TS Sixth Form

AT TAUNTON

ONE JOURNEY MANY PATHWAYS

WELCOME TO THE SIXTH FORM AT TAUNTON SCHOOL

At Taunton School you’ll be treated as an individual. You’ll be challenged and nurtured in equal measure on a personal journey, developing the skills for your chosen career and also for life.

Our diverse student body, our wide range of co-curricular activities and our focus on developing the whole person empower our students to go out into the world with a global outlook and a desire to seize opportunities.

We look forward to welcoming you to Taunton School.

James Johnson, Headmaster

Taunton School provides a down-to-earth, supportive learning environment with many opportunities to express yourself and develop both as an individual and as a member of society.

SENSE OF BELONGING

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The best things about Taunton School are the staff, the culture and the teachers’ encouragement along the way that drives you to achieve high results. This support from staff is something I’ll always be grateful for.

Esme Hallworth, studied IB French (Level 7) alongside her A-Levels (A*A*A*), and is now studying Philosophy and French at University College London.

WHY TAUNTON SIXTH FORM?

Our culture of ambition encourages all students to strive for academic excellence.

More Than 300 Clubs and Societies

Whether it’s public speaking, chapel choir or Amnesty International and LGBTQIA+, we have a club to suit everyone’s interests. Dungeons and Dragons anyone? We have a club for that. A budding scientist? We have a STEM club for that.

Brand New Sixth Form Centre

Opened in 2022 it includes study areas, breakout spaces, a common room and gender neutral toilets.

Four Pathways

Our sixth-form offering is uniquely designed to meet the individual needs of every student who joins us. A-Levels, International Baccalaureate, BTEC and a Foundation programme - we offer them all.

Global Community

With students from over 50 nationalities we celebrate our diverse community and rich mix of cultures and backgrounds.

Variety of Sports

Our school is renowned for its sporting success. From cricket, rugby, hockey and netball through to biathlon and cross-Channel swimming, our students have a wealth of opportunity to engage with sport at a level which suits them.

Breadth of Curriculum

Our students can explore their talents and develop their passions to the full thanks to our four unique sixth-form pathways. Teachers ensure that all students are intellectually challenged and given one-to-one support to maximise their success.

Academic Challenge

Our students will be academically challenged to achieve their best outcomes. In recent years, students have progressed onto a range of courses – many at some of the most competitive universities in both the UK and internationally.

WE ARE THE ONLY SCHOOL IN THE UK TO OFFER FOUR ALTERNATIVE SIXTH-FORM PATHWAYS

AN INSPIRING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Excellent Facilities

A dynamic fusion of beautiful, traditional buildings and stateof-the-art facilities make Taunton School’s 56-acre campus a very special place to study. While our Grade ll listed 19th Century main school, complete with iconic Gothic tower, exudes historical charm, our recently-opened Sixth Form Centre, the brand new Carrington Library and our £3.6 million dining hall are at the cutting edge of modern design.

Specialist Art, Music, Drama, Science and Design and Technology spaces provide students with an exceptional learning experience. For musicians and performers we provide enviable facilities. There is a suite of rehearsal studios, a recital hall, a recording studio and lots of practise rooms equipped with Yamaha pianos. Our performance spaces include a professional theatre, a recital hall, a beautiful Chapel housing a Copeman Hart Organ and an Arts Centre.

We have outstanding indoor and outdoor sporting facilities including three sports halls, an indoor cricket practice area, two indoor swimming pools, a modern fitness suite, eight netball courts, two multi-purpose AstroTurf pitches, a dance studio, an athletics area, two squash courts and a climbing wall. All this as well as our sports pitches for cricket, rugby and hockey which are in use all year round.

We continually invest and improve our school’s infrastructure to reflect not only our pride in our history, but also our forwardlooking approach – the hallmark of a Taunton School education since its foundation in 1847.

WHEN IT’S TIME TO GET TOGETHER WITH YOUR FRIENDS, THE GUVVY COMES IN TO ITS OWN, PROVIDING AN IDEAL SOCIAL HUB FOR LOWER AND UPPER SIXTH-FORMERS TO SOCIALISE AND HAVE FUN.

GUVVY

SIXTH FORM CENTRE

Collaborative Learning

The breakout spaces in our new bright and airy Sixth Form Centre have been designed to encourage students to work together, promoting discussion and student-led learning.

Careers

Our award winning Careers Department works year round to deliver a personalised service to every student. From employability seminars to careers fairs, university visits to personal statement advice, students receive first class support to take them through to the next step of their educational journey, whether that’s university, an apprenticeship, employment, training or a gap year.

96% OF OUR STUDENTS GO ON TO UNIVERSITY, INCLUDING RUSSELL GROUP AND OXBRIDGE.

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A plethora of opportunities for students to air their views

VOICE VOICE VOICE VOICE

STUDENT VOICE

Our students drive change and shape the experience of our whole community, from introducing unisex toilets and influencing uniform policy, to mentoring younger students and organising RAG Week, our Sixth Formers really have the chance to make a difference.

Students at Taunton School have a voice and are listened to without judgement. There have been a number of initiatives brought to life through student voice sessions, such as the creation of a girls football and rugby team, the playground ambassador programme that signposts students to those on duty and the peer mentor timetable in the Health Centre that allows students to talk about their worries with their peers.

We have worked hard to create a culture of equality and respect, this continues to grow every term with new ideas on how to make the students feel as supported as possible, most recently with a Student Wellbeing Instagram page, run by students, for students.

Get involved

Whether it’s astronomy you’re interested in, debating or rock climbing or perhaps being part of the theatre tech crew, Taunton School has a club to suit you. Our Super Curriculum enhances the academic experience of Year 12 and 13 students with clubs which take their interest in a subject to a new level.

Maths Olympiads and the Lisk History Society are just two examples of how our students can use their free time to deepen their understanding of the subjects they love. Taunton School is renowned for its excellent sporting and musical success. We have fantastic sports and performing arts facilities to suit everyone’s level and interest.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

At Taunton School we aim to equip our students with the confidence, experience and skills to take up leadership roles in their lives both at school and out in the wider world.

There is a vast array of leadership opportunities available for our Sixth Form students from being a Head of a House to Head of School or captaining a sports team or leading one of our Combined Cadet Force sections.

Whatever the role, our students relish the chance to develop their communication and interpersonal skills while working alongside staff to shape the culture of the school.

ONE FAMILY ONE CAMPUS YOUR JOURNEY

Everything we do is based on our central values: to challenge, nurture and inspire our students, enabling them to fulfil their true potential for the benefit of the wider community.

With between just eight and 12 students in every class, our teachers really get to know every single student.

A bond of trust and mutual respect allows students to develop their independence and self -worth as their teachers help them prepare for life beyond Taunton School.

THE FOUR PATHWAYS

A-Levels

A focused path of study which allows sixth-formers to develop their specific academic interests.

International Baccalaureate

A broad curriculum which allows students to maintain a range of academic interests whilst developing their global outlook.

BTEC

An applied course where sixth-formers learn through real world applications.

International Foundation Year

A bespoke course which focuses on business skills and English language for academic study preparing international students for entry to universities in the UK and abroad.

The culture is the best thing about Taunton School Sixth Form. Everyone is so friendly and always wants the best for you. This is what definitely helped me during my A-levels.

Thomas, A-Level student

CULTURE OF AMBITION

Students on the A-level programme take three A-levels. A range of enrichment opportunities allow students to further enhance their studies. For some, this may involve taking a fourth A-level, for others an EPQ – and Extended Project Qualification which is worth half an A-level – or an element of the IB such as learning a language from scratch. Our elite sports students can opt for one-toone coaching or other opportunities designed to improve their performance.

Sixth-formers enjoy a tutor-style relationship with their teachers who ensure that students make choices that are right for them and help them manage their A-level programme.

Students need a grade 5 or above at GCSE to study a subject at A-level. A few subjects, such as maths, require a grade 8 or 9.

A-levels are taught over two years culminating with exams. Some include a coursework element.

For more information, scan the QR code below.

At Taunton School we offer a three A-Levels + programme.

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS

• Art & Photography

• Biology

• Business

• Chemistry

• Classical Civilisation

• Computer Science

• Design Technology

• Drama

• Economics

• English Literature

• French

• Geography

• German

• History

• ICT

• Latin

• Mathematics & Further Mathematics

• Music

• PE

• Philosophy

• Physics

• Psychology

• Spanish

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a challenging and highly-regarded qualifications for students with talents across a range of subjects.

The course consists of nine elementssix academic subjects and three core components: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and a self-development course called Creativity, Activity and Service.

IB students do consistently well at Taunton School, achieving high scores, obtaining places at top universities in the UK, Europe and America.

INTERNATIONAL AMBITION A CULTURE OF

BACCALAUREATE AMBITION

MINDSET FOR LIFE

The best thing about the IB is developing a hunger for curiosity. The IB provides the opportunity to pursue your immediate interests whilst keeping your future academic and professional options open. I would advise new IB students to have the confidence that this programme will lead you in the right direction.

Liam Travers, Old Tauntonian, and currently an Education Intern at UNESCO

TAUNTON SCHOOLSIXTH

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

IB

students choose three subjects at higher level and three at standard level. The subjects are divided into six groups.

Language A

Choose from English, Italian and German

Language B

Choose from English, French, German, Spanish and Latin, or learn Italian or Spanish from scratch

Humanities

Choose from Economics, Geography, History, Philosophy, Psychology and Business Management

Sciences

Choose from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Design & Technology

Mathematics

Choose between SL (Standard Level) Analysis and Approaches, SL Applications and Interpretation and HL (Higher Level) Analysis and Approaches.

Arts

Choose from Music and Visual Arts

Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)

Diploma

My favourite things have been my BTEC classes, playing hockey and making lots of friends along the way.

Imogen, BTEC Sport & Exercise Science

BTECS ARE AN ESTABLISHED AND HIGHLY-SUCCESSFUL ALTERNATIVE TO A-LEVELS PROVIDING A REAL-WORLD APPROACH TO LEARNING FOR THOSE SEEKING WORKRELATED QUALIFICATIONS.

By combining theoretical understanding with skills and knowledge of a subject area, they can lead to a place at university, an apprenticeship or employment.

WHY BTEC?

• Practical approach to learning

• Grades assigned via ongoing assessments and exams

Recognised by universities and employers

BTEC SUBJECTS

• Sport and Exercise Science

• Business

BTEC SPORT

BTEC EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN SPORT & EXERCISE SCIENCE

Equivalent to three A-levels

BTEC Sport & Exercise Science will:

• Provide education and training for sport, leisure and recreation employees

• Give sport, leisure and recreation employees opportunities to achieve a nationally recognised level 3 vocationally specific qualification

Provide full-time learners the opportunity to enter employment in the sport and active leisure sector or to progress to higher education qualifications in sport or related areas

• Give learners the opportunity to develop a range of techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life

Year 12 Units

• Functional anatomy

• Applied sport and exercise psychology

Field and lab-based fitness testing

Biomechanics in sport and exercise science

BTEC

• Physical activity for individual and group based exercise

• Sociocultural issues in sport and exercise

• Nutrition in sport and exercise performance

Year 13 Units

• Sport and exercise physiology

• Applied sport and exercise psychology

• Applied research methods in sport and exercise science

Coaching for performance and fitness

Research project in sport and exercise science

• Technology in sport and exercise science

• Sports injuries and assessment

BTEC BTEC BUSINESS

BTEC DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS

Equivalent to two A-levels

BTEC Business students will:

• Gain practical experience from real world assignments

• Take responsibility for their own learning

Develop interpersonal and practical thinking skills

• Develop a strong knowledge base

• Gain real experience of effective teamwork

Know how to work to a brief with set deadlines

• Efficiently manage time to complete tasks and processes

The course requires students to be proactive, mature learners who take the initiative.

Year 12 Units

• Exploring Business

• International Business

Personal and Business Finance

Recruitment and Selection

Year 13 Units

Developing a Marketing Campaign

Managing an Event

• Principles of Management

• Another module at the student’s discretion

SENSE OF BELONGING ‘‘

This course was really businessfocused and provided a clear pathway for studying at university. It was also great to be able to get involved in extra-curricular activities; I got to play cricket, take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and I also organised charity events and volunteered in forest management. I don’t believe I would have received my offers without the help and assistance from my teachers at Taunton School.

Tricey Agbolu from Ghana, University of Kent

FOUNDATION PROGRAMME

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

PRE-FOUNDATION YEAR 16-17 YEARS OLD (YEAR 12)

The Pre-Foundation Year is designed for students who have a keen interest in the world of Business and Economics. Our bespoke year-long programme is designed to prepare students for the NCUK International Foundation Year.

The Pre-Foundation Year provides international students with an outstanding all-round education. A rigorous and challenging curriculum complements access to a rich variety of extra-curricular activities including sport, music, art, drama, after-school clubs and societies, lectures and weekend trips

NCUK INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME 17-18 YEARS OLD (YEAR 13)

Designed by universities exclusively for international students, the NCUK International Foundation Year combines academic modules, study skills and English language training to provide a pathway to undergraduate degree courses at leading universities.

Students gain the subject-specific knowledge and skills required to move onto higher education and upon successful completion of the course, have a guaranteed place at one of over 50 top universities in the UK and around the world.

PRE-MED

Our Pre-Med Programme aims to give students an insight into

Lower Sixth-Formers interested in these careers meet every Saturday morning to learn about what is involved in choosing one of these competitive vocational professions.

The course aims to develop the necessary skills required for aspiring medics, dentists and vets and guide them through the process of applying to universities. Students familiarise themselves with medical terminology and develop confident communication and interpersonal skills.

There are opportunities to meet current professionals, investigate topical issues and get help with work experience. There is also specific support with personal statements and for BMAT and UCAT interviews.

the careers of medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships recognise students with talent, passion and commitment for a specific academic or cocurricular subject and are not means-tested. They are available to both day and boarding students already at Taunton School as well as students applying from other independent and state schools. Additionally, we offer a selection of assisted places, in line with our ethos, that affordability is no barrier to entry. These are funded entirely by benefactors from the Taunton School community who want to give back. Assisted places are means-tested with students selected according to their ability, commitment and desire to learn.

You can apply for a scholarship online.

Sixth Form Scholarships:

• Academic

• Art

• Computer Science

• Design & Technology

• Drama

• International Baccalaureate

• Music

• Sport

Every year Taunton School recognises students with artistic, academic or sporting talent in the form of scholarships and assisted places.

LIFE BEYOND TAUNTON SCHOOL

A student’s connection with Taunton doesn’t end at 18. It lasts a lifetime.

Old Tauntonians include:

• Leslie Scott, inventor of Jenga Edward Bluemel, Television Actor

• Sir Jeremy Wright, MP and former Attorney General

Former students join a global network of Old Tauntonians who have influenced the world in significant ways and who continue to give back to their old school.

Amongst the school’s alumni are leading figures in the arts, the sciences, the worlds of entertainment, medicine, media and diplomacy.

Wherever an Old Tauntonian goes in the world, they are never far away from someone who has shared their experience of a school that set them on the path to success.

Many Old Tauntonians return to give talks, offer careers advice and some also donate money to fund Assisted Places at Taunton School.

• Tom Abell, OT and England Cricket Captain Gamal Fahnbulleh, ITV Journalist and Presenter ·

• Patricia Oloyede, Journalist, Producer and Author

• Sir Peter Westmacott, former British Ambassador to the USA, France and Turkey

• Ian McNeice, Film and Television Actor

Dr Mahesh Ramchandani, Chief, Section of Cardiac Surgery Houston Methodist Hospital System

• Tommy Wyatt, Exeter Chiefs

A Taunton School education provides Sixth-Formers with the skills they need to succeed in life. But it also provides much more than that.

I had incredible opportunities and feel so grateful that I was able to play so much sport when I was young. It was always my dream to play cricket and I don’t think that would have been possible without the opportunities I had at Taunton School.

Tom Abell, Old Tauntonian, England Captain.

“I firmly believe that the ethos at Taunton School and the strong relationships that my daughter developed with the teaching staff have really helped her perform at her best. Her results have enabled her to secure a place at her first choice university.”

For more information visit www.tauntonschool.co.uk email registrar@tauntonschool.co.uk or call 01823 703703 www.tauntonschool.co.uk

Parent of a Sixth Form student