Sixth Form

Philip Southcote Sixth Form is purpose-built to meet the needs of more vulnerable pupils with learning difficulties. We provide a safe environment with specialist teaching and pastoral support so all students can access the curriculum. Our curriculum is carefully designed to prepare learners for adulthood in a way that reflects their personal needs, aspirations, and potential, promoting the highest level of independence.

Our Sixth Form curriculum provides learning opportunities for one, two or three years, offering a personalised curriculum for each pupil. This incorporates independent living skills, work related learning and vocational opportunities. Students are placed into tutor groups based on their communication and social needs.

At Key Stage 5, we continue to study the core subjects of English and Maths. Accreditations in these subjects range from Entry Level 1 to GCSE, with students typically completing qualifications in Year 13 and consolidating life skills in Year 14. English and Maths are taught in sets based on previous attainment in accreditations. We also develop life and community skills in our PSHE and Preparation for Adulthood lessons, focusing on topics such as healthy lifestyles, puberty and family; online safety is covered every year.

Students will also spend one day a week at our Skills Centre. They are able to choose from the development of skills in two of the following areas: retail, café, horticulture, hair and beauty, Duke of Edinburgh, Vinyl Crafting and Learning for Life. Our on-site beauty salon, shop and café all add to the real-life experience. All students complete digital journals of evidence to support their learning and show their skill development. Students learn to develop their interpersonal, work and communication skills in the Skills Centre.

Every tutor group also has a Community Day which continues to build life skills. The tutor group is split in half. One half will work together to plan for and create a full lunchtime meal, which the whole tutor groups enjoys together. The other half will focus on Mental Health Champions and Wheel of Independence work on this day. Students work on different segments on the Wheel of Independence each week, focusing on: money, meal preparation, food shopping, housekeeping and laundry.

Students also have one lesson of sport and leisure per week. Students can choose from a range of fitness activities, including dance, gym visits and local walks.

All students also have one EHCP Targets lesson per fortnight. These lessons enable students to take ownership of their own targets. They consider how they have worked towards each of their targets and how they will continue to develop their skills in the four key areas: Preparation for Employment and Further Learning; Independent Living; Friends, Relationships and Community Participation; Health. 

Every student has an annual review where discussions take place with the students, parents and carers and support services regarding the next step, be it a further year in the Sixth Form, moving on to college, the world of work or a more specialist placement. Our Moving On Coordinator works with each individual, their family and the staff to ensure every student is constantly considering their future and the steps they need to take to get there. Most of our Sixth Form students will complete external work experience in a relevant field in the local area. We also meet regularly with students and families to discuss life after Sixth Form and offer support when applying for colleges, apprenticeships or other provisions.

By the end of Sixth Form, students leave us ready and equipped for their journey through their adult life. Our motto of "Learning for Life" underpins everything we do at Sixth Form. This motto is further reinforced through our school values: Trust, Responsibility, Respet, Excellence, Courage and Kindness. 

Click here for Sixth Form Curriculum