Sixth Form Prospectus

SIXTH FORM THE

DO MORE IN YOUR SIXTH FORM

DISCOVER MORE

MEET MORE PEOPLE

BE MORE INSPIRED

BE MORE INDEPENDENT

EXPERIENCE MORE

ACHIEVE MORE

‘ Education is opportunity. It changes lives, opens doors, develops character. It means finding strengths, inspiring ambition, expanding potential, achieving results. It involves making connections, building relationships, finding friendships. It is about working together with parents and pupils to help them to gain the skills, and the perspective, that they need to lead happy, fulfilling and successful lives. Education is everything. ’ THE WARDEN

380 PUPILS IN THE SIXTH FORM CO-ED SINCE 1987 50/50 BOYS & GIRLS 15% DAY 85% BOARDING 5 MINS BY BUS TO CENTRAL OXFORD OUTSTANDING

FACILITIES IN 100 ACRES OF GREEN SPACE

‘ Sixth Form is all about opportunities and helping you to fulfil your

potential. At Teddies you just do more. ’ FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL

LIFE AT TEDDIES

Sixth Form at St Edward’s, or Teddies as we are affectionately known, offers so much. With over 380 pupils in our Sixth Form, the choice between the International Baccalaureate Diploma and A Level, additional teaching from Oxford postgraduate students, state of-the-art study spaces, an incredible array of co-curricular activities and opportunities for personal development, and the city of Oxford and its university on the doorstep – the possibilities at Teddies are endless. The chances of making life-long friends and getting the most out of your Sixth Form years are 100%.

‘ Sixth Formers lead our school with maturity, energy and enthusiasm. When selecting pupils for positions of responsibility, we choose who is best, not who has been with us longest. ’ CLARE HAMILTON, SUB-WARDEN

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WHO COMES TO TEDDIES FOR SIXTH FORM? With the look and the feel of a university quad and with our location in Oxford, it is no wonder that pupils are attracted to St Edward’s from near and far. While more than half of our Sixth Form pupils have homes in our local area, over a quarter of Sixth Formers come to board from London and a fifth from more than 40 countries across the world. There is no standard St Edward’s student. Pupils’ interests are as diverse as the vast range of opportunities available to them. At Teddies, you will find out what inspires you and you will realise your ambitions. ‘ Our pupils are busy, purposeful and happy. ’ THE WARDEN

Scan below to watch an interview with the Warden

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ACADEMIC LIFE

Pupils at Teddies choose between studying three or four A Levels (or exceptionally five) and embarking on the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the Sixth Form. Unusually for a school offering both routes, pupils can chose from more than 25 different subjects in each route. With support from dedicated teaching staff, both the A Level course and the IB Diploma help pupils to develop skills which are vital for success at university. As well as their chosen subjects, pupils learn how to research their interests and structure their arguments through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the Extended Essay (completed by A Level and IB pupils respectively). This deep dive into a subject of interest provides invaluable support for applications to prestigious universities.

‘ Opportunity and choice are fundamental to engagement and success when it comes to academic life. Our broad range of subjects, with extension through our Oxford programme of lectures, tutoring from DPhil students and visits to the University allow specialists and all-rounders equally to excel. ’ DAVID FLOWER SUB-WARDEN ACADEMIC

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ART BIOLOGY BUSINESS

CHEMISTRY CLASSICAL CIVILISATIONS COMPUTER SCIENCE DESIGN DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES ECONOMICS ENGLISH LITERATURE FRENCH GEOGRAPHY GERMAN GREEK HISTORY HISTORY OF ART JEWELLERY LATIN MATHEMATICS FURTHER MATHEMATICS MUSIC MUSIC TECHNOLOGY PHYSICS PHOTOGRAPHY PSYCHOLOGY THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS SPANISH TEXTILE DESIGN

A LEVEL

A Levels are internationally recognised qualifications that allow pupils to focus on the subjects about which they are most passionate and wish to study in depth. Pupils take three to four subjects, exceptionally five, all studied at the same level. A Level pupils who take three subjects also complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in the Lower Sixth. The equivalent of half an A Level, the EPQ sees pupils immersing themselves in a subject that inspires them. With guidance from teachers throughout the year, pupils plan and research their projects and apply critical thinking, decision making and creativity to formulate their own solutions and innovations for real-world issues.

Timetable •

12 hours teaching per A Level

• 3 hours for the EPQ • Independent studying time

BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY CLASSICAL LANGUAGES COMPUTER SCIENCE DANCE DESIGN TECHNOLOGY ECONOMICS ENGLISH LITERATURE ENVIRONMENTAL LITERATURE & LANGUAGE GLOBAL POLITICS HISTORY MATHEMATICS MODERN LANGUAGES MUSIC PHILOSOPHY PHYSICS PSYCHOLOGY SPORT, EXERCISE & HEALTH SCIENCE THEATRE VISUAL ARTS SYSTEMS & SOCIETIES GEOGRAPHY GERMAN

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA

The International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) allows pupils to study a broad range of subjects. Pupils study three Higher Level subjects and three Standard Level subjects, including:

Timetable • 7.5 hours teaching time per Higher Level subject • 4.5 hours teaching time per Standard Level subject • 4 hours for the IB Core • Independent studying time

• English • Maths •

One of an array of sciences A modern foreign language or a classical language

•

• A humanity •

One further subject

In addition, pupils engage in the IB’s Core: • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – developing transferable skills in assessing knowledge and evaluating evidence • Extended Essay – a 4,000-word essay based on independent research • Creativity, Activity and Service – a requirement to demonstrate initiative, perseverance and team-working skills, such as collaboration and problem solving

SUPER-CURRICULUM AND ACADEMIC EXTENSION

The academic experience at Teddies extends pupils’ interests and skills through a rich programme of events and opportunities – within the school, in Oxford and beyond. From scientists involved in cutting edge research to world-renowned professionals and university academics, our programme of speakers is varied and exciting. Our St Edward’s Fellows, post-graduate students at Oxford who teach our pupils part time, share their passion for their subjects with our pupils in classes, seminars, lectures and societies – as well as helping with applications to Oxford and Cambridge and other highly competitive universities. Leaving the school grounds and going into the centre of Oxford for lectures at the university or visits to its galleries and museums is undoubtedly a key benefit of our location. Trips further afield and abroad last year explored the symbolism in Tudor tombs in London, geography in Wales, the galleries of New York, the CERN research centre in Geneva, Florence for language and cultural learning, and Sri Lanka for a cricket tour.

‘ Pupils springboard from the Sixth Form at Teddies into the rest of their lives. It is an exciting time. Exciting for pupils as they take charge of their own education and find what really ignites their interests – academically, in the co-curriculum outside the classroom, and socially. Participation in those opportunities is high not only because of their sheer number and quality but also because the community’s tide of enthusiasm lifts everyone with it. ’ THE WARDEN

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THE TUTORING SYSTEM Sixth Form pupils have a dedicated tutor in their House, who together with their Housemaster or Housemistress (HM) encourages and supports them in their academic endeavours. Tutors meet their tutees one to one and in tutorial groups weekly to discuss their progress and any issues that have arisen in the week. A team of 8–10 tutors in each House provides academic and pastoral support for the pupils. This means that academic support is available in most subjects within the House – supplementing the subject clinics run by each academic department. We believe that parents are integral to our pupils’ success, so parents meet with their children’s tutors and teachers early in the Lower Sixth year and receive regular updates, face to face and in writing, throughout the two-year course. A full briefing about what to expect over the two years, for academic progress, extension and enrichment, and the next steps in education, takes place soon after the start of term from the school’s academic leadership team. All Sixth Formers also meet with the Warden for a review, to discuss their academic progress and aspirations.

‘ I had a quick conversation with a tutee today about life in the Sixth Form. She told me it was amazing – when I got her to drill it down she said the lessons are great. The teachers often run the lessons like a discussion and they’re treated in a mature and respectful way which she enjoys and appreciates. ’ ANNA FIELDING, HOUSE TUTOR AND DIRECTOR OF IB

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TEACHER PUPIL RATIO 1:6 CLASS SIZES OF 8–10

CO-CURRICULAR LIFE A CULTURE OF PARTICIPATION

‘ I love entertainment and saw the opportunity to create a talent show at Teddies. The teachers were really supportive of the idea but let me keep responsibility for it – from the initial auditions to selecting the judges and to hosting the night. Almost the whole School turned out to cheer on their friends and watch the show – the acts and the atmosphere were amazing. I gained so much in the way of experience and confidence and hope I’ve started a new tradition! ’ FORMER PUPIL There’s a culture of participation at Teddies, and so much choice. Getting involved in sports, the arts and clubs creates bonds across the School. You can join societies or set up a new one if you think there is a gap, like one recent Sixth Former who came up with the idea of a whole-school talent show.

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CO-CURRICULAR LIFE SPORT AND FITNESS

From competing at national and international level to starting a sport from scratch, Sixth Formers at Teddies have an outstanding choice of sporting activities to get involved with. From football to fencing, rugby to rowing, hockey to netball, badminton, tennis and cricket, there is something for everyone. With 100 acres of grounds, there is plenty of space for all sports, whether they are on the fields or the newly installed all-purpose astros, on the Thames by our boat house or inside on the tennis and squash courts, in the gyms and studios. Built into the timetable, all our Sixth Formers spend three afternoons a week playing their chosen sports and many also attend the extra coaching and fitness sessions available. After an introduction to the Nuffield Gym, all Sixth Formers can use this on-site health, wellbeing and fitness centre with its: • 25-metre pool • Fully equipped gym with studios for training and dance • Indoor courts for tennis, squash and badminton

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CO-CURRICULAR LIFE PEAK PERFORMANCE

As a school, we strive to be outward facing in as many areas as we can – to enhance our pupils’ lives and inspire them to strive for the next challenge beyond school. Whether it’s training in partnership with Chelsea Football Club or with Gloucester Rugby Club, competing in international events abroad, collaborating with the Oxford Philharmonic or acting in sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival, our pupils have chances to perform at the highest level. Speakers from Oxford University and other leading institutions bring cutting-edge ideas into the School, while our engagement with our local community, through charities and other schools, keeps our pupils grounded.

‘ In the co-curriculum at Teddies, pupils engage in the fantastic array of opportunities for lots of reasons – to develop their talents and perform at top events, to try out new experiences, to gain knowledge and skills and, of course, just for the fun of it. ’ ALEX TESTER DEPUTY HEAD CO-CURRICULUM

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CO-CURRICULAR LIFE MUSIC, DRAMA AND DANCE

You can get as involved in music, drama and dance as you want and we encourage all pupils to jump in. From taking up a new instrument to playing a solo to our packed 1,000-seat hall, practising in one of the 20 rooms in our modern Music School or getting a band together with friends – you can join the musical life of the School at any level. With two major plays a year and many smaller performances, there are lots of opportunities to be involved in drama – on stage and backstage, being part of a play at Teddies is enormous fun. Around one in four pupils at Teddies takes dance lessons. It is hugely popular because you can join in with no experience or years of lessons behind you, for the skill, for the exercise and for the sheer joy. Our electric dance shows each term see audiences of over 2,000 over three nights, with around 200 performers cheered on by friends, family and the whole school.

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UNIVERSITY AND CAREER ADVICE

Our Higher Education and Careers Team supports pupils with their decisions about the next steps after Sixth Form. The expert support and advice from the team leads to over 80% of pupils going to their first choice of Russell Group and similarly prestigious universities. With university overseas an increasingly popular choice for our pupils, we have a dedicated teacher leading on advice to pupils about the different admissions systems in Europe, the USA and beyond. We also run trips abroad to popular destinations. Similarly, for those applying to particularly competitive courses or places, our Elite Universities programme provides expert advice on the processes and helps pupils with applications, interview preparation and practice, and visits. The programme of support for all pupils includes regular one-to-one discussions on careers, subject and university choices, specific tuition for tests such as SATS, individual guidance on applications, interviews with internal and external experts and above all encouragement and a belief in our pupils.

‘ Our global network of former pupils allows us to link our pupils to people in almost all professions – for advice, information and inspiration. ’ ANASTASIA ELLIOTT

HEAD OF EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER EDUCATION

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SIXTH FORM LIFE IN HOUSES

Whether boarding or day, new Sixth Form pupils are welcomed into a boarding house of 50 – 70 pupils from all year groups. Each Sixth Former has their own space with a desk and place to relax, but there is also a shared Sixth Form common room in which to spend time with friends. The small and family-like group of Sixth Formers – averaging 15 in each year – take on responsibilities in House such as leading activities, mentoring, and peer listening, giving our Sixth Formers the chance to develop leadership and interpersonal skills. Sixth Formers have the option to eat all their meals in the main school Dining Hall but many choose to have breakfast in House and eat lunch in one of the two cafés available to them. At the weekends, boarders can stay in for the weekend or go home on Saturday night, returning by 9pm on Sunday. Many pupils decide to stay in for the whole weekend, when they can go into Oxford or Summertown or simply relax with friends, enjoying the many activities arranged for those who want to take part – as well as Cooper’s, the Sixth Form café.

‘ Living and learning in a co educational environment with people from a broad range of backgrounds, with different personalities and interests, means that pupils, as well as developing their social skills, are very likely to make friends for life. ’ EVE SINGFIELD DEPUTY HEAD PASTORAL

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13 BOARDING HOUSES BOYS GIRLS & CO-ED 40% OF BOARDERS STAY IN FOR SATURDAY NIGHT

FREEDOM OF THE CITY

Oxford is a beautiful and inspiring city – a destination for gifted academics and travellers world-wide – and a safe city. All of our pupils enjoy going there – with friends at the weekends and for school trips into the University colleges, galleries and museums. Pupils love the freedom of being able to go to local shops and cafés in the week and into the centre of Oxford at the weekend. Whether they are enjoying the historic centre or the new Westgate shopping centre, they are only a five-minute bus ride back to school – knowing that we’re here for them when they get back.

‘ There’s a great buzz in Oxford, it’s a bit like a mini and more laid-back London ’ TEDDIES PUPIL

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LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERING

Sixth Form pupils at Teddies take responsibility for many parts of school life – developing their leadership and interpersonal skills. Lower Sixth pupils are mentors to the Shell (Year 9) pupils in their Houses, coaching them in study skills, encouraging them to participate in all the activities on offer and helping them to settle in. In the Upper Sixth, there are further opportunities in House for pupils to lead – as Heads of House, as Prefects or as Peer Listeners, who are available to all pupils in the House to talk through any issues and to raise them, if necessary, with the House staff. Sixth Formers also set up and run school wide-activities – such as academic societies and career focused societies, like MedSoc for aspiring medics. Pupils can also take up the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and join the School’s Combined Cadet Force, where they engage in outward bound activities – growing their confidence and resilience. These opportunities are equally available to new pupils and those continuing at Teddies, and they develop life skills for university, for work and for personal fulfilment.

‘ There are so many opportunities – clubs, societies and sport – but also the opportunity for leadership. Sixth Formers are expected to help create the school ethos and set the right tone. I’ve really enjoyed helping other people to get as much out of Teddies as I do ’ TEDDIES PUPIL

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ADMISSIONS

In selecting young people to join St Edward’s, we are looking for academic ability, of course, but also for ambition, energy and a sense of purpose.

We want to be sure that pupils joining the School will enjoy their time with us because they feel at home at Teddies and because they derive satisfaction from their contribution to the School. Some will contribute by leading the academic life of the School, others through their participation in sport, the arts or community volunteering, and all through their willingness to involve themselves in the lives of their Houses and the wider school community. Pupils are admitted at three entry points: approximately 140 into the Shell (Year 9), around 20 into the Fourth Form (Year 10) and some 60 into the Lower Sixth (Year 12).

Entry to all year groups is via academic entrance examinations and all pupils must be registered to sit the admissions tests. For all year groups the assessment is in two parts. Pupils whose test results and reference indicate that they are suited to our demanding academic curriculum and our rich co-curricular offering will be invited to the second stage for interview. Sixth Form candidates must achieve a minimum of six GCSEs or equivalent, including three at Grade 7 or above in the subjects which they hope to study at A Level or at Higher Level in the IB. Candidates wishing to study Mathematics or one or more of the Sciences are required to achieve Grade 8 in those subjects. For further information about admissions processes, scholarship opportunities and

‘ My parents gave me The Good Schools Guide and I chose Teddies. It lived up to everything in the review but especially on the friendship and friendliness front. ’ FORMER PUPIL

fee support, please visit: stedwardsoxford.org

Nicola Jones, Registrar registrar@stedwardsoxford.org +44 01865 319200

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registrar@stedwardsoxford.org +44 (0)1865 319200

St Edward’s School Woodstock Road Oxford OX2 7NN stedwardsoxford.org

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