St. Aidan’s & St. John Fisher Associated Sixth Form
Associated Sixth Form Vision Statement
The Associated Sixth Form provides a Christian-based environment in which all students who wish to remain at school beyond the age of 16 are given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. By pooling the resources, expertise and experience of two outstanding schools, we provide an excellent all-round education which allows students to pursue their individual aspirations within a community with shared goals and Christian values. All students, regardless of background, are supported to develop the skills and confidence needed to enrich their own lives and the society in which they live.
Associated Sixth Form Curriculum Statement
Intent
We are a comprehensive Sixth Form committed to providing the widest possible range of Level 3 courses so that students can specialise and excel according to their individual sense of direction. Careful guidance is provided to ensure that students’ options are best suited to advance their ongoing career prospects.
In all subject areas we aim to provide specialist teaching which will motivate and empower the students. The curriculum is structured to develop the depth of knowledge, understanding and skills required for academic success; it will also develop successful study habits through homework, independent Core Learning and metacognitive strategies. Regular, meaningful assessment and feedback are an essential part of the curriculum in all areas.
Community involvement is encouraged through our non-qualification curriculum which embraces the schools’ shared Christian ethos and beliefs as well as relevant age-appropriate topics in religion and society, politics and current issues of scientific progress. The Association also provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities including numerous trips in the UK and abroad and opportunities for students to take on positions of leadership and responsibility. Furthermore, students are supported in seeking work and volunteering placements which will further enhance their readiness for future applications and life outside education.
The established working relationships among teachers across the Association, including shared subject leadership and CPD, ensure that teaching expertise is strengthened and a shared sense of purpose is integral to the experience of staff and students.
Implementation
More than forty Level 3 courses, including A Levels, Applied Generals, EPQ, AS Maths and Core Maths are available in the Association in addition to GCSE English and Maths and a programme of careers guidance and interviews supports students in the process of selecting from these. Each subject provides transition work at the end of Year 11 to prepare students for their course content and skills. Further individual advice on course choice is included in post-GCSE enrolment meetings.
Each course delivers a planned and progressive scheme of learning to address the required content and skills of its specification. This includes metacognitive strategies, revision skills and a Core Learning package which develops independent study habits and is clearly linked to the scheme of work. There are half-termly key assessments which provide students with detailed feedback and opportunities to reflect on their learning. Formal examinations towards the end of Year 12 and November/December of Year 13 are part of the process of progress tracking and intervention by academic and pastoral staff. Sub-group analysis includes prior attainment groups and disadvantaged learners and progress is measured against aspirational targets based on FFT benchmarks which use the national dataset.
The Directors of Sixth Form and Leadership Team meet weekly to ensure that the shared vision and values of the Association are implemented consistently and to consider strategies for further improvement and development.
Distributed subject leadership ensures that specialist teaching is of high quality and course delivery and assessment are consistent across the Association. Associated Department meetings also ensure close working relationships and provide opportunities for standardisation of formal assessments.
Regular lessons are delivered through Form Time and the Living Well programme to support the Christian values of the Association and to address other non-qualification areas of pastoral and societal importance; some of these sessions are presented by visiting speakers from respected organisations.
Form Tutors meet students regularly in registration, through which they contribute to the non-qualification curriculum, monitor students’ community involvement and provide intervention in academic matters as appropriate. They meet individuals to review progress and plans, working closely with Careers Advisors and other agencies where specialist support is required and liaising with parents/carers and students on matters of welfare and safeguarding in addition to academic issues. Advice and guidance are also provided by Form Tutors and the Careers Department regarding specialist pathways beyond school, applications for any post-18 routes and preparation for Higher Education.
Impact
High retention rates and satisfaction levels in Student Voice surveys confirm that the Associated Sixth Form provides an excellent all-round education which meets the needs of students of all backgrounds, abilities and interests.
Outcomes are strong, in line with or exceeding national standards, enabling most students to move on to their preferred destinations: each year more than 90% of Further and Higher Education entrants gain places at their first or second choice institution and around 10% of students progress to apprenticeships and employment, testament to the high quality support and guidance provided throughout the Sixth Form with regard to appropriate and aspirational post-18 applications.
Students benefit from a curriculum which combines the opportunity to specialise with breadth and flexibility; they develop skills which enable them to progress to the next stage of their careers and to thrive thereafter; and their education is underpinned by a Christian ethos; all of which contributes to their preparation for life beyond the Sixth Form. Employers and HE representatives are keen to work with students from the Association, showing that their values and attitudes are recognised beyond the school context.
Information is available on both the St. Aidan’s and St. John Fisher main school websites.
Please click here for the Associated Sixth Form Prospectus.
Organisation
Dr L Holt – Director of Sixth Form – St. Aidan’s
Mr R Tanner-Smith – Director of Sixth Form – St John Fisher
Mrs F Ryan-Horne – Associated Sixth Form Administrator
Any of the above staff may be contacted through the St Aidan’s Sixth Form office on
- Tel: 01423 818516
- Email: associatedsixthform@staidans.co.uk
For absences please email: attendanceofficer6thform@staidans.co.uk
