Support – Encouragement – Achievement
SIXTH FORM
SUB UMBRA ALARUM TUARUM
THe Rochester Grammar School
Mission Statement Furthering excellence through SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT Each of the stakeholders in the school has a part to play in furthering excellence. Students are expected to support each other and be motivated to learn and achieve. Staff will provide the learning environment, the encouragement and the personal challenge through which each person can excel. Parents should support the school ethos and contribute fully to the life of the school and governors need to be our critical champions.
“RGS provides an environment in which students are able to work to their maximum potential, enabling them to succeed, not only academically, but also in becoming a balanced, all-rounded person.” Aimee
WELCOME Dear Student Thank you for taking the time to read our Sixth Form prospectus. I know that you will be impressed by our outstanding results, our first class facilities and our impressive range of courses. At the heart of our successful Sixth Form is a commitment to furthering excellence through support, encouragement and achievement. Personal excellence is ensured through an innovatory curriculum, high expectations and the highest quality of teaching and learning based on an understanding of each student’s individual needs. In the RGS Sixth Form we want to develop your talents and interests, preparing you for life-long learning. We believe students achieve their best in a supportive and purposeful learning environment. You will be supported with regular tutorial interviews and specialist advice and guidance, and we have a dedicated Independent Learning Centre in which you can maximise the effectiveness of your studies. In the RGS Sixth Form you will choose between a wide range of Advanced Level (including Applied) courses and the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a world class qualification. You will also have the opportunity to access Foundation Degree courses which will further personalise your learning. Beyond the curriculum you will develop new friendships, take on roles of responsibility and in a broad sense reflect upon what is important in life. Through this you will develop a mature sense of values. Yours is an exciting future: together we will work to achieving your goals.
Ms D. Shepherd BA (Hons) MA NPQH
THE ROCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL Sixth Form PAGE 1
“RGS inspires students to exceed not only the required expectations but their own personal goals and ambitions giving them the necessary drive to succeed in all walks of life.” Stacey
EXPERIENCE The RGS student “Lessons are interesting, and the atmosphere friendly and relaxed.” Tia There is no stereotypical RGS student: you will be encouraged to develop and express your own individual talents. You will grow, through your own academic interests, and develop your own unique sense of personal responsibility, in particular through the many opportunities to lead others. You will be supported by teachers who blend innovative approaches to learning with experience and professionalism. RGS learners strive to be inquiring and knowledgeable. They are able communicators who can reflect on their own learning. You will select from alternative pathways – the Advanced Level route or the International Baccalaureate route. Within these pathways there is an extensive range of subjects to choose from. You will enjoy the close personal support of a strong pastoral team. You will benefit from the reputation for excellence that The Rochester Grammar School enjoys both locally, nationally and internationally.
THE ROCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL Sixth Form PAGE 3
OPPORTUNITIES Academic Pathways We offer a broad range of subjects at Advanced Level. Our pre-sixth form guidance is a major strength of RGS. We take great care in offering advice on the best personal route for each and every student: we cannot allow with integrity an unguided choice of subjects. In addition, through the Rochester / Walderslade Partnership of schools, students have access to further Advanced Level and Applied courses.
The World Student The International Baccalaureate (IB) has become a symbol of academic excellence worldwide with more than 575,000 students examined in over125 countries. Through the IB we are able to offer our students an exciting alternative to Advanced Levels. The IB offers a comprehensive and balanced curriculum with rigorous assessment, emphasising responsible citizenship and encouraging students to become compassionate thinkers and lifelong learners. Universities across the UK, Europe and the USA, recognise the IB as a prestigious qualification. In 2007 RGS became the first school in Medway to meet the exacting standards of the International Baccalaureate Organisation. As an IB World School, RGS is now a partner in a worldwide family of educational establishments committed to developing citizens for the twenty-first century.
Internationalism Internationalism is a major feature of the Sixth Form – besides the opportunities to visit European countries, there are curriculum exchanges and close links with France, Germany and Poland. Students have also taken part in European Parliament debates and enjoyed the adventure of ‘World Challenge’ trips to Borneo.
THE ROCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL Sixth Form PAGE 4
Learning Your only ladder to success is to become a successful learner. RGS works in conjunction with Exeter University to develop good learning habits and thinking skills for all students. A new learning centre enables you to study in quiet, calm and modern conditions. You will be able to make extensive use of ICT facilities, including wireless technology for your own laptops. We regard this provision as an essential bridge from the more structured environment of Year 11 to the ‘freedom’ and independence of university life.
“Choosing to come to RGS was not a difficult choice – academically RGS is hard to beat. I have really enjoyed the sixth form, and RGS has been an excellent place to discover my potential.” Elliot
RESPONSIBILITY Leadership As a young adult, you will be expected to be a responsible role model. School Officers are elected by the whole of the Sixth Form, teaching staff and Year 11 students, and learn to work as a team and to inspire others. They are ably supported by a team of Assistant Officers. In addition, there are Sixth Form and Student Councils where students are consulted and offer their own views on key issues.
Participation Whether in sport, music, theatre, or charity work you will be encouraged to develop your own interests through active participation. All students receive full recognition and formal accreditation for this active participation either through the CAS for the IB students or the Medway Plus Certificate for the Advanced Level students.
Preparation It is this emphasis on the ‘whole’ person, that we value most highly; but we do not regard it as separate from the business of being a successful student. Part of the professionalism of being a student is to be fully prepared for the future. You will receive guidance on your future higher education or employment choices and be advised on applications. We offer detailed specialist preparation programmes for candidates to Oxbridge / medical schools.
THE ROCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL Sixth Form PAGE 7
COMMUNITY “My time at RGS has given me many memories and experiences that allow me to look forward to the future with confidence.” Nikki
The RGS Community
Equal Opportunities
Sixth Form students join us from a variety of different backgrounds. If you believe that you have the drive, ambition, enthusiasm and sense of fun required to be a part of the RGS Sixth Form Community, then we look forward to your application.
Regardless of gender, race, religion, physical abilities or status, all members of the RGS community have an equal right to enjoy an environment where they are treated with respect and enabled to pursue their work without discrimination.
THE ROCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL Sixth Form PAGE 8
Our Foundation In 1888 the Foundation Stone was laid to open Rochester’s grammar school. Since then, students have passed from the school into every walk of life – from exploration, science, politics, the arts, business and enterprise, engineering, law and journalism.
Above: The biology lab – up to the minute facilities were enjoyed by the pupils in the 1930s, just as they are now. Left: Part of the original stained glass window that adorned the stage of the old hall. Left Centre: The original Foundation stone, now on display in the reception area. Far Left: The School today
The Rochester Grammar School Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 3BY Telephone: (01634) 843049 Facsimile: (01634) 818340 www.rochestergrammar.medway.sch.uk SUB UMBRA ALARUM TUARUM