West Somerset College Sixth Form Brochure

/01 PROSPECTUS 2018–19

Welcome

to post-16 study

A students’ post-16 journey is Post-16 Leadership Team
one of the most rewarding life Left: Sally Scyner – Head of Sixth Form Right: Nicola Spicer – Assistant Headteacher
experiences.

At West Somerset College we deliver quality
teaching learning and personalised guidance for
every student to make this journey as successful
as possible.

Our success is directly linked to the aspirations of
our students and the commitment of our staff to
help them achieve their goals.

Our staff and students pride themselves on the
exceptional quality of teaching and learning in
post-16 and our consistently excellent results
further evidence our desire to ensure all
students fulfil their potential during their post-
16 studies.

“The class sizes are small

compared with other Post 16
Colleges. The smaller classes

mean that I get a ‘private
school-like’ tuition. My
teachers know me so well that
they know what questions I

will ask before I do!

Zak Brown

Our vision for post-16 study is to Why choose West Somerset College
create a curriculum which: post-16 study
• Expert teachers and great results
– Engages, inspires and motivates students to • Smaller classes – much more 1:1 support
take ownership of learning • We listen, the sixth form is shaped by you and for you
• Bring your own device to learn
– Enables progression routes to suit individual • Free Microsoft 365 account
needs and aspirations • Exclusive EDF Post-16 Careers advice
• Access to Independent careers advisor
– Expects students to be resilient and to reflect • Large study areas
on their learning • Outstanding vocational facilities
• Exceptional enrichment opportunities
– Provides a nurturing environment and equality
of opportunity, regardless of students’ ability,
aptitude, background, personal qualities or
circumstances

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Enrichment

and college life ...

Whilst we pride ourselves on our high standards, it
is important to provide opportunities to develop
beyond the confines of study. Our students
become more independent in line with the
requirements of university and the workplace.
Further education is fun. With two years of fun
packed trips and visits, fund raising activities,
together with chance to help lead and change the
college through our student leadership team, we
are confident we can offer you the best start in
the next stage of your educational journey.
Enrichment activities are bespoke to students.
You can choose from the wide range of time-
tabled activities or create your own opportunities
through work experience placements.
PHSCE sessions broaden and support students to
prepare them for independent living, drawing on
the expertise of our regular speakers.

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Support

and progression

Studying close to home
allows me to participate in
a wide range of enrichment
activities both in and out
of college, broadening my

personal statement for
university applications.

Daisy Marshall

Your personal tutor is on hand Whatever course you opt for, it is important to know
daily to support and guide you both that there is support available whenever you need
academically and pastorally. it. Transition from secondary to further education
is not always easy and we have a supportive and
The Studium Tutor Group offers caring team of professionals who are there every
students additional tailored support for day to care for the needs of all our students.
highly academic students with ambitions
to study at Oxford, Cambridge and other We provide support for emotional and stress
Russell Group Universities. This support related issues as well as guidance related to the
is particularly helpful to those who are world of work and how to apply for university and
specialising in medicine, veterinary apprenticeships. We will help you to get the best
science and dentistry. out of your time at the college by providing you
with your own bespoke career pathway planner.
Everyone has different needs and we will work with
each student as an individual.

We have a strong relationship with our Alumni
community who regularly support our current students.

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Location

and facilities

West Somerset College is set in the stunning sea
side town of Minehead on the edge of Exmoor.
Our post-16 centre is a modern block
representing excellent accommodation. We have
a designated ICT suite exclusively for post-16 use,
a large sixth form study area and an excellent
student common room.
The outstanding on-site sports facilities include a
fully equipped gym, astro pitches, cricket facilities,
hockey and netball courts. Superb vocational
facilities include:
– Hairdressing
– Construction
– Catering
– Motor Vehicle
– Excellent Art accommodation—3 art studios

and 2 photography studios
– Specialist subject 6th form study areas across all

departments
– Well situated library

We believe that our students should:
• Develop into confident, resourceful, independent

learners through planning, managing and
reflecting on their own learning
• Strive for and reach their personal potential
• Be resilient, resourceful and be able to
communciate effectively
• Be imaginative, creative thinkers, showing
curiosity and innovation
• Be aware of their rights and responsibilities as
citizens at local, national and international levels
and be prepared to participate in collaborative
partnerships

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Applying

to West Somerset
College

After consulting with the
College, they allowed me to

study a Creative Writing
A Level, even though I am the

only student studying it!
This has had a positive impact

on my choice of University
courses for next year.

James Johnson

Minimum course entry requirements are based on When results are published in August we are on
the results of KS4 courses. In addition to formal hand to help and advise. If you haven’t met the
studies, it is also important for all of our students to minimum requirements for your chosen courses, we
take an active role in the life of the College, building will work with you to ensure that you are placed on
strong and positive relationships with staff and an appropriate course.
other students.
We offer a range of academic and vocational
We will take all that you have done into account subjects suited to all abilities from Level 1 to Level
at the interview to assess your suitability for the 3. Specific current entry requirements for all of our
courses you have chosen. Our bespoke independent courses can be found in the entry requirements
careers guidance will also contribute to this process. supplement and on our website.

www.westsomersetcollege.org/post16/applications process

West Somerset College
Bircham Road
Minehead

Somerset TA24 6AY

T: 01643 706061
E: [email protected]

www.westsomersetcollege.org