SIXTH FORM
Since Easter, the focus of the Sixth Form has been very much on the crucial examinations which our students have been sitting. We have been very impressed with the mature and determined manner in which the Year 13s approached this challenge and our fingers are crossed for the outcomes they deserve. This year we have 44 university applications, for subjects as diverse as Biological Sciences, Product Design, Criminology, Physics, Geography, Aerospace Engineering and Law.
Something which some readers may not be very aware of is the Extended Project Qualification which a number of our Year 13s opt to complete each year. The EPQ is worth half an A level, but rather than being yet another taught course, it is a substantial project based upon a student’s own research. It can be focused on almost anything, but has to demonstrate a real ability to successfully study independently. This year our Year 13 cohort created some amazing projects of a very high standard, which included building a fully functioning submarine, designing a house in Bath to a specific brief using up-to-the-minute architect software, and creating a brand-new satirical Mr Man book for adults: Mr Trump. If this ever gets published I urge you to buy it – you won’t be disappointed!
As we did last year, the Year 13s will celebrate their graduation from the school with a suitably posh meal and presentation evening at Cumberwell. After this we have the small matter of Results Day, before we say ‘goodbye’. A level Results Day is 16 August, when Year 13 results will be available from 9am. Please note that this does not include results of any GCSE re-sits, which will be released on 23 August. A number of senior members of staff will be on hand to support students in decisions to be made based on results.
While the Year 13s have been buried in their books, the Year 12 students have been busy working towards their own futures. Almost the entire year group attended a UCAS convention at the University of Winchester in April, while some others visited a similar event at Wiltshire College. These events help students to get an idea about the options which they have in front of them, as well as giving them the opportunity to tour higher education institutions and to have conversations with advisors. Many students are in the process of
www.matravers.wilts.sch.uk
attending university open days, and we took a minibus of students to a Lecture Day at Bath Spa University in early July. Here, students had the opportunity to attend lectures in subjects of their choosing to help get a better feel for what studying at university is like. Some students are attending university summer schools to gain valuable experience of living away from home and to try courses in even more depth in advance of their autumn applications.
Work Experience Week for Year 12s is imminent, with the majority of students finding suitable placements. One student has already completed a brilliant week working with Hanson in a local quarry, sampling many aspects of their impressive business, including enormous explosions at the quarry face! Upon their return from their placements (including the MoD, local engineering firms, nurseries, hotels, primary schools, etc.) all Year 12s will be having a ‘Bigger Interview’ in which they will present to teachers and local business people on their recent experience and what they have gained from it. This is again to help support students in choosing their future pathways. I would like to thank all those who have offered placements to our students. If you personally would like to offer a placement in the future, or if you know of somebody who might, please contact me at the school.
I would like to take this opportunity to also thank the Year 12 students themselves, who have given generously of their time throughout the year to support younger students in the school, and in the wider community. For months, many Year 12s have been working as ‘Reading Buddies’ to younger students who need support with their reading; they have acted as personal mentors, helped support teachers in lessons, led assemblies to lower year groups, and supported in the recent Year 6 Induction Days. They really are brilliant young people and we are very proud of them.
We have Freshers’ Week for the new Year 12s coming up from the 9 July, which will allow all students to try out the Sixth Form for a number of days and to start to get a better understanding of the demands of the subjects they have opted for. Information about how new entrants to the Sixth Form can claim a free suit will be released shortly.
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