co-education at NCGS

There are many schools and Sixth Form Colleges where the new "A" Level equivalents can be taken, and most students and their parents find themselves faced with a choice at this stage of their careers. It is worth considering the benefits to be derived from staying on at North Cestrian or joining as a new student.

1. The Sixth Form course is a very short one.
We say two years, but from the start to the final examinations is only about one year and two terms. This means it is essential to be in an environment you know or one in to which you can settle very quickly. Our teachers are interested in you and care about you, and have a genuine interest in your eventual success. When newcomers join the Sixth Form we are well aware of the need to adapt quickly to a new school and small groups and individual attention help ensure this is quickly and successfully accomplished.

2. Most Sixth Formers have their sights set on some form of Higher Education.
The best possible people to help you over this hurdle are the teachers who are all subject specialists well versed in the teaching of senior pupils. Our staff are highly qualified and experienced; many are current or past examiners and 5 have senior positions within the examining boards, all of which helps ensure teaching focuses directly on the specific requirements for examination success.

3. Development of personality and self-confidence takes place in our Sixth Form.
At this stage students prepare in the best possible environment to take their places in the adult world. They have privileges and more comfortable accommodation, but they also play a very responsible part in the running of the School through the Prefect system and the Sixth Form Council, and they learn invaluable lessons about how to accept and respect responsibility and authority. No other sort of institution can provide this experience, and at no time in later life does such an opportunity necessarily occur again.

4. School activities cover a wide and varied range of interests.
The programme of sports, clubs and House competitions continues to offer each student the chance to participate and excel in some activity. The Sixth Form are encouraged to help with these events, leading by example and helping to organise other pupils.

5. New interests, new ideas and a broader outlook.
We offer a balanced package of academic courses and extra-curricular activities in the knowledge that Sixth Form education provides the chance to develop new ideas and to grow in confidence in small groups and with people you know and trust.

PREPARING FOR THE SIXTH FORM

ADVISING FOR THE FUTURE
During the course of the year we try to ensure that every Year 11 pupil receives a comprehensive package of advice on Sixth Form options, Careers and Higher Education.

CAREERS LESSONS
These occur once a week and provide the opportunity for Careers advice with professional back-up from a specialist team. There are sessions on interviews and job applications, and opportunities to discuss the future individually and in groups.

PERSONAL INTERVIEWS
During the course of the year, every member of the Year 11 will have the chance to discuss his future with the Headmaster or a Senior Teacher. As a result of the interview, it is often possible to recommend further action or contacts to those who remain uncertain about their future.

PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING
We encourage each Year 11 pupil to take either a JIIG-CAL or Morrisby Test which helps analyse interests and potential.

ISCO
The School is a member of the Independent Schools Careers Organisation and each pupil is entitled to make use of its advisers and facilities.

SIXTH FORM ENTRY EVENING
On Wednesday 14th March 2007 an evening is set aside for parents and pupils to meet Staff and discuss Sixth Form options and prospects.

FURTHER ADVICE
We are always glad to meet parents and pupils for informal discussions. Requests for interviews should be made through the Office. Senior Staff will be available after the publication of GCSE results to deal with any last minute queries or changes of plan.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SIXTH FORM
We do not have set entrance requirements for our Sixth Form; we like students to have five good GCSE grades, and it is very helpful if they have grade A or B in subjects they are to study at "A" Level, but none of this is made a condition of entry. What we are looking for in a potential Sixth Former is an ability to cope with, and derive benefit from, the new "A" Level courses, a commitment to the standards which prevail at North Cestrian, and a willingness to show the dedication to study which is necessary for success at this level.