th
6 form
Sixth Formers’ thoughts on Bablake and beyond...
Voice
th
6 form
Sixth Formers’ thoughts on Bablake and beyond...
Voice
Welcome to Bablake Sixth Form... “I really like the community spirit of Bablake’s Sixth Form. We all feel like one big happy family.” Adam Wellings “The Bablake ‘spirit of opportunity’ is never felt more than in the Sixth Form. I’ve been very lucky to have such a vast choice of co-curricular activities.” Bradley Gill “Arriving from the USA and not knowing anyone, I found Bablake to be unbelievably welcoming and warm. I felt like a valued part of the school community from the very start.” Austin Gährs
“Dynamic, fun, interesting and exciting, the atmosphere in Bablake’s Sixth Form is formidable because of the people in it; everyone is outgoing, vibrant and unique. The partnership between teachers and pupils makes you feel at home and there is so much co-curricular activity to be involved in.” Jenny Tasker “Moving to Bablake for Sixth Form was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The care and attention which pupils give to their studies show Bablake’s outstanding commitment to academic achievement.” Hope Hughes
“Bablake has made me the person that I am, and has helped me realise the person that I want to become.” Beth Brankowski
“My leadership and communication skills have been greatly improved through my role as School Vice Captain.” Kate French
‘‘I feel valued as an individual by school and by my teachers.” James Tumber
“I’ve been challenged every day. Studying subjects only available in the Sixth Form has helped me to flourish intellectually.” Lewis Marshall
“Researching my Extended Project and then preparing to deliver a presentation to over 75 people are both great practice for university study and beyond.” Kathryn Jones “The pastoral care is excellent. There’s always someone to help if you need support.” Andy Haughian “I feel proud representing my school in hockey matches. The sports facilities are also very impressive!” Daniel Brett
“I have taken advantage of the wealth of sport available at Bablake. Playing netball has really helped me to make new friends, and be part of a team.” Kate Ross “Of course I stayed at Bablake for Sixth Form. Why would I ever have wanted to leave?” Lara Morley-White
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 co-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 at 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.
Becky Williamson
Morwenna Hocken Aaran Patel
The Voice of the Lower Sixth “I like Bablake’s Sixth Form because of the vibrant atmosphere and the extensive co-curricular activities like our Drama club, the Law Society and Gold Duke of Edinburgh. I also enjoy the freedom in the Sixth Form- the free study lessons and spending time in the common room- however, whenever you need help, subject teachers and form tutors are always there to support you.” Becky Williamson “Joining a new school, as I had moved from a different part of the country, was very nerveracking, however everyone at Bablake has been so welcoming that from the first day, I have felt at home. The friendly atmosphere of the 6th form here is a brilliant place in which to study, and I am truly glad I came!” Morwenna Hocken, new to the L6th
Elaine Zhang
Mrs Jacquie Hatfield
“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 Voice of a Parent “Bablake’s 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. One of my sons joined the Sixth Form from a different school but the school 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. My other son has enjoyed every aspect of the school from the start!” Mrs Jacquie Hatfield, Chair of the Parents’ Association
The Voice of the Headmaster and Head of Sixth Form “I am forever amazed by the remarkable achievements of our Sixth Formers. Last year’s leavers were rewarded with record A Level results, and 81% proceeded to their first-choice university. However, my greatest pleasure derives from seeing them emerge as self-confident and generous young adults, ready for the joys and challenges of life. I am so proud of them!” Headmaster, Mr John Watson
The Voice of Overseas Pupils at Bablake “I have been very lucky to start my overseas school life at Bablake. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning with such enthusiastic, thoughtful fellow students and it has really impressed me how inquisitive and innovative they are. The staff and pupils are all very friendly and they are always pleased to help all the international pupils integrate. I have definitely built friendships for life here.” Elaine Zhang, Upper Sixth
“I am privileged 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 Sixth Form enables them to realise their ambitions.” Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Alison Tumber
The Voice of Former Pupils “Without doubt, my Bablake Sixth Form education, and the multitude of opportunities that came with it, was the key stepping stone 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 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.” Dr Mark McKelvie
This leaflet has been produced by U6th pupils Katie Carlson and Annabel Knight. Katie, who also has been editing our Wheatleyan magazine, intends to read History at university, while Anna is going to study Sport and Exercise Science. Photography by Annabel Knight, Oliver Warlow and Mr Mark Woodward (front cover).
“I put everything down to Bablake and the ambition everyone instilled in us to make us believe we could do whatever we wanted.” Kate Byrne
Bablake School, Coundon Road Coventry CV1 4AU
The Voice of the Upper Sixth “Bablake has offered me countless opportunities both within and beyond the classroom that have been of great benefit to my personal development. The immense support and guidance given by staff has helped me to reach my full potential. Involvement in a breadth of co-curricular opportunities, such as hockey, wind band and my Gold CREST project, and undertaking roles of responsibility have broadened my interests and skills as well as increased my confidence and maturity. I feel fully prepared for what awaits me beyond Bablake and I am proud to be part of such a warm and vibrant community where everyone supports each other.” School Senior Prefect, Aaran Patel
“I wish it was just yesterday- such a lovely school! I always get so nostalgic when I drive past.” Jessica Phillips
t 024 7627 1200 e info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk w www.bablake.com f www.facebook.com/bablakeschool t www.twitter.com/bablakeschool