Sixth Form

 

Promoting happiness, self-esteem and wellbeing

 

Sixth Form at Gretton provides a varied and innovative curriculum adapted to meet the needs of our learners and allowing them to flourish.

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Emphasis is placed on developing and preparing learners for the transition to adulthood and life beyond Gretton, whilst also promoting happiness, self-esteem and wellbeing.

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Like all Post-16 provisions, ‘Core’ subjects are not optional, and learners will continue to study towards qualifications in English Language and Mathematics unless they have already achieved a GCSE pass at grade 4 or above.  GCSE re-sits are also available.

 

Learners will be able to study a total of three optional subjects, in which they will be able to complete a Level 2 qualification of some kind, such as a GCSE, BTEC Award or NCFE Level 2. 

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A Level and other Level 3 courses would be expected to be studied only if the learner has achieved a GCSE grade 5/6 or above in that subject - where the subject hasn’t previously been studied we would look at their general level of achievement: it is possible to study a subject at A Level that the learner has not taken before.

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"Students in the sixth form study a range of subjects and courses. Each is matched
closely to the needs and aspiration of students. They are treated as young adults and live up to this responsibility.

- Outstanding Ofsted, 2024

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In addition to taking academic subjects, learners can also access a range of alternative qualifications and non-accredited courses, aimed at promoting preparation for adulthood skills and their holistic development: Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education; Home Cooking; Careers Support; Preparation for Adulthood; ‘Tutorial’ sessions for pastoral support; and Independent Travel. In addition, all learners have the opportunity to participate in a work experience placement. All learners, including Sixth Form learners, have access to the same support e.g. Therapists and Behaviour Welfare teams. ​​

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Throughout their time in Sixth Form, learners are of course supported to progress in their academic abilities, but also to:

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• build practical skills

• experience the work place

• access the local community

• become more independent

• improve their health and fitness, including the opportunity to visit the gym regularly

• pursue hobbies

• develop strong friendships and relationships with others

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The Sixth Form environment includes small group working areas, a common room and kitchen area to prepare drinks and snacks independently.

 

 

 

 

 

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Destinations

 

As part of the ongoing transition plans for Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 learners, Gretton staff work in collaboration with learners, parents and Further Education providers to broaden learners’ understanding of the facilities on offer beyond Gretton School. Our learners go on to do a range of things, including but not limited to, College, Sixth Form, University, Apprenticeships, entering the workplace, and some even return to Gretton as an employee!

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"I've got an unconditional offer to study Games Design at York St John University starting later this year. You guys seriously helped me grow as a person and gain a sense of self-awareness and self control which has made it possible for me to achieve not just this but everything else in my life."

- Former Student

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Our Sixth Form placements can be either Year 12 to enable the learner to gain the relevant qualifications as a bridge to their next placement, or can can continue into Years 13 and - at times - Year 14 (depending on qualification being undertaken). 

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"Pupils develop their independence. Whether this be through independent study or independent travel, there is a clear pathway for pupils to help them into adulthood." 

- Outstanding Ofsted, 2024

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Gretton School has learners from many Local Authorities. We know that one post-Gretton solution may not fit all, so we look for the best outcome for each young person, particularly looking within their local area, to support a reintegration into their community.  In the past, learners have had successful transitions into both Further and Higher Education provisions. Although learners move on from Gretton, we continue to offer an aftercare service, to provide support to learners and their families even once they have left. We are dedicated to ensuring that transitions to learners’ next steps are successful and positive.

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"I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have done for my son. He's a changed boy since he started College and I have you to thank for it."

- Parent​

Learner Success Case Studies

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Student A

Starting at Gretton, Student A was a withdrawn and highly unpredictable young man, prone to verbal outbursts and unable to engage in school work. Over the years, he has grown and matured, and with the right support and coping strategies in place, he has been able to regulate some of his more extreme emotional responses.

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Student A has grown into an open-minded and affable young man whose confidence and self-esteem have grown exponentially over the last couple of years to the point where he is now able to attend a work experience placement, take driving lessons and travel independently.

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Academically, he has achieved passes in GCSE English and Maths and is working towards GCSE History, RE and English Literature. Student A is also a keen musician and enjoys playing as part of the school band. He has performed for audiences of pupils, staff and parents on multiple occasions and regularly attends music festivals and events with his friends and family.

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Student B

Student B arrived at Gretton and since then he has grown and matured in a myriad of different ways. When he first started, he presented as a shy and anxious young man who was extremely resistant to being taught or doing academic work of any kind. This resistance began to dissipate over time, as relationships were built with peers and staff.

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As a result of these relationships, coupled with a solid support network which he did not have in his previous setting, he began to engage academically. Alongside his academic engagement, Student B also attended Cambridge Regional College one afternoon a week where he was able to learn vocational skills such as motor mechanics, catering, horticulture and woodwork.

These sessions suited his learning style and allowed him to feel a sense of achievement which boosted his confidence and self-esteem, in turn, helping him make friends back at school.

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Student B enjoys coming to school; this is obvious to us from the way he enters the classroom in the mornings to the way he interacts with staff and peers. As a result of this he now takes very little time off school and is on track to achieve in his forthcoming examinations.​

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"Brilliant school. Best decision ever for my son to go here." 

- Parent

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Learners who have left Gretton Sixth Form will always be welcomed back if they want to share their experience with younger cohorts; their voice is always valuable as they are able to share their lived experiences. Current learners are able to ask burning questions and get honest answers about life beyond Gretton School, to help piece together aspirations of their own.

 

​We would love to hear from you. Please contact alumni@grettonschool.com if you would like to get involved.

 

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