Whether it’s a completely new stage, or a continuation of a student’s time at Manor School, its Sixth Form offers a flexible and open approach to post-16 study and developing a pathway into higher education, apprenticeships or the workplace. Applications are now being invited from those wishing to join the Raunds school’s Sixth Form, and while the majority of the 2021 intake will be from those who have been at the school since Year 7, applications are welcome from students from other schools who want to take advantage of the opportunities Manor School offers.
Darren Carter, Assistant Principal explained:
“For those who have been at Manor School since the beginning of secondary school, there’s the obvious benefits of continuity. They will be in an environment where the staff know them, where they know their teachers and are familiar with the approach to teaching.
“Our curriculum is centred around the three strands of Work.World.Wellness. This approach means that students leave Manor School with more than just their academic qualifications. Woven throughout the curriculum and in discrete lessons, students are taught to apply knowledge and understanding to enable them to become fully prepared to contribute to society, have a successful career and be healthy.
“That focus in Sixth Form combined with the very strong pastoral care aspect, means students will get all the support they need to get to their destination, not just educationally and exam results, but also the opportunity to grow and develop as people ready for the next step.
“Those students who find a change after GCSEs is what is needed will benefit from a new and different environment. We’re a relatively small Sixth Form and that means staff get to know every student, what their strengths and weaknesses are and what they need to succeed.”
Investment in Manor School Sixth Form has seen it move into the heart of the school. The Sixth Form Centre was opened last year and provides a modern and comfortable space for students to work. The students also have access to a restaurant and a second dedicated study area. There are plans to expand further as the Sixth Form grows, but with a focus on retaining the personal approach that appeals to some students more than a larger college.
Each student is part of a tutoring system, in a group of around 20, with a tutor who will be responsible for supporting and developing individuals, setting challenging but realistic targets, and for preparing references and personal statements.
The Student Executive is an elected student body which represents the view of the students, and the school is a member of the Elephant Group, which acts as a bridge between non-selective schools and the selective and independent sectors to improve social mobility and fair access to the top universities.
“Our information advice and guidance on subject choices and careers starts in Year 7 and builds through to Year 9 when choices are being made, and then continues right through to the sixth form,”
said Darren.
“The right information and advice from an early age can help students make the right decisions to get them where they need to be, so that we know their aims and ultimate destination, and that, combined with an extensive curriculum and wide range of options at A Level, is what is important.
“There are additional privileges in Sixth Form and it is important that students recognise that we want to treat them as young adults, and that this is dependent on them meeting expectations and maintaining the standards set out in the Learning Agreement they sign when they accept their place in Year 12.”
For those looking to join the Manor School Sixth Form, there is a programme of virtual events and introductory taster sessions coming up so that they can find out for themselves about the school and what it can offer. There will also be a virtual open evening when students and their parents can live chat to the Sixth Form team.
Contact Manor School on 01933 623921, email dcarter@manor.school or visit Manor School
