Horsforth School Sixth Form Prospectus

The positive relationship between staff and Post 16
A positive
students allows us to behave more like adults.
Student
learning experience
A typical programme of study
Advanced students might choose three or four subjects
at AS level in Year 12 and continue three of them as
A2 in Year 13. All AS and A2 students take a General
Studies course.
It is possible for Advanced students to choose a new
AS level subject for Year 13, depending on the option
blocks and course availability.
“There is
of really being in control
of your own studies
– a real sense
”
Student
of independence.
Curriculum
enhancement
the feeling
We recognise the importance of broadening
the education of Post 16 students beyond
their chosen courses. Employers and
universities place increasing emphasis on
problem-solving abilities, inter-personal
qualities, teamwork, communication,
numeracy and the effective use of
information technology. We offer a
comprehensive scheme of extra-curricular
activities to allow students to develop
these qualities and skills, which are then
documented and used for reports and
reference purposes.
Horsforth School has received national
commendation for our Post 16 enhancement
activities, including participation in the
international final of the ‘Odyssey of the
Mind’ competition, two top-ten entries
in the national ‘Newspaper of the Year’
competition, and regional finalists of the
‘Young Consumer’ contest.
Opportunity & Achievement for All
Monitoring progress
In addition to the Standards for Learning System,
our Progress Review provides support by giving students
subject-specific minimum target grades based on ability
and prior performance. This creates a dialogue between
students and subject teachers regarding the subject-specific
skills essential for success, enabling Parents/Carers to
be involved through reports and consultation. Progress
is reviewed every term and action taken to plan for
improvement when necessary.
Student welfare
Post 16 students benefit from a pastoral system based on small tutor groups
that focus on the individual. Post 16 tutors support students by ensuring the
Standards for Learning system is deployed. They are the first point of contact
for any student’s concerns, and provide practical guidance on how to balance
commitment to lessons, private study, enhancement activities and relaxation.
International links
We are proud to have developed
numerous links with schools and
organisations in other countries
– exchanges and cultural visits to The
Czech Republic, France, Germany,
Honduras, Japan and Holland make
a very positive contribution to the
experiences of our Post 16 students.
Horsforth
students’ personal
development
and well-being
are judged to be
outstanding.
Ofsted 2005
Additional opportunities
Paid positions exist for students as Science, ICT and Art
technicians, Learning Resource Centre support and Reception
staff. Some Post 16 students receive training to develop the
reading abilities of younger students at Horsforth School.
In Music and Drama, students play a part in the School’s
productions, as well as joining the orchestra, jazz orchestra,
choir and annual talent show. Those keen on sports coaching
help to organise the rugby, football, hockey and netball teams,
among others, obtaining the valued Sports Leadership CSLA
and HSLA awards.
For Learner Drivers, there is a free six-week course to develop
both theory and practical skills.
Post 16 members may work with younger students in
Key Stage 3 tutor-group activities, ranging from drama
and presentations to quizzes and mentoring. They
also organise activities in areas such as Chess,
Cheerleading and Film.
Year 12 and 13 students write, edit and help
to produce the school Newsletter and Post 16
magazine. The Post 16 Centre organises events
and raises funds for charities such as Oxfam and
St Gemma’s Hospice.
Post 16 and Student Councils
Post 16 students experience the responsibilities and
opportunities associated with citizenship through their
involvement in the Council system. Students may act
as a tutor group representative on the Post 16 Council,
or as a Post 16 representative on the Student Council.
They become involved in the decision-making processes
in matters such as fundraising, the development of
facilities and the Post 16 curriculum itself.
All Year 12 and 13 students are ‘Leaders’ at Horsforth
School and are expected to act as role models for
other students.