Hermitage Sixth Form is proud to provide a comprehensive study programme and a wealth of opportunities to develop the skills of our students. At Hermitage Academy Sixth Form we ask three things of our students:
- That they endeavour to achieve their full potential.
- That they are respectful to staff and other students.
- That they try their best to be happy in everything they do.
We believe that if our students do these three things they will succeed not only at sixth form but also in their futures. We also believe that by teaching our students these three core values we are preparing them to be better members of society. Success is not just measured by exam results. We expect all students to develop their talents and achieve in a myriad of ways throughout their school life. This means that they will develop confidence and self-esteem in gaining success.
Our aim is also to enable our young people to become responsible learners and caring citizens, who can contribute to our sixth form and the wider community. Our sixth form community is based on the values and attitudes of mutual respect and that all people are of equal worth. Sixth form life at Hermitage is also inclusive, supportive and inspiring in helping young people prepare for their learning journey ahead, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and understanding they will need to be the successful, confident and responsible members of the community and of society as a whole. Students’ leadership skills are consistently developed over their two years with us and these leadership skills prepare students for their futures and to make an excellent contribution to our community.
HOW WE MEET THE 16-19 STUDY PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS
Sixth form students at Hermitage undertake three A- level or equivalent vocational qualifications. They are required to take part in our careers programme (including work experience), PSHE programme and enrichment activities. Attendance at all tutor registration and tutor periods is also a requirement.
Careers Programme
Our careers provision builds on the provision in the lower school and is carefully planned out over two years to ensure students are prepared to go on to a destination which meets their interests and aspirations. This programme covers a range of potential next steps for our students and includes:
- 1:1 aspirations and careers interviews.
- Visits to Universities.
- Visiting speakers from Universities, Apprenticeships and employers.
- CV building workshops.
- UCAS workshops.
- Apprenticeship workshops.
- Interview preparation.
- Be competitive days.
- Strong links with local universities who provide workshops and 1:1 mentoring support for our students.
- Enrolment in Durham Supported Progression, NU: Entry, Sutton Trust and other access schemes.
- Cambridge University access and Application Support Programme.
- Oxford University access programme.
- Compulsory work experience week.
PSHE Programme
We consistently promote learners' personal development in the Sixth Form and our PSHE programme is carefully planned over two years to equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to be safe and active participants in modern British society. Content builds on themes from lower school but are delivered in a manner appropriate to students' age and stage, content includes:
- Independent study skills and A level mindset programme
- Employment skills
- Healthy lifestyle and body image
- Road Safety and young drivers education
- Mental wellbeing and mindfulness
- Sex and relationships education
- Online safety and social media
- Critical thinking and fake news
- Work and finance
- British values and democracy
- Preganacy and fertility
- Addiction and prevention
- Life beyond post 16: living alone; finance and budgeting; nutrition
- Dealing with exam pressure, stress and anxiety
Extra Curricular and Enrichment
We understand the value of extra curricular and enrichment activities for our students and as such offer wide, rich set of experiences. Students all work towards the "Passport to 18" which aims to develop students as rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.
This offer includes:
- British sign language courses
- First aid courses
- Cooking on a budget
- Book club
- Duke of Edinburgh
- National Citizenship Service
- Debating preparation and competition
- Extended Project Qualification
- Student leadership programme
- Charity fundraising
- Educational visits including visiting Auschwitz for History and RS and visiting the Zoo to study animal behaviours in Psychology
- Visits abroad including to New York and Berlin.
- Team building experiences such as bowling and more