Raynes Park P16 Prospectus

Sixth Form

Inspiring Learning; Achieving Excellence

Your Sixth For m Community

welcome

to our sixth form Inspiring Learning; Achieving Excellence

We are delighted to welcome you to Raynes Park High School Sixth Form, which we believe is one of the most exciting Sixth Forms in the country.

RPHS is a vibrant mixed school with a Sixth Form teaching students aged 16 -19 years Level 3 and Level 2 courses. It has achieved remarkable success in its first five years with a clear identity, extremely strong community and happy working environment.

Mrs K Heard Headteacher

Ms J Lawner Director of Sixth Form

We teach students from diverse backgrounds, cultures and abilities enabling them to make exceptional progress academically and in their wider personal development. The Sixth Form ethos stems from our singular focus – ensuring students leave with qualifications matching their personal interests and career aspirations.

Our success, and that of our students, is founded on ensuring each individual develops the social and interpersonal skills to lead happy and productive lives.

Our school and Sixth Form motto, “inspiring learning; achieving excellence,” articulates all we aspire to in every lesson and for every student.

We want students to be challenged and inspired by their lessons. We want them to enjoy their learning as they develop independence and leadership skills.

We strive to ensure that their experience is founded on our eight core values: • Learning and Achievement • Excellence and Resilience • Community and Challenge • Integrity and Respect ‘Integrity and Respect’ underpin our entire philosophy. A Sixth Form community motivated by integrity and embodying a true understanding of respect and care for others is a successful Sixth Form.

This prospectus aims to give you an insight into our character and ethos. However, to fully appreciate everything we can offer, we warmly invite you to come and see for yourself.

On behalf of all the staff and students, we look forward to welcoming you and your family soon.

Mrs K Heard Headteacher

Inspiring Learning; achieving excellence 01

GROW IN

Confidence

ACHIEVE Lucy Latham Lucy is interested in pursuing a career within the creative industries. Her study of AS Art, Media and Business has confirmed her desire to use the arts to enrich the lives of others. “I have really appreciated how the Sixth Form has allowed me the autonomy to make personal decisions regarding my subject choices. I have also grown in confidence because I have been given the opportunity to represent the school on a number of occasions. The careers week was instrumental in helping me decide on the sort of degree I would like to study at university.’ In her role as a senior house leader, Lucy has played an active part in shaping the culture of the Sixth Form and wider school community.

ACADEMIC SUCCESs

Osaro Ewansiha-Vlachavas Osaro is studying Sociology, Art, English and Media studies and plans to continue his education at university.

Osaro was a student at Raynes Park High School and felt that enrolling at the Sixth Form was a natural choice for him; he already knew many of the teachers and the opportunities which would be available to help him achieve academic success. “The teachers are always helpful, working hard to ensure that students reach their minimum expected grades and more. The Sixth Form strives to help each of its students achieve their very best.”

Inspiring Learning; achieving excellence  03

ENJOY THE

CHALLENGE

Aleks Dyoniziak Aleks is studying Economics, English Literature, Maths and History; all of which she finds challenging at times, yet always enjoyable. She hopes to progress on to higher education and study English Literature. “I’ve been at Raynes Park since Year 7, but I initially transferred to a grammar school at the start of Year 12. After just one week I rushed back, as I realised that no other Sixth Form could truly give me the support, high quality education and vibrant atmosphere that Raynes Park Sixth Form could.

The teachers here are unbelievably dedicated to pushing us to reach our potential, whilst giving us the skills to do well not only in lessons but also in everyday life. Now I have a vibrant array of friends and enjoy working in a cohesive environment; allowing me to grow as an individual and preparing me for the future.”

Barabas Raffai Barabas came to this country from Hungary three years ago and settled well into life at Raynes Park. He is studying Maths, Physics, Chemistry and ICT with plans for a career in aerospace engineering, possibly aircraft design. He hopes to be accepted into Surrey University, but is also open to the idea of a higher level apprenticeship. “I really liked the small class sizes because they allowed me to get more support from the teachers. I also found the careers advice at the end of the year very informative and helpful.”

best

be the you can be “ I have served as a senior House leader, playing a lead role in the whole school council.

I participated in a boroughwide leadership scheme which helped me to discover more about my leadership style and preferences. I feel more confident as a future leader.”

Courtney Hagan

Courtney Hagan “I enjoy studying at this Sixth Form because of its calm but exciting environment. The teachers here push you to be the best that you can be and have your best interests at heart. I am currently studying A Level Maths, English Literature and Art. I think this school has a great English and Maths department and that’s why I decided to stay on and study here. I plan to progress on to university and study Architectural Engineering in hope of becoming a fully chartered engineer.”

Inspiring Learning; achieving excellence 05

DEVELOP

LEADERSHIP SKILLS bradley szreider “During my year at Raynes Park Sixth Form I have studied AS Sociology, Economics, Maths and Business Studies and I have enjoyed learning more about these subjects in depth. I hope that with hard work I can progress to A2 with strong grades that will enable me to have a range of opportunities.

I have also been able to develop my leadership skills as I have been recruited into the student leadership team where I have contributed to the Sixth Form by putting across the student voice. I have also been mentoring two students; one in Year 7 and one in Year 8. I try to use my experience to help them get the most out of their time at Raynes Park.

In the future I hope to move on to university or an accredited apprenticeship.

At the moment I am looking into a career involving construction such as quantity surveying or alternatively a career in the finance sector.”

Alice Downey Alice is currently studying AS History, English, Government and Politics and Sociology and has plans to continue her academic career at university.

“The careers week helped me to confirm the career path I want to embark on. The Sixth Form has provided me with the means to explore different aspects of furthering my education. Being at Sixth Form has also taught me to embrace different opportunities.”

As part of the student leadership programme, Alice has served as a mentor by providing weekly support to students in the lower school. In addition to this, she also represented the Sixth Form in the borough-wide Insight Leadership programme to develop future leaders.

FRIENDLY

AND SUPPORTIVE ATMOSPHERE

Isaac Oladoke After completing his GCSEs at Raynes Park High School, Isaac felt that staying on with the Sixth Form was the most appropriate decision for him. “Studying at Raynes Park High School for five years allowed me to develop good relationships with the teachers; therefore staying on board in the Sixth Form was only logical - the teachers know my strengths and weaknesses and what is beneficial in terms of my education. What I enjoy about the Sixth Form is the friendly and supportive atmosphere. The facilities are brilliant and the study rooms are occupied with support teachers who ensure that the students work hard and reach their potential.” After completing his A-Levels Isaac is hoping to go on to university to prepare for a career in the creative arts.

Inspiring Learning; achieving excellence 07

a wealth of choices Priyanka Shrestha During her first year in Sixth Form Priyanka has studied AS levels in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Geography. Studying these subjects has led her to choose Biological Sciences as her career path.

“The vast quantity of interesting topics that are covered in Biology and Chemistry has given me the opportunity to pick a course that suits me and this has opened up a wealth of possible university courses at a number of institutions all over the UK, including the research intensive Russell Group universities.”

Priyanka has been on numerous trips to different universities and looks forward to further refining her area of interest before submitting her UCAS application in the autumn term. “The Sixth Form has provided me with information and advice about the various routes I can choose for my future which has been so helpful in making informed choices.

Having a range of university talks and visits, Drop Down days and guest speakers has really prepared us for the future.”

prepared for the future “ Careers talks have been very supportive in helping me understand what sort of future I would like to see myself in. I have found the university visits extremely useful. I have experienced lectures, I know what accommodation looks like but most importantly this support has helped me confirm my decision to attend university in the future. The Sixth Form has also helped me learn how to be more independent.”

Sixth Form Student

why

choose

us?

Quality of Curriculum, Teaching and Outcomes

Developing Character & Future Leaders

Identity, Belonging and Enjoyment

The majority of RPHS students choose to continue their education in our Sixth Form, as do significant numbers of external students. A key reason is the quality of the curriculum both in its breadth and depth; we also have a strong focus on progression to university and employment.

Being in the Sixth Form is part of a broader experience and our students are expected to take an active role in Sixth Form life.

At the heart of RPHS Sixth Form is our community ethos providing an unrivalled level of pastoral and other support from the teaching staff.

Our unique Sporting Academies enable students to develop their sporting talent as part of their academic curriculum. With the Basketball Academy offering 12 hours of timetabled coaching a week and a thriving Dance Academy, our reputation for excellent sporting achievement continues to grow.

Students participate in a varied range of volunteering opportunities within and beyond the school community including organising a variety of charity events for the whole school. With opportunities for Sixth Form students to act as ambassadors in the wider community, this experience develops wide-ranging leadership and communication skills.

The RPHS house system has a strong focus on coaching and mentoring students to become leaders with the Head Boy and Girl supported by senior House leaders.

Students are provided with a sense of identity, belonging and enjoyment. We emphasise developing three core qualities; having a sense of community, competitiveness and leadership.

“ The Sixth Form has given me a feeling of belonging to part of a community. I have also been able to develop my academic and technical skills here.”

Sixth Form Student

Inspiring Learning; achieving excellence 09

Designed & Produced by Cleverbox 020 8466 7222 www.cleverbox.co.uk

Raynes Park High School is easily reached by bus and train. Bus 131 for West Barnes Lane, 152 and 265 for Bushey Road.

The main visitor entrance is via Bushey Road.

Bushey Road, London SW20 0JL  tel: 020 8946 4112  email: school@raynespark.merton.sch.uk

www.raynespark.merton.sch.uk

Sixth Form