10 REASONS TO JOIN US

It’s time to start thinking about your post 16 education, and what you might do after you have finished school. There’s a lot of options, choices and decisions to be made, but if you don’t know exactly what you want to do yet- don’t worry!

A Levels and BTEC qualifications are a good option if you want to keep your options open as you will study a range of subjects which gives you the chance to decide what to study at University or what career path to follow. Both A Levels and BTEC qualifications are two year, linear courses and you will select three or four choices to study from a wide range of subjects. Here are our 10 reasons why you should join our high performing sixth form centre:

1. We have outstanding success rates

Our outcomes in the Sixth Form, both in A-Level and BTEC subjects are outstanding – 87.4% A*-C grades and 52% of all grades A*-A in the last examination series of 2019. We encourage our learners to become independent, be aspirational and have a desire to succeed.

2. We can improve your chances of getting into University

The Sixth Form team provides an expertly qualified Careers lead, who is also the Sixth Form Manager. Her role is to provide you with a structure and provide assistance through the UCAS process. Our aspirational environment means that students are now applying form and being accepted into Russell group Universities, including Cambridge University.

3. We have outstanding teachers

All of our Level 3 programmes of study are taught by specialists in their field of teaching .Some of our staff are able to offer industry experience in their field through previous careers. Our VI6 programme means that the very best teachers from the local area are able to share their passion and expertise in their subject areas.

4. We offer dedicated support

You’ll have access to a dedicated academic and pastoral mentor who will work with you on a 1:1 basis.

5. We are a supportive, self-contained community

A team of well qualified, knowledgeable teachers and support staff will be with you throughout your time at Thurstable Sixth Form. We are a self continued Sixth Form within a school, which allows students to become more independent and resilient.

6. We are the perfect place to make new friends and become independent

Thurstable Sixth Form attracts a wide range of external candidates, both because of our Colchester United Programme and because of the unique combination of courses we can offer, including Textiles, Graphic communications and Music Technology.

7. We offer small class sizes and outstanding academic support

Our class sizes are small; meaning that teachers will have the time to help you, and guide you through your studies. Our Sixth Form team are all experts in their field and have significant experience in both Level 3 teaching but also further education support.

8. We offer fantastic leadership and enrichment programmes

A significant part of Sixth Form life is about enrichment, you will be given leadership responsibilities and opportunities to get involved in life outside the classroom; this includes The Duke of Edinburgh Award, Work shadowing, coaching, sports management and coaching of younger years, mentoring and school productions.

9. Our Sixth Form has shown to be improving significantly in recent years

Thurstable Sixth Form is now one of the top 20% Sixth Form in the country by academic progress. This means that when you come to us, you can be assured that we know what we are doing! We instill a sense of purpose in your studies, and monitor your progress carefully, and intervene where necessary.

10. We prepare students for their dream career

Our careers lead and Sixth Form staff will have high expectations of you, and will work with you to ensure that you have a ‘goal’ in mind - we will work with you as your plot your future career - whether that be in an academic setting, or a more practical course, or indeed the world of work.