We recognise that moving from GCSEs to Sixth Form is a big step so we provide a network of people to help students transition successfully.
THE TUTOR
All Sixth Form students have a personal tutor who builds a close working relationship with them through individual discussions, informal gatherings and weekly tutorial meetings. The tutor’s role is to support and champion their students’ academic progress as well as help and advise with choices, including the next stage of education or work. They are there to keep students purposeful, reflective and resilient in their approach to study and will liaise regularly with Sixth Form teachers. The tutors also have a role in monitoring and supporting the students’ wellbeing. At report times, tutors will discuss in detail each tutee’s progress, achievements and aspirations, as well as making practical plans for the future.
Each tutor group is small to allow for a strong relationship to be established between tutor and tutee. The tutor system takes a horizontal approach with Year 12 and 13 in separate tutor groups This ensures that tutors can prioritise and focus on those concerns and issues specific to each year group, for example UCAS in Year 13.
An induction programme is organised for new Sixth Form students after GCSE examinations have finished. This provides an insight into life in the Sixth Form and helps the new group to start to bond.
THE HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
The Head of Sixth Form, Mr Ryan-East, is responsible for designing a rich and varied tutor programme, to be delivered by tutors, each week. The programme will cover a range of relevant and stimulating topics, issues, skills, and themes to further support our Sixth Form students’ intellectual, social, physical and emotional development.
THE DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
As many of our Sixth Form board in some capacity the Director of Boarding, Mrs Simkins-Smith, plays a significant role in many students’ lives. She is also Houseparent of Eleanor House, the boarding house for girls in Years 11 to 13.
THE HOUSE SYSTEM
The Houses at Leweston encourages a sense of belonging within the school and provide the opportunity for students to work with those in other year groups. The school doesn’t operate separate day and boarding houses, all pupils belong to one of four: Campion, Fisher, Mayne and More. The Houses support the activities and charity programme organising competitions, games and fundraising events. They also link the Senior and Prep schools ensuring that the oldest pupils in the school know and care for the youngest.
Each House has a Sixth Form House Captain who is responsible for coordinating events. They are supported by a staff member in the role of Head of House. All pupils are encouraged to be part of the school community learning to co-operate and form relationships with others.
