On Wednesday 9 November, Braintree Sixth form welcomed prospective Year 12 students and their families into the Sixth Form for the evening to meet our experienced teachers and fantastic team of students and discover why our Sixth Form is an excellent choice to further their education. 

 The recent hard work of staff and students to refresh and update the Sixth Form environment was very evident. The wide range of subjects on offer at the Sixth Form were showcased. Staff and current students were on hand for every subject to answer any questions and explain the benefits and demands of studying that subject. 

It was very pleasing to read the feedback, with many people attending commenting on how welcoming, friendly, and supportive all the staff and students were. Some of the comments were:

‘Very informative. 

Teachers have vast knowledge and enthusiasm.’

 ‘Staff were really enthusiastic. 

Very informative and friendly’. 

‘A great sense of community, very enthusiastic students. Very impressed, thank you.’

The team of students representing the Sixth Form were an absolute credit to us and we are very proud of them and grateful for the time they gave. We hope that they all enjoy the pizza lunch that will be provided for them as a thank you. The students were engaging, articulate and enthusiastic in speaking about the Sixth Form, their subjects, their teachers, and the support offered at the sixth form.  

The post-16 provision at the Sixth Form includes a wide range A-level and Level 3 BTEC courses for students who would like to continue their studies on a traditionally academic pathway or a more practical approach to learning; or even a combination of the two. There is also the opportunity to take the EPQ. 

The prospective students and parents/carers also had the opportunity to book into a presentation to hear in more detail everything the Sixth Form has to offer. They were informed that the main priority at the Sixth Form is that the students are happy and successful. We honestly believe that students will achieve far more if they are in an environment in which they are happy, known and valued. Braintree Sixth Form is a welcoming community for all students, and a Sixth form that cares about every student. 

A particular strength of the Sixth form is the pastoral support that is offered. Whilst we know that students coming out of Year 11 are keen to enjoy more autonomy and independence, we also know that they still require support and guidance. There is a large team in the Sixth Form to offer that support, including a team of 12 experienced tutors who meet with each student individually at least once a half term to check how they are doing, monitor their progress and help them set targets to achieve their goals.

They were also informed of the high and continually improving outcomes achieved by our students and they had to chance to see the wall of fame of past students which now sits proudly in the entrance way. 

Alongside the academic gains made by our students, they are also equipped with a range of skills and competencies such as resilience, independence, and professionalism that prepare them for success in the wider world, and this was clear in the students representing the Sixth Form on the evening. 

In addition to their academic studies, our Sixth Form provides students with a wide range of opportunities to be involved in all aspects of student life. Many of our students enjoy taking an active role in the student council, the sixth form prefect team, being a mental health ambassador, a student mentor or taking advantage of the plethora of enrichment activities we have on offer. We always have new opportunities developing and this year we were excited to be able to showcase our new partnership with Tottenham Hotspur to offer a programme of study that combines academic study with playing football. In addition, staff were available to inform new students of the opportunity they would have to take part in the World Challenge.

We are extremely proud of all past and current students who have attended Braintree Sixth Form and we are excited to welcome the next cohort and support them on their journey. We are confident that students will feel welcome and part of a family, and they will leave Braintree Sixth Form as a well-rounded individual, with academic success, feeling prepared for their next steps and with some lasting memories.

If anyone would like more information regarding the Sixth Form, please visit the website www.braintreesixthform.com or contact Melissa Arthur via email to arrange a time to visit. 

melissa.arthur@braintreesixthform.com 

Mrs Alex Brewis-Shephard