About | Bhs Sixth Form

LIFE IN THE

SIXTH FORM

Our purpose-built Sixth Form Centre has been designed to cope with the demands of contemporary post-16 education. Our Sixth Formers can also access all of Ballakermeen’s superb main school facilities, such as the Studio Theatre, Sports Hall, Fitness Suite, Fiction Library and Resource Centre.

Our democratically elected Sixth Form Leadership Team is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Sixth Form Centre. Our Senior Prefects are chosen by students and staff members. The universally popular P.A.S.S. system (Peer Mentoring Scheme) is student managed with Year 13 subject specialists helping our Year 12 students with concerns throughout the year. The Student Leadership team also run weekly learning workshops, a debating society and hold regular student voice questionnaires.

SIXTH FORM TEAM

Mr R Karran

Director of Sixth Form

Miss A Hall

Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Mrs A

McMahon-Boyd

Assistant Head of Sixth Form

(Post 18 study and UCAS)

Mr J McDonald

Assistant Head of Sixth Form

(Standards and Reporting)

Miss K Firth

Sixth Form Admin

(Attendance and Timetabling)

OUR FACILITIES

Nine separate Study Areas, equipped with 200 seats, computer access, printing facilities and WiFi.
A fully equipped modern canteen area with two separate kitchens, three fridges, four microwaves, one dishwasher, a vending machine and a television for use at break and lunchtimes.
A Lecture Theatre with a 76 person capacity.
Office space to meet with the Director of Sixth Form and members of the Sixth Form team.
Two brand new individual pod spaces, each with five partitioned and cushioned learning pods.
Three hot desk study areas, colour coded according to their purpose: Red Zone: Silent study, Amber Zone: Quiet and Collaborative study, Green Zone: Social zone, talking permitted whilst studying.

OUR EXPECTATIONS

We expect all of our students to treat their period of study with us as if they were in employment.

Above 95% attendance, completion of work set, and the ability to study independently are basic requirements at this level.

Punctual arrival at daily registrations is compulsory as is full time attendance from 8.45am until 3.20pm. Students will be required to gain back lost time from morning and afternoon lates.

Students are expected to abide by the dress code, designed by our Sixth Form Committee, and we encourage everyone to contribute positively to the school community.

It is also our expectation that students conduct themselves courteously and professionally both with their teachers and their student-colleagues.

We expect students to use social media in a positive and respectful manner.

It is our aim for all Sixth Form members to be inspirational and aspirational role models for students in the main school. This includes representing the school at major events.

What we expect of our students:

Regular reports on their progress and attainment, plus regular feedback on their work.

Support and advice as they embark on career, apprenticeship and Higher Education applications.

Help preparing job applications and practising mock interviews, where applicable.

What students can expect of us:

SIXTH FORM

DRESS CODE

Students are permitted to wear:

Shirt and tie/bowtie (top button must be done up and shirt tucked in)
Smart shoes (which must have a back)
Jumpers, Cardigans and Sweaters
Blazers and Suit Jackets
Blouse
Tailored trousers
Tailored skirt* - must be an appropriate material (no denim or leather)
Long/short sleeved top
Office/Pinafore dress* (must be worn with tights)

Students are not permitted to wear:

Coats (indoors)
Hats/scarves (indoors)
T-shirts/Crop tops/Vest tops/Strap tops
Polo-Shirts
Anything with a visible brand/slogan
T-shirt dresses
Denim/leather clothing
Lycra skirts
Leggings / Jeggings
Converse / Vans / Trainers / Laced up Pumps / Any shoe with a white sole / Sandals (permitted in summer) / Slippers
Tracksuits

*Skirts should be at least half-way down thigh / just above the knee. If it is shorter than this, it will too short and you may be sent home.

Midriff must be covered, and necklines must be appropriate

EXTRA-CURRICULAR LIFE

Junior Achievement

All students have the chance to create their own company group and take on competitors throughout Europe. This programme, run by our partners at J.A., has been incredibly popular in recent years.

Critical Thinking Group

For students who are wanting to broaden their thoughts on contemporary world issues, we run a Critical Thinking Group. Students are split into seminar pods of 5 or 6 and learn how to construct balanced viewpoints and debate them in a robust manner. This group also forms the initial phase of our preparation for Oxford and Cambridge applicants but is open to every member of the Sixth Form, no matter where they intent to study after Ballakermeen.

Mandarin

Students have the option to take part in a Mandarin lesson each week in the Confucius Classroom. These classes are taught by a native speaker and lead to a qualification.

Charity Challenge

Co-ordinated through the One World Centre, Charity Challenge enables our students to get together and think of innovative ways to raise money for charitable organisations throughout the world.

Medical Group

The Sixth Form team run a two year ‘medical preparation programme’ for potential Medical, Dental, Optometry and Veterinary applicants. This group meets once a week, during Tutorial, to discuss the signs and symptoms of common illnesses, the inner workings of the NHS and to fully prepare for university interviews and MMI stages. Our Sixth Form careers adviser also works hard to make sure all Medical, Dental, Optometry and Veterinary students have relevant work experience during their time with us.

Duke of Edinburgh

All students are welcome to join the school’s Duke of Edinburgh scheme. Students joining from other schools may carry on at whichever level they left off.

Voltaire Society

This is our Sixth Form led debating club. The Voltaire Society has hosted some of the Island’s most well-known figures and has not shied away from controversial subject matter, enabling our student body to have their say on issues of the day.

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