When we look at the start of the New Year we look towards a fresh start, or to build on previous successes and to work toward achieving our goals, within the Sixth Form we have sought out opportunities for our students so that we can provide new and exciting opportunities. It is important to us that all students are given a chance to enrich their learning, to allow themselves to exceed expectations and to push themselves and try new things. With that mind, please be aware of the following opportunities that we have for our students.

 All of this will be posted on the Opportunities board (6th from entrance), will be emailed to form tutors and will be sent out via INSIGHT.

1. Oxford and Cambridge Taster Conference:

Trip to FREE Oxford and Cambridge Conference on the 18th of March (a small amount to cover travel costs will be required, those that are awarded the DBS the travel costs will be taken from this).

Additional info: These full-day conferences are available to students from all UK schools and colleges currently in Year 12 studying for A Levels or BTECS . The conferences include:

Course information sessions with taster lectures delivered by current Oxford and Cambridge teaching staff

Up-to-date information on applying to Oxford and Cambridge (including Student Life)

Student finance and graduate prospects

Information for teachers and HE advisers

Admissions Tutors and other staff from both universities will be on hand to answer questions and there will be the opportunity to talk informally to current undergraduates.  

The conference is purely for information gathering and to make an informed decision – there is no obligation to apply. There are 15 places available.

2. Sutton Trust Summer school:

Sutton Trust Summer schools offer students a week-long residential at one of their thirteen partner Universities which include: Bristol. Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Imperial College London, Kings College London, Nottingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Royal Veterinary College, St Andrews, UCL and Warwick. There are over 40 subjects on offer.

Students apply for a course they would like to study, and through academic taster classes, guidance sessions and social activities, the programme provides an insight into the realities of university life.

 All costs including travel, accommodation, food and activities are covered by the Trust and our partners which means it is completely free of charge for students to attend. 

3. Bremen Summer Camp 2019:

Free two-week residential for 16 and 17-year olds,

14 – 28 July 2019 (Time off school will be authorised – one week of Summer holiday).  This experience gives young people aged 16 and 17 the opportunity to be part of an historic project that has taken place in Staffordshire for almost 60 years.  Participants from Staffordshire and Germany spend two weeks together learning new things, making friends and of course, having fun!

During this free, two-week project whilst staying in the heart of Cannock Chase, you will be able to enjoy an exciting programme which includes things like:

 Social activities like bowling, trampolining and outdoor adventures.

Visit to Coventry Cathedral & free time in Coventry.

Activities with local veterans and civic dignitaries.

 Tending to the German War Graves and learning about some of the people buried in the cemetery on Cannock Chase.

Visit to National Memorial Arboretum.

 Civic events including a high-profile wreath laying ceremony.

Planning and hosting a celebration evening at the end of the two weeks.

4. We have a work experience opportunity for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in Architecture.
5. Lastly we have a journalism opportunity to write a monthly column for a local magazine. 

Please discuss these opportunities with your child and encourage them to make the most of these opportunities.

On Monday 14^th January all students will need to have their new swipe cards with them so that they can access a new gate that has been installed on site. All students have been issued with these cards and have signed for them. It is important that this card is kept safe and instructions on correct usage have been provided.

Next week Year 13 students will be receiving their mock results, while we hope that successes are celebrated we would like to offer this opportunity to inform our Year 13 students that if they have achieved the grade they required then we encourage them to seek further support and guidance on how to improve and learn from errors made.