SIXTH FORM WELCOME

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.

A very wide range of AS/A2 courses is on offer, and most girls choose to take up four A level courses in Year 12. In addition to these main academic courses, opportunities exist for girls to take extra courses such as Open University undergraduate modules or Critical Thinking through the enrichment programme – or to take part in such schemes as Young Enterprise. Through our collaborative links with the other sixth form providers in Stratford – Stratford High School, Stratford College and King Edward’s School – the range of courses on offer is further broadened to include such courses as Sports Science, Accountancy and Photography, and we welcome a number of students from these institutions onto the courses that we offer within the collaborative block. Advanced Extension Awards (AEAs) are also offered in a number of subjects in Year 13. We have introduced the overarching AQA Bacc in 2008, too, which enables girls to receive credit for their enrichment and personal development courses as well as undertaking an extended project in Year 13.

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.

The school became a Specialist Language College in 2002, and the Stratford Language Centre (SLC) is superbly equipped with audio-visual and computer facilities. Japanese, Chinese and Italian have been added to the modern foreign languages studied, and video-conferencing within the SLC has allowed us to add other minority subjects including Law. In 2004 a new Design Technology workshop was built and fully equipped, enabling the subject to be studied at A level. The latest addition to the facilities of the school has been the Music Academy, completed in 2006, which includes a recording studio as well as practice rooms and a large ensemble room. Music Technology is one of the most recent A level courses to be added to the range on offer. We were recognised by the DCSF in 2006 as a High Performing Specialist School, and invited in 2007 to take on a second specialism; and we chose to develop and extend another area of significant strength within the school: the Science Department. A new science lab was converted from a classroom in 2008, and a new classroom (mainly for science) is being built above the design workshop. Future building plans include indoor PE facilities and a new learning resource centre to include new sixth form facilities.

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.

Kate Barnett
Headteacher

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Welcome to the Sixth Form

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 try 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: currently the girls are in separate form groups and the commitment of staff in ensuring that your needs are fully understood and met is unequalled.  Next year we move to a new and exciting phase of the school development when Vertical Tutoring will be introduced.  This will enhance the already strong community ethos and allow 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, 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 Ecuador, India 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.

Above all we are a school community and want all of you to know that you will be joining a community where you will be really cared for.  We will help you achieve the highest academic results possible but will stretch you in every way possible so that in this safe place you will learn to take risks, grow and flourish.  We are very proud of this unique school and would enjoy the opportunity of showing you all that is on offer.

For more information please contact me Mr Andrew Palmer, Head of Sixth Form on 01789 293759 ext 246 or email palmer.a@we-learn.com.

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