Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form has a learning agreement with all students, which is a commitment from all parties. Moving into our Sixth Form, we believe, will give you opportunities not only of gaining further qualifications but also to develop into a mature and self-reliant individual. This requires the learning of skills as much as knowledge. We believe it will be important that you do not see life in the Sixth Form as an end in itself but a further stepping stone to higher education or into employment and training.
Please read the details below carefully, as students who find themselves unable to meet these expectations may be asked to reconsider their future in the Sixth Form.
Expectations of Sixth Form Students
Subject Options
By joining Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form you have agreed to:
Finish in full the programme of study you started in Year 12
Study General Studies
Not drop a subject mid-year unless there are special circumstances. This must be applied for and discussed with the Head of Sixth Form and parents. Relevant evidence will also be required.
Attendance and Punctuality
By joining Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form you have agreed to:
Attend lessons, assemblies and personal development sessions throughout the academic year with the exception of genuine illness or personal circumstances such as bereavement
Attend all timetabled lessons, punctually, for all subjects throughout the year
Maintain 100% attendance. If overall attendance falls below 90% there is greater chance of a student not meeting target grades and as such continuation on the course may be jeopardised.
Academic Work
By joining Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form you have agreed to:
Complete all work on time and to the best of your ability
Prepare work for lessons in advance, as and when required
Attend Extended Learning Lessons as detailed on your timetable
Utilise study periods to ensure the required amount of time is spent on each subject to succeed.
Appearance
By joining Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form you have agreed to the following dress code statement:
The dress code for the Sixth Form is one of a ‘modern workplace’. We understand and respect that students wish to retain their individualism and to have greater freedom compared to their time at high school. We also believe that a serious place of learning should look and feel professional at all times. A ‘modern workplace’ dress code means precisely that; clothing which should be considered appropriate in a modern office environment. This does not have to mean a formal suit and tie, it is simply smart, professional attire. The test would be, is this appropriate for the workplace?
The following is considered to be inappropriate dress for the Sixth Form:
Extreme hair colour/styles and facial piercings
Flip-flops (as a matter of Health and Safety)
Short skirts/dresses/shorts that are above the mid-thigh
Torn jeans
Clothing bearing extreme slogans or symbols which may cause offence to others
Low cut tops and tops which expose the midriff
Please remember students within the Sixth Form are a role model for the rest of the school.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Sixth Form and School
Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth form will:
Provide access to a wide curriculum choice with excellent teaching, supported by quality facilities and resources
Offer support and guidance to ensure you are placed on a programme appropriate to your personal needs within the curriculum on offer
Provide a rich programme beyond academic qualifications geared to your needs and interests
Ensure you achieve the benefits of a school which has a proven record of academic success
Provide quality teaching in the classroom and beyond, that will motivate and challenge you to aspire to high ambitions and achievements
Implement individual and regular quality mentoring of you, both in academic subjects and personal development activities
Supply careers guidance, including, if you choose so, a highly successful UCAS process for University applications
Communicate with home regularly on aspects of Sixth Form life including students’ progress, achievement, attendance and pastoral issues (where necessary and appropriate)
Provide a Sixth Form which constantly strives to provide you with an outstanding educational experience that will prepare you for your chosen path ahead.
Students
As a young adult and student at Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form, I will:
Take responsibility, with my teachers, for my learning
Use Private Study and homework time to further my understanding of the topic being covered
Work hard and go beyond the minimum effort to ensure I succeed
Strive to achieve beyond my Target Grades
Meet deadlines for work to ensure no coursework falls below my Target Grade
Maintain a work/life balance which is effective in ensuring my academic success
Set an example to younger students, contribute to the wider school community and follow the rules of the school, this includes adhering to the no smoking policy in and around the school
Make full use of my Mentoring and Personal Development sessions to support my development
Follow procedures to report any absence
Ensure paid work is not undertaken during school hours
Not act in a way which could/might bring the reputation of the school into disrepute
Treat school staff, fellow students, property and resources with respect
Avoid taking holidays during school time
Inform the Sixth Form Team of any outside commitments or extra-curriculum activities which may have an impact on my learning.
Parents
Parents are a critical partner in the programme and are encouraged to:
Support and encourage their son/daughter to achieve their potential
Recognise that Sixth Form study is a full time education
Support the school in the expectation that students attend lessons, assemblies and personal development sessions
Maintain close communication with the Sixth Form on aspects that affect students’ progress, including pastoral issues
Monitor their son’s/daughter’s work/life balance and ensure any paid work does not interfere with their studies
Support the Sixth Form by not taking their son/daughter on holiday during term time
