Opportunities

Extra-curricular activities are an integral part of the student experience at Coombeshead Sixth Form College, offering fun and exciting opportunities for students outside of their academic programme.

 

Get Involved

Coombeshead Sixth Form College offers a range of opportunities and support to get involved with activities outside of your main courses. Taking part in such activities equips you with a broad range of transferrable skills preparing you for life after College, enhancing your CV, letters of application and personal statements.

 

College Activities

These would include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (at Bronze, Silver and Gold), Peer Mentoring, LGBTQ+ group, Student Governor, Student Union Representative, Mental Health First Aider, the list is always evolving.

 

Fundraising opportunities

HITS, British Heart Foundation, Uganda, MacMillan and many more.

 

Life Skills Programme

A carefully tailored two-year programme designed to equip students with the skills needed for the future.

The workshops are delivered by experienced Sixth form and PSHE teachers, covering a range of topics including Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World, the fortnightly Life Skills lesson is designed to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to support their next steps. Students benefit from visiting speakers, including career talks, university and apprenticeship representatives and speakers to support well-being.

In addition, students attend the annual Learn-to Live Roadshow which develops knowledge and understanding of road safety.

 

Tutorial programme

Students attend tutorial three times a week with a dedicated and experienced tutor. Tutorial offers students the opportunity to seek support and guidance, develop study skills and consider wider global issues. Tutors know students well and through close monitoring of attendance and progress provide support and intervention when needed. Tutors ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and experience to select the right post-18 pathway. This relationship means many of our students go on to be successful in their future studies and careers.

 

Independent Study

Being a successful sixth form college student requires you to be an independent learner. Students have four hours of timetabled supervised study a week working in our dedicated study area supported by our Sixth Form Assistant. In addition, we encourage our students to allocate at least an additional four hours of independent study per week for each subject they do. How and where this time is spent is important and, through our Tutorial Programme, students are taught research-led study skills to make effective use of this time.

The methods we promote through tutorial are evidenced-based strategies that we want you to use on a regular basis to support your learning and help you achieve your potential.

As a Sixth Form student, you will be issued with your own laptop and have access to the dedicated study facilities so that you can use your study periods effectively.

Click here to download the independent study guide

 

 

Support and Wellbeing

Moving from a school to a sixth form college is an exciting time. There will be lots of positive changes, but we understand the transition for some can be challenging.

Students are supported by an experienced and dedicated Tutor and Sixth Form Pastoral Lead. We take great care to ensure that all students who join Coombeshead Sixth Form College have the individual support they need from study support, to mental health support, advice and signposting.

Counselling and Mental Health First Aid support is available in college to students who may need it, and external agencies can be involved when specialist support is needed.

We are fully aware of the emotional health and wellbeing challenges that our students can face in their lives.  This is why we aim to ensure everyone who attends our college has the best possible support to fulfil their potential and has access to the resources they need to achieve their personal goals.

Financial support may also be available through the Sixth Form Bursary Scheme to help remove financial barriers which may affect a student accessing their learning, please contact us for more details.

 

Post-18 Guidance

Students receive a range of guidance over the two years. We work closely with Next Steps South West, Universities, Apprenticeship providers and employers to ensure students are given advice and support around the different post-18 pathways.

Our students attend the annual UCAS Exhibition, Apprenticeship Show and visit Plymouth University where pupils benefit from a tour of the campus, post-18 guidance and a personal statement writing workshop.

In addition, students are able to meet with our college careers advisor for advice and guidance about Higher Education, apprenticeships and career opportunities. Parents are always welcome to attend careers appointments with their son/daughter too.