SIXTH FORM COURSES BOOKLET 2019

Aspire ♦ Succeed ♦ Lead

CONTENTS PAGE

Welcome from the Principal …………………….………….……….………….……….…….….. 1

Introduction to the Sixth Form Team ……………….……….….……………………...….…… 2

Frequently Asked Questions .…………………………………………………………………. .…. 3-4

LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM

Life in the Sixth Form ..………………………………………………………………..……………. 5

Tutor Support and Guidance ...……………………………………………………..……………… 6

The Progression Module ...…………………………………………….…………..……………..…. 6

Leadership Opportunities …………………………………….………………..………………….... 7

The Student Leadership Team ………………………………………………..……...……………... 8

Teambuilding and Personal Challenges ………………...……………………...……………………. 9

Extra-Curricular and Enrichment Activities ………………...………………..…………………….. 10-11

Destination of Leavers 2018 ……..…………………………………………………..…….……….. 12

WELCOME from Mrs K.T.M. Matthews, Principal

I am delighted to welcome you to Bradford Girls' Grammar School for your sixth form education. The transition

from GCSE to Advanced Level is significant because of the increased level of commitment and depth of study you

are about to undertake. This is a challenging yet exciting period of your education and this booklet is designed to

guide you through the choices available. Use it in conjunction with advice from your tutors and subject teachers.

It will give you a flavour of life in the Sixth Form at Bradford Girls' Grammar School, the excellent teaching and

facilities we provide and of course, what we expect from our students in return.

At Bradford Girls' Grammar School, we encourage our students to aim high. Our motto is Aspire, Succeed, Lead.

We apply it to every subject we teach, to our extensive extra-curricular programme, and to the whole school

community. The college atmosphere in the Sixth Form encourages high levels of intellectual curiosity and

personal development alongside preparation for success at university and in the world of work.

To this end all students have a personal tutor. Tutorials are held every day and allow for the discussion of issues

of common or topical interest, whilst smaller groups meet with tutors to confer over the progress of work,

organisation of time, and other such practical matters. In addition there is an extensive programme of

enrichment activities and experiences designed to extend each student beyond their academic studies.

Students join the Sixth Form at Bradford Girls' Grammar School with individual aspirations and our role is to work

with each student to ensure they are fully prepared to achieve their future life and career choices.

I look forward to welcoming you into the Sixth Form at Bradford Girls' Grammar School.

1

INTRODUCTION to the Sixth Form Team

We recognise that you have now arrived at a point of transition in your life and

we are here to help you make the most of it. We are very proud of the

outstanding levels of support and guidance offered to all our sixth form

students in their academic studies and with preparation for the years ahead.

During your time in the Sixth Form you will benefit from a robust academic

monitoring system, with access to additional support to ensure you stay on

track to reach your full potential. This is underpinned by a strong pastoral and

personal development programme to help equip you with the skills and abilities

to achieve academic and personal success.

Mr N. Bates. Head of Sixth Form

Mrs C. Harry: Sixth Form Support Mrs E. Tucker: Student Services

Sixth Form provides a transitional phase between senior school

and university where students nurture greater independence,

more effective study skills and broaden their horizons beyond the

confines of the classroom. It is a time when our students take

control of their future, making their own decisions as they prepare

for university and beyond.

Life in the Sixth Form will certainly be challenging and exciting as

you prepare for your future life and career and I wish you every

success.

Mrs S. Thurston. Deputy Head of Sixth Form

We place great value upon the link between our students’ emotional well-being and their potential for achievement.

As such, our Sixth Form experience will provide personalised care and attention to help you manage your studies and the pressures of sixth form life, ensuring your two crucial years are enjoyable and rewarding and lead to the best possible outcome.

As a Sixth Form student you will be encouraged to engage in the extensive range of enrichment and leadership opportunities available. These will help you develop the key transferable skills valued by both universities and employers alike.

In your final year you can then draw on these evidence-based skills and experiences to present a dynamic personal statement that helps secure the highest university offers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What GCSE grades are required for entry into the Sixth Form?

Both internal and external students will require 5 or more GCSE passes at grades 6 to 9. Separate requirements

may apply in order to study specific subjects. Students will also need to have secured their English and Maths to

a minimum of grade 5, depending on their choices.

In order to support students wanting to study A level subjects that contain a high mathematical content -

specifically Psychology, Geography, Business Studies and either of the three sciences - students will be offered

the Core Maths module in addition to their chosen subjects unless they have already included Maths as an A

level option or they are studying to re-sit their GCSE Maths.

Students will be admitted in accordance with the School’s Admissions Policy, a copy of which is available from

the school office or can be downloaded from the website.

How many subjects will I be expected to study?

We expect that ALL students will study three A level subjects. In addition, there is the opportunity to undertake

the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which supports preparation for undergraduate study.

How many hours of teaching are allocated for each A level subject?

Each A level subject will be allocated five hours of teaching per week. The remainder of the timetable will be

designated for private study and will include time to undertake the EPQ, Progression Module and volunteering.

However, you cannot be successful in your A Level studies based purely on what is completed in class. You are

therefore expected to match the scheduled teaching time for each subject with an equivalent number of

independent study hours and are therefore allocated set study periods for each subject per week. In addition

there are subject workshops and tutorials where students can engage with staff in discussion and planning.

How should I choose my subjects?

We recognise that narrowing down the curriculum from up to 10 GCSE subjects to just three requires some

difficult decisions and therefore recommend that you choose subjects that you have a proven track record at

GCSE and also ones that both interest you and you enjoy. Not only is the workload much more demanding at A

level, but you will be studying each subject in much more depth, and will be expected to undertake a fair

amount of work outside the classroom. It will therefore prove much easier to stay motivated and achieve your

potential if you are able to manage the demands of the A level course and it is a subject you enjoy.

You should also consider what you want to study at university and your future career ambitions. If you know the

degree course you wish to study, you can find out which A-level subjects are a prerequisite for entry and will

therefore better support your application.

As is the case with the majority of students, however, it is likely that you are unsure about your plans after

school and we therefore offer advice and support to help you choose the path that will keep your career options

open, whilst still playing to your strengths.

It is recommended that you choose 2 facilitating subjects to study at A level, as this will open up more university

course options. The following subjects are regarded as facilitating subjects by the universities; Biology,

Chemistry, English Literature, French, Geography, German, History, Mathematics, Physics and Spanish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make sure I have chosen the right combination of subjects?

The booklet not only provides a detailed overview of each individual A level subject, including the course

content, but also provides suggestions for complementary subjects to help you decide your final A level

combination. This should not only ensure you make the optimum choices to suit your capabilities and ambitions,

but will also provide the greatest option outcomes for university and the next step in your career.

The Information Evening will offer an excellent opportunity to discuss all your options with A level teaching staff

and the Sixth Form Team. In addition, you will be able to explore your options for further study with

representatives from local universities who will be available to discuss the UCAS application process and specific

course options in more detail.

When will my A level choices be confirmed?

The Sixth Form Information Evening will have provided an ideal opportunity for students to meet with subject

specialists and discuss A level options in detail. Following this, both the completed application form and the

course option form will need to be submitted by Friday 22 February 2019.

You will then be invited for a meeting to discuss your choices and will be guided through your options so that

the decisions you make offer you the very best chance of success.

Conditional offers of places in the Sixth Form will be sent out by Friday 8 March 2019.

The deadline for returning the Acceptance Slips for a conditional place is Friday 22 March 2019.

Confirmation of A level subject choices will then be made on GCSE Results Day: Thursday 23 August 2019.

What if I change my mind about my subject choices?

We often find that, even after students have made their final subject choices and submitted their application

form, many then decide that they want to revisit their initial selection. This is absolutely fine, and we make

sufficient allowance to accommodate these subject changes.

We want to make sure that students are confident in their subject choices and will gain maximum benefit and

enjoyment from their A level studies. The Sixth Form Team and current subject teachers will therefore be happy

to talk through any option changes at the initial meeting, following application, and then again in August, on

Results Day.

What happens if I do not achieve the GCSE results I need to go onto my chosen course?

As long as you meet the minimum of 5 or more GCSE passes at grades points 6 to 9, you will still be offered a

place in the Sixth Form.

Therefore, even if you do not meet the entry requirements for your chosen A level course you should still come

into school on Results Day. You will be offered advice and guidance to help you find an alternative course that

still plays to your strengths and leads you towards your chosen area of interest or university course.

4

LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM

Students joining the Sixth Form will find that they have

a great deal more freedom and choice regarding their

studies, and with that comes a great deal of

responsibility. As such they will need to balance their

work time and leisure time.

Study at A level is also significantly more demanding

than GCSE and the sooner students settle into a routine

the better. They will have to develop the skills required

for independent study as they will need to manage their

time well in order to meet deadlines.

THE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

The Sixth Form College is housed in a separate building

adjacent to the Senior School where there are teaching

rooms, an ICT suite and a number of dedicated quiet study

areas. Students have access to a number of laptops which

may be used in any of the study rooms or may chose to

bring in their own device for personal study.

During study periods, students may work in one of the Sixth

Form study areas, senior school library or main school ICT

suite. Students may also make use of the networked laptop

computers available both in the sixth form or main school

library. Sixth Form students therefore enjoy their own

distinct space and facilities whilst still being an integral part of the whole school.

The college atmosphere in the Sixth Form reflects the growing independence and maturity encouraged among

students whilst the adult learning environment helps prepare students for university and the next stage of their

career.

DRESS CODE

Whilst students in the Sixth Form are not required to wear the

school uniform they are still expected to dress smartly and

adhere to the school’s high standards of presentation.

Students should wear smart business attire, including

appropriate footwear, as would be expected in the workplace

and to reflect their growing maturity.

Sixth Form students are expected to be mindful of their new

responsibilities as ambassadors of the school and as positive

role models to the younger pupils. Their clothing and

appearance should therefore be appropriate at all times.

5

TUTOR SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE

SIXTH FORM TUTOR GROUPS

At the start of year 12, all students will be allocated a Sixth Form Tutor and assigned a Tutor Group who will

meet at the start and end of each day. Students will then stay with their allocated Tutor and the same form

group throughout their time in Sixth Form.

The Sixth Form Tutors have a wealth of experience of guiding students through the two years of A level study

and are able to provide considerable support to students during this important 2-year period in their education.

As students develop the skills required to become academically confident and independent they will therefore

be advised and supported every step of the way. Once settled into sixth form and their A level studies, tutors

focus on monitoring student progress.

Sixth Form Tutors also work closely with students intending to apply for higher education offering guidance

through the UCAS process and personal statements, mock interview opportunities, writing references, and

supporting preparation for individual university entry tests.

In addition, all students attend weekly PSHE sessions which include a programme of external speakers, and

guidance on supporting academic study. Towards the end of Year 12, these sessions concentrate on the

preparation for application to higher education and a focus on possible career options, with a number of careers

presentations from an array of professionals.

The college has strong links with the local universities at Bradford, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester, with

admission tutors regularly visiting to provide information on the range of undergraduate courses on offer and

advice on the application process. Students are also encouraged to apply for the various outreach programmes

including ‘Reach for Excellence’ and ‘Access to Leeds’, currently offered by the University of Leeds.

THE PROGRESSION MODULE

The Progression Module is a unit of study for Year 12 students which involves the investigation of the various

career progression routes following sixth form study. It is designed by Leeds Beckett University and the

University of Huddersfield and is delivered in weekly one hour sessions by the Sixth Form Tutors. The module

consists of four units of study entitled; You and Your Career, Exploring Your Future, Managing Your Money and

Marketing Yourself.

As part of the individual units, students participate in a

range of practical activities in preparation for Higher

Education or employment. These cover; compiling CVs

and letters of application, writing personal statements,

managing student finances and budget planning,

developing effective research and study skills, and

improving presentation and interview skills with mock

interviews.

Successful completion of the scheme earns students 12

UCAS points that are recognised by the University of Huddersfield, Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Trinity

University. Students who successfully complete the Progression Module are invited to attend an

Awards Ceremony, held at the University of Huddersfield.

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LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sixth Form students are encouraged to take on posts of responsibility within the school and out in the wider

community, which further develop leadership, organisation, resilience, and communication skills that are valued

by universities and employers, and prepare them for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

On many occasions throughout the academic year Sixth Form students act as ambassadors for the school;

welcoming visitors, acting as guides at Open Events and coaching younger pupils. Students may also apply to

become a Sixth Form Prefect. If appointed, they are assigned to a lower school form group to help organise

fundraising activities, deliver the programme of house events, and generally act as mentors to the younger

pupils.

Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, Outward Bound Challenges and the National Citizen Service

(NCS) all provide further opportunities for students to develop life and leadership skills.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Students are required to take part in the Sixth Form

Community Volunteering Programme (CVP) and register

for a volunteering activity at the start of Year 12. Each

student will be allocated one hour each week to take

part in their chosen activity and will be expected to

complete at least 30 hours of community work by the

end of the Spring Term.

Volunteering hours are logged using the online CVP portal and

students work towards the VInspired volunteer accreditations

and awards which are recognised by universities as well as

growing number of employers.

In addition, students are expected to organise relevant work

experience following the end of the summer term through the

established links that have been developed with various

organisations including; Bradford Teaching Hospitals, the Barclays

Life Skills Programme, local pharmacies, dental practices, GP

surgeries and opticians.

THE LEAP BUSINESS PROGRAMME

Students are offered the opportunity to take part in the Leeds Enterprise

Advisory Programme (LEAP) - a business initiative which enables students

to set up their own company for a school year. This helps students

develop key business and interpersonal skills, such as teamwork ,

problem solving and project management.

By participating in the LEAP programme, seminars and competitions

students gain confidence and acquire valuable skills to be better

prepared for future employment or University interviews.

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THE STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Student Leadership Team are a group of student leaders who are appointed each year to represent the

student body, and play an important role in helping to run the school.

Over the elected term the duties of the team include: representing the school on formal occasions, liaising on

behalf of fellow students with senior staff, organising house activities and school fundraising events during

charity week, and helping to run the various clubs and activities in Lady Royd Primary. The team will also

oversea the work of all the Sixth Form Prefects.

More importantly, members of the Leadership Team are expected to act as ambassadors for the school and

inspirational role models for the younger pupils.

Year 12 students will have the opportunity to apply for a position on the Student Leadership Team during the

final term. As part of the process, BGGS staff are initially asked to nominate any Year 12 students they feel have

excelled during their time in the Sixth Form, in any area of school life, and who would therefore be most suitable

to represent the school as part of the Student Leadership Team. The most popular nominations are then put to a

student vote with the final selection decided by the Principal and Senior Leadership Team.

For the academic year 2018/19 the students elected to the Student Leadership Team are:

President:

Amn Bashir - Student Advocate and Liaison with Principal.

Lead for Year 10 and 11 Sixth Form Prefects

Vice Presidents:

Mehreen Rashid— Lead for Year 7 Sixth Form Prefects

Aishah Iqbal— Lead for Year 8 Sixth Form Prefects

Amina Hussain—Lead for Year 9 Sixth Form Prefects

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L-R: Aishah Iqbal, Amn Bashir, Amina Hussain and Mehreen Rashid

TEAMBUILDING AND PERSONAL CHALLENGES

THE ULLSWATER RESIDENTIAL

Students are offered the opportunity to take part in the three

day residential course, held in the spring term at the Ullswater

Activity Centre in Cumbria, which is run by the Outward Bound

Trust. Set in 18 acres of woodland, in the heart of the Lake

District, the centre plays host to an array of outdoor learning

and team building activities. Students face a number of

challenges to help develop and enhance valuable

leadership and teambuilding skills.

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH PROGRAMME

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Scheme is very popular at

Bradford Girls’ and is supported by a dedicated team of

experienced members of staff who provide advice,

guidance and encouragement. The scheme is made up

of four areas: volunteering, skills development, physical

activities and the planning, training and completion of a

challenging expedition, usually undertaken in one of the numerous picturesque locations in North Yorkshire.

Students can work towards a Bronze, Silver or Gold award with each one recognising the participants

achievement, commitment and dedication to their own individualised learning programme. The scheme is

recognised as a significant mark of achievement, which is widely recognised and valued by admissions

tutors and employers.

THE NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICE (NCS)

All students are encouraged to take part in the NCS programme in the summer, preceding entry to Sixth Form.

Representatives from the NCS programme are available at the Sixth Form Information Evening to discuss the

programme in detail and explain the application process.

The NCS programme is delivered in three parts over a 3-week period: an initial residential at an outward bound

centre, followed by a stay in university accommodation and finally a week involved in a community social action

project. Participants experience new challenges, learn new

skills and grow in confidence and independence, whilst

developing the key skills and experiences that help enhance

their personal statement.

LEEDS CITY HUNT AND TASKMASTER

Students in the Sixth Form take part in various activities and

experiences, designed to challenge and encourage team-

working. These are organised in the first term to help new

students settle into Sixth Form life and encourage

collaboration between the two year groups.

This year all Sixth Form students took part in a Leeds City Hunt and a Taskmaster Challenge.

9

ENRICHMENT AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS

The sixth form also provides the opportunity for students

to attend a number of conferences and events ,

curriculum-based trips and fieldwork visits and university

open days which are organised to enhance the

educational experience.

Over the past few years, these have included:

Biology and Geography Field Trips

Paris Conference, “Your Future in Europe” for

students of Business, Politics and Modern Languages.

A tour of the WWI Battlefields of Ypres Salient and

the Somme for those studying History

Auschwitz – school designation

Language college visits to Madrid

Visit to Parliament for students studying Politics

Theatre Visits to Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, London and Stratford upon Avon

Tour of a Magistrates Court for Criminal Psychology students

Art galleries and exhibitions, including the ‘Knit & Stitch’ Event in Harrogate

Visit to CERN and the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva

University Summer School and Open Day Visits

FITNESS AND WELL BEING PROGRAMME

Sixth Form students are required to take part in weekly Fitness and

Wellbeing sessions as part of a programme specifically developed for

Sixth Form students. The one hour Fitness sessions provides an

opportunity for students to take a break from academic studies and ‘let

off steam’. By enjoying a wide range of physical activities with friends,

students can help alleviate the tensions and pressures of A level study,

which is particularly beneficial during exam periods.

Students can choose from a wide range of options available including; netball,

volleyball, badminton, table tennis, football, swimming, circuits, athletics and dancing.

They are also encouraged to help tailor the programme to include activities they

particularly enjoy. Previous years have seen synchronised swimming, Zumba dance

classes and even a Sixth Form sports day added to the schedule.

The Wellbeing part of the programme focuses on helping to build

self- confidence and a positive body image with various

workshops on health, diet, personal motivation and the positive

impact of sport.

10

ENRICHMENT AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

THE PERFORMING ARTS

Each year, the Drama Department presents a full scale production

which can also take the form of a musical, in collaboration with

the Music Department. In recent years the school has

undertaken productions of Our Day Out, Annie, Bugsy Malone

and We Will Rock You which have all been successful with

numerous awards from the Wharfedale Festival of Theatre.

BGGS Dance Club is hugely popular throughout the school and

whilst many Sixth Form students choose to participate in the

various dance productions, others choose to provide back-stage

support, such as make-up, costume design, choreography or even

set design.

Given the keen interest in the performing arts, students are encouraged

to get involved in the performing arts to help develop effective and

confident oral communication emphasising the spoken language as a

practical and enjoyable skill.

Students are also opportunity to take part in the Speech & Drama

examinations of the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA)

and can now choose to study Drama and Theatre Studies as an A level

option.

MUSIC

Music at Bradford Girls' Grammar School is very popular and group or individual lessons are available each

week. The school offers tuition on a range of different instruments as well as singing lessons.

The music department has two teaching rooms and a recording studio as well as a suite of practice rooms. There

are also different rehearsal rooms around the school for the weekly extra curricular groups to rehearse in. A

wide variety of music ensembles are available and all girls are encouraged to attend.

The school is a centre for both the ABRSM practical and theory

examinations. This means that pupils will not have to leave school to

take their examination elsewhere. For those taking examinations which

require an accompaniment, there are a number of teachers in school

who are available to rehearse with them before the actual assessment.

There are many different opportunities for pupils to perform their

chosen musical instrument during the school year. These include

assemblies, school concerts and in the inter-house music competition,

held in the summer term.

11

DESTINATION OF LEAVERS 2018

Bradford Girls’ Grammar School has an excellent track record for matching Sixth Form students with their first

choice universities. The destinations of this summer’s leavers reflect the range and quality of universities and

courses for which Sixth Form students are accepted.

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Kings College London Medicine University of Bolton Foundation in Biomedical Science University of Bradford Biomedical Science (2) Clinical Technology Foundation Engineering (2) Foundation in Social Science & Management (2) Law (3) Optometry Public & Wellbeing University of Debrecen, Hungary Dentistry University of Durham Anthropology University of Huddersfield Accountancy and Finance English Literature Extended Science Degree (3) International Politics Operating Department Practice Medical Biology with Research Placement Pharmacy

University of Leeds Art and Design Dentistry Japanese Law Leeds Beckett University

Childhood Studies

Teacher Training

University of Leicester

Medical Physiology

University of Manchester

Pharmacology

Pharmacy

University of Northumbria

Psychology

University of Nottingham

Aerospace Engineering

University of Salford

Biomedical Science

Social Policy with Foundation - Deferred

University of Wolverhampton

Physics with Foundation Course

The Open University

Psychology

Colleges/Apprenticeships and Employment

Bradford College

Engineering Access Course

Science

In Employment (3)

NHS Apprenticeship (1)

Gap Year to gain additional skills and experiences to secure specific university courses (7)

Note: Students who are reapplying or students whose destinations are still unconfirmed are not listed.