Why Felpham?
Below you will find ‘The Sixth Form Six’ which are our guiding principles for sixth form. However we also know that many of our students or parents/carers will have additional questions, so we’ve put together a Frequently Asked Questions page but if you have any other questions just contact us.
‘The Sixth Form Six – the guiding principles behind sixth form provision at FCC’
01 - Fostering identity and individualism
Sixth Form is a time of self-discovery for students, and offers all students the chance for a fresh start. We believe sixth form provides students with comfort and familiarity alongside new experiences and challenges. It is a safe place in which to grow and develop their identity.
02 - Individualised programmes of study to tailor the most suited pathway study for each student
We work hard to ensure that all students can choose the combination of subjects and qualification types that most suits their needs. Every year we build our curriculum around the feedback we get from our current year 11s. This means that students can combine A-levels with OCR and/or BTEC qualifications or they could chose to study all A-levels or all BTEC/OCR qualifications.
Whilst we recommend that a student only studies three subjects we do discuss this with all students and some students will begin on four courses whilst they decide which three subjects to continue with, equally some students are supported to continue with four courses throughout their time at sixth form.
03 - Specialised and skilled teachers to ensure a strong foundation for future pathways
All subjects are taught by skilled teachers in specialist classrooms. All of our sixth form teachers also teach GCSE and so understand the progression throughout the subject. We have smaller than average class sizes, with most classes having 15 or less students in. This means that all students are able to receive individual support from their teachers.
Students are supported with their future choices by their subject teachers, tutors and sixth form team. All of our sixth form tutors have received training in university applications and in apprenticeships and work closely with students to support them with their future pathways.
04 - Strong academic and pastoral support to help each student maximise their potential
All students have a tutor who they meet with as a group weekly to focus on study skills and future plans. We monitor students progress throughout sixth form and have a tiered support programme for any students who needs academic support. This may start with regular individual meetings with the form tutor but could also involve additional support from the year manager or year leader.
We also have a sixth form study supervisor who works with students during their supervised study periods and mentors students who need additional support with organising their studies.
05 - Central focus on fostering independence and resilience for all
All students initially have supervised study on their timetable. This allows students to develop positive study habits and build the organisational skills needed to be successful in sixth form and beyond.
All students take part in our life skills programme where they gain support with applications for their future pathways, as well as learning important skills such as first aid, financial capabilities, resources for mental health, political awareness and cooking. We have a full time year manager who provides pastoral support for all students.
06 - Calm, cohesive and creative community
We believe that it is important that students feel part of a community and have opportunities outside of their studies. All students are able to take part in a number of enrichment activities. Some of these allow students to gain additional skills and qualifications but others are about contributing to the college community, such as mentoring students in younger years or supporting with college events, such as purple for polio or the Christmas fayre.
Our sixth form leadership team is an important part of the school leadership and works very closely with the sixth form team and the senior leadership team. They also run charities and take a lead in organising whole school events. We also have a strong sixth form community.
We now have a brand new sixth form hub where students have their own common room, kitchen and dedicated study room, this allows sixth formers to have their own space within the wider school community. We have a number of sixth form events throughout the year, including quiz nights, pizza nights, BBQs and a graduation event.
All students take part in work experience which allows them contribute to the local community as well as providing the skills they need for their future pathways. Additionally a number of students volunteer in the local community as part of the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.