Life in the sixth form – some questions
and answers
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FOREWORD
We invite you to give careful consideration to the opportunities
detailed in this prospectus. We hope that you will choose to continue your education beyond GCSE, because
the qualifications you can achieve will open up more opportunities for you in
Higher Education or in the workplace. Our Sixth Form is rapidly expanding, and currently has over a
hundred students following a broad range of both vocational and academic
courses. We are a traditional Sixth Form which offers students not only the
chance to progress academically, but we also place great emphasis on offering
students a wealth of opportunities to grow individually. There are
opportunities for students to broaden and extend their experience, assume
responsibility, demonstrate initiative and involvement both in school and the
wider community. Parents have found in Cwmcarn a rapidly expanding school that offers
high quality teaching and learning, in an environment in which every pupil is
known, and feels that he or she matters. This extends to the Sixth Form where
increasing independence is matched with a sense of duty and responsibility.
In the school inspection report our Sixth Formers were described as ‘ excellent’
citizens. In addition to a full range of
popular traditional subjects we
also offer relatively new subjects such as Sociology, AVCE Health and Social
Care, BTEC Sport Studies. We have recently become the
first school in the UK to offer NVQ
Rugby, which is accredited by and run in association with the Welsh Rugby
Union. We are constantly expanding our
curriculum, and have recently added
Drama as a new AS option. We operate six option blocks which offers more
individual choice than some other local Sixth Forms. All students get
individual mentoring to monitor their progress, and full guidance is given on
University entrance. This
web page seeks to inform you of the opportunities which exist at Cwmcarn, and to give you an insight into our distinctive
community. Yours sincerely, Mr C Bown Head of Sixth Form. Extra Curricular
Opportunities One of the key features of our Sixth Form is the wide
range of opportunities we offer our students outside of the classroom. We strongly
believe that activities which broaden horizons and develop new skills are an
essential component of preparation for life beyond school. These enrichment opportunities exist in two forms. The
first is Community Action which all Sixth Formers follow during their
first term. Students select from a wide range of options a project which they
carry out in their free time during the Autumn term. Last years options
included : · A pond building project at the
Forest Drive visitor centre for primary schools to use. · Running a paired reading scheme
in association with the Learning
Support Department. · Supporting teachers within a
favourite subject area. · Organising a Christmas party for
elderly people living locally. · Assisting with the induction of
new year seven pupils. · Construction of a Numeracy Trail
in conjunction with Forest Enterprise. The Sixth Form teachers also set up a number of extra
opportunities for students to follow some of which are listed below : · Young
Enterprise Scheme. · Gold Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award. . Visits to local
sports facilities. · Mega Drive pre - driver
education training. · Courses linked with career
aspirations e.g. Medlink / Vetsim. · Visits to University Open Days. · Oxbridge entry seminars and open
days. · Understanding Industry course. · First Aid course. Sports coaching courses. · UCAS Higher Education convention
visits. · Visiting speakers /
demonstrations from the Fire Brigade to University lecturers. . Ski trips, sports tours and worldwide
expeditions. A range of sports teams including a
very successful First XV with
international standard
players. Sixth Form students play a full part in the life of the
school, and regularly contribute
to whole school events such as the Eisteddfod and Sports Day. We pride
ourselves on being a close community which supports the younger members of
the school and provides them with positive role models. What follows is a selection of frequently asked questions
about life in the Sixth Form. Do Sixth Formers have registration? Yes. It is a proven fact that good attendance and
examination success are closely linked. We also use registration to inform
you of any forthcoming activities or extra curricular opportunities. Who are the Sixth Form staff? The school is divided into divisions Lower, Middle and
Upper. The Sixth Form exists as an independent division with Mr Bown having
overall responsibility for the pastoral and academic welfare of each student.
This year there are six Sixth Form mentors who oversee student progress and
welfare on a daily basis. Can Sixth Formers wear jewellery? A small amount of jewellery may be worn, but nose or other
facial piercing are not acceptable. What privileges exist in the Sixth Form? Sixth Form students have a number of ‘free ‘ lessons.
Approximately half of these may be devoted to leisure activities, in turn
half must be devoted to private study. Sixth Form students have access to a common room and study
room and computer facilities for
their exclusive use. The Head Boy and Girl are responsible for setting up the
arrangements for using this area and organising its upkeep. Sixth Form
students also make frequent use of the LRC and have open access to its
facilities. Do Sixth Formers wear a uniform? Yes there is a uniform, but it is significantly different
to the rest of the school and illustrates their separateness. Sports students
are expected to wear the PE tracksuit which is available to order on results
day. Is there work experience in the Sixth Form ? All Sixth Formers are encouraged to undertake some work
experience. This tends to be related to career ambitions and is considered
highly valued, and in some cases essential by Universities. Former students
have been fortunate to benefit from specialised work experience opportunities
within the Aerospace Industry as part of their Technology course, whilst
prospective Doctors have enjoyed a wide-ranging week of observations at the
Royal Gwent Hospital. Language students are given the opportunity to do their work experience
abroad. Health and Social Care students carry out regular work placements. Are lessons the same as GCSE ? Definitely not! In years 12 and 13 you will find that the
lessons are significantly different in terms of style and content. We expect
our Sixth Formers to develop a high level of confidence and show initiative
in each of their subject areas. The need for increasing self-management of
your studies is also an important difference. Staff will treat you in a more adult
manner, and will expect in return a mature, focussed attitude from their
students. As a member of our Sixth Form we do have certain
expectations which need to be met in order to ensure the highest possible
degree of success in your examinations. · Attendance at registration and
lessons is compulsory. · An emphasis on smart appearance
and correct uniform in the Sixth Form sets the tone for younger members of
the school. · ‘Free ’ time should be used
wisely and facilities in the study room and LRC utilized to complete
independent study tasks. Many of the expectations we make
of our students are also ‘Compact ‘ targets. Compact agreements offer
students a guaranteed interview / reduced offers / access to scholarships etc at participating Universities. The
School has recently signed agreements with Swansea University and UWIC. We run an induction course at the start of the academic
year which aims to clarify our expectations and assist the students make the transition
from GCSE to Sixth Form study. It also includes an opportunity to sample
University life by attending lectures and to get to know new friends who may
have joined us from other local schools, or not so local, in the case of our
Canadian exchange students from Vancouver ! RECENT NEWS The Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award The Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has attracted a wide variety of
students this year. To successfully complete the award, students have to
complete five sections. In the service section Nerys Terrell has opted to
complete a First Aid course, which she hopes will complement her AS PE
course. Owen Morgan has an exciting plan to train as a ski instructor for the
Physical Recreation section, whilst others are trying out new sports or developing
their skills and gaining coaching qualifications. Maria Davies and Sarah
Carver have both opted to do fundraising in the skills section. They have
already raised hundreds of pounds from a disco for pupils in years 7-11, and
Christmas bag packing in Sainsbury’s. They are on track to raise a
considerable amount for their chosen charities, Diabettes UK and NCH. A unique aspect of the Gold award is the residential project where
students have to spend a week away from home working on a project. Some students
have arranged to work in an outdoor pursuits centre, whilst others are hoping
to test their horticultural skills in a project week at the National Botanic
Garden of Wales. The main event is of course the Expedition. At Gold level the group will
have to plan, prepare and carry out a four day trek over the Brecon Beacons
under the watchful eye of assessors. Their preparations will begin in the
coming weeks, and they will develop a range of new skills ranging from
navigation to cookery! The award is highly regarded by
Universities and employers. It’s also a clear indication that our students
are gaining new and relevant skills which will set them apart from the crowd. Thanks to all those in year 12 who
assisted at the recent Oxford University
access Wales day which was
held at the school recently. The day was a great success, and was attended by
schools from across South East Wales.
Broadening
Horizons As part of the PSE (Personal and Social Education) programme on offer to
the students in the Sixth Form a number of guest speakers have visited the
school over the past term. The aim of this is to give the students an insight
into aspects of life they may not cover as part of their normal academic
studies. Our first speaker was the sports and media personality Rupert Moon. He
gave a very entertaining talk on his experience of higher education. He
highlighted the importance of qualifications in the modern employment market. We were also visited by nurses from the Welsh Transplant Service. They
spoke about the organ donation system, and how operations were carried out.
They also discussed the Donor Card scheme and the issues surrounding their
work. In November Mr Desmond Mason, a NATO liaison officer, led a seminar on
the history and current roles of NATO. The students geographical skills were
tested as he rapidly moved around his world map. Future talks include Israel and the Arab world, nutrition and Polar
exploration! Health and Social
Care A regular feature of the school calendar in December is the Christmas
party which the AVCE students hold for senior citizens from the village. This
year’s party was a real success. Both the year 12 and 13 students along with
Miss Watkins prepared activities and refreshments in the Dining Hall. The Health and Social care course is one of the most popular vocational
courses in the school. Students from the course have gone on to employment in
related professions, and into degree courses. Two of the most recent success
stories are Lindsey Partridge and Lisa Hicks who are both following their
training courses at the University of Wales college of Nursing in Cardiff. The AVCE course gives students the
opportunity to do active research
on a wide range of issues. Nicola Simmonds is investigating football
hooliganism, and Hannah James is looking at Drugs and demography, whilst
Jenna Duffy is investigating poverty and health. All of these students have
interviewed experts as part of their work. Rugby Success The first XV has made a good start to the season with a number of
victories in the Welsh School’s cup and league. Most notably their victories
over Division 1 sides Ysgol Strade and Gwyr have secured a place in the
quarter finals. There have also been a number of representative honours. Kristian Hansen,
Luke Knight, Geraint Reynolds, Robert Nash and Richard Williams have all
represented the Crawshays Welsh team. A number of them are also in the
preliminary squad for the tour to South Africa this summer. The rugby team also collected the award for best junior
team at this year’s Caerphilly Sports Personality of the year award. This was
only one of many awards that the school picked up in a virtual clean sweep in
this annual event which is open to all schools and clubs in the Caerphilly
borough. Congratulations to the A level PE
class who recently completed an outdoor education course in the Brecon
Beacons. Young Enterprise Join the Revolution ! The Young Enterprise scheme has been a strong feature
since the introduction of the Sixth Form. In past years students from the
school have competed up to a national level and have won many awards for
their work. This year the year 12 students have set up their own company
called ‘Revolution’. Under the guidance of Miss Hickerton and Miss Watkins
the students have formally registered their company, and design and
production of their revision guides for GCSE pupils is underway. They have
been practicing their marketing skills at a trade fair, and will be competing
against other companies in a competition to be held in March. Gareth Davies,
managing director of ‘Revolution’ was also keen to remind any love struck
readers of this newsletter that a Valentines day service is on offer. The
delivery of roses and cryptic messages would be available, at a competitive
price of course ! |