ST BERNARD’S SIXTH FORM
WELCOME FROM THE
HEADTEACHER A warm welcome to St Bernard’s High School. We are a school that is proud of its history and committed to delivering to our young people an educational experience that excites and inspires. I hope these few pages will give you a flavour of our school community and what it has to offer. The students and staff here at St Bernard’s are incredible and I feel privileged to lead such a special place of education, nurturing and fulfilment. High expectations and educational standards alongside all-encompassing pastoral care make St Bernard’s more than a school - we are a family! We recognise and seek to further develop, deepen and nurture the individual talents and abilities of all the students we serve. We prioritise getting to know our students (and families) as we understand our role in helping and guiding our young people towards their chosen paths, enabling them to have professionally and personally fulfilling lives. St Bernard’s is a very special place. We fully understand the importance of providing our young people with a holistic Catholic education which cherishes the spiritual and supports academic excellence across the full ability range of our school community. We are committed to living our mission statement, “Love one another as I have loved you”, as we enjoy and celebrate the strong relationships which have built and sustained our diverse community. ALLISON MOISE-DIXON, HEADTEACHER
WELCOME FROM THE
HEAD OF SIXTH FORM Deciding where to continue your post-16 education is an important decision. When you choose St Bernard’s you will be joining a strong and diverse community within an environment which nurtures the individual. The Sixth Form occupies a pivotal role in the life of St Bernard’s High School. We are an inclusive community where students can continue their academic studies and mature into confident and independent young people, ready to take their next steps into Higher Education, Apprenticeships or the world of work. Study in the Sixth Form is a serious undertaking and needs commitment from each student and support from their families. From day one, we encourage students to adopt a structured routine and maintain a good work-life balance by providing ample time for supported independent study during the school day. Most students study 3 A Levels or a combination of BTEC and A Level qualifications. Sixth Formers at St Bernard’s thrive when they immerse themselves in the wide range of leadership tasks and extra-curricular responsibilities we offer. We offer work experience in Year 12 and support students to participate in super-curricular schemes offered by top universities. These deepen students’ knowledge and help to prepare them for the rigours of Further Education. Life is busy in the Sixth Form and students have to develop independence and good organisational skills in order to succeed. Students are ably supported by an experienced team of passionate subject specialists and a dedicated Sixth Form pastoral team who are there to support each student to fulfil their unique potential. SARAH JACKSON, HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
16-19 STUDY
St Bernard’s High School is a welcoming, inclusive school. Leaders have high expectations of pupils in terms of learning and behaviour.
PROGRAMME
OFSTED 2023
All students at St Bernard’s are enrolled on a study programme, which typically combines qualifications and other activities, and is tailored to each student’s prior attainment and career goals. Students who immerse themselves in the life of the school thrive. In addition to a strong academic base the study programme delivers valuable soft skills required for further study or the world of work. At St Bernard’s our study programmes combine the following elements: 1. QUALIFICATIONS Students are able to study a combination of 3 or 4 Level 3 courses at St Bernard’s including a range of A Level subjects and BTEC courses. 2. ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS English and Mathematics are essential skills for the future. Students who have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4 in one or both of these subjects are supported in continuing their study to achieve this. 3. CAREERS ADVICE AND OPPORTUNITIES, UCAS GUIDANCE AND WORK EXPERIENCE A bespoke programme of Careers Education and Guidance is provided for our students, offering a range of experiences designed to prepare them for their options once they leave us.
4. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENRICHMENT · PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION A comprehensive series of lessons cover a range of topics such as: study skills, first aid, gambling, sexism and misogyny, internet safety, danger of carrying weapons, mental health and wellbeing, dementia and FGM. · RELIGIOUS STUDIES In line with our school ethos, students also attend regular general Religious Studies lessons where they have opportunities to explore moral and ethical issues such as
encouraging responsibility for others, developing organisational and communication skills and instilling confidence in people for whom leading groups in sporting activities is a new experience. · INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELLING SKILLS The Level 2 Introduction to Counselling Skills course provides students with an insight into counselling work and helps them consider if they wish to train to become a counsellor. · ROLES OF LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY
euthanasia and crime and punishment. They also look at
Head Student & Deputy Head Students apply, interview
things that religious people take part in across different
and then campaign in Spring Term of Year 12. The team
religions such as pilgrimage and festivals.
are elected as a result of a whole school vote giving
· EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION · TUTOR TIME Students benefit from time as a group with their form tutors each morning where they complete a range of activities including careers guidance, wider academic reading, a weekly quiz, tutor review meetings, and prayer. · DUKE OF EDINBURGH St Bernard’s is fortunate to have a dedicated and wellqualified Expedition Team who recognise the benefits that these opportunities afford to students. Bronze, Silver and Gold Expeditions and training are open to all students who wish to take part.
students experience of democracy and an election process. A range of roles and responsibilities allow every student to demonstrate leadership and develop the skills necessary for the workplace or further study. · PAID ROLES Welcome Ministry is a unique role where Sixth Form students can take on the responsibility of welcoming and ensuring the safety of students coming into school in the mornings. Academically able Sixth Form students may also be offered the opportunity to become Subject Mentors where they will work with GCSE students to provide additional subject coaching and intervention.
· ARTS LEADERS AWARD The Arts Leaders Award inspires young people to grow their arts and leadership talents. Students will research the world of the arts and take individual responsibility for leading an arts project. · SPORTS LEADER The Sports Leader Award gives opportunities to lead groups in safe sporting and recreational activity,
The curriculum is well planned. Leaders have identified the knowledge and skills pupils need to know to be successful. OFSTED 2023
CAREERS
PROVISION Our careers provision enhances our students’ knowledge and understanding of the world of work, their employability skills, widen their horizons, and challenge stereotypes surrounding certain careers. We have a dedicated team of staff who have experience and success in supporting and mentoring our students who apply to Russell Group universities, Oxbridge and companies in the City of London. We employ a Sixth Form Study Supervisor, Careers Co-ordinator and Pastoral Manager who collaborate with staff to ensure that every student has the experiences and opportunities to receive personalised support; academic, CEIAG and pastoral. In Year 12 and 13, students continue to have access to their online careers platform which enables them to look at what their future options are and gives them access to several resources and activities to develop their post-18 pathways. Each student is also given individual and collective support with their UCAS applications and apprenticeship or employment applications. St Bernard’s High School understands that work experience is central in providing young people with invaluable insights into the world of work, helping them to develop important employability skills and make informed choices about their future. Our Sixth Form encourages a very hands-on approach and ensures that all students take part in work experience by embedding it into the school year. We also believe a focus on super-curricular activities is not only key to expanding a student’s horizons but important in developing their academic ability. Students are encouraged and supported to apply for university developed programs such as; King’s College London’s K+ Programme, University of Reading’s Reading Scholars, Newcastle University’s PARTNER Programme, Sutton Trust and the Social Mobility Foundation. These programmes are designed to introduce students to undergraduate study, develop subject knowledge and writing skills. Participation is not only favoured by universities and apprenticeship providers due to the knowledge and skills acquired but can also result in lower entry offers to Russell Group Universities.
ST BERNARD’S SIXTH FORM HOW TO
APPLY Apply through our website using Applicaa: stbernardswestcliff.applicaa.com
Pupils benefit from a wide range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. OFSTED 2023
ST BERNARD’S SIXTH FORM Milton Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7JS T 01702 343583 E office@stbernards.southend.sch.uk www.stbernardswestcliff.org.uk
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