SIXTH FORM
HEADMASTER’S WELCOME The Sixth Form is for students the most rewarding years of their school career. In their final two years, they have the chance to focus on the subjects that really interest them, to develop their talents and, hopefully, discover new ones, as well as taking on positions of responsibility and leading the student body. It is during these final two years of school that they move away from relying on the teacher for knowledge and learn how to discover it for themselves, how to analyse and interrogate facts and how to draw their own conclusions. The challenges which face young men are many and varied; it is our intention that Wetherby boys leave us as young men who are academically successful with the personal qualities and strength of character to rise to these challenges. Seth Bolderow
OVERVIEW Having joined Wetherby Senior when it opened in September 2015, I am delighted to be co-ordinating the Sixth Form, which builds on the success of the Senior School. It has been an exciting period with the School expanding year on year and we have cultivated a caring and supportive environment coupled with rigorous academic standards and the highest quality of teaching. Our aim is to ensure that students leave us ready for the next stage in their personal lives, confident, self-disciplined, independent and curious, with a sense of personal and social responsibility. Our close-knit supportive community is well-placed to manage the transition to the top universities in the UK and abroad, giving the boys the academic foundation to succeed on their chosen course but also the skills to manage their own workload and the freedom that is part of university life. Small class sizes, dedicated teaching staff and excellent pastoral care, with each boy having a tutor to support and guide them through their final two years in School, ensures that our Sixth Form pupils maintain momentum both in and out of the classroom. Dena Deedat, Head of Sixth Form
“Expectations are high but boys can be themselves and there is no particular ‘Wetherby mould’ that they feel they should fit into.” Good Schools Guide, 2018-2019
TIMELINE Year 11
Year 12 (Lower Sixth)
Year 13 (Upper Sixth)
Initial A Level subject choices submitted. Sixth Form Information Evening for parents and boys. US university talk.
Individual meetings to provide Higher Education information. US university and Oxbridge preparation. Introduction to Unifrog: university and careers online platform. Initial ACT/SAT examinations for US universities.
Personal statement completed. University applications completed. Entrance examinations for Oxbridge. Initial offers received.
Spring Term
GCSE mock examinations. Year 11 Parents’ Evening. UK university talk. A Level subject choices confirmed.
Careers and university preparation.
Mock examinations. Decisions on first and second choice of university as offers are received.
Summer Term
Study leave and GCSE exams. Work experience week. Sixth Form Induction Day early July for current and new boys.
Internal examinations for university grade predictions. Oxbridge application preparation. Field Day: UCAS Personal statement preparation.
August
GCSE results 3rd week in August.
Autumn Term
Field Day: university visits or work experience.
Study leave. A Level examinations.
A Level results mid-August.
CURRICULUM Sixth Formers at Wetherby Senior School follow a course of three A Levels as well as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Boys wishing to take a fourth A Level, for example Further Maths, should discuss this with the Head of Sixth Form. Wetherby Senior’s current A Level offering is: Art and Design
Government and Politics
Biology
History
Business Studies
Latin
Chemistry
Mathematics
Drama and Theatre
Further Maths
Economics
Philosophy
English Literature
Physics
French
Spanish
Geography The EPQ is a formal independent research project, which involves writing an extended essay of 5,000 words and is completed in the autumn term of Year 12. Each student chooses his own topic and title, based on his interests and it is an excellent opportunity to explore the subject matter in depth. It provides important preparation for undergraduate study, as under the guidance of a supervisor, the students plan their own research, identify their sources and manage their own time. For most boys this will be the Level 3 EPQ, which is worth half an A Level and is highly valued by many universities. Wetherby Senior also offers further electives via the A Level + course. This is a programme designed to enrich the Sixth Form curriculum and broaden the boys’ academic horizons. Boys can select from a range of subjects including Mandarin, coding, ceramics, beginners’ Spanish, physical sciences and Ancient Greek.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Wetherby Senior School has already built a strong reputation for its caring, supportive approach that focuses as much on the wellbeing and growth of our boys as it does on their academic performance. The Sixth Form pastoral care strikes a balance between ensuring that the students have the guidance and support they need with the freedom to allow them to build independence. The boys are given the tools they need to be successful in all areas of school life and to make their own informed decisions about the next phase of their education, preparing them for adult life and the world of work. The personal and professional development of the boys in preparation for the future demands of university life and the workplace includes career guidance, interview training, presentation practice and other interpersonal skills helpful to the boys in their future work interactions. An awareness of both local and global issues is fostered by the Sixth Form lecture programme which is shared with local girls’ schools. This features thought-provoking talks and lectures delivered by teachers, guest speakers and the students themselves.
“As Wetherby is still a relatively small school, students have the chance to get more involved with the school and take on leadership roles. All of these activities are possible as a result of the supportive and passionate teachers.” Sixth Form pupil
LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM Sixth Form Tutors Sixth Form students are supported by a team of specialist Sixth Form tutors, who are trained to support the boys with the personal and academic challenges they face as well as being able to guide them with their Higher Education applications. The boys meet with their tutor every day and the tutor is the first point of contact for students, parents and staff, fostering a strong sense of community. All Sixth Formers continue to be members of a Trib, the Wetherby Senior house system, and take on leadership roles, supporting the younger members and co-ordinating the Trib teams in the various sporting, artistic and intellectual competitions that take place throughout the year. In Year 12 and 13, there are opportunities to work with and mentor the younger boys. In Year 13, some boys are appointed as Prefects which reflects the School’s degree of trust and belief in them, but which also involves taking on responsibility for aspects of the day-to-day running of the School as well as having specific responsibility for the Tribs or other parts of School life.
Enrichment Sixth Form students’ academic and personal development is reinforced by a co-curricular programme which allows them to build on their interests and develop teamwork and leadership skills. There is also an opportunity for boys to gain a greater perspective on important social, political and cultural issues through a range of talks, clubs and societies. There is a compulsory games session each week for the boys. A wide range of sport including rugby, football, cricket, tennis and athletics is offered throughout the year and they can also avail of the fully equipped gym and weights room in Marylebone.
LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM Boys, especially those interested in current affairs and public speaking, have the opportunity to take part in Model United Nations (MUN) where they can debate global issues as delegates from the member states. Working in teams, they prepare resolutions on a topical world crisis, which may range from human rights issues to the environment and present at conferences, which take place a number of times a year at schools around the country and abroad. This not only helps develop their teamwork, but also improves their presentation and debating skills. Young Enterprise provides an opportunity for Year 12 boys to form a company, fundraise, market and sell a product with a view to ending the year with a profit. The boys are supported by a business advisor, but the activity is led by the boys, enhancing their decision making and financial capability. There are additional opportunities for the Year 12 boys to participate in Community Service supporting local charities and primary schools, enabling them to make a positive contribution to society. The boys are also encouraged to take part in other community-based activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Sixth Form Privileges The Sixth Formers enjoy numerous privileges and greater independence. They have a dedicated Sixth Form Centre complete with I.T. suite, study space and contemporary common room area. They no longer wear the Wetherby Senior uniform, but smart business suit along with a Sixth Form tie in order to maintain a link with the School, but reflecting their senior status amongst the boys.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE The two years in Sixth Form are the culmination of the boys’ time at the School, but also an important stepping stone into higher education or the world of work. A programme, supported by the team of Sixth Form tutors, guides the boys and parents through the university selection and application process, helping them to find the course and institution that is right for them. We provide support for all boys applying to Higher Education institutions in the UK, USA and mainland Europe, with dedicated programmes for Oxbridge and Medicine/ Dentistry/Veterinary Science candidates. Boys are also able to take full advantage of our location in Marylebone, on the doorstep of some of London’s most prestigious businesses and organisations, as part of the work experience and work shadowing programme.
“The School’s reputation is for a kind, friendly and supportive atmosphere. The Sixth Form students understand the responsibility they have in ensuring that a respectful culture continues and showing those new to the community what the expectations are.” Seth Bolderow, Headmaster
ADMISSIONS AT 16+ If you are not currently at Wetherby Senior School, but would like to join our exciting and dynamic Sixth Form, then please get in touch with our Admissions team (registrar@wetherbysenior.co.uk) to arrange a tour of the School and find out more about the 16+ admissions process. For 16+ entry, candidates are interviewed and examined in the subjects they wish to study for A Level. Offers are conditional on GCSE results. We hope the information in this booklet has given you an overview of the A Level offering, facilities, pastoral care, university preparation and co-curricular activities provided by Wetherby Senior School. Should you have any questions about the Sixth Form, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be delighted to help you.
Wetherby Senior School 100 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QU
Email: admin@wetherbysenior.co.uk Design & Print : blueappleeducation.com
11126/02/2019
Tel: 020 7535 3530