barnard castle school prospectus 2013-15_sixth form

s i x t h f o r m

2 B a r n a r d C a s t l e s c h o o l s i x t h f o r m

W h e n y o u a r e s t e e p e d i n l i t t l e t h i n g s , y o u s h a l l s a f e l y a t t e m p t g r e a t t h i n g s . . .

something profound changes within a young person as they approach

sixth form age: they yearn for autonomy, are ready to develop good

judgement, and start to look more seriously to their future. in short,

a young person’s time at sixth form has the ability to be the most

formative period of their life.

the sixth form at Barnard Castle school provides a comprehensive

framework that allows our students to capitalise on their natural

predisposition for development. We believe that our ethos of academic

diligence and self-motivation for students across the ability spectrum is

both a driving factor for, and a consequence of our wider development

programme that positions our sixth formers as the leaders and managers

of our school.

our students are taught in small teaching groups by experienced subject

specialists. under the guidance of their teachers and tutors, our sixth

formers are expected to develop independent study skills, good time-

management and self-discipline. through our lecture and tutorial

programme they gain vital study and research skills, and are exposed to

speakers who both widen their horizons and initiate self-reflection.

once they leave the classroom, the holistic development of our sixth

formers continues. almost every aspect of the school is organised by

members of the sixth form, and no matter what their personal area

of interest or skills, each student at Barnard Castle school has the

opportunity to develop genuine leadership prowess.

Christopher Butler

head of sixth form

4 B a r n a r d C a s t l e s c h o o l s i x t h f o r m B a r n a r d C a s t l e s c h o o l s i x t h f o r m 5

Aiming high

in the sixth form we want each student to deepen their

understanding of their chosen subjects, of themselves and of

their potential to make a difference. We want them to study

with ambition, to speak with growing confidence and to face

the world with a passion to play their part in it.


Learning to learn

our sixth form curriculum offers students 22 highly-regarded subjects

which are assessed by either traditional a’level or the internationally

recognised Cambridge pre-u exams. Barney has a long history of preparing

students for russell group and oxbridge universities as well as other

regional destinations and our curriculum focuses on the sort of challenging

disciplines that are sought by leading universities.

An optional qualification for our Sixth Form students is the Extended

project which involves original independent research and is highly-

prized by leading universities. students enjoy the opportunity to study

in unprecedented detail and demonstrate a degree of independence and

intellectual maturity that surpasses the demands of traditional a’levels.

“everyone rememBers a favourite teaCher. mine taught english.”

Nigel Farndale (1976-81), Bestselling author and award-winning journalist


Resourcing the experience

sixth form work is academically demanding, so we give our students

all of the resources and time that they need to meet its challenge. to

complement first class teaching in small classes, our students are

encouraged to embrace essential private study in our library which is well

stocked with books and up-to-the-minute journals carrying the latest in

research and opinion. they have an excellent computer network and a

dedicated sixth form web portal both for reference and for contacting their

teachers wherever they are and they can make good use of our provision of

online e-journals.

all of our sixth form students are enrolled at durham university library,

a world-class facility, for reading around subjects and for informing

extended projects. adjacent to the school, the Bowes museum houses one

of the best collections in northern england as well as experts and a superb

reading room which has generously been opened to our sixth form as an

additional research and study facility.

“outstanding support and guidanCe of staff are important

faCtors in the sChool’s suCCess.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011

1 0 B a r n a r d C a s t l e s c h o o l s i x t h f o r m B a r n a r d C a s t l e s c h o o l s i x t h f o r m 1 1

Learning to lead

Instantly recognisable in their fitted suits from the Barnard Castle School

range, our sixth form students stand out. however, leadership is more

than smart tailoring and in sixth form they enjoy two years of abundant

opportunities and experiences which build understanding, confidence

and poise.

students enjoy lectures in leadership and management from eminent

academics and business leaders and have a myriad of opportunities to

practise their theories in general school management, in chairing and

contributing to influential committees and in leading projects which can

actually shape the experience of school for future generations.

“i hope that i Will Be aBle to inspire today’s students With some

of my oWn life experienCes and espeCially my Work With team

stadium and the road to london 2012.”

Tony Aikenhead (1970-1972), Director of Operations, Sir Robert McAlpine

1 2 B a r n a r d C a s t l e s c h o o l s i x t h f o r m B a r n a r d C a s t l e s c h o o l s i x t h f o r m 1 3

A dynamic community

all Barney sixth form students are welcomed into membership of the

sixth form Common room, which is run along university lines and

affiliated to the National Union of Students, with all of the benefits that

this brings.

the sixth form is led by an elected executive Committee and a huge

number of students become involved in it and its sub-committee work,

chairing meetings of staff and younger girls and boys to promote

important work and themes within the school. skills of planning,

presentation, diplomacy and organisation which students develop

through this forum are invaluable.

sixth form is not all work. during free periods, students can visit

the local coffee shop, relax or have a quick workout in the school’s

excellent fitness suite. Students also benefit from a programme of

exclusive social activities, ranging from light-hearted quiz nights to

black tie dinners each term. our sixth form community is at the heart

of Barney life; it is dynamic, ambitious, great fun and very welcoming.

“pupils refer to the atmosphere Within the sChool

as Being ‘like a Big family’.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011

1 4 B a r n a r d C a s t l e S c h o o l S i x t h F o r m B a r n a r d C a s t l e S c h o o l S i x t h F o r m 1 5

Embracing the future

All education is ultimately about preparation. At Barney we are confident

that after two years in our Sixth Form, students will have the skills,

qualifications and outlook needed to leave us and begin the next stage of

their lives with high standards, self-assurance and humanity. Some take

a GAP year, others opt to begin their career, but the majority choose to

pursue higher education where our students have an impressive record

of pursuing study at the university of their choice.

Before they do so, they receive expert advice on every step of the

university application journey, a process that begins in their Lower

6th year. Everything from course selection to personal statements and

student finance is covered and parents are also invited to come and learn

a little more about the latest developments.

At Barney each student is important to us and we take great pride in

helping them to flourish. Our Sixth Form students express a deep sense

of attachment to their School, but they also cannot wait to leave and that,

as every moist-eyed parent knows, is as it should be.

“ M y t i M E A t B A r n E y G A v E M E t h E c O n F i d E n c E A n d t h E

c v t O S E c u r E A P L A c E t O r E A d L A w A t c A M B r i d G E . ”

Louise Yarrow (1990-1992), Director, Deutsche Bank

B A r n A r d c A S t L E S c h O O L | B A r n A r d c A S t L E | c O u n t y d u r h A M d L 1 2 8 u n

telephone: +44 (0)1833 696030

School office: +44 (0)1833 690222

Email: [email protected]

www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk

barnard castle school prospectus 2013-15_sixth form

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