Sixth Form Handbook 2022-24

The Sixth Form Timetable

Careers guidance and university entrance procedure Careers guidance is seen as a continuous process in the Sixth Form at Ibstock Place School and happens through appointments with your tutor, assemblies, guest speakers, visits and external programmes, as well as your own reading and research. Your career direction and choice of university will be monitored by your tutor. All applications made for Higher Education courses are overseen by the Head and Deputy Head of Sixth Form alongside the Assistant Head of Sixth Form. A separate Handbook is distributed at the time, providing detailed guidance and a schedule of deadlines.. We maintain a library of university prospectuses, but the best information is available online – we spend a lot of time researching university options using online resources and software which helps direct our pupils. Careers lectures are included in the Sixth Form Tutorial Programme. You will be invited to attend Higher Education information sessions in the Lower Sixth and visits to universities will be encouraged. Subject Specialist Advisors in each department will monitor the best courses for you to follow. Also, some pupils will wish to apply to overseas universities during their time in the Sixth Form. The School has much experience in this area and can offer assistance to these pupils who are using, for example, Common Application in order to gain a place at an American institution. The Deputy Head of Sixth Form is in charge of overseas university applications and can offer advice and support for SAT preparation. Annually, we host an International Universities Fair where admissions tutors from universities around the world, such as UC Berkeley, Toronto and Leiden, visit the School and offer valuable advice to aspirant applicants. There is a Careers Fair in November each year, where speakers from a range of careers are available with whom you may discuss your aspirations. More advice can be sought from the Master in Charge of Careers. The School is also able to assist those pupils seeking work experience opportunities in a wide range of fields, using its extensive network of parents and associates. Oxford, Cambridge, Medical School and other Early Applications We have a team of staff, known as EAST (Early Applications Support Team), dedicated to supporting these candidates. The Deputy Head of Sixth Form leads provision in this area, working closely with other specialists. Pupils will have to make their applications in October 2023, in contrast to the normal deadline which can be as late as January 2024. We shall also support you with additional Oxbridge preparation, including practice interviews and entry tests such as BMAT, UCAT, TSA or MAT. Universities offering Veterinary Science and Dentistry also require early application. Extending your involvement – clubs and activities There are many exciting possibilities for Sixth Formers at Ibstock Place School, with activities ranging from inter-school

The typical weekly allocation of periods is as follows:

LVI

UVI

4 or 3 A-Level subjects

Start with 20, then 18 or 24

18 or 24

Extended Project

2

1

Sixth Form Speaker Programme, Higher Education Preparation sessions and Life Skills sessions

2

2

Community Outreach

2

-

Short Course

1 or 0

-

Recreational Games

2

2

Independent study periods (ISPs) 0 – 3

7 or 1

Total

30

30

Learning resources Independent learning is key to success at A-Level and the quality and range of the facilities available to our Sixth Form reflect our belief in its importance. The Sixth Form Study Hall is located on the mezzanine floor in the Great Hall. Dedicated to independent study, its spacious interior and lofty ceiling create a calm and scholarly atmosphere. Computers and work stations line the walls while the desks in the body of the room are broad and deep. The roomy, airy Study Hall is ideal for independent study. The Library is available all day and into the evenings for Sixth Formers. Its stock of resources grows constantly and the full- time Librarian is always pleased to help research information for our pupils. In addition, several departments have their own multi-media resources alongside their collection of printed materials. For example, the Extended Project team provides access to JSTOR, the standard academic digital library for scholars, researchers and students. The entire Sixth Form area, including the Sixth Form Common Room and its ‘break-out rooms’, is covered by our wireless network to enable you to move around with your own laptops while remaining on the network. The Common Room is available for Sixth Form use throughout the day, including during lunch, break time and Independent Study Periods. Whilst this area is used for ‘down time’ during break and lunchtime, pupils also use it for collaborative learning. Of course, our teachers are our greatest resource; their love of their subject, their interest in your development and their knowledge of your abilities will be a constant support to you during your time in the Sixth Form.

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