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Oswestry School Sixth Form provides essential preparation and transition between school and the next step.

Headmaster’s Welcome

We are proud of the opportunities available to our Sixth Form at Oswestry School. As well as an excellent range of subject choices, small class sizes and academic vigour, our pastoral support, extra- curricular activities, careers guidance and leadership training ensure that pupils leave the school ready for the challenges of university and the world of work. With a purpose-designed Sixth Form Centre, including private study and communal recreational areas, there is a careful balance between structured and independent study. Pupils leave us having learntself-motivation, discipline and respect for others as well as themselves. During pupils’ time in the Sixth Form, they enjoy a friendly and supportive environment to help them maximise their opportunities and enrich their education.

Julian Noad Headmaster

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A wide choice of A level subjects

Regular reports on your progress

Small tutor groups

Expert careers guidance

Assistance with interview techniques and CV preparation

Leadership skills training

Guidance with university choices and specific preparation for university entrance

Sympathetic and supportive pastoral care

Dedicated Sixth Form Centre

Wide range of societies and clubs

Regular social events

Opportunities for positions of responsibility and leadership

Sporting activities at all levels

Combined Cadet Force

Opportunities to participate in voluntary work and community action

As a member of the Sixth Form you will have access to all of the following:

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Admissions

From outside the School there are two routes into the Sixth Form:

Direct Entry

satisfactory GCSE grades can apply for direct entry with full fees, or with assistance in paying fees in the form of a bursary. Interested candidates and their parents are asked to complete the application form for Sixth Form entry. External candidates and their parents will be invited to visit the School.

Scholarship Entry

Boarding

Boarding in the Sixth Form at Oswestry School offers an excellent transition from the structured life of school to the independence required at university. As well as the recent addition of the purpose-built Sixth Form Boys’ Boarding House, there is also the Sixth Form Girls’ Annexe attached to the girls’ boarding accommodation, Guinevere House. Both these are adjacent to the Sixth Form Study Centre and students in both houses experience an international atmosphere, with many nationalities being represented from around the world.

Careers

In the Sixth Form, careers education and guidance continues to combine its personal and individual focus with group and whole year presentations. The Sixth Form Centre is well equipped with the recommended guides, university prospectuses and handbooks, to build up a firm foundation for career and course choice. The HEAP database is available on the school intranet. The Sixth Form Centre is open all day, Monday to Friday.

make early decisions with regard to university course and career choice.

This enables them to take advantage of early completion of their UCAS forms and to arrange suitable work experience during their holidays. In addition,

attend carefully selected open days and appropriate ‘taster days’. A Careers Fair and dedicated Head of Careers enable pupils to make informed choices regarding which course to consider. Outside speakers are invited from the universities into the School to give formal and informal presentations and advice. Information is also available on areas of interest such as gap years, interviews and financial management. Sixth Form Tutors get to know their tutees exceptionally well and deliver a Higher Education programme which includes presentations and advice on topics such as how to compose and complete personal statements, the UCAS application system, clearing, time-management, student finance etc. There is

post-A level results. Help and advice is given to support

clearing process.

A Guide to the Life in theSixth Form

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A number of scholarships are awarded. These are based on academic merit. The maximum award is 50% remission on school fees, with several smaller awards also available. In addition to academic scholarships there are Music, Art, Sports and Languages awards available. Scholarships take place early in the Lent term.

Pupils likely to obtain

Pupils are encouraged to

pupils are encouraged to

continuing support for pupils

any pupil caught up in the

Choosing A Levels

• Do I enjoy the subject?• Do I have an aptitude

for the subject?• Have I any idea what I want

to study at university?• Will it help me to fulfil my

career ambitions? • Should I choose a combination

with a Science bias i.e., 3 science subjects and 1 humanities subject?

• Should I choose a combination with a Humanities bias i.e., 3 humanities subjects and 1 science?

It is becoming increasingly clear that some universities are reluctant to offer places to pupils who have chosen a number of what they term ‘soft’ subjects: those subjects with significant practical rather than academic content.

This should not overly influence most pupils, but those who aspire to places at the most competitive universities should ensure that they choose all, or mostly, strong ‘academic’ subjects. If a pupil is unsure what he or she wishes to do in the future, a combination which keeps options open will be preferable. These pupils and their parents will be given advice by the Head of Sixth Form, Head of Careers and/or the Deputy Head (Academic) who will discuss their choices carefully.

Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

The School has its own Combined Cadet Force for both young men and women and a lively programme of outdoor training, camps and ambitious overseas expeditions, e.g. the Adventure Education department runs termly adventure weekends as well as expeditions to the Swiss Alps (mountaineering), France (white water kayaking) and Morocco to ascend Mount Toubkal.

Curriculum

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The best advice on subject choice is individual; our teachers are always happy to help. Most pupils will start Lower Sixth following four courses, but most universities will expect only three subjects at the finish. Heads of Department and subject tutors are happy to explain courses available at Oswestry School.

We aim to accommodate any sensible combination of subjects requested by our deadlines and will try to accommodate later requests. We will review all options requested and counsel any pupil whose options may be inadvisable. It is useful to consider these questions when making choices:

Time spent in the Sixth Form is a period of personal as well as academic growth, and so here at Oswestry we place great emphasis on self-motivation and self-discipline. A levels are probably the most demanding courses in the British educational system, so it is essential that students choose the right subjects to study and find an appropriate balance between them and the many other opportunities offered within the School.

SIXTH FORM ETHOSTHE SIXTH FORM AT OSWESTRY SCHOOL AIMS TO:

Develop individuals in the ways of knowledge, self-sufficiency and leadership skills, so as to enable each

person to contribute fully as an adult in society.

Foster individual care and concern for all its members.

Pursue excellence through a curriculum which combines breadth and balance with respect for individual talents.

To offer opportunities for service and responsibility.

The School has a great deal to offer its students andknows that its pupils have much to offer inreturn. The Sixth Form at Oswestry provides aunique opportunity for the student to develop

academically, culturally, morallyand spiritually.

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Dress Code

Sixth formers are expected to behave as young adults, focused on personal growth and the learning process. They are therefore expected to dress in an appropriate manner i.e. dark business suit, shirt, tie and smart shoes. Girls may opt to wear a smart, dark trouser or skirt suit and a striped shirt. The emphasis is on ‘business’.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme operates within the School, and pupils over the age of 16 have direct entry into the Gold Award Scheme.

Examination Successes

Oswestry School is proud of

success at the very top end of the scale on an annual basis. Oswestry School has a track

the most prestigious universities,

towards the most appropriate courses and institutions for them.

Facilities

Private Study

access to the different ways of collecting information. Developing advanced information skills is essential for A level Studies and beyond. Oswestry School provides a wide range of resources, including our well-stocked Sixth Form Centre. Whilst encouraging

advanced learning tools,private study is where theself-discipline of quiet studyis firmly established.

The Sixth Form has access to the computer facilities and of course to the internet which is used as an important research

from supervised private study in order to help them make the important transition from GCSE to the more independent learning required by A Level.

ICT Resources

The school has secure campus-wide Wifi and a large suite of fully networked computers and bookable laptops. As a Google Apps for Education organisation, we make full use of this collaborative platform for a host of teaching, learning and communication functions.

The Sixth Form Centre

The Sixth Form Centre is located at the top of the campus away from other sections of the School. The Centre is provided as a place of quiet study and recreation. It is designed to give individual

while they work independently. On the ground floor there are two large recreation rooms where

in a civilised environment. These rooms are equipped with pool table, table football machine, and a suite of comfortable furniture.

Academic Enrichment

To supplement your A levels we offer a structured programme of academic enrichment that is taught alongside your conventional subjects. In previous years we have offered geology, a range of ab initio languages, cooking, health and fitness, supplementary maths, supplementary science etc. in this section of the curriculum. We tailor our offering here to meet the needs and interests of the pupils.

the success of all its pupils.We have pupils who achieve

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tool. Sixth Form pupils benefit

pupils peace and privacy

pupils are encouraged to relax

Induction

All pupils entering the Sixth Form follow a thorough induction programme during the first three weeks of the academic year. This allows them to take full advantage of all academic and social opportunities open to them. The programme includes:

Lower Sixth (Year 12)

• The establishment of minimum target grades

• Interview with the Head of Year and tutors to determine ‘best fit’ subject choices, taking into consideration career aspirations

• Leadership training (full day)• Time management • Subject ‘tasting’ for the

undecided• Social events

Upper Sixth (Year 13)

• Prefects training (full day)• Formal interviews• Feedback on interview

performance• UCAS application help• Individual consultation

with Head of Year• Social events

Interview Techniques

An interview programme operates for the Upper Sixth, recognising the importance of good interview technique for higher education or employment. Their importance lies in the fact that they can have a major influence on whether to offer a place, employment or sponsorship to the candidate. This, in turn, may affect the whole future course of the life and career of that individual. At Oswestry School our pupilsare given the opportunity to practise and improve their interview skills before attending formal interviews at universities and with prospective employers, thus increasing the likelihood of them performing well in the real situation.

Learning Support

Support is available within our Learning Development Centre for Sixth Form pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD). This can include assistance with organisation of time, self and study, essay planning, study skills, presentation of work, revision methods, individual help with personal statements, advice concerning decisions about post A-Level options and the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).

Super-Curriculum

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We prepare our pupils for the journey ahead.

Each faculty is charged with organising events to supplement the conventional curriculum. typically these take the form of lectures, debates, masterclasses or educational trips. They form an important part of an Oswestry Education. Recent events have included: a medical conference, an engineering conference and several lectures by university academics.

Pastoral

Each pupil in the Sixth Form is assigned a tutor whose duty it is to advise on all matters academic and pastoral. Advice is offered on academic progress within the school, on Higher Education applications, institutions and courses, and on social matters within the Sixth Form community. Pupils are encouraged to get to know their tutors well so that a good rapport is established. As a ‘free’ foundation we are able to follow both traditional Anglican and non-conformist traditions in worship. There are regular chapel services and assemblies during the week as well as Sunday worship for boarders. Whilst Christian in emphasis, the religious and ethnic backgrounds of all pupils are equally respected.

Prefect Body

Prefects are selected on leadership merit from the student body and take on a wide range of responsibilities within the School. They are led by the Head Boy and Head Girl.

Preparation

Up to GCSE, pupils are used to being set work each night for return the following morning. A-Levels demand much preparation, so appropriate time is allowed for work to be completed; in addition, pupils are expected to develop sophisticated reading and study skills. Even in the Lower Sixth, pupils are expected to undertake a minimum of 20 hours per week outside school hours. Success is built on continuous hard work. Private study is supervised in the SixthForm Centre for day pupils. Boarders are free to work in their boarding house. All pupils are expected to achieve their potential and be focused on success.

Reporting

Parents are kept regularly involved with pupils’ progress. Full reports are sent out to parents on a termly basis and progress reports are fed back directly to pupils at least twice per term, detailing effort and achievement. Parents are encouraged to contact the Head of Year in the event of any concerns.

Sixth Form Council

The Sixth Form Council is responsible for the day to day running of the Sixth Form facilities and the development of those facilities. The Council consists of pupil representation from the Upper and Lower Sixth, the Head Boy, Head Girl and Heads of Lower and Upper Sixth. To sit on the Council is to accept a position of considerable responsibility and influence.

Societies

There is a wide range of activities available apart from the normal sporting and musical activities and Sixth Formers are expected to take an active part in the extra- curricular life of the school.

Work Experience

Work shadowing and experience is highly recommended and pupils are actively encouraged to seek such experience in their holidays. This experience is vital for certain careers and courses (e.g. medicine and veterinary science) and useful for others (e.g. surveying and engineering). There is a growing network of Old Oswestrians who are willing to help pupils with their careers in terms of advice, guidance or experience.

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SUBJECTSOFFERED

Art

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Design Technology

Economics

English Literature

French

Further Mathematics

Geography

History

Mathematics

Music

Philosophy of Religion and Ethics

Photography

Physical Education

Physics

Psychology

Spanish

* This list of subjects offered is subject to change. Additional courses might be added if sufficient interest is shown; please do ask. Conversely, the school reserves the right to withdraw courses which attract little or no interest.

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Aston• Biomedical Science• Logistics Management• Pharmacy

Bath• Natural Sciences• Pharmacology• Physics

Birmingham• Architecture• Business Management• Engineering• International Relations

& Politics / Law• Medicine

Bristol• Biochemistry• Forensic Science• Law

Cardiff• Mechanical Engineering

Coventry• Sports with Tourism

Durham• Accounting• Business & Management• Business & Finance• Mathematics

Edinburgh• Business Studies• French and European History• Politics & Sociology

Glasgow• Architecture

Goldsmiths, London• English• History

Imperial College, London• Aeronautical Engineering• Biochemistry• Biology• Biomedical Engineering• Mathematics

Keele• Accounting & Finance• Criminology & Sociology• Psychology

Kent• Multimedia Studies

Kings College, London• Biomedical Science• Geography• Medicine

Lancaster• Biochemistry• Geography• History• Mechanical Engineering

Leeds• International Politics• Law

Liverpool• Biology• Business Studies & French• Civil Engineering• Medicine• Urban Planning• Human Geography

LSE • Accounting• Law • Politics

Loughborough• Civil Engineering• Human Biology

Nottingham• Architecture• Biochemistry• Finance and Accounting• Veterinary Science

Oxford Brooks• Accounting & Finance• Architecture• Business Management• Drama

Plymouth• Medicine• Navigation & Maritime

Queen Mary• Biology• Business Studies & French• Civil Engineering• Medicine

Sheffield• Biology

Southampton• Accounting & Finance

UCL• Management Science / French• Statistics

Warwick• Biochemistry• Film & Literature• Politics & International Studies

York• Mathematics• Chemistry

Destination

Over the last five years, pupils have gained places at the following Russell Group universities (amongst others):

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Main Entrance

Upper Brook Street

The Key

Map of Campus

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1 Dining Hall2 Classrooms3 Modern Foreign

Languages Classrooms4 Peter Humphreys Centre 5 Holbache House6 Guinevere House7 Sixth Form Centre8 Spooner Cottage9 C.C.F. egnaR elfiR roodnI 10 Powis Building: Science,

Art & Technology

11 Lewis Building12 Classrooms13 Tilley Building14 The Old Library15 Reception, Headmaster’s

Study and Registrar’s Office16 School House17 School Chapel18 Gymnasium

19 Music School20 Classrooms21 Staff Common Room &

C1 Computing22

School Shop

23 Indoor Swimming Pool 24 Headmaster’s House25 Bellan House

Prep Department

OSWESTRY SCHOOL–––– Senior School ––––

Upper Brook StreetOswestry, Shropshire SY11 2TLTelephone: +44 (0)1691 655 711

BELLAN HOUSE–––– Prep Department ––––

Church Street OswestryShropshire SY11 2ST

Telephone: +44 (0)1691 653 453

Email: enquiries@oswestryschool.org.uk

oswestryschool.org.uk

CONTACT INFORMATION

Oswestry School is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England No: 03931222. Registered Office: Upper Brook Street, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 2TL. Registered Charity No: 1079822

The prospectus and associated documents are intended to indicate in general principles life at Oswestry School, its aims and ethos. Oswestry School will take all reasonable steps to provide the education and pastoral services described. However, it does not guarantee the provision of such services and the prospectus and associated documents do not form any part of any contract between parents and Oswestry School. Parents wishing to place any reliance on any statement within the prospectus and associated documents should seek written confirmation of that statement before accepting the offer of a place.

Oswestry SchoolFounded 1407

Upper Brook Street, OswestryShropshire SY11 2TL

Telephone: +44 (0)1691 655 711Facsimile: +44 (0)1691 662 726

Email: enquiries@oswestryschool.org.uk

oswestryschool.org.uk