Realising Potential
Realising Potential It is important for individuals to take responsibility for and ownership of their learning. This is achieved through hard work and application. When we participate fully in school life; embracing opportunities to collaborate and contribute we will realise our potential. • Aspiration • Challenge • Self-belief Our Sixth Form students are individuals who are excited by life and its possibilities. Their success is assured through a willingness to engage with individuals and communities, both locally and globally in intelligent, purposeful endeavours. They aspire to meet challenges and develop themselves through learning and by sharing their knowledge and experience. They develop the resilience and confidence to grow into full and rounded 21st century citizens equipped with the skills and values to sustain their success into the future.
Welcome With great facilities, a broad curriculum, high quality teaching and outstanding support, the Sixth Form at Bridgnorth Endowed School continues to go from strength to strength. Through a combination of challenging academic study and exciting extra-curricular opportunities, our Sixth Form is a fantastic place for our young people to extend their knowledge, develop their skills and prepare for higher education, an apprenticeship or employment.
We have high expectations for our Sixth Formers, challenging and supporting them to develop a responsible and resilient approach to their studies, and our staff are highly experienced in advising students as they prepare for their next steps in life. As a result, our young people achieve their full potential and are able to gain a place at university – including Russell Group institutions – or progress into their chosen career. We encourage Sixth Formers to take full advantage of the wealth of opportunities open to them – from sporting activities and enrichment events to leadership
“ The quality and dedication of the educators, above everything else, is the biggest motivation for studying at this Sixth Form.” Douglas, Sixth Former
01
roles and community service – and thereby appreciate what it means to enjoy life and make a valuable contribution to society. In our inclusive and welcoming community, each student’s unique abilities and qualities are valued and celebrated. Sixth Formers rise admirably to the challenge of being role models for younger students and many are fully engaged in the life and development of the school. Through their leadership responsibilities and enrichment activities, they gain the confidence and character that are so prized by employers and universities.
A great place
to learn and grow
Outstanding facilities, an inspirational ethos and excellent support provide our Sixth Formers with a strong foundation for achieving their best. Our dedicated Sixth Form Study Centre – equipped with computing and media technologies, Wi-Fi access, a kitchen area and a Costa style café – forms the heart of our vibrant post-16 community. When they join the Sixth Form, students benefit from an induction programme that enables them to get to know one another better through team-building
activities and also develops their independent study skills. The Bridgnorth Endowed Sixth Form offers a broad range of A Levels and some vocational courses, with choice further enhanced through links with other local providers. Through passionate teaching, close monitoring of progress and an exceptional rapport with staff, our students achieve their very best.
tutor to provide the academic guidance and pastoral support required by each individual. As these mentor groups comprise students from both Years 12 and 13, older students are able to support the younger ones. Sixth Formers are also supported by our full-time Learning Mentor, who can help them to develop their organisational and research skills, as well as providing personal support to overcome any barriers to progress.
Each student is a member of a mentor group which meets several times each week, allowing the
“ The study centre is a brilliant environment – the facilities are great.” Oliver Raybould, Sixth Former
03
Freedom
05
to be active and creative We provide a whole host of extracurricular activities that enrich the Sixth Form experience, contribute to personal development and provide our students with a competitive edge when applying to universities.
Gifted students are supported to ensure that they can compete at the highest level whilst still keeping up with their studies, with many performing at county and national levels.
Sixth Formers have free access to the school’s own leisure centre – featuring a swimming pool and fitness suite plus badminton and squash courts – as well as our Astroturf pitch, tennis courts, netball courts and extensive sports fields. Students can join various teams and Wednesday afternoons provide opportunities to participate in recreational and competitive sport.
The performing arts are a particular strength of the school, with students and staff collaborating musically and dramatically to create outstanding annual productions. Sixth Formers can also join a variety of choirs and bands or the school orchestra. Many students develop their teamwork and initiative through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which we offer up to gold level.
Students enjoy a wide range of day visits and residential trips to broaden their horizons. As an International School, our programme includes numerous foreign excursions, with recent and planned visits including World Challenge trips to Indonesia and Namibia, exchanges with our partner schools in China and Tanzania, ski trips and sports tours to various European destinations.
“ It’s fun, exciting but serious all at the same time – a good balance of work and leisure.” Zach Preece-Dawson, Sixth Former
Opportunities to lead and serve
Students have many opportunities to demonstrate their maturity, initiative and empathy during their time in the Sixth Form. Leadership and service commitments not only contribute to their own social development but also enhance their attractiveness to employers and universities. Sixth Formers can cultivate their leadership abilities and contribute to the development of the school through a variety of responsible roles such as Head Boy or Head Girl and their deputies; associate
tutors, who work with lower school tutor groups; and subject leaders and learning mentors who help support younger students in many ways. The Sixth Form Committee runs School Council meetings and feeds back students’ views and ideas to the school’s Senior Leadership Team. Leadership roles in sport are also promoted, with the school even appointing a number of Sixth Formers to act as paid PE teaching assistants who support lessons and run afterschool clubs.
Our Sixth Formers organise our charity weeks and a range of fundraising events throughout the year to help both local and international causes, including our partner school in Tanzania. Some have the chance to hone their entrepreneurial skills through our social enterprise group, ‘Taste of Tanzania’, which markets Tanzanian coffee to support orphans in our partner school. We also encourage students to take on volunteering roles in the local community, such as placements in primary schools and care homes.
“ I really enjoy being a student at the Endowed Sixth Form, as I feel I have been given many great opportunities.” Amy Ruffle-Hazel, Sixth Former
07
Support
to move on
In addition to developing Sixth Formers’ confidence, transferable skills and self-motivation, staff work hard to provide personalised and practical advice for the next stage of their lives. Our weekly ‘core’ programme is the focus for our guidance and support for students as they shape their future. As well as having access to our own, highly experienced Careers Advisor, students are inspired by guest speakers from universities, advisory bodies and private enterprises.
We hold a Careers Fair and a Universities and Employment Fair on alternate years in school, and also take all Year 12 students to a UCAS Convention at either Aston or Birmingham University. Students are encouraged to visit universities, attend summer schools and participate in masterclasses, while those aspiring to Oxbridge or other Russell Group institutions are given any additional support they require. Students receive oneto-one help with course selection, UCAS applications, employment opportunities, apprenticeships, interview techniques and CV writing.
As our name suggests, those successful in achieving a place at university are able to apply for an annual endowment of £250 from the Careswell Foundation for the duration of their course. All Sixth Formers undertake at least a week of work experience at the end of Year 12. Our established links with the local business community in Bridgnorth and the West Midlands facilitate placements at leading companies and allow us to tap into the expertise of business mentors.
“ Having the full support from all staff has boosted my confidence.” Beth Cadwallader, Sixth Former
09
Realising Potential
Realising Potential
Bridgnorth Endowed School Northgate Bridgnorth Shropshire WV16 4ER Tel: 01746 762103
www.bridgnorthendowed.co.uk