Independent study
To be successful in Further Education, and in preparation for Higher Education, the adult world, and a full working week, students are required to complete a significant amount of work independently. It is our expectation that in Sixth Form, for every hour spent in lesson, an hour of independent work should be done out of lesson. This could be formal homework set by teachers or additional work to support learning or revision. Much of this time can be built into effective use of study periods throughout the school day. To support this way of working, our Study Skills Programme, aims to give students the skills to become highly effective independent learners. At the beginning of Year 12 students are working with the learning support mentor and as they develop independent skills, gain access to additional independent study rooms within the Sixth Form area.
Uniform
At Paget Sixth Form we believe that it is important for students to understand how to dress professionally, but with the same degree of freedom they would have in many workplaces. Our student leadership team helped devise a uniform policy, which holds Sixth Form students to a very similar standard to our own staff dress code.
Expected
- Business Casual Dress
- Formal Shoes
- Modest Clothing
Not Permitted
- Hoodies
- Joggers
- Denim
- Short Skirts/Mini Dresses
- Crop Tops
- Informal Shoes (Trainers/Crocs/Sandals/Ugg boots etc.)
- Excessive Logos
- Words/Images
Good Examples
- Suits
- Blazer & Trousers
- Coloured/Patterned Tops
- Jumpers/Sweaters
- Midi/Knee/Maxi Dresses
- Abayas
Of course, in an ever-changing world of fashion, we will never generate an exhaustive list of everything permitted or not permitted. Tutors and the Sixth Form team will work with students to ensure they understand what is and is not appropriate dress for Sixth Form. In the first instance of failure to uphold the dress code, students will be reminded of the expectations and expected to be in correct uniform the following day. In subsequent cases, students will be sent home to change their outfit.
Mobile Phones
We encourage the use of technology as an aid to teaching and learning. However, students in the Sixth Form must set an example to younger students and around school must not use mobile phones or any other electronic devices around school between the hours of 8:45 and 3:15. The exceptions to this are using devices in the Sixth Form block (T5/6/7/8) for study purposes, as well as when directed by staff in lessons. This is a privilege that Sixth Form students are given; phones will be confiscated by staff where students do not follow these rules. In the first instance, students will be able to claim their phones back at the end of the day. In any subsequent incidents, parents or carers will be required to come and collect their child’s phone, as per the whole school policy.
Driving
Student cars must be registered with the Head of Sixth Form, Mr Kinrade, any student bringing a vehicle to school will have to demonstrate proof of MOT and Insurance, before being issued a permit. Students are to park in the visitors car park, by the entrance to the school site. The school reserves the right to revoke this parking permit should a student abuse this privilege in any way. Students are permitted to arrange one driving lesson during the school day each week, only during their study periods, and only where the student is on top of all of their work. Attendance at Driving Theory and Practical tests will be authorised providing the absence is requested in advance and evidence provided.
Lunchtime
Students who are demonstrating success academically will be given the right to go off site at lunchtime, provided they have written consent from home. Students will be permitted to leave the site during a small window at the beginning of lunch, and return in a small window at the end of lunch. Any lateness, for any reason, will see this privilege revoked for the remainder of the half term.
Student leadership
There are a wide variety of student leadership opportunities for our students, including Head and Deputy Head Student positions as well as prefects and subject ambassadors. These positions are highly sought after as they look to drive positive change within the school. There is also a school council which Sixth Form representatives often lead. Our Sixth Form students also support the school by offering peer to peer support for our lower years and are involved in paired reading with younger students who need additional support. They also act as mentors in certain subjects for our Year 11 students.
Personal, Social, Health and Careers Education
As part of our commitment to Personal Development, and as part of our vision to enable students to leave us as mature, confident well rounded, global citizens, we believe that PSHCE. is more important than ever before. We provide opportunities for students to learn about the world around them and ensure that they can understand, and question, themes and issues that are important and challenging to all of us.
Built into every student’s timetable is one hour lesson, per fortnight, which focuses on relevant and contemporary topics such as Equality and Diversity, Relationship and Sex Education, Health and Well Being, Safe and Positive Relationships, and The Wider World. The dedicated time to these topics allows students to form their own opinions and belief systems, whilst being accurately informed about the facts. Students are taught in the supportive context of tutor groups and are signposted to further support should they require.
16-19 Bursary Fund
Please speak to Mr Kinrade for further information.
Next steps
Oxbridge, Medics, Vets, Dentists and Entrance Exams
For those students who wish to apply for the most competitive courses, nationally i.e. students wanting to apply to Oxford or Cambridge, or study Medicine, Veterinary Science or Dentistry, we have a bespoke programme of support. This includes, subject specific mentoring through regular meetings, specialised application support with multiple levels of checking, interview training and mock interviews. We also facilitate all entrance exams in a familiar environment, such as the MAT for Warwick/Imperial or the TMUA for Durham.
Contact Information
For all Sixth Form queries please contact: Mr R Kinrade (Head of Sixth Form) r.kinrade@Paget.staffs.sch.uk