Life in the Sixth Form at NBS

We treat our sixth formers as the young adults you deserve to be, allowing students to go off-site at lunchtime and timetabling in free periods for individual study. However, in return we expect students to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour and to be excellent role models for our younger students.

Attendance

Full attendance is a pre-requisite for success on all A Level and BTEC courses.  Students are expected to register twice daily with their Tutor, with morning registration at 8.25 am and remain at school until the end of the day at 3:10 pm. Students may leave the school site at lunchtime (1.20 pm -2 pm), but must return for afternoon registration. Students are expected to ring or email the Sixth Form Attendance officer before 9.30 am on the first day of absence and every day thereafter, to explain the reason for their absence.  For known absences students are asked to complete a notified absence form.

There is a strong correlation between attendance and attainment; we expect all students to have an attendance above 96%.

General Religious Education

Part of what makes the Sixth Form distinctive is our commitment to the spiritual, moral, cultural and social development of you as students.  An important aspect of this is the continuation of the Religious Studies programme into Years 12 and 13.

As a compulsory element of your studies, the course creates opportunities for students to explore, question, evaluate and reflect on their own beliefs alongside the beliefs of others; growing in understanding of Catholic faith and practice.  Topics of study are reviewed annually and student feedback is welcomed to create a balanced and relevant programme of study for young people living out their faith in the modern world.  Although the topics of study are firmly rooted in Catholic Church teaching, the programme embraces and welcomes input from all faith backgrounds, or none at all, which we hope will appeal to all students.

The Religious Education department also works closely with the school’s Chaplain in providing opportunities for students to become more involved in developing the Catholic life of the school through student leadership.  Such involvement is recognised and welcomed in forming part of the Religious Studies programme, as application of our values and beliefs within our school community and beyond, is truly what makes us a Living Christian Experience.

Private Study

Private study takes place in non-timetabled lessons, when students are not allowed to leave the school site. Students are expected to use their time effectively, continuing work started and set in classes, and to pursue the wider background reading essential for the successful completion of all courses.  Being able to learn independently is key to achieving at the highest level.

Dress Code

We expect all our Sixth Form students to be smartly dressed and to show that they care about their appearance, the impression it creates and the example it sets for younger pupils.  A smart professional appearance encourages an appropriate attitude to the day’s work and is excellent preparation for the mature world of professional work after the Sixth Form.

Please refer to the Uniform Policy, which can be found in the School Policy section under the Students tab, for complete rules and guidance on the Sixth Form Dress Code.

Work Experience

A week of work experience in the summer term is also organised for year 12 students to help them gain an insight into potential career options and the school has access to a Connexions careers advisor on site. Whether a student’s preferred destination is higher education, a higher apprenticeship or gap year, Nicholas Breakspear has the expertise within the staff and support body to offer effective and helpful guidance which will equip every individual to follow their own unique journey.

Uniform Policy