Courses on Offer
Students are able to study a combination of 3 or 4 Level 3 courses at St Bernard’s including a range of A level subjects and BTEC courses. As well as these academic courses students are supported through a range of activities that are built into their timetables.
EPQ
Students will have the opportunity to undertake an Extended Project Qualification, all students will receive core taught sessions to introduce the EPQ through their enrichment lessons in year 12. Students can then choose to take this project on with supported sessions after school. This is designed as a ‘stretch and challenge’ opportunity and is highly regarded by major universities and potential employers.
General RE
All Sixth Form students also undertake a general RE course which focuses on transferable skills of research, debate and presentation.
Enrichment & Fitness sessions
To support students in their transition and continued success at A level we have introduced a programme called Enrichment. This is a taught lesson in which students explore a range of aspects of learning such as :
1. Study and revision skills
2. PSHE taught topics including all statutory topics such as drugs and alcohol education and sex and relationship education
3. Engage with speakers
4. Engage with the news and global citizenship
5. Prepare for life after school whether this be university or employment.
The sessions are engaging and discussion based. To support a healthy lifestyle, students also have the opportunity to continue with a range of PE and sporting activities through our timetabled fitness lessons.
Supervised Study
Our supervised study arrangements ensure that our students become independent and resilient learners and are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead. These enable all students to be independent enquirers and creative thinkers who can be focused team workers and effective participators because they manage their workload and reflect on their learning. We have a dedicated supervised study tutor who supports students pastorally and to develop positive and enduring study habits.
Tutor time programme
A full tutorial programme is offered which focuses on the needs of young adults as they make the transition from the school environment. Students have regular tutorial time each week covering University and next steps, applications, planning your time effectively and opportunities to complete super curricular reading, as well as preparation for the next stages in their learning journey. The UCAS programme provides the opportunity to visit universities and meet university admissions tutors from a range of institutions. Frequent visits from speakers across a range of professions and backgrounds are also part of this programme. Various projects provide targeted students with university-led workshops aimed at developing interpersonal skills, including specific opportunities for medical and veterinary placements, and this complements the extensive support with the university application process and additional trips to universities.
All students undertake Work Experience in Year 12, and work shadowing for specific careers can be arranged; these are a valuable preparation for the next stage of a student’s career.
Extended Project Qualification
Students have the change to explore a topic in depth and develop the skills needed to write an extended project based piece. This is offered to all students.
Sports award
The Sports Award gives opportunities to lead groups in sporting and recreational activities encouraging responsibilities for others, developing organisational and communication skills and instilling confidence in people for whom leading groups in sporting activities is a new experience.
Arts Leaders Award
Arts Award inspires young people to grow their arts and leadership talents: it's creative, valuable and accessible and is another award that students can get involved in at the school.
Students will research the world of the arts and take individual responsibility for leading an arts project.