Head of Sixth Form Autumn 13

'Make the world better with a sweater!' Which is exactly what the Sixth Form students did today - just look at the magnificent array of knitwear and tailoring on show. And not only was the Sixth Form Centre a more colourfully festive place to be, knowing our donations will make such a difference to the lives of children around the world, helping them grow up healthy and safe and giving them the opportunity to get an education so they can grow up to be who they want to be, brought a positive feeling. It is the right of every child to be cared for and raised well, to have food, shelter, water, clothing and health care so supporting Save the Children is vitally important. With a child becoming homeless every eight minutes in Britain we have work to do and much to appreciate. According to the homeless charity, Shelter, 183 children lose their home every day, that is enough children to fill two double decker buses, the highest rate since 2006. At least 135,000 children will spend Christmas in temporary accommodation. All political leaders in Britain agree this is a problem which must be tackled. There are many charities which exist to help and alleviate the problem but what can we do as a society to prevent so many children falling into this situation?

Year 12 students have been on meaningful work experience placements this week including Microsoft, the Heights Nursing Home, Harleyford Golf Club and SportsAble. Students acquire knowledge and understanding of the work place first hand and have transferable skills as a result which enhance their university and apprenticeship applications. Year 13 have built smart and memorable LinkedIn profiles that quickly tell an impactful and professional story. Their summary, experience and skills sections will develop and grow over time but understanding the principle of networking is invaluable. LinkedIn hosts 500 million professional profiles creating an unlimited supply of connections and potential job opportunities. Being part of this global community is an important aspect of being fully professional in any industry in today's society.

So the focus this week has been about building confidence and 'believing in ourselves' as well as 'making a difference' to the lives of children around the world. As the holidays approach we have time to reflect on our contribution to the local community we live in and the wider world and as a new year approaches, I am sure we will all look to 'aim high' in all our endeavours.

Year 11 Taster Day on Wednesday highlighted the breadth of opportunity the pupils have had to experience the difference between A Level and Level 3 BTEC study as well as to explore new subjects alongside the traditional ones they are more familiar with. Teaching staff commented on how well the pupils engaged in the learning opportunities on offer and also on the interest shown in the Sixth Form through the questions asked. One young man was unable to fit all the subjects he wanted onto his timetable so used his initiative during break to find the teacher he wanted to talk to! Head Girl, Hannah, said she found the morning very useful; it helped her confirm the subjects she was thinking of taking were actually the right ones for her. Hannah also said her peer group had found the time in Sixth Form a positive experience. Max, Head Boy, explained he had been able to decide on several subjects to take at A Level following the insightful lessons he had attended. He also realised one of the subjects he thought would suit him, in fact, did not. Max spoke enthusiastically on behalf of Year 11 boys saying they had all enjoyed the morning. At the end of the session pupils were reminded about completing and returning their Subject Selection Sheets as soon as possible as well as considering the Scholarship options available. Year 11 should now ensure they work effectively to achieve the best possible GCSE grades possible to maximise their options going forward.