At Simon Balle All-Through School, it is our aim that all students who enter the Sixth Form do so from an informed viewpoint, whether studying academic, applied or technical qualifications. Through a careful selection process involving preliminary interviews, the open evening, and a more detailed pathway meeting, students have a study programme shaped around their attainment to date (based on predicted grades initially, but refined in light of achieved grades before commencing the Sixth Form), education and career goals.

Study programmes include substantial academic qualifications in the form of A-levels (with some AS levels available where applicable) and applied and technical qualifications, through BTEC and Cambridge Technicals. We also offer an Extended Project Qualification to our students to supplement their studies, and show future employers/educational institutions a students’ broader research based skills.

Where students gain entry to Sixth Form without English/Maths GCSE graded 9-4, we timetable sessions for them with specialist teachers to complete their qualifications as soon as possible.  Re-sits are offered in November and June exam sessions.

Character education is a particular theme at Simon Balle Sixth Form, and our students spend 25 minutes each day in ‘Learning for Life’ lessons. Our pastoral support and personal development education is supported by assemblies, external trips and lectures. Tutor time is used effectively to discuss a range of important issues and develop key knowledge and skills. Individual meetings with Tutors and the Sixth Form Team support Post-18 progression

All Sixth Form study programmes should include work experience and non-qualification activities which complement the other elements of the programme and support the student to progress to further or higher education or to employment. The non-qualification activity should develop students’ character, skills, attitudes and confidence. Our Sixth Form students are expected to take part in a number of activities which provide them with the opportunity to develop a range of personal skills.

Students in Year 12 are expected to actively seek work experience placements in the Summer Term, and some students supplement their programme with work experience if their course reduces to 2 A Levels.

All students are expected to take part in Enrichment Activities and Community Service over the course of the academic year – this involves mentoring younger students, offering support in lessons, or assisting in charitable initiatives – many students also work with our Primary School students in The Larch.

All students attend a University and Apprenticeship fair in Year 12. A range of speakers and visits are organised to support students in choosing their pathway Post-18, and a careers advisor is available for personalised interviews.

Study programmes are focused on progression to a student’s next steps of education, whether that is through traineeship, apprenticeship, Higher Education or other employment. We work closely with local providers and also with more national establishments, to offer students a comprehensive view on apprenticeships and employment. University visits, outreach visits and careers fair visits completes our programme of information on the next steps.