2013 6th Form Leaflet

6 form

Sixth Formers’ thoughts on Bablake and beyond...

TH

VOICE

Welcome to Bablake Sixth Form...

The views of our Upper Sixth ‘I’ve made lots of friends here. Bablake’s Sixth Form is a fantastic community.’ Jack Mills ‘There is a vast array of clubs and societies. The Bablake motto is ‘the spirit of opportunity’, and there are so many chances to widen your horizons here, especially in the Sixth Form.’ Sean Dwyer

‘Bablake has given me the best 11 years of my life. I have really enjoyed the opportunities that the sport here has given me, especially as team captain in the Upper Sixth.’ Ashleigh Green ‘It’s made me who I am.’ Ellen Parker ‘There is an excellent rapport between pupils and teachers.’ James Brindley

‘Researching my Extended Project which finished with an evening where I gave a presentation to over 75 people was great preparation for my future.’ Maneesha Sehgal ‘The support network is excellent. There’s always someone available to talk to.’ Mwelwa Mukwashi ‘The Sixth Form has an exciting, vibrant, friendly atmosphere.’ Suki Vraitch ‘I have studied subjects that are only available in the Sixth Form and I’m glad I have done.

They have been very useful for my university application.’ Avril Patel

‘The facilities for learning are very impressive.

Everyone here is very welcoming and makes you feel at home.’ Arun Dhanjal ‘The Art department lets me explore many creative possibilities and has inspired what I want to do in the future.’ Bethany Gaunt ‘I’ve been lucky to develop my team-working and communication skills through my role as School Captain.’ Ben Evans ‘Staying at Bablake for the Sixth Form has been the best decision I have made.’ Jake Hinley

www.bablake.com

Reflections on Bablake Sixth Form School background Founded in Coventry in 1344, Bablake has a proud tradition of providing an outstanding education. Today’s school ensures that both boys and girls emerge from the Sixth Form as well-rounded young adults, well prepared for life in a dynamic and competitive world.

Students, parents and staff share high expectations of achievement and personal development in a happy and positive community, where new Sixth Formers settle quickly and soon discover new talents through a rich and varied array of extra-curricular activities. Sports teams, the Combined Cadet Force, acting at the Edinburgh Fringe, public speaking, myriad musical groups, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and cultural visits at home and abroad are but some of the special opportunities available. The Sixth Form ‘sets the tone’ at the top of the school, and students learn through positions of responsibility and leadership.

Individual attention in small teaching and tutorial groups, highly qualified and inspiring teachers and focused advice on future options all ensure that students have the best chance of gaining offers to top universities. They also acquire the self-belief to work independently and to relate naturally to others, knowing that success does not come simply from good examination results.

‘We are very proud of the generous and selfconfident young adults who leave Bablake, equipped not only for success at university and in their careers, but, above all, prepared for fulfilment in life.’

Headmaster, Mr John Watson ‘It is such a privilege to work with bright and motivated students from a range of backgrounds, who share a spirit of enquiry and the desire to reach their full potential.

Bablake’s Sixth Form enables them to realise their ambitions.’

Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Alison Tumber ‘Bablake offers you all the opportunities that you need to move into adult life. During the Sixth Form my confidence and maturity have increased, so I feel I am fully prepared to leave school and pursue a university degree and adult life. I owe this to Bablake as I have been encouraged to take up responsibilities on and off the sports field to develop my leadership skills.’

School Vice Captain and 1st XV Rugby Captain, Ronan Jones The voice of the Lower Sixth ‘I enjoy being in Bablake Sixth Form because of the great variety of extra and super curricular activities, the support you obtain from the subject teachers and the lively social

Kate French

Ronan Jones

Usama Nasir

atmosphere. I also enjoy the privileges of being a Sixth Former: relaxing in the Sixth Form common room, going to planned lectures in the subjects I am taking and having free study lessons every now and then.’

Kate French ‘I have been able to settle into my new environment so comfortably and can assure everyone that, because of the friendly and vibrant atmosphere throughout, I didn’t even realise how quickly I was feeling part of Bablake.

Within a couple of days it felt as if I had been associated with the Bablake community forever.

The Sixth Form really has changed me from a boy to a man.’

Usama Nasir, new to the L6th Overseas pupils at Bablake ‘I have met the nicest and most helpful teachers and pupils ever at Bablake. Their kindness and care move me all the time. I have relished the variety of academic challenges I have faced.’

Ellen Luo, Upper Sixth Bablake Sixth Form as viewed by former pupils ‘Without doubt, my Bablake Sixth Form education and the multitude of opportunities that came with it were key stepping stones towards my higher education and future career pathway. It is a decision I would not hesitate to make again. I am so pleased I chose subjects I really enjoyed. My form tutor and the Careers

Mrs Jacquie Hatfield Ellen Luo

Department were always available whenever I wanted support and have stayed in contact.

Since leaving, I have returned to Bablake to offer assistance with Medical Extension classes, the Upper Sixth Mock Interview Morning and Careers Conventions.’

Mark McKelvie ‘Bablake is definitely somewhere you miss once you’ve left.’

Christine Goldfinch ‘The Sixth Form was the perfect link between school and university. I enjoyed the independence and the encouragement to engage in more critical thinking. I also established friendships for life with my peers and the teachers.’

Sarah Brown The view of a parent The Sixth Form teaches a more independent approach to learning whilst making sure that the pupils are very clear about what they need to do to reach their full potential. My son joined the Sixth Form from a different school but they soon got to know what makes him tick and this played a significant part in his overall success at A Level as well as developing his social, team and leadership skills.’

Chair of the Parents’ Association, Mrs Jacquie Hatfield

Bablake School, Coundon Road Coventry CV1 4AU

This booklet has been produced by U6th pupils Jake Hinley and Beth Rowland. Beth, who also edited our Wheatleyan magazine, hopes to read History and English at the University of Nottingham, while Jake hopes to study Surf Science at Plymouth University. Photography by Mr Paul Cleaver, Bethany Gaunt, Jennifer Reay (cover), Oliver Warlow and Mr Mark Woodward.

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