student guide
th Form
The 6th Form
6th Form Student Guide
Introduction to Sixth Form Life The Sixth Form, the final years of study at school, is a vital, essential and exciting component of The British School of Paris. It is perfectly suited for students from all previous academic backgrounds who are committed, self-motivated, have a sense of purpose and a determination to succeed. The purpose of this guide is to explain how Sixth Form life differs from that in the other parts of the School. The Sixth Form offers you the opportunity to maximise your potential academically, in cocurricular activities, socially and personally. You are encouraged to be self disciplined and to take responsibility for your own learning, while being fully supported in this important transition between school and your next step. On joining the Sixth Form you will move from being a pupil to becoming a student: you will be treated as a young adult with more freedom and responsibilities. The information in this guide is designed to help you succeed in your studies and benefit from the many opportunities which await you in the Sixth Form. The Sixth Form team: Heads of Years, dedicated Tutors, Head of Careers, Study Co-ordinators and Head of Foundation Year are there to encourage success and provide the best environment for you to strive for academic excellence, whilst at the same time preparing you for the independence of the world outside school.
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Philosophy and
Our Sixth Form mission statement encapsulates our aims and contains the following elements: To enable students to achieve their full academic potential Experience shows that the single most important factor in Sixth Form aspirations are excellent examination results and so we strive to ensure that each individual student achieves the best possible grades he/she is capable of attaining.
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To promote independent learning When you arrive in the Sixth Form you may have had very little experience of organising extended pieces of work over longer periods of time for yourself. When you leave school you will have to be able to do this unfailingly and so enabling you to organise, manage, work effectively and meet deadlines is critical.
6th Form Student Guide
Objectives
To encourage social responsibility
To ensure a happy environment
As Sixth Form students you are approaching adulthood and it is very important that you realise the value of being socially aware citizens, ones who are valuable to society and fully aware of the implications of actions taken.
You cannot learn if you are not happy and we feel it our duty to make sure the Sixth Form is a happy, healthy environment where the above aims can be fully met.
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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 a successful Sixth Form student Time Management
Private Study
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.
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.
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.
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”.
The study co-ordinators run a dedicated programme to help Year 12 students adapt to 6th form life.
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. 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.
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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 each day of the week 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. As an alternative to your iPad, the centre is also equipped with computers providing internet access. 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 making facilities.
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Student Profile Samir A ‘The move into sixth form is tough but the support from teachers, study co-ordinators and other students makes it easier’
6th Form Student Guide
Study Skills The Sixth Form study skills programme supports you in your transition to the Sixth Form and beyond. Staff are on hand to provide individual support for students who feel they would like more personalised guidance on improving their study techniques. During Year 12 and 13, comprehensive study skills guidance is offered to all students during PSHE lessons and seminars with the Study Coordinators.
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.
Heads of Year 12 and 13:
Co-ordinate 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. 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 co-operation with the Head of Pastoral Care.
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.
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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.
Foundation Year Coordinator:
Oversees all of the academic needs of the Foundation Year students.
Study Coordinators:
Oversee effective use of non-contact time. Provide 1-1 and group guidance on study skills.
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% our students go to the UK, but students also move on to a wide range of international locations: France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, U.S.A., 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. It is worth noting that a good
19%
Student Profile Nadia S ‘There are lots of great opportunities in the 6th form to help prepare for our future’
Distribution of Student Destinations; Year 13 Students from the BSP 2016
of University applicants: Second Choice UK & Abroad
69%
of University applicants: First Choice UK & Abroad
12% of the students have taken a gap year number 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). Year 10 and 11 students at the BSP sit the Futurewise Profiling Test. We feel that this gives you and your parents an idea of your ability, interests and possible career options. Year 12 students who are new to the school will also take these tests so that they are in line with the other students in their year. Representatives of the ISCO Futurewise organisation liaise with the Head of Careers and visit the school on a regular basis. We offer many Careers Events which we hope will help you with your decisions, in addition to a series of relevant Careers talks throughout the year.
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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 1 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
• • • •
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 Oct 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 Jan 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 exam results come out The Clearing Process/Adjustment Process Continued consultation re: University/Career choice
‘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, focussing 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
Results Day August Holidays
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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.
Visits to Oxford and Cambridge are encouraged for suitable applicants
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6th Form Student Guide
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.
We are proud to be able to offer a large variety of subjects to Advanced Level: • 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
We also offer support and extension possibilities. Extension opportunities include the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de la Langue Française) in French, DELE (Diploma de Español Lengua Extranjera) in Spanish, and EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). For those not contemplating moving directly to an A Level programme we offer a one year Foundation Programme. This could lead to vocational courses or be a preparation for a two year Sixth Form programme at the BSP. We have offered a variety of courses: • Business • Media Studies • Psychology • Sports Leaders • Travel Services
Detailed information about course content and assessment procedure is available in our Curriculum Guide. This has been prepared by the subject specialists at the BSP 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 Marc F ‘There is a big change moving from GCSE to A-Level, you are given access to great resources and feel a real sense of independence and freedom to organise your work in a way that suits you best’.
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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 them 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. School prefects assist tutor groups lower down the school and can be turned to by younger pupils for advice. Library prefects help younger pupils in the library during break times. Bus prefects are responsible for the care of pupils on their bus during the journey to and from school. 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:
• House Prefects
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, holding weekly meetings in the run-up to specific events.
• Committees, Charity and Events
The Charity Committee organises fund raising events such as the talent show or Jeans for Genes Day, enabling students to become more socially aware and raising money for a variety of charities. 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.
• 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.
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• Pastoral Prefects
These students help to settle our new pupils; helping them understand school procedures and answering their questions about school life.
Junior school helpers
Students may also volunteer to help in classrooms at the Junior School, either with pupils on a one-to-one basis or with group activities according to the class teacher’s requirements.
Volunteering
Students also take part in volunteering with the local and school community
6th Form Student Guide
Co-curricular Activities and Facilities As the landscape for 6th form studies begins to change with the introduction of new specifications for A levels and the eventual demise of AS exams, the BSP is looking to offer a wider range of extension opportunities to support A level core teaching. The value of individual extension work within the overall 6th 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. 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, but typically includes the following:
PE General Model United Nations International Award Young Economist Maths Competition Training Drama Production Lamda Public Speaking
Speakers Programme We offer a chance to listen to inspiring speakers from our community. Recent topics have included: Alain Capmus, President Emmaus Bougival. Noreen Riols, account of life as a spy during the war. Eric Vock, a personal memory of the Halocaust. Ivan Broadhead, Journalism. Richard Turk, Refugee Crisis.
You have access to a sports hall, a multi-purpose floodlit playing area, a climbing wall and a fully equipped fitness suite at school. There is an athletics track at Croissy stadium, two football pitches and a swimming pool and golf course in Croissy. In addition we have access to grass pitches for rugby, access to a local rowing club on the River Seine and our cricket team use the facilities at Thoiry Cricket Club.
Sports
Available through the school include: Climbing Club Cross Country Football Hockey Netball Rugby Volleyball
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Co-curricular Activities and Facilities (continued)
Music The lively Music department provides the following: Choir, Flute choir, 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 exams, 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 6th 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 a programme individual 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 prerequisites 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 exam before going onto grades 6 - 8 practical examination. - Grades 6, 7 and 8 cover material at a standard equivalent to A level - Grades 6, 7, 8 exams attract UCAS points - Exam in March or June - Taught in class time
Ensemble performances (ABRSM)
- Offered by ABRSM at three levels, Primary for grades 4-5, Intermediate for grades 6-7 and Advanced for grade 8;
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- Ensembles can be any number and combination of instruments - Exam 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, but you would have time built into your week to rehearse and practice with a pianist/ accompaniment in preparation for the exam; - The aural training component of the exam 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
6th Form Student Guide
- 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
Library
This is open to anyone daily at the following times: Mon - Thurs 8:30 am - 5:30 pm and Fri 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.
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
For classical musicians - www.abrsm.org/en/our-exams For commercial/rock or pop musicians - http://www. rslawards.com/music
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S T R E N G T H
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B O D Y
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M I N D
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 2017