PROSPECTUS
Passion, Dynamism, Success!
2017
www.wsix.co.uk
WELCOME TO W6 W6 is the sixth form college at The Sir Robert Woodard Academy in Lancing, West Sussex. It is located between Brighton and Worthing, at the foot of the South Downs National Park and the glorious British coast. The college is part of the wider Woodard Corporation and has close ties to its sister institutions of Lancing College and Hurstpierpoint College. As an institution, W6 goes from strength to strength. Each year we have seen an incredible growth in numbers and results. Ofsted said that we are good. We think so too. W6’s main ambition is to be an outstanding place of learning with excellent opportunities, brilliant teaching and amazing resources, all housed in a centre with great facilities. Students at W6 work hard but also have a great experience in their time here, making lifelong friendships. For us, our inclusive family ethos is critical and allows our students to live and learn in a supportive, friendly environment. We offer a wide range of programmes, ranging
from purely academic to the more career focussed vocational courses. Students at W6 take a varied combination of courses which leads them to university, employment and further education. Our first step will be to support and guide you in choosing a combination of subjects and specific courses to get you to your end goal. The support does not end there as we will continue to monitor and guide you in your time at W6. When you join us at W6, you will find that we have a supportive teaching staff and the additional advice you will receive through our careers, information and additional guidance service is second to none. You will be offered a wide range of new challenges and opportunities to extend and enhance your experience. We will work together to bridge the gap between sixth form and your future, whether it is a course in higher education or the world of employment. We nurture a work ethic and culture that will enable you to complete your studies successfully and support you in fulfilling your individual potential.
Our students have enjoyed a rich and rewarding education at W6, with a full programme of subjects accompanied by a diverse programme of enrichment. We recognise that for you to develop fully as an inquisitive, inspired and well prepared adult you need to be exposed to a wide range of experiences that will challenge you, question your views, open your mind or simply just make you think. Whatever it is, we invite you to take advantage of everything we have to offer. Our links with local and national businesses, universities, further educational bodies and other organisations allow us to provide you with an unrivalled programme of “extras” that you will find hard to beat. This prospectus is accompanied by a document which outlines the courses on offer at W6 and the wider opportunities available to you. At W6 you will have the opportunity to get involved in all elements of college life. It could be as part of the excellent performing arts productions, fitness activities, our excellent basketball academy, sporting fixtures, student leadership or working on air or behind the scenes on our radio station, SRWAir. You may not have considered W6 as an option but we think that after a short conversation with our dynamic students or amazing teachers you will be impressed. We look forward to welcoming you to W6.
“W6 goes from strength to strength” 03
OUR STUDENTS
The academic achievement of our students is vital. Here at W6 we also firmly believe in developing well-rounded, independent and aspiring young people who will leave us confident and capable of achieving their true potential. The development of leadership skills at a young age is a perfect complement to academic success and provides additional skills and experiences that make students stand out in competitive job and higher education markets. All students have the opportunity to become sixth form ambassadors to promote a highly positive academy ethos and culture. In year 13 students have the chance to apply to be members of the Senior Student Team which sees them taking a significant role in the decisionmaking across the Academy and be the figureheads of the Academy student voice. A central part of this role is to work with the leadership and management of W6 to make the college a student-focussed institution.
BE YOUR BEST We have high expectations of our students and firmly believe every single one of them has the potential to achieve beyond what they thought possible. As part of this expectation, we will push and challenge you. This might be as simple as checking your folders to make sure you’re on top of everything or making sure you are meeting your targets, but it could be encouraging you to participate in extracurricular activities that you may not have considered. It could also be us guiding you with the W6 Business Dress Code. All of it helps to make you ready for the world of work and further education. It’s a tough world out there and we want to do everything in our power to help you be ready for that. We are proud of our students and their achievements. Our results show that our students really can achieve excellence. In the past year, over half of our students achieved an A*-B and this is a product of drive, determination and rising to the challenge and not giving up when the going gets tough. We have invited just a small handful of our students to share their thoughts about life at W6. ”Throughout my time, the Academy has offered me many activities and opportunities, from going on the European Performing Arts tour, to taking part in a group trip to Uganda working with the Acholi community. These amazing opportunities have changed and developed me as a person, growing my confidence as well as encouraging and helping to guide me on the right pathway for a career. The Academy has also encouraged me to aim high and work alongside other students within the school on a mentoring scheme. I am now joint Head Girl and my aim is to contribute and try my best to make the school the best it can be for as many students as I can.” Millie Cronin “I’ve been a student at The Sir Robert Woodard Academy for seven years now and have been involved in many different disciplines within it. Smaller class sizes and increased freedom in the sixth form are the crown jewels in the Academy. I was impressed upon entrance to sixth form by the sense of community. My favourite part of sixth form has to be the dedication of the administrative and subject teachers who give so much of their time and effort to aid us in achieving our potential.” Megan Lake
“Being a student athlete, it was ideal for me to join W6 at The Sir Robert Woodard Academy in year 12. I get to integrate basketball with my academic studies so that I can work towards achieving my grades and then entering higher education.”
Mohamed Suliman
“Being part of sixth form has opened up many opportunities that I would not have been part of if I went to another college; such as being able to support the younger students in their learning.”
Alicia Veale
Our results show that our students really can achieve excellence. “Through smaller classes, it has enabled me to develop strong relationships with the teaching staff which has improved both my commitment and enjoyment here in the sixth form.” Joe Hitchcock “Since coming back from Uganda, I feel as though my everyday reality before the trip has completely changed. Seeing the built-up environment of where I live is a complete contrast to their lives, and you can’t help but compare everything to that; and feel more appreciative of what you have.” Jamie Morland
“The smaller class sizes have created a better learning environment giving me the chance to thrive in my chosen A Levels.” Millie Adcock What will you be able to say about your time and achievements at sixth form? There’s only one way to find out.
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SPECIALIST PATHWAYS At W6 we recognise that you have many options when it comes to choosing a sixth form college. What sets us apart from the others are our Scholarships and Pathways. Each Pathway offers you excellent teaching, support, guidance and learning but the real difference is our links with industry and business. Any institution can offer you a package of courses, but what sets us apart at W6 is our unique combinations of subjects and extracurricular provision to form our Academic Pathways. Are you a gifted performer? You could easily follow a course of acting, dancing or stagecraft at any college but at W6 we will provide you with a rich selection of extras that will guide you through your two years with us so you are ready for further study or employment in your chosen field. Each Pathway is designed to provide you with excellent teaching and learning opportunities coupled with personalized work experience in your selected industry. We are also working to provide students with a professional mentor to give extra support and guidance from someone who knows the industry from the inside. We would pair you with a professional who meets with you on a regular basis to discuss your current progress, barriers that are in your way and help you work towards your goals. They can open your eyes to the opportunities that exist beyond sixth form such as university or further education courses. They may expose you to ideas, courses and careers that you may never have considered or even heard of. They will also act as a critical friend challenging and questioning you, asking where you want to go and how you want to get there. In a competitive jobs market they could be the “who you know” in that famous saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know”. Acceptance onto these Pathways is through a process of identification by the W6 management team and the criteria will include enrolment on to an appropriate combination of courses and good achievement at GCSE in all subjects, but particularly those that form part of the Pathway. Of course, there is excellent teaching across the board
but our resources mean we are able to offer these specialist packages. These areas are:
STEM
STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering and Maths. There are a wide range of subject combinations that students can follow on this Pathway. It will include subjects from science, maths and further maths, computer science and other subjects which may focus on technology, design, electronics or engineering.
Virtuoso
For students with an interest and talent in performing arts across the range of music, dance and acting but also including production arts.
“unique opportunities in mentoring and work experience“
Academic Excellence
This Pathway is less about the subject combinations and more your achievements and where you want to go. This is for students interested in applying to some of the country’s best universities, including Oxford, Cambridge or other top Russell Group institutions. Students who have achieved a high number of A* or A grades (or grades 8 and 9 in new GCSE courses) will be eligible for this Pathway.
Medical
Similar to the Academic Excellence Pathway, we are able to offer high achieving students bespoke support that will provide them with the best guidance to enter a career in the medical industry. Many believe that medical roles are limited to doctors, nursing and health and social care roles. This Pathway will give students an insight into the opportunities available to them in the broad and wide ranging jobs that exist within the medical industry.
Pathways Open Evenings
We will identify students in year 11 who we feel are suitable candidates for these Pathways and will invite them to a specialist Pathways Open Evening, giving them the chance to speak with staff and students on these courses, and find out more information about what is on offer.
Excellent teaching and learning opportunities coupled with excellent extracurricular provision.
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE PATHWAY Do you have ambitions of attending one of the best universities in the country? With our unique mentoring, guidance and links within and outside the Academy we are able to offer excellent teaching in the facilitating subjects that can get you to Oxford or Cambridge. Students identified as qualifying for the Academic Excellence Pathway will receive personalised support and advice in their journey towards a place at one of the world’s finest universities. We have a close partnership with prestigious schools in the Woodard Corporation with a long tradition and track record for supporting students seeking top university places. Schools such as Lancing College, Hurstpierpoint College, and Kings Priory school, together with staff at W6, will give you access to specialist support and expertise. You will be able to access admissions tutors at Oxbridge colleges who are able to give you insider advice on what Oxbridge colleges are looking for in potential candidates. This is all in addition to the
excellent teaching and support you can expect from your subject teachers. Numerous past students at W6 and in the Woodard family of schools have made applications to Oxbridge and been successful in those applications. W6 sixth form will support you from day one of any Oxbridge or Russell Group university application. The application process for Oxford and Cambridge is slightly different to other universities and we will help you through the process. We will guide you in the right direction for which courses and colleges would suit your interests, and we will give you focussed help in compiling your personal statement, completing your application and preparing you for an interview. We will also help you understand the peculiarities of the Oxbridge colleges system and help you find a course and a college that is right for you. Many students demonstrate the capacity to make it to one of these top universities but find the interview
process daunting and it is often the biggest barrier to a candidate’s success. At W6 we will ensure that you access the correct support, practice and training that will help you excel in any entrance interview. You will go through mock interviews, and be questioned and challenged by numerous people including headteachers, induction tutors and teachers. All of it is to prepare you for the interview process. Students applying for these exceptional universities will show a passion and wider interest in the course to which they are applying. You would be expected to go out of your way to independently discover more about your subject. There will be opportunities to attend numerous conferences and extracurricular programmes that will introduce you to the idea of going to a top level institution, not just Oxford or Cambridge but also other high ranking Russell Group universities. Students from all walks of life have made it to Oxford, Cambridge and other similar institutions. We will make sure that you have the best shot of success in your application. Never tell yourself that someone like you could never make it. With the right attitude, hard work and preparation you could be on your way to a life changing university education.
Personalised support and advice in your journey towards a place at one of the world’s best universities
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STEM PATHWAY It is predicted that over 75% of future jobs will involve STEM subjects. STEM is the broad classification of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects. STEM is everywhere around us, from our homes, school, cars and to the roads we drive on. In many circumstances students will find that they end up combining subjects in these fields. STEM isn’t just for students interested in science and maths. It can cover a wide range of interests and subjects. There are hundreds of specialisms further afield at university that fall under the STEM umbrella. Studying and working in STEM means learning about the world around you, finding innovative solutions to real-world challenges, and playing a role in some of the country’s major discoveries and developments. Want to work with robots, refine driverless car technology or cure disease? Some of the most amazing developments around us are from the world of STEM, and they have all been developed by people who love being challenged and love asking questions of everything around them. STEM is for students who love looking for solutions to problems and looking at
how things work. Also, don’t be fooled into believing that STEM is only for guys. The STEM world is filled with many women who are right at the forefront of technological, scientific and pharmacological developments, research and discovery. Our STEM Pathway offers you the opportunity to work with world-leaders in the realms of science, technology and engineering. Like all our other academic Pathways students would be expected to take a range of subjects that exist in the STEM areas and be keen to challenge themselves and solve problems.
Extracurricular Activities In addition to your subject choices we provide you with a wide range of extras. We have a partnership with Worthing based Bowers & Wilkins, the audio equipment manufacturer associated with Abbey Road Studios and Lucasfilm Skywalker Sound Studios. Many of our students have worked with this organisation and participated in design and technology challenges. We have a long-standing link with the world-leading
We have a longstanding link with the world-leading engineering firm Ricardo.
engineering firm Ricardo. Amongst other large scale projects, Ricardo is the organisation that designs and makes the engines for supercars such as McLaren. Many students have undertaken design and engineering projects with Ricardo and even moved on to apprenticeships within the company. As part of our partnership with Ricardo, we are able to offer bursaries for those with a real drive and determination to excel in the world of engineering.
Work Experience STEM Pathway students have the opportunity to take up one of our reserved work experience placements with Ricardo and there are further opportunities for work shadowing in many areas of the business from production and design to other linked aspects of the business such as finance and human resources. Students with a serious interest in STEM will be invited with their parents to a bespoke evening hosted at the Ricardo site at Shoreham. The Ricardo staff will give you a tour and an excellent insight into the world of engineering and where it can take you. STEM students will also be able to participate in the Gold Crest Award scheme. This scheme is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and operated by the British Science Association. Students plan and develop an idea and get real-world experience of
working as an engineer or scientist. The programme is highly regarded and the support provided by Ricardo enhances that even further.
Mentoring Mentoring also forms part of this Pathway. Staff from within the Ricardo business will work with our STEM students on a one-to-one basis, once or twice a month to discuss future plans, aspirations, goals and progress. They will be a critical friend to help you push yourself and go that extra mile. At W6 one of our specialisms is the delivery of mathematics, and we are proud of the excellent teaching and results that we have in these areas. We are closely linked with universities and all our maths students go on to excellent universities. In addition to our links with Bowers & Wilkins and Ricardo, we have opportunities in other STEMrelated organisations and our affiliation with our local universities means that any student following our STEM Pathway will access a rich selection of opportunities that will equip them for a rewarding career in science, technology, engineering and maths.
“Staff from Ricardo mentor students on a one-to-one basis�
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MEDICAL PATHWAY Additional support and guidance to increase your chances of being successful in medicine.
W6 provides a strong grounding in the subjects that can lead our most dedicated and talented students to careers in medicine and related industries. Students on the Pathway will gain access to medical professionals, work experience and other extracurricular opportunities. Our Medical Pathway has been constructed to give you not only the excellent teaching to get you the results needed for a career in medicine, but a full package of additional extras to increase your chances of being successful in medicine. W6 provides excellent teaching in all subjects, but particularly in those areas that can lead you to a career in Medicine. Our provision provides a gateway through not only the sciences but also a broad selection of facilitating subjects. These are the subjects that are highly regarded by universities and are respected for their high level of academic demand and challenge. Given the competitive nature of medical courses, students would be expected to achieve excellent A Level results. We can ensure you gain the support to
give you the best chance of achieving at this high level. However it is not just about a string of straight A’s and A*’s. Universities are also looking for evidence of a well-rounded learner. Our specialist staff will point students in the right direction so that they are undertaking the right additional reading , listening to the right programmes, accessing interesting and relevant work experience and developing a CV which demonstrates a passion for medicine. There is a wealth of choice when it comes to choosing a course and it is not just all about being a doctor. There are courses that include Biomedical Science, Public Health, Medical Chemistry, Pharmacy and related courses in health.
Extracurricular Activities
We invite numerous professionals into the college to speak with students and share their experiences of studying and getting into the medical industry. There is access to the BrightMed programme with Brighton and Sussex Medical School, which seeks out young people who have the talent to become tomorrow’s doctors but may not have considered it before.
Mentoring
It is also part of our vision that, like the other Pathways, we will offer professional mentoring for our students in the medical industry. The programme can provide you with a mentor who can support you in the journey to becoming a doctor.
Work Experience
Our local and national business links give us an expanding network of organisations connected with the medical industry. We have strong links with Brighton and Sussex Medical School which can see you shadowing a medical student or visiting the campus and participating in classes to see what it is like to be a medical student. Our students have worked in a broad selection of roles from midwifery, nursing and research all in preparation for a career in the medical profession. It is a long, hard road to success in medicine, but with the right attitude, hard work and our specialist support you can make it.
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VIRTUOSO PATHWAY We offer incredible performing arts opportunities which could see you on the stage or behind the scenes of our many annual theatrical productions. Students follow courses in performance which include dance, acting and music. Production Arts programmes develop skills to design and build theatrical sets, design and set lighting and produce theatrical sound for performances. Our Virtuoso teaching is outstanding and our courses achieve results that are in the top 10% nationally. The Virtuoso Pathway will give you excellent training in your chosen areas of performance and ensure you will have the skills and tools needed to be successful in either the competitive world of work in the creative industries or further education. Students on our Virtuoso Pathway gain access to all our performance opportunities, as well as industry experts and our growing links with theatres and performance companies. As mentioned, our Pathways will connect you with an amazing selection of extras.
Mentoring Our provision includes linking eligible students with a professional mentor from the creative and performing arts industries. This could be anyone from a casting director, a professional musician, a stage or lighting
Get a handson insight into the workings of the professional stage.
designer, or a university lecturer in performance. The possibilities are endless. Your mentor would schedule to meet with you regularly to discuss your current progress against your targets and your personal and professional goals. They will also have conversations with you about the next steps you want to take and give you advice on how to get there.
Work Experience Through our exceptional links we are able to offer work experience to Virtuoso Pathway students. These placements could be at a local or regional theatre, working with a casting agent, an actor, being placed in a costume or makeup department of a theatre and many many more. The type of placement will be negotiated directly with students to ensure that the experience matches closely with their personal goals, ambitions and interests. Our production arts students also get the chance to work on big shows and connect with Worthing theatres. With these companies students get invaluable experience of working on a show and
getting a hands-on insight into the workings of the professional stage. Our music provision is excellent and students have access to performing in many orchestras, ensembles and groups. Many of our music students also work in theatres and perform as part of the pit orchestra.
Extracurricular Activities
Throughout the duration of your time at W6, you will be exposed to a wide range of activities that will boost and grow your skills, knowledge and vision. Presently, students are involved in an enormous assortment of extracurricular activities. These activities include national initiatives and programmes such as auditions for musicals at the Pavilion and Connaught theatres in Worthing, creating productions for local schools, regional festivals and also working with local and national playwrights, musicians, dancers and actors. Through our excellent careers and guidance provision we are able to boast connections with institutions such as The University of Chichester. Students will regularly be given the opportunity to learn from and work with professionals who come in to visit W6. Students also get the opportunity to take part in the National Theatre Connections programme . Connections is the
“courses achieve results that are in the top 10% nationally”
National Theatre’s nationwide youth theatre festival. Each year it offers a unique opportunity for youth theatres and school theatre groups to stage new plays written for young people by some of theatre’s most exciting playwrights, and to perform in leading theatres across the UK. W6 is one of the few sixth form colleges able to join. There are opportunities for auditions for musical theatre productions at the Pavilion and Connaught theatres in Worthing. Students engage in numerous public performances and work with professional musicians throughout the year. W6 students enter local artistic festivals including the Adur Festival and we are building links with the Brighton Fringe Festival. The highlight of our year is the annual Performing Arts Tour in which students of all performance disciplines take a show to a European destination and perform for international audiences, and also take part in workshops delivered by some of Europe’s most interesting and exciting performers. The Virtuoso Pathway at W6 is excellent and it is one of the highest achieving performing arts programmes in the country. It is the jewel of the south coast.
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CAREERS GUIDANCE Careers guidance is excellent at W6. Our aim is to try and inspire you, to give you the tools to look further afield, in areas that you may have not yet considered or even be aware of. We will equip you with the skills to adapt to an ever changing employment climate, where you will be applying for roles that have yet to be invented. Therefore we try to expose you to as many opportunities as possible while at W6. Each student has access to our careers advisor, and you will find that support critical in getting you to your next stage of education or employment. Work experience is invaluable and allows you to gain a true perspective of the outside world. Over the years we have secured placements at the Trevor Mann Baby Unit at The Royal Sussex County Hospital. Chailey Clinical Services has supported students who wish to study physiotherapy. Students are able to access work experience through local companies, such as Ricardo, GSK and Parafix. For students to be able to establish a perspective of the ‘real-world’ we engage with a wide range of employers and work with Barclays LifeSkills, who will send in members of staff to run a variety of sessions which are work or finance related. Over the years we have forged excellent relationships with our three local universities of Brighton, Chichester and Sussex. Each university offers our students a wide variety of support, events and bespoke programmes. Students are also able to access personalised, bespoke programmes. For example those interested in medical and healthcare
professions are able to meet with academics and undergraduate students in those areas where they can work in a simulated medical environment. We have a wide range of STEM opportunities, again supported by all three universities. All of the universities run workshops in subjects that complement students’ current studies. These workshops are accessible to all our students at W6, even those not considering going to university. The universities all offer additional support for first generation scholars. These are students who have had neither parent attend university. Students are able to attend supported events and where applicable receive bursaries towards accommodation and fees. The programmes are excellent opportunities for students who may not have considered tertiary education. We also recognise that university is not for everyone and some students prefer to work in a hands-on environment whilst still accessing a qualification. Last year two of our students were accepted onto an apprenticeship scheme with the NHS, one as a Health Care Assistant and the other as a Pharmaceutical Assistant. Other students secured placements in child care, the theatre, civil service, hairdressing and elderly care, to name a few. The nature of apprenticeships has changed from the traditional “trades” and now can also include professions such as law and accountancy. Whatever you choose to do, at W6 we have the support to help you get there.
“Gain a true perspective of the outside world”
Activities to get you there 2016/17 Here is just a selection of future events on offer. • Hurstpierpoint College - Informed Choices programme to help raise student aspirations • Lancing College visits • St John’s College Oxford - a taster day at an Oxford College • BrightMed - Brighton and Sussex Medical School talks • STEM Pathway programmes at The University of Brighton
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• • • • •
Realising Opportunities & Social Mobility Foundation - programmes to support access to top universities The University of Sussex - A Level Maths Programme and full day campus tour Sussex Study Experience - 5 day course at The University of Sussex UCAS Fair and University Summer Schools NHS Apprenticeships talks and much more.
Equipping our young people to be able to adapt to an ever-changing employment climate
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BASKETBALL ACADEMY SRWA Basketball Academy is a sporting academy that competes in one of the best college programmes in the country. The Basketball Academy is an opportunity for aspiring young basketball players to combine toplevel training and coaching with excellent teaching at W6. Our end goal is to enable you to work towards a professional basketball contract or a scholarship at a British or American university. Our programme is aimed at 16-18 year olds and we are proud to say that it is one of the best academies in the south of England. The Basketball Academy is able to boast brand new double sports hall facilities which are fitted with professional standard raking seating and a fully sized state of the art fitness suite. Our aim is simple. We are working towards becoming the best basketball academy in England. With links to professional clubs and universities both here in England and also in America, the SRWA Basketball Academy at W6 can help you to pursue the basketball career you have been dreaming of. We are proud to welcome players from both England and overseas.
Head Coach
Gary Smith
We have recently recruited players from Iceland and Greece, as well as locally. We have multiple scholarships available for players and our vision is to provide the training to allow you to become skilled enough to compete in a national league team. Our Basketball Academy students are motivated, driven and determined to succeed. Students who join us will be able to excel in basketball as well as in their academic studies. The coaches and staff at W6 are passionate about your progression as both a student and a basketball player. You will have a chance to compete against some of the best basketball players in the country in the 15-18 age group. With our expert coaches and also our contacts within the basketball industry, we shall give you access to professional coaches here and in the USA. Our vision is that every player has the opportunity to play professionally or move on to a scholarship in America. Do you have what it takes? If you think so, then the SRWA Basketball Academy at W6 is the place for you.
Academy Coach Sussex Bears Captain
James Brame
Assistant Academy Coach
Dominic Baker
OUR COACHES Head Coach – Gary Smith
Coach Smith is the most experienced coach in Sussex having played the game professionally for Birmingham Bullets, Sheffield Sharks and Worthing Bears; some of the most decorated teams in England. His coaching career began in 2005 when he took Worthing Thunder to victory in back to back league titles. Coach Smith moved on to join The University of Chichester, which then became league winners and moved up to division one after one season. His career also took him on to a two year deal with Worthing Thunder in the British Basketball League which is the top professional league in England. We were delighted when Coach Smith joined us and headed up the SRWA Basketball Academy. He has been the head coach since its inception and the Basketball Academy continues to grow in size and in success. His teams compete in both national and regional leagues. In 2016 Coach Smith has led the Sussex Bears to an undefeated 11-0 and gained Coach of the Year.
Our vision is that every player has the opportunity to play professionally
Academy Coach and Sussex Bears Captain - James Brame
Coach James Brame is one of the longest serving players within the game of basketball in England. His professional career began at 16 years of age playing for the Brighton Bears under Head Coach Nick Nurse, now Assistant Coach of the NBA Toronto Raptors. Coach Brame has played in the top flight of basketball for over 15 years. In the 05/06 and 06/07 seasons he was part of the league winning EBL team and also the captain of the play-off winners in the 06/07 season. He now captains the unbeaten Sussex Bears 11-0 under Coach Gary Smith. His knowledge and experience and leadership skills make him an invaluable part of the Academy staff at SRWA.
Assistant Academy Coach Dominic Baker
Coach Baker is the newest member to the SRWA Basketball Academy. Coach Baker has worked and trained with both Coaches Smith and Brame in the British Basketball League. He has played professionally for five years. Two of those years were overseas with a team in Iceland and one season in Bergerac, France. When he was 18 years of age Dominic was awarded a full athletic scholarship to Savannah State University in America. Coach Baker is currently part of the unbeaten 11-0 Sussex Bears squad.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS What do you need? There’s no denying it. A Levels are tough. With that in mind, we want to make sure you are on the right courses. It is expected that every student entering sixth form passes with 5 A*-C GCSE grades (or above a grade 4 for new GCSE courses). Students will also need to have passed English and maths. There is some provision for resits, but we feel it is best you get this right the first time. For A Level subjects that you have studied at GCSE, such as sciences and English, you would be required to show that you have achieved the equivalent of a B grade (or level 6 in the new scores). For subjects that you have not done at GCSE such as economics, we would look at all your results and assess the sorts of skills it might require such as language or mathematical skills. There may be some slight differences in some courses such as maths or creative subjects. You can discuss this with us or the subject leaders to get more information.
We recognise that everyone is different and there will be different circumstances to consider for every application. These entry requirements act as a guide and it comes down to the judgement and final decision of the W6 management to determine whether we feel you would be successful on a course. The first half term between September and October is our Academic Probation period and at the end of it your teachers will indicate whether they feel you have made sufficient effort and progress to be successful in the long run. Our priority is to ensure that you are able to succeed in your chosen programme of study. If you have any doubts, questions or concerns you can always speak to your teachers and the W6 management team. We are here to help. Good luck.
It is time to be driven by your interests, passions and goals.
APPLYING TO W6 Applying to any sixth form college requires thought and consideration. You are setting yourself up for a future career and it is time to be driven by your interests, passions and goals. Not what your friends are doing. There are a few steps to take to get you through the complexities of choosing a sixth form and selecting the right course for you. Speak to your teachers. Discuss with the teachers you have now to find out what their courses involve at sixth form. Find out what you can do to prepare. Research. Find out the requirements for university courses you might be interested in. Will the courses you want to do get you there? The UCAS website has some great information on the entry requirements for university courses. Also speak with your careers advisor who will be able to give you advice about which courses you could consider. You can also speak to your tutor. Open Evening. Attend the open evening of sixth form to get an idea of what it is like, take the time to speak with staff and students. A prospectus can only tell you
so much. Application Form. Complete an application that outlines your subject choices and some background information about you. This will then be used when it comes to interview. Interview. You will be called to interview and a member of the W6 team will ask you about your goals and ambitions. This is a chance for you to ask questions too. Successful applicants will be given a conditional offer. Mock Exams. These will help give you an idea of where your strengths are and whether you will meet the entry requirements of your chosen course. Induction Days and Summer Home Learning. Take part in induction days which will give you a real taste of life at W6 and get you started. Your subject teachers will set you work to complete over summer so that you are ready to roll in September. Results Day and Enrolment. This is your chance to sign up and confirm your choices. There is always the chance to make some changes in light of your results.
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Links with local radio stations so that you can work with professionals in the broadcasting industry
YOU’RE ON THE AIR We are immensely proud of our sixth form radio station, SRWAir. It is an online radio station that streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Broadcasting live from the Academy with a broad mix of contemporary music, the station is available on the web and on mobile devices. You could join a team of presenters working on a music programme, or running a topical chat show. You might have an interest in a particular style of music. Take that passion and get involved as a programmer for a specialist music show. Do you have ideas for short programmes that would spark the interest of other students? Learn how to develop those ideas into short programme packages. If you’re more technically minded you can take a lead role in the more technical aspects of production. It is also an amazing opportunity for students with an
interest in journalism, providing a platform for current affairs and news programming. It’s an excellent way to grow your communication skills and to build your confidence. All students in W6 are able to be part of SRWAir and anyone, anywhere in the world can listen. We have listeners as far and wide as Australia, the USA and across Europe. The world really is listening. On-site specialists can provide all the training you need, but we have links with local radio stations so that you can work with professionals in the broadcasting industry and get on-air and production training experience. For students who are interested, programme creation can contribute to a wider qualification. It is your radio station, so take control and be part of shaping the future of SRWAir.
www.srwair.co.uk
“Smaller class sizes and increased freedom in the sixth form is the crown jewel.�
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www.wsix.co.uk t: 01903 767434 e: hello@wsix.co.uk W6 Sixth Form College, The Sir Robert Woodard Academy, Upper Boundstone Lane, Lancing, BN15 9QZ