Welcome to the Small Heath Sixth Form Page
Why Small Heath School Sixth Form?
Many students already at Small Heath School decide to continue into the sixth form because they are aware of its excellent reputation for teaching A levels, AVCE's and GNVQ's. In addition, however, many students from neighboring schools apply to our sixth form because they are keen to be part of a sixth form where they know they will feel valued as an individual and where they will do well provided they are prepared to work to the best of their abilities. Indeed, some of our most successful students come from elsewhere, attracted by what we have to offer them. Where ever you come from, you will receive the same friendly welcome.
We are justly very proud of our results and very nearly all of our final year A level students go on to University, both locally and further afield.
Guidance
We aim to ensure that everyone achieves his or her full potential. Progress is constantly monitored. You will work closely with both your subject teachers and you will be assigned a tutor in order to provide you with the best possible support. Together they will advise you how to work to the best of your abilities and should you encounter any difficulties, there will always be someone around to support you.Guidance about future career choices is at the heart of the tutorial programme and additional support is provided by Connexions and the local Universities to ensure the advice you are given is right for you.
You will also be given plenty of opportunities to develop your study skills and, in addition, you will be given extra help with the key skills of communication, application of number and ICT. You will learn to work both with others and independently so that you will achieve personal success both academically and socially.Other Attractions
Because we believe as sixth formers you deserve the freedom and responsibilities you might expect at a large sixth form college, you won’t be required to wear school uniform and you will be expected to take greater responsibility in organising your free time. As a result the sixth form has an atmosphere that is distinct from the rest of the school. You will have access to a range of facilities, including the various ICT areas, the library, a modern multi-media room, specialist teaching accommodation, a common room and use of the community leisure centre attached to the school. In addition, you will have access to the Internet to support your studies and the use of wireless laptops which mean that you can access the internet anywhere in the school.Entry Requirements
Individual subject requirements, both at for GNVQ and A level, can be found elsewhere in this folder. As a general rule we require 4 grade Cs or better to study AS or AVCE courses and 4 grade E's or better to study GNVQ (Intermediate) courses. However, with demand for places being so high, some subjects expect a grade B at AS level. We do try and tailor our courses to suit your needs and the initial interview allows you the opportunity to discuss your post-16 options well before enrolment.Fees
All students studying courses in the Sixth Form are exempt from both tuition and examination fees. In addition, all materials, books and resources that are standard to the course are also exempt.
The only costs that might be incurred by you are if you need to take a second resit; the cost of the first being met by the school other than in exceptional circumstances. Missed exams, or late withdrawal, in line with criteria issued by the examination boards, would also incur a fee.Enrichment
It is what goes on outside the classroom as much as what goes on inside that makes our Sixth Form so different. Whilst here you will have so many opportunities to involve yourself in additional activities, both academic and social. Mentors are available to support you both in your own subject area and in terms of your own personal development. Links with local universities are excellent and they provide student support through student shadowing, mentoring, UCAS applications and master classes. We are even looking at the possibility of video conferencing lectures and seminars.We also have a strong partnership with Solihull School, one of the top independent schools in the Midlands. Not only has this involved sharing facilities and INSET training for staff, it has also meant that students from both schools have worked closely together sharing experiences and knowledge of each others’ different cultures. Through Aim Higher we have access to additional funding to support both the Gifted and Talented and Widening Access initiatives. It has enabled us to send our students on residential courses, master classes, field trips, revision days, and funded additional resources including ICT equipment and books - all of which help to increase your overall chance of higher grades, whatever the courses you are on.
We see our Sixth Formers as role models for the rest of the school. You will be encouraged to take an active role in the life of the school and there will be opportunities to help behind reception, in the library, with duties and within the classroom. In addition, we have use of the local leisure centre and you will be able to use Pulsepoint free twice a week between 9.00 and 5.00 during the school week. Cricket and Badminton are also popular.