Sixth Form Prospectus

Sixth Form at Leweston

MEET THE HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

2

WHY LEWESTON SIXTH FORM?

4

HIGH ACHIEVERS

6

SUPPORTED TO SUCCEED

8

THE EXPERIENCE AND THE OPPORTUNITY

10

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

12

SPACE TO STUDY AND RELAX

14

BROADENING HORIZONS

16

NEVER A DULL MOMENT

18

BOARDING IN

THE SIXTH FORM

20

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

22

RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMUNITY

24

LIFE BEYOND LEWESTON

26

INTERNATIO

NAL STUDENTS

28

FRIENDS FOR LIFE

30

contents

How I wish I could say that the

‘to do list’ opposite was my

diary for last week but, oh no,

not for me such a varied,

exciting and ambitious list of

events. It is however, a snap

shot of a ‘week in the life of’ a

Sixth Former at Leweston.

My life may not be as exciting –

but the Sixth Form at Leweston

offers a broad curriculum, with

wide opportunities for a social

life, for leadership and

involvement in the community,

and different sporting,

dramatic and musical

experiences. In my position as

Head of Sixth Form I am

privileged to work with a

group of young women who

make the most of many of

these opportunities.

Leweston Sixth Form is a

stimulating, rewarding and

enjoyable experience. Girls are

able to exercise more

independence and develop

their personal strengths. In

return students are expected

to hone their independent

learning, time management,

leadership and teamwork skills

in preparation for life after

Leweston. Academic

excellence is a goal for every

girl here, but so too is

developing individual talents,

independence and interests.

The Sixth Form provides a

vibrant and forward looking

environment in

which to achieve these goals.

I am often asked – ‘how would

you describe a typical

Leweston Sixth Former?’ This is

an impossible question to

answer as there is, thankfully,

no’ type’ in the Sixth Form;

there is no pressure to conform

and the girls really are

individuals and this is reflected

in what they have gone on to

do in recent years. One only

has to look at the courses and

destinations of some of our

leavers from the last two years

to gain a snap shot of their

diverse skills and attributes:

Medicine at Cambridge,

Criminology at Kingston,

Footwear Design at the

London College of Fashion,

Chemical Engineering at

Manchester, Environmental

Geoscience at Bristol, Digital

Animation at Falmouth...

The Sixth Form at Leweston is, I

hope, a place where girls learn

to be confident enough to risk

being wrong, to be tolerant

enough to listen to new ideas

and to maintain a healthy

balance between serious study,

extra-curricular activities and

service to the community. We

will offer you all the support

and advice we can; and we

look forward to contributing to

the success of your personal

challenge which is summarised

so well in our school

motto: GAUDERE ET BENE

FACERE, Rejoice and do well!

MEET THE HEAD OF SIXTH FORM...MRS EMMA MASSEY

LEWESTON SIXTH FORM - MEET THE HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

www.leweston.co.uk - 3

www.facebook.com/leweston

To do list• MONDAY – BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

TRIP TO CASTLE GARDENS, SHERBORNE

FOR A LECTURE ON ENTREPRENEURIAL

BUSINESS. UNDER 18S INDOOR HOCKEY

TOURNAMENT.

• TUESDAY – BRITISH MATHS OLYMPIAD

IN THE LIBRARY.

6TH FORM HOUSE SOCIAL.

• WEDNESDAY – INTRODUCE VISITING

SPEAKER (HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER) AND

THEN TAKE HIM TO LUNCH.

• THURSDAY – COMMUNITY SERVICE –

VISITING RUBY IN TOWN.

REHEARSAL FOR MUSICAL AT

SHERBORNE BOYS’ SCHOOL.

• FRIDAY – LEITHS’ COOKERY LESSON –

DESSERTS TONIGHT.

FILM NIGHT IN SIXTH FORM CENTRE.

• SATURDAY – PREPARATION FOR THE

SIXTH FORM BALL – CHECK BUDGET, LAY

UP TABLES, MEET BAND, GREET GUESTS.

• SUNDAY – MEET FRIENDS IN SHERBORNE.

CONFIRM UNIVERSITY OFFER CHOICE ON

UCAS TRACK.

Why

Lewe

ston S

ixth F

orm?

LEWESTON DELIVERS A FIRST CLASS EDUCATION AND WILL

EQUIP YOU WITH THE PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

REQUIRED FOR A SUCCESSFUL UNIVERSITY AND PROFESSIONAL

CAREER. WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO HELP YOU BECOME WHO

YOU WANT TO BE. WHY LEWESTON SIXTH FORM?

YOU CAN FIND JUST SOME OF THE REASONS BELOW…

One to OneCareers Advice

Exceptional academic and extra-curricular opportunities including numerousoverseas study tours and lectures from subject experts

YOU WILL RECEIVE BESPOKE HELP

WITH YOUR UNIVERSITY APPLICATION

TO ENSURE YOU STAND THE BEST

CHANCE OF SECURING A PLACE AT

YOUR FIRST CHOICE UNIVERSITY

SUPPORTED TO

SUCCEEDOUR DEDICATED STAFF WILL

WORK WITH YOU TO MAKE SURE

YOU ACHIEVE TO THE VERY

BEST OF YOUR ABILITY

OPPORTUNITIES TO SOCIALISE ARE NUMEROUS AND

VARIED. YOU WILL HAVE THE FREEDOM TO ORGANISE

YOUR OWN FREE TIME AS WELL AS TAKE PART IN THE

SOME OF THE ORGANISED EVENTS RUN BY THE SCHOOL

AND THOSE ORGANISED BY THE SIXTH FORM SOCIAL

COMMITTEE

Social Life

WE CAN OFFER YOU ANY

COMBINATION OF THE 23

SUBJECTS ON OFFER

Confidence and freedom to be yourself: The individual is celebrated at Leweston,

there is no pressure to conform and you will grow personally as well as academically

A PART TOPLAYOUR SIZE MEANS YOU WILL NEVER BE

LOST IN A CROWD AND YOU WILL

ALWAYS HAVE AN IMPORTANT PART TO

PLAY IN YOUR YEAR GROUP, THE SIXTH

FORM AND THE LEWESTON

COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE

A Welcoming and Supportive CommunityYOU WILL BECOME PART OF A

COMMUNITY WHICH WILL HELP YOU

REALISE YOUR ASPIRATIONS AND

PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CHOSEN PATH.

YOU WILL BE PART OF THIS COMMUNITY

FOR LIFE AS A MEMBER OF OUR

OA NETWORK

LIFELONG

FRIENDSYOU WILL MAKE

FRIENDSHIPS THAT WILL ENDURE LONG AFTER

YOUR TIME AT LEWESTON

A Bespoke Curriculum



High AchieversLeweston’s academic record speaks for itself. The girls in our Sixth Form consistently

achieve some of the best AS, A Level and Pre-U results in the region and as a result go

on to win places at their chosen universities. This is achieved, not in an overly

competitive environment, but as part of a community where girls support each other,

where your voice will be heard and where you will have the confidence to develop the

study skills you will need to excel in your learning. Our size means that you will get the

individual support you need from our specialist staff who will go the extra mile to

make sure you achieve your goals.

Our leavers go on to study many subjects at some of the top universities. Recent

leavers’ destinations can be seen opposite and you can find a full list of the recent

examination results and leavers’ destinations on our website.

OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS OVER

95%OF OUR LEAVERS HAVE WON PLACESAT THEIR FIRST CHOICE UNIVERSITY

LEWESTON HAS A

95%SUCCESS RATE IN MEDICINE ANDVETERINARY APPLICATIONS OVERTHE LAST 5 YEARS, FAR ABOVE THENATIONAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOLAVERAGE.

FOR PUPILS WHO JOIN LEWESTONBEFORE GCSE, OUR

VALUE ADDEDHAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY MEASUREDAT +1 GRADE AT GCSE AND WITHFURTHER VALUE ADDED AT A LEVEL.FOR PUPILS WHO JOIN LEWESTON IN THE SIXTH FORM, OUR VALUEADDED HAS CONSISTENTLY BEEN MEASURED AT +1 GRADE

OR BETTER.

EVERY YEAR

OVER 50%OF OUR LEAVERS GO ON TO STUDY AT THE RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITIES (THE MOST SELECTIVE).

Did you Know:

LEWESTON SIXTH FORM - HIGH ACHIEVERS

DASHA TO UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTSLONDON TO READ FASHION MARKETING

CIARA TOCAMBRIDGE TOREAD NATURALSCIENCES

ELEANOR TO UCL TO READARCHITECTURE

GEORGINA TO EDINBURGH TO READ SPANISH AND BUSINESS

HANNAH TOBRISTOL TO READ MUSIC

JOANNA TOCARDIFF TO READMEDICINE

MOLLY TO BATH TOREAD AUTOMOTIVEENGINEERING

“Pupils are ambitious andsuccessfulin gaining entry to the courses anduniversities of their choice,including those with the highestentry requirements”. ISI Report 2015


CRYSTAL TOWARWICK TO READ LAW


Supported to Succeed

We know that you will learn best w

hen you feel confident enough to take risks in

your learning and

when you know your voice will be heard and your questio

ns answered. The positive relationships

between the Sixth Form and the staff at Leweston help to create an environment th

at will provide

you with the support you need to succeed academically whilst

growing in confidence and

independence. Every staff m

ember and all your fellow Sixth Formers w

ill know your name and

understand your ambitio

ns. You will b

e pushed when you need it and supported when you need it;

your education will be tailored to you!

The pastoral team, led by the Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Emma Masse

y, is a group of experienced and

highly qualified sta

ff who are dedicated to supportin

g you during your two years in

the Sixth Form.

You will be assig

ned a tutor and she or he will monitor your progress, a

dvise, counsel, and encourage

you, tracking your achievements th

rough the Sixth Form and guiding you towards the next sta

ge of

your education or training. Your tu

tor will meet with you informally during the week to help you

manage your university applications. O

f course you will also have the specialist

support of each of

your chosen subject teachers w

ho will assis

t you with your studies and communicate with your tu

tor

to make sure you are happy and receiving the appropriate support. Leweston also has sp

ecialist

careers staff w

ho will advise you and help prepare you for universit

y entrance.



LEWESTON SIXTH FORM - THE EXPERIENCE AND THE OPPORTUNITY

THE

AND THE

Since joining Leweston in Year 9 I have

looked forward to the elusive sixth form

years and all the privileges and

responsibilities they hold. The freedom

to get taxis after school or keep your

own car, means that a well-deserved

Costa break is nearly always an option

unless you are kept busy with the

numerous activities on offer. These little

bonuses, along with the fact that there

is no strict uniform, is what makes

the Sixth Form different from the

younger years.

This being said, Leweston still feels like

one community which is both a benefit

to us as Sixth Formers and to the pupils

lower down the school. Sharing the

same classrooms as the rest of the

school, rather than the division created

by a separate classroom block, or even

campus, allows us to have a positive

influence and act as a support to the

younger girls, in turn gaining experience

that helps us to become responsible and

well-balanced adults.

Despite the obvious differences, moving

into the Sixth Form feels like an easy and

natural transition. I have been provided

with enough independence to learn

how to juggle my commitments but the

teachers are always there to help when I

need it. The small class sizes and the fact

that there are two teachers per subject

undoubtedly contributes to this and the

close relationship between pupils and

teachers helps us not only to achieve the

best possible academic success, but also

greatly assists our applications to

university. Each one of our teachers

develops a detailed understanding of

each girl’s strengths and aspirations.

With so much time focused on study in

the Sixth Form it is important to get the

balance between 'work and play' right

and this is something Leweston offers us

all. Nothing is ever too serious, just

serious enough for everyone to achieve

to the best of their ability whilst still

finding time to enjoy themselves. My

time in the Sixth form has provided me

with so many happy memories and I

know there will be lots more to come.

Perhaps most importantly, during my

time at Leweston I have formed

friendships that I know will last long past

my time at school has ended. I will

definitely miss not seeing everyone on a

daily basis but I feel ready and prepared

for the challenges ahead.

MY EXPERIENCE IN THE SIXTH FORM HAS BEEN A GREAT ONE FOR SO MANY REASONS. THE CLOSE KNIT

NATURE OF THE COMMUNITY, BOTH IN ACADEMIC AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR LIFE, HAS ENABLED NEW

AND EXISTING FRIENDSHIPS TO FLOURISH. I FEEL COMPLETELY AT EASE WITH EVERYONE AROUND ME

ALLOWING ME TO MAKE THE MOST OF MY TIME IN THE SIXTH FORM.


EXPERIENCE

OPPORTUNITYALICE ELLWOOD, HEAD GIRL 2015-2016 WRITES…


‘BEING ABLE TO BRING OUR CARS TO SCHOOL MEANS THAT WE HAVE MUCH MORE

FLEXIBILITY IN OUR FREE TIME. I CAN NIP INTO TOWN WITH FRIENDS OR GO HOME EARLY IF

I HAVE A FREE STUDY PERIOD AND THIS IS HELPING ME LEARN TO MANAGE MY OWN TIME.’

‘I really enjoyed the stand

ing tall training programm

e which has

helped me develop my leade

rship skills and given me in

creased

confidence. I also came awa

y with some really practica

l techniques

and strategies for making a

great first impression at

interviews!’

‘HAVING MY OWN STUDY ROOM IS GREAT. I CAN GET AWAY FROM THE BUSY

ATMOSPHERE OF THE MAIN SCHOOL AND WORK WITHOUT BEING DISTRACTED. OUR

COMMON ROOM ALSO PROVIDES A GREAT PLACE TO RELAX AND WATCH A DVD WITH

TEA AND TOAST!’

‘THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE STAFF IS DIFFERENT NOW THAT I AM IN THE SIXTH

FORM. I FEEL MORE LIKE AN ADULT AND ALL MY TEACHERS HAVE REALLY HELPED

ME WORK TOWARDS ACHIEVING MY AMBITIONS.’

‘I really loved leaving my school uniform behind when I entered the Sixth

Form and the novelty of wearing my own clothes (and my friends’ clothes!)

every day has never worn off.’

‘ORGANISING OUR OWN SIXTH FORM BALL WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.

EVERYONE HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME AND IT WAS WELL WORTH THE OCCASIONAL

MOMENT OF STRESS WE HAD RUNNING UP TO THE EVENT!’

‘THE WAL

K TO CHI

DEOCK A

ND THE O

VERNIGH

T STAY A

T

PARHAM

MANOR W

AS AN UN

FORGET

TABLE E

XPERIEN

CE.

IT WAS A

GREAT O

PPORTU

NITY FOR

OUR YEA

R GROUP

TO BOND

– WE HAD

SO MUCH

FUN!’

What’s Different?Some of our Sixth Formers comment on what is different about life in the Sixth Form...

LEWESTON SIXTH FORM - SPACE TO STUDY AND RELAX

As a Sixth Former at Leweston you

will have dedicated space in which

to work, relax or socialise. If you are

boarding you will have your own

study room with internet access.

Both Year 12 and Year 13 have their

own common rooms and kitchens

with Wi-Fi access and girls can also

study in the spacious Pensebene

and Eleanor libraries which are also

equipped with Wi-Fi.

THE DECISION OVER THE LOCATION,

PURPOSE AND USE OF THE CENTRE WAS

DECIDED UPON AFTER CONSULTATION WITH

GIRLS IN YEARS 11 AND 12, SOME OF WHOM

HAD THE EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO WORK

WITH INTERNATIONALLYRENOWNED DESIGN AND INTERIOR

REFURBISHMENT SPECIALISTS

RESOLUTION INTERIORS WHOSE

CLIENTS INCLUDE BOSE, LINKS LONDON AND

MOLTON BROWN, TO COME UP WITH THE

FINAL DESIGN. FIND OUT MORE AT

WWW.LEWESTON.CO.UK

Sixth Form Centre...


FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS GIRLS IN THE

SIXTH FORM HAVE ENJOYED THE EXCLUSIVE

USE OF LEWESTON’S SIXTH FORMCENTRE, LOCATED AT THE HEART OF THE

SCHOOL, CLOSE TO THE LIBRARY AND

CAREERS RESOURCES. THIS WONDERFUL

RESOURCE OFFERS GIRLS A PLACE TO

SOCIALISE AND RELAX, HOST GUESTS

AND EVENTS, AS WELL AS ACCESS THEIR

EMAILS USING THE WI-FI FACILITY. IT

ALSO INCORPORATES A COURTYARD

ALLOWING GIRLS TO SOCIALISE AND

STUDY OUTDOORS.

SPACE TO STUDY AND RELAX...


Broadening Horizons: Trips, Lectures and Study ToursLearning is not just for the classroom, some things are most definitely best experienced first-hand. In the

Sixth Form at Leweston you will have the opportunity to experience different countries and cultures on

overseas study tours, hear from leading subject experts and try things you have never previously

experienced. DID YOUKNOW...OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS OUR

SIXTH FORMERS HAVE HEARD

FROM LEADING EXPERTS IN THE

FIELDS OF POLITICS, LAW,

FASHION, OCEANOGRAPHY,

NEUROSCIENCE AND FILM

MAKING, ENJOYED TRIPS TO

WASHINGTON AND NEW YORK,

MOROCCO, KRAKOW AND

AUSCHWITZ, PARTICIPATED IN

SCIENCE, MATHS, DRAMA AND

MUSIC COMPETITIONS AND

WON! AND TAKEN PART IN A

UNIVERSITY LED RESEARCH

PROJECT LOOKING AT THE

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE.

BIANNUAL WASHINGTON AND NEW YORK TRIP WITH SHERBORNE

SCHOOL FOR POLITICS, ART AND GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS. ANNUAL TRIP

TO KRAKOW AND AUSCHWITZ FOR YEAR 12 PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS,

HISTORY AND POLITICS STUDENTS. SCHOLA TOURS TO EUROPE AND

SOUTH AFRICA. FINE ART TRIP TO VENICE WITH WINCHESTER COLLEGE.

ANNUAL TRIPS TO LONDON ART MUSEUMS AND THE KNIT AND STITCH

SHOW FOR A LEVEL FINE ART AND TEXTILE STUDENTS. REGULAR TRIPS

TO THE WEST END FOR A LEVEL DRAMA STUDENTS. DUKE OF

EDINBURGH GOLD TRIPS TO NEPAL AND MOROCCO. LEWESTON’S

ANNUAL CAREERS DAY: PREVIOUS SPEAKERS INCLUDE THE HON. DIDO

HARDING, OA AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF TALK TALK, BRITAIN’S LEADING

BROADBAND PROVIDER. POLITICIANS OLIVER LETWIN MP AND LORD

KNIGHT, LABOUR MP, VISIT POLITICS STUDENTS. ANNUAL PREFECTS

PILGRIMAGE WALK FROM MELBURY BUBB TO CHIDEOCK (MUCH

HILARITY!). PUPILS HEAR FROM INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED

FILMMAKER, PETER KOMINSKY, DIRECTOR OF THE PROMISE, ONINTERNATIONAL PALESTINE DAY. MUSIC AND DRAMA STUDENTS

COMPETE ANNUALLY IN THE TAUNTON AND SOMERSET MUSIC AND

DRAMA FESTIVAL AND THE MID SOMERSET FESTIVAL IN BATH,

REGULARLY WINNING MULTIPLE SINGING AND ACTING CATEGORIES.

EVENING OF WINE APPRECIATION BY MASTER OF WINE, RICHARD

BAMPFIELD FOR LEWESTON’S LEITHS STUDENTS. LEWESTON'S SIXTH

FORM SCIENTISTS ATTEND AN INSPIRING AND TOPICAL LECTURE BY

NEUROSCIENTIST BARONESS SUSAN GREENFIELD CBE. LOCAL

ENTREPRENEUR, ANDY FUSSEL OF FUSSELS FINE FOOD COMPANY,

VISITS BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS STUDENTS. LEWESTON SIXTH

FORMERS WORK WITH SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS FROM BRISTOL

UNIVERSITY ON AN INNOVATIVE SCIENCE PROJECT TITLED EVERYBREATH YOU TAKE: MINING ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY DATA. ANNUALYEAR 12 KAYAKING AND CAMPING TRIP ON THE RIVER DART (THE

PERFECT ANTIDOTE TO ALL THE EXAM STRESS!). SIXTH FORM GIRLS

ATTEND A LECTURE BY DR SIMON BOXALL, LEADING OCEANOGRAPHER.

SIXTH FORM BIOLOGISTS VISIT THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION IN

LONDON FOR A SERIES OF LECTURES ON THE THEME OF GENETICS

WITH PUPILS FROM SHERBORNE SCHOOL. BIANNUAL STANDING TALL

CONFIDENCE BUILDING WORKSHOP FOR ALL SIXTH FORMERS.



NEVER ADULLMOMENT...

There are an abundance of extra-

curricular opportunities available to

you in the Sixth Form that take place

outside of the classroom. Leweston

has a strong reputation for music

and drama and Sixth Formers take a

lead in the school productions and

the Senior School choir: Schola

Cantorum. Many of our girls also

have a passion for sports and they

compete at a local, regional and

even a national level! Whatever your

passion you will be supported in

developing and excelling in it at

Leweston. Some of the extra-

curricular opportunities and recent

highlights can be seen below.

LEWESTON SIXTH FORM - NEVER A DULL MOMENT : EXTRA-CURRICULAR LIFE

LEWESTON’S BIANNUAL FASHION SHOW

ANNUAL SIXTH FORM BALL

SIXTH FORMER SELECTED FOR 2015 ENGLAND WOMEN U20 RUGBY TRIALS

D OF E GOLD EXPEDITION TO PERU

ANNUAL YEAR 12 PILGRIMAGE

OPPORTUNITIES IN OVER 20INSTRUMENTS AND TO PERFORMIN LEWESTON’S SCHOLACANTORUM

duke ofedinburgh...

leithsbasiccertificatein food andwine...LEWESTON IS ONE OF

ONLY TWELVE SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRYTO OFFER THIS INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED

QUALIFICATION TO ITS SIXTH FORM. THE BASIC

CERTIFICATE IN FOOD AND WINE IS A

PRACTICAL 5 TERM COOKING COURSE

DESIGNED TO RUN ALONGSIDE YOUR SCHOOL

TIMETABLE AND YOU WILL GAIN CONFIDENCE

IN A WIDE VARIETY OF PRACTICAL COOKING

SKILLS. IT IS A PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

WHICH OFFERS YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT

YOUR SKILLS TO WORK THROUGH LEITHS LIST,

AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY WHICH MATCHES

STUDENTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF PAID,

FAMILY-LEVEL COOKING JOBS. THIS

QUALIFICATION COULD HELP YOU TO FINANCE

YOURSELF AT UNIVERSITY!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

[email protected]

AS WELL AS PROVIDING YOU WITH ADVENTURES

AND MEMORIES THAT YOU WILL HAVE FOR LIFE,

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD WILL

CHALLENGEYOU AND ENABLE YOU TO DISCOVER HIDDEN

TALENTS. ACHIEVING THE AWARD WILL GIVE YOU

SKILLS,

CONFIDENCEAND A VIEW ON LIFE THAT EVERYONE IS LOOKING

FOR, INCLUDING UNIVERSITIES AND EMPLOYERS.

YOU WILL ALSO BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO

OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES, AND TO YOUR LOCAL

COMMUNITY.OF COURSE, IT IS ALSO GREAT FUN, AND THE FACT

THAT SO MANY GIRLS (OVER 25%) ARE ALREADY

INVOLVED AT LEWESTON PAYS TESTAMENT

TO THIS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

[email protected]

Did you know... There are over 45 clubs you can get involved in from

aromatherapy right the way through the alphabet to zumba!



LYNDSAY FIELDING, DIRECTOR

OF BOARDING AND HEAD OF

HAMILTON HOUSE WRITES…

Welcome to Hamilton House, the

Sixth Form boarding house at

Leweston. Whether you are

moving up from Year 11 here at

Leweston or are joining us for

the first time, Years 12 and 13 will

present new and exciting

challenges for you. Not only are

you moving up to a new level of

study, but you are embarking on

a period of transition between

school and college, university or

employment. Life in Senior

House reflects this with its

increased freedoms and

privileges, and in tandem with

that an increased responsibility

for yourself and your own work,

as well as for the wider

community of the school. As a

community we grow and

develop by sharing our ideas

and our strengths and every

member of the house has a

contribution to make.

Boarding in Hamilton House will

provide you with the right

balance of independent living

whilst at the same time making

you feel very much at home!

Every boarder in the Sixth Form

has their own study room in the

boarding house and there are

two Sixth Form Common Rooms

where all our Sixth Formers can

socialise and relax. But enough

from me… to really hear what

boarding at Leweston is like

please read Kim’s article below.

Boarding in theSixth Form...

LEWESTON SIXTH FORM - BOARDING IN THE SIXTH FORM

Interview with Kim Bassen, Boarding Prefect...In 2010 I moved to England from my home in Kenya. I left everything I knew behind; the culture, my friends and some of my

family, to go to a place which I knew of only by name, Leweston. Although I was not boarding when I first joined in Year 8, a new

school is always daunting but the transition was made easily due to the care and support provided at Leweston. I am now

going in to my final year at Leweston and the care and support I first received hasn’t changed at all. I became a full boarder in

Year 11 and although I boarded when I was in Kenya it was a completely new experience. Becoming a boarder introduced me

to a whole new social side of the school with abundant activities on the weekends such as day trips, study tours and socials

with neighbouring schools. There is always the option to pop home if needed as you can board as on a flexible, weekly or full

basis: there is an option to suit everyone.

Boarding has definitely helped me manage the numerous commitments in the Sixth Form and helped me to become more

independent, preparing me for at university and beyond. I have made incredible friendships here that will stay with me for life

and I have immensely enjoyed my time at school both as a boarder and a day girl.

Did you know over 70%of our Sixth Formers board on either a flexi, weekly or

full time basis…



Work Hard, Play HardSixth Form is hard work, but it will also provide you with plenty of

opportunities for having fun in your free time. A full social programme is

on offer, some of which is in association with other local schools such as

Downside, Winchester, Sherborne and Milton Abbey and you, along with

your friends in the Sixth Form, organise your own social events such as the

annual Sixth Form Ball. You have more control over your free time and

Sixth Formers regularly pop down into Sherborne to meet with friends or

get things they need. Between your studies, the extra-curricular opportunities, and the social

activities on offer you will hardly have a spare moment and the friendships

you make in Sixth Form will endure long after your time at school.



The opportunity to give back to the

community is a vital component of

Leweston’s co-curricular programme and it is

also good for your CV and personal

statement. Through our Community Service

links, you will be encouraged to create a

meaningful link between your school life and

the wider community. You will develop

useful skills and have experiences that will

help you at university and in later life.

Some of our girls choose to take part in the

OMV Pilgrimage to Lourdes. This annual

event offers not only a rewarding challenge

but also a fun experience for young people

aged 17-29 years old.

A write up by recent leavers Molly Aylward

and Verity Elgee can be seen below…

Many other community service activities

happen every year and for more information

about our community service programme,

please contact

[email protected]

OUTWARDLOOKING: RESPONSIBILITYAND COMMUNITY

LEWESTON SIXTH FORM - RESPONSIBILTY AND COMMUNITY

This organisation takes two hundred 17 – 29 yearolds every year to Lourdes to help look after the 50 Hospital Pilgrims

who also visit Lourdes that week with the organisation. The aim of OMV is

to provide for people suffering from a range of debilitating illnesses and

social exclusion and offer them the chance to enjoy a break from their

normal environment. It also offers young people the chance to gain

valuable experience working with people with

disabilities. During our week in Lourdes, we worked with the 200strong team of other volunteers to provide 24 hourcare for the 50 hospital pilgrims and generally helped to make their

trip an enjoyable one.

The pilgrimage was an incredible opportunity and a really

rewarding experience. As well has having

great fun we met so many interesting people, including fellow

helpers from other schools and hospital pilgrims from all over

the country. It was a brilliant experience and one which we

look forward to repeating next year. Everyoneshould do it!

Molly Aylward and Verity Elgee

OMV Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Did you know...

In recent years Leweston has raised over £7,000 annually for charities including Macmillan, Educaid,

Children in Need, Help for Heroes, Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and Cafod.

PREFECTSEACH YEAR A TEAM OF PREFECTS, HOUSE CAPTAINS AND A BOARDING

PREFECT, LED BY THE HEAD GIRL AND HER DEPUTY IS ELECTED TO ASSIST

IN VARIOUS ORGANISATIONAL TASKS, TO CONTRIBUTE TO SIGNIFICANT

ASPECTS OF SCHOOL LIFE AND TO ACT AS AMBASSADORS FOR THE

SCHOOL. TAKING ON THIS PREFECTORIAL ROLE WITH ITS EXTRA

RESPONSIBILITIES IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP

POTENTIAL AND TO PLAY A PART IN PARTICULAR AREAS OF SCHOOL LIFE.

AS A PREFECT YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE OF GREAT PERSONAL VALUE AS

WELL AS OF VALUE TO THE REST OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

The personal development of pupils is excellent;they have a strong spiritual sense,becoming self-confident individuals whocontribute to society both within andbeyond the school. ISI Report 2015



AT LEWESTON WE PLACE GREAT IMPORTANCE ON PREPARING YOU FOR YOUR

FUTURE AND WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE PROVIDED WITH THE

HIGHEST LEVEL OF ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ON CHOOSING YOUR CAREER,

UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE.

LEWESTON PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES TO

MAKE SURE YOU MEET YOUR AMBITIONS BEYOND SCHOOL…

trips andvisitsTRIPS TO ONE OF THE UK’S TOP

RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITIES AND

ONE OF THE TOP VOCATIONAL

UNIVERSITIES. YOU WILL ALSO HAVE

SUPPORT IN ATTENDING OTHER

UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS AS REQUIRED

INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS

WITH THE HEAD OF

SIXTH FORM AND THE

CAREERS COORDINATOR

TO DISCUSS

YOUR CAREER PATH

A CAREERS LIBRARY WHICH CONTAINS A WIDE RANGE OF RESOURCES, FROM

UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUSES, TO JOB DESCRIPTIONS, PERIODICALS AND

ONLINE RESOURCES. YOU WILL ALSO HAVE ACCESS TO CAREERS APTITUDE

TESTS AND TO THE CAREERS CO-ORDINATOR WHO WILL ASSIST WITH

RESEARCH AND HELP YOU TO SECURE RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE DURING

THE HOLIDAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR CV AND PERSONAL STATEMENT

Careers Resources

Life beyond Leweston:

LEWESTON OFFERS AN ANNUAL

CAREERS DAY FOR GIRLS IN YEARS

11 AND 12 FEATURING SPEAKERS

FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF

VOCATIONS

Excellent Careers provision is a feature of the curriculum throughoutISI report 2010

fortnightlyucas sessionsA FORMAL FORTNIGHTLY PSHE COURSE

WHERE SESSIONS ARE DEVOTED TO

THE WHOLE UCAS AND UNIVERSITY

APPLICATION PROCESS FROM COURSE

SELECTION TO WRITING PERSONAL

STATEMENTS AND UNIVERSITY

FINANCE

THERE IS ALSO A DEDICATED UCAS DAY

IN THE SUMMER TERM OF YEAR 12

FEATURING LECTURES AND ADVICE ON

APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY AND GAP

YEAR OPPORTUNITIES

Interview Training DaysPROFESSIONAL INTERVIEW SKILLS TRAINING

DAYS AND SPECIFIC TRAINING FOR OXBRIDGE

OR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

A PARENT AND OLD GIRL PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

WHICH WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORK PLACEMENTS AND INTERNSHIPS

Vocational Speakers

Preparing for your Future



International Students

As a school with a strong sense of community Leweston can easily

become like a second home and family for

international students. A

t Leweston we welcome students fr

om overseas and provide for the educational

and cultural needs of girls from all over th

e world. For the benefit o

f all students, t

he school has a policy to

maintain a good balance of British and international stu

dents in classe

s and boarding houses.

Overseas students a

t Leweston are well motivated and keen to learn. They come fro

m professional families

worldwide and go on to study at to

p universities in

the UK and abroad after obtaining excellent GCSE and

A-level results at Leweston. The Leweston community embraces th

e rich cultural diversity of its

students a

nd

regularly celebrates this w

ith special 'International Days' and other activitie

s.

As an overseas student, you may feel your English

needs some support in

order for you to achieve the best

grades you can and EAL (English as an additio

nal language) lessons w

ill be available to you during the course

of your studies.

If you need to acquire a qualification in English

language for higher education you can be prepared for a

range of English as an Additio

nal Language Cambridge examinations and for the IELTS examination which is

an increasingly required qualification for entrance to universit

y.

Did you Know...

A RECENT Inspection Report HIGHLIGHTED HOW WELL THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS W

ERE

welcomed, HOW W

ELL THEY HAD integrated AND HOW MUCH THEY ENJOYED THEIR TIME

BOARDING AT LEWESTON.

FOR OVERSEAS PUPILS WHO JOIN IN

THE SIXTH FORM, LEWESTON ACHIEVES AN AVERAGE ‘Value

Added’ SCORE OF one grade at A level. VALUE ADDED IS A MEASURE OF THE PROGRESS

PUPILS MAKE BETWEEN DIFFERENT STAGES OF EDUCATION; IF GIRLS perform beyond

expectations THIS WILL BE REFLECTED IN

A HIGH ‘VALUE ADDED’ SCORE. THIS HIGH SCORE

DEMONSTRATES LEWESTON’S ABILITY TO ADD VALUE TO EACH GIRL’S EDUCATION AND ENCOURAGE

THEM TO PERFORM ABOVE ORIGINAL EXPECTATIONS.

I FEEL THAT LEWESTON HAS

ENHANCED OUR

CHARACTERS, RATHER THAN

TRIED TO MOULD US INTO A

‘FINISHED ITEM’. I WOULDN’T

WANT TO CHANGE MY TIME

AT LEWESTON FOR

ANYTHING IN THE WORLD.

TABBY NELHAM-CLARK

LEAVER YEAR 2011

LEWESTON HAS CHANGED

MY LIFE, MADE IT FUNNIER,

WEIRDER AND WACKIER

THAN I EVER COULD HAVE

WISHED FOR. ALTHOUGH I

KNOW I AM READY TO LEAVE

AND EXPLORE THE WORLD

BEYOND SCHOOL. I WILL

UNDOUBTEDLY MISS

EVERYTHING THAT

ACCOMPANIES BEING A

LEWESTON GIRL.

HARRIETT GUY

LEAVER YEAR 2015

I HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE

UNIQUE COMMUNITY AT

LEWESTON. NOT ONLY ARE

THE TEACHING STAFF SO

SUPPORTIVE, BUT OUR

CLASSES ARE SMALL. I HAVE

MADE SOME OF THE BEST

FRIENDS ANYONE COULD

EVER HAVE AND I KNOW

THAT THE FRIENDSHIPS WILL

LAST, EVEN AFTER MY TIME

HERE AT LEWESTON IS UP.

DAISY CRICHTON

LEAVER YEAR 2011

THE BIGGEST LESSON I HAVE

LEARNT WHILST AT

LEWESTON IS THAT WE NEED

TO LIVE FULLY IN EVERY

CHAPTER OF OUR LIVES.

RELISH THE GOOD, AND

DON’T FEAR THE BAD. I

LEAVE LEWESTON WITH

UNBREAKABLE FRIENDSHIPS

AND SOME UNFORGETTABLE

MEMORIES AND I’M INDEBTED

AND PROUD TO SAY THAT

I’VE SPENT THESE YEARS OF

MY LIFE, WITH PEOPLE LIKE

YOU, IN A PLACE LIKE THIS.

CHARLOTTE EDWARDS

LEAVER YEAR 2015

Friends for Life: Memories are made

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR

EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING

I HAVE ENCOUNTERED/

EXPERIENCED OVER THE

LAST 4 YEARS AT LEWESTON.

HOW LUCKY I AM TO HAVE

MET SO MANY FRIENDS THAT

WILL BE IN MY LIFE FOR

YEARS TO COME.

INGRID LAU

LEAVER YEAR 2015

EVER SINCE MY TIME AT

LEWESTON, I HAVE HAD THE

COURAGE TO TAKE RISKS

AND I AM HAPPY THAT THIS

IS STILL THE CASE. MY TIME

AT LEWESTON ALSO TAUGHT

ME TO MAKE INDEPENDENT

AND STRONG MINDED

DECISIONS, WHICH HAS

SUBSEQUENTLY NEVER

ALLOWED ME GIVE UP ON

FINDING MY NICHE IN LIFE.

CHARLOTTE COLTMAN, OA AND FUNDRAISING

AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR THE ST

MARIE EUGENIE SECONDARY SCHOOL PROJECT

IN TANZANIA

THANKS TO MY YEARS AT

LEWESTON I BELIEVE I HAVE

APPROACHED LIFE WITH AN

OPEN MIND, IT WAS A

SCHOOL THAT INSTILLED IN

ME A SENSE OF DECENCY,

HONESTY AND COURAGE TO

BE MYSELF AND DO WHAT I

BELIEVE IN.

SARAH MCVITTIE, OA AND FOUNDER OF

TEXPERTS, THE WORLD’S FIRST SMS QUESTION

ANSWERING SERVICE. THE TIMES NEWSPAPER

RANKED HER IN ITS ‘TOP 35 UNDER 35’ AND

MANAGEMENT TODAY HAS HAILED HER ‘ONE

OF BRITAIN’S TOP FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS’

I WAS VERY LUCKY AT

LEWESTON, IN THAT THE

SCHOOL WAS PREPARED TO

LET ME STUDY ANCIENT

GREEK FOR GCSE AND THEN

A LEVEL WHICH WAS

INVALUABLE SO FAR AS

GOING ON TO DO A CLASSICS

DEGREE AT CAMBRIDGE WAS

CONCERNED. SUCH

FLEXIBILITY WOULD, I THINK,

HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE

UNUSUAL AT A BIGGER

SCHOOL, WHERE AN

INDIVIDUALS’ NEEDS MIGHT

NOT HAVE BEEN TAKEN SO

CAREFULLY INTO ACCOUNT.

THE EXCITING MUSICAL

OPPORTUNITIES ON OFFER

ALSO HELPED ME TO

DEVELOP AS A MUSICIAN,

AND TO TAKE FULL

ADVANTAGE OF CAMBRIDGE

UNIVERSITY’S RICH MUSICAL

LIFE WHEN I GOT THERE.

HELEN ROCHE, OA AND RECENTLY APPOINTED

RESEARCH FELLOW AT CAVENDISH COLLEGE,

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

of this...

AN EDUCATION IS MORE THAN JUST RESULTS. WE WANT YOU TO LEAVE LEWESTON WITH

EXPERIENCES AND MEMORIES THAT YOU

WILL TAKE WITH YOU FOR LIFE. YOU WILL

ALSO LEAVE WITH FRIENDSHIPS THAT

WILL ENDURE LONG AFTER YOUR TIME AT

SCHOOL HAS ENDED. SOME OF OUR

RECENT OLD ANTONIANS SUMMARISE

WHAT THEIR TIME AT LEWESTON HASMEANT TO THEM…



ENTRANCE GUIDELINESEntry into the Sixth Form at 16+ is dependent

on six good passes at GCSE or equivalent and

an interview with the Head and/or the Head

of Sixth Form.

If English is not your first language then you

would normally be expected to offer one of

the following qualifications at pass level or

above: GSCE English, IGCSE English as a

second language, an IELTS score of 5.5 or any

other equivalent EAL qualification. Overseas

applicants will also have to sit our English and

Maths entrance papers.

The Study ProgrammeMost girls will follow 4 AS level courses in

Year 12 and continue 3 of these to full A level

in Year 13. Pre U courses are offered in some

subjects. A Pre U course would replace an

AS/A2 course. Details of every course we

offer are listed in the course directory.

Typically you will have 10 hours of teaching

per subject per fortnight. In addition to your

chosen core subjects you will attend lessons

designed to widen your educational

experience and broaden your personal

horizons. These are compulsory lessons that

are an essential part of the Sixth Form

programme. They are: Religious Studies,

Physical Education, as well as the CSLA

qualification. All girls also have the option to

study for the Extended Project Qualification.

More information can be found in the

enclosed course directory.

Course Summary:Advanced Level AS

These take one year and continue your

academic study after GCSEs. The

standard is between GCSE and

traditional A Levels. You can choose

to continue subjects you have

enjoyed at GCSE or take new

courses. You will normally need at

least grade B or above at GCSE in

the subjects you hope to

continue studying at AS Level.

Advanced Level A2

Study for these begins at the end of Year 12

after AS and continues in your second year in

the Sixth Form. They are equivalent to the

traditional A Level standard and combine

with AS results to determine the final A Level

grade needed to enter Higher Education.

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U is a two year course and has

been developed by University of Cambridge

International Examinations, the world’s

largest provider of international education

programmes and qualifications for 5–19 year

olds, and a department of the University of

Cambridge. Cambridge Pre-U is linear, unlike

the modular UK A Level and if you are taking

a Cambridge Pre-U course you will be

prepared for one set of exams at the end of

your two years of study in the Sixth Form,

rather than for module exams throughout

the two years. Cambridge Pre-U is fully

compatible with A Levels and you can take

any combination of subjects you like.

What to do next…Once you have read through this prospectus

and the course directory that accompanies it,

you will have a good idea of what is available

to you in the Sixth Form at Leweston.

However nothing can ever replace a visit and

we would recommend you come and see

Leweston to find out for yourself what we can

offer you. You will be able to meet with the

Head, Head of Sixth Form and some of our

current pupils and have a tour of the school

facilities. We will then invite you in for a taster

day when you will get to meet the girls you

would be joining in Sixth Form and trial some

of your preferred Sixth Form lessons.

Our admissions staff are always happy to talk

to you about the admissions process and

clarify any points that you may need to

discuss. They can be reached by telephone:

+44 (0)1963 211010 or by email at

[email protected]

For our most up to dateinformation and news then

please do visit our website: www.leweston.co.ukor follow us on Facebook at


Leweston School, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6EN

tel: 01963 211010

[email protected]

www.leweston.co.uk

Leweston School Trust is registered in England at the above address as a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 2041443. Registered Charity No. 295175

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Sixth Form Prospectus

Documents

Transcript of Sixth Form Prospectus