2017-2018 Sixth Form Prospectus

Welcome to
The Sixth Form
I am delighted to introduce you to The Sixth Form at The Cotswold School – a vibrant and successful
learning environment with over 250 students who join us from within The Cotswold School and from
schools across the country and abroad.
Our students enjoy excellent teaching across a broad curriculum of 30 subject areas. Every year,
examination results achieved by our students are outstanding, placing The Cotswold School amongst
the top state comprehensive schools in the country. Whatever their starting point on their Sixth Form
journey, students make exceptional progress over their two years here.
The Cotswold School is known for highly successful preparation for higher education and careers. Our
students regularly set their sights on and win places at the UK’s most prestigious universities, on highly
sought-after apprenticeship programmes and in a range of exciting careers.
Cotswold Sixth Formers benefit from many new facilities that have been built in recent years: the
Sports Hall, the new Languages, Mathematics and Geography blocks, and refurbished Science labs.
Our fantastic new Sixth Form Centre, opened in November 2017, provides a dedicated Study Room
with 60 networked PCs and a spacious Common Room with kitchen. Our students are enjoying this
wonderful new facility, further enhancing their experience of school and their prospects for success.
While our Sixth Formers are closely monitored and provided with valuable individual support, they
are encouraged to grow in maturity, and to develop independence, ambition and resilience. The Sixth
Form has its own distinctive atmosphere. As one student put it ‘There is a sense of freedom in The Sixth
Form…. Here, you are given the tools and all the help and support you need, then given the independence to
get on with your work.’
A wide range of extra-curricular opportunities provide excellent personal development and make the
Sixth Form experience enormously enjoyable. From Duke of Edinburgh Awards to school productions;
from team sports and sport leadership to debating society; from fashion shows to social events; and
travel opportunities around the country and the globe, life in The Sixth Form at The Cotswold School
is never dull!
Mr Phil White
Head of Sixth Form and Deputy Principal

Mr Phil White
Deputy Principal, Head of Sixth Form,
Teacher of Geography
Mr White joined The Cotswold School in 2012,
having spent five successful years as a Head
of Sixth Form in south London.
A great believer in the amazing potential of
all students, Mr White has led a number of
developments to the Sixth Form curriculum, the
provision of wider educational opportunities
and student support at The Cotswold School.
He is very pleased to see the new Sixth Form
Centre up and running, which is providing
our students with exceptional facilities and
resources.
Mr White is delighted that the quality of
teaching, learning and pastoral support in
the Sixth Form continues to go from strength
to strength. This has enabled our students to
achieve impressive examination results and
be ready to embark upon an exciting range of
university courses and careers.
Miss Angela Rodrigues
Deputy Head of Sixth Form,
Head of Year 13, Teacher of English
A teacher and leader at The Cotswold School
since 1999, Miss Rodrigues says that one of
her greatest pleasures is being a member
of the school’s exceptional Sixth Form
community.
With a wealth of experience in all aspects
of Sixth Form leadership, Miss Rodrigues
currently takes a leading role in our Higher
Education and Careers programme and
oversees the Extended Project Qualification.
She supports students in the crucial final
year of their Sixth Form studies and has
been instrumental in ensuring that all
students achieve excellent examination
results and graduate from the school having
developed a broad range of personal and
academic skills.
Mr Mike Sweetlove
Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Head of
Year 12, Teacher of Economics
Mr Sweetlove has been at The Cotswold
School since 2003, as a teacher of
Mathematics and Economics. He is
an experienced Head of Year, having
previously led Years 8 and 9. Now as
Head of Year 12, Mr Sweetlove plays a
key role in ensuring that all students have
a smooth induction to their Sixth Form life
and make excellent progress in the first
year of their post-16 courses.
Students are appreciative of Mr
Sweetlove’s approachable leadership
style. As Mr Sweetlove says: “The
relationships between students and staff
are central to the success of our Sixth Form.
These relationships are built on foundations
of communication: listening to and advising
students, providing encouragement and
support and sharing their individual
successes.”
Mrs Jane Tanner
Sixth Form Administrator
Jane is every Sixth Former’s (and parent’s)
first port of call.
Providing timely support to the whole
Sixth Form community, Jane is a mine of
information on a wide range of matters,
from post-16 transport to attendance, from
school trips to financial support, to health and
personal wellbeing.
Being the hub of Sixth Form communication,
Jane is an integral part of what makes The
Cotswold School Sixth Form so successful.
email:
sixthform@thecotswoldschool.co.uk

The Post-16 Curriculum
CORE CURRICULUM:
We offer a broad range of Level 3 subject options, all taught by well-qualified specialist teachers. The majority of students at The
Cotswold School will take four AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary) subjects in Year 12 and then concentrate on three A Level subjects in
Year 13. We also offer three Level 3 vocational courses: Business, Health & Social Care and ICT. These qualifications are at the same
standard as A Levels and include both coursework assessments and examinations. For Business and Health & Social Care we are
offering the Diploma (the equivalent of taking two A Levels over two years) and for ICT we are offering the Introductory Diploma (the
equivalent of taking one A Level over two years).
All AS/A Levels nationally are now linear qualifications, which means that the AS examination results will not count towards the
final A Level qualifications, and the retaking of individual modules is not permitted. A Level examinations will test students on the
knowledge, understanding and skills they will have gained over their two years of study.
The table below lists the subjects that we plan to offer for September 2018. All of these qualifications are at AS/A Level, unless
otherwise stated.
Art & Design: Fine Art
Art & Design: Textiles
Biology
Business
Business (Level 3 Diploma)
Chemistry
Computer Science
Design & Technology: Product Design
Drama and Theatre
Economics
English Language
English Literature
French
Geography
German
Health & Social Care (Level 3 Diploma)
History
ICT (Level 3 Introductory Diploma)
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
If there is sufficient demand and we have appropriate staffing, we may add other options to our curriculum. Although unlikely, we
may withdraw an option if the number of students opting for a subject is very low.
All of our Year 12 students will have internal mock examinations in the Spring Term, and will sit public examinations in all of their
AS Level subjects in May/June of Year 12. Students will be required to achieve a minimum of a grade D at AS Level in order to
continue that subject at A Level in Year 13.
The normal entry requirements for our Sixth Form are that students must achieve a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above and
they must show evidence of a positive, self-motivated approach to learning. Each of our Sixth Form courses also has its own entry
criteria; these are shown on an insert in the prospectus and can be viewed on the School website. Students with lower than a grade
4 in GCSE Mathematics or English Language must attend lessons in these subjects to enable them to improve their grades in these
GCSEs, as these are essential qualifications for many careers and Further Education courses.

Post-16 Curriculum
Choosing core post-16 courses is an important decision which needs very careful thought. All Year 11 students will have a meeting
with a senior teacher who will provide support and guidance. Plans can also be discussed with our Independent Careers Advisor,
Year 11 form tutors and the Sixth Form leadership team. However, as a general guide we recommend that you consider the following:
Enjoyment – Are you genuinely interested in the subject? Does your interest already extend beyond the classroom? Do you enjoy
lessons in the subject at the moment?
Ability – Are you good at the subject? Have you discussed your ability to cope with the subject at Level 3 (A Level or equivalent) with
your teacher? Are you prepared to work hard to ensure your success?
Suitability – Is a Level 3 in this subject going to provide you with the necessary qualifications to follow your chosen course in higher
education or pursue your chosen career?
It is usual to select those subjects which combine well together, such as Sciences or Arts, although there is now more scope for mixed
courses (e.g. two Humanities subjects, a Social Science and a Language)
ENRICHMENT CURRICULUM
Students may also supplement their core curriculum by taking one or more options from our ENRICHMENT CURRICULUM. For
September 2018 this is likely to include:
Extended Project: This is the equivalent to half an A Level, at A Level (not AS Level) standard. Students plan, research for and
produce a project of their own choice, under the guidance and support of a project supervisor.
MOOCs and Future Learn courses: These are free online courses designed by universities.
Photography: For pure enjoyment and development of skills.
Modern Foreign Languages:
Russian GCSE – a two year course taught twice a week after school. It leads to a full GCSE.
Individual Study – We can set students up to undertake independent study where they learn the basics of any language of their
choice that is available through BBC Internet Courses.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme: The Scheme is open to all Sixth Form students. Participants can enter at any level according to
their age. It offers the opportunity to work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Participants are required to complete an activity
in each of 4 sections: Skill, Service, Physical Recreation and Expedition. We encourage students to become self-reliant whilst working
co-operatively with a group.
Community Service: For example, helping out at a hospital or in a local primary school.
COMPULSORY CURRICULUM: All Sixth Form students participate in P.E. (a range of sports options) and in our PSHE and Higher
Education & Careers programmes, which take place on three PSHE days, our H.E./Careers week (in the Summer term of Year 12),
during daily morning tutorial sessions and at various special events throughout the year. In addition, all Year 12 students are expected
to source and undertake a week of professional work shadowing in a workplace which relates to a career they are considering.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES: Sixth Form students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of
trips and visits (e.g. New York; Berlin; MFL work experience/exchanges), clubs and societies (e.g. Sixth Form Debating Society),
competitions and lectures on offer. These vary slightly from year to year and are too numerous to list!

Joe Salf
(Head Boy 2016-17)
A Level results: Biology A*, Chemistry A*,
French A*, Mathematics A*, Extended Project
A*, AS Level Italian A
Destination: Joe is studying Medicine at The
University of Oxford
Joe recommends The Cotswold School Sixth
Form: “From the moment I walked into The
Cotswold School I knew it was where I wanted
to be. The atmosphere is happy and supportive
and the teachers have a real passion for their
subjects, which is infectious. The support I was
given in my ambition to become a doctor was
amazing – being part of Science Journal Club,
the Sixth Form ‘Interested in Oxbridge’ group and
having regular mentoring with Dr Gina Hadley
(a previous Head Girl at Cotswold) were all
instrumental in me getting a place at Somerville
College, Oxford.”
Rachel Davies
(Head Girl 2016-17)
A Levels: History A*, Spanish A, English
Literature A, AS Level Geography B
Destination: Rachel is studying for a History
degree at The University of Birmingham
“The Cotswold Sixth Form provided me with an
incredible range of opportunities – I travelled
with the school to Madrid, Iceland and Borneo,
played in many competitive sports teams
and spoke at a mock United Nations Climate
Change Conference … and much, much
more! Alongside my role as Head Girl, these
experiences enabled me to become more selfconfident
and gave me a great foundation for life
after school. Once I’ve completed my History
degree I intend to go into the legal profession.”
Eva Shoemark
(Head Girl 2017-18)
A Levels: Sociology (AS grade B),
Geography (AS grade C), Psychology (AS
grade C)
Intended destination: Eva has applied to
study Geography at university
“The new Sixth Form Centre is fantastic,
with plenty of study space and space for us
to socialise. We always have a computer
available when we need one and there is even
a bookable conference room for when we’re
preparing group presentations or discussing
our work. There’s a great atmosphere in the
Sixth Form – everyone wants to do well here,
with the subjects we’re learning and with
all our extra-curricular activities. As Head
Girl this year, my responsibilities include
planning the Winter Ball and the Leavers’
Ball, which should be a fun finale to our
school career!”
Pablo Fyfe
A Levels: Chemistry (AS grade A), Mathematics
(AS grade A), Further Mathematics (AS grade
A), Physics (AS grade A)
Intended destination: Pablo aims to study
Engineering at Bath, Bristol, Cambridge,
Imperial College London or Southampton
University
“As well as my A levels in four subjects I’m
really interested in, I have undertaken plenty
of other activities to give me wider knowledge
in Engineering: my work experiences at Aston
Martin and Williams F1 were fascinating and
I’m also doing an Extended Project on how
atmospheric factors affect the performance of
aeroplanes. Being part of the school’s Oxbridge
preparation group has been invaluable and there
are plenty of opportunities in and outside school
to dig deeper into the STEM subjects.”

Sam Pout
Kyla Bentinck-Hinton
A Level results: Drama A, English Literature
B, History B, Extended Project A*, AS Level
German C
Destination: Sam is studying Drama &
Theatre Studies at Royal Holloway, University
of London
“I would certainly recommend The Cotswold
School Sixth Form for its high quality of teaching.
For me, the aspect that made the Sixth Form so
different to any other was the unique relationship
that could be built between student and teacher.
In addition there’s always the opportunity for
students to flourish doing activities in areas they
want to pursue in the future; for example I had
the invaluable experience of directing the school
production of Matilda.”
A Level results: Biology A*, Chemistry
A*, Mathematics A, Spanish A, AS Level
French A
Destination: Kyla is studying Biochemistry
at The University of Oxford
Kyla chose The Cotswold School because
“The teaching is excellent and the school’s
record of results clearly shows you can gain
the highest possible grades and go to a top
university from here. We all received excellent
guidance on writing personal statements and
the mock interviews the school organised for
me were very helpful. Not only that, but The
Cotswold School is such a friendly place, with
a great atmosphere.”
Zoe Jenkins
Benedict Logan
A Levels: Music (AS grade A), Mathematics
(AS grade A), History (AS grade A)
Intended destination: Zoe has applied to
study Music at university
“The quality of teaching is excellent. I am
given every opportunity and encouragement
as I work towards studying Music at
university. I’ve managed to fit in so much
during my time at The Cotswold School –
from playing my cello in the school orchestra
and solos at concerts, to singing in choirs at
school events and on tours abroad. Now I’m
in the Sixth Form I’m leading the School’s
Chamber Choir – choosing the music,
conducting rehearsals and improving the
overall quality of performance. Together with
the musical opportunities I’ve taken outside
of school, I feel well prepared for a Music
degree.”
A Levels: Economics (AS grade A), Psychology
(AS grade A), Geography (AS grade B)
Intended destination: Benedict intends to
study Economics & Management at university
“I joined The Cotswold School for the Sixth Form,
having been at a private school in Cheltenham for
my previous nine years. It has been a really good
decision, as I’ve been warmly welcomed here by
the teachers and the other Sixth Form students.
There’s definitely a feel-good factor, as the school
has a strong record of results and the students are
ambitious. With the great teaching, facilities and
resources I know I can succeed here. I’m enjoying
being Captain of the 1st XV rugby team and I was
voted in as Deputy Head Boy after only a year at
the school.”

Life in the
Sixth Form
Life in the Sixth Form at The Cotswold School provides you with the means
to develop as an individual. While you will be challenged and supported
academically, extra-curricular activities, Extended Project Qualifications,
taking on school leadership responsibilities and work experience will
broaden your perspective and enhance your personal statement for
universities and applications for apprenticeships or careers.
Being in the Sixth Form is a position of privilege from which you can
make a positive contribution to the life of the whole school. Positions
of responsibility available to Sixth Formers include coordinating roles
on various committees, house captaincies, student council, assistant
librarians, subject ambassadors, and the roles of Head Boy and Head
Girl and their deputies.
The extra-curricular opportunities on offer at The Cotswold School are
extraordinarily broad and everyone is encouraged to take part. Just
some of the options are: debating society, science journal club, history
and politics society, the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, theatre
productions, choir, music ensembles, fashion show, charitable events,
and any of the many sporting opportunities available.
Your performance in the Sixth Form will very much depend on your
physical wellbeing. Our commitment to your health begins with the
excellent range of fresh food produced daily on our school premises as
well as a session of PE each week. Sports teams and clubs in school
and locally are readily accessible, as are the fitness suite and swimming
pool, situated just a few metres away from our new Sixth Form Centre.
Alongside University Open Days and Taster Courses, there is an extensive
array of national and international trips available: History trips to the
Somme, Berlin and Krakow; sports tours around the UK and abroad;
skiing in the Alps; Geography excursions in Wales and Iceland; cultural
tours to various European countries, China and the United States;
work experience abroad; and month long team expeditions to far-flung
destinations such as Nicaragua, Borneo and Vietnam.
All these elements help to create a lively, stimulating Sixth Form in which
you can flourish academically and develop your individual talents and
potential.

Preparation
for the Future
Post-16 subject choices play a vital part in making informed decisions
about post-18 study and careers.
With over 250 students, our Sixth Form is both small enough so that
we are able to get to know each student personally and large enough to
enable us to provide a broad-based curriculum that can be tailored to
each student’s strengths and aspirations.
Sound, impartial careers advice and university guidance are given in
both group and on a one-to-one basis to ensure that students are well
prepared for their life after The Cotswold School.
Careers days, and guest speakers – from universities, apprenticeship
programmes and potential employers – help our students make the right
choices.
We give guidance on how to get the most out of University Open Days
as well as giving support in completing university and apprenticeship
applications. Valuable mock interview sessions are provided with the
generous support of our local Rotary Club and a network of professional
contacts we have built up over the years.
We begin the UCAS process in Year 12, first with an information evening
for students and their parents/guardians. All Year 12 students are
encouraged to do something different, valuable and unique outside of
school and during their long holidays, which they can usefully refer to
when it comes to writing their Personal Statements.
In the second half of the summer term in Year 12, students are guided
through the UCAS system. The Sixth Form leadership team and the Sixth
Form tutors produce each student’s higher education or employment
reference.
Our programme for preparing our students has proven highly effective
over the years, with our students consistently setting their sights on and
winning prestigious places in higher education.

How to
Apply
Prospective students and parents are welcome to make an
appointment to visit the Sixth Form at The Cotswold School and
see it in action.
Although applications are accepted at any time of year, ideally they
should be submitted by early December, to minimise the chance
of option clashes.
All applicants to the school will be interviewed by a member of
the Sixth Form leadership team. The focus of this conversation
will be guidance on subject choices and finding out about the
applicant’s learning styles and wider interests. This will also be
a good opportunity for applicants and their parents/guardians to
ask any questions that they might have about the Sixth Form.
Application forms and further information can be obtained
from the Sixth Form Administrator, Mrs Jane Tanner via:
sixthform@thecotswoldschool.co.uk or from the School website:
www.cotswold.gloucs.sch.uk
In March 2015, Ofsted ranked The Cotswold School
‘Outstanding’ across all categories, stating: ‘The Sixth Form
is outstanding. Students respond well to excellent teaching and
pastoral support and make outstanding progress. The academy’s
strong partnerships with universities, colleges of further education
and industry provide students with excellent opportunities to pursue
careers of their choice.’

The Avenue | Bourton-on-the-Water | Cheltenham | Gloucestershire | GL54 2BD
Tel: 01451 820554 | Email: sixthform@thecotswoldschool.co.uk | www.cotswold.gloucs.sch.uk