The Grange School - Sixth Form Prospectus

The Grange Sixth Form

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Six ways that The Grange Sixth Form will help you to

Live Your Education 1. You will be part of a community of aspirational young people.

A shared determination to succeed, individually and collectively, creates a culture that generates and celebrates achievement. This helps at A Level, in Higher Education and in future careers.

2. You will be taught in small teaching groups.

An average A Level class size of seven students allows lessons to be personalised to the needs of every student: enabling stretch and challenge and additional guidance when needed.

3. You will be taught by experienced subject specialists.

Experienced and well-qualified teachers, many with exam board responsibilities, provide expert support and guidance to our Sixth Form students.

4. You will follow an inspiring and supportive curriculum.

The Sixth Form curriculum promotes greater independence and a love of learning for its own sake. At the same time, students benefit from a generous number of timetabled lessons with their teachers.

5. You will have many enrichment and leadership opportunities.

Over 90 enrichment activities for Sixth Form students to engage with and take the lead in, with students also encouraged to set up their own clubs. This allows students to further develop the inter-personal skills that employers and universities value so highly.

6. You will be prepared for life after A Levels.

Sixth Form students are well prepared for the demands of Higher Education and life in general. A team of careers advisers, a programme of Higher Education guidance, timetabled ‘Mentor Periods’ and ‘Lectures for Life’ are all available to students.

The Grange Sixth Form provides an environment where students can thrive, flourish and truly be themselves.

Academically, we provide challenge and embed curiosity in our learners in a supportive environment where they can become confident and ambitious individuals. We encourage independence and freedom in learning and our students are self-motivated towards achieving their goals. Our students achieve outstanding academic success both in terms of their results and life beyond The Grange.

A VERY WARM

Our modern Sixth Form centre provides an atmosphere where students can socialise and experience a strong sense of belonging. At

WELCOME

the heart of our Sixth Form is the unrivalled pastoral care we offer our students where they are given advice and support to guide them in their chosen pathway, but that also allows for strong relationships between staff and students.

Our students have access to an enviable selection of enrichment Hannah Horsley

activities, including music, drama, sport and the Duke of Edinburgh

Director of Post-16 Education

Award Scheme. They also support outreach activities in the local community through volunteering and fundraising for charities.

Students develop responsibility and leadership skills that equip them for success in later life.

We hope that you enjoy reading this prospectus but would encourage you to come and meet us to experience fully our happy and vibrant community.

“An environment in which students really can live their education.”

Hannah Horsley Director of Post-16 Education

71%

Small class sizes and a carefully designed timetable

of all A Level entries were A* - A grade in 2022

Small groups allow teachers to work closely with individual students. At times, students will need extra guidance and support.

At other times, students will benefit from being introduced to material that takes them beyond the A Level specification. The personalised support offered from subject experts at The Grange

ACADEMIC MATTERS

School allows each individual to reach their potential.

A Level Results It is The Grange School’s commitment to an all-round education that marks us out as a school. It is important, however, to recognise the consistently excellent A Level results that have established The Grange as one of the best performing schools in the North West of England.

In addition, Sixth Form students at The Grange School benefit from a timetable that offers far more time in the classroom than is possible in most schools. Over our two-week timetable, students will spend over 10.5 hours with their teachers in each A Level subject. This regular contact with well qualified subject

We are particularly proud that our students regularly achieve significantly higher A Level grades than sophisticated benchmarking data would forecast. Many of our Sixth Form students achieve excellent results thanks to personal ambition combined with the unrivalled support and guidance offered at The Grange School.

specialists, along with a structured programme of independent study, contributes significantly to the academic success of our Sixth Form students.

39% of grades at A* in 2022 almost three times the national average

“The Sixth Form setting allows for a much closer relationship with teachers and encourages the provision of direct help and support.”

- Upper Sixth Form student

The Academic Programme

A Levels Offered...

- Art

- History

Most Sixth Form students study three A Level subjects from an

- Biology

- Latin

extensive range of options. We construct our timetable after

- Business

- Maths

A Level options have been selected, so that we are best able to offer

- Chemistry

- Further Maths

all requested combinations. Our aim is to provide a curriculum that

- Classical Civilisation

- Music

allows our students to access study at a variety of courses at top

- Computing

- Photography

universities. Note: It is possible to study four A Levels.

- Drama

- Physical Education

- Economics

- Physics

- English Literature

- Politics

- French

- Psychology

- Geography

- Religious Studies

- German

- Spanish

- Graphics

- Textiles

In addition to three A Level subjects, students are encouraged to select an additional subject which will be delivered over one or two years. Study of these additional courses provides experiences and an academic breadth that further supports a first-rate application to leading universities.

Additional courses: - Extended Project Qualification (one-year course) - AS Mathematics (two-year course) - Level 3 Community Sports Leaders Programme (two-year course) - AS Drama (two-year course)

An average class size of

7 STUDENTS

- 3D Graphics

EPQ Extended Project Qualification Study What Interests You The EPQ is by far the most popular additional subject in The Grange Sixth Form. An EPQ offers students the opportunity to study in detail a topic that is of particular interest to them. This qualification provides an opportunity for students to develop a number of skills that leading universities value highly: independent research skills, time management, structuring and referencing an extended piece of writing.

Whilst the qualification is designed to promote independent study and prepare students for the demands of Higher Education, Sixth Form students at The Grange attend timetabled EPQ lessons. This means that students can regularly access support and guidance from experienced academic supervisors. As a result of this structure and support, over 90% of our students achieve grade B or better in their EPQ. It is worth noting that success in this qualification has resulted in many of our students receiving favourably adjusted UCAS offers from leading universities.

FACILITIES Our Sixth Form Centre provides a modern and bright base for students to learn, think, communicate and relax.

Sixth Form students are provided with their own café, garden, common room, work rooms, classrooms and seminar rooms, and a dedicated careers area.

Standing in an enclosed area of the The Grange Senior School site, this facility provides a strong sense of Sixth Form identity. Sixth Form students really appreciate the distinct atmosphere of this dedicated space whether progressing from our own Year 11 or joining from another school.

Naturally, Sixth Form students also benefit from the excellent facilities in the rest of the school: the newly opened Sports Centre; an inspiring 350 seat theatre; a bespoke boathouse on the River Weaver and modern, well-equipped science laboratories.

SIXTH FORM LIFE

“Each leadership opportunity we embrace during our time here helps to shape us into well-rounded people.”

LEADERSHIP Sixth Form students are expected to play a full part in the school’s extensive enrichment programme. In addition, Sixth Form students are encouraged to take on leadership roles: Duty Prefect, Form Prefect, House Captain, Senior Prefect, Enrichment Captain, Peer Supporter, or Head of School. Indeed, the relationships that exist between Sixth Formers and younger students at The Grange School is something that we are particularly proud of.

Enrichment and leadership opportunities allow our senior students to further develop qualities and skills that will stand them in good stead beyond school.

In particular, Sixth Form students develop excellent inter-personal skills along with a pleasing level of selfconfidence. Our aim is to produce future leaders who are equipped to flourish in a constantly evolving world.

ENRICHMENT

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

Travel Opportunities Over 50 travel opportunities are available to Sixth Form students each and every year.

All students take part in a Sixth Form induction event before the start of their first

The Grange is a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. This widely recognised award is held in high regard by universities and future employers.

term. This one day event serves various purposes. It provides an opportunity to explain routines and expectations before the start of the year – allowing students to make a flying start to their A Level studies. It also allows tutor groups to bond – contributing to the strong sense of community that exists in our Sixth Form. In addition, it is a vehicle for introducing new Sixth Form students to the process of making university and degree choices.

Once the academic year starts, students will be offered a huge range of travel opportunities. Geographers visit the coastline at Holderness, Biology students visit the Lake District to carry out field studies and English and Drama students will attend a number of theatre performances.

In addition, there are more exotic opportunities for travel, including our memorable visit to our sister school as part of ‘Project Gambia’.

Nearly a third of our Sixth Form students go on to achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award each year

PROJECT GAMBIA Project Gambia is a long-term charitable project that is driven by Lower Sixth students. In addition to travelling to Gambia, students raise funds for numerous community projects. Primarily, we have a sister school with which we have developed strong links including providing funding for a new classroom block enabling students to remain in education for longer. We have also supported individuals and the community by providing gifts of educational and medical supplies, hair-dressing equipment, mobile phones and more basic items such as clothing and toiletries.

“The array of enrichment opportunities is truly unique - I’m involved with the Community Action Group, Project Gambia and helping with Peer Support”

SPORT FOR ALL At The Grange School we recognise the significant and wide-ranging benefits of regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, our Sixth Form curriculum includes ‘Sport for All’ every Wednesday afternoon.

Students can select from a wide range of options, from zumba to climbing. In addition, our senior sports teams contest a full complement of fixtures in both regional and national competitions. There is also a Rowing Club and we benefit from our own boathouse on the River Weaver.

Many of our sporting activities take place in our state of the art Sports Centre. Complete with a dance studio, climbing wall, gym and a multi-purpose sports hall, the facilities enable us to offer the widest possible range of high-quality opportunities.

The Sports Centre is in addition to The Grange’s other outdoor facilities which include a floodlit multi-use games area, an all weather pitch and a practice running track for athletics. We also have our own Sports Pavilion with full-size rugby and football pitches a short walk away.

All the World’s a Stage with Music and Drama The Grange School puts on two productions each year and our most recent production was ‘Little Shop of Horrors’.

In all of these areas, Sixth Form students can take a lead performing or behind the scenes: in direction, stage management, lighting and sound, costume or front of house.

There is also a popular Theatre Club which is run by Sixth Form students.

This club offers acting, musical theatre, dance and technical theatre opportunities.

In Music there are amazing opportunities to take part in a multitude of ensembles. Across a typical year, over 1,000 performers are involved in a variety of local community, evening and end of term concerts.

As in every enrichment opportunity, Sixth Form students (particularly the Music Captains) take a leading role in terms of organisation and performance.

“The Music Department at The Grange is integral to my life here, including all the great teachers and students who take part in all different musical groups we have.”

In addition, there are also biennial House Drama and Music competitions. Finally, Trinity Speech and Drama examinations are available, as are private music lessons, up to Grade 8 and Diploma level.

Beyond The Grange

Over 80% of last year’s leavers took up a place at their first-choice university

The next step after The Grange Sixth Form for many of our students is university and we believe that one of our real strengths is the support we provide to students in preparation for Higher Education.

We know that the UCAS process is daunting for many students with important decisions to be made. We pride ourselves on supporting our students in their preparation, with a team of experienced advisors on hand to assist.

Some of our students will decide that they wish to take a year out before choosing whether or not to continue their education. Others may feel ready for the world of work. Our Careers Department helps guide students through the application and interview process, helping them to secure a future that matches their aspirations.

The biennial Careers Conference is a major event in which guest speakers and representatives from every industry give valuable insight into their chosen fields.

Community and Charity

Pastoral Care

Sixth Form students helped to raise over £4,000 in 2020 for causes

Although we treat Sixth Form students as young adults, encouraging independence and

including Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Motor Neurone Disease

resilience, we also understand the need for ongoing structure and support. Sixth Form

Association (MNDA) and Project Gambia. Our Community Action

students will be allocated to a small tutor group. Each Sixth Form Tutor is an experienced

Group works with local nurseries and also raises supplies for the Mid-

teacher, with an excellent understanding of the unique challenges of Sixth Form study.

Cheshire Food Bank. Getting stuck-in is an integral part of what it is to

Sixth Form Tutors also act as a first point of contact between home and school.

be a member of the Grange School.

JOINING THE SIXTH FORM We would welcome anyone interested in joining The Grange Sixth Form the opportunity to attend an Open Evening or one of our Insight Days. You need to experience The Grange to truly understand all it offers. So please do get in touch with our friendly admissions team to book a visit.

Entry Requirements To join the The Grange Sixth Form, students are required to achieve GCSE grade 7 (or above) in each subject that they wish to continue at A Level. In the case of subjects like A Level Economics and A Level Politics, students need GCSE grade 7 in a related subject. For example: grade 7 in Maths to study A Level Economics; grade 7 in History or English to study Politics.

In addition, we expect our Sixth Form students to have achieved GCSE grade 6 (or above) in the majority of their GCSE subjects.

Bursaries New entrants to the Sixth Form can apply for bursary funding, which is awarded depending on household income. A number of bursaries are available each year.

Scholarships This award carries a high degree of academic prestige with successful Scholars receiving public recognition. The scholarships are awarded to two students annually based on their performance in the Sixth Form Scholarship Examination, performance at GCSE and overall character, behaviour and attitude towards their studies.

The Journey to Joining Us Demand for places at The Grange Sixth Form has grown over recent years both from other independent schools and state schools.

Offers are based on the expectation that candidates will achieve the entry grades requires. Places for external applicants will be offered only on receipt of a confidential report from the student’s current school.

Attend a Sixth Form Insight Day If joining The Grange Sixth Form from another school, we will invite candidates in to experience A Level lessons in subjects of their choice.

Prospective students will have the opportunity to look around the Sixth Form Centre and applicants will then have an interview with the both the Head and Head of Sixth Form, along with the relevant Heads of Department from their chosen A Level subjects.

The school will assess both the aptitude and attitude of all candidates with a view to making an offer of a place where appropriate.

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TGS/MKTG-2022-06 v2 Updated Sept 2022