SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS. Comprehensive Education at its Best

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1 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS Comprehensive Education at its Best

2 WELCOME TO OUR SIXTH FORM Neston High School Sixth Form is committed to achieving academic excellence combined with exceptional pastoral care. With most Year 11 students choosing to continue their studies here, our Sixth Form is thriving and plays a key role in our success. Through consistently high standards of teaching, combined with personalised learning, we have achieved our best ever results at A2 Level. For A2 the pass rate was above 99%, with nearly 50% at A*-B and over 77% at A*-C. Perhaps most impressively, over 90% of students achieved their first choice of university course, with many taking up places at Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities. Important though academic success is, the Sixth Form experience at Neston High School encompasses so much more. Our school community gives each individual a wealth of opportunities to nurture their sporting and creative talents, social skills and self-confidence. Through various enrichment and enterprise activities, our young people develop the well-rounded character that both universities and employers find so desirable. I invite you to visit us during the school day to experience for yourself our vibrant learning environment. Mr Steve Dool Headteacher NPQH

3 The extent to which students contribute to the school and wider community is excellent. A FRIENDLY & CONTEMPORARY COMMUNITY The Sixth Form experience at Neston High School is vibrant and diverse, providing students with a sense of independence and responsibility within a supportive community. Our Sixth Form Centre provides spacious study facilities, including an exclusive Study Area and computer suite, as well as comfortable social space and a modern refectory serving food throughout the day. Sixth Form students are supported to develop the self-motivated attitude and independent learning skills that will prove invaluable in higher education and the workplace. The Sixth Form also provides young people with the chance to develop their leadership skills and many of them relish this opportunity. Year 12 students can apply to be prefects, mentors or Subject Ambassadors, supporting learning in their chosen subjects further down the school. Year 13 students can apply for the position of Head Boy, Head Girl or may seek to become a Senior Prefect with special responsibility for a particular aspect of school life such as teaching and learning, charity work, fundraising or volunteering.

4 An outstanding range of out-of-school-hours opportunities supports students academic progress and personal development. A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES We provide an extensive choice of academic and vocational courses at AS, A2 and BTEC Levels. Learning is personalised, ensuring that students take the right subjects and number of courses. Through high expectations and rigorous monitoring, all students are motivated to realise their potential. Frequent communication - including three assessments, a written report and a Parents Evening - ensure that families are aware of progress achieved and steps required åfor improvement. All Sixth Form students follow a Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) programme that includes topics such as study skills, aspirations and relationships. Many enrichment opportunities the Community Sports Leaders Award, First Aid and the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification enhance the depth of students experience. In addition, visiting speakers from charities, business and the arts provide an inspirational insight into different walks of life. Each year, we enter a team in the prestigious Bar Mock Trial competition and ensure that students compete in various academic competitions and projects, such as the Nuffield Bursary scheme. Students are successful in applying to various Summer Schools in the UK and the USA, and the school runs numerous enrichment trips such as an annual physics trip to CERN in Geneva, an art residential in Florence, Italy and trips to the Scottish Highlands, The Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Shakespeare s Globe in London, to name but a few. Sport is regarded as an important feature of Sixth Form life: as well as joining the various sport teams, Sixth Form students can use the school s gym, fitness centre and other facilities at the adjacent leisure centre including a pool, basketball courts and Astroturf. There are senior squads in football, netball, hockey, rugby union, basketball, golf and tennis. Each squad is led by a lead coach from the teaching staff, who in turn is supported by external coaches form local sports clubs or national governing bodies. We full training programmes, including pre-season, and ensure each squad is entered in all available competitions. Our thorough approach has led to many successes at regional and national level, and an excellent level of participation, too. There are many opportunities for students to showcase their dramatic, musical and artistic talents, and they can develop their teamwork and leadership skills through the Duke of Edinburgh s Award scheme. Sixth Former students also plan and run a whole host of charity events and participate in community service. We are a leading school in facilitating the EPQ qualification we were chosen to pilot the qualification in and the AQA Baccalaureate. Both qualifications are flagship opportunities for students to enhance their academic profile, ensuring they can compete with the best students across the country and abroad.

5 PICTURE REALISING POTENTIAL THROUGH SUPPORT The strong pastoral support provided to our young people is the bedrock of their academic achievement and fosters excellent relationships between students and staff. As well as celebrating students many achievement at Neston High School, we recognise that they will sometimes face challenges in their school career. The care and guidance provided by staff at these times is vital, helping students to become resilient, resourceful and positive learners. Students achieve well as a result of good teaching and strong leadership. With an Assistant Head with an overview of the Sixth Form and a leadership team of five staff, supported by seventeen tutors, there is always someone on hand to provide care or counselling. We also provide specialist careers advice and access to health professionals, recognising the wide range of issues students may be facing. The PSHE programme is designed to help all students to manage their own learning, develop key skills and make informed life choices, but additional help in the form of mentoring can also be offered. We expect our students to work to the best of their ability, show consideration for others and respect the school environment. Sixth Formers rise admirably to this challenge and act as excellent ambassadors for Neston High School. PICTURE Pastoral support begins even before students join our Sixth Form, with a Sixth Form taster day and an Enrolment Day during the summer term, allowing young people to meet their tutor and their peers. Tutors act as the first point of call for support, with students able to raise any study or personal issues during daily tutorial sessions. In addition, weekly assemblies enhance the tangible spirit of community that our Sixth Form enjoys. Veracity Respect

6 PIC HERE The effectiveness of the school s care, guidance and support for students is outstanding. A comprehensive system is in place to support university applications and those seeking employment or an apprenticeship. Through the UCAS programme, students are strongly encouraged to visit several universities, as well as higher education fairs, and are coached in every aspect of the application process. Similarly, students seeking a vocational route have a dedicated process we call VTAS and are carefully mentored to ensure they can compete for the best available places.our experienced teachers provide one-to-one support for selecting the right institution, course or company, preparing personal statements, facing admissions or job interviews and writing CVs. PREPARING FOR SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE Whatever direction a student chooses, be it an apprenticeship at Airbus or Unilever or a University place at Oxford or Cambridge Universities, Neston High School will provide the necessary support and guidance to ensure that all students fulfil their potential and mature into happy and successful young adults. Neston High School is committed to providing young people with practical and personalised advice to help them shape their future. We aim to develop students self-motivation, transferable skills, initiative and leadership abilities through a variety of teambuilding events and work-related activities. Sixth Form students are also actively encouraged to assume roles of responsibility. PIC HERE

7 Neston High School, Raby Park Road Neston, Cheshire CH64 9NH. tel: fax: