1. Welcome to your Sixth Form Information Evening 27 January 2011 Please switch off all mobile phones

3. To seek, to learn, today…. Headteacher: Jennifer Payne Deputy Head: Anne Kelly Head of Sixth Form: Nik Evans ….to shape, to lead, tomorrow

4. National structure for post-16 education • Re-structured A-levels: Year 12 - AS exams taken Year 13 - A2 exams, giving full A-level - and/or additional AS levels,increasing breadth • Supports life-long learning, increases flexibility,meets future needs ‘Students make excellent progress in the Sixth Form… They are actively involved in all aspects of school life and provide excellent role models and mentoring for younger pupils.’ Ofsted, February 2009

5. Universities able to select or recruit on actual achievement, not just predictions • Universities and employers seeking evidence of key skills and wider participation: communication team work problem solving leadership and posts of responsibility work experience contribution to music, drama, sport …etc ‘Learners are rightly proud of their school. Relationships at all levels are excellent and staff and learners show mutual respect for each other.’ Ofsted, February 2009.

6. ‘There has been innovative work to engage learners and this has developed to take account of their views and preferred learning activities’ Ofsted, February 2009 • Sittingbourne Partnership: Highsted Grammar SchoolBorden Grammar SchoolFulston Manor School • Compatible timetables: give increased flexibility extend opportunitybuild on familiar relationshipsretain existing support structures

7. ‘…learners have particularly good opportunities to develop skills which prepare them superbly for the next steps in their education…’ Ofsted, February 2009 • School or college? • Highest quality teaching • Excellent examination results • Ongoing pastoral care and support • Widest academic choice: - over 35 traditional AS/A-level subjects - applied (vocational) A-level • Preparation for further study - most students go on to University

8. Popular A-level performance comparisons:summer 2010 ‘Learners make excellent progress and the great majority reach or exceed their challenging targets so that the standards are outstanding.’ Ofsted, February 2009

9. Extensive enrichment programme: • Complementary activities – both informal and certificated • Sporting opportunities at every level • Musical concerts and drama productions • European work experience • Full programme of social and cultural opportunities ‘Learners have excellent opportunities to take responsibility and make a positive contribution to their own and the wider community’ Ofsted, February 2009

10. ‘Pupils’ excellent attitudes to learning and the quality of teaching they receive are key factors in their success...’ Ofsted, February 2009 • High expectations, a desire for excellence • Development of personal qualities and leadership skills • Increasing self-confidence – independence, interpersonal skills, outstanding qualifications • Committed to preparing your daughters or sons for their future

11. ‘Learners share a strong sense of belonging to the school community… They show good understanding of other cultures and beliefs and respect the right of individuals to be different.’ Ofsted, February 2009 Highsted Grammar School offers….. • a full programme – no part-time courses; • courses that are demanding but manageable; • private study time; • support to become an independent learner; • success! …..to young people who are prepared to do more than the absolute minimum Your opportunity, your decision, your future, …..choose carefully!

12. A serious purpose…. ….where learning is fun!

13. Eminent Coach (to favourite pupil)“Now look here Adams; if you will only work hard with me for six months, I promise you three years complete holiday at Oxford!”

14. Highsted Grammar School provides an outstanding standard of education and care for its pupils. The school is very inclusive and there is a strong focus on encouraging both academic achievement and personal development of all learners. Learners feel extremely safe and well cared for and say that their teachers know them well and give them excellent guidance and support. Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school…. “My daughter is progressing well and the school certainly gives her the support and confidence to aim high in the future.” Ofsted, February 2009 “Coming back to Highsted in the Sixth Form has given me independence as well as the support I need to achieve. I particularly enjoy the balance between working hard and spending time with my friends”Emilia, Year 13 “Being part of Young Enterprise at Highsted has given me a real insight into business – it connects what I learn in school to the real world. I love the fact that I am making money whilst having fun!”James, Year 12 Committed to preparing our students for their future

15. 6 Thank you for attending our Sixth Form Information Evening F Sixth Form