Sixth Form Life

Each Shapwick pupil has very unique career aspirations/plans and to the vast range of courses offered by Bridgwater College enables each Sixth Form student to gain the qualifications for their chosen career path.

Sixth Form students all follow diverse courses so have lots of opportunities to make new friends outside of Shapwick. The range of courses may include art, hairdressing, childcare, business studies, carpentry, engineering, IT, forensic science, land based studies, horticulture or geography to name but a few. For a full list of courses please see the prospectus. This results in each student have a unique college timetable so all students are rarely together with the exception of Saturday mornings.

Timetable:

The College timetable is defined by the College Course Co-ordinators. During periods of non-contact time Shapwick students are expected to carry out private study.

The Sixth Form timetable is organised to include Saturday morning tutorials and group teaching at Shapwick. With the exception of exeats and half-term weekends, it is imperative that students attend these structured sessions. Students may, with Houseparents’ permission, leave at lunchtime on Saturdays.

Support network – School & College:

The College offers support for those students with learning difficulties. This support is arranged by the student or by the School’s liaison tutor on their behalf. The assistance given is then timetabled around their College commitments.

Shapwick School also offers individual support in numeracy, literacy, speech and language and any other identified needs. The School liaises closely with the College so specific areas of need may be identified and appropriate help offered with College assignments etc. The School tries to be as flexible with the timetabling of its support to accommodate the needs of the students.

Sixth Form Tutorial:

This integral part of the Sixth Form provision is designed to support social, communication and study skills. It allows for the identification of individual needs, together with support in an ongoing manner. It also aims to provide a platform for the discussion of a variety of issues with the inclusion of a life skills programme and special projects.

Travel to and from College:

Travel to and from Bridgwater is by scheduled First bus services and/or school minibus. The students are provided with a bus pass which allows access to any bus in Somerset.

Social life / travel facilities:

Shapwick students often attend social events associated with College life including parties, dances etc.

Students may also be required to travel to outside exhibitions or events. The students may also wish to go out to the cinema or the theatre after College. To facilitate this there is a travel fund which will enable them to get back to school later in the evening. Shapwick can supply all students with a list of recommended taxi companies.

Sixth Form Common Room:

This facility is a privilege provided to enable Sixth Form students to relax and socialise. The room has a television, DVD player, drink-making facilities, display boards and storage space.

Sixth Form Study Room:

This facility is provided as an area where students can work quietly on assignments and where tutor support may be accessed. The study area has computers and printers for student use. They are able to access the School network and workspace at Bridgwater College via the remote desktop connection. It will also be the venue for more structured group work timetabled by the Head of Sixth Form.

Sporting Activities:

Students may join in Year 11 Games/P.E. when they are available to do so. They may also join in School teams. All students will be encouraged to pursue some sporting activity at school, college or out of school. The Sixth Form may also join in other outdoor school activities such as water sports, climbing, caving etc. as long as appropriate transport arrangements are made in advance and the relevant staff consulted. Students are allowed to visit local sports centres and swimming pools.