Student Support

Our approach is that all students should be supported on a personal and individual basis in terms of both academic progress and general welfare and well-being. It is our aim to ensure that you not only achieve your goals but that you become thoughtful and active citizens leaving Ashcombe with confidence, commitment and optimism for the future.

PERSONAL TUTOR

The Sixth Form have the opportunity to register every morning and afternoon with their tutor. The tutor is the person who will monitor the overall progress of each Sixth Former and will help if there are problems or difficulties concerning work or any other matter. Each student will have a short interview with their tutor at least once a term.

The tutorial programme provides guidance on efficient ways to study and revise and a variety of topics including developing an A-level mind-set, driving, relationships, communication skills, cooking and diet, out-of-school opportunities, interview skills, surviving college, money management and car maintenance.

Guidance and counselling is offered by Mr Blackband (Head of Sixth Form), Mrs Sheffield (Head of Year 12), Miss Perry (Head of Year 13) and the tutors, so that students may gain help and advice whenever they require it. Eligible students can apply to a bursary scheme, which can provide a contribution towards costs such as transport, equipment and course related trips.

MONITORING PROGRESS

Procedures are used to monitor progress so that Sixth Formers gain the maximum benefit from their studies and Extracurricular activities. As well as Parents’ Evenings and full reports there are simple progress reviews to check that work, attendance and general attitude are proceeding satisfactorily.

In addition to the public external exams in the Summer Term, students have two assessment periods per year. The first assessment period is prior to the October half term. The second assessment period is in mid to late January.

PROFILE: MATT

HOW DID YOU PICK WHICH SUBJECTS TO STUDY?

I joined the Ashcombe 6th Form because I felt that it would give me the best possible chance of getting into my top university, because they offered great teacher support with UCAS applications and the extracurricular trips were very appealing to me for my subjects.

HOW IS SIXTH FORM DIFFERENT TO SCHOOL?

I would say the biggest difference between the main school and the 6th Form is the relationship between us as students and the teachers. It is a more informal and relaxed atmosphere, and we are treated as young adults and given more responsibility for our own learning. The Student Union also gives us a chance to make the 6th form better in our own way, making it a better working environment, organising better socials, and giving us the support we need in a way that helps us best.

WHAT TRIP OPPORTUNITIES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED?

I travelled to Washington with the History department - it was great to see the Smithsonian museums and the memorials. Visiting Uganda with Build Africa was eye-opening to meet all the children in the primary schools and the families living in communities around the farms. It has truly inspired me to put more effort into everything that I do and made me appreciate everything that I enjoy and take for granted. I would highly recommend this trip because this is a brilliant opportunity to experience a different culture and see the difference we can easily make in the world. I have also taken part in Gold DofE, which was one of the hardest things I have ever done and one of my proudest moments.

HOW HAS SCHOOL SUPPORTED YOU WITH YOUR UNIVERSITY APPLICATION?

The help I have received on my personal statement has been incredible and I have enjoyed the guidance at ‘Competitive Courses’. There are so many offered resources that everyone can find the support in the way that they need – my personal favourite is the application help on UniFrog. I feel grateful to everyone who has read it and offered sound advice, and I felt confident that they would support me to write the best possible application I could.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

I am now studying Mathematics at Birmingham and then after that possibly pursue a career in theoretical physics or as a lecturer at a university.

“Visiting Uganda with Build Africa was eye-opening to meet all the children in the primary schools and the families living in communities around the farms.”

STUDENT SUPPORT CONTINUED...

Students will also complete unit tests throughout the year. Students are required to make progress commensurate with their ability.

One year students will be expected to make sound progress in the one-year Level 2 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Business course and progressing towards achieving Grade 4s or higher in their GCSEs if applicable. A-level students will be expected to make progress towards achieving the highest grades of which they are capable. All A-level students will be expected to make progress towards achieving at least 2 grade Es.

COUNSELLING

Although Tutors are always happy to discuss problems, sometimes it is easier to talk things over with someone who is not directly involved. The Sixth Form can organise a confidential service, which is available to all students and can also provide information and refer students to other sources of support. The Sixth Form has policies and procedures which are in line with the Surrey Safeguarding Children Board to ensure the safety of the students at Ashcombe Sixth Form.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

All students in the Sixth Form are aiming for some examination qualifications. There are no short cuts to success, which results from a combination of ability and hard work. Sixth Formers have a new responsibility in organising the use of their time and energy to best effect.

Most Sixth Formers will have some private study time during the week. These are not ‘free periods’ but periods which should be used for further study. During these private study periods the Sixth Former can use either the Study Centre, the Study Room in the Sixth Form Centre, or the Sixth Form Common Room. Study periods are the responsibility of each Sixth Former and you cannot afford to waste this time.