We want every student to feel safe and supported. Pastoral support is a service that gives help and support to students as well as providing information, advice and guidance. We work in close partnership with teachers, parents/carers and other specialist agencies.

Our aim is to identify any concerns or issues at the earliest possible opportunity and remove any barriers to learning which may be preventing our students from reaching their potential. We pride ourselves in knowing our young people well and working alongside the teaching and support staff we aim to develop positive relationships with them and their families. We respond as quickly as possible to any issues and ensure that difficulties are discussed and resolved in the best possible way. Safeguarding and child protection are central to the pastoral system as we believe only safe and happy students will truly fulfil their potential.

Success requires being able to take responsibility for learning, students need to demonstrate that they are independent learners and have the discipline of good attendance and application in order to succeed. The most able are challenged with STEP papers, Physics Olympiad, Cipher challenge, Senior Maths Challenge, Maths Olympiad etc.

EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)

We encourage all students to do an EPQ which enables you to research a topic of your choice. This is worth half an A level. You will have a schedule of preparatory lessons which underpin the key elements of independent learning. The choice of topic is yours but should be linked to what you want to do next and be outside of the subject specifications which you are studying. You will have an individual supervisor and you will make a presentation of your findings.

MAP programme

Not all students find the transition from GCSE easy. For some this is a question of the courses they have studied at GCSE, for others it may be language difficulties or organisational problems. We have a developed MAP programme. My achievement project structures targeted support for students who have been identified in the review process as needing support to enable them to achieve their potential. The MAP sessions are for small group work (sometimes one to one) and are held in non-contact periods, lunchtime or after school. Participation is voluntary but expected where students are identified as under-performing.

Support if you are struggling to cope or finding School difficult for some reason

The two years spent in the Sixth Form can be difficult for students in terms of their personal lives. Sometimes the pressures and demands are beyond what a student can cope with and undermine their ability to achieve. Our Pastoral Managers have a dedicated support role to help students in this position to manage their difficulties. They will work with students, teachers and parents and can call on the additional expertise of external agencies. If it makes sense, we may offer a student the opportunity to complete their studies over three years.

Opportunities

The range and number of opportunities for Post 16 students to expand their knowledge and experience whilst in the Sixth Form is truly extraordinary. This is partly due to our location in a big city and close to two top universities:

• Subject-based summer schools, taster days and lecture programmes at universities all round the country, including Oxford and Cambridge
• University outreach schemes such as the Discover Schemes. SOAMS (Sheffield Outreach and Access to Medicine), ADOPT (Access to Dental Occupations: Practice and Tutoring), STEM, Arts and Humanities etc
• Work experience (for example, two students at JP Morgan in London, recently)

The Post 16 Bulletin is emailed on a weekly basis with the details of the latest opportunities offered by universities, educational charities and companies.