Malmesbury School Sixth Form Prospectus

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OFSTED Dear students, parents and carers,

Thank you for taking the time to Finally, our commitment investigate School’s to excellence is important. Sixth Form. I very much hope Malmesbury’s outcomes at Year that you find all the information 13 place us as one of the highest you need to make the decision as performing schools in the country to whether our sixth form is the in terms of results. Our Excellence right place for you to study. I think and Advocacy programmes build on that Malmesbury School Sixth the fantastic teaching and learning Form is a very special place that within subjects. Combined, these encapsulates the school’s values of courses ensure that our students being happy, caring and excellent. are very successful in taking the next step in their lives whether I say, at every opportunity, that the it is to Oxford or Cambridge, most important thing is that our other universities, higher level students and staff need to enjoy apprenticeships or the world of work. their work. I am not expecting people to leap out of bed with Please take the time to gather the joy, especially on a cold, dark and information you need, speak to our wet, autumn day, but I very much staff and students and make sure want our community to be proud to that you make the decision that is part of the school, to be engaged, right for you. challenged and above all gain a lasting sense of achievement.

Life in the 21st century is complicated and challenging, even without this recent pandemic, and young adults continue to need care and support. The pastoral and tutoring programmes at Malmesbury Rupert Moreton are exceptional in providing the skills, tools and knowledge to deal Headteacher better with life’s demands. We love this sixth form and are confident that you will too...

As Head Students we would like to The chance to represent the school welcome you to Malmesbury School and showcase your skills continues Sixth Form. We all benefit from being throughout the sixth form - we part of this large, happy school that take part in concerts, school plays has caring teachers and support staff and sports fixtures. We have the who help us to achieve excellence opportunity to participate in a wide in all we do. Joining the Malmesbury variety of trips and our tutorial School community will allow you to programme covers all aspects of gain access to the teaching, facilities life beyond school! There are lots and resources that will help you of chances for us to lead in school academically achieve as a student but through the advocacy scheme, the that will also develop you as a person. student council and programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh. The common room allows us to sit and chat to friends in a space We love this sixth form and are specifically for year 12s and 13s, confident that you will too. Please which makes break times sociable get in touch if you would like to speak and enjoyable. The dedicated sixth to any of us about life in Malmesbury form self-study areas develop our Sixth Form. independent learning skills, providing us with airy, quiet spaces for us to Emily, Hermione, Ollie and Fran complete any work in. As well as the excellent facilities and resources to aid learning, there are many other great opportunities that the school provides. Happy

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Malmesbury School Sixth Form is a vibrant place to learn with a history of outstanding academic results. We offer students the opportunity to fulfil their potential academically whilst securing a variety of achievements outside the classroom.

RESULTS DESTINATIONS Malmesbury School is consistently one The majority of our students choose of the highest performing sixth forms to apply to university and we have a in the region. In 2019 and 2020 the A strong record of placing students at level results were amongst the very the top universities in the UK. In 2020 best nationally for state comprehensive 62% of applicants secured a place at schools. Although our sixth form is more a Russell Group university, including than a set of results, we are incredibly two students who have enrolled at proud of our consistent high levels Cambridge University. of achievement and progress with a significant percentage of our students Every year several students gaining the very top A Level grades. successfully join a higher level apprenticeship scheme or an arts YEAR 2018 2019 2020 institution. Some of our leavers A*-A% 33 32 38 choose to take a gap year or seek A*-B% 67 61 65 employment. All of these choices are supported by our individualised A -C% 88 80 85 programme of careers guidance. I Excellent

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We are a traditional school sixth Our entrance requirements: form offering a broad range of A Level and Level 3 qualifications. Grade 4 in English (Language or We ask students to choose 3 or Literature) and 4 in Maths. 4 subjects from the wide variety of courses – see below for our Grade 6 in the subjects you wish to extensive list of subjects. study.

A detailed programme of guidance If you are selecting a new subject during the application process (like Sociology) then we ask that you ensures that students are placed on demonstrate at least three Grade 6s the right courses to achieve their across your results. future aspirations. We are flexible in our approach and We aim to provide a flexible seek to ensure that students are on offer that allows all our students the best possible courses that suit to flourish in a supportive their profile. atmosphere. Students with a very strong GCSE grade profile may opt to study 4 A Levels. Most students will study 3 A Levels.

DT - Resistant Fine Art Geography PE Materials

Economics & Biology German Physics Business

English Government & Chemistry Psychology Language Politics

Computer English Religious History Science Literature Studies

Food Science & Drama & Nutrition Mathematics Sociology Theatre studies (Level 3 Diploma)

DT - Fashion & Further French Spanish Textiles Mathematics “The quality of teaching is remarkably high because of high expectations of leaders and teachers themselves”

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Happy “More than excellent teaching and engaging lessons” The Excellence Programme

It is important that students see We therefore offer a substantial themselves as more than just a set of ‘Excellence Programme’ of timetabled exam grades. Whilst it is recognised and extra-curricular opportunities that that many students will be aspiring to allow all students to engage in a variety highly competitive university courses activities and courses that will help to and apprenticeships, we believe that develop their abilities and talents. sixth form education should allow young adults to develop a range of interpersonal skills.

Optional Optional Academic certified Leadership Social timetabled and pastoral courses (carry opportunities opportunities subjects support UCAS points) Advocacy The Extended Dedicated Programme Project Academic Leader Sports teams Latin - leadership Qualification for each year and clubs within the school (EPQ) group community

Oxbridge and 6th Form Conversational Duke of Core maths medicine group trips - ranging French and Edinburgh Gold (AS level) - preparation for from India to Spanish Award applications ice-skating!

Regular 1-2-1 Global Action School Film Studies Russian for tutorial meetings international productions (AS level) beginners and school trips and concerts counsellors

Financial Student Council Quizzes and Capability Award winning Sport and Yoga and Head team-building (Certificate & careers support Students events Diploma) THE EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME

Optional certified courses

We offer the following optional courses to all Year 12s and encourage students to take at least one. Experience has shown us that the completion of an optional certified course can enhance your chances of securing your first choice university or a higher level apprenticeship.

The Extended Project Qualification Core Maths The EPQ is an exciting A Level standard This is a Level 3 maths course that will qualification that allows 6th Formers be examined at the end of Year 13. It to really gain an understanding of how not only boosts the numeracy skills that to research, plan, problem solve and students may need to utilise in their A evaluate. Therefore, it is an exceptionally Level courses but prepares them for real valuable step towards starting university world maths after the Sixth Form. and many universities value the EPQ very highly. We work closely with Film Studies AS Level Southampton University in our delivery Film Studies is offered as an additional AS of the EPQ and visit their campus and Level for all those who want to develop library in Year 12. their critical analysis skills and, of course, for those who love film. This challenging Financial Capability course, completed in one year, covers This Level 3 qualification carries UCAS both practical film making and provides points and AS/A2 equivalent grades. The students with a theoretical understanding course covers all aspects of financial of film as a specific medium. As an AS capability such as mortgages, personal Level it carries UCAS points. borrowing, debt management, financial risk, savings and tax. It helps students Certificate in Latin to become confident in planning and This popular class gets students started managing their own finances and with the basics of this fascinating develops real life skills which are language and isn’t just loved by linguistic immediately applicable. Students students! It is open to all sixth formers complete the certificate in Year 12 and and is an interesting exploration of one can progress to the diploma in Year 13. of the influential languages in human history. Many potential medics and lawyers see the benefit of this beginners Latin course. “The Extended Project Qualification is an exceptionally valuable step towards starting university”

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Leadership opportunities

Universities and employers alike value students who have developed a range of inter-personal skills and demonstrate their potential as leaders. Through our Excellence Programme, we actively encourage students to engage in a variety of activities to develop leadership skills whilst contributing to the school and wider community.

Sixth-Form Advocacy A full explanation of the Sixth Form As part of the advocacy programme, Advocacy Scheme will be provided in the students in Year 12 are expected to first tutorial. A student’s contribution commit time to one of the following as an advocate will be tracked and leadership opportunities: monitored during Year 12. At the end of the year students will be nominated • Academic Mentor – working to support for advocate awards. In addition, a students in lower year groups within report summarising the contribution their subject lessons. by each student is submitted to the • Pastoral Mentor - our sixth form form tutor with the expectation that students receive Peer Mentor training this information is used in the UCAS or and go on to work with lower year employment reference. group students as Peer Mentors, Paired Readers, helping out at the Maths Breakfast Club or in Learning Support. • School and community activities - many of our students opt to help out running sports, science or arts clubs, sometimes providing coaching to younger students. Students can also contribute to the local community in support of the elderly at the Tuesday Club. Leadership opportunities

Duke of Edinburgh Award Student Council and Head Students Students are encouraged to participate in Head and Senior Students lead the Sixth the Silver and Gold Award. Through a DofE Form Student Council and students programme, young people have fun, make are given the autonomy to organise friends, improve their self-esteem and fundraising events, trips and social build confidence. They gain essential skills activities. They represent the school in a and attributes for work and life such as number of formal events and also act as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, student leaders for the younger students communication and drive, enhancing CVs in the school by working closely with the and university and job applications. House Council.

Global Action international trips We work closely with Global Action who deliver once in a lifetime “The Advocacy international educational trips with the core aims of developing students’ programme is leadership, communication and teamwork skills whilst enhancing their rewarding and understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. Students receive the provides valuable ASDAN University award. life skills” THE EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME

Academic and pastoral support

Whether you wish to go to the best universities in the country, into employment or to any one of a wide range of specialist colleges or higher education establishments, you will receive personalised specialist support. The experienced staff at Malmesbury School will go out of their way to support and care for you during your time here.

Dedicated academic leaders Regular 1-2-1 tutorial meetings We take student progress seriously and As well as morning registration, rigorously track student achievement. students have a fortnightly one-hour Challenging target grades are set and tutorial. Tutors deliver a varied our aim is to inspire students to achieve programme including: their full potential. Academic Leaders work with class teachers and the Head • UCAS and Post-18 careers support of Sixth Form to ensure that any issues • Current affairs and global issues are identified early and tailored support including politics, British values and packages are put in place. discrimination • Healthy living and wellbeing, including Oxbridge and medicine group mental and sexual health We run a dedicated group to provide • Personal development including information and support with applications work shadowing, driving safety and to Oxbridge, medicine, dentistry and independent study skills veterinary studies. Students applying to these highly competitive courses are Students will also have a regular identified early and are invited to join this one-to-one meeting with their tutor to programme. This group meets regularly talk about their progress, next steps and to discuss and share research and other pastoral issues. experiences as well as receive specific help with their personal statements and interviews. All applicants receive a mock interview from an Oxford professor prior to the ‘real’ thing. “Weekly tutorials are a We have strong links with Merton great opportunity to gain College, Oxford, and run day trips to the college for students to get a a wider view of the world” flavour of life at Oxford. On this trip students also get to discuss personal statements and explore the experiences of current undergraduates. In addition, a representative from Cambridge University visits the sixth form each year to deliver a presentation on life at Cambridge. Academic and pastoral support

Award winning careers support Pastoral care The majority of our students apply The team of dedicated tutors, led by Mr to university and we run a detailed Andy Backwell as head of Sixth Form, are programme of support and guidance for key to supporting the transition from GCSE students and parents. We cover aspects to A Level. This is a step up for all students of the process in Years 12 and 13 through and we offer a programme that will assemblies, tutorials and by inviting in enable students to hit the ground running. guest speakers. In the Spring Term of At Malmesbury we treat all students as Year 12, students can visit the UCAS individuals and provision is tailored to Convention at UWE in Bristol and speak meet the specific needs of students. to a huge range of universities about possible courses and life at university. We have a team of school counsellors Personalised support with the application on site. A Levels and the step into young requirements and the personal statement adulthood can be stressful at times; the begin in Year 12 and our experienced counsellors provide a safe and supportive team of tutors lead students through service to help our sixth formers discuss the process with workshops, one to one a variety of issues. Students can refer meetings and mock interviews. themselves confidentially, or ask to be referred by their tutor. Malmesbury Sixth Form benefits from expert careers advice and all students are entitled to careers appointments to discuss their future pathways. For some students this means leaving school and going into employment or apprenticeships rather than university and our sixth form careers advisor has a wealth of “Award winning experience to expertly guide students towards these employment opportunities. career support

There is an expectation that all students teams up with organise a period of work shadowing. This is usually for two days at the beginning some of the best of July, but students should discuss extensions to this time, with the Head of companies in Sixth Form, if the opportunity arises. the country” THE EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME

Social opportunities

There are plenty of opportunities that students can get involved with throughout their time in the Sixth Form. Here is a selection of just some of the things that ran last year! Students are encouraged to join the student union and organise their own social activities.

Sports teams and clubs strong tradition of musical excellence • Sixth Form Rugby – student team in culminates in the Christmas Concert the NATWEST Cup for Sixth forms and (a sell out three night show) and the Colleges Chamber Concert in . • Sixth Form Football – training and Sixth formers feature heavily in both fixtures these events through their involvement • Inter-form competition – a highly in the school orchestra, school choir, competitive set of sports events chamber choir, sixth form bands and including football, volleyball and also through a multitude of solo rounders. performances. • Sixth form water polo – including fixtures. Sixth form trips • Involvement in whole school clubs such • Social trips – including sports events as fencing, eventing and triathlon and theatre visits • Yoga and HIITS classes • Subject related trips – geography residential to Dorset, history trip to School productions and concerts Germany Year 12 and 13 students continue to be • Student Union Social – social activities fully involved in our thriving creative arts organised by the head students e.g. ice programme. Every year sixth formers take skating and Christmas quiz lead roles in our school productions - • Visit to Merton College Oxford and musicals and plays - and also direct their Southampton University own sixth form drama. The school’s very I Excellent

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The Athelstan Trust Collaborative 6th Form Provision

We work closely with two other schools in our multi- trust ( and Sir William Romney’s School) to deliver a collaborative Post- 16 experience that provides students from these schools with a supportive progression route into a school sixth form environment.

Students enrol four days a week at Malmesbury and one day a week at their other school. They are taught the same curriculum in both settings, often with one to one support or very small groups in their ‘home’ school. This model of Post 16 education enables young people across the trust to effectively have the best of both worlds – expert teaching from staff that they know well and the chance to spread their wings in a new setting!

For further information about this provision please contact :

Paul Dipple at Bradon Forest School [email protected]

Tanith Lynham at Sir William Romney School [email protected]

The Athelstan Trust Caring, Collaborative and Excellent www.theathelstantrust.org

Sir William Malmesbury Bradon Forest Romney’s School School School Useful Information

Expectations and attitudes Monitoring progress

Sixth Form students are entering the Each year group has a dedicated final phase of their school life. They academic leader who has an overview of: are preparing for life at university or • Students’ target grades for each subject employment and remain role models for • Students’ current attainment in each young students. Whilst it is essential that subject they enjoy their time in the sixth form we • Students’ attendance ask that they conduct themselves in a • Students’ attitude and approach to their professional way. We expect students to: studies • Attend and be on time for all lessons, tutorial sessions, assemblies etc. The Academic Leader liaises with: • Prepare for lessons and meet deadlines • 6th Form Tutors • Be positive, interested and willing to • Subject Teachers learn • Head of 6th Form • Take responsibility for their own learning • Parents /students and contribute in lessons • Be aware of their role in the school and The main role of the Academic set an example Leader for the year group is to track • Get involved outside of lessons with and monitor student progress. It is our Excellence Programme and expected that they will initiate a extra-curricular programme learning conversation with any student who needs support with their A-level subjects and implement interventions Communicating student progress to improve progress and achievement.

Effective learning partnerships are dependent on good communication Communication between parents, students and teaching staff, and there are many opportunities Students are encouraged to regularly for communication throughout the check the Microsoft Team for Malmesbury academic year including: Sixth Form – the team constantly update • Year 12 tutor evening in November this with messages, careers information • Parents Evening - this provides parents and university opportunities. and guardians with the opportunity to discuss progress and targets with all Plenty of further information is available subject teachers. Each appointment is on our school website, facebook, scheduled for 10 minutes instagram and twitter feeds. • In addition, consultation surgeries every term provide parents/guardians and teachers with additional opportunities to discuss student progress in key areas • Two interim reports and one full report per year Contact Information

SCHOOL RECEPTION 01666 829700 [email protected]

ANDY BACKWELL ZISKA DODD Head of 6th Form Academic Leader [email protected] [email protected]

SARAH HAINES EMMA HALL Assistant Headteacher i/c KS5 Academic Leader [email protected] [email protected]

JON BROWN Curriculum Leader for The Excellence Programme [email protected] Malmesbury School Sixth Form

Malmesbury School

www.malmesbury.wilts.sch.uk