Sixth Form

Rhetoric Life and A Level Courses

Welcome to Rhetoric

Since the earliest days of the College the Sixth Form has been known as Rhetoric and our Sixth Formers are termedRhetoricians.

Rhetoricians have full use of all the College's study and recreational facilities including a library, excellent IT resources, well-equipped art and music suites and a wide range of sports facilities. Rhetoricians also have their own designated study area and a common room where they can relax and enjoy the company of their fellow students.

As well as UK students, we have a long and successful tradition of welcoming international students into Rhetoric and the College is accredited by the British Council. Students from overseas follow a full school curriculum. In addition they may take examinations in their mother tongue and IELTS examinations in English. International students are supported by the International Department whilst they adjust to the UK education system. They are also advised and supported by their tutors and boarding staff. During the summer we run a

school preparation course that we recommend all new international students attend.

Entry requirements

Entry to our thriving Sixth Form is conditional on an interview and on achieving at least grade 6 at GCSE in each of the subjects you wish to study atA Level, with the following exceptions: grade 7 for Mathematics, grade 8 for Further Mathematics, two grade 6s in Combined Science to do any Science.

Those that want to study four A Levels must attain grade 7 or above in all GCSEs to be considered.

The prospect of a Rhetoric education is a most exciting, challenging and important one.

It represents the final phase of formal schooling, the transition to adulthood and all the hopes and opportunities that this brings. We believe that, at St Edmund's, a Rhetoric education offers a superbly supportive environment which will provide a passport to the best universities, art schools and other institutions of higher education in Britain and abroad.

There is a wide range of subject choices at the College which will prepare you for whatever higher education course you choose and for careers in the professions, business and the creative and media worlds. What no brochure can properly illustrate is the excellent support, pastoral and academic care you will receive, helping make the transition from GCSE to A Level study as smooth as possible and supporting you through these vital two years when important choices have to be made.

Our concern for every student is paramount; our enviable enrichment programme in Rhetoric looks to develop every individual, as well as foster attributes such as leadership, commitment and a curiosity in learning. Our EPQ, study skills and Pre-University courses ensure students challenge themselves to always aim higher. Societies, such as our Medical Society, are student-led and engender a deeper appreciation of a subject; their membership supports your application to university/ apprenticeship and encourages networking, debate and wider reading.

Our support for your UCAS application is excellent and the Head of Rhetoric and Deputy Head of Rhetoric are backed up by our tutors who will give you all the support you need as you make your application.

We recommend Rhetoric study to you at St Edmund's without reservation and look forward to working with you in partnership to ensure your success.

Head of Rhetoric Mr Liam Woodward and Deputy Head of Rhetoric Mrs Jilly Colbran

Responsibility

Rhetoric is an exciting time and a perfect preparation for life at university and beyond; an experience to be enjoyed.

High standards of commitment are expected as are punctuality, courtesy and respect for others. Rhetoricians have more privileges than younger students and are expected to play an influential role in their Houses. Rhetoricians are treated as the young adults they have become and during their final year many will become Heads of School, House Captains and leaders of College teams, clubs and societies.

Our Rhetoricians are proud to wear a different uniform from the younger students which is based upon smart business attire, and worn with a House tie or badge.

Many of our Rhetoricians board on either a full or part-time basis. This gives them more time for their studies and they can enjoy the social and recreational side of school life. Rhetoric boarders enjoy the privacy of a single study room.

“Through an excellent attitude to taking on responsibility and service to others, pupils grow in self-knowledge and develop values which prepare them to move successfully into the next phase of their education or employment.”

ISI INSPECTION 2016

For students in Rhetoric, increased freedom and more responsibility go hand-in-hand.

Guidance outside the classroom

Our Rhetoricians enjoy a very high level of pastoral care and all students are assigned to a House tutor group.

community service and become actively involved in sport. There are usually over sixty activities on offer to Rhetoric students and our tutorial programme and enrichment opportunities add to this with regular guest speakers who provide further insight into the wider world. In addition, we offer a wide variety of study visits and cultural events; there are art and theatre trips, subject conferences, residential trips for Geography and Biology and trips to the Far East and India.

The tutor is responsible for encouraging personal development in a variety of ways. In the first instance, help is given in developing the organisational skills which are essential at this level. Each student meets their tutor every morning and for one lesson per week, where a programme of personal and social education is followed. Rhetoric assembly is also held once a fortnight where all matters relevant to life in Rhetoric are discussed.

Although academic study is obviously the main priority, we have long recognised the importance of the curriculum beyond the classroom. To this end, you will find Rhetoric life packed with opportunities todevelop your interests and skills in a variety of areas. For example, students are encouraged to become leaders and officers in the Combined Cadet Force, take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, engage in

The exploration of faith is never more important than in the final years of school. All Rhetoric students have religious education lessons and are encouraged to take a leading role in the chaplaincy life of the College, morning prayers, College services and at special times in the Church’s liturgical calendar.

Life beyond St Edmund’s

Under the guidance of the Head of Rhetoric, Deputy Head of Rhetoric and tutors, students are assisted in an appropriate post-18 pathway.

During Rhetoric I, students are given the opportunity to prepare for UCAS and other career related programmes such as apprenticeships (including degree apprenticeships). This involves guest speakers from universities and industry, university visits and a UCAS convention. The students and parents have access to the online platform UniFrog which supports students in choosing an appropriate pathway and preparing applications. UniFrog also offers support with international applications, such as those to the USA. Tutors and the Head of Rhetoric meet regularly with students to monitor their progress throughout this process.

Students are offered subject/career focussed interview preparation in the Michaelmas term of Rhetoric II. This involves guests from the respective areas coming into College to offer rigorous interview experience.

The majority of our students leave to begin undergraduate study at university. Some of our most popular destinations include: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Exeter, Durham, Kings College London, Leeds, University College London, and Southampton. Importantly, our students go off to study a diverse range of subjects, such as Physics, Architecture, Aeronautical Engineering, Politics, Biochemistry, Engineering, Chemistry, Medicine, Geography, English Literature, Modern Languages, Economics, Psychology, History and Theology.

An increasingly popular choice for students is to explore and pursue alternative Post-18 Pathways, which we encourage and support. These include a Gap Year, Apprenticeships, Employment, Sporting Academies, Music Conservatoires and Degree Apprenticeships, which are becoming very popular, and recently, students have obtained offers from BT, Metroploitan Police, British Rail, Easy Jet and Kier.

Exam results

We are proud to present our A Level and GCSE results

A Level results 2022

A Level results 2021

A Level results 2020

This year our Rhetoric students secured places at top universities including Brunel University London, University of Exeter, Kings College London, Loughborough University, Nottingham University and Warwick University.

GCSE results 2022

GCSE results

University Destinations 2022

Bath Spa University

Brunel University London

City, University of London

Durham University

King's College London

Kingston University

Lancaster University

Loughborough University

Newcastle University

Nottingham Trent University

Queen Mary University of London

Royal Holloway, University of London

The University of Edinburgh

University for the Creative Arts

University of Arts, Bournemouth

University of Bath

University of Birmingham

University of Derby

University of East Anglia UEA

University of Essex

University of Exeter

University of Hull

University of Kent

University of Leicester

University of Lincoln

University of Liverpool

University of Manchester

University of Nottingham

University of Plymouth

University of Portsmouth

University of Reading

University of Southampton

University of the Arts London

University of Westminster

Warwick University

Business and Management (Entrepreneurship) - Professional Placement Year

Physiotherapy • Accountancy with Placement • Business and Management with Placement

Music, Sound and Technology • Business Management

Psychology • Law

Global Health and Social Medicine • Mathematics with Statistics

Business Management

Film and Theatre

Mechanical Engineering with a Foundation Year

Biology • Chemistry

Law with Criminology • Real Estate • Business Management and Accounting & Finance

• Economics • Law • International Relations • Food Science and Technology • Marketing

History and Politics

Psychology • Physical Geography • Law with Criminology

Economics and Statistics

Fine Art (Farnham)

Architecture

Business with Placement

Biological Sciences with International Year • Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science

Business Accounting & Finance with Foundation Year

Chemistry • Business Management • Accounting and Management • International Relations

Business Management (Including Placement Year)

Computer Science

History and Politics

Law

Economics and Accounting

Games Computing

History

Environmental Science with Industrial Experience

Politics and International Relations

Architecture • Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology

Business and Management • Computer Networks

Business and Management with Placement Year • Philosophy

Nursing (Child) • Biomedical Engineering (Electronics)

Interior Design

Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience • Fashion Marketing and Promotion

Computer Science (Degree Apprenticeship Programme)

Rhetoric Scholarships

St Edmund’s College Rhetoric Entry to 16+, September 2024

Each year the Governors set aside a fixed sum to be used for scholarships and their granting is delegated by the Governors to the Headmaster. The number and size of awards in any particular year is at the discretion of the Headmaster.

Following the examination, parents/guardians will be advised whether a scholarship at the College is to be offered.

Cardinal Allen Academic Scholarships 16+ These are decided by open competition using the results of specially set scholarship examinations, interview and previous school reports.

Music, Sport and Art Scholarships may also be offered through competitive testing.

Applications to be received by: Monday 6th November 2023 at noon

Scholarship Examination dates: Monday 20th November 2023

All scholarship applications should be made as soon as possible using a Scholarship Application Form, which can be obtained from the Admissions Office.

St Edmund’s College

Old Hall Green, Ware, Hertfordshire SG11 1DS

Amy Warner: 01920 824247 admissions@stedmundscollege.org

Courses available at St Edmund’s College

We have an excellent selection of A Level courses for you to choose from.

• Design & Technology: Product Design (3D)

• Mathematics

• Further Mathematics

• English Literature

• IELTS

• Geography

• Art

• Business Studies

• French, German, Italian and Spanish

• Economics

• History

• Politics

• Computer Science

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Psychology

• Media Studies

• Drama & Theatre Studies

• Music

• Religious Studies

• Physical Education

Throughout your time at St Edmund’s support will be given in the fulfilment of personal goals and choosing a career.

Extended Project Qualifications are also available: speak to a member of staff for more details.

Details for each individual A Level course are available on our website.

St Edmund’s is an independent, Catholic co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3- 18

St Edmund’s College & Prep School

Old Hall Green

Ware, Hertfordshire

SG11 1DS

Tel: 01920 824247

Email: admissions@stedmundscollege.org

www.stedmundscollege.org