VIRTUAL OPEN EVENING EDITION 10th November 2020, 6.30pm
SIXTH FORM INFORMATION For Entry September 2021
01752 505115 ~ admissions@plymouthcollege.com www.plymouthcollege.com
VIRTUAL OPEN EVENING - PROGRAMME 6.25pm
Zoom Webinar open to join
6.30pm Introduction to the evening’s panellists by webinar host Beth Hartley, Head of Marketing & Communications
Welcome by the Head, Mrs J Hayward
An interview with Mr A Summons, Head of Sixth Form
A word from our Heads of School, Henry Dean and Charlotte Harris
Thoughts from some of our current sixth form and alumni
Q&A Session (please use the ‘chat function’ at the bottom of your screen to send in questions) 7.30pm
Close
WELCOME TO PLYMOUTH COLLEGE Plymouth College is a community of some 750 pupils, teachers and support staff. The Sixth Form makes up an important, vibrant and influential part of the pupil body. We look to our Sixth Form to take on leading roles within the school community and we have great confidence in our Prefects, some of whom you will hear speak at our virtual open events and who will be talking to you about life in the Sixth Form. Our educational mission is to be excellent in every aspect of the education that we offer and we are continually evaluating what we do to ensure that we deliver this. This excellence manifests itself in numerous ways. Our latest ISI inspection report concluded that every aspect of our educational quality was excellent. Our public examination results, particularly when measured in terms of added value, are consistently outstanding and our pupils secure places at the world’s best universities. Most importantly, Plymouth College pupils are widely regarded as rounded, grounded, interesting, mature and successful young people. Our mission is to educate, enrich and empower all members of our community. Our primary function is to educate pupils but, crucially, not just to pass exams. Holistic education is just part of what we do, even in these difficult times, with more extra-curricular activities on offer than ever before. We develop our pupils intellectually, academically, socially, morally and physically by creating an environment that is genuinely intellectually stimulating, progressive, adventurous and dynamic. Secondly, we aim to ensure that everything we do – every lesson, every form period, every activity – is a truly enriching experience. Thirdly, our pupils are genuinely empowered so that they may become successful young people, ready to make a difference in whatever field they go. I hope this gives you a sense of our culture and ambition. As you will see from the pages of this booklet, our academic record is excellent and there are opportunities available here in an impressive range of sporting, outward bound, artistic, musical, dramatic and other activities. At the heart of our ethos is the mindset that everything is possible. There is also a great community spirit at the College and those who come here – even if it is just for the Sixth Form – make lasting friendships that last a lifetime. Our excellent pastoral care and wellbeing support provides help and guidance when needed and fosters a strong sense of being valued and belonging. Leadership and community service are encouraged and pupils are prepared to meet the future with confidence, as well as with a keen sense of social responsibility. Whether you are looking at our Sixth Form from the point of view of a parent with a child or children already in the school, or as a family from outside our present community, I hope you will find this booklet and the virtual presentations helpful and informative. Should you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I hope you will see Plymouth College as offering an outstanding Sixth Form experience and a first-class preparation for university and adult life beyond.
Mrs J E Hayward Head
OUR SIXTH FORM Here at Plymouth College we nurture talent, in whatever form that may be. Our Sixth Form is a place of empowerment in which pupils are inspired by all they do at school, both inside and out of the classroom. Through a comprehensive enrichment programme and a broad curriculum encompassing academic, creative and sports subjects, the Sixth Form provides an outstanding educational environment in which young people gain belief in themselves and develop a palpable sense of courage to become true leaders in every sense of the word. As well as offering a place for growing independence, we pride ourselves upon our bespoke pastoral system. Each pupil is recognised as an individual, each individual’s talent contributing to make us a strong and diverse community. Pastoral and academic support, along with study skills guidance, is delivered through small tutor groups and are overseen by myself and my Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Connor. UCAS and Careers are delivered through this proven network, also linking with a wealth of contacts from difference spheres of the working and academic environments. The Sixth Form is a transition into the adult world and we encourage mutual respect and co-operation between pupils and teaching staff, each working towards achieving aspirations. Our school is more than just an academic hub. With numerous sporting and social opportunities, Plymouth College is very much the place to develop each element of character and personality. Being part of our Sixth Form enables you to be yourself, to flourish, and to be a success. We will always offer help, support and guidance along your chosen path. I am proud to lead our Sixth Form, and welcome you tonight to get a glimpse of what we offer.
Aaron Summons Head of Sixth Form
SIXTH FORM LIFE IN 2020 At the moment, our Sixth Form are in their own bubble and are based around their traditional hub of the Sixth Form Centre and use the classrooms around this venue. They have responded admirably to the challenges of the current situation and have really shown what outstanding young people they are. Whilst some schools have been unable to offer the extracurricular and sporting activities owing to COVID, our staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that our Sixth Form have as full a games, enrichment and sporting programme as possible, to sit alongside the broad and thorough academic curriculum which is offered. We have benefited immensely from our Outdoor Education provision and have been able to take our pupils out to Dartmoor and beyond, benefiting from the great outdoors - which has been crucial for our pupils in these difficult times. We have had to make some changes to our day-to-day practices and procedures, but we have analysed the guidance thoroughly to enable us to offer the experience we expect our Sixth Formers to have, even in these difficult times. Alongside this, our teaching staff are working tirelessly to ensure that the Sixth Form body are guided through their transition into life after Plymouth College as we usually would, including virtual events around universities and careers. We are also ready to initiate our Home Learning Plan (HLP) in the event of us needing this, owing to any government restrictions. This will build on the success of our HLP in lockdown. We also have some of our Sixth Form students already accessing our curriculum in a blended learning approach, where they access the lessons with their teachers and peers through GoogleMeet. Every lesson is live, with the pupils being present in the lesson virtually. They can interact with the teacher and their peers. Guidance, coaching and feedback is provided by the teacher with work being marked through the use of the GoogleSuite of products to enable feedback and assistance for the pupils to improve their work. We are confident that the adaptability and readiness of our teachers to deliver outstanding teaching and learning in these difficult times will benefit our entire community of pupils, with feedback from our pupils and teachers on this being very positive. We have an extensive team of staff who constantly monitor the COVID guidelines and we always approach every new challenge with the mindset of what we can do for our pupils, be it academically or pastorally to provide them with the best possible holistic education. This provides them with a sense of structure, community and belonging in these unprecedented times.
CHOOSING COURSES AND SUBJECTS There are usually 3 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 course 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 students 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, so that you can apply directly to university without having to repeat any years.
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 students should have achieved a general standard equivalent to this. See below for specific subject requirements. Students have free choice of 3 A level subjects from the list below. In exceptional circumstances we may allow a student 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 student’s choice of subjects is subject to the approval of the Head of Sixth Form and Deputy Head. Art: Fine Art, Graphics or Photography Biology* Chemistry* Classics (includes Classical Civilisation and Latin*) Computer Science Design & Technology Economics and Business Drama English Literature* French* Geography German* History Mathematics* Further Mathematics* Music PE/ Sport Studies Philosophy & Ethics (RE) Physics* Psychology Spanish* 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 students.
The Sport Baccalaureate Pre-requisites - 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. During the 2 years you will cover topics such as anatomy & 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 employable 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 We also offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside A levels. The EPQ is a qualification which offers pupils the chance to undertake an independent research project on a subject of their own choosing. This award is very popular with universities, allowing an excellent opportunity for pupils to demonstrate a genuine interest in a subject. The project can be an essay or a more practical-based project. The EPQ Centre Coordinator will be able to give more advice on this qualification.
Beyond the Classroom The Sixth Form is designed to be a period of transition from school student to university student. 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. This has proved extremely effective over the years at ensuring that our students are ready for the outside world when it happens! Sixth Formers have plenty of opportunity to develop leadership skills as House Captains, Prefects, Senior Prefects, sports captains and academic mentors. They enjoy an incredible range of extra-curricular opportunities, too many to list here, from major sports and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, to the Model United Nations and climbing, yoga and golf. The social side is also busy, organised by the Sixth Form Committee, with pizza & DVD nights but also the Autumn Ball, the hotly contested Quiz Night and the magnificent Summer Ball after the exams. The Plymouth College Sixth Form is a wonderful mix of hard work and focused commitment. It is a genuinely friendly community of young people determined to achieve their ambitions.
SIXTH FORM EXAM RESULTS 2020 Last summer, the College achieved an impressive 100% pass rate, with an aggregate equivalent of 82% A*-B grades in the Sixth Form across our courses (including A levels and our Sport Baccalaureate), of which 51% of grades were A*-A. Sport Baccalaureate BTEC grades were exceptionally high, with 69% of grades at Distinction or Distinction Star. These raw results saw over 90% of students go on to their first choice university destination, which included all the major Russell Group universities. 2020 was a difficult year for our Upper Sixth. Despite the controversy surrounding results, even before a government U-turn and switch to accepting centre assessed grades (CAGs), we found ourselves in a position where the majority of our students had secured their first choice university. Sixth Form staff were on hand throught this difficult period to help and guide students as they tried to navigate unexpected results as well as the new opportunities that presented themselves through clearing this year. Fortunately, very few fell foul of Ofqual’s much maligned algortihm but these students in particular were supported to ensure that they did, indeed, secure their chosen course at their first choice university which was nothing less than their ability and efforts deserved. 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’s Award • European Computer Driving Licence (qualification in computer skills) • Art / Photography • Pre-Med • Pre-Teach • The Big Questions (theological debate and discussion) • The Drake Society (Politics) • Sports Skills & Conditioning • Volunteering (placements in primary schools, care homes, charity shops etc.) SIXTH FORM SPORTS/FITNESS OPTIONS (Wednesday afternoons, not necessarily every term) Badminton Rugby Outdoor Adventure Football Golf Table Tennis Cricket Rounders Netball Swimming CV Fitness/Weights Hockey Tennis Yoga
PRE-MED Plymouth College has a long history in preparing students 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 students in the best possible position for a career in medicine. The Pre-Med enrichment activity is packed with opportunities for students to gain skills, experience and knowledge in the world of medicine. Seminars and debates will ensure students 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 students 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 students applying for medical school. Steered by independent reading and research, Pre-Med students 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 students considering careers in Veterinary Science and Dentistry. CAREERS ADVICE Sixth Form students 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 universiy is not the only option. We have helped students 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 whittle down the vast choice of courses on offer throughout the unviersity sector by aligning them with a pupil’s personlised profile.
LEAVERS’ TESTIMONIALS
Tom Beagley I immensely enjoyed my 2 years of Sixth Form education at Plymouth College. I studied Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry A-levels and am now at Imperial College London reading Aeronautical Engineering. What I appreciated most about my final two years of school was the huge support and encouragement I received from all of my teachers and the amount of time they could always make for me. The UCAS process at the start of Year 13 was also executed calmly and efficiently by all staff involved which helped relieve most of the pressure. Come exam time and my teachers were full of encouragement and prepared to do anything to help me reach my objectives. Thanks to Plymouth College I can continue to pursue my career ambitions in the way I had hoped. Thank you, Plymouth College :)
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!
Sydney Wood (Head Girl 2018-19) I studied at Plymouth College from Year 7 to Upper Sixth, completing my A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. I’m currently taking a gap year, completing a 4th A-Level while doing an internship, and am applying for a Neuroscience degree at St Andrews University. In the 7 years I spent at Plymouth College, it became my second home, and some of the best memories I have are of my time in Sixth Form! I was encouraged to get involved with so many new things such as the lunch-time support club for younger students, charity projects, and even start a school club. This, as well as having the chance to become a senior prefect and further as a Head of School in U6, went a long way in helping me to pick the right course for university and gain valuable skills. A great part of Plymouth College for me was the smaller classes, and having the opportunity for one to one guidance in lessons. The teachers here really take the time to build strong relationships with pupils and help them develop even beyond the classroom.
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.
Isobel Leman I studied at Plymouth College for A levels and am now at University of Nottingham studying Medicine. What I remember most about Plymouth college is the abundance of extra help on offer for both my academic work and UCAS application. Nearly everyday during my sixth form I would attend an extra revision/help session or go to a teacher who offered their help without hesitation. This undoubtedly helped me succeed and get to where I am now, having the time of my life and being able to continue my dream of becoming a doctor. Also the small classes and relationships you build with the teachers helped me hugely with understanding work better and more easily but also developing social and other crucial life skills, preparing me, indirectly, for when I left school.
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.
Laura Cosby Having joined Plymouth College in Year 7, I can say with confidence that I had the best six years at the College. The teaching body ensures that each student is able to find their place at the school. New students are encouraged not only by the staff but also by their peers, which is a critical element that creates a strong sense of community within our College. This is further encouraged through our house system with events from House Music and House Drama, through to House Cross Country and House Swimming. For me, team sports such as Netball and Hockey, were one of my favourite things about the College. I gained confidence and they enabled me to develop my ability to work as part of a team. These are skills that have been critical for me both during my time at Plymouth College, as well as since leaving. Although team sports and academia were the areas in which I thrived, I must emphasise the school’s ability to encourage, support and recognise the success of students in all capacities, thus enabling them to reach their full potential. The community within the Sixth Form is amazing. The Sixth Form Committee and the Heads of Sixth Form work closely together to provide amazing social events for the students...from quiz nights to the annual Summer Ball. Furthermore, students in the Sixth Form are given more responsibility through roles such as Senior Prefect, House Captains and Sports Captains, which are roles open to new students as well as current students.
George Asquith Having now finished my time in Sixth Form at Plymouth College after joining in Year 7, I am in the best position possible to say that the choice to continue from Year 11 to study A-levels was the right one. The UCAS process is a perfect example of the tailored support I received through the entirety of my Sixth Form life; with tutors, teachers and heads of department all ready to provide advice whenever it is needed. This was, however, balanced with a freedom and responsibility to study hard and take up a variety of leadership opportunities within the school life, helping me to develop invaluable qualities of responsibility and self-discipline. The extra-curricular opportunities such as my involvement and leadership in Ten Tors teams and the Naval CCF section have provided confidence and soft skills helping me to become a more rounded individual. Along with the house system, and other sixth Form events from movie nights to the Summer Ball, these countless opportunities help to build the strong sense of community in and beyond the classroom.
James Heale James is studying 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. So far, I have joined the campus rugby team and the Agrics Society. Both of these provide something different from studies with travelling at the weekends for rugby matches and visiting different farms and agricultural events with Agrics. At the beginning of the year each first year vet (little vet) is assigned a second year vet (big vet) on the basis of individual interests. This system has worked really well and my big vet has been very supportive through my exams and life at vet school. I am currently studying the cardiorespiratory system and will be moving on to neurology before I spend two weeks lambing in Wales in my Easter holidays. Highlights of the year so far include a visit to the National Animal Defence Centre, Vet Ball, a social to Ascot and (thankfully) passing my first vet school exams. It is a brilliant course and I am grateful to Plymouth College for helping me on my way to becoming a vet.
Annabel Kennedy Annabel studied at the Royal College of Music I joined Plymouth College for Sixth Form . What I loved about the school was the small class sizes within each subject, for it meant that I could build good relationships with all my teachers and receive thorough support and guidance with my work. The small community within the school allows for great friendships and an altogether comfortable grounding on campus. Plymouth College offers an enormous variety of different clubs and activities. Even though there is a strong focus on sport at the school, they do try to accommodate every different interest and are supportive of your accomplishments both in and out of school you can tell Plymouth College really prides itself in its students and their achievements.
Tim Andrews I joined Plymouth College in Year 7 having come from my local village school. From the very start of my time at Plymouth College I always felt welcome. The main reason I went to Plymouth College was because of my fencing. I started fencing internationally from the age of 13 right through my time at Plymouth College and the school worked with me in maintaining my sporting ability as well as maintaining my academic achievements too. I do not believe this would have been possible at any other school. Away from sport, Plymouth College provides so many more opportunities to challenge pupils - both in the classroom, and through a rich extra-curricular programme of activities. The teachers really go the extra mile to provide a challenging and enjoyable learning experience. Plymouth College doesn't just produce academically successful students; they are also well-rounded young adults. I chose not to go to university and to apply to become an Officer in the British Army; the school supported me as they would have if I was applying to university. I start my training at Sandhurst early next year. Plymouth College has been some of the most enjoyable years of my life, providing me with some amazing opportunities, I really will miss it!
LEAVERS DESTINATIONS 2020 Institution
Course
Bath Spa University
Digital Animation
Bayreuth University (Germany)
Sport Business Management
Brunel University
Medicinal Chemistry
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Sport Coaching
Cardiff University
Medicine, History, Modern History and Politics (Integrated), Business Management, Business Economics
Goldsmiths, University of London
Games Programming
Loughborough University
Computer Science, Industrial Design and Technology
Loughborough University
Computer Science
Manchester Metropolitan University
Economics
Newcastle University
Accounting and Mathematics
Norland College
Early Years Development and Learning
Nottingham Trent
Physics
Plymouth Marjon University
Sport Development and Coaching
Royal Holloway, University of London
Financial and Business Economics
Savannah College of Art and Design (USA)
Art
Swansea University
Economics and Business, Psychology, Sport Science, Early Childhood
University of Bath
Chemical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Sports Performance
University of Birmingham
Engineering
University of Bristol
Medicine, Veterinary Science, Business Management
University of Derby
Specialist Sports Journalism
University of East London
Fashion Design
University of Essex
Physiotherapy
University of Exeter
Law, Psychology, Politics, Philosophy and Economics
University of Gloucestershire
Sports Therapy
University of Leeds
Politics, Philosophy and Economics
University of Liverpool
Medicine
University of Manchester
Modern History and Economics
University of Plymouth
Robotics
University of Reading
Mathematics and Statistics, Architecture, French Studies and English Language
University of Southampton
Physiotherapy
University of St Andrews
Arabic, German and Russian
University of Stirling
Business
University of Surrey
Psychology
University of the Arts London
Fashion photography
University of the West of England
Criminology and Law, Busness Management
York University
Philosophy and Politics
A number of students opted for a Gap Year and several went on to apprenticeships as well as straight into employment.
USEFUL LINKS Sixth Form General Information www.plymouthcollege.com/sixth-form-16-18-/welcome-to-sixth-form Sixth Form Subjects www.plymouthcollege.com/sixth-form-16-18-/sixth-form-virtual-information-evening (videos) www.plymouthcollege.com/sixth-form-16-18-/sixth-form-subjects To Register for a Place www.plymouthcollege.com/admissions/register Telephone or Email the Admissions Team to Arrange a Private Video Meeting Maria Kerr, Registrar 01752 505115 Sarah Johns, Admissions Manager 01752 505120 admissions@plymouthcollege.com
Ford Park Plymouth Devon PL4 6RN www.plymouthcollege.com 01752 505115 admissions@plymouthcollege.com
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