6th Form Booklet by Plymouth College

SIXTH FORM FOR ENTRY SEPTEMBER 2022

www.plymouthcollege.com Prep School ages 3 to 11 | Senior School ages 11 to 18 1.

‘With the small class sizes and tailored teaching methods, Plymouth College allowed me to fulfill my academic potential to the highest level whilst also always allowing me to enjoy and thrive outside of the classroom’. Hugo King, former Sixth Form pupil

WELCOME TO PLYMOUTH COLLEGE Plymouth College is a community of some

but, crucially, not just to pass exams. Holistic

700 pupils, teachers and support staff.The

education is just part of what we do, a crucial

Sixth Form makes up an important, vibrant

part of our curriculum. We develop our pupils

and influential part of the pupil body. We

intellectually, academically, socially, morally and

look to our eldest pupils to take on leading

physically by creating an environment that is

fosters a strong sense of being valued and

roles within the school community, whether

genuinely intellectually stimulating, progressive,

belonging. Leadership and community service

as Prefects, House Captains or roles in Prep

adventurous and dynamic, giving them the

are encouraged and pupils are prepared to

School Liaison or Academic Monitoring and

confidence to transfer into a classroom

meet the future with confidence, as well as

we have great confidence in them to truly

setting. Secondly, we aim to ensure that

with a keen sense of social responsibility.

make a difference to our School.

everything we do – every lesson, every form

Whether you are looking at our Sixth Form

period, every activity – is a truly enriching

from the point of view of a parent with

Our educational mission is to be excellent in

experience.Thirdly, our pupils are genuinely

a child or children already in the school,

every aspect of the education that we offer

empowered so that they may become

or as a family from outside our present

and we are continually evaluating what we do

successful young people, ready to make a

community, I hope you will find this booklet

to ensure that we deliver this.This excellence

difference in whatever field they choose.

helpful and informative. Should you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to

manifests itself in numerous ways. Our most recent ISI inspection report concluded that

I hope this gives you a sense of our culture

get in touch. I hope you will see Plymouth

every aspect of our educational quality was

and ambition. As you will see from the

College as offering an outstanding Sixth Form

excellent. Our public examination results,

pages of this booklet, our academic record

experience and a first-class preparation for

particularly when measured in terms of

is excellent and there are opportunities

university and adult life beyond.

added value, are consistently outstanding

available here in an impressive range of

and our pupils secure places at the world’s

sporting, outward bound, artistic, musical,

Mrs J E Hayward

best universities. Most importantly, Plymouth

dramatic and other activities. At the heart of

Head

College pupils are widely regarded as

our ethos is the mindset that everything is

rounded, grounded, interesting, mature and

possible.There is also a great community spirit

successful young people.

at the College and those who come here – even if it is just for the Sixth Form – make

Our mission is to educate, enrich and

lasting friendships that last a lifetime. Our

empower all members of our community.

excellent pastoral care and wellbeing support

Our primary function is to educate pupils

provides help and guidance when needed and 3.

OUR SIXTH FORM Here at Plymouth College we nurture talent,

with study skills guidance, is delivered

- stronger, wiser and more rounded than

in whatever form that may be. Our Sixth

through small tutor groups and are

when they first joined.

Form embraces neurodiversity and offers

overseen by myself and our Deputy Head

an environment which empowers pupils

of Sixth Form, Mrs Connor. UCAS and

To summarise, our Sixth Form is certainly

to be inspired in all they do at school, both

Careers are delivered through this proven

more than just an academic hub. It is a place

inside and out of the classroom. Through a

network, linking with a wealth of contacts

for growing independence, and it is due

comprehensive enrichment programme and

from different spheres of the working and

to its empowering culture and numerous

a broad curriculum encompassing academic,

academic environments.

sporting and social opportunities, that

creative and sports subjects, our Sixth

Plymouth College is very much the place

Form provides an outstanding educational

Plymouth College’s Sixth Form recognises

to develop each element of character and

environment in which young people gain

each pupil as an individual, each individual’s

personality.

belief in themselves and develop a palpable

talents are fostered, celebrated and

sense of courage to become true leaders in

contribute to make us a strong and diverse

Sixth Form pupils set the tone for any

every sense of the word.

community. It is a place with a unique,

school and I am proud of the tone ours lead

collective culture founded on mutual respect

with. It is a privilege to witness, first hand,

The journey of A Levels, BTECs, university

and co-operation between pupils and

their growth in confidence and ability every

and career applications can at times be

teaching staff. It is this which drives both

day.

challenging. We pride ourselves on our

aspiration and a smooth and safe transition

bespoke pastoral system and the care of

into the adult world for our pupils. Our

our pupils is paramount to everything we

success can be measured by their readiness

Mr A Summons

do. Pastoral and academic support, along

to take on the next chapter in their lives

Head of Sixth Form

CHOOSING COURSES AND SUBJECTS There are usually three main reasons for choosing a subject: • it is a subject that you enjoy and should do well at; • it is necessary for your future career options; or • you feel it will be a useful subject for areas that you may pursue in the future. Before you decide on your subjects, it is very important that you research any future possible university courses or career options. Speak to key staff in school, or look at ucas.com online, or the ‘Informed Choices’ booklet produced by the Russell Group of universities. Contact universities you might be interested in directly, even at this early stage. International pupils should consider whether they might return home for university, stay in the UK or even apply for university in another country. If you plan to return home, then it is well worth making sure that you know what subjects and qualifications you need.

A LEVELS Pre-requisites: A minimum of 6 GCSE passes, at grade C/5 or above, including passes in Maths and English and 3 B/6 or higher grades plus a B/6 in the subject you wish to take for A Level. Overseas pupils should have achieved a general standard equivalent to this. See below for specific subject requirements. Pupils have free choice of 3 A Level subjects from the list below. In exceptional circumstances we may allow a pupil to start 4 A Levels. Once initial choices have been made the subjects are placed into 4 pools. In the great majority of cases it is possible to study your chosen subject combination in these pools. A pupil’s choice of subjects is subject to the approval of the Head of Sixth Form and Deputy Head.

Art: Fine Art, Graphics or Photography

History

Biology*

Mathematics*

Chemistry*

Further Mathematics*

Classics (includes Classical Civilisation and Latin*)

Music

Design & Technology

PE/ Sport Studies

Economics

Philosophy & Ethics (RE)

English Literature*

Physics*

French*

Psychology

Geography

Spanish*

German* Please note that some courses do need a minimum number of pupils taking the course in order to run. * To study these subjects we advise a minimum of grade 7 at GCSE, or have achieved an equivalent standard for overseas pupils.

The Sport Baccalaureate Pre-requisites - Typically 5 passes at GCSE at grade C/5 or above including English and Maths.This is both an academic and practical qualification with assessment by way of portfolio, assignment and presentation throughout the course rather than traditional terminal exams.The two-year course is built around a central qualification of a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Outdoor Education and is the equivalent of three A Levels in UCAS points and workload. During the 2 years, you will cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, fitness training, leadership in sport, sports coaching, practical activities, business in sport and many more. Alongside the practical elements of the course we also offer the opportunity to complete a number of employability qualifications, such as the British Canoe Union Level 1 Coach, National Pool Lifeguard and the First Aid at Work; in addition to opportunities to work towards various other sporting awards and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Within the Sport Baccalaureate you will have opportunities to go on a variety of outdoor adventurous activities (including scuba-diving, kayaking (sea & white water), mountain biking and walking and also undertake instructor training in a number of disciplines.You will also develop valuable skills through coaching and leading sports sessions, undertaking sport-based work experience and have the chance to organise and run a sporting event of your choice.

EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) We also offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside A Levels. An EPQ is an independent research project which involves writing an essay of 5000 words (that is around 10 typed pages). As the project evolves, you must complete a production log to record specific stages of the project and this also contributes to your project result.The third component of the project is an oral presentation. You receive guidance to get you started, to help with planning and researching and presentation skills, and to keep you on track as you work through your chosen project.There is no formal restriction on what you do the project on: that is negotiated between you and your project adviser, who will help you choose a topic you will enjoy and find manageable. 6.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM & LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The Sixth Form is designed to be a period of transition from school pupil to university pupil/work colleague. We encourage Sixth Formers to become more independent in their learning within a close and caring network of teachers, tutors, mentors and Heads of Year. Sixth Formers have plenty of opportunity to develop leadership skills as House Captains, Senior Prefects and Sports Captains.The culture of Sixth Formers getting involved, taking on challenges and trying to make a difference can be best illustrated by the extensive Academic Mentoring Programme set up and led by our Executive Prefect team. As a result of this, over 30% of our Sixth Formers are volunteering their time to contribute to at least one of: • Year 1-2 Prep School readers • Year 5 & 6 academic mentors (helping in at least one lesson a week) • Assisting the coaching of Prep School sport teams • Helping with Prep School PSHEE and assemblies • Running after school Prep School activities (including: Chess Club, Drama Club and Knitting Club) • Offering one-to-one mentoring for GCSE pupils • Offering Senior School academic help in subjects for Year 7-8 • Trained Peer Listeners We currently have 16 Sixth Formers training to be Peer Listeners. Our Peer Listener Programme is led by Mrs Chapman our School SENCo, with sessions delivered by our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mr Irish, and Mrs Byrne, our School Counsellor, covering topics such as listening skills, sign-posting, safeguarding and being aware of our own feelings.The Sixth Formers who have been through the Peer Listener Programme will be presented with badges, ensuring they are easily recognised and accessible in our school community. Service to others has huge benefits for the individual concerned and the community they support. We are very proud of the skills, talents and empathy demonstrated by our Sixth Form pupils. Furthermore, our Sixth Formers create their own podcast and school magazine and are able to enjoy an incredible range of extra-curricular opportunities from major sports and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, to climbing, yoga and golf. Our Life Experience Series takes the shape of twice monthly presentations to the Sixth Form that focuses on career advice and skills required to support our pupils’ next steps into the world of further education and work. The social side is also busy and organised by the Sixth Form Social Committee. For example, a start of the academic year boat cruise and summer soirée, Winter Ball, pizza & DVD nights, Autumn Ball, the hotly contested fancy dress Quiz Night and the Summer Ball. It is this combination of fun, team spirit and hard work which fosters a genuinely friendly community of young people determined to achieve their ambitions. This ensures that our leavers are armed with the hard and soft skills which ensure they are well prepared to thrive in the outside world.

SIXTH FORM LEAVERS 2021 In 2021, 92% of our pupils applying to university secured their first choice university, with just under 50% of the year group securing a place in a Russell Group or top 10 ranked institution. Equally, we had a number of the 2021 cohort apply to the US, with 50% of those applicants achieving places at top 10 ranked US institutions (QS World rankings). UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is a real team effort at Plymouth College and is one of the benefits of being in a smaller school.The process highlights the thoughtful, diligent, individualised and caring nature of our Sixth Form provision.The contribution of teachers and each pupil’s Careers Mentor, in the form of regular individual meetings with each pupil, ensures the application submitted is of the best possible standard. We have a Head of Early Applications and Oxbridge Coordinator in place to ensure our pupils are given the opportunity to achieve their ambitions. Each pupil is at the centre of this process ensuring that we only present the very best version of each pupil on their application. 7.

SIXTH FORM ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME (Friday afternoons) • Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) • Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) • Combined Cadet Force (CCF – Army, Navy and RAF sections) • Duke of Edinburgh Award • European Computer Driving Licence (qualification in computer skills) • Coding club • Art / Photography • Pre-Med Programme • STEM club • The Debating Society • The Drake Society (Politics) • Sports Skills & Conditioning • Volunteering

PRE-MED PROGRAMME Plymouth College has a long history in preparing pupils for medical school and in recent years has had a very high success rate in securing offers. Building on the school’s experience and knowledge in this area, the Pre-Med Programme brings together academic and enrichment timetables to put pupils in the best possible position for a career in medicine. The Pre-Med enrichment activity is packed with opportunities for pupils to gain skills, experience and knowledge in the world of medicine. Seminars and debates will ensure pupils are aware of the latest advances in medical practices as well as give them a better understanding of the career path ahead of them. Links with medical organisations and practitioners will source the best work experience opportunities and a course in medical terminology will give pupils a good grounding ahead of medical school. Coaching in communication and interpersonal skills will build confidence as will interview preparation exercises.The Extended Project is also popular with our pupils applying for medical school. Steered by independent reading and research, Pre-Med pupils can use it as an opportunity to write about a medical-related topic. The bespoke nature of the Pre-Med activity means that it can also be adapted for pupils considering careers in Veterinary Science and Dentistry.

CAREERS ADVICE Sixth Form pupils have access to a wide variety of careers advice and staff help and support them as they navigate the huge array of choice that is now available. A UK university is not the only option. We have helped pupils go on to apprenticeships and employment as well as niche colleges such as Norland and overseas universities, including the US. We arrange workshops during the course of the year as well as using two external agencies to further help; Career Smart, who come in and advise pupils, and Unifrog which is an online platform and helps pupils whittle down the vast choice of courses on offer throughout the university sector by aligning them with a pupil’s personalised profile. 8.

LEAVERS’ TESTIMONIALS HUGO KING I joined Plymouth College at the start of Sixth Form from a large independent school in Somerset and can honestly say it was the best two school years I had. Sixth Form is, of course, the most crucial period of any pupil’s school life and what Plymouth College enabled me to do was set a platform for myself to not only succeed in my A Levels but also further on into higher education and my future careers.The one thing that set Plymouth College apart from any other school I attended was the sense of community and family, both within my year group, but also to the wider pupil body and the teaching staff. The teachers and Sixth Form staff really care about you and go out their way to help in whatever way they can.This may be going through multiple university personal statement drafts, academic support sessions outside of class or just some being there to talk to.The university process of UCAS daunts many pupils going into Sixth Form but with help from Mr. Summons and other leading teachers, the UCAS process couldn’t be smoother or more rewarding. Despite the looming January deadline every year it is thanks to the school that we are able to send so many pupils to Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities, as well as a whole host of other top institutions, including a number of friends who have gone off to study in the US. Alongside the academics at Plymouth College, there is also the huge bonus of the co-curricular programme which encompass so many different aspects of school life whether that be sport, music, art, or a number of other things! The varied range of opportunities is incredibly rare and allows any pupil to fully gain the benefits of school life outside of the classroom. I studied Economics, History and Geography at A Level and throughout both years I had immense support from my teachers in order to get grades I was proud of (A*AA). With the small class sizes and tailored teaching methods, Plymouth College allowed me to fulfill my academic potential to the highest level whilst also always allowing me to enjoy and thrive outside of the classroom. I am now studying PPE at Exeter University and thank Plymouth College for setting me up on this journey.

HANNAH HEIERHOFF I joined Plymouth College as a boarder for Sixth Form. Although I only spent two years at the College, I was really prepared for the future. When I arrived at Plymouth College, I didn’t know what I wanted to study. At the College, the staff, who were always very understanding and supportive, helped guide me through the different options and ultimately helped me realize what I wanted to do next. I now study at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, USA and the skills I learnt as a boarder at school have helped me get settled in my first semester here. Although the academic support is amazing, I loved my teachers, the best thing about the College is the sense of community. I made friends I am sure I will keep all my life. In my time at Plymouth College I didn’t just learn about the Tudors, the intricacies of French grammar or how to do implicit differentiation; I learnt skills such as self-organization, discipline, adapting to a new international environment that will be valuable to me for my entire life. I am very grateful for the opportunities that the College has given me.

LEAVERS’ TESTIMONIALS TALLULAH BRYSON I started at Plymouth College in Year 7, and I can safely say that it was the start of the best seven years of my life. Having come from my local village school, I remember being nervous about joining a school separate from my friends at the time, and I was unsure how I would deal with it. However, Plymouth College made me feel welcome from the start and I made friends quickly.The main reason I joined Plymouth College was because of my sport, I was a Pentathlete at the time and loved all kinds of sport.The school worked with me in order to balance my training with my lessons, maintain a good standard in both, and I do not believe this would have been possible in any other school. In my later years at the school, team sports such as Netball and Hockey were the main sports I had interests in. I gained so much confidence and skills, such as team work and communication that I have taken on into my time at University, having joined the University of Surrey Hockey team. Although team sports was the main area in which I thrived, the school’s ability to support and encourage students in all areas cannot go unmissed, as it has lead so many students to success. Away from sport, the main thing I loved about Plymouth College was the small class sizes.The teachers also made it very clear that if I needed any extra help outside of teaching hours to explain something again or go over some extra practice questions, then they’d be happy to help, and this helped me greatly. In Sixth Form, small class sizes also meant I could build good relationships with my teachers and have clear guidance with my work.The small community at Plymouth College allows for great friendships to be formed and altogether a friendly atmosphere around the campus. I decided that I wanted to apply to university and start a degree, though I was unsure what to study to start with.The school’s support through applications and the UCAS process was incredible.To ensure that we got as many offers a possible, the Heads of Sixth Form and form tutors personally oversaw each and every part of our applications.This allowed me to study Psychology at the University of Surrey. I miss Plymouth College; the atmosphere was always happy and the teaching staff were always so friendly and keen to help. It has definitely been some of the best years of my life and I have had some amazing opportunities that I will never forget.

TOMASZ RĄPAŁA I joined Plymouth College in 2018 for Sixth Form taking A Levels in Economics, History and Art. It was the start of an academic adventure and it is thanks to Plymouth College that I achieved a place at SGH Warsaw School of Economics, the number one institution for my course in the country. Knowledge that I received at Plymouth College is already serving me well in my lectures and I genuinely believe that it is because of the school that my transition into university life has felt so smooth. Besides my academics I loved training with Plymouth Leander swimming club, the strong partnership with Plymouth College provided a great opportunity to combine high performance training with academic life. I was welcomed into the school with open arms and settled so quickly. It is thanks to so much support from boarding staff, coaches, teachers and entire Plymouth College community I managed to develop my performance swimming career as well as strengthen my academic skills. Although I was only in Plymouth for two years, the place will hold many happy memories for me. 10.

JAMES HEALE After leaving Plymouth College I studied at Nottingham Vet School. The course is extremely engaging with a relatively large proportion of an average week being spent in practical or working through real life clinical cases.This and the societies that I have joined have really helped me to cope with the intensity of the course. Whilst at Nottingham Vet School, I joined the campus rugby team and the Agrics Society. Both provided something different from my studies, allowing me to travel at the weekends to play in rugby matches as well as visiting farms and going to agricultural events. Highlights my time included a visit to the National Animal Defence Centre, the Vet Ball, two weeks of lambing in Wales and passing my first vet school exams. It is a brilliant course and I am grateful to Plymouth College for supporting me in my ambitions in becoming a vet.

IMOGEN SMERDON I joined Plymouth College in the Sixth Form and have now started at the University of Bath to read Natural Sciences.The thing I remember most about Plymouth College is the support that was provided by all my teachers throughout the two years. A levels are challenging as you have to learn how to learn as well as step up in academic difficulty but the experience is made so much easier by teachers who are always there to help!

BEN ANDREWS I studied at Plymouth College for A Levels and am now a Business Support Executive at Arbuthnot Latham Private Bank. What I remember most about Plymouth College was the ability to manage my sporting and academic commitments.The school allowed me to balance training and studying to be successful in both.Teachers supported, encouraged and pushed me to achieving a strong set of A Level results alongside becoming the U20 and U23 British Fencing Champion.

GEORGE HADJIYIANNAKIS I studied at Plymouth College and am now studying Medicine at St George’s University of London. What I remember most from my time at Plymouth College is being empowered to direct my own learning which has been an invaluable skill in my medical degree. As well as this, being given confidence by my teachers to give everything a go and having a growth mindset has made the transition to university easier. 11.

LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS 2021COURSES AND SUBJECTS Destination

Degree course

Bournemouth University

Sports Therapy

Bristol, University of the West of England

Sport Rehabilitation, Psychology

De Montfort University

Mechanical Engineering

Durham University

Natural Sciences, General Engineering

Harper Adams University

Agri-Food Marketing with Business

Imperial College London

Physics

King’s College London

Business Management, Biochemistry

Leeds University

Natural Sciences

Liverpool John Moores University

Criminology and Psychology

Loughborough University

Criminology, Psychology with Criminology

Nottingham Trent University

Biomedical Sciences

Princeton University (USA)

French and History

Royal Holloway, University of London

Business and Management

University of Edinburgh

Biological Sciences, Mathematical Physics

University Miami (USA)

Psychology (Minor in Biology)

University of Bath

Politics and International Relations, Criminology, Sport and Exercise Science, Sport (Sport Performance)

University of Bristol

International Management, Accounting and Management, Management

University of California, Berkeley (USA)

Molecular and Cellular Biology

University of Cambridge (Robinson College)

Modern and Medieval Languages

University of Exeter

Accounting and Finance, Human Biosciences, Geography (Science)

University of Kent

Classical and Archaeological Studies

University of Leicester

Ancient History and History

University of Nottingham

Medicine, Ancient History, Architecture, Archaeology and Classical Civilisation

University of Plymouth

Marine Biology and Oceanography, Geography with International Relations

University of Southampton

Business Management X2

University of Southampton

Business Management X2, Sport Studies

University of Stirling

Business Studies and Management, Sport

University of Surrey

Psychology X2,Veterinary Biosciences

University of Tampa (USA)

Business Management

University of the Arts London (Firm)

Fashion Design and Development

University of Warwick

Biological Sciences

University of York

Business and Management

Warsash Maritime College

Officer Cadet

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