enrich B I S H O P
V E S E Y ’ S
enable G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
inspire S I X T H
F O R M
P R O S P E C T U S
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B I S H O P
Our
V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
Missi o n
Enrich, enable, inspire…these three tenets form the seam running through the core of the Bishop Vesey’s approach to creating rounded young people armed with far more than just top level educational grades. Choosing the Sixth Form which is right for you is one of the most important decisions you will make as it will affect both your career path and your future. At Bishop Vesey’s we seek to develop the young men and women on the threshold of an adventure whilst enhancing their individual strengths and abilities in a caring and safe environment. Forward-looking with a vision stretching to our 500th anniversary in 2027, we strive for excellence, encouraging individuals to flourish – in mind, body and spirit. To help our sixth formers thrive in a demanding world we promote the need to be caring, with an emphasis on doing good rather than just feeling good. We seek to constantly challenge their views, develop their self esteem and grow their confidence whilst acknowledging the mutual respect and understanding of other people and their cultures. That emotional and spiritual growth is learned by experience not just in the classroom but also on the playing field and through the wealth of extra curricular opportunities on offer.
B I S H O P
V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
We l c o m e t o B i s h o p G ra m m a r S c h o o l
S C H O O L
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Ve s ey’s
At Bishop Vesey’s our young people gain the qualifications and self assurance to make an impact in the world, whatever path they choose to follow. The staff team strives to create the perfect environment where they can flourish and we are justifiably proud of our Sixth Form which is intellectual and focussed as well as being friendly and supportive. As an academic school Vesey’s can only justify its place in the educational landscape of Birmingham if it has academic credibility. We stand as a school which delivers the opportunities for social mobility through education. Soaring educational achievements are just part of a story of academic and sporting success which we build on year after year. Beyond the classroom we continue to offer an outstanding range of activities and model our practice on some of the country’s top schools. Students enjoy a wealth of opportunities, many departmental based, which are continually expanded. At the same time we foster spiritual and emotional growth as well as encouraging students to be conscious of others and of the environment to emphasise the importance of contributing to society. But this prospectus can only give a brief glimpse of life in our Sixth Form – the best way to find out about what our school can offer is to come in and meet students and staff. Please feel free to join us on one of our Open Days or to arrange an individual family visit to view the school in action. I look forward to meeting you soon.
David Iddon B.A , M.Ed., NPQH. Headteacher
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B I S H O P
V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
motivated responsible
B I S H O P
V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
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“BVGS Sixth Form continues to grow from strength to strength. Academic results are rising at a significantly sharper rate than national averages and the quality and volume of extracurricular provision is outstanding. My team and I are passionate about what we have achieved and ambitious for the future. We look forward to working with you.” Dominic Robson, Deputy Head i/c 14-19 Learning
S i x t h
Fo r m
l i fe
The Sixth Form is an integral part of
Furthermore students are expected to take
Bishop Vesey’s and has its own area within
responsibility for themselves, to become
the school.
independent learners of all subjects and be
Its facilities include a common room with café, an extensive IT suite, two quiet study
ambitious to improve on their results and personal successes.
areas with a full time learning mentor and a
Excellent attendance, punctuality and
careers resource area. This helps to give sixth
organisation are also required if young people
formers a sense of freedom, whilst still being
are to gain the maximum from Bishop Vesey’s.
an integral part of the main school. Sixth formers play an important role within Bishop Vesey’s, presenting a first-rate role model to younger pupils and generally being involved in day to day school life. This instils a sense of responsibility and the importance of team building for the overall welfare of their school. The welfare and care of our young people is at the heart of what we do. Every student plays a vital role in our school, and this individual attention and care enables them to flourish.
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B I S H O P
V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
The 6th form mentoring has helped me sort out my time management, so I can socialise and work. It helps me get the best out of my time. This will be key for university. Rachel Wheeldon, student
A
Caring
E nv i ro n m e nt
At Bishop Vesey’s we have a dedicated
students, helping them to stay motivated and
and experienced pastoral team to help
make good decisions during their final years
our students achieve a new vision of their
at school.
potential.
The mentor offers impartial
For several years we have run a very successful
help and advice with school
one-to-one mentoring programme for Sixth
and personal issues, in addition
Form students to monitor the academic and
advising on revision and
social progress of students under his or her
organisation difficulties. We also
charge.
actively encourage parents to keep in touch
Having a mentor means there is always someone to turn to for help and guidance,
with the school so we can work hand in hand to give further effective support and direction.
someone who will encourage and support our
E mpower m e nt We believe in empowering our students to
Environmental issues are another area our
equip them for life beyond the Sixth Form.
young people are expected to look at to give
Students are given the opportunity to develop team building and study skills that will be invaluable in helping them deal with challenges throughout their lives. Students will feel supported and successful as they apply their learned skills to projects which will challenge and teach them how to develop critical thought processes and set their own goals.
them a feeling of greater responsibility for the
world around them. Recycling projects include finding ways we can support the environment within the school itself.
sup
realis
B I S H O P
pportive tic
V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
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B I S H O P
V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
“The contribution students make to the school and its community is outstanding. Their responsibilities as mentors, fund raisers and coaches provide excellent role models for the rest of the school community.” (OFSTED, 2006)
Our
curri c u l u m
Our curriculum is designed to encourage every student to fulfil a new vision of their potential. Bishop Vesey’s success is built on the firm foundations of highly motivated staff, first class facilities and modern teaching methods. Nearly all students stay on into the Sixth Form after GCSE exams and we welcome both boys and girls who join the school to benefit from a wide range of AS and A Level subject choices and of course, enjoy the wider curriculum which adds to the ‘Vesey Experience’.
Lower
Si x t h
Fo r m
Students choose any 4 of the subjects below
Photography in partnership with other Sutton
to study at AS.
Coldfield schools.
As a Language College we offer five
Every student also follows a compulsory
languages: French, German, Spanish, Italian
General Studies, Games and PSHE/Careers and
and Latin.
tutorial programme,
Traditional ‘A’ levels offered are: Art,
Other exciting opportunities include:
Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Design Technology, English Language & Literature, English Literature, Geography, History, ICT, Law, Maths, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Studies. Bishop Vesey’s also has an outstanding
• Studying an Open University degree module. Popular courses in recent years have been “The Planets”, “Human Genetics” and “Blue Planet” • Young leaders in sport awards
reputation for the quality of teaching and
• Leadership challenge
learning in Geology, Psychology and Further
• Teaching languages in primary schools
Maths. Being a committed member of the Sutton Coldfield Collegiate enables our Sixth Form students to access other A level courses (timetable permitting), such as Drama and
• Acquiring a mentor qualification • Reading support for KS3 students • AS Critical Thinking
comm
B I S H O P
V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
U p p e r
S C H O O L
S i x t h
Form
The students will select which subjects to take through to A2 level. Most will choose three subjects, plus General Studies. Exceptional candidates have the opportunity to take five subjects.
focussed
mitted
Extra tutorial support is provided for students applying to medical or dental schools and those seeking entrance to Oxbridge, in which we have high levels of success.
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V E S E Y ’ S
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S C H O O L
teamwork competition
B I S H O P
V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
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“Once the school realised that I was serious about making a career out of rugby it backed me 100 per cent. The sports masters encouraged me to trial for Leicester Tigers. I have a lot to thank them for.” Dan Hemingway, former student and member of the Leicester Tigers Academy.
S p o r t i n g
s u c c e s s
A healthy, competitive body creates a
An array of well presented cricket pitches are
healthy, competitive mind and that adage
also on site, with a definite nod to tradition in
is reflected in Bishop Vesey’s attitude to
the shape of an historic pavilion from which to
sport.
hear the sound of leather on willow.
Opportunity and an emphasis on healthy
Recent years have set a new gold standard
living are also at the forefront of the Sixth
in sporting achievement with students being
Form’s approach to sport from a highly
honoured at the very top in rugby, hockey,
competitive level to the purely recreational.
netball and in achieving
Staff are dedicated to drawing the best out of
national rowing awards.
all students with the support of exceptional
Our stars of the future have
facilities and even more to come. Bishop
also toured Europe, South
Vesey’s boasts a state of the arts sports hall
Africa and the Antipodes,
and an all-weather multi-purpose out-door
pitting their sporting prowess
pitch.
against rivals in netball,
All 300 pupils in the Upper and Lower Sixth
hockey and rugby.
have access to a wide range of traditional and
So from the next international captain in the
modern facilities and equipment, most of it
making to a student looking to get the heart
within a goal kick of the lecture rooms.
racing, the possibilities and potential are endless.
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B I S H O P
V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
“I took part in a leadership skills course “Achiever ship” as well as helping out with the lower school’s new indoor rowing club both of which have improved my ability to communicate with, and encourage others. The practice I gained representing the school in public speaking was a great boost to my confidence too.” Eddie Jacobs, student and School Captain (2007-8)
Extra cur r i c u l a r a nd socia l a ct i v i t i e s Attending school as a Sixth Form student
There are also established orchestras, chamber
means much more than study alone. Our
choirs and bands. We also stage an annual
wide and varied range of extra curricular
senior and junior production.
activities is a vital feature in life at Bishop Vesey’s.
Throughout the year there are exciting events to look forward to including the £10 charity
Students are encouraged to become involved
challenge, the V-factor and of course the
in a range of non-academic activities, to
annual leavers ball at the Botanical Gardens in
broaden their horizons, develop interests and
Edgbaston.
make new friends. Our comprehensive programme of activities, extends beyond the classroom, includes charity work, community service and our innovative Enrichment programme offering anything from cooking to Mandarin. In addition, music and drama thrive at BVGS. Musically, we stage a fantastic joint bi-annual Gilbert and Sullivan production with another local grammar school. This is renowned as being of semi professional quality.
B I S H O P
V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
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confidence talent
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B I S H O P
Our
V E S E Y ’ S
local
G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
c o m m u n i t y
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, founded in 1527, is at the heart of historic Sutton Coldfield. The town is well known for its 2,400 acres of natural parkland with seven lakes, originally the property of Bishop John Vesey as a gift from Henry VIII. Old Moor Hall, the fifteenth century home of the Bishop, who founded the school, still stands. The town and borough were ceremonially part of Warwickshire until 1974 when Sutton Coldfield became a part of Birmingham. Today it is a thriving town which remains one of the most prestigious parts of the West Midlands with a wide range of facilities and excellent transport links.
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V E S E Y ’ S
G R A M M A R
S C H O O L
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Further
i n fo r m a t i o n
To find out more about Bishop Vesey’s or to arrange a visit, call us on 0121 250 5400 or email je@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Lichfield Road Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B74 2NH Headteacher David Iddon