Sixth Form

SIXTH FORM: A GENERAL OVERVIEW

The Sixth Form at Torquay Girls' Grammar School is a vital component of the school community. We are proud of the girls in our Sixth Form and we are especially pleased to welcome girls from other local schools, as well as from elsewhere in Europe. The Sixth Form enjoys many links with the Boys' Grammar school, including shared social areas and activities. Some subjects are taught jointly at AS and A2 levels. The Sixth Form has its own base in the new purpose built Sixth Form centre and the girls enjoy many privileges. They have their own dress code which has been chosen by the Sixth Formers, and they are able to leave the school site during the lunch-break and to go home if they have finished their lessons for the day earlier than the main school.

Students will have some periods each week when they are not being taught formally. These ‘free' periods are for the purpose of private study since all AS/A-level subjects require a great deal of individual commitment. On average each subject will require a minimum of four hours a week of individual study in addition to lessons. Study rooms, libraries and resource areas are available but students also have the option of using the Common Room during these periods. It is important that students learn to make good use of non-contact time and develop study skills and self-motivation since these will be essential if they are to survive a course in Higher or Further Education.

Students have access to the well-stocked libraries of both the Girls' and Boys' Schools. The main school is organised as a resource-based learning centre and most departments also have a wide range of subject resources which students are encouraged to use. Computing facilities and Internet Access are available throughout the school.

The Careers Department and the Sixth Form Tutorial programme aim to give impartial advice to help Sixth Formers concerning:

• Degree Courses
• Year in Industry
• Previous Students' Destinations
• Institutions of Further/Higher Education
• Student Finance
• Interview Techniques
• Labour Market Information
• Employment Opportunities
• Gap Years
• Work Experience Placements

Tutorial sessions and Community Studies' sessions deliver essential modules of advice and guidance. All students attend the Higher Education Fair in Exeter and many take advantage of school trips to selected University Open Days, Careers Conventions and specialised careers' talks. Individual career guidance counselling can be arranged with senior members of staff, tutors, the Careers Co-ordinator and the Connexions team. Students receive help in organising appropriate work experience placements. Subject staff do offer advice in their specialist areas.

During the two-year course academic progress is assessed using a range of tests and examinations. Target setting takes place with both Year 13 and 12 so that students can measure their individual performances against a personal target. We report at least once each term to students and parents on individual effort and attainment. This is the core of our business and we do take it very seriously.

We regard parents as partners in their daughter's education and to this end parents are invited into school on a number of occasions: in Year 11 to discuss courses available in the Sixth Form prior to students making their initial selection; at the start of Year 12 for an Information Evening; at the end of Year 12 for a Higher Education Evening; and then to various parents' evenings held to discuss student progress. In addition parents can make appointments to see the Director of Sixth Form, Mr. Gregory, at any time should the need arise.