Dear Parents, Carers and Students
I am once again pleased to write to you to thank you for your continued support this academic year. It has been a successful and busy first two terms and as we now approach the examination season, there will no doubt be individual challenges for all our Sixth Form students in the coming weeks and months. These challenges will not be faced alone and as the past terms have shown, there is a wonderful supportive community atmosphere within the Sixth Form learning community and wider academy.
Catholic Life
I have been delighted to see a new level of understanding and commitment to our shared catholic values based on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. We have focused on respect, solidarity and hope and students have become far more invested in the writing and delivering of liturgies. These principles will be a key stone in the life of the Sixth Form moving forward.
New accommodation
Moving into our new accommodation last term has provided a positive and timely injection of enthusiasm and I am proud of the way both Year12 and Year13 have accommodated each other. The new facilities have been embraced and a fantastic feeling of pride and ownership has quickly developed.
Attendance and punctuality
Overall attendance is above the national average and has been for the entire year to date. However, punctuality is something I would like to focus on this coming term. I do understand that on occasion there are family issues and responsibilities that impact on punctuality for older students. However, it is important that the Sixth Form team and I are aware of any circumstances that may result in lateness.
Lateness to lessons however is rarely, if ever, acceptable and I would encourage all to be punctual without fail.
UCAS and next steps
The hard work of Year 13 has paid off by being rewarded with some excellent offers from a range of universities and apprenticeship opportunities, importantly all have received an offer from their first choice. Accommodation and university finance is now top of the agenda; Mrs Carter and I will be organising whatever support is necessary. I would encourage all to investigate bursaries at their chosen institutions. Towards the end of May, Year 12 will be introduced to the UCAS process in detail but there is no harm in considering what their next steps will be.
Work Experience and Enrichment
We have set aside the last week of the academic year for Year 12 work experience; however, we can be flexible with this for the right type of experience. I have spoken to all of Year 12 with regard to this and several have secured a place at St Francis Special School. While we can support, it is intended that Year 12 make their own arrangements as far as possible. Parental and family support is often a key part in securing a meaningful placement.
Enrichment has been an overwhelming success so far this year with Year 12 as a group being involved in over a 1000 separate examples of enrichment. Year 7 mentoring and supported reading, subject support, enterprise, the garden project, and prefect duty in the school canteen. The positive impact this has on the school community cannot be overstated. They should all be thoroughly proud of themselves, and it is a real pleasure to see them all grow as young adults.
Recent and up and coming events
The recent Business Showcase at LCFC was a wonderful afternoon and a write up of the event can be seen on our website. The Sixth Form also recently raised over £150 for Marie Curie and continue to support all the charity events the academy organises. Later this term, they will again be holding the yearly Sleep Easy event on the academy premises for Sixth Formers and staff.
Looking towards the final weeks of term for Year 13, we are beginning to organise the Year 13 leavers liturgy on the 25th of May; more details to follow.
Once again thank you all for your support.
Mr S Penney
Head of Sixth Form
