A Typical Day

The Sixth Form is open from 8am until late. Students are welcome to use the building to study during this time. First lesson begins at 8.30am, each day has six teaching sessions, the length of each teaching session is 50 minutes. Study periods will appear in all student timetables.

•  ‘Students report they are given excellent guidance.’

  Ofsted

Students are expected to use this time effectively, in the learning resource centre which is a quiet study area, or the common room catching up on reading and taking advantage of our WI-FI connection. In Year 12 students are not permitted to leave the Sixth Form during study periods. In Year 13 students who are on course to attain predicted grades are permitted to leave during free periods to study at home.

There is a coffee bar where students can purchase fresh coffee, snacks, sandwiches, salads and paninis. Students are also welcome to use the main school restaurant facilities or are free to leave the building and use the surrounding amenities during lunch.

Induction

Students are welcomed into the Sixth Form and then partake in a carousel of activities. This is followed by a team building experience which usually involves getting wet at some point!

The intention of the induction process is to set our expectations from day one and to enable the students to get to know their surroundings, one another and staff.

Tutor Groups

Upon entry into the Sixth Form students are placed into tutor groups. Tutors assist in the mentoring and review process and conduct personal one to one guidance sessions with all students. At the beginning of Year 12 minimum target grades will be set based on GCSE results. These are then reviewed in November to challenge students further. Tutors are responsible for writing references for UCAS, apprenticeships and employment applications.

Enrichment

Life at Ashton on Mersey Sixth Form isn’t just about classroom time and working towards a chosen course of study. It’s about broadening the mind, taking on new challenges, meeting new people and having fun with a full and comprehensive enrichment programme.

Enrichment is a significant and important part of the overall curriculum at Ashton on Mersey Sixth Form, it enhances the important skills and personal qualities that employers and universities are looking for and develops a more ’rounded’ student. Providing an opportunity for students to gain career specialised experience is also a key factor within their enrichment time. All students are expected to select an area coupled with their chosen career path to gain and develop employability skills throughout Years 12 and 13.

Attendance

Regular attendance at Sixth Form is expected and is essential if you are to achieve your target outcomes on your chosen programme. This is closely monitored by our electronic attendance system.

Dress Code

In keeping with accepted professional and commercial standards a Sixth Form student dress code exists. This helps to establish high quality business and professional ethos. For programmes of study where there is a large proportion of practical activities, appropriate practical clothing is required. In the Common Room, Social and Learning areas business dress is expected of all students.

Student Support

The Student Services team are based in the common room and are the focal point for all advice, guidance and additional support. Our Student Services team are available to all students for confidential advice and support on any matter. They are available 8.30am-4.30pm every day. Support and guidance is always available. This begins from an expression of interest throughout the application process, through to the completion of their chosen curriculum. Personalised support is available if a student has any additional needs.

Reporting to parents

Ashton on Mersey School Sixth Form promotes independence; however we like to have a partnership with parents/carers to provide mutual support for the student. Parents/carers are welcome to visit or call the Sixth Form at any time to discuss any concerns, parents/carers who wish to speak to the Head of Sixth Form or Sixth Form Manager  can contact  0161 973 7719 ext * 2606 to arrange a convenient appointment. The Sixth Form will notify parents of academic performance, achievements and social development through progress reports and progress evening.