Parents Guide

Heathcote School values its Sixth Form students very highly and places great value on the contribution that each individual student makes to the school community as a whole. The school believes that it is the good working relationship between parents, carers, students and staff that will help guide each student’s development to realise their full potential - academically, socially and emotionally.

Life in the Sixth Form is different to that in the lower school. It is when students develop from being a child to an adult. They are expected to take increasing responsibility for their learning and management of their time.

Year 13 can expect to receive support and guidance with their application to university or other progression. Any students wanting to attend university open days and interviews have permission to do so providing the Sixth Form Office is notified in advance. Please note that the school will only authorise up to 3 days for University Open Day visits.

Dress Code

Sixth Form students are role models for the rest of the School and are required to uphold and embody the standards expected of them. Students in the Sixth Form must maintain consistently appropriate personal standards of dress. Dress Code guidance is available on the school website or in the Sixth Form Handbook.

Failure to uphold the Dress Code could, in the first instance, result in a student being asked to return home and change into appropriate attire. In the case of repeated instances, it could result in a consideration of the student’s position in the Sixth Form.

Behaviour

Students’ behaviour and attitudes to learning are the most significant factors in bringing about all forms of success at Heathcote School.

No student can become the best they can be unless they develop positive behaviours in respect of their relationships with others, their conduct around school and their attitude to their own learning and future.

Students are required to undertake a range of tasks and activities that demand high levels of independent learning. Students need to be able to prioritise tasks and make effective use of their Study Periods—these are not to be used as free time or to “have a break”!

Where students encounter difficulties, experienced staff will provide support and guidance.

Maximising Potential in the Sixth Form

Through a combination of research evidence and experience, we have compiled the typical characteristics of students who enjoy the highest success in the Sixth Form (in terms of grade outcomes and progression). This is not meant to be prescriptive as each student is an individual, but can be used as a guide to monitor student effectiveness.

Typical characteristics of the successful sixth form student include;

Attendance at school and lessons is 95% or higher
Students must be punctual to school and lessons
Completes at least 4 hours of independent study for each subject studied per week. Where this is not directed by the teacher, students read around the subject, revise and consolidate understanding independently.
Submits independent study tasks IN FULL and ON TIME
Works no more than 10 hours in paid/voluntary employment
Has a goal, knows what they want to do and is proactive in ensuring that they are doing what is needed to achieve their goal. Invests time in setting goals and researching strategies
Is effective at time management – uses a planner, to-do lists and timetables in order to prioritise work, meet deadlines and stay on top of work
Is organised and always attends lessons fully prepared – paper, pens, equipment etc
Engages with teachers and tutors – asks questions and is clear about how to raise their achievement
Engages with parents about their learning – what they’re studying, how they’re doing, what they’re planning to do to improve
Uses peers to improve own learning and study habits through discussion and collaborative working
Uses effective revision strategies (e.g. visual methods, practise papers, collaborative working) and employs them throughout the year, not just prior to examinations
Enjoys a healthy work-life balance – devotes time to other pursuits, hobbies, social activities

How can parents make a difference?

You are the expert on your child. Your support, encouragement and practical help can make a spectacular difference.

Take an active interest by ensuring your child has the necessary space to complete tasks at home. Discuss with them what homework they have and from time to time, check that they are up to date with assignments or projects. Encourage your child to make effective use of their planner or diary. This enables your child to plan and prioritise leading to taking greater responsibility. However, it is essential to work hard on all chosen subjects even if they are proving difficult. Check your child is completing at least 4 hours of independent study per week on each subject. Establish a routine where your child knows when it is time for study and time to relax.

Frequent, short study sessions can be more effective than studying for long hours on end. Your child will need an effective learning space away from distractions preferably not in a room with siblings or the TV. Turn mobiles off when studying!

Crucial support in the run up to exams

Talk with them about what they would find useful/helpful
Help provide any equipment they need
Contact school if you or they have any worries
Praise, support and encourage when reserves are low
Encourage healthy eating, exercise and sleep
Provide suitable conditions for study
Help to devise a revision plan for each subject

Spotting signs of stress & ways to deal with it

Trouble sleeping due to worry
Short tempered, snappy, tired
Crying, headaches
Poor appetite
Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
Panic attacks

Encourage your child to take time off and take some exercise. Going for a short walk allows you time to relax and think things through. Try to listen and maintain their perspective. If you have particular concerns, then contact the school and we will be more than happy to work things through with you.