Each September, a large proportion of our Year 11 pupils who have made the decision to continue their education into the Sixth Form, return to Priesthorpe. Additionally, we are pleased to welcome, each year, pupils from other secondary schools who have, for a variety of reasons, chosen to join us for their Post-16 programme of study. Along with visiting Consortium students from Crawshaw and Grangefield, this makes for a very large Sixth Form population in school throughout the working week.

Members of the Sixth Form have to be prepared for a very flexible working day! Classes are timetabled, not only between 9.05 a.m. and 3.10 p.m., but also in 'twilight' time from 3.30 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. for some subjects, or, in the case of Drama, from 7.00 p.m. until 9.00 p.m. Students involved in 'twilight' sessions are able to take time off 'in lieu' during the day, and many find this arrangement both useful and convenient. If students are not in scheduled classes, they are able to undertake private study in the Open Learning Centre which is equipped with 29 computers, all with Internet access, and a comprehensive range of reference books and resources. Off-site study is usually negotiated during the year between students and the staff in charge.The recently refurbished Sixth Form Common Room offers pupils the opportunity to socialise during breaks and at lunchtime.

Since some courses may be delivered at the other Consortium schools or local colleges, it is possible that pupils will have to make their way to or from Grangefield or Crawshaw. This has to be organised so as to ensure consistent attendance and punctuality, wherever, whenever lessons take place.

Each Sixth Form tutor group selects members to represent them on the Sixth Form Committee. A Chairman, and Treasurer are elected and regular meetings are held to discuss Sixth Form issues, make decisions about expenditure and organise social events.

Here at Priesthorpe, we know that we have a great deal to offer our Sixth Form students and that we have good reason to be proud of what we can help them achieve. Post-16 education can lead to the attainment of advanced qualifications needed to gain access to Higher Education and the competitive job market. It can help pupils develop the personal skills, confidence and maturity so important for life today.

At Priesthorpe, pupils can be confident that they will:

• be in an environment that they know, where they can feel secure and are able to benefit from the continuity that this will provide.
• know the staff who teach them and the students with whom they will work.
• benefit from the high level of expertise in academic and pastoral matters from staff who know them.
• be given the chance to explore a wide variety of other experiences and to develop independence and a sense of responsibility.
• be provided with a structured approach to exploring what is best for their future, whatever their intention. At all stages of their progress, we will work closely with the Careers Service to support each individual's choices for the future.