"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
How do we meet the requirements of the 16-19 study programme?
Introduction:
The government policy on 16 – 19 study programmes can be found here. It covers academic and vocational study programmes and applies to all providers of 16 to 19 education in England.
Supporting young people to flourish and demonstrate our FAITH values is at the heart of our vision. Over their two years of study, our sixth-form students benefit from strong support in four key areas; their curriculum, community, career and culture. Developing each of these strands ensures that they are able to ‘experience life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10) and make a smooth transition into their next step be that university, apprenticeship or employment. Our ambition is illustrated in the key Bible verse chosen for our Sixth Form above.
Study Programme Principles:
All 16 to 19 study programmes should be designed to provide students with a structured and challenging learning programme that supports their development and progression in line with their career plans. The principles of these study programmes are met in full at Derby Cathedral School with student pathways individually tailored to combine the following:
1. Substantial qualifications that stretch students and prepare them for education at the next level or for employment
At Key Stage 5, we offer a broad and aspiring Level 3 curriculum offer consisting of a mixture of A Level and equivalent vocational courses. All students are enrolled on a full-time study programme of at least 580 guided learning hours and choose a minimum of three subjects which they study for two years. These subject choices are based on their prior attainment, interests and career ambitions. Some high-attaining students are supported to study four subjects. All of our qualifications are equivalent to one A Level irrespective of name, apart from Core Maths and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). These are AS Level equivalents and are offered as additional areas of study. This curriculum offer reflects our high levels of aspiration for all and gives a wide choice of subjects that support all future career pathways.
2. English and maths, where students have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4
All Key Stage 5 students who do not hold a GCSE Grade 4 in maths and/or English Language are provided with four hours a week of timetabled lessons as part of their study programmes to support their resits in these subjects. They are taught by subject specialists and are entered for official GCSE resit examinations in the November and June exam series as required.
3. Work experience to give students the opportunity to develop their career choices and to apply their skills in real working conditions
All students at Derby Cathedral School take part in a full calendared week of external Work Experience in Year 12. They are also supported to undertake additional work experience opportunities based on their future career aspirations, for example medical placements for Medicine candidates and virtual placements as appropriate.
4. Other non-qualification activity to develop students’ character, broader skills, attitudes and confidence, and support progression
All Key Stage 5 students follow our weekly KS5 PSHE programme and attend Collective Worship and Tutor Time daily as part of their Sixth Form studies. These important non-qualification activities develop oracy, religious education, safeguarding, FBV, SMSC and current affairs. All Y12 students complete the Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award and take part in our Sixth Form specific Endeavour Programme for extra-curricular enrichment. All students are consistently supported to develop widening aspirations, high levels of literacy and complete super-curricular activities. We provide students with a full careers programme throughout their time in Sixth Form with constant access to an on-site Careers Advisor to support their Post 18 progression. Activities include regular guest speakers, 1-1 guidance, careers fairs, open day attendance, ‘Early Applicant’ and ‘Realising Opportunities’ programmes along with numerous others. This holistic personal development programme supports a range of academic and pastoral mentoring programmes, and is planned to build students’ educational character. It provide students with a range of knowledge and skills to support them to become active citizens and confident young adults who are ready to move on to the next stage in their lives, whether that be employment, training or higher/further education.