Sixth Form
“Staff are mindful of the stage pupils are at. They design learning which is aimed at the individual and based on careful assessment of what pupils know and can do.” Ofsted 2022
Within the Sixth Form at West Heath School, we offer bespoke programmes of study through a phased transition over one, two or three years, focusing on offsite learning and preparation for adulthood.
The main reasons why a student may wish to join our Sixth Form are:
Ø They currently attend West Heath School but do not yet feel ready to be an independent learner
Ø Their current school does not have a Sixth Form, or
Ø They may just want a fresh start
Prior to a student joining the Sixth Form, discussions are held between the school, the student and the parents/carers to ascertain the most suitable education pathway Post 16.
Within the Sixth Form we place a large emphasis on pastoral care and support which is provided by our designated Sixth Form tutors located both onsite and within our offsite partners. Regular communication between the Sixth Form tutors and parents/carers ensures they are involved throughout the students’ journeys.
There are no formal entry requirements to the Sixth Form but for a successful placement the following should be used as a guide;
Ø Y11 Attendance 80%+ (our external partner colleges make no adjustments in their expectations on attendance, so it is important students join the Sixth Form with good attendance records)
Ø English and Maths qualification at any level (Functional Skills or GCSE)
Sixth Form Pathways
We operate in two environments - onsite and offsite
Onsite - West Heath Gate Lodge
Our onsite Sixth Form provision is based in our Gate Lodge building at West Heath and provides a small and nurturing environment for students to develop their confidence, independence and skills for adulthood.
Students based at Gate Lodge will work towards achieving a qualification in one or more of the following:
Level 3 Diploma in Art – This course is aimed at students who have previously studied Art at GCSE (or equivalent) and have an interest in acquiring and extending their practical skills whilst widening their knowledge of art and design disciplines alongside the development of a portfolio. Students have access to a separate Art studio within the school in order to learn and develop new skills with specialist support. Students from this route have progressed to further education, university or employment.
LEAP - This is a one-year course delivered in our specialist Sixth Form provision, housed separately to the main school. Students on this pathway study towards a L1 qualification in Employability and Progression. The course is designed to develop students’ skills and confidence in order to prepare them for progression to college, an apprenticeship or one of our partner provisions. Students also have the opportunity to explore areas of interest through optional units and/or work experience. Students on this pathway will continue to study towards achieving GCSE and/or Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths.
Skills for Employment – Students have the opportunity to attend a small provision in Tunbridge Wells, specialising in working with young people to obtain L1 City & Guilds qualifications in construction skills. Students studying these courses usually progress to college to continue their studies in a particular discipline or to apprenticeships or employment.
Supported Internship – This route is aimed at students looking to progress into the work place and enables them to gain experience working in a sector that they are interested in. The programme is based primarily with an employer and supports students to gain the skills they need for work by learning in the workplace. Students from this route will be looking to transition to paid employment at the end of the programme. The academic aspect of the student’s programme is delivered by the school.
English
GCSE or Functional Skills Qualifications as appropriate.
Mathematics
GCSE or Functional Skills Qualifications as appropriate.
Offsite - College Centres
Mid Kent College, Maidstone
Our college pathway enables students to study at our partner college where they can access vocational and academic courses at a range of levels. We currently work with Mid Kent College, Maidstone. Support is provided by the specialist Sixth Form Team during social times (where required) and to develop independence as well as during learning activities both inside and outside of the classroom. This has been an incredibly successful experience for our learners as it develops their confidence, independence and skills for adulthood in preparation for transition to life beyond West Heath including further education, apprenticeships, employment and university.
For more detail on the courses available, please visit the Mid Kent College website
Beechwood School, Tunbridge Wells
Although students are able access academic provision, including A-levels, at our partner college, we recognise that this environment is not suitable for all of our learners. We also work in partnership with Beechwood School, a local independent secondary school, providing transition for high-performing students who wish to study A-levels in a small, rigorously academic setting. Students are supported to transition beyond West Heath and to develop their confidence, social and independent skills in preparation for transition to university or an apprenticeship.
For more detail on the A-level subjects available, please see the Beechwood School Sixth Form booklet.
“For some pupils, sixth form takes place at a satellite site located at a local further education college.
Students enjoy the opportunity this gives them to develop their social skills and prepare them for life
after they leave the school.” Ofsted 2022
General Information
Progress Data
In the academic year 2023/24 the students accessed a variety of subjects including the following courses;
Ø GCSE and Functional Skills in English and Maths
Ø A-level Computer Science, Maths & Physics
Ø L1 Carpentry
Ø L1 Hairdressing
Ø L1 Learning, Employability and Progression
Ø L2 Art & Design
Ø L2 Beauty Therapy
Ø L2 Performing Arts
Ø L3 Creative Media
Ø L3 Public Services
Careers and Work Placements
To help prepare the students for adulthood, a large emphasis is placed on the importance of work placement programmes.
We benefit from a designated Work Placement Co-ordinator who is tasked with finding the students placements based on their educational course, interests and career aspirations. We endeavour to get as many students as possible regular suitable work placements as opposed to one off work experiences. For some of our students this has led to part-time paid employment alongside their education.
A work placement pack is provided before the student begins the placement providing clear information for the employer and the student. Built into the pack is an opportunity for reflection by the student and this helps to support their development. The Sixth Form Team also supports students in creating or developing their CV’s in preparation for moving on to the world of work.
All Sixth Form students are also invited to attend an individual careers meeting where they have the opportunity to discuss their plans and receive guidance and support. A plan of action is agreed during the meeting to help students understand the next steps that should be taken.
Life Skills
Part of the important work undertaken in the Sixth Form is the development of independent life skills. This takes many forms based on individual needs and locations however the main areas covered are:
Ø Social development with their peers and the general public.
Ø Independent travel training (foot, bus and train).
Ø Financial (e.g. budgeting, money management, bank accounts).
Ø Managing daily routines (e.g. punctuality, deadlines).
Ø Domestic independence (e.g. cooking, laundry, shopping).
Term Dates
As our Sixth Form students attend a number of different provisions, the term dates follow the college or provision they are attending and not those of West Heath School (this includes our residential students).
Staff Support
Where appropriate, Sixth Form staff support students in line with their college timetable, even where this is beyond the end of the West Heath School day.
Therapy
We have a range of therapists that work onsite and at our offsite providers, including a designated counsellor for Sixth Form students. Access to other therapies are provision and timetable dependent.