All Sixth Formers are expected to be role models and active student leaders at the heart of the school – as mentors, prefects, as Head Boy and Deputy Head Boys and driving their school houses. Learning isn’t restricted to the classroom. Our Sixth Form builds on FBS’ founding belief that education is about so much more than the knowledge gained and the skills built in academic study. A broad and engaging co-curricular programme is critical to preparing students for life. That’s why it is termed ‘co-curricular’, not ‘extra-curricular’, at FBS and why it’s compulsory at Sixth Form.
Co-curricular
The co-curricular programme at FBS is designed to provide opportunities and experiences that expand horizons as well to support and stretch students physically, academically, personally and socially.
In Year 12 students have 2 co-curricular periods;
- Super co-curricular – students will choose an option for the year. This will enhance their UCAS application and help them to gain skills for their future career. Options include EPQ, Sports leaders, FBS Sixth Form magazine, medicine, STEM, Maths Uni support.
- Fun co-curricular – students can choose a ‘fun’ option of their choice. Options include gym, football, chess, cooking, LAOC.
In Year 13 students have 2 co-curricular periods. Both of these will be focused on providing an opportunity for students to have fun and a break from academic pressures of Year 13. This double period is Thursday P3&4. Options include football, climbing, LAOC (food market edition), LAOC (Arts edition), cooking with a local chef, basketball and squash. Students will have 3 terms of co-curricular so can do 3 of these options.
Enterprise at Sixth Form
At FBS, we strive not only to create an academic Sixth Form where our students achieve outstanding results, but also develop well-rounded young men, who are prepared for the challenges of life beyond the Sixth Form. Our enterprise program at Sixth Form includes careers, the co-curricular program and our Give Back scheme.
The Give Back scheme aims to give students the opportunity to volunteer and use their skills to help others, preparing them for life after school.
- All Year 12 boys in Sixth Form are required to complete 20 hours of ‘give back’
- All Year 13 boys in Sixth Form are required to complete 10 hours of ‘give back’
- This can be one of three options; pastoral support in school, academic support in school or volunteering in the community (primary schools, ex-offenders program).
Sixth Form students will also have an opportunity to present their enterprise skills with the reward of a small grant to start a business.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Alongside Sixth Form studies, pupils are given the opportunity to undertake the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This is an opportunity for pupils to plan, research and carry out a project of their own choice (usually a piece of written work), while also evidencing the stages of the project development and presenting it once complete. The EPQ will allow students to develop planning, research, analytical and problem-solving skills, all of which will aid in preparation for Higher Education. The EPQ can be chosen alongside three or four other subject choices, and is completed in Year 12 as part of our co-curricular programme.
Progression
Pupils receive weekly Progression Hour sessions designed to support academic development, support in the transition to the next stage of education or employment and develop core skills important for Sixth Form study and beyond. Sixth Formers are also provided with enrichment opportunities, such as guest lectures, masterclasses, excursions and networking opportunities designed to broaden their experiences, engage in areas of interest, and support pupils in becoming more active members of the community.
Music and Drama
The school is passionate about Music and Drama and eager students will have the opportunity to participate in Drama productions, concerts, competitions and our annual Eisteddfod – a day of performances, with on and off-stage competitions. Boys enter into House competitions for singing solo pieces, musical performances, acting and dancing.