Nottingham High School Sixth Form Prospectus

SIXTH FORM

A TIME OF OPPORTUNITY

Opportunity is everywhere in the Sixth Form at Nottingham High School, and you will have the chance to succeed here as part of a driven and positive academic environment where mutual respect is central.

You will have the opportunity to lead others as part of our House and Prefect system; to perform on stage, in a concert or on the sports field; to work with others in one of our societies; to travel as part of a departmental or co-curricular trip, and so much more.

At Nottingham High School you will benefit from our expertise in every aspect of school life. Our focus is on supporting you as an individual, whether to help you to make the transition into Sixth Form life, to help guide your academic progress, or to provide support in making university and career choices.

Countless students have chosen to join us at Nottingham High School for their Sixth Form career. Why not visit us and explore whether this is the right place for you?

We look forward to meeting you,

A NATIONAL REPUTATION

Nottingham High School has a strong reputation for academic success. We were delighted to be named East Midlands Independent Secondary School of the Decade 2021 and to be ranked first for academic results in the East Midlands 2022, awarded by The Sunday Times Independent Schools Guide. We hope that the co-curricular and pastoral care outlined in this prospectus will also demonstrate the many ways that we are so much more than our academic success.

Students are courteous and friendly, freely embracing cultural diversity in a community which is harmonious and welcoming.

Students demonstrate great respect for each other and for those who teach them.

Inspection Report 2022

THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM

All of our students take three A-Levels, or four if students opt for Further Maths. In addition, students can opt to complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in Year 12, a popular option for those looking to study a topic in a great deal of depth.

The options blocks are arranged to accommodate the choices of the maximum number of students whilst taking into account the constraints of scheduling.

The following subjects are usually offered subject to enough students opting to take them: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Design Technology, Economics, English Literature, English Language, Physical Education, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, German, History, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Spanish and Theatre Studies.

LEARNING SUPPORT

Nottingham High School recognises its responsibility to respond to specific learning needs. The Learning Support staff provide assistance by regular timetabled lessons, once per fortnight, with pupils and by assessing progress in written reports to parents. In some cases referral to outside support agencies may follow after consultation with Tutor, parents and Deputy Head (Individuals).

My child joined in Sixth Form and it’s nice to see my old child backthe one who enjoys learning and sees the value in doing more than asked. It’s been a good move following a pandemic and they are inspired to try harder and seem at last to be growing up!

Parent Survey 2022

My child joined the School at Sixth Form entry and has benefitted incredibly from the two years there. My child went from being at a mediocre academic standard at the beginning of the course to an excellent standard by the end . The school helped her immensely in the Sixth Form, by helping with academic support and with university applications to gain a place at university on the course of her choice. We have always found the school to be highly inclusive and diverse. We are really happy with the school.

WIDER HORIZONS

Learning extends far beyond the classroom and you can experience a range of activities here that will open your eyes to life after A Levels.

Our careers adviser is always available to students for individual discussions and also organises a thriving program of careers talks by a variety of professionals. Weekly Sixth Form Lectures cover a wide-range of topics and inspirational stories. Our Politics Society has attracted a range of well-known politicians and political journalists. As part of the popular Young Enterprise programme, you could work with local business advisors to perfect your products and sales techniques. The Model United Nations Society could help to open your eyes to the world of international diplomacy and the Eco Schools Society might appeal to you if you are interested in environmental projects both in and outside School. Our Community Action group regularly undertakes projects to help local charities too and your input could be central to helping others. For full details of our co-curricular activities please see our website www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk.

A DIFFERENT WAY OF LEARNING

Sixth Form is quite different to school. You will still have to work hard, but you will have more freedom and the responsibility for motivating yourself.

You will not be alone though. The Sixth Form team will be on hand to challenge and support you; your personal tutor and form teacher will both know you well and help you track your progress throughout the Sixth Form to achieve your goals.

Classes are small with an atmosphere of mutual respect between students and staff. The emphasis is on debate and interaction; developing your opinions through discussion with others is an important catalyst for independent learning.

Subject choice is substantial. All of our teachers are specialists in their field, with a contagious passion for their subjects. This manifests itself in the array of trips, Olympiads and challenges they organise to supplement and extend your subject knowledge: a Physics trip to CERN - a nuclear fusion test facility, Chemists entering the National Analyst competition, Psychology and Economics students attending lectures at local Universities.

My children have had an incredible experience at this school . They have all thrived - more than I could have imagined. My children have been at the school since reception and they are nearing the end of their school years and have developed into bright, articulate, sporty young adults with curious minds interested in all aspects of life. They have been taught so well in lessons that even I’m surprised sometimes at how much they know. The school has instilled immense confidence in them. Also, importantly they are extremely happy at school.

Parent

MISSION AND VALUES

We enable students from diverse backgrounds to flourish in an academic and compassionate environment, engaging and inspiring every pupil to maximise their potential and enjoyment. We nurture quietly confident and happy children who are intellectually curious and cared for as individuals.

AT NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL WE VALUE

EXCELLENCE

We have high aspirations and pursue excellence across all areas of our provision. We nurture individual pupils to achieve their highest potential and make a positive impact in the world.

INDIVIDUALITY

We value each child and member of staff as an individual and embrace diversity in all its forms. We create the conditions in which our staff and children can be happy and flourish.

RESPECT

We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse community. We value kindness, integrity and modesty. We champion a culture of respect and understanding between all in the school community.

EMPATHY

All of our provision is underpinned by empathy and tolerance. We seek to build resilience and empower children to make a difference in the world.

CURIOSITY

We value intellectual curiosity and creativity. We want every child to develop a love of learning. We embrace taking risks to enhance pupil development both academically and as people.

A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCES

With increasingly fierce competition for top university places and jobs, your personal development and experiences outside of the classroom are just as important as your grades.

As well as sport and structured activities, such as The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and Combined Cadet Force, you can sign up for countless challenging activities: from computer programming and climbing to debating and politics. If none of the existing clubs and societies appeal, then you can start one that does. The accompanying enrichment programme is aimed at inspiring you to develop additional

skills and interests; our speaker programme features talks and seminars on a range of topics and we have enjoyed visits by eminent politicians and television personalities. You will be encouraged to take on a leadership role for your personal growth. Whether you’re a school prefect or a Maths Buddy for a younger boy or girl, you will reap the rewards that come from taking responsibility for others.

SPORT FOR ALL

Whether you aspire to play for a national side or just want to keep fit, you’ll find a standard of sport here to match your ability and interest.

If you’re gifted at sport, you can enjoy top level coaching and competition on the games pitches. Regular fixtures for rugby, hockey, netball, football, tennis, cricket and cross-country mean you’ll be able to represent the School wherever your sporting talents lie.

If you prefer to play sport for fun and to keep fit, then the sports hall, swimming pool and climbing wall might appeal more. Indoor pursuits like squash, badminton and archery are also available if traditional team games aren’t your thing. In addition to organised sport, you’ll be able to access the fitness suite in your spare time. Whether you want to keep in shape, have a change of scene after studying or ramp up your fitness levels, the treadmills, rowing machines, bikes and weights are yours to enjoy when your timetable permits.

Students flourish as part of a community which actively nurtures them and shapes their well-rounded development.

Supported by strong leadership and the provision of excellent resources, Students develop self-confidence, emotional resilience and independence.

Inspection Report 2019

THE ARTS

If you enjoy the performing arts, we have a vast array of opportunities and facilities here.

Even if you’re not studying music or drama, you can still be part of the School’s rich arts scene. Some students seek the buzz of performing in a traditional setting; others participate purely for the pleasure of doing something they love.

You could learn an instrument and join an orchestra, choir or band. You might participate in drama

productions, on stage or behind the scenes. You can even lay down tracks in the recording studio. It’s never too late to explore your talents or discover a creative outlet.

Formal concerts are staged at a prestigious city venue, whilst plays, musicals and informal concerts are also regularly performed on campus.

REST AND PLAY

The Sixth Form centre offers a taste of university living. Set over two mezzanine floors at the very heart of the School, the contemporary, glass-fronted building provides large, light spaces in which to study and relax with friends.

The centre is open daily from 7.30am to 6pm. Hot and cold food is available throughout the day from the Brasserie; there are comfortable areas both to work and to socialise with access to wireless internet throughout.

Much of your social life will be focused on the Sixth Form centre, the heart and hub of the Sixth Form community, but it is only two minutes into Nottingham on the tram if you want to venture out at lunchtime.

The school provides extra-curriculum activities/commitments which encourage the growth of employability skills.

Excellent and professional guidance about the UCAS procedure and also EPQ. Providing extra resources to push students from A to A*. High standards are also provided via the personal tutor system with timely responses and valuable advice for students and parents.

MOVING ON

Helping you to realise your ambitions for university study and your future career is important to us.

Your personal tutor, the Sixth Form team and the Careers Department will offer expert guidance every step of the way, from researching and selecting the right courses and universities, to helping you complete your UCAS form and make the strongest application you can.

We run special events explaining the university application procedure for both students and parents, focussing on the most important aspects of decision making and tertiary education. We also provide advice on apprenticeships and the individual is always our focus. We provide extra support for those applying for specialist courses such as Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science, as well as other courses at the most competitive universities.

Our approach works and our students go on to study sought after courses at prestigious universities both in this country and abroad.

When you leave, you can stay in touch through the Old Nottinghamians’ Community. They provide useful social networks, contacts and advice for the world of work; they also organise regular social events and informal reunions to ensure that friendships live on long after you have left us.

ADMISSIONS

Entry into Year 12 (Sixth Form) is by interview and taking into account current academic achievement at GCSE/iGCSE.

As a guide we expect students joining Sixth Form to gain a mini mum of five Grade 7s in their GCSE subjects with Grade 7 (or higher) in the subjects they wish to take at A level. We will request an academic reference from each prospective student’s current School which must be received prior to an interview.

APPLICATIONS

We encourage you to apply by the end of the Autumn Term and we process applications as they arrive. We do consider applications made later but, in some cases, we may not be able to accommodate all subject choices. Application forms are available from our Admissions Department.

Once we have received your application and registration fee we will send you an acknowledgement which will include details of the selection procedures. If successful, a place will be offered within two weeks of the interview and your acceptance will then be expected within 2 weeks together with a deposit of £800.00.

For full details of our Admissions Policy, please see our website at http://www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/admissionprocess

A TYPICAL DAY

07.30

Sixth Form centre opens

08.00 Reception/Switchboard, Library and ICT Centre open

08.15

08.15 - 08.35

08.40 - 08.45

08.45 - 09.10

09.10 - 09.15

09.15 - 10.15

10.15 - 10.20

10.20 - 11.20

General Office/Catering Account Office open

Breakfast available in the Dining Hall

Registration in Tutor or Form Groups

Assembly or Tutor Period

Transfer time

Period 1

Transfer time

Period 2

11.20 - 11.40 Break

11.40 - 12.40

12.40 - 13.55

13.55 - 14.55

14.55 - 15.00

15.00 - 16.00

16.00

Period 3

Lunch and Activities

Period 4

Transfer time

Period 5

School finishes

17.00 ICT Centre, General Office, Reception/Switchboard closes

18.00

Sixth Form Centre closes

SCHOOL POLICIES

Our Safeguarding Policy alongside all other Policies are available on the School website: http://www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/policies

Hard copies are available upon request.

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

The current chairman of Governors is Mr Stephen Banks and he can be contacted by email at chairman@nottinghamhigh.co.uk

HOW TO FIND US

We are a short walk or tram journey from Nottingham Town Centre, with ‘The High School’ tram stop on the doorstep. Directions and information on transport links can be found on our website www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk

Nottingham High School, Waverley Mount, Nottingham NG7 4ED

Information in this prospectus is correct at time of printing. For the most up to date information please see our website www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk.