EDUCAT ION
remember that sixth form is something to look forward to: “This is the first time in their education that they have real power to determine their direction. If they could choose their direction for the next few years right now, what would they choose? Where would they be, what would they be doing, and what might their life look like in one year if they had absolute choice?” An increasingly popular option is the International Baccalaureate (IB), offered locally at Parkside Sixth. This sees students selecting six subjects from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme groups, plus theory of knowledge, an extended essay and the creativity, action and service (CAS) project. Academically rigorous and recognised around the world (unlike some UK qualifications), the IB emphasises independent research and self-study, preparing students well for university. “The benefits are that it is a whole qualification – not a narrow three-subject qualification. It seeks to educate for the sake of knowledge, not just to secure a career,” says Jon Ellams, Parkside’s director of International Sixth Form. “It is an academic qualification for true enquirers, those who seek knowledge and a greater understanding.” Then there’s the BTEC, which combines practical study with theory content. Academically, it’s similar to A-levels, but the way that students are assessed differs in that results aren’t dependent on a single set of exams. “Consequently, students who find exams hard generally do much better with BTECs,” says Danielle Pacey, principal at CAST, which offers the qualification.
IMAGE The Oakes College’s enrichment programme has seen students work for TV networks and travel to Nepal
– but true to form, our area’s colleges have proven themselves to be best in class when it comes to adapting and innovating. The Oakes College (formerly Netherhall Sixth Form Centre), launched an online platform that allows year 11 students to participate in The Oakes experience from the comfort of their own homes. With classes, student radio, a virtual tour and live Q&A webinars with students and staff, it’s an all-singing, all-dancing showcase of what Oakes has to offer prospective students. The college also used its digital prowess to help its new cohort of students with the transition from GCSE to sixth form. “We knew year 11s would be possibly anxious about the transition, especially academically,” explains Oakes’ head, Karim Marsaoui. “The Oakes team and our excellent staff created three platforms of interactive and interesting sample materials for each of our sixth form subjects. We did this to ensure students could get a head start with their level 3 studies, before beginning year 12. We made these available to all students across Cambridgeshire to help them be ready for the next stage of their academic studies,” he adds. “Our staff were also available to answer any questions the students may have had and a social media platform was created for students to ask additional questions about the work and the college experience, or to watch virtual lessons.”
“The BTEC provides a broader education, covering a wider area of study that is explicitly linked to the work environment,” she continues. “Studying a BTEC prepares students very well for apprenticeships and jobs and they are regarded highly by universities due to the high level of practical and independent study skills that they develop. It can increase a student’s university chances as they are more likely to achieve higher grades, which increases the opportunities available to them.” Traditionally, an important part of the process would be attending opens days, which offer an unrivalled glimpse into the day-to-day workings of a school or college. Beyond the gloss of a prospectus or slick website, an open event can provide a genuine feel for a place – and for that reason, they often weigh heavily in the mind when it comes to decision-making. For obvious reasons, the format of open days currently looks a little different – and most likely will for a while to come
“An open event can provide a genuine feel for a place”
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