SHSG Sixth Form Student Handbook
2016-2017
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
Table of Contents
1. Welcome .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Sixth Form Team ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Key people ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Form tutors ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Timings ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Sixth Form two year overview ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Calendar Overview....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
School day ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Registration activities ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
4. Learning ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Student/school contract – planner ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Study periods ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Study areas ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Monitoring progress – planner ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Supervised study ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Mock examinations ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Progression .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Part time employment ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Bursary funding.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Changing course ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
5. Behaviour ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Uniform – planner ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Mobile phone usage .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Social media ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
6. Attendance and punctuality .................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Attendance ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Absence.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
Illness ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Medical appointments........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
University open days, apprenticeship or careers events and interviews – planner............................................................................................................................................... 14
Extra curricular activities organised in the school day ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Work shadowing................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Driving test .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Other authorised absences ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Holidays during term time ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Unauthorised absence ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Lateness ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
7. Communication ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Planner ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Email ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
8. Sixth form opportunities ......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Sixth Form Prefect Team ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Senior Prefect Team ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Captainships ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Clubs and Societies.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Volunteering – planner ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
EPQ .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
General Studies ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Careers Advice – Miss Grassham......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
9. Sixth form privileges ............................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Year 12 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Year 13 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Removal of privileges............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
1. Welcome
Welcome to SHSG Sixth Form! You have made a fantastic choice to study your A levels with us. Our
students consistently achieve excellent AS and A2 results allowing them to progress onto University,
apprenticeships or jobs. With your hard work and determination and the outstanding teaching and
support, you will have these opportunities opened to you after your two years of study.
You have many opportunities available to you during your time with us. From the teaching and
support, to the careers advice, to the extra curricular activities and trips. Please take advantage of all
that SHSG has to offer.
2. Sixth Form Team
We have a fantastic team in our Sixth Form who work together to ensure your successful progression through your A-level studies. If
you have a query or idea, your first port of call will be your subject teacher, if academic, or your form tutor, if pastoral. They may pass
your query or idea onto another member of staff if they feel they will be in a better position to support you. You are welcome to speak to
your Learning Manager or Director of Sixth Form if you feel you need to.
Key people
Role
Person
Email
Office
Director of Sixth Form
Miss H Riebold
[email protected]
First floor of Sixth
After form tutor, go to person for year
Form block
13 students.
Learning Manager year 13
After form tutor and Ms Marcel, go to
person for year 12.
Assistant Director of Sixth Form Ms H Marcel
[email protected]
Learning Manager year 12
Sixth Form Administrator
Careers Advisor
Mrs S Foster
[email protected]
Ground floor of Sixth
After form tutor, go to person for year
Form block
12.
Ground floor of Sixth
Collection of forms for absence, hand
Form block
medical notes in.
Miss H Grassham [email protected] First floor of Sixth
Form block
Appointments can be made with Miss
Grassham in the summer term of year
12 and autumn term of year 13.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
Form tutors
Year 12
Form room
Year 13
Form room
12MAH Mr Highmore
MH7
13ALS Mr Shipton
4
12LMS Ms Servis
MH5
13CHAMrs Hathaway
12
12KWS Ms Wimsett
MH4
13KMI Ms Midwinter
Media Studio
12JSH Mr Sherman
MH2
13PJS Mr Smith
8
12CSP Mrs Spilstead
MH6
13LBR Mrs Brown
IT1
12KHA Ms Haywood
MH11
13JIM Ms Mckeown
IT2
12MMA Miss Ma
MH8
13RAP Miss Bates/Miss D’Auria
M4
Associate tutors
Mrs Hill
Mrs Imbush
Ms Meacham
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
3. Timings
Sixth Form two year overview
Year group
Current
year12
Current year
13
When
Sept-Jan
Activity
Teaching of A level courses.
Time
18 weeks
January
Mock examinations.
1 week
February
Re-mock examinations.
January-April
Teaching of A-level courses.
14 weeks
May
Study leave and examinations
June-July
Teaching of A level courses.
4-5 weeks
inc. half
term
6 weeks
July-August
Summer break.
6 weeks
Sept-Nov
Teaching of A level courses
18 weeks
November
Mock examinations
1 week
January
Re-mock examinations.
Nov-May
Teaching of A level courses.
Revision for examinations.
25 weeks
May-June
Study leave and examinations.
4 weeks
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
Calendar Overview
Autumn term
Thursday 1 September 2016 – Wednesday 21 December 2016
(Half Term 24 October – 28 October)
Christmas Holiday 22 December – 4 January
Spring term
Thursday 5 January 2017 – Friday 31 March 2017
(Half Term 13 February – 17 February)
Easter Holiday 3 April – 17 April
Summer term
Tuesday 18 April 2017 – Friday 21 July 2017
(Half Term 29 May – 2 June)
INSET days
Thursday 1 September 2016
Monday 3 October 2016
Wednesday 1 February 2017
Tuesday 18 April 2017
Thursday 6 July 2017
Key dates
School birthday
Sixth Form Open Evening
2016
Year 12 Insight into Post 18 Options
A level results day
Examinations
Year 12 Mock Examinations
Year 13 Mock Examinations
Friday 21st October 2016
Wednesday 2nd November
Friday 30th June 2017
Thursday 17th August 2017
w/b Monday 9th January
w/b Monday 28th November
Parents evenings
Year 12 Parents: Welcome to A levels
Tuesday 6th September 2016
Year 13 Parents: Oxbridge and Early Entry Information Evening
Thursday 15th September 2016
Year 13 Parents’ Evening
Tuesday 17th January 2017
Year 12 Parents’ Evening
Thursday 2nd February 2017
Year 12 UCAS and Finance Information Evening
Tuesday 13th June 2017
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
School day
Time
Activity
8.35am
Registration.
Students arriving to their form room later than 8.40am will be marked as late.
9am-10am
Period 1.
10am-11am
Period 2.
11am-11.20am
Break.
You can bring your own snacks or purchase food from our canteen.
You can eat food in the canteen, the Sixth Form block or outside. You must clear up
after yourself!
11.20am-12.20pm
Period 3.
12.20pm-12.30pm
Year 13 only – registration. Students must wait for their form tutor until 12.30. If
the form tutor has not arrived at 12.30, a paper register must be completed and
taken to Mrs Foster.
12.30pm-1.30pm
Year 13 only – lunch.
12.20pm-1.20pm
Year 12 only – lunch.
1.20pm-1.30pm
Year 12 only – registration. Students arriving to their form room later than 1.20pm
will be marked as late.
1.30pm-2.30pm
Period 4
2.30pm-3.30pm
Period 5.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
Registration activities
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Form activity.
Staff meeting.
Prefects in lower
school forms.
General
Studies
assembly.
Discussion of
previous
assembly.
Whole Sixth
Form
assembly.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
4. Learning
Student/school contract – planner
Page 4 of your planner details the expectations you can have of the school and the expectations the school has of you. You and your
parent / guardian need to read and sign this.
Study periods
For every hour of lessons you have in school, it is expected you complete at least an hour of independent study. Each subject has nine
contact hours with your teacher every two weeks, so the expectation is a total of 18 hours of study per subject. Students studying 4
subjects are expected to complete 72 hours of study every two weeks. Students studying 5 subjects are expected to complete 90 hours of
study every two weeks. You have 50 hours allocated during school time every two weeks, leaving a minimum of 22 or 40 hours to be
completed independently. We recommend you make use of your study periods in school to do this.
What can you do in your study periods and at home?
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Complete set homework tasks.
Organise and file your notes.
Complete some follow up reading.
Add additional information to your notes from your follow up reading.
Use your teachers’ feedback to complete corrections.
Cross reference the subject specification against the work you have covered.
Prepare for the next lesson by reading ahead.
Follow debates in your subject through newspapers, television, social media and academic websites.
Watch documentaries that are relevant to your subjects.
Learn key facts, definitions, formula, quotes and spellings.
Create a glossary of key terms.
Start creating revision resources when a topic has been completed.
Complete past paper questions.
Use mark schemes and examiners reports to develop examination technique.
Organise group tutorials with your peers to do any of the above – be strict, don’t allow yourselves to become distracted!
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
Study areas
There are a number of areas you can go to study during non-contact lessons. Initially you will be able to choose where to spend you
study periods. However, if we feel you need support in managing your time, you will be directed to supervised study.
The areas available for study are:
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The Library
o Sixth Form students are able to use the library most of the time. As well as the usual books and newspapers, there are also
computer and tablet facilities available. This is a silent study area and you will be asked to leave if you are
disruptive.
o The library staff, headed up by Ms Wakeman, are excellent, having a good overview of the courses you study and the
relevant text books you will need. They will do everything they can to assist you.
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The canteen
o Sixth Form students are able to use the canteen during lesson time. You are able to purchase snacks to fuel your study.
You are not required to be silent if you study here. You must tidy up after yourself before you leave.
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MH3
o MH3 is a silent study area and has access to computers.
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Spare teaching rooms
o If you have been unable to find a space in which you can work, you are permitted to use a spare teaching room. However,
it is expected you will work quietly in any teaching room as it is likely lessons will be taking place in the vicinity. You must
tidy up after yourself before you leave.
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Common room
o The common room is a space for you to take a more relaxed approach to your study, where you can have discussions with
your peers. You have access to a kitchen area. You must tidy up after yourself before you leave. This space is for the use
of all Sixth Form students. Failure to keep it tidy will result in loss of use of this space.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
Monitoring progress – planner
Your subject teachers will continually monitor your progress through classwork, homework and assessments. They use this to provide
Termly Assessment grades, TA grades. After each TA grade you will meet with your tutor to discuss your progress and targets for
improvement in each subject. You need to complete the appropriate section from pages 12-17 of your planner before the discussion
with your tutor. The TA grades along with the discussions with your form tutor will inform the decision made by your Learning Manager
as to whether you need to be directed to supervised study to support your learning.
Supervised study
We want to ensure you have every opportunity for success. If your subject teachers have concerns regarding your progress, they can
direct you to supervised study that is organised within departments. This can happen at any point during your study.
After each termly assessment, your Learning Manager will check your current grades against your target grades. If your learning
manager is concerned about your progress some of your study periods will be directed to supervised study. You will remain in
supervised study until there is an improvement in your achievement.
Mock examinations
Year 12 and Year 13 students will take mock examinations. You should take these examinations seriously and should plan to carry out
structured revision. If you achieve an E or a U for your mock examination you will be given support from your subject teachers and / or the
Sixth Form team and then required to take a second mock examination. If you show little progression in the second mock examination we may
request you drop that particular subject (subject to predicted grades) and use the gained time to focus on your remaining 3 subjects.
You must maintain a minimum of 3 subjects (plus General Studies), so if you were asked to drop more than one subject, it would bring your
place in Sixth Form into question.
Year 12 students take mock examinations in all subjects, except general studies in the week beginning 9 th January 2017.
Year 13 students take mock examinations in all subjects, except general studies, in the week beginning 28th November 2016 .
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
Progression
In order to progress from year 12 to year 13, you must achieve a D or above in at least 3 A level subjects, not including General Studies. If
you fail to achieve this you may be able to repeat year 12 with a different selection of subjects. Students who achieve the required
grades to progress into year 13 will not be given the opportunity to repeat year 12.
Part time employment
Having a part time job is good experience, and is a valuable activity. Please remember, however, that this is an addition to your studies,
and your school work must come first.
We suggest that students do not undertake more than 5 hours of paid employment per week so as not to interfere with their studies.
Bursary funding
Most students have part time jobs in order to have some ‘spending money’ for a social life. If you find that you are working to support
yourself with your education (to pay for travel, buy textbooks, etc) you may well qualify for financial assistance through the bursary
fund. Please speak in confidence to the Sixth Form Administrator about the school bursary.
Changing course
If you find you wish to change your subject choices, we will try to accommodate this, subject to the timetable and class sizes. We will not
be able to accept any alterations to courses after Friday 30th September. This is four weeks into course teaching and is too much work
for students to catch up.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
5. Behaviour
As Sixth Form students you are setting the standard of behavior and uniform for the rest of the school. We have high expectations of
your behaviour. We are proud of the fantastic qualities of our Sixth Form students both in and out of school. If individuals are unable to
adhere to our behavioural policy, sanctions will be put in place.
Uniform – planner
Please see page 5 of your planner for uniform details. Sanctions will be put in place for not adhering to the uniform code.
Mobile phone usage
You may use your mobile phone inside the Sixth Form block at any time – except during lessons.
You may not use your mobile phone in the main school or outside at any point during the day, including break or lunch. If you choose to
do this any member of staff can confiscate your mobile phone and it will not be returned at any point (including when you return home)
until the end of the week.
If your mobile phone makes any sounds during lesson time, your teacher can confiscate it and you will not have it returned until the end
of the week.
It is at your teacher’s discretion whether they choose to let you use your mobile phone or any device during lessons.
It is not acceptable to take your mobile phone out to check the time.
Social media
Social media is a part of day-to-day life and it is important you make use of it responsibly. It is important to remember that once text,
images or videos are online they will be there forever. With employers regularly running online social media checks on individuals,
consider very carefully your future before posting publically online.
There will be sanctions and consequences if any of your public online activity brings yourself, other members of the school community
or the school itself into disrepute.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
6. Attendance and punctuality
It should come as no surprise that, generally, students who are present in lessons achieve better grades. Universities and employers will
ask for details on student attendance when asking for references. We expect you to maintain 90% or above attendance during your time
in Sixth Form.
Wherever possible, absences must be avoided. We understand there may be some instances where absence is unavoidable and details of
the procedures for absences are detailed below.
Attendance
It is expected that you are present in the appropriate place for morning and afternoon registration, lessons and study periods (except for
year 13 privileges as detailed later).
Absence
If you are not present in school, then you are absent. All absences must be explained in writing. If you have a known absence you must
see your teachers in advance to collect the work you will be missing.
Illness
If you are unable to attend school due to illness, your parent or guardian must phone the school before 9am on every day you are unable
to attend. The absence telephone number is 01702-583080. This must be followed up with a letter from your parent / guardian
explaining your absence on your return.
If you are diagnosed with a long-term illness, for example glandular fever, please ask your parent / guardian to notify the Sixth Form
Administrator as soon as possible. Your parent / guardian will not need to call the absence line on every day you are unable to attend
school. We would recommend you request a letter from your doctor so we can put this on your file. We will do what we can to support
you.
If you feel unwell whilst at school you must see a member of the Sixth Form team – Mrs Foster, Miss Riebold or Ms Marcel. If it is decided
you need to go home we will contact your parent / guardian to request they come to collect you or to notify them you are making your
own way home. You must not go home without notifying one of the Sixth Form team.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
It is not acceptable to be in school feeling unwell and not attend a lesson. If you are in school, you are in your lesson.
Medical appointments
Routine medical appointments must not be booked during the school day. Emergency appointments and orthodontic appointments are
the only exceptions. Where these appointments are made, a letter from your parent /guardian must be given to the Sixth Form
Administrator to detail the reason for absence.
The school can request appointment cards or prescriptions to evidence medical appointments, should they feel it necessary.
University open days, apprenticeship or careers events and interviews – planner
You may take part in up to five days for the following visits or trips during the school day, providing the necessary information has been
completed on page 7-11 of your planner in advance of the visit or trip.
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University open day
University interview
Apprenticeship interview
Job interview
Other careers related event organised by the school
Any further visits or trips will only be recorded as authorised if permission is given by all your subject teachers and at the discretion of
the Director of Sixth Form in advance of the visit or trip – this is recorded on pages 7-11 of your planner. Permission will not be given by
the subject teacher if they have good reason to be concerned about your progress and believe you missing their lesson will have a
detrimental effect on your achievement.
Extra curricular activities organised in the school day
You may wish to participate in other educational activities during the school day, for example the year 12 sociology conference or the
year 13 visit to Geneva. You must complete the appropriate section from pages 7-11 of your planner and show this to the Sixth Form
Administrator in advance of the educational activity. The absence will only be recorded as authorised if permission is given by all your
subject teachers and at the discretion of the Director of Sixth Form in advance of the activity.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
Work shadowing
Wherever possible, work shadowing must not be arranged during the school day. We are aware there are some instances where this is
not possible, for example school or hospital placements. You must complete a work shadowing form and return to the Sixth Form
Administrator in advance of the work shadowing. The absence will only be recorded as authorised if permission is given by all your
subject teachers and at the discretion of the Director of Sixth Form in advance of the visit or trip.
Driving test
Students are not permitted to arrange driving lessons or theory tests during the school day.
Students are permitted up to 3 half days to take practical driving tests. You must complete a leave of absence form and return to the
Sixth Form Administrator in advance of the test.
Other authorised absences
Permission will not be given for any activity where a change of date is possible. Authorised absences could be allowed for the following
reasons, not mentioned above:
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Attendance at weddings / funerals of close family members
Examinations, such as music and dance grade examinations
Athletics competitions
You must complete a leave of absence form and return to the Sixth Form Administrator in advance of the absence.
Holidays during term time
In accordance with the LA guidance and the decision of the school’s governors, leave for holidays and leisure activities will not be
authorised unless the family’s circumstances are exceptional. Any leave more than 10 days in a year is illegal. If you feel your
circumstances are exceptional, you must complete and return a leave of absence form from the Sixth Form Administrator.
Unauthorised absence
Any other absences for reasons not detailed above will be recorded as unauthorised absences. The following sanctions will be put in
place.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
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One unauthorised absence will result in a pastoral detention and a discussion with your Learning Manager.
Two unauthorised absences will result in a Headteacher’s detention, loss of privileges for four weeks.
Repeated unauthorised absences will result in a discussion with yourself, your parent / guardian and the Director of Sixth Form
regarding your future at the school.
Lateness
Lateness to lessons will be dealt with by the subject teacher or Lead Teacher for that subject.
Lateness to morning of afternoon registrations will result in detentions and ultimately removal of privileges. We do not expect that any
student should get to the point where privileges are removed.
3 lates in one week in a half
term
3 lates in a second week in a
half term
3 lates in a third week in
one half term
20% or more lates over one
half term
Discussion with form tutor
Thursday pastoral detention
3.30-4.30pm
Discussion with form tutor
Friday Headteacher’s detention
3.30-4.30pm
Removal of privileges for
following four weeks
Discussion with Learning
Manager
Removal or privileges for first
four weeks of following half
term
Discussion with form tutor
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
7. Communication
Planner
Your planner is a working document that we expect you to use for the following purposes (some of which are explained later):
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Permission for visits and trips during school hours
Tracking progress and reviewing learning
Recording homework tasks
Recording volunteering activities
Timetable
pages 7-11
pages 12-18
pages 20-101
pages 102-103
back cover
It is not a requirement that your form tutor and parent sign the planner each week. However, it can be used as a form of communication
between teachers and parent / guardian. If you lose your Sixth Form planner you must replace it at your own cost.
Email
You will be issued with a school email account. It is expected all electronic communication to your teachers is undertaken using this
account. It is expected you will check your emails once a day.
If you do need to send an email to a teacher, please ensure it is structured correctly. You should address your teacher, politely give your
request or information and end with your name. Simply stating the information or request will be considered rudeness to a member of
staff and treated as such.
You are able to connect to SHSG’s wi-fi. Ms Brierley, Head of IT, will give the necessary passwords for this.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
8. Sixth form opportunities
At SHSG we are not only facilitating your academic progression, we also want you to develop and enhance a range of skills that you can
apply in a variety of situations.
Sixth Form Prefect Team
In October of year 12, all students have the opportunity to apply to be part of the Sixth Form Prefect team. This is a fantastic opportunity
to develop a variety of skills and play a key role in shaping life at SHSG.
The responsibilities of Sixth Form prefects are extensive and often require attendance at events out of school hours. Please see the Sixth
Form Prefect Handbook that will be emailed to all year 12 students for further details regarding the roles, responsibilities and
application process.
Senior Prefect Team
Elected Sixth Form prefects have the opportunity to apply to be Head Student or part of the Senior Prefect team. This team is
responsible for leading and managing the Sixth Form Prefect team as well as a number of other responsibilities.
Details of the application process and roles and responsibilities of the Head Student and Senior Prefect team can be found in the Sixth
Form Prefect Handbook that will be emailed to all year 12 students for further details regarding the roles and responsibilities.
Captainships
Many departments offer captainships that you can apply for. Captainships are ideal for you to develop the same skills as you can through
being part of the Sixth Form Prefect team, but also allow you to support the subject that you are passionate about. Captainship
applications will be launched within departments after the Senior Prefect team elections.
You can only apply to hold one captainship and you cannot be on the Senior Prefect team and be a subject captain.
Clubs and Societies
We have a number of clubs and societies running in the Sixth Form and in lower school. As part of captainships, you may be expected to
take a lead on running a club or society for lower school students. There are some clubs and societies that are solely for Sixth Form
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
students. If the society you want isn’t already running, you can put together a proposal to start one up. The proposal should be given to
the Director of Sixth Form who will consult with other colleagues to see if it is feasible.
Volunteering – planner
Volunteering develops and enhances a range of skills that, not only make you a better person, but also give a variety of details you can
include on your UCAS, apprenticeship or job application.
You can organise your own volunteering. We do have representatives from a number of organisations who will be in school during a
form session to suggest some possible volunteering opportunities to you.
In year 12, volunteering is not optional. You are expected to complete an average of one hour per week – 39 hours over the academic
year. This can be completed in chunks during holiday time. You are able to complete volunteering during study periods, providing this
does not impact on your attendance at lessons or your academic progression. Mrs Foster will need written confirmation from the
organisation you are volunteering for detailing the times you will be with them, accompanied by a letter from your parent / guardian.
Paid employment does not contribute to volunteering.
You must complete pages 102-103 of your planner detailing the date and duration of your volunteering activities. We expect you to
request a representative from the organisation to sign to confirm you have completed the volunteering.
It is not an expectation that you continue to volunteer in year 13. However, many students do continue as they find it such a useful
opportunity.
EPQ
EPQ (the Extended Project Qualification) is a course that gives you an insight into the academic world beyond A levels. You choose a
topic that interests you and then complete guided research on that subject. It can be ANY subject as long as it does not overlap with any
material you are studying at A level. It can (as the name implies) EXTEND your subject knowledge. For example, a Science student may
study how pharmaceuticals can be used to treat a disease, a Geographer might investigate the causes of wildfires, an English Literature
student might research the portrayal of bears in children’s literature…the possibilities are endless.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
To assist you in your work you will be assigned a supervisor. She or he will not need to be a subject specialist as the role is to guide your
research, not to teach you. You become the expert in the subject – your supervisor is already expert in how to conduct and present
research. You also have taught sessions to learn the necessary skills for success.
The EPQ is assessed on 3 areas: the research process (which is recorded in a log book throughout), the report (which is a formal written
report not exceeding 5000 words) and a presentation to an audience (usually the other EPQ students and your supervisor). Your
supervisor will mark your work prior to moderation.
Many students have found the EPQ useful in interview situations – particularly for Russell Group and Oxbridge.
The EPQ will be launched in a form session after study leave in year 12. You are expected to meet with your supervisor once before the
summer break to discuss your initial ideas. Much of the research should be completed over the summer break. You will give your
presentation around January of year 13.
General Studies
General Studies is an additional A Level. All year 12 student will take general studies unless they opt out of the examination. All year 13
students will not be entered unless the opt into the examination. All students will be expected to attend general studies lessons throughout
the year as they could still be relevant for University interviews.
There are 2 units at AS Level and a further 2 units at A2. The content covers a wide range of topics including how scientific discoveries are
made, the British Political system, why people have certain religious beliefs and current moral values. General Studies also develops a broad
range of skills from interpreting and analysing data to structuring a well-argued essay. We do not have timetabled lessons for General Studies.
The content is delivered through Form Sessions, Registration and weekly Form Assemblies.
Careers Advice – Miss Grassham
Our school Careers Advisor is there to support you as you make decisions about your progression and future career plans. As well as
offering you the opportunity for one to one careers guidance, Miss Grassham works alongside your tutors to support you as you
complete your UCAS applications. She is also able to point you in the right direction for apprenticeship and employment opportunities
post A-level. The Careers Office holds information that you can come and browse through and is on the top floor of the Sixth Form block.
SHSG Sixth Form Handbook 2016-2017
9. Sixth form privileges
Year 12
Year 12 students are permitted to leave the school grounds for lunch, between 12.20pm and 1.20pm. Students must sign out on leaving
and sign in on return in the signing in and out book in the common room. Students must have returned to school in good time to be in
registration at 1.20pm.
Year 12 students are expected to be in school at all other times, from 8.35am to 3.30pm.
Year 13
Year 13 students have the same privilege as year 12 students. In addition, year 13 students are permitted to leave the school to go home
and study if they have a study period 5 or period 4 and 5. Students are not permitted to take an extended lunch if they have a study
period 4 and a lesson period 5. If students choose to take advantage of this privilege they must register at 12.20pm and then sign out in
the signing in and out book in the common room when they leave.
Year 13 students are expected to be in school at all other times, from 8.35am to 12.30pm.
Removal of privileges
Privileges will be removed if students fail to meet the expectations of SHSG Sixth Form.
Year 12 removal of privileges
Student will not be permitted to leave school during lunch. Student will have to check in with Sixth Form Administrator at 12.50pm at
their office.
Year 13 removal of privileges
Student will not be permitted to leave school during lunch. Student will have to check in with Sixth Form Administrator at 1pm at their
office.
Student will not be permitted to leave school to study during period 4 or period 5 if they have study lessons. Student will need to check
in with Sixth Form Administrator at 2pm and 3pm and with the Director of Sixth Form at 3.30pm at their office.