FAQs

Yes - If you are currently an SJB student in Y11 you still need to submit an application if you wish to stay on in the Sixth Form.

We very much welcome applications from students attending other schools. All applications for September entry must be submitted during the application window which normally runs from October to January. The exact dates and the link to make your application will go live on this page  in September. You will also find details of our application process and a link to our Admissions Policy, which details our eligibility criteria.

Historically we have admitted between 20 and 40 students each year from other schools.

Currently, the minimum qualification profile is a minimum of Level 5 in English and Maths PLUS three further subjects at grade 4 or above. However, many of our subjects have a higher grade requirement if you wish to study that subject. Please check the individual subject requirements here: Subject Requirements

Learning:
Sixth Form students study a smaller number of subjects but in much more depth. You will be expected to carry out extensive independent learning to supplement your lessons. Each subject will set an additional 6 hours of independent learning per week. Don’t panic – we factor this into your overall timetable by adding study periods throughout the week to help you manage the increased workload. Lessons are largely the same as in main school, although class sizes are smaller in the Sixth Form providing greater teacher support.

Independence:
Your time in the Sixth Form is very much a transition period, preparing you for university (HE), apprenticeships or Further Education. Part of this transition means increased freedom and the expectation that you become more independent. This means that you will be expected to take responsibility for your learning and try to resolve any issues you have yourself (with our support). You will also be expected to manage your time effectively and be positive role models for the rest of the school.

Pastoral Support:
The pastoral support is slightly different in the Sixth Form, when compared to the main school. We have a ‘Sixth Form Team’ made up of the Mrs McLaughlin (Head of Sixth Form), two Heads of Year, Mrs Harper (Year 12) and Mr Hacker (Year 13), plus three non-teaching members of staff: Mrs Risman (Sixth Form Admissions & Next Steps), Mrs Damiano (Sixth Form Attendance) and Mrs Sawyer (Sixth Form Learning Support). The advantage of this structure is that there is always someone available for help and support should you need it.

We offer a range of A Level and BTEC subjects at SJB. A full list of the courses we offer can be found on the subject tab. Each subject has provided an outline of the course plus a video explaining a bit more about it.

All students take a minimum of three subjects in Year 12. Some students (subject to approval from the Sixth Form Team) choose to take four subjects. These can be all BTEC subjects, all A Level subjects or a mixture of the two. There is also the opportunity to take an EPQ starting in Year 12 and submitting in Year 13.

Along with your three subjects, your timetable also includes three other compulsory elements: study periods, Spiritual Development and Key Skills. Study periods are timetabled periods where you go to the Sixth Form study room, are registered and complete your work independently. Key Skills operates a carousel of enrichment opportunities. Spiritual Development allows students to explore their own faith and gain a better understanding of some key societal issues.

We offer a wide range of additional opportunities that students can get involved in. Every year we appoint a new Sixth Form Leadership Committee. The committee is led by the Head Boy and Girl along with their deputies. Each committee member oversees a different element of the whole school leadership structure for example, Sport, Spiritual life, Learning & Teaching, ICT, Charity, Mental Health or the Environment. Students also have the opportunity to mentor younger students either academically or pastorally.

In addition to this, all students take part in the Key Skills programme on a Wednesday afternoon. This provides students with the opportunity to learn something new or to participate in something they already love. In the past few years we’ve offered the following activities (the activities vary each year):

• Sign language
• Volunteering at a local primary school or a home for the elderly
• School Magazine
• Debate / current affairs
• Multisport
• Gym
• Football / netball / basketball
• Running club
• Music / band
• Young Enterprise
• Art
• Photography
• EPQ

We are first and foremost a Catholic Sixth Form. This underpins everything we do it is what makes SJB such a special place. We welcome students into the Sixth Form from all faiths and ask only that everyone embraces and supports our Catholic Ethos. All students have timetabled Spiritual Development lessons once per week which provide the opportunity to stop and reflect and to explore faith in greater depth. Students are also welcome to join the Wednesday morning prayer group and Mass which takes place every Friday in the School Chapel. Many of our Sixth Form students also volunteer to go on the Lourdes Pilgrimage as helpers. Those who have been, describe it as a life changing experience.

Unlike some other post-16 providers, we provide you with a tutor who you will see every morning for the first half term. Tutor times activities in that half term are focussed on ensuring a smooth transition. You look at time management, independent learning skills and resilience. After the first half term tutor time remains for 3 mornings each week with Thursdays and Fridays becoming the opportunity for tutors to meet their tutees for one to one sessions. This ensures that the support you need is personalised. Along with this, we invite outside organisations and speakers to work with you to provide further transitional support.

We have a comprehensive 2-year programme of support for our Sixth Form students, which provides information, help and advice to support students whatever their onward journey. Throughout the programme there will be opportunities to engage with a wide-range of activities and events to equip you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your Next Steps.