CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY

On the news this morning I heard a brief headline about the need for teachers to raise the ambitions of students. Interestingly, our assembly this morning was planned to celebrate the achievements of Post 16 students. For this, selected students inYears 12 & 13 were chosen by staff across the school for notable achievements within subjects. These chosen students have impressed their subject teachers with their commitment to their studies and their determination to do the best during lessons and in private study.

There were so many awards to distribute, that it took the Head boy and Head girl with the leadership team more than 15 minutes to hand them out. It was good to hear the reasons cited which for drive and ambition

This was a good end to this term. Students have also been given their reports for Term 1 and this will provide an opportunity to use the half term wisely and productively.

TERM 1 DRAWS TO A CLOSE

As term 1 draws to a close it is interesting to reflect on Post 16 life with the school's first complete cohort. The atmosphere continues to be lively and positive. It is always busy in the cafeteria but this is counter balanced by students working independently and in small groups as they approach the challenges of their KS5 academic studies.

SFLT
The Sixth Form Leadership Team have delivered assemblies to all of the lower school on Post 16 life and were impressive in their confidence and poise. They were overwhelming vocal in their support of the school and the positive impact that their studies have had for them.

UCAS APPLICATIONS
We have also now begun the UCAS application process and Year 13 students are busy completing their personal statements or having practise interviews for Oxbridge. It is exciting to report that offers of places are now coming to our students. A special mention has to go to Sam Bosley  as he was the first to complete his UCAS application and the first student to receive an offer of a place. CONGRATULATIONS

GOLD Duke of Edinburgh Award
Over 30 Year 12 students have now signed up for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. They will be having their practise expedition in 10 days time - Good luck to all of them.

SCHOOL OPEN EVENING

School Open Evening

Last night was the first time that we had Year 7 through to Year 13 on site, showing prospective Year 5 / 6 pupils and their parents around the school and discussing their own experiences of education here. Some Post16 students acted as guides, whilst others served refreshments or worked within departments. There was also a delightful masked performance entitled The Park' performed by Year 12 students in the post16 centre.
This was another significant moment for the school as it marked the first occasion when we are now officially a full, comprehensive school educating students up to the age of 19.

Staff Pride

There was a strong sense of pride from the staff in seeing these poised Post16 students, interacting with parents, answering questions with confidence and maturity and taking a responsible role in supporting the school and its future students.

Parent comments

Parents commented repeatedly to me about how impressive the sixth form students were in helping them explore the different subject areas. A parent stated that she felt the school was 'enriched' by having post16 students and that there were an excellent role model for the younger students.

I would like to personally thank all of Years 12 &13 for their time last night - hope you enjoy the chocolates!

POST16 STUDIES WELCOMES NEW YEAR 12

September 2012

It has been a busy and positive start to the academic year which has opened its doors to a complete and full Sixth Form.

Welcome of Year 12
The new Year 12 students have now arrived in the Post16 centre and the area is fuller and more alive than ever before. It is also very good to see the Year 13 students interacting with and welcoming the new students. Year 13 tutor groups have been paired with Year 12 groups and are becoming academic mentors to the Year 12 students as they make the transition form GCSE to the demands of A levels.

KS5 awareness evening
It was a delight to welcome the year 12 students and their parent to this evening which aimed to outline the expectations of KS5 study as well as outline the range of opportunities the school is offering for Enrichment.

Enrichment
Presentations from the 'Duke of Edinburgh Award' and 'Young Enterprise' have clearly inspired Year 12 as 36 students have now signed up for the Duke of Edinburgh award with plans for their expedition in October half term.

RESULTS!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL CURRENT YEAR 12 STUDENTS WITH THEIR RESULTS THIS SUMMER.

Year 13 enrolment = Thursday 16th August, 10am - 12pm, The post16 centre

GOOD LUCK TO ALL GCSE STUDENTS - WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO YEAR 12 IN SEPTEMBER

Year 12 enrolment = Thursday 23rd August, 10am - 2pm, The Post16 centre

Fit For Work Conference

Today was the last day of Year 12 for our students as next week they will all be involved in work experience. The day began with an award assembly to celebrate the many notable achievements and successes over this academic year. 

For work experience, students have all secured placements in a variety of locations as a preparation for their future plans and ambitions. These work experience placements are varied and include : Formula 1, Radio work, GP surgery, Hospital placement, Vet practice and local Government.

In preparation for work experience, all Year 12 students took part in the 'Fit for Work' conference which explored how to conduct yourself in the work place, give a positive impression and to work successfully with others to create successful teams. Students were led through a variety of activities and asked to consider their own strengths as a potential member of the workforce as well as their own personal areas for development. 

I would like thank all the wonderful Year 12 students for the positive and committed approach 

to their studies this academic year and to wish all of them a happy summer holiday. 

This year has been a joy for me - and that is because of the wonderful students that have formed our first-ever Year 12.

GOOD LUCK FOR RESULTS DAY TO YOU ALL!!!

The new Year 12 joined us this week for a 2 day induction into Post16 Studies.

Day 1 was hosted by 'Young Enterprise' and gave the students the opportunity to work together in a competitive and business environment - with support and expert advice provided by BicesterVision.

Year 13 students were on hand to work with the students and the day was a lively and entertaining experience of the business world.

Day 2 was an opportunity for the Year 12 students to have taster lessons in their chosen subjects and to begin to prepare themselves for the challenges and rewards of KS5 courses.

I would like to wish all in-coming Year 12 students a good summer and I look forward to seeing you all for enrolment on results day and then welcoming you officially to the sixth form in September.