Sixth Form FAQ

• What do I need to stay on?
• Most importantly, commitment, first of all to the College and, secondly, to a course of study which will be of benefit to you. That means working hard, playing a full part in Sixth Form life and accepting the College rules.
• What Grades do I need?
• A student wishing to take Advanced courses should usually have:
  
  
  • A grade B or higher in related GCSE subjects, and
  • A minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C or higher including English Language and Mathematics.
• Students who do not attain these grades can gain access to Advanced Level courses by completing a BTEC Award at Merit or Distinction level. Advanced Level students without grade C passes in English Language or Mathematics must re-take these subjects at GCSE level during their time at the Sixth Form.
• See Course List for more information
• What courses do I need to study for my career choice?
• Some University courses and some careers will require you to have studied certain subjects. Before you choose the subjects you want to study you therefore need to look at what qualifications you need to move to the next stage. This will involve you researching carefully.You should look at the Next Step website and contact an advisor if necessary. You can also look at the UCAS website for the entry profile for particular courses and you can arrange to see a member of the Sixth Form Team if necessary. Did you know for example:
  
  
  • You may need Human Biology to study a sports related course at University
  • You may need Mathematics at A Level to study Computing at degree level
  • You may need Science for a career in nursing.
  This is a complex area where finding out as much as possible could save you from disappointment later. Do also remember you need to choose subjects you will enjoy and do well at. If your career preference needs you to study subjects you will not enjoy then you may need a Connexions interview to check whether you are considering the right career.
• What will the workload be like?
• An Advanced Level course programme should not be undertaken lightly. If you are to profit fully from your course you will have to work very hard both during and outside lessons. As a general guide, for each 'A' and 'AS' Level subject you will need to spend at least 5 hours a week outside of class.
• Do not allow your out of school commitments to affect the time you can devote to your studies. Although socialising and earning money from a part-time job are exciting opportunities, you must not allow them to affect your long-term goal of obtaining good qualifications. Generally, graduates will earn over £200,000 more than those without a degree during their working lives.
• Students with excessive work commitments (over 10 hours per week) do noticeably worse in exams than those without. Get the balance right and Sixth Form is an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable time!
• What are the facilities like?
• The purpose built Sixth Form Block includes a Sixth Form Social area and classrooms. A dedicated Sixth Form Study area provides computers and work space for students. The standard of accommodation is very high with a feel of greater independence reflecting the adult environment into which you are entering.
• Sixth Formers have opportunities to use the very latest IT facilities, allowing access to international communication and information systems.
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• What does vocational mean?
• Vocational courses are to do with a particular area of work - they prepare you for a job or to go into further or higher education. They are now called "Applied A levels". Applied A Levels are nationally recognised work related qualifications. They are graded A* - E in common with other A Levels. They generally, however, have a greater emphasis on coursework and continuous assessment than other A Levels. Taking an Applied A Level in a particular vocational area does not limit you to that career path or study direction.We offer Applied A Level courses in Business, Leisure and ICT. We also offer a National Diploma in Children's Care, Learning and Development.
• How are examinations set and marked?
• Increasingly coursework is a common feature in most courses. For advanced courses, grades of A*, A, B, C, D and E are awarded to those who have reached an acceptable standard.
• Where do I go from the Sixth Form?
• GCE and Applied A Levels are nationally recognised qualifications allowing progress to higher education, further education or employment. Our tutorial programme in the Sixth Form includes detailed advice on the full range of opportunities at 18+
• I really enjoyed my work experience in Year 11. Are there any opportunities in the Sixth Form for Work Experience?
• We believe that work experience is very valuable in helping you to understand the relevance of the subjects you are studying and making you more aware of the world of work and its opportunities.
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• You will be encouraged to take part in some form of work experience or work-shadowing during your Sixth Form career at a time convenient to your studies. Work experiences is an integral part of the BTEC Courses. You will have the opportunity to take work experience abroad and the officers of the Language College will aid in this.
• Will there be opportunities to travel abroad?
• Students are encouraged to participate in courses, visits or placements abroad. The College offers a wide range of opportunities including work experience in Europe. Some courses offer fieldwork and study sessions abroad.
• What help and guidance will I receive?
• In the Sixth Form your Personal Tutor will provide the focal point for monitoring your progress and giving you the support you need to make a success of your Sixth Form career. The Year Heads and Tutors provide specialist counselling and guidance. Naturally, your subject teachers play a very important part in guiding you through your course, and in setting and negotiating targets with you. Tutors work closely with careers advisors from Connexions who can give individual and group advice.
• What other opportunities are there for Sixth Formers?
• As a Sixth Form student you will have access to a full range of extra curricular activities in the school. In the past two years we have had Sixth Formers taking part in Young Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Ten Tors, National Mock Bar Trial, Exchange visits and trips to the Czech Republic, Paris, London, Japan and Uganda. Many Students perform in the school choirs, bands, orchestras and are involved in drama productions. a full range of sports is available including school teams with play competitively.
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• In addition, we encourage our Sixth Form students to get in support work in Years 7 - 11. there are peer mentors, year teams, sports captains and students who give classroom support in special needs. Not only does this benefit the College community but it is also a valuable way for students to develop their personal skills and gain useful experience.
• What financial help is available?
• The EMA scheme has now been withdrawn. In its place the College has been given a smaller sum of money known as the Student Bursary Fund which can provide some financial support to students in low income families. This can assist eligible students with expenses related to College activities and travel costs. Evidence of family financial circumstances will be required with any application for Bursary payments. Download the application form (130k pdf document)
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• Other financial help:
  Limited additional financial support may be available for students whose families are facing severe financial hardship:
  
  
  • Tavistock College Endowment Fund
  • Devon County Council Learner Support Fund
• These discretionary funds may make small payments to support a student's education (e.g. pay for text books). More information is available from the Sixth Form Office.

Page updated Tuesday, May 21, 2013