Shapwick Sixth Form

Shapwick Sixth Form specialises in supporting students during their college years to overcome the challenges presented by dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. Post 16 many pupils choose to stay at Shapwick Sixth Form to enjoy individual support with their coursework and continue to visit our therapy team. A number of pupils also join the school at 16 after taking their GCSEs in another independent or state school.

We are very proud of our partnership arrangement with Bridgwater College and its success in enabling students to gain the qualifications needed for their desired career path. Our students achieve impressive results and many then go onto University or secure jobs in their chosen field. The best way to experience life at Shapwick is to visit. Together with our Sixth Form colleagues, we would be delighted to show you round and demonstrate the difference Shapwick can make during those crucial sixth form years.

Mission Statement:

To enable students to achieve their full potential by equipping individuals with the skills and qualifications needed to access Higher Education and employment.

Personal objectives for all Shapwick Sixth Formers:

1. To obtain national qualifications as offered by Bridgwater College.
2. To take part in the social and pastoral environment of Bridgwater College.
3. To access individual support supplied by Shapwick School.
4. To access the relevant parts of the National Curriculum at Shapwick School.
5. To promote and to take part in social activities at Shapwick School.
6. To be role models for the younger students at the School.
7. To take part in social and formal events of the School.
8. To abide by School regulations.
9. To act in a safe and honest manner.
10. To act as ambassadors for the School.

Partnership with Bridgwater College

Bridgwater College is a dynamic, forward-thinking community of over 20,000 students and staff, with an approach to learning and teaching that has led to consistently exceptional levels of student achievements, excellent inspection results and prestigious awards. Ofsted recently described the environment as ‘Outstanding’. In September 2004 Bridgwater College merged with the former Cannington College, which included taking over the running of its two land-based centres at Yeovil and Paignton.

The College has won some very prestigious awards including nine national Beacon Awards in recent years. Four areas curriculum areas have Centre of Vocational Excellence Awards and the College recently achieved the Matrix Standard, a quality mark for its information, advice and guidance services.

Bridgwater College offers the broadest curriculum of any school or college in the South West. The College offers nearly 50 AS level subjects and over 100 vocational programmes and apprenticeships, along with the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Unlike many sixth forms, students have the opportunity to combine A levels with a vocational programme, such as a BTEC National Award, Certificate or Diploma.

The Learning Resource Centre offers a large up-to-date library of books. There are areas set aside for quiet study or group work in free periods. Students also have access to networked computers, scanners, photocopiers and the Internet. All students are welcome to use their own laptops with wireless connection to the College network. Students can borrow books (including fiction), course textbooks, magazines, journals, films and music. National and local newspapers are also provided. The College boasts a useful intranet site with links to online databases and websites for research. There is also offer a free interlibrary loan system for specialist titles.

With over 1000 terminals, students are never short of a computer to work on! Most networked computers provide easy access to all the latest Microsoft applications and the Internet. Thin Client technology provides remote access to the College desktop for working from home. With industry standard software and hardware, Bridgwater College has one of the most advanced systems in any further education college in the South West.

The Hub is a popular meeting place for students wanting to chill out in their breaks and free time. There are pool tables, an MP3 jukebox, table football and computer games consoles. The Bridgwater College Student Union is based next door to the Common Room and organises clubs, societies and entertainments, including parties, the Summer Ball and RAG Day.