The Deepings School Sixth Form Prospectus

dare to excel

Aspiration

Excellence

“WE LEARN HOW TO PRIORITISE OUR WORKLOAD TO BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT AND YOU ARE VERY WELL PREPARED FOR LIFE AFTER SCHOOL.”

YEAR 12 STUDENT

Welcome to our

Sixth Form We are very proud of our Sixth Form students. They are young men and women of character, who achieve strong academic results and contribute to the wider life of the school.

High quality teaching combined with a passion for learning ensures we consistently achieve excellent A-level results. Matching this with exceptional care, guidance and support means our students work hard, enjoy themselves and are accepted onto university courses and careers of their choice. Every year our students take up places at some of the very best universities in the country.

Our focus on positive relationships is enhanced by the recently built £2.5 million Sixth Form Centre. Together they provide a vibrant culture and standard of facilities that are second to none.

Students are actively engaged in a host of enrichment and enterprise activities that are so important in nurturing talents and interests. Access to impartial and professional careers guidance supports our students in achieving the progression route to which they aspire. They leave us having developed into well-rounded and proactive young adults, able to make the most of opportunities that lead to them living happy, healthy and successful lives.

I invite you to attend our Sixth Form Presentation Evening and encourage you to visit us during the school day to experience the fantastic provision and atmosphere of the Deepings Sixth Form.

Richard Lord BA (Hons, NPQH) Head Teacher

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A Friendly and Modern

Community “Students contribute very well to the school and wider community. They are mature, willing to take responsibility, develop outstanding leadership skills and make fine role models for younger students.”

Ofsted

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The Sixth Form experience at The Deepings is vibrant and diverse, providing students with a sense of independence and responsibility within a supportive community.

In September 2013, our new £2.5 million, state of the art Sixth Form Centre was opened, giving our students access to exceptional facilities. The centre includes spacious study facilities – including an outdoor learning area, an exclusive library and twelve teaching rooms – as well as comfortable social space and a modern refectory serving food all day, students benefit from fantastic facilities. The campus-style building also features stateof-the-art IT systems, with plenty of laptops available and WiFi provided in all areas.

Sixth Form students are supported to develop the self-starting attitude and independent learning skills that will prove invaluable in higher education and the workplace. The Sixth Form also provides young people with the chance to develop their leadership skills and many of them relish this opportunity.

In addition to supporting younger children in the PeerMentoring Programme, Year 12 students can apply to be Subject Ambassadors, supporting learning in their chosen subject lower down the school. Year 13 students can apply for the position of Head Boy, Head Girl or their Deputies, or may seek to become a Prefect with special responsibility for a particular aspect of school life – such as teaching and learning, charity fundraising or social activities. In addition to the appointed Sixth Form Council, Year 12 and 13 students are represented on the elected School Council, which makes a valuable contribution to the strategic direction and running of The Deepings.

Order

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Perseverance

Motivation

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“Teaching in the Sixth Form is excellent.

Teachers plan lessons that challenge students of all abilities very effectively.”

Ofsted

A World of

Opportunities We provide an extensive choice of academic and vocational courses at AS, A2 and BTEC Levels. Most students take General Studies as an additional course, with an Extended Project provided as an option.

Learning is personalised, ensuring that students take the right subjects and number of courses. Through high expectations and rigorous monitoring, all students are motivated to realise their potential. Frequent communication – including three assessments and a written report per year, a Parents’ Evening, a Transition Evening in Year 12 and a Progress Meeting in Year 13 – ensures that families are aware of progress achieved and steps required for improvement.

All Sixth Formers follow a Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) programme that includes topics such as study skills, aspirations and relationships. Many enrichment opportunities – including the Pre-Teaching course, the Community Sports Leaders Award, Driving Theory and First Aid – enhance the depth of students’ experience. In addition, visiting speakers from charities, business and the arts provide an inspirational insight into different walks of life.

As well as joining the various sport teams, Sixth Formers can use the school’s gym and fitness centre or the facilities at the adjacent leisure centre – including a pool, squash courts and astroturf. There are many opportunities for students to showcase their dramatic, musical and artistic talents, and they can develop their teamwork and leadership skills through the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Sixth Formers also plan and run a whole host of charity events, participate in community service initiatives and contribute to our ‘EXCEL’ magazine.

Students enjoy a wide range of residential visits and day trips. In addition to the annual Ski Trip to Austria, recent and planned visits include a Geography field trip to Iceland; a Religious Studies visit to Auschwitz; a Football Tour to Holland; a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award trip to Morocco; and Modern Foreign Language exchanges to France, Germany and Spain.

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Realising Potential

Through Support “I moved to The Deepings School at the start of Year 12 and was impressed at how kind and welcoming my teachers and fellow students were. By the end of my first month, I felt like I had been at the school from Year 7.”

Student

The strong pastoral support provided to our young people is the bedrock of their academic achievement and fosters excellent relationships between students and staff.

As well as celebrating students’ many achievements at The Deepings, we recognise that they will sometimes face challenges in their school career. The care and guidance provided by staff at these times is vital, helping students to become resilient, resourceful and positive learners.

Pastoral support begins even before students join our Sixth Form, with an Enrolment Day during the summer allowing young people to meet their tutor and their peers. Tutors act as the first point of call for support, with students able to raise any study or personal issues during daily tutorial sessions. In addition, weekly assemblies enhance the tangible spirit of community that our Sixth Form enjoys.

With a Head of Sixth Form, Senior Progress Leader (responsible for Year 13), Deputy Progress Leader (responsible for Year 12) and dedicated Sixth Form Administrative Team, there is always someone on hand to provide care or counselling. The PSHEE programme is designed to help all students to manage their own learning, develop key skills and make informed life choices, but additional help in the form of mentoring can also be offered.

We expect our students to work to the best of their ability, show consideration for others, dress appropriately and respect the school environment. Sixth Formers rise admirably to this challenge and act as excellent ambassadors for The Deepings.

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Veracity

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“The success of the Sixth Form is reflected in the high proportion of students who gain employment or progress successfully to the course of their choice in higher education.”

Ofsted

Preparing for Success

in the Future The Deepings is committed to providing young people with practical and personalised advice to help them shape their future. As an Enterprise Academy, we aim to develop students’ self-motivation, transferable skills, initiative and leadership abilities through a variety of teambuilding events and work-related activities. Sixth Formers are also actively encouraged to assume roles of responsibility within the school and to undertake work experience.

A comprehensive system is in place to support university applications and those seeking employment. Post 18 Options Day provides an ideal opportunity for discussing higher education and career options, developing enterprise skills and preparing for the UCAS process. During this day, at which Sixth Formers can meet representatives of universities and colleges, gap year organisations and local employers. Students are strongly encouraged to visit several universities, as well as a higher education fair held locally. In addition, the careers section of the Sixth Form library contains prospectuses and a wealth of useful material for researching employment options.

Our experienced teachers provide one-to-one support for selecting the right institution and course, preparing personal statements, facing admissions or job interviews and writing CVs. Staff – sometimes supported by local professionals – are involved in the mock interview process, while external agencies also come into school to give professional and impartial advice. In addition, our PSHEE programme helps to prepare young people for independent living through practical sessions including cooking, ironing and budgeting.

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Enterprise

Determination

the deepings school

The Deepings School Park Road Deeping St James Peterborough PE6 8NF Tel: 01778 342159 Fax: 01778 380590 Email: office@deepingschool.org.uk www.deepingschool.org.uk

@Deepings_6th