the important transition into the Sixth Form and then onto the next step. Sixth Formers move from pupils to becoming students in the school, a small change in status but one that
carries both freedom and responsibilities. Students are treated as young adults and are encouraged to explore both who they are as individuals and what role they play in both the school community and greater society. The purpose of this guide is to explain how Sixth Form life differs from that in other parts of the School, the information within it has been designed to showcase some of the opportunities available and to provide valuable insight to help you succeed in studies and benefit from the many opportunities that await you in the Sixth Form. A comprehensive team of professionals including the Head of Pastoral Care, Heads of Years, Sixth Form Entry Year Coordinator, a dedicated team of Tutors, Head of Careers and Study Co-ordinators are in place to encourage success and provide the best environment for students to explore, develop and strive for academic excellence, whilst at the same time preparing them for the independence and challenges of the world outside school.
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Philosophy and Objectives
Our philosophy throughout the school is to provide a high quality British Education. We strive to ensure a focus on the individual. Our objectives in the Sixth Form include: Enabling students to achieve their full academic potential Experience shows that the single most important factor in Sixth Form aspirations is excellent examination results and so we strive to ensure that each individual student achieves the best possible grades he/she is capable of attaining.
Promoting independent learning
Students arriving in the Sixth Form may have had very little experience of organising extended pieces of work over longer periods of time or of taking class notes which then need to be processed and reflected upon. Post school these are skills that will be very important and so upskilling students to organise, manage, work effectively and meet deadlines is critical.
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Encouraging social responsibility
As Sixth Form students approach adulthood it is very important that they realise the value of being socially aware citizens, ones who are valuable to society and fully aware of the implications of actions taken. A large focus in Personal Social and Health Education is placed on their standing and their role in the school, local and global communities.
Ensuring a happy environment
Students will not learn if they are not happy and we feel that it is our duty to know each student individually, both where they have come from and their future aspirations to ensure that the pathway through Sixth Form is a positive one in a happy, safe and healthy environment where the above aims can be fully met.
6th Form Student Guide
Our School Values We welcome students from all over the world into our Sixth Form and this makes for a wonderfully rich learning environment. We strive to produce young adults who will make active and positive contributions to society across the world. In order to achieve this we work hard to ensure that all aspects of Sixth Form life and the resultant environment are modelled on the school motto and values. The School’s motto Validus, Corpore, Animoque, or Strength in Body and Mind is a fine sentiment for a place of learning which seeks to help stretch students to challenge themselves both academically and socially. Our school crest gives a graphic expression and embodiment of our values as a school. These values serve as an indication of our purpose and we as a school are at our best when we are mindful of this.
At the top of the crest is the victor’s crown, a symbol of excellence and with it integrity. The two supporting lions bring to mind the values of determination and endeavour, qualities that see us recognise achievement and the will to strive when times are tough. The galleon, symbol of our host city, reminds us that we seek to learn with a spirit of discovery and that we appreciate the opportunity of learning within our vibrant community, in France and beyond. The Fleur-de-Lys points us in the direction of both community and service, concepts from which we learn and benefit. Together these values reflect high expectations which, when learned and embodied by our students, ensure that all those who are educated at The British School of Paris are best placed to serve as upstanding members of and positive contributors to society.
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Effective learning and an enthusiastic approach to study are pre-requisites for academic success.
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6th Form Student Guide
How to be successful in the Sixth Form Positive Relationships You will find that success in the Sixth Form begins with and is supported by positive relationships in School. It is important that you approach interactions with all staff and students in a mature and considerate manner. Respect for and trust of the environment and those around you is vital in ensuring that the best learning environment is created for all.
Time Management In the Sixth Form you will discover that the number of commitments you have will multiply. In addition to your heavy academic workload, you may also find yourself involved in sport, drama, music, in prefect duties and in a variety of other activities. You could also expect there to be an extension of your social life. All of these will make significant demands on your time. From the start of Year 12 you should establish your priorities, as you cannot do everything well and academic study must always take precedence. Balancing academic, co-curricular and social activities can be a challenge. Effective organisation with the support of the Sixth Form Team, will prove invaluable. Pace yourself - sensible planning is essential. Do not leave assignments until the night before; work is set well in advance so that you can plan ahead and manage your tasks. Set yourself targets that are challenging but attainable; develop a routine that allows you to meet them. The study co-ordinators run a dedicated programme to help Year 12 students adapt to Sixth form life.
Effective learning and an enthusiastic approach to study are pre-requisites for academic success. Many of these learning skills will be unfamiliar to you but the Sixth Form Team will work hard to help you master these techniques. An essential part of Sixth Form life is coming prepared to class; this means the ability to apply your knowledge/learning. The faster you develop good study habits, the more effectively you will learn, the more enjoyable your courses will become and the better your final grades will be.
Private Study It is important that students who are mature, responsible and considerate should be allowed certain privileges and encouraged to take responsibility for their own study programme. We want you to use the Sixth Form as an opportunity to move from the more formal lower school regime to the freedom and responsibility of the post school environment as smoothly as possible. On joining the Sixth Form you change from being a pupil to a student in more than name only. As a Sixth Form student you will have periods of noncontact time available for private study. During these times you will be increasingly responsible for your own learning and helped to develop independent thinking and self-discipline where necessary. Study periods should be used effectively for preparing reports and essays, reading, research, completing coursework and preparing for tests and examinations. You will certainly not make the best use of your study time if you view it as “free time” or “time off”.
Academic Work As a student you should be thinking about your subjects outside lessons as a part of your independent learning. In the Sixth Form, work in class with your teachers is the minimum required and must be developed in your own non-contact time. You must read around the subject, pursue individual research and continually review all the work you are studying. Keeping a balance between all subjects is key.
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Study Facilities To support you in your studies there are a number of facilities available to the Sixth Form. There is a fully equipped library, a Sixth Form Study Room and a Common Room. The Library is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm from Monday – Friday and Sixth Form students have access to this area during non-contact periods. The library is primarily used to support curriculum studies and reading for pleasure, containing books, journals and magazines. The Librarian is at your disposal to help with your individual needs. The Study Room offers students a quiet and comfortable place to work and to hold Sixth Form meetings. It is solely for the Sixth Form and is managed by the Heads of Years 12 and 13. The Common Room is a dedicated space for the sole use of Sixth Form students. It is a space for you to relax and socialise between classes and study. The Common Room is furnished with sofas and tea and coffee is provided at breaktime.
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Student Profile Laura M “Being a part of the Netball team has enabled me to meet new people and has given me the opportunity to play matches in different countries. I am grateful for the experiences I have had access to through playing for The British School of Paris.”
6th Form Student Guide
Learning & Study Skills The Sixth Form PSHE (Personal Social & Health Education) programme focuses on skills programmes that support you in your transition to the Sixth Form and beyond. These programmes focus on individual learning styles, organisation, time-management and study skills. Staff are on hand to provide individual support for students who feel they would like more personalised guidance on improving their preferred learning and study techniques.
The programme covers advice on: • time management and motivation • memory improvement techniques • reading for different purposes • effective note taking • revision
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The Sixth Form Team The Sixth Form team is here to encourage and provide the best environment for you to strive for academic excellence, whilst at the same time preparing you for the independence of university life and the world outside school.
Finally, the Heads of Year manage potential areas of difficulty such as the transition from Key Stage 4 and the move from Year 12 to Year 13, along with new admissions and, if deemed necessary, suspensions and expulsions, in full cooperation with the Head of Pastoral Care.
Head of Pastoral Care:
Sixth Form Entry Year Coordinator:
Oversees the organisation and running of the Sixth Form. He works closely in tandem with the other members of the team to ensure that a clear pathway to achievement is set and that mission statements are met. The Head of Pastoral Care organises the prefect body and the Student Council ensuring that student voice is prominent in school decision making. He also focuses on ensuring new students are integrated into the Sixth Form and that important information is shared with all relevant staff in this regard. He ensures cohesion in the Sixth Form team and student population as well as monitoring and reviewing student progress in all areas of Sixth Form life. He meets regularly with the entire Sixth Form Team to ensure that any potential areas of difficulty such as the transition from Key Stage 4 and the move from Year 12 to Year 13, disciplinary or settling in concerns are addressed swiftly.
Oversees all of the academic and organisational needs of the Sixth Form Entry Year students. She meets regularly to ensure integration into school life and settling into courses. She ensures regular interaction between school and home to make sure that individual support is provided to each student.
Heads of Year 12 and 13: Coordinate the work of the year, liaise with Pastoral and Academic sections of school and arbitrate over decisions that tutors cannot easily manage. They also ensure that the mission statements are being met. Monitoring student progress, raising standards among the under-achievers and extending the gifted are essential elements best managed by the Heads of Year.
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Tutors: Are experts in Post-16 Education and are able to guide students through the new demands that they meet in the Sixth Form. Tutors monitor progress and advise students when setting targets, offer guidance and help students achieve a sensible balance between study requirements and other demands. Tutors are the first port of call for students’ needs.
Study Coordinators: Oversee effective use of non-contact time. They provide emotional support, 1-1 and group guidance on organisation, planning, time management and study skills.
Head of Careers: Manages careers guidance for all tertiary institutions and moving on to a career. He is available by appointment for individual advice and manages general guidance within the PSHE programme.
6th Form Student Guide
Careers The aim of a Careers Programme is to give you as students in Years 12 and 13 the skills to make informed choices, manage your progression through learning and help prepare you for working life. The vast majority of our students move on to Higher Education, or some form of Further Education, before progressing on to a career. Typically, around 70% of our students go to the UK, but students also move on to a wide range of international locations: France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, USA, Canada, Africa, Australia and Asia have been amongst recent destinations. We pride ourselves on the fact that our students make informed decisions concerning their future choices, whether this be to continue onto university, or a nonuniversity pathway. Our students enjoy great success in obtaining places at their first choice universities, with a majority of these top ranking institutions around the globe.
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Student Profile Imogen W “The Sixth Form team encourages us to try new things expanding our opportunities for the future. There is a strong sense of community within the Sixth Form, both Year 12 and Year 13 get on well together.”
12%
of the students have taken a gap year
of University applicants: Second Choice UK & Abroad
Distribution of Student Destinations; Year 13 Students from the BSP 2017
69%
of University applicants: First Choice UK & Abroad
Some of our students choose not to go to university, instead selecting to move onto courses of further education that provide different levels of qualification; previous courses chosen include Childcare, Theatre and Foundation courses in Art. Furthermore, a small number of students prefer to take a ‘gap year’ before making the decision of what to study post-Sixth Form; students generally seek to gain more work experience during this time, combined with a period of international travel. Whatever your ambition, we are here to help guide you towards making the right decision.
In order to help you with your decisions and to guide you through the whole decision making process, the Sixth Form Tutors, the Heads of Year and the Head of Careers will work with you throughout your Sixth Form. In addition, our school uses the services offered by The Independent Schools Careers Organisation (ISCO Futurewise). We feel that this gives you and your parents an idea of your ability, interests and possible career options. Representatives of the ISCO Futurewise organisation liaise with the Head of Careers and visit the school on a regular basis.
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‘Post 18 Choices Timeline’ Year 12
Year 13
Events held during the Autumn Term
Events held during the Autumn Term
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• • •
Year 12 course – ‘Introduction to Sixth Form’. This takes place just before the start of the Autumn Term ISCO Futurewise Careers Progress Tests for new Year 12 students Helping suitable students with Headstart Applications PSHE Careers programme begins
Events held during the Spring Term
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• • • • •
ISCO Futurewise Careers Progress Interviews The University Road Show. A Group of Representatives from British Universities visit our school. This takes place just before or after the Easter Break Visits from representatives from other universities Launch of ‘Post 18 Choices’ Programme for students Information evening for parents Foundation Year students support for future choices ‘Fast-track’ programme for Oxbridge, Medicine & Veterinary Science begins
Events held during the Summer Term ‘What’s Next’ Course:
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A two day workshop based guidance and advice programme that covers a range of subjects from ‘Interview Practice’ through to ‘Studying in the US’. Highly interactive and up to date, the course ends with students starting their post-Sixth Form applications, focusing on the UCAS Apply system for universities in the UK.
Work Experience:
•
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You are required to organise your own experience (essential for University Applicants). Our school helps with the relevant paper work. In some cases we can help with contacts. You are encouraged to get as much work experience as possible. In fact medical related subjects require at least two work experiences. Our School Insurance covers all work experience
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Year 13 Course – ‘Expanding Horizons’. This takes place just before the start of the Autumn Term. This programme continues to develop students’ applications and decision making confidence Application Clinic held during PSHE lessons ‘Fast-track’ university applications submitted (by 15 October Oxbridge and Medical) University Admissions Tests (early November) Closure of ‘Predicted Grade’ adjustment period by mid-November
Events held during the Spring Term
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Final completion of students university applications (Final applications deadline 15 January for UK) Mock interviews, before each actual interview PSHE Careers focus on ‘Transition from Sixth Form Life’
Events held during the Summer Term
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Your Final Choice - advice and reassurance What to do when the examination results come out The Clearing Process/Adjustment Process Continued consultation re: University/Career choice
Results Day August Holidays
• •
Senior members of staff are available until all outstanding university problems are resolved. It is also worth noting that we will continue to offer support to ex-students, until they have finally secured a career or higher education position that meets their requirements and expectations.
Our students aspire to prestigious courses at renowned universities
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Choosing your Academic Programme You are about to embark on the most exciting stage of your school career. As you approach the end of compulsory education, you will need to think carefully about the subjects you wish to study in the Sixth Form. The Advanced Level programme we offer leads to university entrance worldwide. The courses are all designed for specialists, and are therefore excellent preparation for the rigorous demands of top-class universities. At The British School of Paris we are extremely proud of the academic successes of our students. For several years we have had a strong pass rate at Advanced Level, with up to 75% of students receiving grades A and B. Our results compare favourably with schools recognised for their excellence in the UK and are a tribute to students who have often moved many times in their educational career.
The 6th Form Entry Year For students: • who are new to the English curriculum • who need a complete academic ‘track record’ before moving onto higher courses • who speak English as an Additional Language • who haven’t achieved the 5 GCSE grades at grade 4/C or above giving access to Advanced Level Studies We offer a Sixth Form Entry Year. The Entry Year aims to allow students access to our A Level courses after completing the five required GCSEs including English and Mathematics. Learning Support is available if required. Below are the five GCSEs on offer at The British School of Paris:
Our Entry Year programme is also very successful and allows for smooth transition into British Education and onwards to further studies.
• GCSE Mathematics
We are proud to be able to offer a large variety of subjects to Advanced Level:
• GCSE Psychology
• Art and Design: Fine Art • Biology • Business • Chemistry • Design and Technology • Drama and Theatre Studies • Economics • English Language & Literature • English Literature • French • Geography • German • History • History of Art • Mathematics and Further Mathematics • Photography • Physical Education • Physics • Politics • Spanish
In addition we now offer the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) recognised worldwide by universities.
• iGCSE English Language • GCSE Engineering • iGCSE Global Citizenship
Detailed information about course content and assessment procedure is available in our Curriculum Guide. This has been prepared by the subject specialists at The British School of Paris to give you a realistic idea of the nature of the course you are undertaking. It should be read with care before you make decisions about your academic future.
Student Profile Lauren M “Sixth Form allows you to carry out a greater exploration of the subjects you enjoy most. It gives you direction for what you want to do next.”
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6th Form Student Guide
Sixth Form Community and Responsibility Life in the Sixth Form is not just about academic programmes and success. Sixth Formers play a crucial role within our school community and have the opportunity to contribute to school life in a variety of ways. Becoming an active and responsible member of the school community helps our students to grow and provides an excellent experience which can serve you well in later life. Making the most of opportunities in the Sixth Form is now seen as an essential part of a successful university application.
Prefects Students are invited to apply to become school prefects. Prefects assist in the smooth running of the school day and are a link between pupils and staff. School prefects assist tutor groups lower down the school and can be turned to by younger pupils for advice. • Head Prefects The Head Boy and Head Girl are key figures within the school, they help to organise Sixth Form life for their fellow students and have weekly meetings with the Headmaster and Head of Senior School to discuss Sixth Form matters. The Head Boy and Head Girl manage the Prefect Body which is divided into sub groups: • Charity Prefects The Charity prefects link with similar prefects in each of the tutor groups throughout the school to organise whole school and year group specific events. They promote both local and international charities. • Events Prefects Events prefects work with the Heads of Year and the school to organise and run both whole school and year group specific events for the different year groups. These events foster school cohesion and belonging.
holding weekly meetings in the run-up to specific events. • Academic Prefects Students are given the opportunity to mentor other students in the senior school. This brings great benefit to both sets of students: one receiving guidance whilst the other improves his/her skills in communication and empathy. • Pastoral Prefects These students help to settle our new pupils; helping them understand school procedures and answering their questions about school life. • Bus Prefects Bus prefects are responsible for the care of pupils on their bus during the journey to and from school.
Service and Community Volunteering • Volunteering and charity work at the BSP – “an exchange of time for an experience” The volunteering and charity opportunities give students the chance to widen their learning outside the classroom. The world beyond the gates of the BSP is rich and diverse; volunteering teaches young people the lasting value of giving time to others. Our volunteering programme is not about having something to write about on a CV, it is about developing a positive attitude to supporting the wider community and about understanding the importance of service before self. “Whether there’s a particular cause that’s close to your heart, or you’re just keen to meet some new people, get out of your comfort zone and try something new. I would encourage students facing the big decision of “what next?” over the coming years to start by giving some of their time to others. The truth is, volunteering is never one-way, it’s an exchange of time for an experience, an interaction or enrichment and you never know where that could lead you.”
• House Prefects
Georgina Connors (BSP alumna 2012-2016)
The House Prefects’ role within the School is to organise and run events in which the whole school can participate. The House Prefects liaise with all members of Staff, other committee members and pupils to ensure that the activities run smoothly,
Students also take part in volunteering in the local and school community. Students are actively encouraged to involve themselves in humanitarian causes with organisations like Emmaus and the Red
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Cross on a regular basis. As well as being involved in gardening projects, Sixth Form students work with a local school for handicapped children providing sporting and social interaction opportunities. Students may also volunteer to help in classrooms at the Junior School, either with pupils on a one-toone basis or with group activities according to the class teacher’s requirements. • Sixth Form Specific Committees, Charity and Events
As the landscape for Sixth form studies begins to change with the introduction of new specifications for A Levels and the demise of AS examinations, The British School of Paris is looking to offer a wider range of extension opportunities to support A Level core teaching.
The Sixth Form Committee is a group of class representatives from each of the tutor groups (Years 12 and 13) who meet with the Heads of Year to discuss matters relating to the study areas, events and general student climate in the Sixth Form.
The value of individual extension work within the overall Sixth form package has long been recognised and with the student’s personal statements being an important part of the UCAS application procedure such extension work has real value.
The Charity Committee organises fund raising events such as the Jeans for Genes Day, Children in Need or Love in a Box, enabling students to become more socially aware and raising money for a variety of charities.
You can enjoy a wide variety of lunchtime and afterschool extra-curricular activities at The British School of Paris. The programme varies from term to term.
Sixth formers on the events committee organise social events for their fellow students to mark different occasions throughout the year: Halloween Party, Annual Talent Show and often a formal Sixth Form Ball. • United World Schools The BSP has so far raised over 30,000€ to build and fund the running of a school in Cambodia over the next three years. The Sixth Form are very much at the forefront of this campaign to raise money and awareness so we can help educate some of the 59 million children who have never been to a primary school.
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Co-curricular Activities and Facilities
General • Model United Nations • Duke of Edinburgh International Award • Young Economist • Mathematics Competitions • Drama Production • Lamda Public Speaking
Speakers Programme We offer a chance to listen to a range of inspiring speakers from our community. These speakers are chosen because of their advanced knowledge and experience across a variety of topics. The speaker programme is updated regularly to ensure that that the talks target current world events and allow development of knowledge across a broad spectrum.
6th Form Student Guide Sports Available through the school include: • Cross Country • Football • Hockey • Netball • Rugby • Volleyball
• Fitness • Weight Training • Climbing • Zumba • Basketball • Badminton
Library The library is open to students daily at the following times: Monday – Friday 8.30am-5.30pm
Ensemble performances (ABRSM)
Music
• Offered by ABRSM at three levels, Primary for grades 4-5, Intermediate for grades 6-7 and Advanced for grade 8
The lively Music department provides the following: Choir, Flute, guitar Club, Orchestra and peripatetic lessons for you to pursue your individual musical speciality. In addition the ABRSM and Rock School exams are available. These examinations, from Grade 6 upwards, carry UCAS points which may be used towards university entrance. The Music department offers extension and enhancement opportunities throughout the school in the form of Practical and Theory of music exams outside normal curriculum time, but next year in the Sixth form we are very excited to be able to offer the following activities as extension and enhancement activities within curriculum time: • Solo performance in pop, rock or classical styles • Ensemble / group performance • Theory of music for both commercial and classical musicians It is envisaged that students will select from the various components on offer to build an individual programme relevant to their needs in Year 12 and onwards into Year 13 if so desired. Courses could be tailor made and might lead to qualifications with the ABRSM or Rockschool exam boards; options include practical and theory exams and may even lead to an ABRSM Performance Diploma for some candidates (some pre-requisites may be required). All these activities will be certified and accredited either by ABRSM or Rockschool and the following information gives a brief outline of the various possibilities which may be on offer.
Theory of Music (ABRSM) • Grade 5 is a pre-requisite examination before going onto grades 6 - 8 practical examination. • Grades 6, 7 and 8 cover material at a standard equivalent to A Level
• Ensembles can be any number and combination of instruments • Examination in June
Solo performance (ABRSM) • Would be overseen by one of the peripatetic instrumental teachers in a weekly specialist lesson on a 1:1 basis, you would have time built into your week to rehearse and practice with a pianist/ accompaniment in preparation for the examination • The aural training component of the examination would be taught during class time • The sight reading elements would be covered • Any technical requirements, scales/improvisations would also be taught • Viva requirements would also be covered if necessary • Leads to a qualification from grade 1 to Diploma level and UCAS points can be claimed for Grades 6-8
Popular Music Theory (Rockschool) • Covers commercial notation, tabs/ chord symbols • Learn about instruments other than your own • Learn how to arrange for brass/ wind groups • Claim UCAS points for Grades 6 – 8 • Taught in class time
Solo and Group performance (Rockschool) • Depending upon the instrumental strengths of the students opting into the scheme;, usually about grade 5 or 5 -6 years playing experience • Music Practitioners Qualifications are offered by Rockschool for dedicated and enthusiastic musicians
Useful Websites
• Grades 6, 7, 8 exams attract UCAS points
For classical musicians - www.abrsm.org/en/our-exams
• Examination in March or June
For commercial/rock or pop musicians - http://www. rslawards.com/music
• Taught in class time
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The British School of Paris 38 quai de l’Ecluse 78290 Croissy sur Seine Tel: +33 (0)1 34 80 45 94 Fax: +33 (0)1 39 76 32 21 Website www.britishschool.fr Email ssc@britishschool.fr February 2018