Welcome to the Blanchelande Sixth Form
Students joining our Sixth Form can choose from a broad range of subjects – we offer around 20 A-Level subjects, taught in seminar-style classes. While fully integrated into the whole College, Year 12-13 students have the privilege of a separate dress code and access to Sixth Form-specific facilities, including: a Common Room with kitchen, a superb Library and a brand-new Fitness Suite with personal trainer. Sixth Formers belong to close-knit tutor groups who meet regularly throughout the week, and have enviable access to one-to-one careers guidance and a vibrant programme of visiting speakers.
What makes our Sixth Form approach different?
Moving from the content-based approach at GCSE to a deeper form of learning at A-Level can be a challenge for students entering Sixth Form, which is why a structured approach to inquiry-based learning is so important. The FOSIL framework is taught explicitly to all students, underpinning their A-Level study and especially the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Rather than simply learning content, our students learn how to question, discuss and debate; how to distinguish between good and bad arguments; and how to sift through the overwhelming amount of data available in the world today. To ensure personal fitness alongside academic progress, Sixth Formers have a weekly fitness/sports session (based on their preferences) and also a general philosophy and ethics session built into the tutor system.
Sixth Form Privileges
Being a member of the Blanchelande Sixth Form is a privilege in itself and students enjoy a high degree of autonomy and freedom, while also belonging to a close and supportive community. The relationship between staff and students takes on a more informal and relaxed character in preparation for adult and professional life. Specific privileges include:
- Onsite parking
- Booking of lunchtime driving lessons
- Off-site permission at set times, including lunch
- Free access to tennis courts
- Free use of the Fitness Suite, with personal trainer
- Tea and coffee, and regular treats!
Careers Provision
A significant number of Blanchelande Sixth Formers have achieved apprenticeships at top on-island firms, and careers guidance is an integral part of Sixth Form life. Our careers programme is called ‘TELOS’ – from telescope, as it’s all about looking into the future – and students hear from a vast array of professionals. Each year our students throw themselves into Young Enterprise, with our 2023 team ‘Get Mugged’, winning in several categories. Students also have the opportunity to develop their presentation skills through the IoD Leadership Shadowing programme, while learning how to think on your feet is key to participating in the Collas Crill Moot competition.
University Provision
Blanchelande supports applications for any course at any university destination, including overseas. Our UCAS Coordinator is a Sixth Form tutor and is readily available to provide guidance, direction and encouragement. Our unique Sixth Form Diploma has proven invaluable for students composing their personal statements. Sixth Form students enjoy the opportunity to tour a range of UK universities with their peers.
Recent Sixth Form Achievements
Due to the encouragement and opportunities they receive, our students achieve astonishing success:
- Charlotte Bertrand: Runner Up, IOD Leadership (2021)
- Isabella Taylor: Winner, Directors of Tomorrow IOD competition (2021)
- Catherine Lees: Winner, Sovereign Art Prize (2021)
- Caitlin Jones: Finalist, Sovereign Arts Prize (2021)
- Jacques Loveridge: Winner, Global Sovereign Art Prize (2022)
- Daniel Mollison, Sammy Le Roux, Millie Fox, Eowyn Falla: Best Marketing Award, Best Sales Award, Young Enterprise (2023)
- Eowyn Falla: Achiever of the Year Award, Young Enterprise (2023)
- Emilia Fox: Runner up, British Dressage Inter County Championship’ (2023)
Leadership and Enrichment
In preparation for adult life, Sixth Formers are given many platforms for taking on responsibility and for gaining enriching experiences.
- Year 12 students have the opportunity to stand for election as Head Girl and Head Boy who represent the views of the School Parliament and lead on charity fundaising.
- Sixth Formers elect representatives of the Sixth Form Committee.
- Year 12-13 students are appointed as Senior Prefects.
- Many Sixth Form students run extra-curricular clubs for younger students.
- Students have opportunities for Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards, including expeditions in the Brecon Beacons and the Lake District.
