SWPS Sixth Form Handbook

WELCOME TO SWPS SIXTH FORM Welcome to the Sixth Form at SWPS. This next stage of your education is not only about academic growth, but also about gaining independence, developing new skills, and discovering your passions.

We expect high standards — but equally, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

This handbook will help guide you through the practicalities so you can get the most out of your Sixth Form experience.

IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS Head of Year 12 & 13: Ms E White

EWhite@swps.org.uk

Year 12 Tutor Group 12NAM 12AA 12GLM 12SJ

Tutor

Email

Dr N Mercer Dr A Ashraf Dr G Limburn-Peterson Mr S Jones

NMercer@swps.org.uk AAshraf@swps.org.uk GLimburn@swps.org.uk SJones@swps.org.uk

Miss L Rogers Mrs L Arden Dr H Carrel Mrs S Abbes-Muslia

LRogers@swps.org.uk LArden@swps.org.uk HCarrel@swps.org.uk SAbbes-Muslia@swps.org.uk

Year 13 13ERO 13LA 13HCA 13SAB

Your tutor should always be the first point of contact for any enquiry. If having spoken with your tutor you require more information or wish to discuss matters further, please contact the relevant Heads of Year. Alternatively, please direct your enquiries to the relevant members of staff as follows: Mr H Clough, Director of Sixth Form Email: HClough@swps.org.uk Mrs L Haley, Head of Careers Email: LHaley@swps.org.uk Mrs G Loates, Exams Officer Email: GLoates@swps.org.uk Dr G Limburn-Peterson, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary (MDV) coordinator Email: GLimburn@swps.org.uk 1

Mr P Forrest-Biggs, Academic Deputy Head Email: PForrest-Biggs@swps.org.uk Mrs H O’Connor, Pastoral Deputy Head Email: HOConnor@swps.org.uk To ensure the right support is provided as efficiently as possible, please begin by contacting your tutor in the first instance. If further clarification is needed, Heads of Year are available to help. Ms Picton (Head) is kept informed of important matters and will always redirect any enquiries to the appropriate person if they have not yet been consulted.

USEFUL LOCATIONS Maps of the school ground are available on Firefly at: https://swps.fireflycloud.net/calendar-and-planner-information/maps-of-the-school Some specific locations that it may be helpful to know are: • Director of Sixth Form – Mr Clough’s Office This is found at the top of the back stairs entry to the Sixth Form Centre.

• Heads of Year 12 & 13 – Ms White Office Ms White can be found in the office off the Sixth Form Centre next to the silent study suite.

• Exams Officer - Mrs Loates’s Office This is situated on the first floor of the sixth form block, next to the Careers Centre.

• Marketing, Communications & Admissions If you are called upon to guide a tour of the school for a prospective family, you should report to the Head of Admissions’ office. This can be found opposite rooms 102 & 103 on the English corridor.

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THE SCHOOL DAY Monday to Thursday: AM Registration

8.20 am

Period 1

8.45 am

Period 2

9.20 am

First Break

9.55 am

Period 3

10.15 am

Period 4

10.50 am

Period 5

11.25 am

Period 6

12.00 pm

Lunch

12.35 pm

Warning Bell

13.35 pm

Period 7

13.40 pm

Period 8

14.15 pm

Period 9

14.50 pm

PM Registration

15.25pm

End of School Day

15.30 pm

Friday AM Registration

8.20 am

Period 1

8.45 am

Period 2

9.20 am

First Break

9.55 am

Period 3

10.15 am

Period 4

10.50 am

Period 5

11.25 am

Period 6

12.00 pm 3

Lunch

12.35 pm

Warning Bell

13.35 pm

Period 7

13.40 pm

Period 8

14.15 pm

PM Registration

14.50 pm

End of School Day

14.55 pm

Sixth Formers can go in for lunch between 12.00 and 12.35, if they do not have a lesson during period 6, or at 12.35 with the rest of the School. Sixth formers can eat in the Atrium or the Dining Room.

The Sixth Form Centre is available after school until 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, 4.30pm Friday. After this, you should go to the library if you wish to remain onsite for longer.

After school co-curricular practices and activities Monday to Thursday will normally finish by 4.50 pm to allow students to catch school coaches at 5.00 pm

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SIXTH FORM LIFE: EXPECTATIONS AND PRIVILEGES Sixth Form Pass As Sixth Formers, you are trusted as young adults. One of the perks of and signs of this trust is the issuing of a Sixth Form Pass at the beginning of the Spring Term of Year 12.

This pass allows you to leave the school building during non-lesson periods, after signing out at Reception. This pass is a privilege and may be withdrawn at any time if it is abused, or as a sanction for poor behaviour.

Signing In & Out If you need to sign out during the school day, this should be done by signing out in reception. You may be asked to present your Sixth Form Pass when exiting the school, so ensure you have it with you when leaving and re-entering the school during the school day.

Code of Conduct The School’s Code of Conduct, based around respect for yourself, for others and the environment continues to apply in the Sixth Form as we are all an integral part of a wider community, both in and out of school.

Chewing gum is not permitted on-site and it goes without saying that alcohol, cigarettes, vaping paraphernalia or any illegal substances are never to be brought onsite. Students found with these substances and products will be subject to the full Discipline and Exclusions Policy.

Use of the Sixth Form Centre The Sixth Form Centre (6FC) is first and foremost a Common Room for the use of Sixth Form students and as such represents a considerable privilege not available to other students in the school. However, you should remember that the Centre is sometimes used for other purposes e.g., evening meetings, occasional staff meetings, and co-curricular functions, so it is essential that it is always treated with respect and left neat and tidy. You are all responsible for its general upkeep: • Do not leave personal belongings, and certainly not valuable items, lying around.

• You will be allocated a locker at the beginning of Year 12 – you must use a padlock and keep it locked at all times.

• There should be no graffiti or stickers on lockers.

• Do not take indoor furniture onto the balcony.

• Perishable food should not be left in lockers.

• The kitchen area, cupboards and all kitchen appliances should be kept clean.

• All dirty dishes/cutlery should be loaded into the dishwasher.

• All leftover food should be disposed of or stored properly.

• Music should not be played during lesson time and during public examination periods.

Lunch If you choose to have a school lunch, you’ll be given a lunch pass. School lunches must be eaten in the Dining Hall or Atrium. You’re welcome to use the Sixth Form Centre kitchenette to prepare your own lunch. A microwave, toaster, kettles, fridge, plates, and cutlery are available — but you’ll need to bring your own mug. Please remember these facilities are shared, so you must tidy up after yourself and place any used crockery and 5

cutlery in the dishwasher. You may leave the school site during lunch, but you must sign out and sign back in when you return. Please note: no food is allowed in the Silent Study Room.

Dress Code Sixth Formers may choose their own style of dress, provided this is appropriate for an educational and work establishment, sets a good example, and does not cause embarrassment/offence to yourself or other members of the school community and visitors.

Styles that are not appropriate and should not be worn are as follows: • No strapless tops.

• No see-through tops.

• No cropped tops which expose the midriff.

• No underwear or undergarments should be visible.

• No mini-skirts.

• No ‘short’ shorts/skorts.

• No excessively ripped jeans which allow undergarments to be visible.

• No extreme piercings including stretchers and eye-brow piercings.

• No flip flops.

• Hair must be a natural colour If your outfit falls outside the dress code, you may be asked to borrow a spare top or trousers for the day.

On formal occasions such as Open Days/Evenings, Presentation Evenings, and other similar events, business dress is required. Please note that jeans are not permitted as part of business dress.

Mobile phones Mobile phones may be used in the Sixth Form Centre, but nowhere else unless a member or staff has given you permission. You are advised to keep mobile phones (switched off) and all other valuables on your person or locked in your locker, at all times.

Sixth Form Devices, IT Provision & Email All Sixth Form students are required to have a tablet or laptop, which can be connected to the school Wi-Fi. There are also desktop computers available in the Sixth Form Centre and beside the Silent Study Room. You’re also welcome to work in the Library and at other workstations around the school.

You should check your school email account regularly, as important information is shared electronically. It is your responsibility to ensure your inbox does not reach full capacity — once it does, you won’t be able to receive new emails.

To manage your mailbox, please delete old emails periodically. This must be done on a computer, not a phone.

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Student Cars Students’ cars must not be brought on to the school premises at any time, nor should they be parked in the Recreation Ground next door. When parking near school, please be considerate to local residents and park with care.

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ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY Registration • Morning: 08.20 in your form room • Afternoon: 3.25pm (Mon-Thurs), 2.50pm (Fri) Arriving late? If you arrive after 8.20am but before 8.40am, go to your form room, where you will be registered as ‘late’. If you arrive after 8.40am you must sign in at Reception and explain why you are late.

For Health and Safety reasons it is essential that you follow these instructions, otherwise you could be putting yourself and others at risk in case of an emergency. Failure to follow this process may mean you're marked as absent, which triggers a notification home and could result in the removal of your Sixth Form Pass. It’s important we know who is on site at all times so that we can keep everyone safe.

One of the purposes of Sixth Form is to prepare you for life after school. Full attendance is therefore required if you are to study effectively and be prepared for university and the working world. Absences appear on your report which is seen by the Director of Sixth Form, the Head and your parents. Furthermore, when employers ask schools for references, they often ask for total absences in your last two years.

Attending AM Registration is compulsory. Your progress and attendance are constantly reviewed by your Tutors and if there are concerns, your Sixth Form Pass will be withdrawn to give you the opportunity to keep on track academically.

Absence If you are absent from school, your parent/guardian should contact the school absence line or email absence@swps.org.uk, each day you're away, unless your absence has been pre-agreed. If you know in advance that you will miss lessons, for whatever reason, you should inform your Tutor, Head of Year and all staff whose lessons you will miss. We will also require a note from home to explain why you will be absent. Valid reasons for missing lessons might include: • University Interviews • Medical Appointments • Driving Tests (not driving lessons) • Approved Work Experience If unwell, speak to staff in the First Aid Room or Wellbeing Room. You must then sign out at Reception before leaving.

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ACADEMIC LIFE All Sixth Form students follow a “3 A Levels +” curriculum, designed to give you a broad, balanced, and personalised learning experience that prepares you for life beyond school.

You will study three A Levels, and alongside these, you’ll choose an additional activity or qualification to complement your academic programme. This “plus” element helps you develop wider skills, explore your interests, and stand out in future applications for university, apprenticeships, or employment.

Some of the options available include: • A fourth A Level (e.g. Further Maths) • Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) • Core Maths (Level 3 qualification) • AS Level in Sociology • A language qualification (e.g. GCSE Italian or Greek) • ESB Grade 8 in Oracy • Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award • MOOCs or Open University short courses • Peter Jones Tycoon Challenge • A personalised activity for those with specialist commitments, such as elite sport or performing arts Your “plus” option will be discussed with you at the start of Year 12 to ensure it aligns with your interests, aspirations, and existing commitments.

This flexible and tailored approach is one of the defining features of Sixth Form at SWPS — helping you become not just A Level ready, but world ready.

Study Periods All of you will have some study periods, during which you are expected to organise your own private study either in the Sixth Form Silent Study Room, the Library, Sixth Form IT room, or to work at your co-curricular activities. You should be using your study periods for studying and, as all the experts and resources you need are here, you should be doing this onsite.

Once you have earned your Sixth Form Pass, you can leave the premises, remembering to sign in and out at Reception. It is very important that you view the Sixth Form as a ‘steppingstone’ between the more regimented environment of the lower school and the independence of life at university and beyond. Learning to discipline yourself to meet deadlines and organise your private study, and to find the right balance between work, co-curricular commitments, and your social life, is a vital skill which you need to develop during your time in the Sixth Form.

Predicted Grades Performance in Year 12 is key. Teachers set predicted grades in early autumn of Year 13 based on your progress and work to date. These grades shape your UCAS application, so the summer term and first weeks of autumn are crucial.

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SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE We know that Sixth Form can be an exciting but also demanding time. It's completely normal to feel under pressure at points, and there is always support available – whether that’s from your tutor, subject teachers, the Sixth Form team or the Wellbeing Room.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out – asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Your Tutor / Head of Year For Year 12, new tutor groups are created, with around 12 students in each. Wherever possible, the same Form Tutor stays with you throughout your two years in the Sixth Form.

Your Tutor can offer advice and support on academic, personal and careers matters and is responsible for your day-to-day progress and welfare. As the Sixth Form progresses, your Tutor will discuss your plans after leaving school, your choice of courses and employment routes, will advise on higher education applications, help with any difficulties, and review your progress generally. You will have regular one-to-one meetings with your Tutor throughout the Sixth Form. Your Tutor will maintain a record of these conversations to monitor your progress during the Sixth Form.

Monitoring your progress In the same way as lower down the school, your academic progress is reviewed regularly with your teachers. You will then review your academic progress regularly with your Tutor in one-to-one meetings.

Internal exams for both Year 12 and Year 13 take place in the Spring Term and are a good judge of progress and a prompt to begin revision for the examinations in the summer.

Teachers update your Tutors and the Head of Year when you produce particularly good work, or when you are not keeping up to date. Various interventions can be put in place to help you with structuring your time and work if needed. Interventions can include ‘Supervised Study’, ‘Subject Reports’, the allocation of a coach or mentor (Year 13) and having your Sixth Form Pass withdrawn. Similarly, rewards are in place for those who shine in certain areas.

Reports are sent to your parents in Year 12 and in Year 13 and there will also be other grade-based reports sent home following internal assessments and exams. In addition to this, Parents' Evenings in Year 12 and Year 13 provide an excellent opportunity for you to discuss your progress with parents and teachers together.

The Sixth Form is a bridge between the lower school and university. You are becoming adults and it is important that you can make choices for yourselves, rather than feel like things are being done for you. As such, we focus on the positive not the punitive in the Sixth Form and reward you for making the right choices when it comes to your studies. Of course, there will be times when individuals require more support and structure and that will always be available for those who need it too.

Wellbeing room The Wellbeing room offers a quiet space in school for students, including those in the Sixth Form, to take some ‘time out’ as / when required. We would encourage you to make the most of this facility if you need it during your time in Year 12 and 13.

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Counselling The school has both academic and support staff, including our external counsellors, with whom you can discuss issues or worries. If you have questions or concerns that you wish to discuss confidentially with someone outside of the school, please see Mrs Davis or Mrs Payne in the Wellbeing Room for a referral.

Please also remember that any consultation with your GP is confidential and that they can refer you to many excellent services that can support you both whilst you are part of the Sixth Form and beyond. A list of organisations that you might wish to contact in a difficult situation is on the back of each Sixth Form toilet door.

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STUDYING A LEVELS Studying at A level is certainly much more challenging than GCSEs. You will need to use your initiative, do your own research, and read widely round your subjects. You will be studying your subjects in far greater depth, often with several teachers all setting work.

Bridging the gap between GCSE and A level needs to be tackled in a positive way; the secret of success in the Sixth Form is undoubtedly time management. All of you will have some study periods and must develop the self-discipline to work on your own, meet deadlines and to juggle the demands of academic work and all the other opportunities on offer. This is an essential prerequisite to surviving not just the Sixth Form but university and the world of work as well.

Homework and independent study are essential for success so, in addition to timetabled periods, it is expected that you spend 4 – 6 hours per subject per week. Students who really excel at A level are those who go beyond just doing their homework. Wider independent reading is essential to add breadth and depth to your studies; it marks you out as someone actively engaged in your learning and is a highly sought-after skill by universities and employers.

Right from the start your teachers’ expectations will be high, as will be yours! From the very beginning, communication with your subject teachers and tutors is key and you work in partnership to ensure you are able to achieve your potential, both academically and in all that you do when you contribute to the broader school community.

Your teachers have to decide your predicted A level grades before you submit your university applications and these are crucial in determining how a university will view your application, so your performance in Year 12 is vital. It is a huge mistake to think you can leave things to the last minute.

A Levels are a significant step up – but with the right mindset and support, they’re also hugely rewarding. Most students find the Sixth Form both challenging and enjoyable in equal measure.

Practical Tips for Independent Study and Organisation • • • •

Organise your digital files clearly — one folder per subject Use a planner (paper or digital) to keep track of deadlines Set aside regular quiet time to review class notes Keep a to-do list or use the Tasks section in Outlook (linked to your school email)

Curriculum Enrichment & Oxbridge All students are encouraged to attend curriculum enrichment activities offered by departments and support is organised not only for those students considering an application to Oxford or Cambridge but also for competitive courses at other top universities.

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LIFE BEYOND SWPS Careers Guidance Mrs Haley is Head of Careers and co-ordinates the Careers programme throughout the school. Mr Harris also contributes to careers in the Sixth Form and, together with the Sixth Form team including Dr Limburn-Peterson, advises on Higher Education choices. You should also speak to subject teachers to discuss possible courses.

UCAS and Higher Education A wealth of support is provided, including: • Life Skills sessions focused on UCAS and apprenticeships • Futures Fair (March) • UCAS Day in the summer term • Personal statement support • Oxbridge/competitive course and MDV mentoring Life Skills Programme In the Sixth Form, PSHCE sessions are known as Life Skills. The Life Skills curriculum covers important topics you will need for life after SWPS such as: student finance, how tax works, credit cards, socialising safely to name but a few. The sessions are also used for researching Higher Education courses and beginning to formulate a plan for the future.

LEADERSHIP AND ENRICHMENT Leadership Opportunities Sixth Formers also have the opportunity to take on leadership roles such as Prefect or Subject Ambassador. These roles give you the chance to contribute meaningfully to school life, develop key skills in organisation and communication, and support younger students academically or pastorally. More information will be shared at the start of the academic year for those interested in applying.

Co-Curricular Activities One of the features of Sixth Form life is the range of co-curricular activities available. Some of these are outlined briefly below. Usually, introductory meetings are organised by the member of staff who oversees the activity. You may also want to lead a co-curricular activity, in which case, please discuss your ideas with the relevant staff.

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•

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Female Lead Become a member of the Female Lead Society and help to inspire our younger students to become leaders of the future by encouraging them to be aware of global issues hindering the progress of female equality.

The School Magazine Sixth Form students can volunteer to serve on the editorial committee of the school magazine. This provides very valuable experience, especially for anyone interested in the media or English as future career areas. The Editor in Chief is Mrs Godwin.

Junior Drama Here is your chance to harness your writing and directing talent. Unless new to the school, you will remember taking part in Junior Drama – now it is your turn! The Head of Drama organises this and students form teams in June and write, cast, produce and direct a play for a Year 8 house. These are then performed in October 13

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of Year 13, and a Cup awarded for the best play. Junior Drama is a real initiation into people-management!

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme Sixth Formers can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme at any level, though most work towards their Gold award. It is co-ordinated by Mr Kirby You can complete the award at any time up to the age of 25, but if it is completed by the end of Year 12, this can be recorded on your UCAS application form. You should be aware of the time that the Scheme requires, particularly if you wish to lead a Bronze group for your Volunteering section. Once committed to the Scheme, particularly if you are leading a Bronze group, you are expected to keep to this. You should be aware of the following: o The Gold practice expedition usually takes place during one week of the Easter holiday and the Gold qualifying expedition in the first week of the summer holiday o If you are leading a Bronze group, you will encourage younger students to develop their organisational, teamwork and leadership skills o The Gold award requires you to think and plan for yourself - the staff are there to support and advise only when all other avenues have been explored.

This is an enjoyable and rewarding activity and enables the participant to enhance a wide range of skills from leadership to team building, navigation, and self-reliance.

Sixth Form Physical Education The aim of the Sixth Form Physical Education programme is to allow all students the opportunity to take part in team and individual sports and follow a healthy and active lifestyle. The emphasis is on having fun and taking well-deserved time off from your studies. Registers are kept and attendance at the Wednesday afternoon sessions is mandatory. Students who are ill or injured must bring a written note to explain the reason as to why they cannot take part. This must be shown to the PE department.

Sixth Form Committee At the start of the Autumn Term, two students from each tutor group will be invited to volunteer for the Sixth Form Committee. This team is responsible for organising social events that help build a strong sense of community within the Sixth Form.

The Summer Prom A Summer Prom is held at the end of the summer term for the Year 13 leavers. An introductory meeting is held in the summer term of Year 12 and a Prom Committee is formed. More information on what is involved will be shared with the committee at the time of planning.

The Yearbook Year 13 can choose to produce a Yearbook, i.e., a record of their school days. In recent years, an online company has been used but it is up to each particular year to decide whether, and how, to proceed. Like the summer prom, a committee is formed to plan the format of the yearbook and ensure all entries are submitted on time.

Senior School Council Sixth Form students continue to have a voice through the Senior School Council. At the start of the Autumn Term, each tutor group will put forward two volunteers to act as representatives. They will be expected to attend the termly council meetings and share feedback on whole-school matters.

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Part-Time Work Working towards A levels, following co-curricular activities in and out of school, plus planning life after A levels is clearly going to keep you very busy. For students considering embarking on a vocational degree, such as nursing, medicine, architecture, some business courses etc. it can be very helpful to have some relevant work experience.

If you do want a part-time job while in the Sixth Form, you would be well advised to keep this commitment to just a few hours a week as, in most cases, this can seriously diminish the benefit that can be gained from the curricular and co-curricular opportunities at the school. Talk to your tutor or the Head of Year for advice.

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TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SIXTH FORM Whether you’re aiming for top university offers, applying for apprenticeships, developing new interests or simply wanting to make the most of Sixth Form life, here are some simple but effective habits to help you thrive: Stay Organised • Use a planner or digital calendar to track deadlines and key dates.

• Keep digital files tidy — one folder per subject is a good starting point.

• Get into the habit of checking your school email every day.

Use Your Study Periods Wisely • Treat them as work time — your future self will thank you.

• Work in quiet spaces like the Silent Study Room or Library.

• Make a to-do list at the start of each day to stay on top of tasks.

Communicate Early • Speak to your teachers or tutor if you're unsure about anything.

• Don’t wait until something becomes a big problem — there's always support.

Build Positive Study Habits • Review your notes regularly, not just before assessments.

• Use revision tools that work for you — flashcards, mind maps or digital apps like Notion or Quizlet.

• Don’t just do the homework — read around your subject to stretch your thinking.

Manage Your Time • Plan ahead — particularly around deadlines, exams and busy weeks.

• Balance schoolwork with co-curriculars and downtime.

• Limit distractions during study time (try screen time tools).

Get Involved • Join clubs, societies or leadership roles — they enrich your experience.

• Make the most of Life Skills, guest talks and enrichment sessions.

• Support others — and don’t be afraid to ask for support yourself.

Remember: Sixth Form is about growing into the independent learner — and person — you want to be. There’s no single right way to do it, but developing good habits early will set you up for success both in school and beyond.

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