Alt Prospectus_Alternative prospecus

RED MAIDS’
SIXTH FORM
Alternative
PROSPECTUS
Written
by students,
for students
Find out all you need
to know about being
a Red Maids'
Sixth Former

Welcome to our
Alternative Prospectus!
Moving into the Sixth Form…
What do our girls enjoy about Red Maids’?
Contents
Page
2 – Moving into Sixth Form
3 – Head Girls and Almoners
4 – Almoner events
5 – House Captains
6 – Leadership roles
7 – Introducing important staff
8 – 12 months in the Sixth Form Year
9 – Music
10 – Drama
11/12 – The Sixth Form Centre
13 – Sport
14 – The Maiden
15 – New opportunities
16 – Cambodia trip
17 – Sixth Form Scholars
18 – Networking Dinner
19 – Founder’s Day
20 – Rocking the dress code
21 – Sixth Form survival guide
22 – Sixth Form Ball
“
Hello and welcome to our
alternative prospectus. This has
been written by the students for
students so will give an honest
view on what we think Red Maids’
Sixth Form is like. This guide will
give you all you need to know and
a slight taste of what exciting
things we get involved with! Our
time at this Sixth Form has been
brilliant and we hope that you can
get a sense of this feeling
throughout these pages.
So sit back, relax and enjoy!
Lily and Katie, Year 13
“
Fiona:
There was a big step up,
but I adjusted quickly and
enjoyed lots of the features
of the Sixth Form eg the
common room. I liked how
Sixth Form is more of a
community than a year
group and that I get to learn
more about the subjects
I love
Yuqi:
Although it’s different from
my previous school, I was
welcomed and helped by all
the staff and students here.
All my subject teachers are
willing to give their extra
time assisting me with all
the questions I have
Phoebe:
When I first came to Red
Maids’ I was amazed by
the sense of pride which
everyone I met seemed to
possess. However it was
never as overwhelming as
I might have thought-–
instead it made me feel like
a part of the community.
They welcomed me with
open arms and I would be
proud to say that I have
become a Red Maid
Lottie:
The cookies are the best
and teachers actually care
about you learning and not
just your grade
Clary:
There’s a great friendly
atmosphere that is very
relaxing to be introduced to.
So much to the extent that
I got worried in my first
week because it felt that the
transition was too easy!
Everyone is so supportive
but also hard working –
I feel privileged to be
around such a rare group
of people
Lucy:
The Sixth Form is so
different to Year 11 at Red
Maids’. I really enjoyed this
change as I now study only
subjects that I like. Also the
Sixth Form Centre is so
comfortable and has a
really nice atmosphere
2

Head Girls and Almoners
We started from the bottom (of year
7), now we’re here! We can’t quite
believe that we have been chosen to
represent the school as the next head
girls and we are so excited.
?
Almoner
Events
The role of Almoner involves organising
fundraising events for charities that need
the help of Red Maids’ generosity.
Our year in office kicked off with
QEH Charter Day, held in Bristol
Cathedral. With a sea of boys in
yellow knee-high socks by our side
and mountains of chocolate éclairs
before us, we realised this year was
going to be a good one.
Our heads are brimming with ideas
for the coming year, including
introducing Random Acts of Kindness
and a theme of resilience. Despite it
not being a quality of the Red Maids’
Learner Profile, we think it is an
essential skill that all Red Maids must
strive to have. Whether it is the
resilience to complete that final essay,
keep a smile on your face on a difficult
day, or battle through the 1500m at
Sports Day, we believe it is a
characteristic which readily equips us
for whatever may come our way.
We can’t wait to get to know you all
and, of course, are already counting
down the days to Founder’s Day!
See you all soon,
Lily and Katie x
(HG and DHG)
⤴
⤴
Hi, we’re Jess and Fiona, your new
Head Almoners!
We are super-duper excited for the
next year, and for breaking the
school’s fundraising record. We are
both determined to make the school
discos better than ever, and we have
a few tricks up our flares! We will
continue to fundraise for the charities
that Red Maids’ already supports, and
also find some new worthwhile
causes. One aim for the next year
is to get everyone involved, so bring
in your money for even more cake!
We hope to fill the enormous boots
that Fatima and Lizzie have left us,
and would like to thank you all for your
support so far. See you in assembly!
We have helped various causes, such
as New Hope, Children’s Hospice South
West, Earthquake Appeal for Nepal and
Cancer Research UK. We also support
schools we are linked to in less fortunate
countries, for example Cambodia,
Uganda, Moldova and Nepal.
‘What is a
charity event
without cake?’
Every Christmas the Almoners,
students and staff visit the Caring
at Christmas homeless shelter
and decorate it for the festive
season. We also donate food for
the homeless through this cause.
3
4

House captains
All Red Maids are assigned to one of four
houses, each run by a house captain and two
vice house captains. They attempt to win as
many house events as possible by the end
of the year.
The house captains are:
Discoverer
Fenella, Clary and Rachel
Maryflowre
Honor, Lauren and Kate
Seabreake
Annabel, Anna and Clare
Speedwell
Iona, Issy and Evie
Sports captains
Other Sixth Form
leadership roles
At Red Maids’ there are many
leadership roles on offer to take on at
the end of Year 12. This gives anybody
who would like to strengthen their
leadership skills the chance to get more
involved in school life from a slightly
different perspective.
Peer Mentors
Hello,
We are Steph and Sophie and
we're ’ very excited to be the new
sports captains for this next
year. Having seen Charlie and
Katie do such a fantastic job
last year, we'd ’ love to be able
to make as big a positive
impact on sport here as they
have. Both of us have been
involved in sport since Year
and it’s ’ been a vital part of
our time at Red Maids. ’
We hope to make the same
kind of impact on all of you.
We're ’ especially looking forward
to organising the school’s ’
Sports Dinner, which is always
a fantastic night.
Hope to see you all getting
involved in this next year
of sport!
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
Ball Committee
Editors of The Maiden
Hockey and Netball captains
Amnesty International Leaders
Green Leaders
7
House events include:
House Drama
House Music
House Netball
House Rounders
House Football
Sports Day
House Hockey
Year 7 and Year 8 Swimming Gala
Half Termly House Meetings
5
6

Important staff in the Sixth Form
Miss Fleming is the Director of Sixth Form and is
essential for its smooth running; she is the one to
go to with any academic or general problems.
Miss Russé is the Pastoral Head of Sixth Form.
It is her mission to keep everybody happy and she
is always there if you have any problems.
Mrs Geeson is our Careers Advisor. She is
great for giving advice about work experience,
university alternatives and any career related
questions.
Mr Briggs is our IB Co-ordinator. He knows
everything and anything to do with the IB, so any
questions head straight there.
Mrs Beynon on the other hand knows everything
about A Levels, so head to her if you have any
related questions.
Form Tutors register you every morning and
afternoon and give you any key notices you
may need.
The Café staff make the most amazing food
every day! Always remember to say please and
thank you because you never know you might get
some extra chips on a Friday if you’re nice.
SEPTEMBER
Welcome!
Now is the time to settle into the
Sixth Form centre and
adjust to Sixth Form life.
NOVEMBER
Prize giving and Founder’s Day!
So prepare in advance and find a
long black coat to wear that day.
Don’t forget to have a slice of
Founder’s day cake!
JANUARY
A lot of catching up with friends
after the holidays but straight
back into work! Some mock
exams (stock up on chocolate).
Scholars and Oxford
trips occur now.
MARCH + APRIL
It’s the social highlight of the
year, the Sixth Form Ball. Be
prepared for hours of dancing
and probably finding someone in
the same dress as you!
12 months
in the
Sixth Form
OCTOBER
Half term is fast approaching!
There will be Saturday sports
fixtures against many schools,
(great match teas!) Start creating
The Maiden magazine.
DECEMBER
There will be Christmas songs
galore and the chance
to sing at the Lord Mayor's
Mansion House. Other events
include Christmas jumper day,
house drama or dance,
the carol service and Caring at
Christmas with many mince pies
along the way.
FEBRUARY
It’s the Networking dinner, so
don’t forget a nice outfit! Also the
Head girl, Head Almoner and
House Captain hustings.
MAY + JUNE
Wow it’s the last term already.
Get ready for university visits,
Higher Education week and the
excitement of summer!
7
8

Music and...
...Drama in the Sixth Form
Drama at A Level has opened up the opportunity for me to pursue my acting
career, and it has offered me lots of skills, with good communication being one of
the many that I then will go on to develop at university. I didn't take up the GCSE
level of the course, so at the beginning of Year 12 I was excited to get started.
One of the perks in doing A Level Drama was that we got to head out with our
small group and see live productions. I would recommend it to anyone who just
really loves performing and expressing themselves – Amina Williams, Year 13.
“Personally, having music clubs between
lessons has been a real breath of fresh air.
It took my mind off work and deadlines and
was just so fun to be a part of a group of
other girls with the same passions as me.”
9
“The final products of the choirs and orchestras that I’ve been
involved in have filled us all with such a sense of achievement
and pride.” Lily Steven
10

The Sixth Form Centre
We are so lucky at Red Maids’
Sixth Form to have our own
section of the school that is
an area just for sixth formers.
This area is where we have
the majority of our lessons
and is home to our common
room. The light and airy space
is the perfect place to work,
relax in study periods and of
course nibble on many of the
incredible cookies the Sixth
Form Café has to offer.
Our favourite aspects of the
Sixth Form Centre are the
massive glass windows
and doors overlooking the
school grounds. These are
great in summer as we can
open them up bringing the
outdoors inside.
11
Director of Sixth Form
12

SPORT
Many Sixth Form
Red Maids take part in the
extra-curricular activities available as a
way of relaxing after the school day and
improving their sporting abilities.
Joining a sports team is a great way to get
to know more people, develop your skills
and try something new.
In Sixth Form, there is an option to go to
David Lloyd as part of the curriculum
timetable. The students that go spend time in the swimming pool, gym, tennis or
squash courts. You can also take a Sports Leader Level 3 Qualification. This
encourages us to lead sessions in other schools and get more children involved in
sport. Alternatively, you can learn to umpire with qualified umpires from England
Hockey, Netball or the equivalent sporting board.
Many Sixth Form students choose to help with sports clubs lower down the school
and in the Junior School. Not only is this a great way to earn Duke of Edinburgh, CAS
or Sports Leaders hours, it also allows you to get to know the younger students and
improve coaching skills.
All students can get involved in House events like
House Hockey, Football, Netball,Rounders and Sports
Day. There are also fun and friendly charity sports
matches against the teachers throughout the year and
the infamous hockey match against QEH.
The Maiden is our school’s annual magazine which is given out to every Red Maid
each year. Every single thing in the magazine has been written and designed by
the Sixth Form Maiden Team. It covers all the key events that have happened over
the past year at school, including trips, drama and music productions and is
enjoyed by all staff and students.
“The Maiden was a really rewarding
experience as we were able to
“The Maiden was a chance
combine all our skills to create
for me to try doing
our own publication. I would
something new.”
definitely recommend anyone to
get involved with the process even
Charlotte Coulthard-Steane,
Year 13
if you are not thinking of a
career in English or publishing.”
13
Christine Daniels,Year 13
14

New opportunities
Rouge
“
15
Clarice Montero, a Year 13 student, joined the school in the Sixth Form and within her first
year wrote and directed a play, Rouge, in order to raise money for a trip to Cambodia the
school was organising. It was beautifully written and a great success, involving many
Sixth Form girls.
The play is about a young girl who has escaped the Rouge, an extremist group who
took control of her village and turned her world upside down. The Sixth Form girls took
the audience on an emotional journey, the tension being wonderfully built through
physical theatre.
“
I was so impressed with the acting ability of everyone involved. I was surprised to
learn after that most of them had no experience of acting. Most impressive was that it
had been written, performed and directed by Clarice and other Sixth Form students
with no budget or guidance from teachers. I was blown away by what a small group
of 17 year olds could achieve. Isla Waring (Year 13 IB student)
Clarice in Cambodia
The cast of Rouge after their performance
Cambodia Trip 2015
In July 2015, 21 brave Year 12s
and four teachers packed up their
(rather large) bags and headed to
Heathrow Airport for a three week
adventure they would never forget.
Red Maids’ have a connection with
United World Schools, a charity
that builds schools in rural areas of
Cambodia, Nepal and Burma. In
2011, our school raised enough
money to build a school of our own,
in Cambodia, called Jong School,
which we still support, educating
over 100 students every year.
Every other year, Year 12 students
have an amazing opportunity to visit
Cambodia, and teach in various schools
in a northern region called Ratanakiri.
Teaching in these poverty-stricken
areas is a rewarding, life-changing
experience.
“It was the most incredible three weeks
of my life. The children were very
enthusiastic and so much fun to teach.
I miss them all so hope to go back soon”
Rachel Stratton, Year 13
“I will never forget our trip to Cambodia,
I made so many memories and I hope to
go back in my gap year!”
Lauren Gilvear, Year 13
16

17
Scholars’ Programme
The Athena Programme regularly offers trips to
Sixth Form scholars to enhance our cultural
awareness. These have included hearing ex Red
Maid Dr Alice Roberts speak about her book at
the Watershed, the performance of the Secrets
of Bletchley Park at the Tobacco Factory,
concerts at the Colston Hall and regular film
evenings at school.
The Year 12 scholars were given the opportunity
to spend the weekend in London. “The best part
about the London trip was the tour of the BBC.
Seeing the news room was amazing as every
morning we have the news on and I got to see
where and how the news takes place.
The most amusing part was
watching Rachel attempt
to present the weather and
Mr Brealey’s voices when
doing the radio play.”
Dinner
Each year all Year 12 students are invited to the
annual networking dinner. On this night, many
professionals are invited to eat and chat with us at
school. This gives the opportunity for the students to
discuss the different jobs and types of work available
in the world. Last year we had doctors, architects,
solicitors and even a man working in humanitarian
aid come to the dinner, giving us a vast range of
working professionals to socialise with. This night
is also a great opportunity to create contacts for
future work experience and give us help deciding
what we might like to do beyond school.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my night at the networking dinner.
I was sitting on a table with doctors of ranging
specialities. After interesting discussions about the ethics
of practising medicine, I was offered work experience
at Bristol University Respiratory labs.”
Christine Daniels, Year 13
Higher Education Week
This is an off timetable week for Year 12 in June
when we are all introduced into the world of
UCAS and University applications. With the help
of our teachers and external speakers we are
all taught the techniques needed to write a
personal statement. This was extremely helpful
as it meant we have been able to write a draft of
our personal statement over summer ready to
hand in well before the October deadline. Also in
this week there are many subject talks which are
helpful for giving an insight into what a university
degree in that area would be like.
Extra-curricular
activities
There are many
extra-curricular
activities available
at Red Maids’. From
music
to sport there is a club to
suit everybody.
Some of these include:
Sports
Senior Hockey
Senior Netball
Senior Yoga
Zumba
Caving
Canoeing
Football
Creative Ballet
Judo
Fencing
Tennis
Running
Music
Senior Choir
Chamber Choir
Wind band
Chamber Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra
Close Encounters
Reed Maids (Woodwind)
Brass Group
Flute Group
Music Theory
Other
Academic Forum
Amnesty International
Astronomy Club
Debating
Drama Workshop
Duke of Edinburgh
French Café Club
History Society
Philosophy Society
Psychology film club
Scribblers
Senior Maths Club
Sixth Form Book Club
Sixth Form Cards Club
18

Founder’s Day
The Red Maids’ School was
founded by John Whitson
in 1634 and Founder’s Day
allows us to remember this.
Some girls wear traditional
uniform, whilst the rest of
the school march proudly
in red through the streets
of Bristol. It’s a great
atmosphere and being
a part of it is amazing.
⤴
The QEH Head Boys and their
bright yellow socks always
feature at Founder’s Day!
19
‘Founder’s Day is better than my
birthday!’ Niamh Murphy, Year 13
20

SIXTH FORM
SURVIVAL
GUIDE
Black coat
Essential on Founder’s
day in November to
ensure all of the Sixth
Form look smart
together while we walk
through the streets
of Bristol.
School Email on your phone
This means it’s easier to contact teachers
about work or lessons or for them to
inform you about events or information so
that you don’t turn up somewhere with the
wrong things or don’t turn up at all.
A hole punch
This is the most
essential stationery item
for any Red Maid in Sixth
Form. Even though they
are quite bulky they are
very easy to misplace!
So a brightly
coloured hole punch
is recommended.
Sixth Form Pass
Necessary to open the main doors to the entrance
of the Sixth Form. Without it you will have to wait
until someone comes past with one or persuade
your friends inside to get up and open it for you.
A good
fitting blazer
One you can
fit a jumper
under during
the cold
weather for
Monday and
Friday
assemblies.
35p cookie money
The sweet aroma is hard to
resist. Fortunately they taste as
good as they smell and are very
cheap. Could be described as
the highlight of morning break.
COMFORTABLE shoes
Comfortable black shoes are
your best friends in Sixth Form;
they go with everything and don’t
rub making life much easier.
The Sixth Form ball is such
a nice way to end the school
year; it gives everyone the
chance to make an effort
and dress for the occasion.
The ball itself is arranged
by a special committee, with
help from teachers when
needed, so meets the needs
of everyone and means
everyone can have their input
to create a great evening.
It also gives the chance for
both current students and
those who left in previous
years to come back and
enjoy the evening together.
Another key factor is of
course the teachers getting
out their best moves on the
dance floor, which is a sight
no one wants to miss!
21

0117 989 8252
admissions@redmaids.bristol.sch.uk
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol BS9 3AW
redmaids.co.uk