Bloxham’s Sixth Form offers a vibrant environment in which enthusiastic, motivated young adults will thrive. Our mission is to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in their future, fostering values of ambition, integrity and studiousness.
Small classes increase individual participation and allow for a more tailored approach to teaching. The excellent facilities, including the White Lion Sixth Form Centre, and broad range of activities offered encourage students to try new things, provide fantastic leadership opportunities, and help maintain a good balance between studies and fun.
Sixth Form Centre
Sixth Form students have their own space on the school site, known as The White Lion Sixth Form Centre. The building has recently undergone extensive renovation with an exciting facility for our eldest pupils to enjoy. The White Lion has inspiring learning spaces that will encourage both independent and group work, alongside spaces for socialising, including its own café.
Lessons
Sixth Form students have individualised timetables dependent on their mix of subjects and some degree of autonomy over where they choose to study. Lessons are a mixture of individual, group and whole class work with the emphasis firmly on the student to take control of their learning and becoming fully integrated into their learning experience.
Each student has between eight and ten study periods per week where they are not in a timetabled lesson but are expected to work independently in either the library or the Sixth Form Centre. Time management and organisational skills are essential and help is available for those who require some extra support.
Subject choices
Subjects are taught by specialist teachers in small classes (usually around 6-12 students). Most students will study three A Level subjects and about half will study for an additional Extended Project Qualification. We offer a wide range of A Level subjects, including:
- Art
- Biology
- Business
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Design and Technology
- Economics
- English Literature
- French
- Geography
- Government and Politics
- History
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Photography
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Spanish
- Theatre Studies
We also offer Level 3 qualifications in BTEC sports science, hospitality, and CTEC in business.
Additional Qualifications
In addition to formal qualifications, students are required to undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a mini Master of Business Administration (MBA), mini-MAPP, or a Public Speaking course. Tutors will help to advise which option is most suitable.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The EPQ is a research project that supports your personal aspirations for higher education and
career development through studying, in depth, a topic of your own choice.
A taught element, concerning methods of research, referencing and presentation skills, is delivered throughout the process, sometimes outside of the school timetable. Students begin work on the EPQ in the Michaelmas Term of the Lower Sixth year and aim to complete it by December of the Upper Sixth year.
An EPQ can be undertaken in any discipline and can take many forms – dissertation, artefact, presentation, public event. An extended project is equivalent in size to half an A Level and equivalent in standard to a full A Level (an A* can be awarded).
It is important to note that the EPQ requires a student to work independently. Candidates work to define their own area of study and are responsible for keeping their logbook up to date and so
arranging meetings with their supervisor.
Example topics for EPQ study:
• The influence of nature and nuture in Sport
• The impact of codebreakers on the outcome of the Second World War
• An evaluation of the jury systems of France and the UK
Mini MBA
The Bloxham Mini-MBA programme seeks to develop workplace skills and accentuate student understanding of the modern business world. The course covers elements including: finance
and the use of capital resource; marketing; market trends and the economic cycle; globalisation; the complexity of strategic choice and entrepreneurial enterprise. Personal development focuses
on collaborative working, communication and presentation skills, assertion, debate and persuasion.
The programme is run in association with the University of Buckingham, whose Business School have contributed to the syllabus and support several areas of learning. The programme is further supported by external guest speakers who impart their knowledge and experience to the students taking part.
Mini-MAPP (Masters in Applied Positive Psychology)
The Mini-MAPP is an exciting new course for Bloxham’s Sixth Form. Positive Psychology is a relatively new branch of Psychology which looks at being our best selves and how we can live meaningful lives with purpose. This interactive course will involve exploring topics such as:
- What is Positive education? How important is it to be happy?
- Discovering your Strengths, developing coaching skills and the
importance of setting goals - How to boost Positive emotions and the power of laughter
- Overcoming obstacles and dealing with procrastination
- Application of Positive Psychology interventions to the outside world
At the end of the year, you will be awarded either a distinction, merit or pass based on your performance throughout the course. We have established links with the University of New Buckinghamshire, a leader in this field.
