Worth Sixth Form Prospectus by Worth School

SIXTH

“

I was astounded by the warmth with which I was met on my arrival; everyone was so friendly and welcoming, making the transition so much easier.” Georgia, Year 13

I remember the first day I came to Worth and I was charmed by the quiet beauty of the landscape, the vibrant sense of spirituality that I could feel around me and the seriousness of the courses offered.”

“

Coming to Worth I already had very high academic expectations but the extra opportunities you are given in the Sixth Form, from the lectures and academic societies to the sport and music, are vast and something I will personally be grateful for beyond my time here. If you told me last year I would be taking part in a drama production, I would never have believed you!” Peter, Year 13

Giulia, Year 13

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

INTRODUCTION At Worth we expect the two years in the Sixth Form to be not only transitional but transformational as well. We look to see academic learning rocket for our students, coupled with increased independence, leadership and responsibility. It is also a time for new experiences, new friendships and for keeping well mentally and physically. This is a heady mix, but one where Worth’s reputation for sending out high-achieving students who are well-grounded young people is invaluable. Our aim at Worth is to encourage each student to discover his or her God-given purpose in life and then to help each student in developing the skills, confidence and character needed to pursue that path. We achieve this through individual care, great teaching, opportunity and, importantly, through community. It is why we can say that Worth provides education with heart and soul. Most of Worth’s existing Year 11 students will ‘roll up’ into the Sixth Form and there is always a significant influx of students into Year 12. Currently running at a 50:50 ratio of boys to girls in the Sixth Form, Worth welcomes students from all over the world, and a growing number from state schools too. Students can choose to follow the A Level programme or the IB Diploma programme; Worth has an enviable 17-year track record with the IB and it is something we would encourage students to consider. While Worth looks at the development of the whole person, this is an academically ambitious school and we do not under-estimate the importance of qualifications. These are supremely exciting times to be joining the Sixth Form at Worth with a multimillion pound Sixth Form Centre due to open in 2022–23. The very generous gift of a former pupil, the Sixth Form Centre will offer designated work and social spaces of high quality. It all comes together with our academic and wider curriculum programme to create a genuine pre-university experience that only a co-educational, forward-thinking school can offer. I hope that you will want to come and visit us at Worth, and to find out for yourself more about the Worth difference. Stuart McPherson, MA Head Master

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

ACADEMIC “The pupils’ strong achievements in both curricular and co-curricular areas are the result of a distinctive focus on the individual.” ISI Inspection Report 2017

IB (INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE)

•G roup 3 (Individuals and Society): comprising History, Geography, Economics and Psychology. •G roup 4 (Sciences): Biology, Chemistry and Physics. •G roup 5 (Mathematics): students can study Mathematics at a range of levels according to their interests and abilities. •G roup 6 (Arts): we offer Visual Arts and other subjects that enable students to build an academic profile to suit their interests (some subjects from Groups 2,3 and 4 are also offered here).

“What I especially enjoy about the IB is the more international and out-of-the-box teaching approach, which challenges me to think on my own about how to solve a problem.” Timeo, Year 13

There is a wide choice of subjects at Worth and it is important to make an informed decision. Some points to consider:

“The A Levels I chose gave me an eclectic mix of lessons so my education never felt monotonous or repetitive; they also left me enough time to do the EPQ and keep up my extra-curricular activities.”

Enjoyment — In the Sixth Form fewer subjects are studied than at GCSE, so it is best to select those which, in the student’s view, are interesting, stimulating and engaging.

Olivia, former pupil

The quality of teaching at Worth has been rated ‘excellent’, and the School has the track record to ensure that the run-up to public examinations and university applications is properly managed. Worth Sixth Form provides students with every opportunity for academic success, with small classes that enable students to fulfil their potential and close monitoring of progress and attainment. The Sixth Form curriculum at Worth is remarkably wide. We are one of only a few independent schools to offer a choice of curricula in Years 12 and 13, allowing students to work towards the International Baccalaureate Diploma or to study for A Levels*. Both of these systems have much to recommend them. It will be a matter of individual choice which one is more suitable and students are encouraged to take advice from tutors, teachers and parents. Once a course has been chosen, it is then a matter of selecting subjects.

* There is also an option to study for a Business BTEC (see page 8)

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

Achievement — Students know their strongest subjects and it is best to play to strengths and go for subjects where there has been a good performance over the past couple of years. These will often be the subjects for which the student eventually receives the best GCSE grades, but the decision should not be based on grades alone. Where a student has proved over a period of time to be good at a particular subject and decides to pursue it in the Sixth Form, then we would advise against making a last-minute change of decision if a GCSE grade is slightly lower than hoped. Equally, it is not advised to take a subject in the Sixth Form simply because a student does unexpectedly well in it at GCSE. Requirements for particular degree courses or careers — Universities vary in their exact entrance requirements for particular courses, and so it is not possible to be prescriptive when it comes to saying what different institutions ask for. However, there clearly are some degree courses where it is a requirement (or at least highly desirable) to have studied certain subjects in the Sixth Form. Students who are thinking about a career for which specialist qualifications are likely to be needed should do some research into exactly what is required before selecting Sixth Form subjects.

Subject options currently available as part of the IB are: Visual Arts Biology Business Studies Chemistry Economics English and English Literature French Geography German History Italian Mathematics Further Mathematics Physics Psychology Spanish Philosophy

The International Baccalaureate, or IB, is a challenging and well-rounded programme of education for students aged 16 to 19. It is an internationally recognised course, followed by students around the world. Until recently in the UK it was only taught in a minority of independent schools, but is now an option in some state schools too. It is currently on offer at 190 schools across the UK. The IB course leads to a qualification called the IB Diploma, which is very well-respected by universities and is also an advantage if your child is hoping to study overseas. The IB has a reputation for being demanding but very rewarding. It offers a broader programme of study than A Levels, and encourages students to think independently, and to explore their creativity.

Please see the Subject Options booklet on the Worth School website for any updates.

In addition: • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) interweaves all the IB subjects, distinguishes between how knowledge is acquired in each area, and explores the difference between truth and belief. TOK does not have a formal IB examination, but students will undertake an oral presentation that will be internally and externally moderated as well as submitting a final TOK essay that is sent to an external examiner for marking.

The IB will aim to teach a student to: • explore what it is to learn; • ask challenging and thoughtful questions; • develop a sense of identity and culture; and • develop the ability to communicate with people from different countries and cultures.

AN IB PROGRAMME

The academic curriculum is composed of six ‘Groups’ and students study one subject from each group. Three subjects are studies at Standard Level and three at Higher Level. • Group 1 (Language A): this is the study of Literature in a student’s native language; students study a variety of genres and analyse texts in detail. • Group 2 (Language B): this is the language acquisition group where students can either choose to extend their study of an existing second language or start a completely new one.

• The Extended Essay (EE) is a required paper of 4,000 words. The EE is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery, investigations and creativity. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in research in a topic of their choice under the guidance of a supervisor. The final submission of the EE is sent to an external examiner for marking.

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

• Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) involves students in a range of experiences alongside their academic programme. CAS enables students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development by learning through experiences. It provides opportunities for self-determination and collaboration with others, fostering a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment in their work. At the same time, CAS is an important counterbalance to the academic pressure of the IB.

IB ASSESSMENT AND MARKING

IB students complete assessment tasks in school and take written exams at the end of the programme. The coursework components are at least 20% of each subject assessment. Each of the six subjects taken is marked out of seven (maximum of 42 points). Candidates can gain up to three extra points for their extended essay and the TOK elements of the IB. The Diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points out of a total of 45 points. An IB Diploma total of 24 points is worth a B and two C grades at A Level, rising to the equivalent of six A Levels at grade A for the maximum 45 points. The top UK universities usually make offers to students who achieve between 32 and 45 points.

A LEVELS Beginning in 2015, the Department for Education has pushed through big changes to A Level exams, aimed at making them more ‘fit for purpose’. In practice most of the changes have made the exams tougher. From a student’s perspective, the most challenging reform is the abolition of modular examining.

free-standing qualification and its purpose is to add a further dimension to Sixth Form study, preparing students for the kind of independent learning that they will encounter at university.

A Levels are now in the final stages of these major changes. Each A Level’s content has been revised, but the major change came with the exams, which are now all linear, meaning that all exams are now taken at the end of the course. At Worth, for these new linear qualifications, students do not take external examinations at the end of Year 12.

Our A Level programme means that subject specialisation continues to be a viable option. However, students can also choose a broader range of subjects, with considerable freedom in terms of possible combinations of subjects.

A Levels keep the same A* to E pass grades, but exams include a wider range of question types, and coursework is examined only if it is essential to assessing the subject. As a result, the vast majority of A Level subjects no longer contain an assessed coursework element. The A Level programme at Worth continues to be very popular and highly successful. We aim to offer the widest possible range of options, with over 20 subjects available. Students start Year 12 with three subjects at A Level. In January of Year 12, students have the opportunity to begin an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which is worth the equivalent of half an A Level. This is an opportunity for students to research a topic in depth and produce a 5,000-word dissertation on a subject of their choice. It is a

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

SUBJECT CHOICES

Subjects currently available are: Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Classics Computer Science Design and Technology Economics English and English Literature French Geography German History Mathematics Further Mathematics Music Music Technology Photography Physics Politics Psychology Spanish Sports Science Theatre Studies Theology, Philosophy and Ethics Please see the Subject Options booklet on the Worth School website for any updates.

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

four grade reports (three in Year 13) and two full written reports during the year. They are also invited to attend a parents’ conference and should feel free to contact teaching staff via email or by telephone to discuss any aspect of their son or daughter’s life here at Worth.

“The teachers are inspiring and always very encouraging.”

At Worth, assessment takes several forms:

Parent of Sixth Form student, Summer 2019

BTEC NATIONAL

A BTEC in Business is available subject to demand. BTEC Nationals are Level 3 qualifications designed to provide specialist work-related qualifications in a range of vocational sectors. The course has the UCAS points equivalent to two A Levels and would typically be studied in conjunction with one other A Level subject.

ENRICHMENT

Every fortnight all Sixth Formers attend Worth’s Headway Lectures, during which notable guest speakers from a diversity of backgrounds inspire students with thoughts for future study, work and volunteering. In addition, the Academic Prefects in Year 13 organise talks for other Academic Scholars and interested students.

• Diagnostic — the focus is on what a student can or cannot do, identifying specific learning strengths and areas for development. • Formative — what a student needs to do next, and engaging students in their educational development through target setting and self-assessment. • Summative — a summary of a student’s progress so far, celebrating and acknowledging achievement, progress and effort. Worth also has a system of Attitude to Learning Awards to monitor effort and to encourage students to work hard and achieve their academic potential. A quartile tracker, based on measured ability, is used to monitor attainment. Academic needs and performance are monitored via the carefully structured tutor system.

“A great emphasis is placed on the individual journey that pupils travel through the School.”

HOMEWORK

There is no way round it — academic success at Sixth Form level requires consistent application and hard work. Students are encouraged to make the best use possible of the monitored study periods during the working day, and coaching on organising priorities and revision timetables is available. A Level candidates can expect seven hours, and IB candidates three to four hours, of set work for each subject every week. Worth uses Show My Homework, an online homework diary showing homework information, deadlines and attachments for students and parents.

ACADEMIC REPORTING

Regular student progress meetings encourage tutors and teachers to share information about student performance, and regular academic reporting enable tutors, parents and students to monitor students’ standards. Parents receive

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

ISI Inspection 2017

TUTORING

resources. There is a large study area and a dedicated IT suite. The library holds over 15,000 print books, both for recreational reading and to support academic studies. The library also subscribes to an extensive suite of e-books, Worth eResources provide access to a wealth of online material and the online library catalogue will help students find resources, get recommendations for what to read next, reserve items, create a wish list and much more.

A tutor will be both counsellor and advisor, someone who challenges, the friendly face of authority, a mentor, a negotiator and an advocate for their tutee with other members of staff. It is part of the role of a tutor to monitor a student’s academic and social progress, their preps, their co-curricular involvement and to set ambitious but realistic targets. The tutors at Worth are responsible to their Housemaster or Housemistress, attending regular team meetings and also maintaining regular contact with the Head of Sixth Form and the IB Coordinator.

SMSC

There are timetabled meetings twice a week between students and tutors, and frequent contact between tutors and parents. In Years 12 and 13 tutors are appointed to allow students close access to someone with expert knowledge in their field of interest as university applications come into view. Students will also discuss other matters of mutual interest or elements of the pastoral curriculum with their tutor.

LEARNING RESOURCES

All students have free access to the main school library from 8.00am to 8.00pm. The spacious library is staffed by a librarian and a library assistant who are always on hand to help students access a wide range of print and online

The SMSC sessions are a regular feature of all student timetables and cover the following topics: • Spiritual – beliefs, perspective on life, respect for different people’s feelings and values. • Moral – recognising the difference between right and wrong, moral and ethical issues. • Social – cooperation, resolving conflicts effectively. • Cultural – cultural influences, respect for and celebration of cultural diversity.

LEARNING SUPPORT

Students in the Sixth Form who are referred to the Learning Support department will follow a programme designed to help with study skills and organisation.

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

HIGHER EDUCATION APPLICATIONS Students should approach the Director of Careers and Higher Education for specialist guidance with the various requirements of each application.

“I feel something verging on parental pride when I learn about the successes and achievements of our leavers. It is a real privilege to work with such talented and interesting young people who carry with them, wherever they go, something of the Worth spirit.”

LEAVERS’ APPLICATIONS

Former students are welcomed back every year to submit post-qualification applications. We ask that students contact the Director of Careers and Higher Education in the September of the year before entry to university to plan the application.

Ms Amanda Brookfield, Director of Careers and Higher Education

The majority of our students apply for university, in the UK or abroad. Students are supported by staff as they identify their future professional pathways and prepare their applications to university. There is a programme of preparation throughout the two years of Sixth Form that is designed to help students to research universities and courses, and to craft compelling applications that demonstrate their suitability for their chosen course. Students are encouraged to be ambitious in their choices of competitive universities and courses.

UK APPLICATIONS

Most of our students apply to university in the UK, using the UCAS platform to apply to a maximum of five universities. Applicants to Oxford or Cambridge receive additional academic preparation to meet the rigours of the selection process. Prospective applicants for Medicine/Medicine-related courses are supported by a nominated teacher during their Sixth Form careers to prepare for UKCAT and/or BMAT, interviews and the early deadline application.

APPLICATIONS OUTSIDE THE UK

We also support students who wish to apply to universities in the USA. Some applications are made through the Common App platform, others directly to the institution itself. Every year students also apply to top institutions in Europe, China and Australia. Each country has its own framework of applications and many higher education institutions have their own procedures.

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

“The school successfully fulfils its aims… enabling the pupils to find personal strength, success and contentment whilst on their educational and spiritual journeys.”

TOP UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS

Both the IB and A Levels are recognised as superb qualifications for entry to universities all over the world. Every year, our students gain university places at home and abroad, among them Oxford and Cambridge and the other Russell Group universities in the UK, Ivy League universities in the US and top institutions in Europe. The range of subjects studied at university by Worth School leavers is staggering and in the last three years has included the subjects below:

MUSIC ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MUSIC ILLUSTRATION AND ANIMATIONS TECHNOLOGY CHEMISTRY NEUROSCIENCE AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING THEOLOGY SOCIOLOGY PHILOSOPHY BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT MECHANICAL APPLIED SOFTWARE ENGINEERING ENGINEERING CIVIL ENGINEERING NATURAL SCIENCES ECONOMICS PHYSICS WITH ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING ASTROPHYSICS LINGUISTICS PHYSIOTHERAPY ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COMPUTER SCIENCE FASHION PSYCHOLOGY FILM ARCHAEOLOGY FINE ART REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT GEOGRAPHY BIOLOGY, BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCES HISTORY ARCHITECTURE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS POLITICS, PHILOSOPHY AND ECONOMICS LAW AEROSPACE ENGINEERING MODERN LANGUAGES PHARMACY MATHEMATICS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FRENCH ENGLISH OPTOMETRY ZOOLOGY LINGUISTICS MIDWIFERY CLASSICS VETERINARY SCIENCE MEDICINE GRAPHIC DESIGN

ISI Inspection Report 2017

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

SUPPORT FOR LIFE AFTER WORTH CAREER GUIDANCE

The aim of Worth’s career guidance programme in the Sixth Form is to offer young people the broadest possible view of the perspectives beyond Worth. Guidance is very much tailored to the needs of the individual, to help each and every student to make ambitious and exciting choices. The Careers team organises speakers and events designed to put students in touch with the world of work and higher education. Work placements can be arranged through our contacts with the Worth Society (see right) and students are encouraged to attend careers events, each with a specific career focus, and the Apprenticeships Fair in the Lent Term of Year 12. Our Careers Fair brings together a range of professionals who talk to small groups of Year 12 students about their field of experience and expertise. Although university is usually the most obvious next destination for Worth students, the Careers team keep up-to-date with all that is on offer in terms of apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and school leaver schemes with top companies. There are some prestigious and highly competitive options available.

THE WORTH SOCIETY

Worth has a thriving alumni association that keeps Worthians in touch with each other and the School. There is a lively programme of events and reunions in the UK and around the world, including dinners, sports events and the popular London Carol Service in December. The Society also offers invaluable careers support whereby students can seek out advice, mentoring and work experience at home and abroad. The Society’s annual magazine ‘The Blue Paper’ is an excellent publication.

WORTH CONNECTED

Parents, former students and former parents are able to join ‘Worth Connecting’ — the Worth community’s online networking platform that keeps everyone upto-date with news, events, sporting and other clubs. It is also an easy way to search for contacts in specific industries, countries or companies, to find a mentor or to grow business and social connections.

“I am so grateful to Worth Society for my work experience and for consistently doing the most to ensure recent Worth graduates find suitable work experience and internships to help them on their professional journey. We really are lucky to have it.” Frances, former student

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

“

The pupils’ strong achievements in both curricular and co-curricular areas are the result of a distinctive focus on the individual.” ISI Inspection Report 2017

THE WIDER CURRICULUM The Sixth Form is a time to take full advantage of what the Wider Curriculum at Worth has to offer. Worth sees opportunities outside the classroom as an essential part of the learning experience, and the counter-balance these activities provide to the increasing emphasis on academic work is important in overall well-being.

Current options include: Ancient Greek Animal Welfare at Raystede Centre Astronomy Badminton Biology Society Broadening Chemical Horizons Camerata Strings Charity Shops Chemistry Society Chess Clay Target Shooting Climbing Community Gardening Conservation Club Cookery Creative Writing Cricket Debating Economics Book Club Electronics Faith and Art Film Club Fire Club

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

There is a huge list of activities to choose from that run for one period every Tuesday and Thursday and for a double period on Wednesday. Year 12 students choose an activity for all of these; each has an emphasis on a physical activity, developing a skill or community service.

Forest School French Debating Club Girls’ Rugby Golf Gravity Kart Design Helping at Local Primary School Horse Riding Identity Magazine Inspire Theatre Company Japanese Film and Culture Club Knowing Me/Knowing You Life Drawing Maths Challenge Model United Nations Mountain Biking Music Technology Oxbridge Economics Oxbridge English Oxbridge History Oxbridge Geography Oxbridge Languages Oxbridge Maths Oxbridge Music

Oxbridge Preparation Photography Sketchbook Club Physics Society Poetry Society Politics Society Refugee Assistance Sailing Sculpture Club Senior Football Senior Drama Spanish Film Club Squash Strength and Conditioning Survival Club Swimming Tennis Academy Tycoon Enterprise Visiting Avon Care Home Warhammer Youth Academy (Chaplaincy) Young Medics

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

Worth School is a centre for excellence for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and a high proportion of students will participate in the Award, although many will finish their gold Award in the months after leaving Worth.

SERVICE

With their increasing maturity, students are expected to become more active in their service to others, be that fetching bread from the refectory for break-time toast or visiting a local care home or setting up eco initiatives in the House or School. There is space and opportunity within the Wider Curriculum to be involved in such activities.

TRIPS

Sixth Form pupils enjoy many educational day trips during term time, ranging from fieldwork to museums and gallery visits, attendance at academic lectures, concerts, theatres and educational centres. There are also opportunities to take part in subject-relevant trips abroad (such as to see the large Hadron Collider at CERN), expeditions (most recently to Peru, Uganda and Borneo) and pilgrimages such as being an volunteer with a group going to Lourdes – and not forgetting the annual skiing trip at the end of the Autumn Term.

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

PERFORMING ARTS DRAMA

Every year students in Years 12 and 13 have the opportunity to perform in their own drama production, performed in the purpose-built 250-seat professional theatre. In addition, our Sixth Formers have the opportunity to act alongside the rest of the student cohort in other productions throughout the year, including the annual musical. The productions are of an exceptionally high standard and have received rave reviews because of the quality of performance from the students. Worth has its own theatre company called Inspire which is made up of all of the Drama Scholars from Years 7 to 13. This is an excellent opportunity for the Drama Scholars to develop their skills outside of the classroom and take their love of drama to the next level, including extra performances as part of the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outreach programme.

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

MUSIC

The core philosophy of the Music department is the balance of inclusion with excellence, and there is a commitment to create a lifelong love of music for every student whether it is being studied as an academic subject or not. Individual music lessons are available, taught by an experienced and dedicated team of over 20 visiting music teachers covering all major instruments from violin and piano to bassoon and jazz guitar. Students can choose to take ABRSM (Royal School of Music) and Trinity examinations; results are excellent. Singing is important at Worth and the school community comes together weekly to sing congregationally in services in the inspiring surroundings of the Abbey Church led by one of our many choirs. A hallmark of the main choir, the Worth Schola Cantorum, is that is open to all pupils of all ages without a requirement to audition. Our choirs regularly lead Sunday services in the Abbey Church, and annually at cathedrals both in the UK and abroad. The Gospel Choir provides an exciting and popular opportunity for pupils to sing a cappella in jazz, pop and contemporary styles. For advanced singers, the Chamber Choir tackles challenging repertoire from Renaissance polyphony through to the work of leading contemporary composers such as Sir James Macmillan. The Choral Society is open to the entire Worth community and draws in singers from the surrounding area too, and tackles large-scale works such Mozart’s ‘Vespers’ and Haydn’s ‘Nelson Mass’. Worth musicians are regularly members of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and singers are supported by an outstanding group of visiting singing teachers including a current member of The Sixteen. Each year the Music department adapts the instrumental and vocal groups that are on offer to take into account the strengths and interests of students. Orchestral musicians at whatever age can play in the thriving over 50-strong Symphony Orchestra which includes a good number of students at Grade 8 standard or beyond. There are also many groups which focus on particular instrumental disciplines (such as Camerata, our string orchestra) and a wealth of chamber groups (from brass to clarinet, saxophone and string groups). The department also runs a strong Jazz Band and Concert Band which perform regularly. Finally, no description of music at Worth would be complete without a mention of the flourishing scene for student-led groups and our budding singer/songwriters who make the most of Worth’s facilities. This talent is coached by the Music department and is showcased at various event such as Live Lounge, Battle of the Bands and House Music. Departmental facilities include a suite of practice rooms, a recording studio with soundproofed live room, the Coleburt Room which is department’s main rehearsal space and subject-specific classrooms including a Mac suite. Kawai and Yamaha grand pianos are located in the Coleburt Room and Whitehead Room.

“

Whether your musical interest is in the music of Thomas Tallis or the Arctic Monkeys, there really is something for everyone at Worth.” Eli, Year 13

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

“

The coaching is of a high standard with all my coaches having highlevel experience. They all work hard to improve us individually whilst maintaining that team spirit.”

SPORT Worth has long had a reputation for sporting excellence, with current students achieving representative regional and international honours, as well as some going on to Junior World Championship and European, Commonwealth and Olympic medals. Students have free access to all the facilities of the School and also access to the very best of the coaching available. Worth’s leading coaches have also played at the highest level professionally and won international honours. All students take part in the formal timetabled sports programme; enthusiastic games players, and those who represent the School in sports teams, will generally train more frequently than this. The core team sports at Worth for boys are cricket, football, hockey, tennis, rugby union and athletics and for the girls are hockey, lacrosse, netball, tennis, football and athletics. Badminton, basketball, cross country, fencing, girls’ cricket, golf, squash and swimming are also offered. There is a high-level coaching programme for the Performance Golf Squad who can benefit from professional coaching four times a week, 35 weeks a year at the Tilgate Forest Golf Centre. Whilst there is a strong focus on the core team sports during the main games sessions, there are opportunities to access a broader curriculum through PE and the co-curricular programme. Set in 500 acres of beautiful countryside, Worth is blessed with excellent facilities, including 11 rugby/ football pitches, four cricket wickets, a floodlit Astropitch and a golf course. The Sports Hall, squash courts, fencing salle, hard court area, multi-gym and cardiovascular suite provide additional facilities, and there are exciting plans for further development in the future.

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

Claudie, Year 12

“Pupils achieve significantly at regional and national level in sports and the arts, both collectively and in individual pursuits. New options, such as lacrosse and girls’ cricket, have enriched the programme.” ISI Inspection Report 2017 Strong affiliations and links with local sports clubs provide even greater opportunities for our pupils, including use of 3G playing surfaces, artificial athletics tracks and an Olympic-sized swimming pool at the nearby state-of-the-art sports centre.

TALENTED ATHLETE SUPPORT PROGRAMME (TASP)

The Talented Athlete Support Programme is designed to offer the essential support a committed and ambitious sportsperson requires to help achieve their goals in their chosen sport(s) whilst they are at Worth. These students may be Sports Scholars but the programme is open to all athletes who aspire towards high performance levels. TASP encompasses all elements of training and performance as well as academic and pastoral support. Elements of TASP include: one-to-one small group coaching with top coaches, access to video analysis and performance monitoring, strength and conditioning, nutritional advice and performance monitoring, and access to top quality competition through fixtures, pathway programmes and club links.

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

WELL-BEING “The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent. Pupils are mature and many exhibit a strong capacity for self-evaluation, understanding how their decisionmaking affects their success at school and their personal futures. Pupils’ courteous and caring behaviour towards others, and their sensitive spiritual awareness of the world around them, reflect well their appreciation of the ethos of the Benedictine community.” ISI Inspection Report 2017

Worth is widely known for the quality of its outstanding pastoral care which is founded in respect for the dignity of each student. We accompany Sixth Formers through vital stages into young adulthood with as much attention to character as to academics to ensure that they are ready to be successful in a changing world. Our students develop resilience that is centred on living well in community and reaching out to others. Our House system provides a smaller group within the School for students to find home. It enables students to be well known within their House, by House staff and other students, and encouraged to develop into their best self.

HOUSE STRUCTURE

Each student belongs to one of nine Houses, each of which has students from Years 9 to 13 (see below). House type

There is also a mixed House for pupils in Years 7 and 8 called Austin, making 10 Houses in all. It is in the safety and structure of the House that students quickly find their identity and build some of their strongest friendships. Every House has a Housemaster/ Housemistress, matron, other House staff, a team of tutors and also Chaplaincy support. While Sixth Formers benefit from being with other pupils from Year 9 upwards, they also have their own study areas and common room in the House as befits their greater study needs. However, the House remains a place with a sense of family and fun. The opportunities for socialising, play, inter-House competitions, charity fundraising and events with parents — the latter mostly organised by the very active parent’s association, the Friends of Worth — ensure that students have every chance to be part of a happy and close community.

House name

Girls’ Boarding St Mary’s Girls’ Day St Anne’s St Catherine’s Boys’ Boarding Butler Gervase Rutherford St Bede’s Boys’ Day Chapman Farwell

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

“The ethos is very inclusive and the children accept it as part of the School…a blend of confidence and humility without the public school swagger.” Good Schools Guide, 2017

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

SOCIAL

There are also House Prefects appointed to serve during their Year 12. Depending on the House, these will include Charity, Social Events, Music, Sport and Peer Mentors.

FAITH

Worth has its roots in the Catholic Benedictine tradition. Although the Rule of St Benedict was written some 1,500 years ago, its wisdom remains a clear and practical guide for modern life. Whilst the majority of students at Worth are Catholic, many are not, and Worth is proud of its ecumenical support and understanding of other faiths, or none. The work of the Chaplaincy is to offer pastoral support, and to be responsible for school liturgies and the spiritual formation of the students. The Forerunners are a team of youth ministers who work in collaboration with the monastic community and the Chaplains in the School. This means meeting with students and enabling them to engage with their spiritual journey should they want to.

THE PITSTOP

At the base of the Clock Tower is a light, bright, sociable space known as the Pitstop with comfortable seating, tables and a large TV screen. There is a café that serves drinks at break times and soup-and-sandwich lunches with a sophistication in sandwiches more suited to Sixth Form tastes. At all other times during the day the Pitstop is set aside solely for use by Sixth Form students who use it as an area for coffee and conversation or as an alternative setting to catch up on some reading.

EQUALITY AND RESPECT

Worth offers a genuinely co-educational experience with a current 50:50 ratio of girls to boys in the Sixth Form. In the classroom, on the stage, on the sports pitch, in the community and in the Houses we seek to give all students

“As a girl at Worth, I have found the leadership of female role models to be very important. I was inspired by previous Head Girls to make a meaningful and empowering impact.” Ellen, Year 13

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

equal opportunity for service and leadership. Each year the Head Master appoints a Head Girl and a Head Boy and other Prefect roles are appointed across genders. In the words of Richard Phillips, Head of Sixth Form: “Many studies have shown that boys and girls working together creates a balance which encourages self-esteem, promotes a positive self-image, develops social skills and prepares our students for the diverse world of undergraduate study at university as well as the workplace beyond.”

LEADERSHIP

By the Sixth Form Worth is expecting students to take on greater responsibility within the Houses and School generally, and to be excellent role models for the younger girls or boys. Year 12 students are invited in the Lent Term to apply to the Head Master for a position as a School Prefect for their final year. Applications from Year 12 students are also encouraged for the position of Head of House, which will be decided by the relevant Housemaster/Housemistress. These Sixth Form Prefect roles are awarded on more than academic aptitude; all attributes such as integrity, leadership, commitment, discipline and involvement in the wider life of the School are considered.

By the time students enter the Sixth Form, many will have clear ideas about their religious beliefs and how they wish to express these. For some there is a deepening of faith that will take them into leadership and mentoring roles with peers and younger pupils. For others this will not be the case. However, all students are expected to respect the Benedictine values that underpin community life in the School and to be present for events such as Wednesday Worship when all the student body and staff come together in the Abbey Church at the end of the day. The local Anglican priest is also present to distribute communion to our Anglican pupils and staff when Mass is celebrated, but there is no obligation to take communion. Regardless of religious commitment, students repeatedly tell us how much they value the time spent in the Abbey Church. As well as being the hub for collective worship, the Abbey Church offers space and time for quiet reflection or prayer. In a busy world, there is an opportunity to take a step out of the pressures of daily life and be at peace. There is nothing quite like experiencing silence in community.

“Relationships between pupils of different ethnic and religious backgrounds are exemplary.” ISI Inspection Report 2017

Of course there is an amazing black-tie Leavers’ Ball at the end of Year 13, but do you have to wait a full two years to have some fun? Definitely not! The Houses run lots of events for students and there are plenty of social opportunities around major events in the calendar such as Christmas and, being Worth, for St Benedict’s Day. Societies and clubs organise their own get-togethers and Friends of Worth, the parents’ assocation, are very active on the social front with many of their events being jointly organised for parents and students together. Sixth Form students are likely to find themselves involved in organising events for their peers and for the younger years as well as attending them.

DIETARY NEEDS AND PREFERENCES

The School provides an excellent choice of nutritious meals and our Catering team is experienced in providing great food for all sorts of needs from gluten-free to PKU. Vegetarian and vegan options are considered part of the mainstream menu. There are regular opportunities for students to provide feedback on the food and also to make suggestions on what they would like to see on the menu.

MEDICAL

Worth has a superb team of nurses in the Medical Centre (located next to School Reception) who are experienced in helping students with medication regimes. The Medical Centre itself is well equipped and there is a qualified nurse on duty 24 hours a day during term time. Surgeries are held five times a day for routine treatment but if students are unwell, suffer an injury or need to talk, they are encouraged to visit the nurses at any time.

SOMEONE TO TALK TO

When students encounter problems, they usually consult teachers, their tutor or their House staff. There is also a strong Chaplaincy team, all of whom are there to listen and offer advice if appropriate. Further support is offered by the medical staff. Should there come a time when a student would like to speak to someone who is not part of the School establishment, the expertise of the School Counsellor is available. The Counsellor is a psychotherapist who runs a walkin service for students; referrals can be made by the House staff, or students may contact the School Counsellor directly.

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

ENTRY AT YEAR 12 (16+) The School may, at the Head Master’s discretion, make entry to the Sixth Form conditional upon the results of GCSE/ IGCSE examinations. Normally, students entering the Sixth Form will have at least six GCSE Grades of 6 or above. For families already at Worth, we will be talking about all of this well in advance with parents and students to ensure that there is a clear understanding and a plan for Sixth Form studies.

Visiting Worth

All families who are considering Worth are encouraged to visit for an Open Day and/or for a private visit.

COMMUNICATION WITH HOME Worth gives each student his or her own email account and students are expected to be able to manage their inbox efficiently. Parents will also receive some emails directly from the School Office in addition to communication via the Housemaster/ Housemistress, the tutor and the termly reporting mechanisms. In addition, there is a wealth of information on the Parent Portal and our website, as well as a fortnightly e-newsletter from the Head Master (‘Worth Noting’), a twice-yearly magazine (‘Worth Knowing’) and the annual online ‘Worth Record’. The School is active on social media with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts that are regularly updated. You should also expect to hear from your Friends of Worth representative. Whenever you wish to contact the School, the relevant numbers and emails can be found on the website and in the Student House Handbook on the Parent Portal. If in doubt, our reception staff are always happy to help.

Registration

Assessments

Offers & Acceptance

Joining

Registration is an expression of interest. It is recommended that registrations take place as early as possible before the admissions lists are closed.

Registered candidates are invited to attend a Senior Assessment Day in the Autumn (10 months prior) of their year of entry. The assessment day will consist of academic assessment tests and formal interviews. References and reports from the candidate’s current school are also requested; these form a key component of the assessments.*

Following an offer parents are asked to pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm the acceptance of their child’s place.

Successful candidates start their Worth career in September.

* Admissions for overseas candidates not able to attend an assessment at Worth will normally be via separate assessment tests held in their own countries, plus an interview with the Director of Admissions either via Skype or at Worth. Please check the Worth School website for the relevant closing dates and fees.

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

A GREAT LOCATION Worth School enjoys a stunning location on a ridge of the High Weald with sweeping views towards the South Downs. Students benefit from a quiet country location in which to learn, but it is also a very practical location in terms of being easily accessible by road, rail and air. All the culture of London and the natural wonders of the South Coast are within easy reach. A minibus service is available for day students and is adjusted each year to reflect the needs of families; current routes and costs can be found on the website.

FIND OUT MORE We hope that you will decide to visit Worth, either for a private visit or for an Open Day. There is more information on the School website www.worthschool.org.uk or please contact the Admissions Department on 01342 710255/206 or email admissions@worth.org.uk.

Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus

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education with heart

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JUNIOR

MIDDLE

Worth School, Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4SD 01342 710200 admissions@worth.org.uk www.worthschool.org.uk Charity number: 1093914 Company registration number: 4476558 Worth School Sixth Form Prospectus