The Sixth Form has just received a new facelift. Above are some photos of the Sixth Form block to give you a view of the environment the Sixth Form works in.
When you join the Sixth Form, we will provide you with target grades based on your past performance. These will help you, your parents and academic mentor to review and track your progress throughout your time with us to support your success.
All students are assigned an Academic Mentor who will register you daily and offer you support and advice. They are responsible for your well being, will meet with you regularly on a 1:1 basis, check your folders and workbooks are up to date and monitor your progress in relation to your target grades. Academic mentors will also undertake two annual review meetings where parents are invited to discuss current achievement.
You will get to know your academic mentor very well throughout your time with us they will be the individuals who will know you best in sixth form and as such responsible for writing your references for jobs, university, college placements.
Sixth Formers are responsible for organising a variety of enrichment events and fundraising activities including our annual Charity Fashion Show to raise money for local charities. Students take on a range of roles including choreographing the dances, liaising with shops, designing backdrops, operating the technical equipment and organising tickets and publicity.
Sixth Form study visits and off-site activities are undertaken in many subjects across the UK and Europe. Drama students have the opportunity to work with a West End cast at Pineapple Studios, Geography students benefit from embarking on a field trip to Wales, History students visit Berlin to gain a haunting and eye-opening perspective on the rise of Nazi Germany; artists experience the creative delights of Florence and the ever popular German exchange offers students the chance to gain invaluable language skills and soak up the culture. In addition, there are many theatre trips, conferences and workshops to assist students in creating insightful coursework and to develop their independent thought.
All students are able to audition for the annual Drama production and often take leading roles. They can also play at regular band nights, sing in the talent show, choreograph performances for the school dance festival or take part in the Christmas concert or annual Rock 'n' Roll extravaganza.
The community service scheme in the Sixth Form enables students to give something back to their local area. This could mean helping out in a primary school or local residential home, assisting KS3 students with their reading or supporting teachers in lessons or after school clubs. All students sign up to the nationally recognised 'V Award' which acknowledges their commitment to others.
Every year students who are interested in taking on more responsibility in school apply for the positions of Head Boy/Girl and Senior Students. Those individuals who are appointed hold key roles within the school, acting as ambassadors to the local community. They ensure that the student voice is heard through School Council and liaise with the Headteacher, governors and Sixth Form guidance team to help improve the educational experience of all our students.
Senior Students are responsible for organising a variety of social events and enrichment activities. In September, they arrange an induction day for the new Year 12 students and they also organise Christmas parties, charity fancy dress days, cake sales and the annual Summer Ball in July.
Upon completion of their exams, selected Year 13 students are offered the chance to accompany our Year 7 students on their summer residential visit. They act as role models and mentors, helping with the supervision of activities and undertaking a wide range of tasks. This can be a very rewarding, challenging and exciting experience.
Deciding which courses you will study in the Sixth Form is a big step. You need to be able to make informed choices and choose courses which suit your ability, skills and interests. It is highly recommended that all those wishing to apply for September 2011 attend the 'Into year 12 Evening' on 20 January 2011. This evening will offer the opportunity to discuss courses with staff and Sixth Form students and enable all to gather accurate information and insight into the courses they wish to study.
It is essential to discuss your career plans with your tutor, teachers, parents and, if appropriate, a careers advisor. If you are unsure which subjects you need to study to access your favoured career path or university course, talk to the Sixth Form guidance team. We are here to help and support you. You may also find it helpful to visit the university applications' website, www.ucas.com, and undertake a course search; this will allow you to see the entry requirements your preferred university requests.
We understand that your plans may change when you get your results in August, but it is essential you fill in the application form and make provisional choices at the earliest opportunity in order to guarantee your Sixth Form place. All applications must be with the sixth form team by 18 February. If you do not hand in your application by this date, you will not receive a place in sixth form. You will not be committed to any particular course until you have received your examination results and we have confirmation that you have fulfilled the entry criteria.
In the meantime, we wish you the best of luck in your GCSE examinations and hope that your hard work will enable you to gain the necessary qualifications to continue your education with us.
'In the Sixth Form good academic mentoring and the structured programme of support mean that those falling behind are picked up at an early stage, their problems are identified clearly and they are provided with individualised support.'
- OFSTED 2009
'Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed her time in the Sixth Form. She worked hard and was encouraged all the way. This to me is very important and I am sure that this contributed towards the grades that she received. I don't think that she would have received the same level of guidance and support anywhere else, and I would personally like to thank the Sixth Form team.'
- Parent
'The Sixth Form staff are incredibly helpful during the UCAS application process; they are always willing to help write personal statements, assist with course selection and help you through the difficult decisions about the future that UCAS choices contain.'
Student
'Denefield Sixth Form really supports its students through everything that comes up during the two year period. I was offered many extra curricular activities which have been of huge benefit.'
- Student
'My teachers are always willing to help; they support me when I when I find work challenging and encourage me to develop my independence.'
- Student
'I enjoy the fact that my voice is not only heard in the Sixth Form, it is listened to and taken into account.'
- Student
'Although I came from a different school, within a few days I felt as if I'd been here forever; the welcome was very friendly and supportive.'
- Student