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 termed Rhetoricians. 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 the Sixth Form, will normally be conditional on achieving a minimum combination of five, grade 5 or above reformed GCSE grades or five B unreformed GCSE grades with grade 6 in the subjects which you hope to study. Students studying A Level Mathematics ideally require a grade 7 or above in GCSE Mathematics and grade 8 or above to study Further Mathematics. Students wishing to study any A Level Science require two grade 6 or above in GCSE Sciences or the international equivalent. Those that want to study four A Levels must attain grade 7 or above in all GCSE’s 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 dedicated Co-Directors of Rhetoric I and II 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.
Co-Directors of Rhetoric Ms Judith Marrinan and Mr Ben Powell
Responsibility
Rhetoric is an exciting time and a perfect preparation for life at university and beyond; an experience to be enjoyed.
For students in Rhetoric increased freedom and more responsibility go hand-in-hand. 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
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 to develop 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 Co-Directors 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 Bridge-U which supports students in choosing an appropriate pathway and preparing applications. Bridge-U also offers support with international applications, such as those to the USA. Tutors and the Co-Directors 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.
Former students have gone on to read a diverse range of subjects including Aeronautical Engineering, Biochemistry, Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, English Literature, American Studies, Modern Languages, Geography, Economics, Politics, Psychology and History. Students more focused on pursuing vocational courses have opted to study Interior Design, Finance and Accounting, Construction Management, Early Years Education, Business Marketing and Engineering and Technology. In terms of apprenticeships, our students have been employed by organisations such as Glaxo, the Metropolitan Police, BT and Kier on degree apprenticeships and apprenticeship programmes. We have also had students entering specific training programmes such as pilot training.
Exam results We are proud to present our A Level and GCSE results A Level results 2020 Grades A* to A Grades A* to B Grades A* to C Overall Pass Rate A* to E
49% 78% 95% 100%
A Level results 2019 Grades A* to A Grades A* to B Grades A* to C Overall Pass Rate A* to E
35% 69% 93% 99%
A Level results 2018 Grades A* to A Grades A* to B Grades A* to C Overall Pass Rate A* to E
GCSE results 2020 41% 70% 93% 100%
This year our Rhetoric students secured places at top universities including Durham University, University College London, University of Exeter, Imperial College London, University of Leeds, Queen Mary University and King’s College London.
Grade 9 – 8 (A*) Grade 9 – 7 (A*- A) Grade 9 – 6 (A* – B) Grade 9 – 5 (A*- B) Grade 9 – 5 (A*- C) Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C)
35% 55% 78% 90% 90% 98%
GCSE results 2019 Grade 9 – 8 (A*) Grade 9 – 7 (A*- A) Grade 9 – 6 (A*- B) Grade 9 – 5 (A*- B) Grade 9 – 5 (A*- C) Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C)
21% 39% 60% 78% 78% 90%
University Destinations 2020 University of Bath University of Bedfordshire University of Bristol City, University of London Coventry University Durham University University of East Anglia University of Exeter University of Hertfordshire University of Hong Kong Imperial College London University of Kent King's College London Lancaster University University of Leeds University of Leicester University of Lincoln University of Liverpool Loughborough University University of Manchester Met Film School Newcastle University Nottingham Trent University Queen Mary University Ravensbourne University London University of Reading Royal Holloway, University of London University of Sheffield Solent University (Southampton) University of the Arts London University of Westminster University of York
Psychology (with placement) Education with Psychology (with Foundation Year) Economics Psychology Business Management and Leadership Theology and Religion • History Modern Languages and Cultures (with Year Abroad) Computing Science • Media Studies Drama • Politics and Sociology • Geography Geography with Study Abroad • Business Sport and Exercise Science Pharmacy Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) Materials Science and Engineering Media Studies Computer Science with a Year in Industry Physics • Computer Science • Business Management International Business and Marketing • Fashion Design Music and Music Psychology • International Relations Medicine x2 Creative Advertising Geography • Communication and Media Construction Engineering Economics • Geography Screen Acting Computer Science • Chemistry Business Management and Entrepreneurship • Product Design Business Management • Pure Maths Music and Sound Design Investment and Finance in Property • Quantity Surveying Psychology Law with Criminology • Film, Television and Digital Production Bioengineering Journalism Magazine Journalism and Publishing Computer Science History/Philosophy (Equal) • Economics
Rhetoric Scholarships
St Edmund’s College Rhetoric Entry to 16+, September 2022 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: Friday 5th November 2021 Scholarship Examination dates: Friday 12th November 2021 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 admissions@stedmundscollege.org Amy Howard: 01920 824247 ahoward@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
• 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
The information in this brochure is correct at the time of publication. However changes may be made in due course for educational or other reasons. Published March 2021. Registered Charity No: 311073