6th Form

6th Form Prospectus

Introduction

Great Oaks Small School is a co-education community that provides a holistic education that supports students to achieve their aspirations, and to leave the school as independent, compassionate and caring individuals who will make a valuable contribution to society. We support our students to gain qualifications that are appropriate to their individual needs and aspirations, preparing them for the next stage in their careers in further and higher education, training or employment.

Sixth Form Provision

Where are we based?

The sixth form has its own centre, just half a mile from the main school house and based at Discovery Park; a global science, technology and enterprise hub, with a wide range of community facilities that are accessible to the students and staff, for example: café, bakery, play room (table tennis, pool, indoor golf) physiotherapy, health& beauty, holistic treatments (fees payable for some activities).In addition to Discovery Park, our thriving Creative Arts Department continues to be based at the main school house. Our minibuses transport students to and from the sites as necessary.

What do we offer?

Our sixth form programmes are flexible and can include experiences and strategies to develop independent study and independent living skills. We aim to meet the needs and interests of each individual student, providing them with the skills and knowledge they require to pursue for success in their chosen pathway after school. Decisions on the appropriate sixth form pathway will be made in consultation with the student and their parents/ carers and championing the student’s aspirations, within realistic parameters.

Sixth Form Pathways

Pathway A: One Year for transition into further education, training or employment GCSE; resits; Functional Skills, BTEC short courses as available

Certificate of Personal Effectiveness

Part-time Work experience

Subject of interest (some with qualification opportunities) e.g. photography, sports, music, art

Pathway B: Two years for transition into Further Education, training or employment

English and Maths –GCSE; resits; Functional Skills; BTEC courses as available

Certificate of Personal Effectiveness Work Experience (Year 1) and College Placement (Year 2) as appropriate

Subject of interest (some with qualification opportunities) e.g. photography, sports, music, art

Pathway C: Two years for transition into Higher Education, training or employment

A Level Courses, B-Tech courses as available

Additional GCSEs

Work -experience / University visits

In addition to their chosen academic pathway, all student timetables will include Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE); Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural Development (SMSC)

Enrichment Activities and Physical Education

All students will have the opportunity to take part in ‘non-qualification’ activities each week. Examples include:

Forest School - on and off-site activities

Visits to places of interest i.e. museums, galleries, places of worship, concerts, exhibitions, theatres

Leadership opportunities –supporting / mentoring/ role model for younger students·Work experience, College/ University Visits

Duke of Edinburgh Award (depending on the number of students interested)

Requirements for Entry to the Sixth Form

Pathway A

Evidence of a commitment to learning

Evidence of self-discipline in attendance, punctuality, engagement and a positive attitude to peers and authority

Likely to have the emotional maturity to transfer to further education or training at the end of one year in sixth form

Report from previous school

Pathway B

Evidence of a commitment to learning

Evidence of self-discipline in attendance, punctuality, engagement and a positive attitude to peers and authority

May require longer than one year in sixth form to develop their confidence and independence

Undertaking two-year qualification courses e.g. GCSE, BTec

Report from previous school

Pathway C

9-4 (A*- C) pass at GCSE in the chosen A Level Subject (or evidence of equivalent level of attainment or ability)

9-4 (A*- C) pass at GCSE in English and Maths or capable of achieving via resits

Evidence of a commitment to learning and a record of meeting deadlines

Evidence of self-discipline in attendance, punctuality, engagement and a positive attitude to peers and authority

Report from previous school

Click on the link below for details of our current KS5 Subjects Options:

KS5 Subject Options 2024 - 2025

Planning for your future 

At Great Oaks Small School we are committed to supporting our students in planning the pathway to their chosen careers – whether that is to college, university, training, apprenticeships or employment.

All students will receive:

1:1 Careers Advice with our qualified Careers Advisor

Subject specialists for your chosen courses

Help with writing applications, CVs, Personal Statements

Help in preparing for interviews

Work Experience placements

Where appropriate, visits to colleges and universities

Special and Additional Needs

The school has a great deal of experience and expertise in supporting students with special and additional educational needs. The majority of our students have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that set out the student’s needs and the support and provision they should receive. Our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) is responsible for ensuring the requirements described in the EHCP or Statement of SEN are met. Students’ needs and progress are monitored and reviewed regularly including reviews in consultation with parents/carers. The special and additional needs of privately funded students, without an EHCP, are identified and fully supported.