Stratford upon Avon Grammar School for Girls

Welcome to the sixth form area of the site.

We believe that one of the greatest strengths of Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls is its sixth form, which provides an outstanding range of opportunities for all students, whatever their interests, aptitudes and abilities. We also believe that the environment of our sixth form is one where girls are both supported and challenged to stretch their intellects and their talents, to find their own voices, to take responsibility for their own learning, and, above all, to be positive about themselves and their futures.

The sixth form represents the senior part of the 11-18 age range within the school, which is a state-maintained single-sex girls' grammar school. This context, unique within South Warwickshire, provides excellent leadership and personal development opportunities for girls, as well as unrivalled opportunities for academic excellence.

Most of the girls in Year 11 choose to stay on into the sixth form, and we also welcome a large number of girls into the sixth form from other schools - usually about forty to fifty. These join us from a wide range of other schools, including local Warwickshire high schools, schools in neighbouring counties and schools in the independent sector. We believe that this new intake adds freshness and variety to the sixth form, and we welcome the breadth of experience and interests that the new girls bring.

Each sixth form creates its own particular characteristics and atmosphere, but students can be assured of a sound academic education, with well-qualified, caring staff. The sixth form at Shottery welcomes those who want to study and who have a conscientious and positive attitude to work, since these are important foundations for academic success; and the school provides stability, continuity, challenge and expertise. We are committed to raising standards still higher together.

The Sixth Form at Stratford upon Avon Grammar School for Girls is noted for its high pastoral care and guidance system, and outstanding academic standards and success at Advanced Level. More than 85% of students go on to study Higher Education courses. In the recent OFSTED Inspection of 2009 the sixth form provision for students was rated outstanding in four key areas.

Each applicant to the sixth form is considered individually, and study programmes are adapted to suit individual needs wherever possible. Students are assigned a personal tutor and form tutorial group. A two year programme of careers guidance, higher education advice, personal and vocational counselling is part of the student entitlement.
All students have the opportunity of broadening their educational experience through involvement with Young Enterprise schemes, educational/industry initiatives, residential courses, field study courses, overseas visits, commercial science laboratories, museum visits and university lectures.

Sixth formers organise a Student Council and run school-based societies, clubs, competitions, charity and social events. They also hold several important student-centred pastoral roles through the Student Leadership Team, School Prefects, Games Captains and Student Mentors who assist with academic support and sporting activities with younger students.

We are delighted that you are considering this school for the next phase of your education. We are a happy community where the needs of the individual are paramount. We aim to develop a very professional approach to our studies and want all students to have the highest aspirations. It is a very industrious caring community where there is a vast array of opportunity. We have:

Outstanding pastoral care: the girls are in separate tutorial groups and the commitment of staff in ensuring that your needs are fully understood and met is unequalled. The school operates a vertical tutoring system which enhances the already strong community ethos we have and allows sixth form students to take an even greater leadership role across the school.

Breadth of learning: this is essential in order to become a well-informed, rounded individual. Generally four A level subjects are studied in Year 12 alongside General Studies or Critical Thinking, and the AQA Bacc qualification is pursued with the opportunity to do an extended project towards the end of Year 12 and the first part of Year 13. Other curriculum enrichment opportunities include Young Enterprise, Mock Bar, Engineering Education and Active Citizenship.

International opportunities: recent trips have included visits to Madagascar, India, Ecuador, South Africa and Holland. During these trips sixth form students have developed leadership skills and been able to work hard as a team so that together the appropriate finances have been raised and the schedule has been planned and executed to our usual high expectations. These really are incredible opportunities and, for many girls, change their world view for ever.

For more information please contact the Director of Sixth Form Studies on 01789 293759 ext 246 or email stickels.a@we-learn.com.