Post-16 Prospectus

Principal's Message

Dear Students

Principal, Trish Stringer

Thank you for your interest in the Sixth Form at Brooke Weston. Whilst I appreciate you are busily studying for your forthcoming GCSE examinations, we are now approaching the time for you to consider the options available to you in the Sixth Form. The College offers a broad range of Post-16 courses and I hope the information in this booklet will provide you with the necessary detail for you to start to plan a course of study in the Sixth Form.

In creating these subject choices we have attempted to consider a wide range of interests, and the choices you make should provide motivation and give you a sense of purpose that matches your long-term ambitions. Therefore, it is important that you think carefully about your choice of subjects. If you are unsure of your choices or the route that you should take, it is vital that you seek advice from a variety of sources, which will include this prospectus, careers/university literature, tutors, teachers, career's advisor, family and friends. Sixth Form study should be seen as an opportunity for you to continue your self development in a high-paced learning environment.

Brooke Weston aims for excellence in all that it does. OfSTED recognised, in their recent inspection, that students receive an outstanding quality of education in the Sixth Form at Brooke Weston. Furthermore, alongside the high levels of student attainment they particularly mention, 'the high levels of care, support and guidance they receive. The quality of this support is exceptional, going well beyond the taught curriculum and the College day. Students make a strong contribution to the College community and set an excellent example to others'.

Our expectations are that students will work hard and be able to take full advantage of the expertise and commitment of our staff. We will provide high quality teaching within an excellent learning environment with first-class ICT facilities. You will need to provide a commitment to your own future and a focussed and fully engaged approach to your studies. This will be a challenging two years of study, however approached in the right way, you will achieve excellent results.

The overwhelming majority of students leave the Sixth Form and go on to university, virtually all achieving their first-choice course. The College has an impressive record of sending students to the finest institutions of higher education each year; every year it sends students to Oxford and Cambridge universities. Staff will give you their full support and advice in preparing you for your future after secondary education.

The Sixth Form also provides students with a wealth of opportunities for self-development and a range of extra-curricular activities, which includes; a close relationship with the Open University to allow sixth formers to take OU short courses in parallel with their A-levels, an innovative link with Northampton University for the delivery of a University level Enterprise module to further enrich the curriculum.

Performance in previous examinations will help determine the best course of study. I would expect students, on entry, to have achieved B grades or above, at GCSE, in five subjects. You will also need to have secured a grade C or above in English, Maths and Science. The College is happy to accept students who want to join Brooke Weston's Sixth Form from other schools. The choices available for the final two years of education present students with a genuine opportunity to compile a personalised curriculum appropriate to their needs.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Sixth Form.

Trish Stringer

Principal