The Sixth Form at Wallington County Grammar School

The Sixth Form at Wallington County Grammar School provides a range of opportunities for students to continue their education in a number of academic subjects.  The Sixth Form allows students to develop into well-rounded men and women through a variety of extra-curricular activities and, under expert tuition and guidance, prepares them for higher education or employment.

Established in 1927, WCGS is a selective boys’ foundation school.  The Sixth Form comprises approximately two hundred and eighty students, the majority of whom have studied at WCGS since leaving primary school at the age of eleven.  However, every year we welcome a number of students from other schools who join us at the age of sixteen.

From September 1999 we admitted girls for the first time and there are approximately 50 girls currently on roll.  The girls in the Sixth Form take a full and active part in the life of the whole school.  A good number become Prefects every year and in the academic year 2007-2008 one of the two Vice-Captains of the School was a girl.

The Sixth Form at WCGS has a considerable reputation earned through academic attainment, through sporting, dramatic and public speaking achievements and through its concern for the local community.  Staff and students pursue excellence through a curriculum which keeps pace with the demands of contemporary society, as well as satisfying and developing the interests and talents of all, whilst respecting the traditions and values of the past.

It is from the Sixth Form that Prefects and House officials are chosen and it is to them that the rest of the School turn for assistance and leadership.  Members of the Sixth Form recognise that they form part of a community and contribute to the corporate life of the School.  Through this involvement, they develop in themselves and encourage in others the values that characterise their conduct at WCGS and condition their careers when they leave: integrity, courtesy and compassion.

Sixth Form students are self-disciplined in their approach to their studies.  They explore their chosen subjects with commitment and enthusiasm, read widely and balance successfully the respective demands of their academic, extra-curricular and social lives.

Whatever their chosen areas of study and their future careers, those who enter the Sixth Form emerge as educated young men and women, capable of playing a happy and worthwhile part in society.  They are aware not only of what their education may enable them to derive from it, but of their responsibility towards it.

Admission Criteria for entry to the Sixth Form in September 2009

The School admits both young men and women based on their performance in GCSE examinations. 

The minimum entry requirements are:

·                    Average Point Score of 47.8 at GCSE using the best 8 GCSE results.

·                    At least a Grade A in the subjects to be studied or in related subjects;

·                    Subjects chosen at AS/A Level must form a coherent two year course.

Twenty boys or girls, depending upon the uptake of places by internal candidates, may be admitted to the Sixth Form from outside the School, selected in rank order according to the following criteria:

a.                 Applicants who meet the minimum standard above who have special, medical or social grounds for admission supported by appropriate professional advice;

b.                 Rank order of performance at GCSE.

As with existing members of the school, applicants to the Sixth Form may be invited to discuss their subject choices with the Head of Sixth Form, ensuring they form a coherent course over two years.

Headmaster’s Advice:

Application Arrangements

Students wishing to join the Sixth Form from other schools will need to complete an application form and return it to the School.  The Application Form will be available in the Autumn Term and should be returned as soon as possible. 

Applicants are invited to the meeting tailored specifically for outside applicants to the Sixth Form.  This will take place on Thursday, 13th November 4.30 - 6.30 p.m.

Once the application form is received by the school, applicants will receive an 'application received' letter.  At the same time, a letter will be sent to the applicant’s present school and predicted GCSE grades certified. 

If applicants hear nothing from us and they know they are predicted good grades, they should telephone and we shall confirm whether their present school has provided the information.  We do not chase schools for confirmation of predicted grades and it is up to applicants to keep track of their application.

On publication of the GCSE results in August applicants holding a conditional offer of a place must visit the school on results day if they achieve highly.  At this time, provided that the admissions criteria outlined above have been met, the place will be confirmed.  If applicants fail to confirm their results they risk losing their offer.  If applicants intend to be on holiday when GCSE results are known, they should make arrangements with their school, so that their results may be handed to someone responsible.  They must also then make arrangements for someone to notify us of their intention to accept the conditional offer at WCGS.

Sixth Form A Level Subjects

It is the School’s intention to offer the following Advanced Level subjects:

Art and Design	French	Music
Biology	Further Mathematics	Philosophy
Business Studies	Geography	Sport and Physical Education
Chemistry	German	Physics
Classical Civilisation	History	Religious Studies
DT: Product Design	ICT	Statistics
Economics	Mathematics
English Literature	Medieval History

It is expected that students will choose four subjects in the Lower Sixth.  Advanced Supplementary (AS) Level examinations will be sat at the end of the year and then three of these subjects will be studied in the Upper Sixth to Advanced (A2) Level.

In addition, all students will study and take examinations in AS General Studies during their Lower Sixth year.

A small number of students take 5 subjects at AS Level and 4 at A2, in addition to General Studies.

Specific details about the courses at AS and A2 are available in the Curriculum area of the school website and in the ‘Sixth Form Courses’ booklet.

Courses

With the advice of pastoral staff, subject staff, the Careers Department and those in charge of Sixth Form studies, a student entering the Sixth Form will decide on the combination of subjects which will determine the pattern of his or her timetable.

In addition to their main courses of study, all Sixth Form students will have classes in a variety of general subjects, University specific issues and personal and social issues relevant to them.  Within this programme of study will be lessons on Critical Thinking which will be invaluable in developing analytical, logical and evaluative skills.  Such skills are both central to all subjects at AS and A2 level, as well as being fundamental skills that underpin undergraduate studies.  All Sixth Formers take the AS Level General Studies examination, with many taking the subject at A2 Level as well.

Life in the Sixth Form

The Sixth Form Centre, the focal point of the students’ social and academic life, incorporates a Common Room/Private Study Area, the Library, offices and various specialist teaching rooms.  Lessons take place in departmental areas that are furnished with all the resources required to study their subject at AS/A2 Level.  All teaching rooms have a projector and linked computer and the majority of teaching rooms have Interactive Whiteboards.  Computer facilities for the Sixth Form are available in the library and a number of departments have their own computer suites too.  Additionally, departments make use within lessons of the laptops available to them.  The School’s Managed Learning Environment (MLE) will be launched in September 2008 and the provision offered to Sixth Formers in their studies will further increase as a result.

In contrast with the rest of the school and as an acknowledgement of the period of transition that the Sixth Form represents, members of the Sixth Form are required to wear suits, rather than follow the established rules on uniform that exist for Years 7 to 11.  Applicants that successfully receive a Conditional Offer at WCGS will be informed of the specific uniform regulations prior to starting their studies.

Every member of the School is assigned a House during their time at WCGS.  The tutor groups in the Sixth Form are organised by Houses and all members of the House are expected to contribute to its success.  Sixth Formers are central to the smooth running of the Houses, under the guidance of the Housemaster.  They organise aspects of House events and contribute to these at Senior level.  The Sixth Form are especially vital to ensuring the Year 7 pupils quickly and securely settle into their House.

Students are expected to embrace the leadership opportunities available to them and fully support the school’s expectations placed upon them.  They serve as School Prefects, captain the Senior teams in sport, lead in the Dramatic, Musical and Debating areas of School life and act as role models for the younger pupils.

The student voice is important at WCGS and Sixth Formers are central to the healthy dialogue that exists between the School and the students.  The School Council consists of elected members of all year groups and, in addition, the Captain and Vice Captain of school.  The Sixth Formers on the School Council form the Sixth Form Council.  The Sixth Form Council discuss matters pertaining to life within the Sixth Form and, in consultation with the Head of Sixth Form, report on developments to Sixth Form students and present their proposals to the Leadership of the School.

Academic Life in the Sixth Form

The type of work involved in the Sixth Form is markedly different from that in the main school.  Work often involves lengthy preparation and extensive research over a considerable period of time.  Subjects are explored in great depth and students must learn to organise their work carefully and spend their time profitably in independent study.   Self discipline is crucial to achieve this.  With a mature attitude to their studies, students will be able to tackle problems with fortitude, develop informed opinions of their own and face the future with confidence.

On entering the Sixth Form, students will be set Target Grades in their subjects.  These grades are based on performance at GCSE and work set throughout the Lower Sixth year will be assessed against these targets.  Following attainment at AS Level these Target Grades will be reviewed and may change depending upon performance.  A system of Academic Tutoring is in place involving the student, form tutor and subject teachers, whilst the Sixth Form Year Leaders and the Head of Sixth Form may also contribute to this process. 

A regular academic review cycle exists throughout the Sixth Form and parents will be informed of their son or daughter’s progress through formal reports and parents evenings.  If the need arises, more regular communication occurs between parents and their son or daughter’s subject teachers and pastoral staff.  We want to ensure that every student in the Sixth Form attains at least the grades their prior ability suggests they are capable of and, via both subject and pastoral staff, progress is carefully monitored and appropriate support strategies implemented, in order to allow every student the opportunity to reach their academic potential. 

Extra-Curricular Opportunities in the Sixth Form

Participation in the extra-curricular activities of the School and the development of an active social life is considered to be an essential part of a student’s overall development.  Those who have talents in whatever field, including sport, music, art and drama are expected to use them.  Wednesday afternoons are allocated to sporting activities.  In the autumn and spring terms the principal sporting pursuits are rugby, hockey and cross-country running, and in the summer term, cricket and athletics.  With the increasing number of girls within the Sixth Form the School is actively seeking to increase the provision offered to them.  The imminent building of the Sports Hall will supplement further the sporting opportunities available to all pupils in the Sixth Form.

The school runs Senior teams in Rugby, Hockey, Football and Cricket, as well as competing at Senior Level in Athletics, Cross Country, Chess and Debating.  It enjoys a competitive fixture list in all the major sports and is proud of the achievements of its students.  The 1^st XV won the Daily Mail Vase U18 competition in 2000 and every year a number of students are selected for County representation or above in their chosen sports.  Recent students have represented England at U18 level in Rugby, Great Britain at U21 level in Water Polo and Great Britain at full international level in Rifle Shooting.

The Senior teams have a history of touring nationally and internationally.  Rugby teams have toured Portugal and South Africa in the past and they currently tour Canada every two years.  Cricket teams have toured Lancashire, the West Country, Holland and Barbados, whilst the Hockey 1st XI has visited Barbados and Holland and competed at prestigious national tournaments.

Away from the intensity of sporting competition, Sixth Formers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clubs and societies.  These include the increasingly popular Debating and Public Speaking societies, who compete locally and nationally at prestigious venues such as the Oxford Union.  Opportunities for involvement in the musical pursuits of the school are many and varied, from the more traditional School choir, wind band, brass, strings and orchestra ensembles, to the increasingly popular annual Battle of the Bands competition.

Those interested in drama have the opportunity to contribute to major School productions, as well as organising, directing and producing plays performed by their particular House in the Festival of House Plays.  There have also been Sixth Form specific plays in the past.  Initiative is highly valued in the Sixth Form, which has seen Sixth Form students producing their very own Sixth Form Fashion and Talent Show.

Sixth Formers are expected and actively encouraged to take an interest in contributing to the community.  With Science College status comes many opportunities for those interested in the sciences to, for example, to help youngsters in the local primary schools.  Furthermore, many Sixth Formers work with the elderly and disadvantaged people, especially through participation in the Whitgift SNAP project during their summer holidays.  Indeed, students intending to study degrees in the fields of Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science are expected to have undertaken appropriate work within the community.  Finally, the Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered to students and an increasing number of Sixth Formers are actively involved.

Leadership Opportunities in the Sixth Form

As will be clear, the Sixth Form at WCGS is not simply an environment of academic study.  All Sixth Formers are expected to grasp the opportunities for leadership and initiative presented to them, further aiding their development into young men and women prepared for the challenges that Higher Education and the world of work will present to them.

Central to the smooth daily running of the school are the Prefects.  Every year approximately 45 members of the Lower Sixth take up the position of School Prefect, from which the School Captain, Vice-Captain and Senior Prefects are selected.  Under the guidance of the Head of Sixth Form, the Prefects are responsible for assisting the staff in the supervision of the younger pupils before school, at break and at lunch times, as well as assisting at school evening functions.  All Sixth Formers are expected to act as leaders of the student body and such a role is immensely rewarding.

House Officials are chosen from the Sixth Form to assist the Housemaster in the running of the House, whilst the Captains and Vice-Captains of the major sports are drawn from the Sixth Form.  Many Sixth Formers, both those competing at Senior level for the school and those simply interested in the major sports, assist the PE and Games department with the coaching of younger pupils.  There are opportunities to undertake the Junior Sports Leadership Award and the Community Sports Leadership Award through the School.

The Sixth Form are not only invaluable in the support they provide to the younger pupils within the House system and on the Games field, but they also contribute to their pastoral and academic development.  A number of Sixth Formers act as mentors to Year 7 and 8 forms and many departments utilise the academic expertise of the Sixth Form to mentor younger pupils, from Year 7 to assisting with GCSE examination preparations.

Careers Guidance in the Sixth Form

In the Sixth Form there is time for careful self-assessment and research.  There are many routes to a successful career and no single one is emphasised at the expense of the others.  A flexible approach to career preparation is stressed.  It is hoped that students will start to discover broad fields of interest and seek out information and advice. 

It is our aim that all leavers will enter higher education, vocational courses, or employment which offers a combination of good prospects and structured training.  Students win places at universities all over the country, including Oxford and Cambridge, and a number go on to colleges of art and design, the Royal College of Music and Guildhall School of Music. Every year almost all students go on to Higher Education and a number will take a gap year.

Careers advice and pastoral care are closely linked in the Sixth Form.  The Careers Department and Sixth Form pastoral staff combine to ensure that every member of the Sixth Form receives information, advice and direction.  This is supported by external agencies that visit the school and provide individual career advice and guidance as required.  Throughout their time at the School, Sixth Form students are regularly interviewed to discuss their futures with the Sixth Form pastoral staff.

There exists a programme of workshops and conferences throughout the Sixth Form on Higher Education and employment opportunities. This includes the UCAS evening, Oxbridge evening and Industry Day, all held during the Lower Sixth, as well as numerous talks throughout both years of the Sixth Form.  Students can also attend Open Days and Taster Courses at universities.

The School supports all of its Sixth Form students in their applications to universities and the world of work and it is proud of their achievements secured after leaving the School.  Sixth Form students receive assistance and practice in applications and interviews, whilst the School also runs a specific programme of tutorials aimed at those students who are applying to Oxbridge and degrees in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science.

We have well-developed contacts with universities, art and other colleges, and in the field of employment.  Many major employers keep the School well informed about changes of practice in admissions, visit us and invite applications when recruiting.

The Careers Room is well stocked with material relating to careers and university and higher education colleges’ prospectuses are available.  The Library also stocks a wide range of material relating to life beyond the Sixth Form, subscribing to a number of journals and magazines which offer career profiles and information.

Following the publication of Advanced Level examination results in August, the Sixth Form pastoral staff provide help in obtaining university places or employment for those students who revise their career plans.  We also assist those who have taken a gap year and reapply to Higher Education having left WCGS.

In conclusion

Whilst life in the Sixth Form at WCGS is challenging and involves hard work, it is equally a happy and fulfilling time.  Academic study, leadership opportunities and extra-curricular involvement combine to provide a rewarding and gratifying experience.  Old Walcountians see their years at WCGS as a time of great enjoyment but, most importantly, as the foundation that allowed them to build their successful futures. 

Sixth Form Charter

As a member of the Sixth Form at Wallington County Grammar School you are involved in a partnership between yourself and the School.  In this partnership there will be expectations and responsibilities on both sides.  This charter indicates what you may expect from the School and what the School, in return, expects from you.

The School will:

·                    offer you an environment where you can study and reach your academic potential, and develop socially;

·                    offer opportunities for you to develop leadership skills;

·                    offer guidance and advice in choosing your Advanced Level courses;

·                    offer the best teaching within its available resources, to prepare you for Advanced Level and other examinations;

·                    set Target Grades (TGs) based on your performance at GCSE and assess your progress towards them;

·                    set and mark work on a regular basis and indicate how you may improve;

·                    report to you and your parents your progress, and implement strategies aimed at improving your level of performance;

·                    offer a programme of study that prepares you for life as a Sixth Former and for life beyond the Sixth Form;

·                    help you in your application for a place in Higher Education or Employment;

·                    offer advice and a ‘help service’ after the publication of your Advanced Level results.

You are expected to:

·                    support fully the ethos of the School and show leadership to the rest of the School;

·                    adhere to the School rules and regulations applicable to members of the Sixth Form;

·                    commit the necessary time and effort to your Advanced Level studies to reach your potential;

·                    attend all time tabled classes and be punctual;

·                    submit work on time and of an appropriate standard;

·                    take a full part in the life of the School and use your talents to the full, both in class and in extra-curricular activities, including representing the School and House in sport, music drama and other activities;

·                    enjoy yourself, respond positively to the academic work and develop social skills which will equip you to meet successfully the challenges of life after leaving Wallington County Grammar School.

Continued enrolment in the Sixth Form at Wallington County Grammar School is conditional upon adhering to the Sixth Form Charter and, for transition from the Lower Sixth to the Upper Sixth, achieving a minimum of grade C at AS Level in the subjects studied at A2 Level, which together form a coherent programme of study.