Westonbirt Sixth Form Prospectus by Westonbirt School

Welcome to

Westonbirt Co-ed Sixth Form

CONTENTS Foreword by the Headmistress

Welcome from the Head of Sixth Form

Student and parent perceptions

Tailored Subject Choices

Enrichment and additional awards

Duke of Edinburgh

Combined Cadet Force

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

St John's Essay

Art, Music and Performing Arts

Sport

Leadership Skills for Life

Global Programmes

Careers information, advice and guidance

University Guidance

Health and Wellbeing

Sixth Form Boarding

Practical aspects of Sixth Form

Sixth Form Scholarship

Westonbirt Alumni Association

Step-up to Sixth Form Programme

FOREWORD

"Westonbirt Sixth Form provided our daughter with a learning environment that encouraged her to explore new challenges as well as work hard towards her chosen subjects. The staff are always ready to help and on many occasions will go the extra mile to enable students to really excel. Westonbirt has provided a safe, happy and friendly place for our daughter to take that first step into adulthood." Year 13 Parent

Being a Sixth Former is about gaining the best qualifications for you, but it is also about so much more. You will find life in the Sixth Form very different from your time in Year 11; enjoying greater independence and feeling more like university than school, with the added advantage of tailored teaching in a smaller, safer environment. This prospectus aims to introduce you to all that is special and unique about our Sixth Form: the wide range of subjects, the other valuable awards you may gain and exciting experiences that are on offer. Ultimately, it is our job to prepare you for life beyond school and as you look through this booklet you should see a range of opportunities for you to embrace and enrich your Sixth Form experience. Leadership and responsibility are key to your personal development and whether you become a member of the prefect team (Study One) or take part in our leadership programme, we will endeavour to get to know you, to support your development and enable you to become a valued member of not only our community, but that of one which lies beyond. Independence is vital and knowing how to develop and handle yourself with confidence in a wide variety of spheres will be the result of involvement in sports or performance teams, Leiths, DofE, our new Combined Cadet Force (CCF) or possibly as a member of one of our service projects to India or Nepal. Inspiration will be drawn through a committed set of educationalists, lecturers and the range of speakers brought in to broaden horizons and expand possibility. The undervalued simplicity of taking time for yourself in our peaceful grounds, will also set you in good stead for your next steps beyond Westonbirt and the combination of work, rest and play remains resonant as balance is the cornerstone to your success at this level. I look forward to supporting you in your journey through the Sixth Form as we work with you to provide the tools and confidence to achieve your goals.

Mrs Natasha Dangerfield (Headmistress)

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF SIXTH FORM We are delighted that you are interested in joining or continuing into the Westonbirt Sixth Form. As Head of Sixth Form, it is my pleasure to support our young people through a pivotal part of their life, from an academic and pastoral perspective. Sixth Form education is an incredibly important time and a moment that can be really special. Choosing a Sixth Form is about making a commitment to yourself, and all that you want to be, by showing dedication to in-depth study and personal growth opportunities. Here at Westonbirt Sixth Form we are determined to put you at the centre of every decision while also offering you all the support you need to meet every challenge you face; we are proud that our academic excellence and pastoral support are proven to work perfectly in harmony, in order to develop the individual to their fullest potential. When you become a Sixth Former you embark on a journey from the relative comfort of your GCSEs towards a world of work, higher education or even travel and experience. Sixth Form at Westonbirt allows both a blend of support and freedom in order to help you become the person you need to be for your next steps. Not everyone is taking the same journey, which is why our Sixth Form is personalised to you. There are a huge number of academic and vocational subjects on offer at Westonbirt, all designed to meet your needs and aspirations – through both A-Level and BTEC access routes, outstanding teaching and learning, and tailored support. You will have a network of people around you who recognise your individual needs and interests and who will push you to grow and develop. They are not only concerned with your academic development, but the development of you as a whole person – hence the access as a Sixth Former to an enormous extra-curricular and global programme that offers huge opportunities for personal growth. Nevertheless, regardless of the individual journey you embark on, it is clear from the moment you step into Westonbirt Sixth Form that we are a community. We lead by example and realise our wider responsibility as the most senior students in the school. We push for positive change in our society and concern ourselves with making each other the best versions of who we can be. Every student who leaves Westonbirt Sixth Form is a leader, a global citizen who will one day make a difference in this world. It is our responsibility to prepare you for that world, and all we ask is that you take every opportunity we offer to help prepare yourself. Mrs Hannah Ash, Head of Sixth Form

STUDENT AND PARENT PERCEPTIONS OF OUR SIXTH FORM "In my opinion, the sheer number of opportunities available is one of the great things about Westonbirt. I have been a part of the debating and socratic societies, as well as the football, rugby and cricket teams. Last year, I had the lead role in the school production, worked towards my Duke of Edinburgh Gold award, played in musical concerts and started a small company through young enterprise. I have had the most amazing experience and opportunities that have allowed me to truly grow as a person. I am extremely grateful that I came here. There is such a great community and the staff are just incredible. Small class sizes make a world of difference and they allow you to have more one-to-one time with your teachers to help with the difficult content of A-levels. Boarding has been a great experience and has taught me valuable skills such as time management and organisation. I plan to go to university to study Aerospace Engineering and then hopefully pursue a career in the engineering world, working on pushing the boundaries of current aviation technology.” Year 13 leaver, 2023

“I have two very different teenagers and Westonbirt's Sixth Form has worked brilliantly for them both. The pastoral support is second to none, unobtrusive and accessible. As a parent, it's like having a team of experts in teenagers, who have got your back. The Sixth Form's staff team is totally invested in their students, and never more so than in the run up to and during A Levels. The subject teachers have repeatedly gone above and beyond to give individual attention, to make sure that everyone is ready for the exams and assessments. Westonbirt has taken such care with the university application process and there has been guidance and advice at every step. This is not a results factory; it is more important at Westonbirt that sixth formers make the right choices for themselves, their potential and their aspirations, rather than what might look best in the school's alumni record. This is a sixth form where all of the students are properly known; it doesn't seem to matter if a student has been at the school for years, or just a year. The attention is personalised and each student is treated as an individual, and (massively appreciated by my children) as a young adult. I genuinely think that my children will have a better chance of withstanding the ups and downs of life, armed with the values, skills, courage and kindness, instilled in them by Westonbirt. It really is a very special place.” Sixth Form Parent, 2023

TAILORED SUBJECT CHOICES At Westonbirt we aim to be as flexible as possible with regard your subject choices; allowing you to build a programme of study that is right for you and enables you to reach your chosen destination. We offer a wide range of subjects and qualifications in the Sixth Form, including A Levels, BTECs, Leiths, the EPQ and more. You are able to mix and match these to make a bespoke programme, tailored to your skills and aspirations for the future. We build our timetable and curriculum around your choices, to enable the widest range of possible options. We are very proud of the quality of our teaching, with small class sizes and teachers who get to know you individually, helping you to achieve your very best academically. Students in the 2023 cohort achieved 41% Grades A*/A at A Level, despite having never sat external exams before due to the pandemic. Please see the list of subjects on offer below. You can find further details of these with explanations from our Heads of Department about why you might choose to study them and what they can lead to in the future on our website at: http://www.westonbirt.org/sixth-form/academic-options. A Level subjects Art: 3D Design Art: Fine Art Biology Chemistry Classical Civilization Drama and Theatre Studies Economics English Language

English Literature Further Mathematics Geography History Latin Mathematics Modern Foreign Languages: French Modern Foreign Languages: Spanish

Music Philosophy, Ethics & Religion Photography Physics Psychology

Dance Leiths Food and Wine Certificate

Sport

F BTECs and vocational subjects Business Computer Science

EXPANDING HORIZONS Life in the Sixth Form brings with it new and exciting extra-curricular opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, the combined Cadet Force (CCF) and our leadership programme. There are also opportunities for responsibility and leadership across our prefect team; roles such as Head Girl, Head Boy, Head of House, Head of Sport and Head of Drama are open to Sixth Form students. Five central pillars (Ambition, Challenge, Independence, Leadership and Service) underpin our approach to helping our sixth formers become well rounded individuals. The House environment helps to develop students' self-confidence in interacting effectively with peers, and those outside of the school community. Our aim is that when you leave the Sixth Form, you are equipped with not only academic success, but also the self-assurance and resilience to thrive in today’s fast-paced, global society. I look forward to welcoming you to our Sixth Form House community. Mrs Stephanie Barnes Deputy Head Pastoral & Sixth Form Housemistress

ENRICHMENT AND ADDITIONAL AWARDS While studying provides the foundations for achievement, being a well-rounded student is about more than looking good on paper - it is about developing skills and personal qualities and creating memories that last forever. We offer a wide range of enrichment clubs, societies and activities designed to complement courses chosen for Key Stage 5 study. These are designed for all interests and abilities and include a morning Swim Squad, Chamber Choir, Philosophy and Debate club, Breakfast & Politics, Netball and many more.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme was introduced to encourage and stimulate young people’s enthusiasm and energy via a challenging programme of activities. It is open to all young people throughout the world. Participants take part in a range of chosen activities, largely in their own time but with guidance from an expert in the field. We offer the Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold. At each level students fulfil the requirements of four sections with different time conditions for each: Volunteering - to encourage service to others. Skill - to encourage the discovery and development of personal interests,social and practical skills. Physical - to encourage participation in physical recreation and improvement of performance. Expedition - to encourage a spirit of discovery. For the Gold Award, participants also have to complete a residential project. Previously, Westonbirt students have travelled to India to fulfil the ‘Volunteering’ section of the Award.

COMBINED CADET FORCE (CCF) This is open to all students from Year 9 to 13. Westonbirt runs a Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) section, designed to help students develop new skills and qualities, such as leadership, resilience, adaptability and problem-solving. within a more disciplined environment. Activities include fieldcraft, drill, marksmanship and radio communications. In May 2023, cadets were able to take a flight in a Chinook helicopter flown in by the Royal Air Force (RAF) Odiham division.

EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ) The EPQ allows students to explore a topic of their own choice in real detail, at an A Level standard, or even beyond. It is a qualification with benefits in terms of gaining additional UCAS points and is praised by universities for encouraging independent, in-depth research, and for helping pupils to develop public speaking, communication and presentation skills. On entering the Sixth Form, all students have a double lesson of EPQ each week, in which ideas for independent learning are explored, discussed and developed. In the short term, this leads to an essay, to be handed in before October Half Term on any subject they wish. This is called the St. John Essay. In the second half of the term, after the St. John's Essay has been submitted, much more emphasis is placed on the ability to understand and develop logical reasoning, open and closed arguments, the differences between describing, analysing and evaluating and creating mind maps. From this point in Year 12 it is assumed that many of our Sixth Formers will continue with completing a full EPQ. This is run by the AQA exam board and consists of a project, usually in the form of a 5000-word essay, for which the student is required to keep a logbook in order to track their progress through the various stages of the project’s development. We have been delighted with the standard of EPQs achieved at Westonbirt, with many A and A* grades and one student recently achieving 100% in this qualification.

ST JOHN'S ESSAY During the Second World War, Westonbirt School took possession of a number of priceless works of art for safe-keeping from St. John’s College, Oxford. In gratitude, St. John's set up a prize to be awarded to Sixth Formers, each year, for the most interesting and stimulating essay on a subject of their choice. There is one major prize winner, who will receive a cheque for £100 and a £50 prize for an essay written by a student with English as their second language. All runners-up are encouraged to include their achievement on application forms, such as UCAS, as the subject matter could be the catalyst for a useful discussion with an admissions tutor and often leads to success at EPQ.

ART, MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS These areas thrive at Westonbirt, where there are abundant opportunities both within the curriculum and as optional extras. Musicals, concerts and drama productions are frequently staged in the Orangery, the Great Hall, the Chapel, Camellia House and the Drama studio and students have taken productions to nearby cultural centres such as Bristol, Bath and Cheltenham, as well as Edinburgh. Throughout the year, students can sign up for trips to theatres in Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Cardiff or London and these are sometimes coupled with backstage tours or workshops. For several years, a group of senior students have travelled to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. After Easter, students have the opportunity to participate in the ‘Speech and Drama Gala’, which showcases the work of students from across all year groups and further performances are delivered by the A Level Drama groups as part of their course work. A showcase whole-school production ends the year. Shows have included We Will Rock You, Seussical, Secret Garden, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Lion King and an extravaganza production of Les Miserables, which Tatler Schools Guide declared ‘brought the house down.' For Art, the school has light and spacious studios providing the perfect environment for creativity. In recent years, students have gained unconditional offers to read at the prestigious Central Saint Martins and the Glasgow School of Art. Each year, students' work is displayed via an Art Exhibition. Music is at the heart of Westonbirt School and over two-thirds of students play a musical instrument. There are several choirs and our Great Hall houses the magnificent original organ that was built with Westonbirt House in the Victorian era. Singing evensong at Gloucester Cathedral is a prestigious annual event and one which involves all vocalists within the school. In 2023, one of our Year 13 students won the Key Stage 5 first place at the ISA Musical Theatre Competition and students were invited by the Highgrove Association to perform at their AGM dinner at the King’s residence, Highgrove House. Many students opt to take individual or paired Speech and Drama or Speech Improvement lessons, working towards ESB and LAMDA examinations to build both their confidence, English spoken word and performance skills. These students also have the opportunity to compete in the Mid-Somerset and Cheltenham Festivals of Speech and Drama. Students who would rather help out behind the scenes are trained as the tech team and taught how to light a production, or encouraged to get involved with set-building, make up, costumes and prop design.

SPORT AT WESTONBIRT Sport is an important part of the Westonbirt experience for everyone; not just those taking Sport as part of their study programme. Facilities are outstanding at Westonbirt, with a Sports Centre, swimming pool, nine hole golf course, Astroturf pitch, cricket nets, tennis and netball courts. Students attend one double lesson of PE each week, having the option to take part in a variety of activities or focus on their preferred team sport. Senior sports teams are selected for inter-school and county competitions, with a number of students going on to represent the county and attending Centre of Excellence training camps. In 2022/23, a Year 13 represented England in lacrosse, winning the ELF Women’s U21 Championships in Prague. Another won the ISA National cross country final for his age category and also competed for the county in the English Schools’ Track and Field National Championships. In addition to curricular PE, we encourage students to take responsibility for their own health and fitness. As a member of Sixth Form, students are given membership to our on-site Leisure Centre and Golf Course. There are further opportunities for students to hone their skills in additional sports as the school employs a fully qualified tennis coach and golf professional. Extra lessons such as these are planned into students’ timetables and charged at the end of term.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR LIFE At Westonbirt School, we consider the development of our future leaders paramount to the education that we provide. To ensure that our pupils become leaders who will make a real difference in the future, we strive to equip them with the skills they will need to succeed and the confidence to carry themselves throughout any of life’s challenges. The Leadership Programme begins at the start of Year 12, with a two night residential trip to Pembrokeshire. Students undertake group and individual tasks, getting to know each other and themselves in a leadership capacity On their return, they review and reflect on this and choose an opportunity for service in school such as supporting a Year class, or helping regularly with Prep School activity. Throughout the year, students participate in workshops where they focus on different aspects of leadership, whilst cocurricular activities also provide ways to demonstrate leadership. Students come back together twice a term to review progress. There is also an opportunity to take part in a leadership exchange to the USA. Towards the end of Year 12, students are then offered the opportunity to apply for a position on the school’s leadership team as a member of Study One. This is a formal and thorough application process, mimicking the rigour of both university applications and recruitment interviews. Study One roles form part of school life and empower Sixth Formers to make a real difference through student voice and in support of educational and operational roles which drive the daily life of our school.

GLOBAL PROGRAMMES At Westonbirt, we strongly agree with Lewis Carroll that “a lifetime full of adventure is a wonderful gift” and have developed a diverse and culturally rich Global Programme. Available to Year 12 and 13, the below trips are designed to enhance learning:

Geneva Year 12 have the opportunity to travel to the United Nations base in Geneva, meeting with UN agencies and managers. Workshops take place at the headquarters of the World Health Organisation and the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, giving students the opportunity to learn about the challenges and achievements of international peace-building operations. Other institutions visited during the trip include the World Bank, the International Trade Centre, Medicins Sans Frontieres and UNICEF.

India Our service trip to Southern India is an exciting chance for pupils to experience life in a country with a very different culture and way of life. It is a unique opportunity for students to be of service to others; teaching and caring for children at the Goodwill Children’s Home. It is an expectation that they will commit to be part of a fundraising team who will raise money and resources for a specific project at the Goodwill Children’s Homes. During the trip students also visit the cultural sites of the region and enjoy spotting wildlife at the Periyar Nature Reserve and a boat excursion to Kumbalangi Village.

Nepal Nepal is a once in a lifetime opportunity that the students will never forget. The trip begins in Kathmandu before trekking further up the mountain to Annapurna Base camp. Students then spend 3 days supporting the Shiva Foundation and visiting The Ginette Harrison School, redecorating classrooms, teaching English and giving back to the local community. To finish the trip, students have the opportunity to try local delicacies, visit markets and immerse themselves in the rich culture that Nepal has to offer.

Iceland A trip to Iceland offers a wonderfully unique experience. Few other countries offer such amazing diversity: think sprawling waterfalls, geothermal pools, geysers, glaciers and, of course, the Northern Lights. It’s the perfect place to learn about so many forms of natural phenomena. The trip is extremely popular and students return with memories that will live with them for a lifetime.

Skiing in Europe Every two years, Westonbirt students fly to a European destination for a week's ski trip. The emphasis of the trip is on having fun and learning new physical skills. During the week students benefit from five hours tuition each day and enjoy tubing, night skiing and a skidoo experience in the evenings.

CAREERS INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE Careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) is delivered through partnerships between Westonbirt School and a variety of external providers. CEIAG is a multi faceted programme that takes Sixth Formers on a journey of discovery focused around their interests, personal aims, subject choices and personality traits. Once a week, Years 12 and 13 meet their CEIAG teacher to discuss post 18 choices, researching different options such as: • • •

Study choices and options Apprenticeships and training opportunities Careers and job-seeking after school or further education

We also run business networking which pupils are encouraged to attend to help with networking skills and run ‘alternative paths’ days, careers talks from external speakers and a thorough introduction for parents to the UCAS process. Particular emphasis is placed on ‘Skills for Life’ with encouragement to develop the all-important transferable skills required in the world of work. Parents, staff, Westonbirt alumni and external industry contacts are valuable sources of expertise and offer lectures, advice, mock interviews, work experience and guided tours around universities. We are also able to link students directly to a wide variety of industry contacts, such as Dyson, Kier, Renishaw and Network Rail, so that they can share with students their own personal career journeys. Unifrog is a one stop platform we use at Westonbirt that has been designed to enable pupils to research and record their careers education. The platform has a variety of sections which offer research and access to courses so that students can learn more about their areas of interest and personality profiles, as well as search for information on specific careers. There is also an extensive section on MOOCS (free online courses) which is particularly useful for those interested in reading subjects at university that are not offered at A Level, such as Astronomy. Unifrog also offers research opportunities for UK and International universities and guides pupils to write a CV, personal statement and other applications for their next steps.

Oxford Scholastica Westonbirt is also delighted to be one of the first Scholastica Partner Schools, which allows students to get priority access to Oxford Scholastica’s courses, internships and conferences. Oxford Scholastica’s mission is to inspire students to discover, explore and prepare for their futures at an earlier stage, giving them the edge to enable them to succeed, have purpose and make a difference. They partner with leading schools who share those values. Their transformational courses for 12- to 18-year-olds combine university-style teaching with academic challenges, Masterclasses, and cultural adventures.

University Guidance Programme Our university guidance programme is designed to help students research and find the best higher education institution for them, whether that be a traditional Russell Group university, or a newer institution. We aim to ensure that all students find a university and copurse that will suit their individual learning style and give them the best qualification to progress to their chosen career. Most students will go on to university after Westonbirt, sometimes after a year out to fully consider their options, and the support we offer is ongoing for those students who need more time. Westonbirt offers rigorous support in the preparation for university application to both UK universities through UCAS, and international ones for those students aiming to study abroad. Visiting speakers are an excellent source of advice. We invite university staff into school to give a first-hand account of what they hope to see in a strong application, as well as the advice and guidance offered by tutors, teachers and other subject specialists. We run a programme to offer extra advice and guidance to students applying for Oxford or Cambridge, or other competitive courses such as medicine, guiding them towards the best wider reading, work experience and enrichment activities to make them stand out from the crowd and supporting with preparation for additional tests such as UKCAT and BMAT; of course, this support and approach is available to all of our students. Putting together a competitive application for university is a challenging task and so we devote time during weekly CEIAG sessions to this. We operate a rigorous and thorough drafting and checking process to ensure that Personal Statements (a core part of the application) demonstrate students in the best possible light, guiding subject research, wider reading, and assisting with editing to produce a polished application.

In 2023, 100% of Westonbirt Sixth Form students achieved A*- B in Maths A-level

HEALTH & WELLBEING Health and Wellbeing Through tutor times and our weekly lecture programme, Sixth Form students follow an initiative designed to develop the essential skills and traits required in life beyond school. We firmly believe that education goes beyond the classroom and are dedicated to nurturing pupils to empower them in all aspects of their lives. These sessions focus on academic skills and independent learning, as well as work in the community, fundraising, self-care, current affairs and areas of cultural, political and academic interest. RSE and PHSE education is also provided at these times. Inclusion, and our engagement, in a world that is both more diverse than ever and, quite possibly, more conflicted than ever, means that students must be prepared to compete and live compassionately. We focus on developing a respect and understanding for people from ethnic minority backgrounds and LGBTQ+ communities, offering pupils a hugely varied curriculum in and out of the classroom and developing awareness of a variety of socio-political topics and movements. Mental health continues to be a pressing issue among both young people and adults, and one that is taken very seriously at Westonbirt. Our approach focuses on wellbeing, mindfulness, management of stress and exam anxiety, as well as achieving a better work-life balance and is designed to help pupils manage their own mental health. Pupils are also encouraged to use their tutors, our Chaplain and the Health and Wellbeing Centre for support and advice in these matters and all staff are deeply invested in their roles as mentors.

Spirituality Westonbirt was founded as a Church of England school and retains a spiritual approach for all students, no matter their faith or cultural background. We have a beautiful Chapel in the school grounds; boarders attend Vespers during the week and the school chapel services on Sundays. Our Christian ethos underpins our approach to school life and all our students receive support for their personal spiritual development. The school offers a true community spirit and an atmosphere in which students flourish and feel supported.

SIXTH FORM BOARDING Our priority in Sixth Form boarding is to enable young people to become more independent, whilst still contributing to school life and our community. Boarding is offered across a variety of options: full, weekly and flexi-boarding. In Year 12, boarders reside on the main school site in two boarding houses: Gloucester (Girls) and Beaufort (Boys). Each boarder benefits from a university style study-bedroom with additional communal space. In Year 13, boarders reside in a co-educational offsite boarding space, Holdford House, set within nine acres of gardens, just a few miles from Westonbirt. This offers approximately 30 ensuite bedrooms and a substantial common room. Living at Holford House provides the fantastic opportunity for students to become even more independent and prepare for university living or professional life in their final year at Westonbirt. It provides a stepping stone to adulthood, giving students more opportunity to improve their skills in managing their time, chores, study and arranging their own social lives and activities. Students have to travel by bus to the Main school and are allowed the freedom to walk into the local town for shopping and entertainment. This is complemented by a variety of dedicated Sixth Form study and communal spaces. The Sixth Form study centre supports a group approach to learning while the common room creates a space for relaxation and socialising. Sixth Formers also enjoy the privilege of a café space and a bar for occasional evening use. Sixth Form students are welcome to use the fitness suite and 25-metre swimming pool within our state-ofthe-art Leisure Centre, as well as play on our picturesque 9-hole golf course. Sixth Formers are given priority access to the Art Department in the evenings and often supervise this area for younger students. Kitchens enable students to make their own snacks while the laundry room is there for ensuring this particular skill is mastered. All areas are carefully monitored by experienced staff and students are encouraged to use each provision responsibly.

PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF THE SIXTH FORM Driving Lessons

Sixth Formers have the opportunity to learn to drive, with lessons arranged for their free periods during the school day, starting and finishing at the school.

Dress Code

Students are expected to wear a working suit from Monday to Friday and at various events. We recommend having two suits available to students during the week from Monday to Friday. Any colour top or shirt may be worn under the jacket and shoes must be smart. Here are some examples of suitable dress for Sixth Form:

Part-time jobs

Part-time jobs can help our students develop valuable employability skills such as customer service and teamwork, as well as attributes such as responsibility and accountability. There are often both volunteer and paid work experience roles available within School during weekends and holiday periods, which include lifeguarding, catering, events, grounds work and holiday camps. Part-time work outside of School is actively encouraged and careers lessons can provide support with job applications.

Professional sports commitments

Students who have professional sports commitments during the School day are also allowed to leave early.

SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIPS Westonbirt is proud to offer a range of scholarships supporting the breadth of our education and recognising excellence in these areas. Scholarships are offered for Art & Design, Drama, Music, Choral and Sport. All scholars are expected to maintain high standards within their areas of specialism and all awards are dependent upon continued effort, good work and conduct and are reviewed annually. Applications are welcome from both external and internal candidates. External candidates must register with the school prior to submitting their scholarship form. Our registration form can be completed here: http://www.westonbirt.org/admissions/registration-form Westonbirt School will be offering two major academic scholarships in Year 12 worth 50% of the tuition fees. These will be awarded to candidates who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in their academic attainment and who can demonstrate they apply themselves above and beyond their current age range in an academic area. Westonbirt also offers special awards to Sixth Form applicants from local schools. The Westonbirt Award is a discretionary all-round award given by the Headmistress and endorsed by the relevant Heads of Department to students who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in several scholarship areas. It is a special award beyond the individual scholarship awards. The Award is worth 10% of the Tuition Fees per annum for the two years of Sixth Form. If you have any questions about the scholarship and/or entry process at Westonbirt School, please contact admissions@westonbirtschool.uk +44 (0)1666 881 301

WESTONBIRT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Westonbirt Association Year 13 leavers automatically join the Westonbirt Alumni Association which has been in existence for over 90 years. The Association provides a powerful network of global contacts and the opportunity to return to School to inspire the next generation of Westonbirt leavers at careers events. The Association holds several re-union events each year, and produces an annual news publication containing members’ latest news and emails regular updates. The Year 13 Leavers’ Tea is held every May and departing students are formally welcomed into the Association and receive leaving gifts. The Association also offers the following: • The Memorial Bursary to a deserving student joining the Sixth Form from Year 11; pupils are nominated by the School in the spring, complete an application form and are interviewed. • Association Award – this is open to all Westonbirt Association members up to the age of 26, including sixth formers who may apply for a project to be undertaken after they have completed their education at Westonbirt. It is awarded to help fund an endeavour of social value for the greater good of others and to help develop the recipient’s skills for life.

Step-up to Sixth Form

Programme Timeline for internal applicants only Year

Year

May

September

November

Breakfast with Sixth Formers at Holford House.

Sixth Form open evening and subject choices information for both parents and students.

Taster day for subjects that pupils have not experienced before, followed by Candlelit Carnival evening event for Year 11s and Year 12s

March

February

Step up to Sixth Form Day- trial your KS5 subject choices.

Year 11 Parents' EveningHead of Sixth Form available for 1-1 discussions regarding course choices in KS5

December Deadline: initial subject choices for KS5 to Head of Sixth Form.

April

June

August

1-1 discussion for all students regarding their next step following GCSE results. Opportunity to reflect on subject choices.

GCSE celebration tea for all those attending Westonbirt Sixth Form.

Presentation by Head of Sixth Form to parents and students at Parents’ Evening – life at Westonbirt Sixth Form, study options and progression following Sixth Form study.

September

Welcome to Sixth Form!

GCSE Results Day Final discussions if needed on subject changes

Westonbirt School Tetbury GL8 8QG E: admissions@westonbirtschool.uk T: 01666 881301