Dear Student
I am sure you are as excited as I am about the opportunity for you to join our Sixth Form. It has
been invigorating to watch the introduction of the, first ever, Year 12 students at The Marches and
the new Sixth Formers are already having an incredibly positive impact across the school.
With outstandingly high GCSE results year on year, The Marches School has a proven ability to
support students to achieve their personal best. We have begun radiating this culture of high
expectations through into the Sixth Form and now provide a post-16 facility where you can access
an exceptionally high standard of education, strong pastoral networks, and a full range of
enrichment activities in an independent and mature learning environment.
Our Assistant Headteacher: Head of Sixth Form, Miss Claire Buckle, has brought with her a wealth
of post-16 experience. Having been head of Year 13 in a large London school and Head of Sixth
Form in Chester for 5 years, she has a proven track record of supporting students to achieve
above and beyond their potential.
As a Marches sixth former, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills beyond the
classroom and take part in a range of enrichment activities which will help to set your university or
job application apart from others and broaden your knowledge and skills. We passionately believe
that post-16 study is not just about succeeding in exams; it is about establishing yourself as an
independent learner, with a range of transferable skills.
This pack contains details on entry requirements, facilities, student support and progression, as
well as information on the full curriculum offer. I hope you find the information in this prospectus
helpful and informative; however, should you require any further details or have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact The Head of Sixth Form, Miss Buckle on 01691 664400 /
buckle.c@marchesschool.net
Yours sincerely
S. Longville
Headteacher
Choosing your subjects and a programme
which is right for you…
When you first apply to the Sixth Form, you may be a little unsure about your final course choices and our
aim is to support you, in every way possible, to help you make the right decisions. Miss Buckle, Head of
Sixth Form, is on hand should you wish to discuss any part of your application or make any changes to the
form you initially submit. You will also have full access to a member of the Shropshire Youth team who can
provide advice and support when considering potential career paths and progression routes.
There will be a range of events running throughout the year to provide both you and your parents/carers with
all of the latest information on post-16 education. A taster event will be held in July to provide you with the
opportunity to sample some A Level subjects before you finalise your course choices and enrol in
September. You will also be invited to spend the day as a Marches Sixth Former and there will be a range of
‘Road to Sixth Form…’ activities taking place throughout the year.
Information on all of the courses on offer at The Marches Sixth Form are enclosed.
We advise that you choose 4 subjects to study in your first year (AS Level) and at the end of Year 12 you will
discuss these again with your tutor and will more than likely decide to reduce it to three to continue through
to A2 Level. This is common practice at both colleges and school sixth forms and will provide you with a total
of 3 A Levels and 1 AS Level at the end of Year 13.
We, however, fully appreciate that some students will have specific career paths that they wish to follow and
a certain number of UCAS points will be needed to achieve entry onto their chosen university courses. By
interviewing each student individually, this will give us the opportunity to discuss with you personally your
own needs and requirements and ensure that the programme you choose to enrol on, will allow you to
achieve your life goals.
Entry Requirements
We ask that students applying to the Sixth Form should have a minimum of 5 GCSEs A* - C Grade and aim
for a B Grade in their chosen subject of study (predicted grades).
It is perfectly acceptable to apply to study a subject that you did not choose at GCSE.
Student Facilities
The brand new Sixth Form Centre will enable you to have independence and autonomy from the lower
school and full access to top-class ICT facilities. There is an extensive common room where students can
escape the rigour of advanced level study. This recreational space provides access to a wide range of
refreshments and leisure activities. Sixth Form accommodation also includes a fully equipped, state of the art
study centre, to be used exclusively by Year 12 and 13 students.
Advice and Guidance
We are very fortunate at The Marches to have subject teachers, already in post, who are also specialists in
the advanced level curriculum and we have been successfully delivering AS and A2 qualifications at the
school since 2006. In addition, the Head of Sixth Form, Miss Claire Buckle, has led a Sixth Form for a
number of years achieving enviable year on year outstanding results. Her ability and experience ensures the
very best provision for our students.
The Sixth Form will provide you with more independence and flexibility; however, the strong pastoral care
and support is ever present through the Sixth Form Leadership Team. The development of a Sixth Form at
The Marches has further enhanced the character of the school and, as Sixth Formers, you will play a vital
role acting as mentors for younger generations.
Do not underestimate Advanced Level work - you will be stretched to ensure you maximise your academic
achievements and you will be fully supported to ensure you reach your full potential. Our aim is to ensure
that you become a confident, independent learner, equipped with the skills required to flourish in the 21st
Century.
Student Support
Miss Buckle heads up a pastoral team dedicated to student support. The Marches School has employed a
Sixth Form Student Support Coordinator, Mrs Charlie Revill. The entire focus of her role is to support Sixth
Form students in every aspect of their lives both academic and personal. Each Sixth Form student has their
own Personal Tutor, a member of staff who has demonstrated their ability to work closely and affectively with
students at post-16 level.
Enrichment
In addition to your courses, you will also be encouraged to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular
activities and additional qualifications. These will provide you with opportunities to make new friends, learn
new skills and help to give your university application ‘the edge’, an important element in today’s competitive
market.
Whether you choose to join a sports team, ‘Go for Gold’ in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or become a
member of the Student Council – it will help to enrich your learning adventure and equip you with skills to
boost your university and job applications.
Progression
‘Planning for the future….’
A dedicated team will always be on hand to assist with applications for work experience, internships, summer
schools and UCAS applications.
The Head of Sixth Form has extensive experience supporting students with their university, employment and
apprenticeship applications. As a student in The Marches Sixth Form, you will have access to all the latest
information on university course requirements, Oxbridge entrance exams, apprenticeship opportunities,
internships, career advice and useful tips on how to go about picking the route that is right for you.
Support includes:
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University visits to a range of institutions across the country, including a residential visit to
Cambridge University
Dedicated advice and guidance throughout the University admissions process (UCAS)
Information on student finance, welfare and how to pick the right course and university for you
Assistance with research into the various apprenticeship schemes currently available and help
completing any relevant application forms
Looking at the employment opportunities available and detailed discussions around the various
career paths the ‘world of work’ has in store
We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that you achieve your potential and are equipped
with the skills required to prosper in the modern day world.
Application Process
To apply to The Marches Sixth Form please complete the application form enclosed and return to:
Head of Sixth Form, The Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2AR
A copy of the application form can also be found on the website, under the Sixth Form section.
The deadline for applications is Monday 24th February 2014. We are expecting courses to fill up very
quickly, particularly in the Sciences and Maths. We strongly recommend that you submit your application
form as soon as possible to secure your subject choices.
You will be invited to attend a short, informal interview with the Head of Sixth Form to discuss your
application and talk through your options. All places offered will be conditional until you have received your
GCSE results in August and enrolment will take place on GCSE Results Day.
There will be various ‘Road to Sixth Form’ events and activities taking place throughout the year, to ensure a
smooth transition into post-16 study and to provide you with all the information you require to make fully
informed decisions. If you have any questions about the admissions process, please do not hesitate to
contact us on 01691 664400.
Hear it from our students….
Jessica Prince, Head Girl at The Marches School, 2012-13
Year 12 student in The Marches Sixth Form studying Philosophy, Psychology, English Literature and History
“I am really enjoying Sixth Form and the courses I am studying. I am already involved in the Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award and am also planning to enrol on the Extended Project.”
Charlie Woolhouse, Deputy Head Boy at The Marches School, 2012-13
Year 12 student in The Marches Sixth Form studying English Literature, History, Music and Media Studies
“The facilities are second to none and the standard of teaching is fantastic.”
Cara Hughes
Year 12 student in The Marches Sixth Form studying AS English Literature, Philosophy, Sociology and
Media Studies
“I really enjoy being treated like an adult and having a greater degree of freedom. I really do look
forward to Sixth Form every day. Miss Buckle has worked incredibly hard to establish good
relationships with all students and build a truly great Sixth Form.”
Henry Powell
Year 12 student in The Marches Sixth Form studying AS Chemistry, Physics, History and Biology
“I am absolutely loving being in the Sixth Form and have signed up to a number of enrichment
activities including The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award and The Young Enterprise Challenge”.
Jordan Ashley
Year 12 student in The Marches Sixth Form studying AS Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths and Further
Maths
“I want to go to university to study Physics and my aim is to become a Quantum Mathematical
Physicist. Sixth Form has exceeded my expectations.”
Read more about the student experience on our website – www.marchesschool.co.uk/sixth-form
Additional Information
Uniform policy
The uniform policy states students should wear “smart casual” clothes, suitable for a day at the office. Please
see the student handbook, available on the school website, for further clarification. Students are expected to
adhere to this and to dress appropriately, setting an example for younger students through their conduct.
Student car parking and transport
We are fully aware that students, particularly in Year 13, will want to travel to The Marches in their own
vehicles and, therefore, space is allocated to student parking, with a permit system in place.
Communication and parental involvement
We are extremely supportive of parents taking a keen interest in their child’s education and aim to fully
ensure that communication channels are as effective as they are in the secondary part of the school. Sixth
Form staff will keep parents informed of progress through regular emails, the newsletter and parent events.
Finally….
If you have any questions about the Sixth Form or anything contained within this Information Pack, please do
not hesitate to contact Miss Claire Buckle, Head of Sixth Form.
01691 664400
buckle.c@marchesschool.net
www.marchesschool.co.uk/sixth-form