Prospectus Sixth Form AIMING HIGH, THINKING BEYOND, STRIVING TOGETHER
“We are constantly being challenged to come up with our own thoughts and arguments at QEGS. Our teachers are not satisfied by textbook answers.” Our Vision AIMING HIGH Students are encouraged to be independent, inquisitive learners and to explore ideas beyond and across their subject areas. A highly relevant, varied and challenging academic curriculum has been designed to meet the needs of our academically able student population. We passionately believe that the world our students will enter when they leave school will require them to be flexible and use their skills and expertise from a range of disciplines in order to be successful in their chosen career path. THINKING BEYOND We encourage students to be open-minded and engage critically with the world around them; educating them about both the opportunities and dangers that lie ahead of them. Students are offered a vast array of opportunities outside of the classroom; both curriculum linked and super-curricular. The opportunity to experience new places and cultures is an essential part of life at QEGS. STRIVING TOGETHER Since QEGS was founded in 1564, the school has always sought to be active in the community it so proudly serves. QEGS is also a community in itself, founded on mutual respect and personal responsibility. The student population work collaboratively alongside staff, to support each other and ensure each individual is able to be as successful as possible. Success is widely celebrated at QEGS whether it be academic, sporting, creative, cultural, personal or collective.
Mr David Marchant Headteacher Welcome Welcome to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and thank you for considering us for your Sixth Form studies. QEGS was founded in 1564 and we have a long standing tradition of supporting students to be highly successful in their chosen fields of study. Today the Sixth Form at QEGS offers so much in addition to academic qualifications. It is vital that our students have a wide range of experiences and that they are prepared for their next step when they leave QEGS. This is why we have such a strong focus on enabling students to become independent, autonomous learners, able to take what they are taught in the classroom beyond the curriculum, through their own wider research; creating links and developing their own understanding. Being part of QEGS Sixth Form prepares you for the world beyond school whether that be University, Higher Level Apprenticeship or Employment – you will leave us with the skills to be successful, able to stand out from your peers and enabled to make a difference to the world around you. Miss Natasha Marshall Head of Sixth Form
Our curriculum
We offer a wide range of subjects at A-Level and provide an extensive number of field trips to ensure you are able to apply your learning to the world around you. A-Levels are demanding courses and in order to provide the widest range of options when you leave QEGS, the vast majority of students study 3 A-Levels. In addition, you will also have the option to undertake a number of additional courses, or opportunities, which can supplement your A-levels and broaden your experiences. This could include doing a nationally recognised course such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Sports Leader Award or the Arts Award. Alternatively, you may wish to act as a mentor to younger students, help support in a department in school or organise a volunteering opportunity to develop your work experience. Sixth Form is a significant ‘step-up’ from what you will have been used to up to Year 11, therefore we have created a programme to support you in the initial weeks as you make the transition to the more independent approach required for Sixth Form Study. “Even though everyone said Sixth Form was different to GCSE, I didn’t really understand what they meant. A year in, I am so grateful for the help we were given at the start of Year 12. I have good habits now and feel confident that I am doing the right preparation for my exams.”
Our values and school community
The QEGS Sixth Form is founded on mutual respect and we work extensively with students to nurture them through this really significant stage in life. This means that all students are looked after and supported – we expect students to support each other – and they do. It is this collaborative culture which makes QEGS such a special place to study. The school gets involved extensively in the local community and much of this work is led by our Sixth Form student leaders who will volunteer with local charities as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, or will take the initiative in fundraising for local good causes. We are also unique as we see value in doing things together as a community, whether this is our annual sponsored walk, the Mason Mile fun run or the fundraising events which happen throughout the year. The whole school gets involved with our Sixth Form taking leadership roles. “QEGS is such a fun place to be. There always seems to be something happening whether it’s a whole school event like the sponsored walk or a charity dodgeball game against the teachers.”
Wider opportunities At QEGS, we believe the key to success is found both inside and outside the classroom. This is why we have such a broad and ever evolving enrichment programme, tailored to meet the needs of our students. With our flexible approach to Work Experience you will be able to ensure that you can secure a meaningful placement at a suitable time for you and the provider. In addition, there are many opportunities for you to take on leadership roles, whether as part of our buddy system for younger students, as a wellbeing ambassador, a prefect, or as a member of our Student Leadership Team. We are firm believers in making sure our learners are able to apply their knowledge and understanding to the world around them. In addition to field studies, regional theatre and museum trips we have also historically taken students to see exhibitions in Edinburgh, tour the House of Commons and explore universities including Cambridge and Oxford. Internationally, our Sixth Form have visited destinations as close as Holland and as far away as Tenerife and we are continuing to explore opportunities beyond Europe. “The lessons here are great but when we go out of school and conduct our own research, or ask questions of experts in the field, that’s where I’ve been really inspired. I now know exactly what I want to do when I leave QEGS and it’s because I was able to speak to people in the industry on school trips.”
Helping you succeed
On our website you will find further information about our sixth form including the curriculum brochure and admission policy. qegs.applicaa.com/year12 or www.qegspenrith.education/ sixth-form To Apply Studying at QEGS means you will be part of a community where students are driven to succeed and are provided with the guidance to achieve this. You will be supported to develop your interests inside and outside the classroom, given opportunities to apply your academic studies to the real world and develop your skill set through the range of electives and leadership roles available. Our aim is to ensure you are fully prepared for your next steps, whichever route you choose to follow.
AIMING HIGH, THINKING BEYOND, STRIVING TOGETHER Ullswater Road Penrith Cumbria CA11 7EG United Kingdom Telephone: 01768 864621 reception@qegs.cumbria.sch.uk www.qegspenrith.education PENRITH QUEEN ELIZABETH GRAMMAR SCHOOL All photography © Steven Barber. Part of a Multi-Academy Trust
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