Welcome to the Sixth Form
Porthcawl Comprehensive is located less than 50 m. from the sea on a large site with many facilities and open spaces for learning and leisure. Next September there will be over 1400 pupils, with more than 250 of these in the Sixth Form.
The Sixth Form is well established and has a fine academic, cultural and sporting record. Most of our students go on to some form of higher education, to study degree or higher diploma courses. Students have also progressed directly into employment, become Modern Apprentices or have even been known to set up their own business.
Within the Sixth Form it is vital that a partnership is formed between teachers and students and as a student you will be looked upon as an adult. Any thoughts, comments or suggestions you may have will be dealt with in a mature way. The Sixth Form Senate and newsletter help to create an atmosphere of active debate.
Why Study in our Sixth Form?
- We have excellent examination results - please feel free to compare our results with those of other schools and colleges in the area.
- We have excellent facilities and resources for the wide range of extra-curricular activities including Sports, Music and Drama.
- You will be able to study and research in a well-stocked Library or relax with a coffee in our Sixth Form Hall.
- We arrange a Freshers’ Fair, work experience, visits from university lecturers, a community links scheme, visits to careers conventions and universities and a supportive careers service.
- There is a strong support and guidance system consisting of year and form tutors.
- Staff know you well and can advise on courses best suited to you.
- You will be studying in familiar surroundings and close to home (with no need in many cases to use public transport)
What Qualifications can you achieve?
Core Options:
- AS & A2 – AS courses are effectively the first year of A-Levels i.e. you cannot study an A2 course without having done an AS in the subject. AS courses contribute three units towards the ‘full’ six unit A Levels.
- New Vocational 'A' Levels (AVCE)
- BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts
- GCSEs
Supporting/Additional Qualifications:
- Key Skills
- COMPACT agreements with the following Higher Education establishments: Cardiff (including the medical school), Swansea, Aberystwyth, Lampeter, Newport, Carmarthen, Glamorgan and UWIC.
- The Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Record of Achievement/Progress File
- The Dragon Sports Course Organiser Award
- Advanced Extension Awards
- CREST Awards in Science
- Period of Work Experience
Who can join the Sixth Form?
Anyone who has completed five years in a secondary school can enter this "open access" Sixth Form. This has also applied to adults. We simply ask you to:
- Meet the standard requirements for entry into courses e.g. to have at least a Grade C GCSE in the AS subjects you wish to study (in new subjects, e.g. Economics, entry is determined by your overall results).
- Commit yourself to your course of study
- Conduct yourself in a mature, sensible and responsible manner
- Be involved in school life
- Attend regularly as a full-time student and to register punctually
- Treat staff, other students and visitors with respect
- Apply the same respect towards property
- Wear the school uniform
Throughout the Sixth Form it is vital that you take the responsibility of your own work. It is not the job of your Form Teacher, Subject Teacher or parent.
Your Life in the Sixth Form
Sixth Form Block
Although lessons will be taught in different parts of the school, the Sixth Form Hall is designated for your exclusive use, apart from at break and lunchtimes.
Uniform
We have a dress code, which is different to the rest of the school and gives us a strong identity when students represent the school.
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Male:
|
Female:
|
|---|---|
| blue shirt with stiff collar | blue blouse with stiff collar |
| school tie | school tie |
| black V-neck sweater with School Badge |
black V-neck sweater with School Badge |
| black trousers | black pin striped skirt/ or school pin striped trousers |
| dark socks | black tights |
| sensible black shoes | sensible black shoes |
| dark overcoat / waterproof | dark overcoat / waterproof |
Managing Your Own Time
Your timetable in Year 12 will be very different from Year 11 in two main ways:
- fewer subjects to study
- less overall contact time each week with a teacher
- more responsibility for your own learning
Studying fewer subjects Does not mean less Work. Far from it, the majority of our students pursue Advanced courses. The non-contact time is deliberately set aside for the following reasons:
- so that you can use the Library, Laboratory, Workshops or Computer Rooms for study, i.e. to develop study skills
- so that you can pursue extra-curricular interests
- so that you can spend some free time in the Sixth Form Hall
Effective time management both in and out of school is necessary to achieve success.