Entry Requirements
Pupils must have at least 5 GCSE's grade A*-C or equivalent Standard Grades. Internal candidates are very likely to exceed this minimum requirement with an average 9 GCSEs. It is usual for a pupil to have achieved a Grade B or higher in their area of study.
Sixth Form Curriculum - click here for link to subject options
Timetable:
The philosophy behind the education of the Sixth From students at Longridge Towers School is to provide the breadth and depth of opportunity to enable the students to be both academically successful and well rounded individuals. As such students are invited to choose up to 5 AS Levels, normally 4 AS Levels, alongside AS Level Critical Thinking. For those students achieving very good GCSE results there is the opportunity to complete the Extended Project Qualification. Usually students continue with 3 A Levels in their Upper Sixth. Sport, Careers, Music and UCAS lessons complete the weekly timetable. The AQA Baccalaureate is offered to those that meet the requirements. The Sixth Formers agree directed study time in the Library or Sixth Form Study Area and school community service which can include mentoring or coaching sport alongside members of staff.
Enrichment:
Our extensive enrichment programme encourages the students to develop themselves holistically through choices such as Gold Duke of Edinburgh, Young Enterprise, Speech and Drama, Sport and Music. Sixth Form students are encouraged to participate in the extensive school enrichment programme.
Pastoral Care
The Head of Sixth Form and the team of dedicated Sixth Form Tutors ensure that the pastoral needs of the students are fully supported. Individual tutorials occur every 3 weeks focusing upon academic progress and achievement which is directly reported to parents. All staff involved with the Sixth Form students offer an ‘open door approach', recognising them as young adults. The Head of Sixth Form interviews all students every term.
Transition into the Sixth Form
A number of taster days are arranged for all of those interested in the Sixth Form at Longridge Towers School. These are both for existing pupils and those from other schools who are interested in joining the vibrant Longridge Sixth Form. Taster Days focus on the following areas:
- subject specific areas;
- study skills;
- leadership and team skills; and
- enrichment activities.
Once GCSEs or equivalent have been completed pupils are invited into school for an induction fortnight which allows them to begin their AS Level studies.
A Sixth Form Information Evening for parents and pupils is held early in the Michaelmas Term outlining the subjects that are offered by the school. A Level choices are made based on interest, academic success and projected futures alongside guidance and support from the Head of Careers and the Head of Sixth Form. Parents are very much encouraged to be part of this important decision making process.
Executive Committee and Prefects
Lower Sixth students are invited to apply for the position of Prefect which involves a number of school duties including being an ambassador for the school and a role model to the younger pupils. Senior Prefects are appointed in the Upper Sixth and have the responsibility of leading a team of Prefects. The Executive Committee is made up of Head Girl, Head Boy and their respective Deputies. They are appointed through a rigorous application process including a 30 minute interview with the Headmaster, Governors and the Head of Sixth Form. The Executive Committee are given office for the academic year and are in charge of the Sixth Form Common Room, school charity events and regularly represent the school at public events.
Trips
Students are invited to partake in cultural and academic experiences overseas. Recently trips have included Malawi, Morocco, Norway and Iceland. The 1st XV Rugby Team and 1st XI Hockey Team complete bi-annual international tours, the last tours being to Canada and South Africa respectively. The Sixth Form take advantage of being situated near the two cities of Newcastle and Edinburgh fully utilising the facilities that these cities offer. Locally we enjoy our beautiful beaches and mountains.
Social Events
Throughout the school year there are a number of informal social events and experiences often utilising the expertise of others in the Borders region for example learning to surf at Coldingham Bay or learning a new skill at the SAGE in Newcastle. Informal barbecues and film nights also prove to be very popular.
Formal events dominate the calendar with the much anticipated December Snow Ball giving students a reason to wear kilts, black tie and ballgowns. The unique grounds of the school afford the opportunity for the summer Garden Party with croquet and boules on the Front Lawn. Formal social events culminate in the Leavers' Dinner on the last evening of the Summer Term attended by students, parents, staff and Governors.
University Application and other post 18 pathways
The vast majority of the Sixth Form Students at Longridge Towers School complete a UCAS application in their Upper Sixth. The preparation for this begins as early as Year 11 through the ISCO ‘Futurewise' Careers Programme which includes a Morrisby career Profile. This becomes more concentrated in the Sixth Form with dedicated Careers and UCAS lessons, ISCO led interviews and continual support and guidance form the Head of Sixth Form. The School Community make a very valuable contribution to the Sixth Form with parents and school friends visiting the school to informally discuss with the students their professions and the pathways that they took to get to their employment.
At the beginning of the Upper Sixth parents and students are invited to a UCAS information evening which also details University funding arrangements.
Visits to local universities are also included on the school calendar alongside representation form further afield universities. For those students wishing to apply for Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Veterinary Sciences or Dentistry there is tailored tutorial support made available.
Other students leave to join local colleges often to complete Foundation Degrees in areas such as Fine Art. These students are given the appropriate support through their application process. Equally those wishing to continue directly into work or an apprenticeship are advised and tutored accordingly.
A number of students each year choose to pursue a ‘gap' year often in a voluntary capacity. A number of representations from the voluntary agencies such as the Worldwide voluntary Service are made to the sixth form to help them make a well informed decision.