Student Support services and the pastoral tutor time programme designed to ensure all students are well-supported in their academic, personal, and professional development.
The Sixth Form maintains a strong pastoral support system, recognising its importance in student achievement.
| Service/Staff | Function and Support Offered |
| Pastoral Team (Tutors & Staff) | First Point of Contact: The allocated tutor is the first person to approach for support and guidance. The dedicated Sixth Form team, including Learning Co-ordinators and a Student Manager, offers practical advice, helps students get back on track, and can organise extra support. |
| Special Needs Department | Provides essential support for pupils who have statements or other learning difficulties, ensuring an inclusive learning environment. |
| Counsellor Service | A Counsellor visits twice a week to offer confidential sessions to help students deal with negative thoughts and feelings. Can help with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bereavement, stress, and lack of confidence. Sessions can be referred through the Sixth Form Office. |
| Financial Support | 16-19 Bursary Fund: Designed to support learners aged 16 to 19 facing barriers to continuing post-16 education. This fund may assist with costs for transport, free school meals, books, materials, specialist equipment, and educational trips. |
This programme forms the structured delivery of progression, life skills, and wellbeing education.
| Core Area | Key Topics/Objectives |
| Guest Speakers | Specialised sessions are arranged to cover: Sexual Health and contraception, First aid, Driving safety, Consent, and the Prison service (drugs). |
| Citizenship | Discussions on British Values, celebrating Diversity Week, the importance of Remembrance, and understanding Gender globally. |
| Health | Sessions on Body Image/Enhancement and promoting ways to combat the "January Blues." |
| Environmental | Considering how to reduce the use of single-use plastic (Reduce single-use). |
(Focus: UCAS, Next Steps, and Exam Preparation)
| Week Focus | Intent/Objective | Key Activities |
| UCAS & Organisational Skills | Structure the UCAS application process and ensure students are focussed on the end goal. | Completing first drafts of Personal Statements and looking at university course modules. |
| UCAS Application Support | Provide crucial details for staff writing references and completing the final application. | Completing the MST Form for references; dedicated time for application completion and final checks. |
| Revision & Health | Prepare for exams both academically and mentally. | Making a formal revision timetable; sessions on how to relax in exam season and the importance of Brain Food (diet). |
| Post-Sixth Form | Prepare documentation for job applications and manage personal finances. | Applying for Student Finance; researching a ’live’ job or apprenticeship and producing a pros and cons list. |
| MOOCs | Encourage personal progression and deeper understanding. | Using Unifrog to research Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs). |
(Focus: Induction, Health, and RSE)
| Week Focus | Intent/Objective | Key Activities |
| Induction | Introduce students to the Sixth Form environment and expectations. | Tour, timetables, fire drill procedures, school policies, and uniform checks. |
| Health Awareness | Educate students on potential health risks and preventative measures. | Understanding Alcohol Units and the health impact; risks of Smoking and vaping; the importance of a healthy diet and Personal Hygiene. |
| RSE | Promote healthy relationships and awareness of sexual health. | Discussion on Fertility; defining Healthy/Unhealthy Relationships; understanding constructive dialogue. |
| Careers & Skills | Lay the foundation for future progression. | Introduction to Work Experiences (What, When, Why, Where); constructing a professional CV; improving Interview Techniques; initial introduction to the UCAS application. |
| Drugs | Understand a range of drugs and the physical and mental health risks. | Dedicated two-week session on Drug Awareness. |
(Focus: Employability and Job Search)
| Week Focus | Intent/Objective | Key Activities |
| Career Exploration | Help students identify suitable career paths. | Using Unifrog for the Personality Quiz and interests profile. |
| Employability | Develop core skills for the job market. | Dedicated session on Apprenticeships; constructing a professional CV; improving Interview Techniques. |
| Job Search Support | Provide practical, guided help to secure a placement. | Identifying places to search for a job; researching a ’live’ job and preparing the relevant documentation (CV and cover letter). |
| Life Skills | Prepare students for independent living. | Considering budgeting and the costs involved in living away from parents. |
| Job/Apprenticeship Placement | Dedicated hands-on support to secure an opportunity. | Three weeks of dedicated support to help students find a job or apprenticeship. |