Sixth Form Agreement

In the Sixth Form, we prioritise fostering independent learning and personal responsibility, minimising the need for formal detentions. However, when necessary, sanctions are implemented to uphold our ethos and academic standards. Upon joining Year 12, all students sign a Sixth Form Agreement, ensuring clarity on our expectations and requirements. Please see here for the Sixth Form Penalty Hour (SFPH)

 

Sixth Form Anti-social behaviour and respect contract

The use of this measure in the Sixth Form is extremely rare. When implemented, it is due to persistent antisocial behaviour and/or a lack of respect, whether inside or outside of timetabled lessons. This may also apply in cases where a student has been involved in or present at such incidents.

A personalised contract is issued to provide clear sanctions moving forward if the behaviour persists. The goal is to offer the student an opportunity to reflect and improve their conduct, preventing escalation to the main school behaviour system. Please click here for an outline of the sixth form anti-social behaviour and respect contract.

 

Organisation and Resources

The Sixth Form supports all students in developing strong organisational skills and ensuring they have the necessary resources for their lessons. Effective organisation is essential for success in Sixth Form studies, as the structure and delivery differ significantly from GCSE.

To assist students, please access the following documents:

1. Equipment and resources for organisation
2. Sixth Form organisation check document – this will be used in courses every half-term to ensure students' work is structured and organised. This document can be personalised to particular courses.

The Sixth Form likes to assist with weekly planning and issue a weekly planner for students to use on a Monday morning for their organisation and planning session with the tutor and also to use throughout the week. Please click here to view a version of the Sixth Form planner.

 

Academic Referrals

A key focus for Sixth Form teachers is maintaining regular communication with students and parents/carers regarding academic progress, as well as any concerns both inside and outside the classroom. While Sixth Form students are young adults, we encourage and support them in becoming more independent. However, we also recognise that this transition can be challenging.

Therefore, it is essential for Sixth Form teachers to keep parents/carers fully informed from an early stage. We greatly value parental/carer support, and when parents/carers work collaboratively with the school to improve their son’s or daughter’s progress, it can make a significant difference. To ensure this communication is consistent and effective, the Sixth Form team has made it clear to all teachers that the following expectations should be followed each academic year:

1. Set sufficient private study, independent work, or prep tasks outside of lessons for students to complete. Students are expected to use their blank/study/prep periods in school to complete this work, in addition to dedicating extra hours at home.

2. Regularly monitor and check this work, ensuring it is used in lessons with peers and/or marked to provide constructive feedback.

3. If a student is not completing this work outside of lessons or there are concerns about their progress, the teacher must inform both the student and parent/carer immediately.

Point 3 is where the academic referral system comes into play. An academic referral letter will be emailed to both the student and parent/carer. This letter will clearly outline the concern or issue, along with specific actions the student needs to take to improve. We strongly encourage parents and carers to contact the teacher who issued the referral. This conversation can help clarify the issue and enable parents to support us in challenging and guiding their son or daughter towards improved progress.

The academic referral system is a straightforward and effective method of communication between the teacher and parent/carer. Please see below for examples of the types of concerns that may lead to an academic referral.

Reasons for being issued an academic referral

• No homework submitted
• Poor quality homework/assignments
• Underachievement in assessed work
• Poor organisation that is affecting progress
• Lack of evidence of independent prep time work being completed
• Poor attendance – unexplained absence from 2 consecutive lessons
• Lack of classroom motivation to succeed