Support and Student Information
Student Life
Expectations
We have high expectations of our sixth form students as role models and leaders of learning in our school. Our simple set of expectations is the minimum we expect of all of our sixth form students and if followed will ensure good progress is made.
Dress Code
There is an agreed dress code led by our students on appropriate attire for their sixth form experience.
Enrichment Programme
We have a menu of over 90 opportunities and activities that students participate in to enhance their profile and aid their development to their chosen post 18 career paths.
Sixth Form Enrichment Programme
Facilities
We are proud of our dedicated Sixth Form Campus with the following fantastic facilities:
- State of the art purpose built sixth form building including science laboratories, computer suites, hall with bleacher seating and social areas.
- Sixth form silent study area / library (available for work before, during and after school).
- Sixth form computer rooms and bookable laptops.
- Resources (where students can purchase any stationery needs and can also request photocopying).
- The gym (which can be used free of charge with permission from the PE staff).
- Brand new state of the art sixth form common room (Common Grounds) with barista style café and social areas.
- Music practice rooms (which can be booked via the Music Department).
- The E-Learning centre (ELC) (housing 60 PCs for sixth form students to access any time it is free).
Rewarding Students
We aim to recognise the importance of praise and reward to motivate students and we seek to recognise those who meet our expectations throughout the year and uphold their school responsibilities.
Our staff use opportunities throughout the academic year to reward students in a variety of ways and to celebrate good behaviour and work including an annual rewards day trip/visit.
Student Leadership
Representatives are elected for the sixth form Council each year and meet regularly to ensure sixth form students are consulted upon and able to express their views upon key developments in the school.
The council also plays a dynamic role in organising sixth form events, including charity fundraisers, talent shows, the leavers’ prom and yearbooks to name a few.
Our Support
Although our sixth form students are treated more independently, they know we are here for them whenever they need our support or guidance. We’ve a tried and tested programme which constantly evolves depending on our students’ needs.
If you are New to our Sixth Form
Each year we have a large number of students who join us from different schools. To help these students settle with us, we have a dedicated Sixth Form team together with form tutors who should be the first port of call for any questions.
Tutors
Our sixth form students benefit from a pastoral system based on small tutor groups with experienced tutors who support and guide them with focus on the individual.
Our tutors are the first point of contact for any student’s concerns and provide practical guidance on how to balance commitment to lessons, private study, enrichment activities and relaxation, whilst monitoring their progression, attendance and behaviour.
PSHCE
All our sixth form students have a one hour timetabled session of PSHCE each fortnight. The programme is designed to support with things related to sixth form study and beyond, that fall outside of your normal lessons.
The sessions are mainly run by our sixth form team but will often involve external speakers coming in to give specialist information. Our sixth form team will share their wisdom on learning strategies, stress management and student finance and external speakers have visited us from the Rotary Club or universities we have relationships with.
16–19 Bursary
The ‘16-19 Bursary Fund’ is in place to support those students who face financial barriers when continuing with sixth form education if their household income is below £20,000 a year. Eligible students will need to apply for the bursary each September and evidence of household income will need to be provided. The applications will be reviewed during the first half-term and students will be informed by letter if their application has been successful.
If you would like any more information regarding the 16–19 Bursary, please get in contact with Mrs Waterworth at sixthform@horsforthschool.org
Free School Meals
If students were in receipt of free school meals in Year 11 this support will continue in the sixth form with the amount being credited daily to their lunch card. This cannot be accumulated; any amount not spent on a particular day will be removed from the card at the end of that day.
Personal Development Map
Personal Development is divided into 8 core strands which are interconnected. Through the 8 strands we ensure the development of the ‘whole child.’ The breadth of and depth of our offer ensures all children can reach their full potential and takes them beyond the academic. This map provides a summary of our offer, is not exhaustive and is subject to change. Our offer is supported by our Careers programme, Tutor Time, PSHCE, Enrichment and Super Curricular opportunities. The selection of material is based on a spiral curriculum and therefore this should be read alongside the KS3 and KS4 Personal Development Map which highlights key themes that are re-visited but with specific focus on age appropriate material.
Personal Development is delivered in three main areas:
• Tutor Time – a dedicated programme consisting of once a week session for careers, personal development, enrichment, assemblies and mentoring
• Assemblies – once a week for both year 12 and 13
• PSHCE – once a fortnight for both year 12 and 13
1.Health, Wellbeing & Safety
(how students learn about physical and mental health, making right choices, learning new skills and gaining knowledge. Recognising risk and harm, knowing how to stay safe, (off and online) be safe and make safe choices, helping themselves and others
How this occurs across the school
- Physical and Mental Health learning via PSHCE
- Health and Safety Week
- Children’s Mental Health Week
- Sports, dance and yoga clubs
- Healthy eating promotion at school
- Extra-Curricular Clubs
- Wellbeing Wednesday
- Mindmate Friendly Status School
- Sports Days
- In-house rewards
- Rewards Days
- Bespoke assemblies and tutor time
YEAR 12
Tutor Time Personal Development activities, Health, Wellbeing & Safety:
- Drink/Drug Driving
- Managing change (yr11 – yr12)
- Personal Health, Meningitis and Freshers Flu
- Safe Nights Out
- Stress and Anxiety and how-to manage these
- Safety and the Road Network
- Staying well and healthy for exams and revision
- Alcohol and Consent
- Risks with illegal drugs
- Online health
- Online Safety: Banking
- Online Safety: Harassment
- Mental health Week February – time to be social
- Wellbeing Wednesday
- Pilates/Mindfulness session
- Health Week June: Eat, sleep and move!
- Movember Assemblies
- Signposting to external agencies Inc.: Kooth, The Market Place, NSPCC, Mind, Childline, FRANK, BBC Bitesize
YEAR 13
Tutor Time Personal Development activities, Health, Wellbeing & Safety:
- Drink/Drug Driving
- Managing change (yr12 – yr13)
- Personal Health, Meningitis and Freshers Flu
- Safe Nights Out
- Stress and Anxiety and how-to manage these
- Safety and the Road Network
- Staying well and healthy for exams and revision
- Alcohol and Consent
- Risks with illegal drugs
- Online health
- Online Safety: Banking
- Online Safety: Harassment
- Gambling
- Mental health Week February – time to be social
- Wellbeing Wednesday
- Pilates/Mindfulness session
- Health Week June: Eat, sleep and move!
- Movember Assemblies
- Signposting to external agencies Inc.: Kooth, The Market Place, NSPCC, Mind, Childline, FRANK, BBC Bitesize
2.Relationship & Sex Education
(How students develop age-appropriate understanding of healthy relationships through appropriate relationships and sex education)
How this occurs across the school
- RSE learning via PSHCE/Tutor Time
- Safeguarding Curriculum
- Health and Safety Week
- Anti- Bullying Week and whole school promotion/policy
YEAR 12
-
Signposting to external agencies Inc.: Kooth, The Market Place, NSPCC, Mind, Childline, FRANK, BBC Bitesize
-
Safer Sex
-
Healthy and safe relationships
-
Consent
-
Sexual Assault and Rape
-
CSE
-
Coercive control
-
Abusive relationships
YEAR 13
-
Signposting to external agencies Inc.: Kooth, The Market Place, NSPCC, Mind, Childline, FRANK, BBC Bitesize
-
Safer Sex
-
Healthy and safe relationships
-
Consent
-
Sexual Assault and Rape
-
CSE
-
Coercive control
-
Abusive relationships
3. Living in the wider world
• SMSC education (spiritual, moral, social and cultural education).
• The promotion of Fundamental British Values.
• Students as confident, resilience learners. Active, responsible citizens.
• Promotion of tolerance and respect.
How this occurs across the school
- Wider themes within PSHCE curriculum
- Whole School Curriculum promotes SMSC and FBV (see audit where this happens)
- FBV drop down day and projects: understanding the law, British democracy, respect for other cultures, tolerance and respect.
- Whole school Charity work
- ATL scores
- Standard for Learning System
- Rewards days
YEAR 12
Tutor Time Personal Development activities, Living in the wider World:
- Anti -Bullying Week – key assembly
- Christmas Jumper Day
- Charity events and Non-Uniform Days:
- Children in need
- Winter Wonderland
- Ukraine Appeal
- Students Leadership
- Democracy assembly
- Democracy voting system for Head and Deputy Head Students
- Protected Characteristics assembly
- Inc: Black History Month
- LGBTQ+ Awareness
- Remembrance Day Reading
- Work Experience
- Careers Programme
- Movember Assemblies
- Signposting to external agencies Inc.: Kooth, The Market Place, NSPCC, Mind, Childline, FRANK, BBC Bitesize
YEAR 13
Tutor Time Personal Development activities, Living in the Wider World:
- Signposting to external agencies Inc.: Kooth, The Market Place, NSPCC, Mind, Childline, FRANK, BBC Bitesize
- Anti -Bullying Week – key assembly
- Christmas Jumper Day
- Charity events and Non-Uniform Days:
- Children in need
- Winter Wonderland
- Ukraine Appeal
- Students Leadership
- Democracy assembly
- Democracy voting system for Head and Deputy Head Students
- Protected Characteristics assembly
- Inc: Black History Month
- LGBTQ+ Awareness
- Remembrance Day Reading
- Work Experience
- Careers Programme
- Movember Assemblies
4. Careers & Aspirations
(How we support students readiness for the next phase of education, training or employment so that they are equipped to make the transition successfully, through careers information education, advice and guidance)
How this occurs across the school
- Gatsby benchmarks – we follow the framework
- Character- Aspiration
- PSHCE lessons
- Bespoke Tutor sessions
- Planned curriculum
- Transition processes
- Options process
- Careers fair
- University Trips
- Apprenticeship Talks
- Unifrog
- Speakers
- Work experience
YEAR 12
Weekly Careers Programme, covering:
- Work Experience
- Student Year plan: Goal Setting
- Student Year Plan: ‘Geeking Out’
- Post 18 Choices
- UK Universities
- Apprenticeships
- Personal Statements
- Discovering MOOCs
- PSHCE Sessions:
- Researching careers, courses, Universities and Apprenticeships
- Activities, Competencies, MOOCs and Unifrog
- CV writing;
- Guest speakers from industry:
- NatWest, Bank of England, JET2, Virgin Money.
- Careers assemblies including ‘where a career in…’ (e.g. chemistry) can talk you
- 1:1 career meeting
- Post 16 applications
- Virgin Money Talk
- Apprenticeships fair first direct arena
- Careers Assemblies
- Next steps support meetings
- 1:1 parent meeting with careers advisor
- Enrichment Opportunities for careers, aspirations and Work Experience year-round:
- Resources Technician
- First Aid Support and qualification
- Volunteering at Horsforth Community Café
- NHS Work Experience ‘Healthier Together’
- Unifrog Next Steps Student Fair
YEAR 13
Weekly Careers Programme, covering:
- Application List
- Finalising your Personal Statement
- Assessment Centre
- The basics of Interviews
- Revision: Using Time effectively
- PSHCE sessions:
- UCAS Applicants: UCAS Form
- Non-early UCAS Applicants
- Applicants with interview courses: Interview preparation
- All applicants Spring Update and Student Finance
- Careers assemblies including ‘where a career in…’ (e.g. chemistry) can talk you
- 1:1 career meeting
- Post 16 applications
- Virgin Money Talk
- Apprenticeships fair first direct arena
- Careers Assemblies
- Next steps support meetings
- 1:1 parent meeting with careers advisor
- Enrichment Opportunities for careers, aspirations and Work Experience year-round:
- Resources Technician
- First Aid Support and qualification
- Volunteering at Horsforth Community Café
- NHS Work Experience ‘Healthier Together’
- Unifrog Next Steps Student Fair
5. Scholarship
(how we help our students to develop the study skills and knowledge to access our curriculum, be exam ready, prepare for new key stages and exams. Support their transition, how we foster a love for learning and acquiring new academic skills)
How this occurs across the school
- Revision Sessions
- Y10 and Y11 Prep Events
- Mock exam prep
- Assessment weeks
- Progress review lessons
- Oracy, Literacy
- Achievement Assemblies
- Catch up
- Homework clubs
- CL offer
- Library offer
- ELC offer
- Clubs to support learning and skills
- Competitions
YEAR 12
Tutor Time Personal Development activities, Scholarship:
- Revision Techniques Inc: Flashcards,
- Rhymes, stories or mnemonics,
- Linking System
- Practice questions
- Study groups
- Mind maps and great note taking
- Spread out your tests
- Less and often
- Retrieval practice in all lessons Deliberately recalling information to improve neural pathways between Long Term Memory and Working Memory
- Academic Reading Each Wednesday if Enrichment falls outside of these hours:
- https://myaccount.theday.co.uk/login?r=https%3A%2F%2Ftheday.co.uk%2Fassembly-slides%2Fthe-holocaust
- https://www.gutenberg.org –super curricular and R4P – all subjects
- Daily STEM – for every student, every classroom, everyday
- http://dailystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Daily-STEM-V5.1.pdf
- https://www.theguardian.com/uk – current topical reading
- https://www.economist.com/
- School Newspaper
- BBC Bitesize
- Use of the Learning Scientist
- Assemblies
- Interventions Inc.
- Biology
- Maths
- Psychology
- English
- Physics
- Economics
YEAR 13
Tutor Time Personal Development activities, Scholarship:
- Revision Techniques Inc: Flashcards,
- Rhymes, stories or mnemonics,
- Linking System
- Practice questions
- Study groups
- Mind maps and great note taking
- Spread out your tests
- Less and often
- Retrieval practice in all lessons Deliberately recalling information to improve neural pathways between Long Term Memory and Working Memory
- BBC Bitesize
- Use of the Learning Scientist
- Assemblies
- Achievement Assemblies
- School Newspaper
- Interventions Inc.
- Biology
- Maths
- Psychology
- English
- Physics
- Economics
- Academic Reading Each Wednesday if Enrichment falls outside of these hours:
- https://myaccount.theday.co.uk/login?r=https%3A%2F%2Ftheday.co.uk%2Fassembly-slides%2Fthe-holocaust
- https://www.gutenberg.org –super curricular and R4P – all subjects
- Daily STEM – for every student, every classroom, everyday
- http://dailystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Daily-STEM-V5.1.pdf
- https://www.theguardian.com/uk – current topical reading
- https://www.economist.com/
6. Leadership & Participation
(opportunities for student leadership, student voice, ambassador roles, council and parliament.)
How this occurs across the school
- Parliament members
- Y7 ambassadors for y6 transition
- Y8 ambassador receptionist
- Y10 focus group ambassadors
- Senior ambassadors
- Mental health Ambassadors
- Student Council -sixth form
- Subject ambassadors
YEAR 12
Enrichment:
Leadership:
- Student Ambassador roles for open evenings and taster days in sixth form
- Sixth Form Head Students
- Sixth Form Social Committee (charity/social events)
- Sixth Form Librarians
- Sixth Form Mental Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors
- Student Newspaper
- Social Media Team
- Environmental Group
- Pastoral and Academic Mentors
- Tutor Group support
Participation:
- Sports Day
- Battle of Bands
- World Book Day
- Drama and Music Production
- Super Curricular Enrichments
- MOOCs
- Duke of Edinburgh Gold award
- Drama Club
- Art/Photography Ambassador
- Festival Captain
- Stallion Records (Student record label)
- Sports Leaders award
- Sound and lighting engineers
YEAR 13
Enrichment:
Leadership:
- Student Ambassador roles for open evenings and taster days in sixth form
- Sixth Form Head Students
- Sixth Form Social Committee (charity/social events)
- Sixth Form Librarians
- Sixth Form Mental Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors
- Student Newspaper
- Social Media Team
- Environmental Group
- Pastoral and Academic Mentors
- Tutor Group support
- Sixth Form Prom Committee
- Sixth Form Year Book Committee
Participation:
- Sports Day
- Battle of Bands
- World Book Day
- Drama and Music Production
- Super Curricular Enrichments
- MOOCs
- Duke of Edinburgh Gold award
- Drama Club
- Art/Photography Ambassador
- Festival Captain
- Stallion Records (Student record label)
- Sports Leaders award
- Sound and lighting engineers
7. Discovery, Adventure, Enrichment
(clubs, trips, extra -curricular, enrichment, themed days, drop down days which allow students to discover things, try new things, adventure, travel, develop new skills, experience new things…)
How this occurs across the school
- Super Curricular
- Trips and Visits
- Residentials
- All clubs
- Performances
- Opportunities
- Rewards days
- Sports day
- Interform
YEAR 12
- Enrichment 96+ opportunities
- Once a week dedicated Tutor Time to Enrichment
- Reading for Pleasure
- 6th Form exclusive Library
- Intervention sessions
- Trips Inc.
- Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
- CAMPS International Peru/ Borneo / Costa Rica / Vietnam
- Auschwitz (RE / History)
- Japan (Science)
- Iceland (Geography)
- South Africa (Sport)
- Austria (Skiing)
- Munich (Business / Engineering)
- Operating Theatre Live
YEAR 13
- Year 13 leavers Prom
- Trips Inc.
- Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
- CAMPS International Peru/ Borneo / Costa Rica / Vietnam
- Auschwitz (RE / History)
- Japan (Science)
- Iceland (Geography)
- South Africa (Sport)
- Austria (Skiing)
- Munich (Business / Engineering)
- Enrichment 96+ opportunities
- Once a week dedicated Tutor Time to Enrichment
- Reading for Pleasure
- 6th Form exclusive Library
- Intervention sessions
- Operating Theatre Live
8. Equality and Diversity
(how we promote opportunities to teach and develop respect, empathy, tolerance of different faiths, cultures and of those with protected characteristics)
How this occurs across the school
- RS and PSHCE lessons
- SMSC education
- FBV promotion
- Protected characteristics awareness and support
- Anti -Bullying
- Drop down days
- PREVENT education
- Themed days
- Tutor time
- Assemblies
- Anti -Bullying week and whole school work
- Diverse Alliance Group
- What it means: RS
- Anti-Bullying
- History and English lessons, cross curricular themes
YEAR 12
- Sixth Form SFL
- Inclusive Uniform Policy
- British Values
- Anti- Bullying Week
- Odd Socks Day
- Black History Month Oct
- Autism Awareness week
- Inclusivity assemblies
- Diverse Alliance Group – LGBTQ+ Allies Support and Awareness Group
- Movember Assemblies
- Holocaust Memorial Day.
- Supporting Ukraine and national disasters.
YEAR 13
- Sixth Form SFL
- Inclusive Uniform Policy
- British Values
- Anti- Bullying Week
- Odd Socks Day
- Black History Month Oct
- Autism Awareness week
- Inclusivity assemblies
- Diverse Alliance Group – LGBTQ+ Allies Support and Awareness Group
- Movember Assemblies
- Holocaust Memorial Day.
- Supporting Ukraine and national disasters.
Transport
The Sixth Form at Horsforth has great transport links, we are located just off the ring road, a short walk away from Horsforth train station (Leeds to Harrogate line), with lots of local bus stops nearby.
Need Help Getting to Our Sixth Form?
If you are thinking of joining our sixth form but are not local to Horsforth, we run a dedicated minibus and would add additional routes, subject to demand.
If you would be interested in this service when you join us in September let us know where you would need you travel from.
You can view our Privacy Policy here.
Current Minibus Morning Pickup Locations
LS13 3DF > LS13 1DQ > LS28 5BL > LS28 5JR > LS13 1LJ > LS19 6LR > Sixth Form at Horsforth
Transition
Current Horsforth School Students
Deciding what to do after GCSEs can be a big decision so we start to offer student support in Year 10; here are some of our key initiatives:
- Our dedicated Careers Advisor and sixth form team are always on hand to give a helping hand right through to GCSE results day.
- In Year 10, work experience week takes place every June, where students can get a flavour for life outside of school and try out a career choice they might be interested in.
- Then, the Careers Fair every July gives students the opportunity to talk to visiting exhibitors from universities, colleges, the armed forces and a selection of companies.
- In Year 11 students can attend our sixth form open evening in the autumn term with their parents/carers. This is their opportunity to talk to Curriculum Leaders and ask the important questions to find out about the subjects they are thinking about studying.
- Assistance with the sixth form intentions forms completed during form time before Christmas and next steps meetings with our sixth form team to confirm the offer of a place from the January.
- Sixth form presence at Year 11 Parents’ Evening to offer guidance and support.
- Our sixth form experience day in June provides an extra opportunity for students to have a ‘taster’ of sixth form. On this day they can try out lessons, find out about study patterns, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), the work experience element and other enhancement opportunities including Duke of Edinburgh, the Japan Super Science trip, sport teams, debating clubs and our voluntary community service initiative. Plus meet our sixth form team and some current students.
- On GCSE results day we provide intensive support for students to make the transition to sixth form seamless.
- An enrolment day at the start of sixth form to settle students and explain what’s what.
New Students Joining our Sixth Form
Whilst your current school will offer support and guidance, we are also here to help to make joining us as a new student as easy and seamless as possible. Here are some of the things you can expect:
- Come to our sixth form open evening in the autumn term and bring along your parents/carers too. Get a feel for our sixth form, talk to our Curriculum Leaders about the subjects they teach, hear from our Headteacher and current Year 12 students, especially the ones who joined us from other schools and meet our sixth form team.
- Make sure you have a good read of our prospectus and all the information about the courses we offer on this website.
- If you apply online to join our sixth form (great!), you will start to get to know our dedicated Sixth Form Administrator, Mrs Waterworth, who will always be on hand for any question, big or small.
- The next chance to meet us will be at your informal interview with one of the members of the sixth form team from the January of Year 11 onwards.
- Our sixth form experience day in the summer term provides an extra opportunity for students to have a ‘taster’ of sixth form. On this day they can try out lessons, find out about study patterns, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), the work experience element and other enhancement opportunities including Duke of Edinburgh, the Japan Super Science trip, sport teams, debating clubs and our voluntary community service initiative. Plus meet our sixth form team and some current students.
- On GCSE results day we provide intensive support for students to make the transition to sixth form seamless. We are available in person if you need to come and talk to us.
- An enrolment day at the start of sixth form to settle students and explain what’s what.
Planning Your Future
Career Support
We have a dedicated careers team (including a full-time Careers Advisor in school) who are available at all times to help and support our students with progression and next steps guidance.
As well as regular drop-in sessions, all students have at least one formal careers interview with those students opting to follow the work experience pathway as part of their programme of study receiving additional support.
We have developed a full careers programme to ensure that all students, no matter what their future aspirations, are fully prepared for the next steps in their life.
Unifrog
Enables our students to look at all the available information regarding university and apprenticeships into one single, impartial, user-friendly platform that helps students to make the best choices, and submit the strongest applications.
It is not limited to university information and every student, no matter what their intended destinations, can build up a picture of their successes and achievements during Year 12 to assist them either a UCAS application or producing a CV.
Students are guided through the platform during supplementary studies and tutor times.
UCAS
We offer bespoke and guidance and support from the start of Year 12 for students wanting to follow the UCAS application process.
Each student can talk to their tutor and a member of the sixth form team in September of Year 12 regarding career and higher education intentions.
Students are notified on a weekly basis about relevant university open days and taster days and work experience opportunities to complement their studies and to support their career aspirations after sixth form.
All students are given the opportunity to undertake a Higher Education training event with us through which advice about choices, personal statement writing, UCAS registration and technical aspects of the applications procedure are shared. Then can participate in an individual interview exploring Higher Education intentions in June of Year 12 and parents/carers are formally involved through a Higher Education evening in the summer term of Year 12.
Students are given a wealth other information including guides about applying through UCAS including FAQs, and example personal statements and research materials tailored to each student’s specific course intentions.
Students and parents/carers also receive a formal presentation about Student Finance, which is usually delivered by specialist staff from a leading university, most recently the University of Bradford.
We have close links with a variety of universities, offer trips to higher education and careers fairs, immersion days at a variety of higher education providers (including Cambridge University) and a specific package of support for those applying for Oxbridge or for other ‘early application’ subjects (such as Medicine, Veterinary Science or Dentistry).
To give you a flavour, here are some of the previous opportunities our students have received:
- Immersion day at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge
- Higher Education Fair at Leeds Beckett University
- National Apprenticeship Show
- Carnegie sport experience day at Leeds Beckett University
- Chemistry trip to Salford University
- Forensics trip at Royal Northern College of Nursing
- English trip to Leeds Trinity University
