Entering the Sixth Form is a time of educational transition. The structure of the Key Stage 4 relaxes as students develop a more responsible and self-motivated attitude towards their whole educational experience. There are much greater freedoms to be enjoyed including: a choice of one's own curriculum, no formal uniform, more private study periods and so on. The fundamental purpose of the Sixth Form is of course to educate, but in an ever decreasing didactic fashion, preparing 16-18 year olds for the challenges that lie ahead in the post-school years.

Clearly, part of that preparation is in the provision of courses leading to the qualifications that students need to progress to a career or college. However, it is also preparing students to accept and exercise greater responsibilities, not only for themselves but also for others in our community. It is in this light that Sixth Form freedoms should be viewed, for freedom without responsibility is no freedom at all. In granting Sixth Formers greater 'freedoms', it is not the intention to encourage idleness or a holiday camp ethos, but rather the opportunity to exercise independence, for both the individual and the school to benefit.

In terms of opportunities, this academic year has seen The Alice Smith School offer its Sixth Form students a choice of 17 'A' levels, 3 vocational A levels, and General Studies. It is also possible for Sixth form students to repeat some GCSE subjects.

The school offers opportunities to exercise leadership and authority as prefects, Community Sports Leaders and opportunities through activities including the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme.

We are developing ways to enable Sixth Formers to become involved in the junior part of the school in a variety of ways. By supporting teachers in junior classes, in paired reading schemes and student led activities.

The Sixth Form should be an enjoyable and enriching experience; however, this requires student to commit themselves fully to school life. This involves much more than just working hard in their academic studies.

to provide an education consistent with the general ethos of The Alice Smith School, a co-educational, comprehensive, international and multicultural school committed to the liberal principles of British education

to encourage the pursuit of personal excellence

to prepare students for society and work after leaving school

Every Alice Smith 6th Form student should be entitled to:

In response to these entitlements, we believe that all students should, as an informal contract with the school, accept these responsibilities.

All students must fulfil the usual admission requirements to The Alice Smith School as described in the school admissions pack. All admissions are subject to the overriding proviso that the school can provide, for each student, a meaningful programme that meets his/her needs and abilities. In addition the following guidelines apply:

The students follow a programme that covers the following broad headings.

All Sixth Formers are expected to participate fully in the school's activities programme as we believe that this enriches the students' educational experience.

As an interim stage between the controlled daily routine of Key Stage 4 and the independence of adult life, the Sixth Form should be viewed as a time when students take more responsibility for regulating their own study procedures.

To this end students are allowed a number of 'study periods'. These periods are provided to allow students opportunities for using the library and other areas for private study. They are especially useful for students to consult with each other about their assignments. They should be viewed as providing the opportunity to experience the type of study environment found in higher education, and as a means of fostering the self-discipline in study that is needed for success at A level.

The areas available for private study are the Library and the Sixth Form work room. During lesson time these areas will be monitored by staff to ensure that these facilities are maintained as a quiet place for study.

During their time at the VI Form, students are expected to dress in a way that is appropriate to an educational context. The emphasis remains on "Business or Office Dress" as clearly defined below :

Shirts
Plain colour or small stripe / check.
Long or short sleeved worn appropriately.
Tailored with a collar suitable for wearing a tie.
All shirts will be worn tucked in.

Trousers
Tailored, plain coloured with a discreet belt if worn.
Only of the following colours : blue, black, brown, beige, grey, cream.
Specifically not any of the following :
- denim
- baggy casuals
- having zips / pockets down the sides
- of the "combat type"

Shoes
Leather, plain, single dark coloured.
Specifically not any of the following :
- sports or training shoes
- boots

Jewellery
Only a single, narrow gold / silver chain around the neck - no coloured bands and no earrings / studs.

Hair
All faces will be clean shaven.
No extreme hair cuts and no longer than collar length.
Colouring, if applied, should be one colour and discreet.

Blouse
Plain colour or small stripe / check.
Long or short sleeved covering the shoulders & mid-riff.
Open only at the neck.
Blouses may be tucked in or long enough to cover the mid-riff.

 

Skirts/Trousers
Plain coloured, tailored and worn either as :
- a skirt to the knee or mid-calf (any splits in the skirts must be of a modest length - no higher than knee height)
- culottes to the knee
- tailored trousers which are not excessively baggy or tight
- only of the following colours : blue, black, brown, beige, grey, cream.

Specifically not any of the following :
- denim
- baggy casuals
- having zips / pockets down the sides
- of the "combat type"

Shoes
Plain, dark coloured shoes or sandals with low heel or flat
Specifically not any of the following :
- sports or training shoes
- boots

Jewellery
Jewellery should be discreet and no more than one simple neck chain, one bracelet, one simple ring and one pair of studded earrings.

Hair
Hair may be worn loose or tied back.
Colouring, if applied, should be one colour and discreet
Make-up should be minimal
Nail varnish, if applied, should be a single colour.

Note: If you require clarification about the suitability of an item of dress you should refer directly to the Head of 6th Form or the Equine Park Leadership Team

Strict adherence to the above will be expected from all 6th Form students.

The following items must be named clearly with first and surname e.g. John Smith.

· PE / Games Bag
· Plain white PE T-shirt with Alice Smith logo*
· Black KLASS PE/Games shorts/skorts*

. Hat (any kind of colour)
· Sports sock (not the ones worn to school)
· Non-marking indoor trainers. (Must be different to your indoor trainers and only used outside)
· Swimming costume
· Towel

Long black sports socks and shin pads are essential for hockey and football. Spikes for athletics are optional. Swimming caps and goggles are recommended.

· Please note that all the asterisked items must be bought from school shop.

Please refer to the School uniform and Accessories section of the Social Code for more guidance on our expectations of personal presentation.

The kit for activities is as above, except that own football/rugby/athletics strips can be worn but only for the correct sport.

Valuables

· Jewellery. Due to the danger aspect in physical education lessons, all jewellery must be removed. This includes earrings and ankle chains. If earrings cannot be removed they must be taped. Tape is available in a box outside the PE Office. Jewellery must be placed in individual teachers' safe boxes outside the PE Office for safekeeping at the beginning of your lesson. Please place your valuables in the box of the teacher taking you for your lesson. All valuables MUST be named. No guarantee can be given regarding unnamed items being returned to the rightful owner.

· Money. Money handed in for safekeeping must be placed in a named purse/wallet. No guarantee can be given regarding unnamed purses/wallets being returned to the rightful owner.

No responsibility can be taken for valuables left in the changing rooms.