The Sixth Form at GMS is the place of choice for the majority of the school’s Year 11 students and it welcomes students from other schools, too. Applications forms are posted in the autumn term of Year 11 and are submitted before Christmas. GMS offers the only T-level Level 3 Technical Qualification in Childcare and Education, in the local area. The school’s BTEC courses are very popular as an alternative post-16 route to employment. If A-levels are a student’s choice, there is a wide range of genres to select from: humanities, science, social science, sports’ science, creative arts and modern foreign languages. Altogether 29 different post-16 courses are available.
The Sixth Form Centre was purpose built. The facilities include a spacious communal area, which has social seating, work desks, Wifi, and portals to plug in laptops. The mezzanine area provides alternative study space. A silent study room allows students to focus on their work without interruption. Outside, there is a patio area, which is popular in the summer months. A café serves a selection of food choices throughout the day.
Mr Hollyman Director of Learning for the Sixth Form writes,
“I am really proud of the academic standards that we have fostered in GMS. Hard working, committed students reach their potential by performing very well in public examinations.”
The staff at GMS ‘go the extra mile’ in their subject areas offering support, encouragement and learning opportunities outside the classroom setting.
However, whilst we provide a supportive learning environment, it is critical to understand that every student has a role to play. Every student has to develop their independent study skills and take responsibility for their learning far more than in Year 11. Learning to organise time effectively, ensuring excellent attendance, fostering communication skills with teachers and reflecting on the learning in the classroom are all important to enjoying success. It is imperative that all students are self-motivated, resilient, independent learners with a positive attitude towards their education: that way two successful years will speed by.
Equally important to us is witnessing students accessing our wider enrichment programme. We all want young people to feel successful in areas not directly related to the curriculum.
Please know, we have students’ best interests at heart and we want to see each and every one flourish as they move through the two years of Sixth Form. I am proud to be Director of Learning for the Sixth Form. On a daily basis, I am encouraged by the positivity, maturity, confidence and friendliness that I encounter.’
Mr Owen Hollyman
Head of Sixth Form