The Sixth Form at Channing
The Sixth Form at Channing is the jewel in the crown of the school. Our Sixth Formers are active learners and critical thinkers and the education we provide is truly holistic. Our aim is to ensure that each and every one of our students leaves Channing as an independent thinker, ready for everything life has to offer, and determined to make a positive social impact.
We believe in the power of a well-rounded education which is about both excelling in the classroom and fostering personal growth. We support our students on that journey by having small class sizes, expert teachers, a large support system, a dynamic super-curricular program and a faculty of staff who are all there to help our students realise their ambitions.
Our Sixth Form is a centre of academic ambition and this can be found in abundance beyond the A Level curriculum, whether that is in completing an EPQ, writing for a Sixth Form or school magazine or journal, learning a new skill in enrichment classes or hearing from special guest lecturers, or one of the many other opportunities available in the Sixth Form. We encourage students to stretch themselves and to delve meaningfully into their subjects, enjoying stretch and challenge beyond the curriculum.
Now (more than ever), young adults need to be fully equipped with the necessary academic and life skills to confidently succeed in the workplace, and the world at large. To support our students' aspirations we have a first class careers programme, alongside PSHE lessons which focus more on contemporary issues a Sixth Former might face, such as basic finance skills and learning what university is really like from alumnae.
Developing critical life skills like leadership, resilience and independence is important for all students. All our Year 12 students hold leadership positions and can take on more throughout the school such as being society leaders and sports captains. Our Year 13 students also have the chance to become Officers and take an important part in whole school leadership. Students also make an incredible contribution to our community by participating in many partnership and volunteering activities - something of which we are very proud.
Our Sixth Form Centre functions as a separate space just for Sixth Formers. We foster a Sixth Form Community by having Years 12 and 13 in tutor groups together, which enables not only collaborative working and learning but is also a chance for the Year 12s to see into their future as their contemporaries navigate UCAS and overseas applications, gap year plans and everything else that comes with being in your final year of school.
The ‘joy’ in Girl’s Enjoying Success could not be more evident in the Sixth Form - after all having an atmosphere that makes students happy is vitally important at this crucial time in their studies. We host a range of fun and team building activities to support this but it is also the teachers, pastoral staff, support staff and the students that really makes it a truly joyful place.
Main duties and responsibilities:
General responsibilities:
1. Line manage the Assistant Directors of Sixth Form and, where appropriate, tutors
2. Enhance students’ academic performance and monitor pupil progress
3. Ensure a high quality of pastoral care and student support in the Sixth Form
4. Work with those responsible for developing and utilising Schoolbase (our School Management System) to help in the tracking of pupil progress
5. Encourage students to contribute positively to the life of the Sixth Form and the wider life of the School
6. Promote the Sixth Form to ensure retention of existing Year 11 pupils and the recruitment of external applicants, liaising with the Admissions team and Heads of Year in Year 10 and 11
7. Oversee the running of the Sixth Form Centre
8. Support and implement health and safety policies and procedures at all times
Specific responsibilities:
1. Develop, deliver, monitor and regularly review the Sixth Form curriculum as well as PSHE and Enrichment programmes
2. Oversee the Sixth Form extra- and co-curricular programme
3. Liaise with parents to support students
4. Review results in August and at other times during the year, including A levels, EPQ, ALIS, TDA, and internal examinations
5. Ensure that the Senior Leadership Team, Governors and staff are advised regarding specific areas of Sixth Form curriculum and pastoral issues
6. Take responsibility for the content of the Sixth Form prospectus, associated publications and the Sixth Form area of the School website, working closely with the Director of Communications, Marketing and Development
7. Work with the Head of Year 11 to ensure the smooth transfer of girls to the Sixth Form as well as oversee a Year 12 induction programme.
8. Organise and run the Sixth Form Open Evening for girls and parents and other events as appropriate (e.g. Certificates Evening, Leavers’ events)
9. Manage the selection process of the School Officer Team and wider Sixth Form leadership roles
10. Liaise with the Head of Careers and Higher Education and the Oxbridge Coordinator to ensure that Higher Education guidance and the UCAS process run smoothly and engages all students
11. Liaise with the Head of SEND and Extended Learning (Most Able) Coordinator to ensure that the academic needs of the students are met.
General Responsibilities of all SLT Members
1. Lead by example, providing inspiration and motivation, and embody for the pupils, staff, Governors, parents and wider community the vision and purpose of the school
2. Provide a professional role model for others, clearly demonstrating effective teaching, classroom organisation and high standards of achievement, behaviour and discipline; demonstrate personal commitment to quality and excellence
3. Promote and safeguard the welfare of the young people in the school for whom we are responsible
4. Undertake an appropriate programme of teaching in accordance with the duties of a standard subject teacher as outlined in the general teacher and be part of the SLT duty rota before and after school
5. Act as the SLT representative at a variety of school events including attendance at Governors’ suppers
6. Take assemblies in the Junior and Senior Schools as required
7. Support the Headmistress in the recruitment, induction, deployment, motivation, development and appraisal of teaching and support staff to make the most effective use of their skills, expertise and experience. Ensure that all staff have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
8. Work with the Director of Communications, Marketing and Development in support of the marketing and communication strategies of the school
9. Work with the Bursar to establish priorities for expenditure in all areas of responsibility and monitor the effectiveness of spending and use of resources to ensure value for money
10. Deputise for other members of the SLT, including the Headmistress, where necessary or requested, including to be available to deal with whole school matters during holidays, on a rota basis, by arrangement with the Headmistress or Deputy Head
* You may also be required to undertake such other comparable duties as the Headmistress requires from time to time
* This should be seen as enabling rather than restrictive and will be subject to regular review