The 16-19 Study Programme at SWCHS Sixth Form

All 16 to 19 study programmes should be designed to provide students with a structured and challenging learning programme that supports their development and progression in line with their career plans. Study programmes should be individually tailored but will typically combine the elements below:

• Substantial academic, applied or vocational qualifications that stretch students and prepare them for education at the next level or to employment
• English and maths where students have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4 (reformed grading) or grade C (legacy grading)
• Work experience to give young people the opportunity to develop their career choices and to apply their skills in real working conditions
• Other non-qualification activity to develop students’ character, skills, attitudes and confidence, and to support progression

 

Department of Education website regarding 16 to 19 Study Programme: https://bit.ly/2O54hEi

Core Aim of a Study Programme

Every study programme must have a core aim. This is the principal activity or core purpose of a student’s programme, and it will usually be the component that has the largest number of planned hours. The Core Aim at SWCHS is decided in the IAG session when students apply to the Sixth Form and is monitored as they progress through the sixth form. Changes may be made in discussion with a member of the Sixth From Management throughout the 2 years of their course.

Planned hours

Each study programme will consist of a number of planned hours; ie hours that have been timetabled and are supervised by the provider. This will consist of the teaching hours delivered by each subject as well as tutorial hours, academic enrichment, electives and supervised study. For some students this may also include work experience, societies and clubs, student voice and other enrichment.

Students with Special Educational needs and/or disabilities

 The overwhelming majority of young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are capable of sustained employment with the right preparation and support. All professionals working with them should share that presumption. As such, the study programme principles apply equally to learners with SEND.

Maths and English

All students aged 16 to 19 who do not hold at least a GCSE grade 4 (reformed grading) or grade C (legacy grading), are required to study these subjects as part of their study programme in each academic year. At SWCHS all students who need to resit have timetable lessons and a planned programme supporting progress towards GCSE 4 in maths and English. Our records show we are highly successful at supporting students in achieving these qualifications.

Work Experience

 Work experience is a key component of 16 to 19 study programmes. It aims to give young people the opportunity to develop their career choices, get a first taste of work, and develop those critical employability skills needed for real working conditions. All students at SWCHS are expected to undertake work experience / work-related training as part of their study programme. This is normally undertaken as a week in July, but for some students this may be an ongoing weekly part of their curriculum. They are supported in this by a planned employability programme delivered by Tutors, and external speakers aimed at developing key skills for employment. 

Other non-qualification activity

 All students are expected to take part in other meaningful non-qualification activity alongside work experience. This should take account of their needs and career plans, as well as preparation for adult life more generally. At SWCHS students have the following opportunities:

• Access to an independent careers adviser.
• A higher education programme-supporting progression for students taking this option
• An employment programme for students who are progressing with this in mind.
• A programme of assemblies and academic enrichment lectures aimed at stimulating interest and knowledge of a wide range of key topical issues, delivered by external speakers and teachers with specialist knowledge.
• A tutorial programme supporting progression through the school and offering pastoral and academic support.
• An employability programme – preparing all students for eventual employment.

Progression

All study programmes should reflect students’ longer-term aims and aspirations, and support them to achieve their goals. It is expected that all students nearing their planned leaving date will be encouraged and supported to apply for and, where possible, secure an apprenticeship, further learning or employment. The progression of students will be the focus of the future accountability system.

All students at SWCHS have a structured programme to support their progression when they leave SWCHS. This is launched in year 12 and gradually becomes tailored specifically to meet individual needs. Students are tracked even after they leave SWCHS and we offer support to those applying for employment or University in the year after they leave SWCHS.