At Brooke Weston we provide you with the environment to support your individual development, over the course of your Post 16 studies. We work hard to ensure that the transition from Year 11 into the Sixth Form enables you to develop the specific skills you need to achieve your target grades and broaden your experiences more generally. As a Sixth Form student you will enjoy even more independence in your individual learning and your life. You will have the difficult task of balancing the different aspects of your life: study, a social and sporting life and perhaps a part-time job. The College recognises that you have many demands on your time and we will work with you to ensure that you are able to experience a range of activities alongside your academic studies.

We expect considerable commitment from you both in your studies and as a positive role model within the College community. To succeed you will need to attend all your lessons, tutor times and assemblies, hand in homework and meet all deadlines. Of course, there will be times when you need additional support; timely communication with your tutor and teachers will provide the support you need. An important and continuous element of the support we provide is through the role of the tutor who is available on a daily basis to work with you in meeting your targets. This pastoral role also recognises the importance of keeping your parents/guardians informed when necessary. Alongside this provision we also have a dedicated mentoring programme which is available to those of you who need additional support. This provides an environment you can discuss candidly the issues you have and seek solutions with your mentor.

It is expected that you will value the positive ethos at the College and recognise the important role that you, as a Sixth Form student, play in perpetuating this approach. Brooke Weston has a reputation for working closely with students to help them achieve their goals. The Sixth Form Learning Agreement serves to remind students of the expectations that we have and the basic qualities that are needed to succeed in the Sixth Form and society in general. The learning agreement emphasises a positive approach in the learning environment; an approach which will lead to success at this important stage of your education.

The professional and business-like appearance of staff and students sets an impressive standard; a standard that is recognised by our visitors who acknowledge the positive tone this creates. We expect Sixth Form students to adopt a similar business style dress. It is unacceptable for you to wear dress that does not meet the requirements of our dress code and you will be invited to return home if you attend College dressed inappropriately. The Principal reserves the right to be the final judge as to dress.

We are committed to support you through to the world of work or to higher or further education. In doing so we will provide timely information and ensure that we help you choose an opportunity that is right for you, with a view to maximising your potential. We have considerable expertise in offering you advice and guidance on personal statements, educational references, careers and preparing CVs and job applications.

An important aspect of our success in supporting students throughout their time at Brooke Weston is recognising the individual nature of all students. We therefore, recognise that students have a variety of learning styles which may reflect a preference for a particular route at Post 16.

We offer both academic courses; exam-based courses required for course entry by the high profile universities and applied courses; coursework-based courses which focus on a particular career route. These courses include Nationals and Applied A Levels. It is entirely appropriate for some students to take a mix of academic and applied courses.

As life becomes increasingly competitive we want to ensure that our students are in the best possible position to undertake their chosen careers and attend courses at universities of their choice. The Brooke Weston Diploma offers the opportunity for students to engage in a wide variety of activities over and above the academic side of the Sixth Form.

The Diploma consists of three main categories:

• Core Academic Studies
• Higher Studies
• Inspiration, Endeavour and Community (IEC)

Core Academic Studies consists of a variety of individual routes towards the achievement of three or four A Levels or equivalent applied route at the end of Year 13.

Higher Studies consists of a range of activities which are suitable for all students but particularly those applying to high profile universities and to courses for which entry is extremely competitive. The key aim of Higher Studies it to offer students the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment and ability to study at a higher level or engage in more independent study. These include Open University Courses, Advanced Extension Awards, the Extended Project, University subject aptitude tests and the University of Northampton through whom we are able to offer a business-based module on entrepreneurship. These courses provide the opportunity for students to complement their core studies by, in some cases, experiencing undergraduate study prior to university and also offering additional evidence of your capabilities for use in your personal statement.

Inspiration, Endeavour and Community (IEC) offers students the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities including arts, music, sports, expeditions, international projects and voluntary work with the local or international community. We recognise this is an important stage in your life, where you are making the transition into adulthood. Therefore, we firmly believe that alongside your core studies programme, exposure to a broad-base of extra-curricular opportunities will enhance your opportunities of either university education or employment. All students in the Sixth Form will undertake Core Academic Studies. Although not compulsory, all students are actively encouraged to undertake aspects of both Higher Studies and IEC activities and, in so doing, accumulate points towards the Brooke Weston Diploma.