In Sixth Form, the emphasis moves to independent study and being properly prepared for post 18 choices that will be made during Year 13. There are lots of opportunities for volunteering and to gain leadership skills, as well as a mandatory work experience week in Year 12. Leadership can include everything from being on the Head Team to leading on whole year assemblies, running after school clubs to mentoring younger students. Students are encouraged, and supported to ensure their work experience is targeted to their future career path where possible, but all forms of work experience are valuable opportunities to improve employability skills.
All students in the 6th form are invited to attend our Futures Fair that is held at NOA. This is an opportunity for students to meet local employers, talk to current apprentices, colleges, universities, and training providers.
The Autumn term tutorials for year 12 are specifically geared towards university and higher-level apprenticeships including degree apprenticeships. In the Sixth Form we are dedicated to support students through the process of applying to university through UCAS, students can also apply for Apprenticeships through UCAS. During year 12, all students will have access to 1to1 career guidance through our meaningful career’s conversations with a level 6 independent careers adviser. If additional support is required, this can also be accommodated. Year 13 independent advise is bookable throughout the year as per the need of the student.
During year 12 we aim to visit at least one University Open Day or a University Fair. For Oxbridge/top Russell Group potentials, there is a comprehensive mentoring programme which links in to support from Oxford University, the UNIQ programme, the Social Mobility Foundation and various university scholarship and summer programmes. We also are lucky to have the support from United Learning Trust.
Careers boards in the Sixth Form are devoted to Post 18 pathways and with an extensive bank of prospectuses and apprenticeship information found in the Careers Library room, all options are catered for. All students have the option to engage with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to extend their research, oracy, and critical reflection skills.
The enrichment programme for students offers a wide variety of activities including option to have a professional mentor for KS5 through The Early Careers Foundation, taking part in a mock apprenticeship assessment centre day, workshops in CV writing and interviewing skills, presentations by external speakers from different employment sectors and universities and activities delivered through OxLep our Careers Hub to name a few. Careers is also delivered through NOA extended tutor sessions, these are flexible and can change to meet the students’ requirements at that particular time.