Sixth Form Community

Culture and Ethos

Staff and students at Bournside Sixth Form are Ambitious, Curious, Proud, Purposeful, Respectful, and Supportive. These are our values and whilst you’ll see them written on our website and on our corridor walls, where you’ll really see them is in the way we work together, the way we talk to one another, the way teachers teach and students learn, and the way we ensure that every day, in and out of lessons we are living our vision: inspiring lives through learning.

We strive to be at the heart of our local community, working closely with our neighbouring schools, taking the arts into the community, being the central hub for very many sports local sports teams, and, of course, being the school of choice for families in our part of Cheltenham and beyond.

Expectations

We believe that you should have the highest expectations for your time with us.

You can expect:

• quality teaching and support for independent learning outside of the classroom
• quality guidance and support from your tutor, the Sixth Form lead leadership team, and our experienced Sixth Form staff
• regular feedback on your progress and discussions about your targets
• a wide selection of extra-curricular and enrichment activities.

In return, we expect you to:

• give your very best effort in every aspect of your studies
• use your initiative and ingenuity to develop your knowledge, understanding, and skills both during and outside lesson time
• attend school punctually and have a high attendance rate, aiming for 100%
• involve yourself in the wider life of the school
• respect your fellow students, staff, and the Sixth Form Centre facilities
• dress with respect for our Sixth Form dress code.

Pastoral Care

The pastoral care team at Bournside is always available to help you to ensure you feel safe, happy, and well-supported in your learning. During your time in the Sixth Form, there will be times when you need advice and guidance and we are here to support you throughout your studies. Our pastoral team comprises of a mixture of teaching and specialist non-teaching staff, and we will work with you to ensure you settle in quickly and reach your full potential across your two years of study with us. We have a wealth of resources to support your mental health and well-being. You can request further help and advice at any time.

Not forgetting Lottie, our 2-year-old black labrador and lead member of our Pastoral Team!

Tutor groups and support

Our vertical tutor group model means that each tutor group comprises 12 students from each of Year 12 and 13 and aims to enable students in both year groups to build positive, healthy relationships with each other, nurturing an enhanced sense of family and community across our Sixth Form.

Your tutor is the first point of contact for any pastoral issues. Tutors support and challenge students about academic progress, attendance, behaviour, dress code, and being well organised for learning, maintaining regular contact with parents/carers to provide the best support for students.

Academic support and communication 

Studying for your A Levels or BTEC courses is exciting as it allows you to immerse yourself in the subjects you love – but we recognise that it involves a significant step up in terms of academic rigour and challenge. At Bournside, we are committed to supporting you with the transition from GCSEs. As well as the Induction Day, you will undertake bridging work over the holidays to help you prepare for your studies. You will also take part in a two-day transition programme in September to equip you with the study skills you need to excel.

We will monitor your academic progress throughout your time in our Sixth Form. You will receive three reports a year and undertake mock exams at the end of Year 12 and again in Year 13, ensuring that you are able to be fully prepared for your final examinations. Parent will also be invited in 

House system 

At the heart of our school ethos is our active and rewarding six-house system which brings students of all ages together to use their perseverance, skills and talents to earn house points. Every student and member of staff belongs to one of our houses to nurture and enhance a sense of family and community between our students. As a Sixth Former, you are a role model for our younger students, enabling them to have meaningful conversations about school life and their future aspirations. Our houses regularly compete in house events and challenges so you can take pride in your house and its achievements. 

Meet our 2023/23 Senior House Captains