wgssixth form

where it all clicks into place

www.wisbechgrammar.com

seeing the bigger picture

wgssixth form

seeing is believingAlthough this prospectus will give you an insight and flavour of the School, you will need to visit when we are in session to experience the positive atmosphere which abounds daily.

Please contact our Admissions Secretary who will be happy to arrange a visit when you will meet both staff and pupils.

WGS Sixth Form North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. PE13 IJX Tel: 01945 583631 Fax: 01945 476746

www.wisbechgrammar.com

Contents

2 Bringing Potential to Fruition

5 Learning Life’s Lessons

6 Instilling an Identity

7 A Constructive Collaboration

9 Commitment & Cheerful Competition

10 Space for Society

11 Focusing on the Future

bringing potentialto fruition

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02

Being in the Sixth Form should be about opportunity. Students will study their favourite subjects with the support of specialists who can guide them ever deeper into the complexities and intricacies of their field. They will form new friendships and build very different relationships with their teachers. We will ask them to take a lead within the School, acting as school prefects, form prefects or pupil mentors. Students will increasingly act as ambassadors for the School, representing us within and beyond our walls.

The Sixth Form is a time when students develop their potential. It can be a challenging time, so we have a small team of dedicated tutors who specialise in pastoral, academic and higher education support. There is always someone to turn to when you are in need of advice. We are, of course, looking to facilitate excellent examination results during a student’s time at school. However, we also have one eye on the future and will prepare our leavers for life at university or in the world of work.

Having an identity is important to most teenagers. We like to think that our Sixth Form have a particular status within the School community.

This is reinforced by the way they dress and by their use of a new, bespoke Sixth Form building, The Hazel Centre.

There is more to life than school and being in the Sixth Form offers students the chance to become involved in a wide variety of activities. Sporting, musical and theatrical opportunities abound, along with more cerebral extra-curricular undertakings such as debating, listening to guest speakers or visiting university departments. The School has a strong tradition of charity work and this goes further than raising money in the Sixth Form. Many pupils volunteer to help the young, aged or disabled. There is a real sense of wanting to do good rather than just feeling good.

Reading this prospectus is only the start of the process of joining the Sixth Form at Wisbech Grammar School. Our Open Day is held annually in September. In addition, Sixth Form Taster Days are available, where pupils in their last year of GCSEs visit, attend A Level lessons and meet with staff. Parents should also get in touch if they have any queries. We look forward to welcoming you.

be part of our heritage

“The Sixth Form centre provides an excellent areato study and revise, with a relaxing social areadownstairs for when youneed a break from work.”

1379:Wisbech Grammar School founded by the Guild of the Holy Trinity

Lessons held above the church porch at the parish Church of St. Peter and Paul, Wisbech Dominus Adam Reynald first Master

1446:Jacob Cresner Appointed Master of the school

1549:Wisbech Grammar School is chartered by Edward VI “the instruction of boys and young men in grammatical knowledge and polite learning”

1407:Maurice Plank appointed by the Bishop of Ely John de Fordham to teach the Grammar Scholars of Wisbech

1548:Rev Henry Ogle appointed Headmaster

1547:Dissolution of the Guild of the Holy Trinity

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bringing potentialto fruition

1630:William Frisney M. A appointed Headmaster 1623:

Tristram Dymond appointed Headmaster

1615:Robert Howell appointed Headmaster

1580:Thomas Lowthe appointed Headmaster

1564:Mr. Rastall appointed Headmaster

1634:John Crane, Apothecary donates The Bull Inn to the School

1549:Wisbech Grammar relocates to purpose built premises in Hill Street following a bequest of William Bellman

Throughout the history of Wisbech Grammar School we have built a well deserved reputation for high teaching standards and a commitment to academic excellence. Our desire is to create a perfect place for inquisitive minds to develop and grow in a structured learning environment.

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1678:Francis Fern MA appointed Headmaster

1657:George Frisney and William Pierson attend Magdalene College Cambridge as Holmes Scholars

1651:Additional school rooms built at Hill Street following a bequest made by John Crane

1640:Foundation of bye fellowship and scholarship for pupils of Wisbech Grammar School at Peterhouse College, Cambridge

1638:William Holmes donates £400 to the School. Scholarship arrangements with Magdalene College Cambridge established

List of A Level SubjectsArt

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Computing

Design & Technology

Economics

English

French

Food & Nutrition

Further Mathematics

Geography

German

Government & Politics

Graphics

History

ICT

Mathematics

Music

Music Technology

Physical Education

Physics

Spanish

Textiles

Theatre Studies

RoutineThe school day starts at 8.30am and ends at 3.55pm. The day consists of eight 40 minute lessons with breaks in the morning and at lunchtime. Registration occurs in the morning and afternoon with School assembly on a Tuesday and Friday, House assemblies on a Wednesday and Form Tutor periods on a Monday and a Thursday.

The CurriculumMost students will study four subjects to Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level in the Lower Sixth and sit examinations at the end of the year. They then continue to Advanced Level with three subjects, although it is possible to continue with four or to pick up a new AS in the Upper Sixth.

There is currently a choice of 25 subjects on offer at AS Level, plus the newly introduced AQA Extended

Project Qualification. This allows students to demonstrate their skills of planning, analysis and presentation in a broad, research-based piece of work of their choosing.

Homework

In order to reinforce that which is learned in the classroom as well as to develop skills of independent study, homework of a variety of styles will be set and marked as a matter of routine. Students should expect to spend four hours each week working on each of their four subjects in the Lower Sixth rising to six hours per week per subject in the Upper Sixth.

Coursework All A Level specifications have some element of coursework as part of their assessment, some more than others. Coursework is spread throughout the year in order not

to overload students. However, work can begin some considerable time before the deadline and powers of organisation and time management will be required.

Assessment Most Sixth Form subjects now consist of four examination papers, two in the Lower Sixth and two in the Upper Sixth. During the term, we produce an Achievement Profile on each student approximately once every four weeks. There are two full reports every year as well as a Parents’ Evening. A student’s Form Tutor should act as the primary point of contact between School and home. They may well contact parents to discuss any concerns or notable achievements.

05

learning life’s lessons

1697:Thomas Carter MA appointed Headmaster

1680:Charter of Charles II confirms the Bishop of Ely’s rights of visitation. Boys are instructed to deliver a Latin oration in the Bishop’s presence

1727:Rev John Newson MA appointed Headmaster

1690:Thomas Johnson MA appointed Headmaster

1706:John Carter MA appointed Headmaster

1731:Rev Richard Forster MA appointed Headmaster

1735:Rev Robert Foulkes MA President of Magdalene College Cambridge appointed Headmaster

“There is a diverse range of extra-curricular activities, from sport to music, which can lead to great opportunities.”

instilling an identity

Opened in 2010, the Hazel Centre provides a centre for Sixth Form activity. Set in an area on the edge of the School campus, in its own garden, the building allows students to work, relax and feel valued.

A large open plan space on the ground floor contains a lounge and a refreshment area. Drinks and snacks are available throughout the day and can be enjoyed whilst reading the paper, chatting with friends or doing some work. A glass wall leads out into the enclosed garden, which provides the opportunity to get some fresh air on the patio or the lawn.

A computer suite allows students to work in their own building during their study periods. Modern networked machines with internet access and a laser printer provide the facility for research, coursework or routine homework. The Head of Sixth Form has an office on the ground floor and can be contacted throughout the day to provide support and advice.

On the first floor there are further rooms that are used for private study. These provide students with a space in which they can develop the skills of independent research. There is also a room dedicated to Higher Education and Careers, where current university prospectuses and information about open days can be found.

Upstairs there is a small seminar room which is used for academic support. Students can meet with staff individually or in small groups to discuss work and have extra lessons. The offices of the Lead Tutors are also on this floor.

The Hazel Centre strikes just the right balance between allowing Sixth Form students to learn how to become more independent and having staff available to provide advice and support when necessary.

06

be part of our heritage

wgssixth form

1792:John Clarkson O.G. becomes the first Governor of Freetown, Sierra Leone

1747:Old Grammarian Thomas Herring becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

1766:Thomas Clarkson commences study at Wisbech Grammar School, later playing a leading role in the abolition of slavery

Appointment of Rev Richard Oswin MA as Headmaster

1738:Rev George Kilner MA appointed Headmaster 1760:

Birth of Thomas Clarkson in the School House

1749:Rev. John Clarkson MA appointed Headmaster

07

a constructive collaboration

The Sixth Form student’s Form Tutor will play an important role in guiding them through two years of A Level study. There is a small team of specialist Form Tutors, selected to represent a range of academic disciplines. Students are allocated to a Form led by a Tutor whose experience relates to their academic interests.

Form Tutors are responsible for registration and the routine pastoral care of their tutees. During the Lower Sixth, the form meets for a period once a week to discuss a variety of personal development topics. These sessions cover study skills, adapting to the Sixth Form, periodic academic reviews and preparation for university application.

During the Upper Sixth, Form Tutors support students in their future plans. For most, that will involve an application to Higher Education. Sixth Form Tutors are experienced in advising students about courses and institutions. A student’s Form Tutor will write the reference that accompanies their application.

We believe that good pastoral care is based on effective and honest communication. Form Tutors, students and parents must work together to ensure the best outcome. Parents should feel free to contact their Form Tutor to discuss any aspect of a student’s welfare. Regular feedback will be provided in the form of Achievement Profiles, reports and Parents’ Evenings.

In addition, both Sixth Form year groups have a Lead Tutor, who can be consulted on specific issues. The Senior Tutor and Head of Sixth Form provide further Higher Education, pastoral and academic advice, as well as dealing with matters of discipline. Sixth Form students are well supported by a team of senior staff. They should feel comfortable about approaching any one of them to discuss any concerns.

instilling an identity

1817:Old Grammarian Thomas Hall becomes Professor of Mathematics and History at King’s College London

1796:Rev Martin Coulcher MA appointed Headmaster

1803:Rev Jeremiah Jackson MA Fellow of St. John’s College Cambridge appointed Headmaster. Rev Jackson is a renowned antiquarian

1826:Plans for a new school building are proposed by the townsfolk of Wisbech

Appointment of Rev. J.R. Major MA as Headmaster. He later goes on to become the Head of King’s College London

1831:Rev. George H.W. Thompson M.A. appointed Headmaster

1866:Old Grammarian William Johnson Smith wins the Jacksonian Prize, Royal College of Surgeons. Acts as surgeon of the Dreadnaught Hospital, Greenwich for 35 years

08

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1890:Mr. A. W. Poyser MA appointed Headmaster. Mr Poyser had a degree from Trinity College Dublin and was a pioneering mathematics teacher

1891:An appeal for a new school building is launched under the leadership of Mr. George Dawbarn. The appeal is supported by the donation of land from the President of St. John’s College, Oxford

1883:Rev W.R. Stanton BD appointed Headmaster

1879:Rev. E. D. Holditch MA appointed Headmaster

1878:The School falls under the control of the Endowed School Commissioners. Queen Victoria becomes the School Visitor

1876:Rev James Paterson appointed Headmaster

Physical recreation is an important part of life and our aim is to provide something for everyone in the diverse range of personalities that make up our Sixth Form. Many will be happy with the traditional team sports that we offer, which include hockey, netball, rounders, rugby and cricket. Specialist coaching and high personal goals mean that we compete successfully at local and national levels. Amongst the Sixth Form, there is often the chance to participate in community leagues and tournaments, which provides a different

opportunity and challenge compared to playing against other schools.

Other activities that are available in the Sixth Form include squash, yoga, tennis, archery, spinning and gym-based strength and fitness training. School facilities are excellent, with extensive playing fields, hard tennis courts, cricket nets and an Astroturf. Thanks to a close cooperation with the local leisure centre, we can offer a wide range of other physical activities.

Musical and theatrical opportunities present themselves regularly. Sixth Form students

perform in a variety of ensembles, as soloists and in dramatic productions. The School’s Russell Hall, Performing Arts Centre and grounds provide a range of auditoria suitable for creating a wide range of atmospheres. Students also perform at churches in the local area as well as at Peckover House.

Sixth Form students take a lead in organising House competitions. Music, sport, general knowledge and debating are all keenly contested, with Sixth Form students running the organisation of teams, practice of events and rehearsal of performances.

09

commitment & cheerful competition

“Teachers are always willing to take time during and after school to help if we have any problems.”

1893:Philip Vasser Hunt later pioneering researcher in underwater technology and first president of the British Ice Hockey Federation joins the school

1896:Following a major donation from the Peckover family the new school building plans are approved and building begins on South Brink

1899:The old school buildings in Hill Street are sold

1902:Middle Block is opened on South Brink

T.H.Pear becomes open scholar at King’s College London and goes on to have a distinguished academic career in the field of Psychology

The school is approved as a Secondary School by the Board of Education

1904:Wisbech Girls High School is founded and opened in Harecroft House, North Brink. The founding Headmistress is Miss Beatrice Sparks, one of the first women to achieve a maths degree from Oxford University

10

space for societyThe opportunity to get involved in wider aspects of School life presents itself readily in the Sixth Form. We have a very strong tradition of students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. A number of students progress through the scheme and will achieve a Gold Award in their Sixth Form years.

The School’s charity committee CARITAS is active and successful, raising thousands of pounds each year. Sixth Form students take a lead in the organisation of events. Several students will also choose to volunteer in local schools or care homes during their free time.

For many, being in the Sixth Form culminates with being invited to become a School Prefect. These invaluable volunteers take responsibility for many of the routine supervisory tasks necessary for a school to run smoothly. A number of Lower Sixth students will be appointed as Senior Prefects, following a formal application and interview process. They are responsible for leading a team of their peers as well as acting as ambassadors for the School on numerous public occasions. Our Head Girl and Boy are chosen from this group.

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“The availability of extra curricular activities, such as the Headmaster’s Philosophy Club and the rugby team is excellent.”

1940:The Stationers’ School is billeted on Wisbech Grammar School

Alan Chesters appointed Headmaster

1914:F. Dorothy Carless appointed Headmistress of Wisbech High School

1920:H. Lawrence White appointed Headmaster

1919:E.M.C. Prideaux appointed Headmistress of Wisbech High School

1938:J. Bamforth MAappointed Headmistress of Wisbech High School

1971:First publication of the School magazine “Riverline”

1970:Wisbech Grammar School and Wisbech High School merge to form a fully co-educational school on North Brink

1967:Dr Douglas Anderson MSc, PhD appointed Headmaster

11

The Headmaster, Senior Tutor, Head of Sixth Form and Sixth Form Tutors all have many years of experience of supporting students in their application to University. The range of choice is wide, yet competition is increasingly tough. We pride ourselves on being as well informed as possible so as to be able to offer the best advice to our Sixth Form students.

Research and planning begins in the Lower Sixth. Parents are invited in to discuss the process and students receive training in the intricacies of the online application system.

This continues with visits to open days and then the completion of the application early in the Upper Sixth. Students receive as much support as they need throughout this time from Form Tutors who have a relevant background and can offer insight and advice.

The Sixth Form Centre has an ICT suite where online research can take place. We also stock a current prospectus for every university in the country. Information is freely available.

Our record speaks for itself, with the majority of Upper Sixth students achieving places at their first choice university.

focusing on the future

2003:Opening of the Dwight Centre for the Performing Arts

1997:Foundation of Magdalene House, Junior and Infant Department of Wisbech Grammar School

1983:The School becomes an independent school

2008:Opening of the Sports Hall and Magdalene House extension block and Alan Salmon Hall

Nicholas Hammond MA (Cantab) appointed Headmaster

2010:Opening of the Hazel Centre for Sixth Form Studies

1991:A major extension to the school buildings was completed including the Russell Hall

1988:Robert S Repper MA (Oxon) appointed Headmaster

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www.wisbechgrammar.com

wgssixth form

WGS Sixth FormNorth Brink, Wisbech, Cambs. PE13 1JX

T: 01945 583631 F: 01945 476746

sixthform@wisbechgrammar.com

Wisbech Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Further

information on this aspect of the school along with a copy of WGS’ key policies can be found at www.wisbechgrammar.com

Registered charity no. 1087799

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