2006 - 2007

Headteacher ...................................…….......... Mr J Smith
Deputy Headteacher..........................…….. Mr M D Sebire
Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral)..……....... Mrs S M Cosnett
Deputy Headteacher (Dir. of Sixth Form)….Mrs C Watson
Assistant Headteacher………….…………Mr J Mountford
Sixth Form Manager(Head of Year 12).……... Mr D Battle
Sixth Form Manager (Head of Year 13).... Mrs P Ingrouille
Head of Careers ..................................……....... Mr J Lihou
Examinations Officer...………………………. Mr P Jeffery
Additional Needs Coordinator...…………….Mrs R Skipper
Head Girl …..……………………........Alexandria Gaudion
Head Boy …...……………….……………Gareth Andrews
Deputy Head Girl …..……………………...Anna Bowditch
Deputy Head Boy……………………....Matthew Bowditch

Dates of Terms – 2007-2008

Autumn Term ......... Tuesday 4 September 2007 to Wed 19 December 2007
Half-term ............... Monday 22 October 2007 to Friday 26 October 2007
Spring Term ........... Thursday 3 January 2008 to Friday 4 April 2008
Half-term ................ Monday 11 February 2008 to Friday 15 February 2008
Summer Term ......... Tuesday 21 April 2008 to Friday 18 July 2008
Half-term ................ Monday 26 May 2008 to Friday 30 May 2008

School Day

Morning Registration .....…8.40 am Morning school ends ....….1.15 pm
Afternoon Registration ..... 2.30 pm Afternoon school ends ..... 3.30 pm

THE AIM OF SIXTH FORM EDUCATION AT THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Guernsey Grammar School seeks to be a caring community committed to the pursuit of excellence, educating each student to high academic standards and for the responsibilities of adult life.

The purposes of post-16 education at the Grammar School are:

· to extend 5-16 education to meet the needs of students by offering a predominantly A Level curriculum
· to enable students to achieve a level of examination success which reflects their full potential
· to provide a broad, balanced and flexible curriculum which takes into account the individual’s needs, aspirations and abilities
· to provide a learning environment which is stimulating, demanding and enjoyable for both students and staff
· to encourage an enquiring attitude and a respect for learning which students will carry into their adult lives
· to prepare students for higher education and the world of employment
· to provide a learning context in which all subjects, together with the skills, values and experiences they promote, are given equal status
· to provide a happy, caring and supportive community which values the individual
· to recognise the needs of the island community
· to develop an intellectual and spiritual awareness that will help students to cope with a rapidly changing world

Introduction

The Grammar School opened in 1985 and was designed with a large Sixth Form in mind. In September 2005 the new Sixth Form Centre was opened and the buildings provide a modern, exceptionally pleasant and well resourced environment for staff and students alike. The Sixth Form is currently made up of 449 students from every school in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, of whom 240, 53%, were not previously at the Grammar School. The large size of the Sixth Form enables the School to offer a wide range of post-16 courses at ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Level. All courses are examined in a modular way and lead to an ‘AS’ level qualification after one year and an ‘A’ Level qualification after two years. The range of subjects means it is possible to develop programmes of study that recognise the strengths and meet the needs and aspirations of individual students.

The Sixth Form Centre provides a high quality post-16 education that is designed to achieve individual excellence in examination results, to give the opportunity for students to participate in a wide variety of activities and short courses to enrich this phase of education and to prepare students for life beyond the Sixth Form. A noted feature of the school is the friendly atmosphere of cooperation that exists and the supportive relationships among all who work there. An Inspection Report of 2002 concluded: ‘There are a number of excellent features relating to the school’s purposeful and friendly ethos and the quality of teaching and learning. The Sixth Form is a particular strength of the school, as are students’ attitudes and behaviour.

Expectations of students are high and the school is committed, through its programme of teaching and pastoral support, to enable all students to complete their studies successfully and to each individual’s full potential. In 2005 the pass rate at ‘A’ Level was 99.6% with 83.8% of the grades at A-C. These results compare favourably with national averages of 96% and 69% respectively. Details of the percentage of each grade achieved over the last seven years can be seen in the table below:

Please Note:

A full copy of ‘A’ level results can be found at the end of the prospectus

MONITORING AND GUIDANCE

All students, irrespective of their origins, will find that the Sixth Form experience differs considerably from previous phases of education. The nature of the work, the styles of teaching and learning and the importance of the contribution that the student makes to the organisation of their personal learning differ markedly from their experiences to date. All post 16 programmes of study are challenging and the successful completion of these courses will require a continuing positive commitment from each individual to their own success and to the success of the school in general.

Alls students have a personal tutor to help them to make a successful transition into the Sixth form and to derive the maximum benefit from their studies. Students meet with their tutors on a daily basis for registration and twice a week for tutorials. Tutors are responsible for supporting, helping and guiding the students in their care and wherever possible will be involved with their tutor group as part of the Complementary Studies programme.

The Sixth Form Centre is committed to a programme of regular monitoring and guidance for students. Students’ work is monitored closely and on five occasions throughout their time in the Sixth Form students will have formal grading and discussion sessions with their teachers and tutors that will assess their progress to date and jointly define targets for the future. Student self-assessment plays a large part in the student/tutor discussion because we believe that the student is the person most keenly aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. In addition to these sessions there will also be progress reports, formal written reports and four parents’ evenings to ensure the opportunity for dialogue. Parents are, of course, welcome to contact the tutor, Head of Year or the Director of Sixth Form at any time, if there are matters they wish to discuss.

Guidance is linked closely to a policy of ensuring that students have regular information about their progress and where they stand in relation to ‘A’ level and to reaching targets. Any problems can be identified quickly and advice and support to assist the student to work effectively can be given. Guidance is offered at all stages and becomes increasingly concerned with preparation for application to Higher Education and employment.

EXPECTATIONS

The Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre is a large educational institution. It consists of over 1,000 students aged between 11 and 18 and we encourage a family atmosphere where all students feel themselves to be part of a strong and mutually supportive whole community. Within this community the two groups of students, namely those aged 11-16 and those in the Sixth Form, are treated differently, although they share the same teaching staff and many of the resources and social facilities.

Dress

There are no uniform requirements in the Sixth Form, but we do expect all students to be smartly and appropriately dressed for a formal and purposeful working atmosphere. For male students this means that they are expected to wear a jacket, trousers, shirt and tie; suits are encouraged. For a female student it means that they are expected to wear a skirt or trousers and smart top; jackets and suits are encouraged. Casual wear, including trainers, denim or sweatshirts, is not appropriate.

Punctuality and Attendance

Sixth Form students are full time members of the Grammar School and are required to attend school and all lessons punctually. In year 12 students are expected to be present at school from 8.40 am until 3.30 pm but they may leave the premises during the lunch break (1.15-2.30 pm). In year 13 students are able to study at home during private study sessions in the afternoon with parental consent.

Continued membership of the Sixth Form requires that the conditions outlined above are met.

THE NATURE OF SIXTH FORM WORK

‘A’ Level work differs considerably from that already experienced at GCSE. It requires a much greater knowledge and understanding of the subject and the teaching methods are likely to vary significantly. The greatest difference experienced by most students is the extent to which they are required to take responsibility for their own learning, to learn to manage their time effectively, to read extensively, to reorder and revise notes continually and to develop a critical self awareness of their own motivation and progress. It is noticeable that those who possess or develop the self discipline required to generate a regular study pattern, at an early stage, derive much greater satisfaction and success from their courses.

Every student must be prepared to devote a substantial amount of time to study outside lessons. The exact amount of time will vary with the course and the subject combination but students should be prepared to spend about four hours per subject per week.

THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM

The timetable consists of 25 x 55 minute lessons. A normal Sixth Form timetable in year 12 would consist of:
20 subject teaching lessons plus1 lesson Complementary Studies
1 lesson Additional Studies
1 lesson Physical Recreation
2 Private Study lesson

COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME:
ADDITIONAL STUDIES, COMPLEMENTARY STUDIES
& PHYSICAL RECREATION

It is of particular importance in the Sixth Form, where academic studies become increasingly specialised, that the general interests, knowledge and awareness of students remain broadly based.

Complementary Studies
The Complementary Studies programme aims to complement the academic work of the Sixth Form by providing students with a curriculum that goes beyond that taught in examined subjects to enable students to experience a broad and balanced education. Wherever possible these sessions will involve the students with their personal tutors, providing a further valuable point of contact between student and tutor.

This teaching is carried out in small discussion groups, supplemented by outside speakers, general debates, dramatic productions, videos and visits out of school. All members of the Sixth Form will have the opportunity to take part in Information Technology sessions during some of their private study lessons.

Additional Studies
The Additional Studies teaching programme requires students to select their own combination of options from a wide variety of opportunities offered to them. These courses allow students to gain additional qualifications, to play an active role in the community or to pursue a course of study in an area of general interest.

Physical Recreation
Students in year 12 are required to take part in some form of physical activity once a week. Students in year 13 are offered the opportunity to actively participate. The facilities of the school and the size of the Sixth Form make it possible to offer a wide range of activities including all the usual team games. Sixth Form students make a major contribution to senior school teams.

Private Study
It is vital that students use time wisely. All students following ‘A’ level courses will have some time at school when they are not being taught. In Year 12 this time may be very limited but in Year 13 this may increase. We expect that private study time is used wisely and positively. During year 12 all private study should be taken on the school premises, unless specific permission has been given by a member of staff. During Year 13 students with private study sessions in an afternoon may study at home with parental permission.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SIXTH FORM

Sixth Form students have a vital part to play in the life of the school and we believe that they and the school benefit if they participate in the wide range of activity which the school has to offer. We want Sixth Form students to develop into mature, reliable young people, happy in their school environment and, therefore able to fulfil their potential, both academically and socially.

There are many areas of school life which offer the opportunity for involvement and leadership. Such activities include:

· Prefects: All members of the Sixth Form are offered the opportunity to become prefects and to contribute towards the strong sense of community across all years and to provide further opportunities for them to work in areas of interest with staff and other students.
· Headboy and Headgirl: These appointments and those of their deputies are made annually, by the Headteacher, from the members of Year 13, after consultation with staff and with Year 13.
· Houses: There are many opportunities for Sixth Form students to develop their organisation skills by becoming involved in the running of House events.
· Sixth Form Forum: This consists of a group of Sixth Form students elected by their peers who meet regularly to discuss matters pertinent to the Sixth Form and to organise social and charitable events. All members of the Sixth Form are expected to contribute £10.00 to a Sixth Form fund which is jointly administered by members of the Sixth Form and staff.
· Clubs and Societies: There are many opportunities for members of the Sixth Form to be involved in the running of clubs and societies.
Several clubs are run very successfully by Sixth Form students who have a particular interest they are prepared to share with others.
· Extra Curricular Activities: There are many opportunities to take part in a wide variety of extra curricular activities, e.g. sports, drama, music (choir, orchestra, windband, etc).
· Young Enterprise: All students are offered the opportunity to participate in the Young Enterprise Scheme, which aims to provide practical business experience for young people while they are still at school. Participants set up and run their own companies and in the process develop their personal and business skills.
· Management Shadowing: During their time in Year 12 students may apply to participate in Management Shadowing. Management Shadowing allows the student to “shadow” a senior executive for a period of time, to learn about the role of the executive and to observe the skills used within management.
· Work Experience: All students have the opportunity to participate in Work Experience which gives the student first hand knowledge of the world of work and the responsibilities involved in a particular occupation.

Both Management Shadowing and Work Experience are offered during the Easter or Whitsun holidays or during Activities Week.

‘AS’ AND ‘A’ LEVEL COURSES

There are two components to a full ‘A’ level course. The first part is known as ‘AS’ (Advanced Subsidiary) level and this is examined during Year 12 and will be awarded a grade. The points scored for an ‘AS’ grade is 50% of the total for a two year ‘A’ level course.

The second part of a full ‘A’ level course is known as ‘A2’ and will be studied and examined during Year 13.

Students can choose from a wide range of subjects listed below. Further details on the individual subjects are given later. All subjects are available at both ‘AS’ and ‘A2’ level. Students will generally take the ‘AS’ level in Year 12 and the ‘A2’ level in Year 13.

SUBJECTS AVAILABLE

* These subjects may be studied at ‘AS’ or ‘A’ Level without previous GCSE experience.

The courses listed above are those we expect to be able to offer at ‘AS’ and ‘A2’ level next September. In order to construct the timetable it will be necessary to arrange the subjects in Option Blocks. Although many subjects occur in more than one Option Block it may not be possible to study all combinations of subjects. Entry to specific courses may also be limited by the number of places available on that course. Information on the distribution of subjects in Option Blocks will be made available before the Sixth Form Information Day.

We ask students to make a provisional choice of subject when they attend the Sixth Form Information Day. Choices made at this stage are not binding and final decisions will be made on the actual Post 16 Application Form.

Note: Students may not select to study both Graphic Products and Product Design as it is prohibited by the Examination Boards.

POSSIBLE PROGRAMMES OF STUDY

During Year 12 students will select up to four subjects at ‘AS’ Level and in Year 13 they will continue to study subjects to the full ‘A’ Level, normally a maximum of three, and/or take additional ‘AS’ Levels.

This means that a number of different combination of courses will be possible, for example:

We shall be able to give further advice at the Post 16 Evening on Monday 22 January 2007 and at the Information Day on Thursday 22 February 2007.

CHOOSING A SIXTH FORM PROGRAMME OF STUDY

Deciding which subjects to study is an important decision and students should carefully consider the options open to them. In particular they should consider the following points:

· If students have already decided on a particular career path or Higher Education courses, will the subjects they propose to study allow them to follow that route? Students may need to check this with careers teachers or contact Higher Education institutions for further guidance. ‘A’ levels are frequently the bridge which links compulsory education to Higher Education or to a career. It is important to ensure that students are aware of all the different alternatives and aim to keep options open rather than close down possible avenues.

· Do they have an interest in the subject? This is important but should not dominate other factors.

· Does the evidence of GCSE performance and the advice of current teachers indicate that they have a reasonable prospect of success? Students should particularly take this into account when considering Mathematics, Sciences or Modern Foreign Languages.

· Students should take every opportunity to talk to other students who may already be studying the subjects at ‘AS’ and ‘A’ level.

· It is important to consider whether the subjects combine together to form a coherent programme of study as a whole.

ENTRY TO THE SIXTH FORM

Students will be expected:

• To achieve a minimum of 4 grade Cs at GCSE level or equivalent from a range of subjects in order to study 3 ‘AS’ subjects and a minimum of 5 subjects grade Cs at GCSE level or equivalent to study 4 ‘AS’ subjects.

• To have a minimum of a grade C at GCSE in any subject they wish to continue to ‘AS’ Level. There are some subjects that students may find very difficult unless they have achieved at least a grade B at GCSE and/or taken the higher tier.

• To continue to study GCSE Mathematics and/or English Language if they do not achieve a grade C and retake the examination.

• To receive a favourable reference from their previous school or college and obtain the approval of the Headteacher of the Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre.

• To have an individual interview to discuss their choice of subjects and future plans
Note
• Where subjects are selected which have not been studied at GCSE, Departments are likely to take into account the grade achieved in Maths or English when making their decision.

• Decisions regarding offers will be made using a range of information: predicted GCSE grades, the school reference, the Sixth Form Interview and any information gathered by the relevant Head of Department during the Information Day.

• Appeals may be made to the Headteacher.
Note: Entry to ‘A2’ level courses will require successful completion of the
‘AS’ course.

TIMETABLE OF EVENTS

All applicants to the Sixth Form should make their application through the Central Admissions System, administered by careers teachers in their school.

Timetable of Events:

October- December The Director of Sixth Form visits schools to give introductory talks about the Sixth Form. Sixth Form Prospectus delivered to Schools and available from The Sixth Form Centre
January-February Individual student interviews take place
Wed&Thurs 17&18 January The Careers Convention at Beau Sejour
Monday 22 January The Sixth Form Centre Post 16 Evening at 7.30 pm
Thurs 22 February The Sixth Form Centre Information Day
Tues 6 March Individual interviews may be booked at the Sixth Form Centre 3-6 pm to finalise choices
Friday 9 March Closing date for all Post 16 applications
Monday 23 April Offers sent to all applicants. Copies sent to schools
Monday 30 April Closing date for acceptance of first choice place
Early July Requests to schools for GCSE results
Thursday 23 August GCSE results. Most students will be happy with their results and satisfactorily placed on an ‘AS’ programme of study. Occasionally difficulties may arise as a result of GCSE grades or indecision over choice. Should this occur, staff will be available to offer possible solutions.

Applicants who do not currently form a part of Year 11 at the Secondary Schools, St. Anne’s School or the Grammar School & Sixth Form Centre, should contact the Director of Sixth Form directly, who will explain the procedures to be followed.

Mature applicants may qualify for a grant from the Education Council. They should speak to Mr Richard Hocart at the Education Department, who will explain the nature of the grant and those who are entitled to apply for it.

Design and Technology

SUBJECT ANALYSIS