| It is becoming increasingly important to think of secondary
education as lasting for seven years. A majority of the students remain
with us in the Sixth Form College, which shares the same site. The
College provides post-16 full-time education for students in the Witham
area. It offers, at present, three main types of course; a two-year
'AS/A2' ‘A’ Level programme; and a two-year course leading
to BTEC qualifications in Sport and Applied Business (equivalent to ‘A’ Level);
and a one year level 2 intermediate programme in Sport and Travel/Tourism
along with the opportunity to re-sit GCSEs in core subjects. Many students
also follow a combination of the European Computer Driving Licence,
the Asdan University Award, plus General Studies to ‘AS’ Level.
A wide range of 'AS/A2’ Level courses is available, as detailed
later in this prospectus. These are two-year courses for young people
who have proven academic aptitude. At least five higher grade GCSE
passes in academic subjects are expected from applicants who wish
to pursue a course of three 'AS/A2' Level subjects. The success rate
at Advanced Level is good with a pass rate of well over 80% in the
last five years, and a high proportion of students go on to higher
education in universities throughout the country, including Oxbridge.
The BTEC in Sport and Applied Business are two year double award
courses. They are flexible courses which can be combined with the
study of Advanced Level or GCSE subjects in order to improve students'
employment opportunities or qualifications for further education.
Students are in the fortunate position of being able to benefit
from continuity of contact with teachers they know. The curriculum
for all students extends beyond their examination or vocational courses
to include a range of leisure activities and new skills enabling
lasting interests to be established for adult life. Opportunities
for community service and work experience exist and personal studies
of local employers and community topics are part of the tutorial
programme for all students irrespective of their chosen course. ‘Community
service’ may be in-school through mentoring opportunities in
the main school, charity-linked events or community service in the
local community.
The College offers an opportunity to broaden educational and personal
horizons by gaining qualifications of recognised value. The latest
revision of courses in the College will offer more routes into higher
education.
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