SIXTH FORM
Behaviour in the lessons we visited was exemplary. Pupils‌ do well because teachers give a lot of advice and support in lessons, but also out of lessons and after school. Ofsted
Welcome The most important people in Sharnbrook’s sixth form are the students themselves! Our focus is to ensure that we provide the right environment for young people to learn and to grow as individuals. Experience has shown us that offering a broad range of subject choices, alongside a wealth of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities, effectively prepares students to take their place in a world beyond education which is becoming increasingly competitive. It is essential, therefore, that they make the most of their aptitudes and abilities as they move towards higher education and a successful future career.
Teaching was characterised by confident subject knowledge‌learning time is used very productively. Ofsted
Curriculum We are in the enviable position of being able to offer a huge range of subject choice at level 3, and also have the flexibility to accommodate most combinations! Students typically study 3 courses and, as A level qualifications are now linear, they will sit their exams at the end of year 13. If students opt for a BTEC course (these can be studied alongside A levels), all of their year 12 units should be ‘passed’ to progress into year 13. Students are carefully guided in making sensible choices to enable them to access their potential future careers.
There is good-quality advice and guidance in the sixth form which leads to high retention rates. Ofsted
Facilities Sharnbrook offers a large and impressively equipped campus that enables our students to enjoy experiences that are simply not available elsewhere. Highlights include: • our state-of-the-art science block; • our dedicated music centre, boasting a suite of practice rooms, professional quality mixing facilities, a performance area, a suite of music PCs and much more; • a suite of fully equipped media editing rooms; • a professionally equipped TV studio; • projectors and whiteboards in every teaching room; • the facility for a live televised broadcast every Thursday to every tutor group; • “AA1” – our dedicated, large presentation centre; • a large dance studio;
• two specialised drama studios; • a large gymnasium and sports centre, including a fitness suite, aerobics studio and well equipped changing rooms; • a full-size climbing wall; • a large all-weather sports ground in addition to our tennis courts and sports fields; • a specific ‘Sixth Form Study Centre’, staffed by a librarian and boasting two suites of computers; • an additional 20 computer suites across the school site; • dining facilities serving a broad and varied range of hot and cold meals, along with a dedicated sixth form café in Dining One.
The progress of sixth form students is monitored well and focused support is put in place quickly for any individual underachieving. Evidence provided by the school shows that students in the sixth form are making good progress. Ofsted
Pastoral Support As students mature into more independent learners, we can assure you that student welfare is not forgotten in the sixth form! There is vertical tutoring in years 7-11, and years 12 and 13 are also vertically tutored as we feel it is important to recognise the particular needs of sixth form students. Additionally, the house system operates throughout their time at Sharnbrook as we value the continuity and pastoral support it offers, whilst also providing leadership opportunities lower down the school. We provide a dedicated ‘listening ear’ service if a student needs a friendly chat about issues that are perhaps more personal in nature. This, in turn, refers to our Key Services should more specialised, professional guidance be required. Students speak highly of this service. Additionally, we have a member of staff who will arrange one-to-one meetings to support students who may be struggling with more academic issues, such as time management.
Inspectors observed high-quality feedback helping students make progress. Ofsted
Future Focus We have a dedicated team of professionals and a wealth of experience to draw upon when students begin researching the exciting array of possibilities before them, particularly via our Futures programme. Whether it be one-to-one support through the UCAS process (university application), careers guidance, accessing help from our many alumni connections, or planning work experience, we aim to provide as much support as possible, encouraging students to look ahead and prepare for life beyond Sharnbrook. We also have a particular focus on Oxbridge and early entry candidates, as well as assistance in creating a CV and letter of application, as the ultimate aim is for every student is to gain employment at some point in the near future!
Pupils told me that one of the best things about the school is the wide variety of subjects available and opportunities out of lessons, such as trips and productions. Ofsted
Enrichment & Extracurricular Opportunities Academic success is obviously very important, but we are equally committed to providing students with a broad range of opportunities in order to develop additional life skills. The Enrichment Programme, particularly in year 12, targets areas of personal development, community involvement and career preparation, with sixth form students actively involved in all areas of school life and beyond through a variety of activities, ranging from house activities to sport, Duke of Edinburgh and many more! The fancy dress day and concert at Christmas, along with the charity hampers, are also particular highlights of the year.
Thank you to all the teachers for their help and support during our daughters’ 2 years in sixth form at this amazing school. - Parent
Staff are very proud to work at the school and morale is high - Ofsted
The school is a happy place for learning. - Ofsted
It is what you make of it. With an extremely supportive team of staff and a wide range of courses to choose from, I trust that you’ll find your niche. - Oliver, Y13 pupil
ODELL ROAD SHARNBROOK BEDFORDSHIRE MK44 1JL Tel: 01234 782211 Email: information@sharnbrook.beds.sch.uk www.sharnbrook.beds.sch.uk
Designed & Produced by FSE Design Tel: 01933 303520 www.fsedesign.co.uk