Sixth Form - Support
The Tutorial System
Sixth Form Induction
Education Maintenance Allowance
Monitoring Academic Progress and Mentoring
The Tutorial System
In the Sixth Form you will join a tutor group of approximately 25 students. You will meet your tutor twice each day for registration and tutors frequently run Focus Day sessions. Your academic progress is monitored carefully and your tutor will have regular interviews with you to discuss your progress and to offer help and advice if it is needed. Your tutor will also be closely involved in the preparation of your application for Higher Education or employment.
Sixth Form Induction
There are many differences between life in the main school and life in the Sixth Form and it is important to make the transition as smooth as possible. To facilitate this you will be expected to attend an Induction Day shortly after your GCSE examinations have been completed. This will be on Monday 12th July 2010. You will participate in lessons in your chosen AS Level subjects, receive further detailed information about the programme of study and there will be sessions for the whole year group on more general Sixth Form matters.
Your induction into the Sixth Form will continue in the first two weeks of the Autumn Term.
Education Maintanence Allowance
We register and administer students eligible for EMA in accordance with local and national guidelines.
An informal evening for students and parents held at the beginning of term provides the opportunity to give further information about the Sixth Form and enables parents to meet tutors. Details of the event will be included in each student's induction pack.
Monitoring Academic Progress and Mentoring
Progress is monitored continuously through homework, class work and tests. There are also three “tracking and monitoring” reports each academic year. If your subject
teachers are concerned about your progress they will talk with you about the situation and work with you to resolve any problems. Your form tutor will also be alerted. If the situation continues and cannot be resolved, the matter will be regarded as serious and followed up by the Head of Department and the Director of Sixth form. You will contribute to your Year 12 Report, together with your subject teachers and your tutor.
Opportunities and Responsibilities
Opportunities for Leadership | Extracurricular Activities | Privileges and Responsibilities
Opportunities for Leadership
As senior members of the school you will have many opportunities to develop skills of leadership and organisation.
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You may become one of the Head Students, a Senior Student, or a member of a House Leadership Team.
- Some members of the Sixth Form assist tutors with the lower school tutor groups
- There are many clubs and activities in the school and members of the Sixth Form frequently help to organise them. Your involvement in school activities is reflected in the many full and positive references that are produced.
Extracurricular Activities
You will find there are many opportunities to become involved in extra-curricular activities, which can be both rewarding and enjoyable.
- Our Drama facilities include a rehearsal suite and excellent stage lighting and sound facilities in the Main Hall, and all students are encouraged to use these facilities. There is a major drama production most years, which usually involves a large cast and backstage crew. Members of the Sixth Form also regularly assist with the junior drama groups.
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The many musicians in school are involved in an extensive range of musical activities, including a variety of ensembles, choirs and orchestras and a swing band. Equipment includes a digital multi-track-mixing desk, CD recorder and computers with sequencing software.
- Many of the School’s clubs and societies are organised by members of the Sixth Form. They vary from year to year but recently have included the Debating Society, Christian Union, The Amnesty Group, Chess Club and many others.
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We are a leading centre for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Whether you are working towards your Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, you will receive help and encouragement to progress further. There is the opportunity to help with the running of the School Unit and also work with and support younger students in the school as they complete their awards.
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Year 12 students can take part in the Young Enterprise Scheme - giving them first hand experience of managing their own business. Our teams have won the Mid Kent Area section on a number of occasions.
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For a number of years, MGGS has been involved with World Challenge Expeditions. These involve teams of students planning, raising funds for and finally going on journeys to exciting and exotic locations all over the world. In 2004, three teams from MGGS visited Mongolia.
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The MGGS Yearbook is an informative and interesting collection of photographs that record the many people and events that make the life of the school. The Year Book is compiled and designed by a team of Sixth Form students in partnership with a member of staff and a local publishing company. It is eagerly awaited every year by present and past students together with parents, staff and governors.
You will find there are many opportunities to become involved in extra-curricular activities, which can be both rewarding and enjoyable.
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Our Drama facilities include a rehearsal suite and excellent stage lighting and sound facilities in the Main Hall, and all students are encouraged to use these facilities. There is a major drama production most years, which usually involves a large cast and backstage crew. Members of the Sixth Form also regularly assist with the junior drama groups.
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The many musicians in school are involved in an extensive range of musical activities, including a variety of ensembles, choirs and orchestras and a swing band. Equipment includes a digital multi-track-mixing desk, CD recorder and computers with sequencing software.
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Many of the School’s clubs and societies are organised by members of the Sixth Form. They vary from year to year but recently have included the Debating Society, Christian Union, The Amnesty Group, Chess Club and many others.
Privileges and Responsibilities
As a member of the Sixth Form you will be the senior representatives of the school community. This position will carry certain privileges and responsibilities. These will be discussed fully during the induction period.
As senior members of the school:
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you may leave the school site during the lunch hour, although you may prefer to remain on site and involve yourself in some of the varied activities that take place at this time.
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there is no uniform but you should dress appropriately.
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you may drive to school and park in the allocated Sixth Form parking areas when you have obtained a permit.
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you may use library and research facilities in Maidstone during your independent study periods.
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if your timetable allows you may have the opportunity to study at home during some of your independent study periods and use library and research facilities in Maidstone.
To enable the school to operate efficiently and for you to make the best use of your time at MGGS it is expected that you will:
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behave responsibly, to yourself, to the school and the outside community.
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maintain a good record of attendance.
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arrive punctually for all lessons and registration periods.
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organise your time effectively so that assignments are completed punctually and to the best of your ability.
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attend all subject lessons and participate fully.
Careers Guidance
In Years 12 and 13 we aim to assist you in your career decisions, including the choice between Higher Education and employment after Advanced Levels. You will receive help and advice in the preparation of CVs, letters and forms of application, and where possible, practice is given in interview techniques. This advice is supported by a one-day conference. This programme takes the form of
workshops delivered to small groups.
The Head of Careers Education co-ordinates the careers programme and colleagues from the Kent Careers Service give support in many areas. Our well-stocked careers
library may be used whenever you are free, and staff are available during lunch hours for consultation and advice. You are encouraged to attend lectures, open days and sample courses at universities and a Higher Education Convention organised by the Kent Careers Service.
You will be given a great deal of personal support in making your applications to Universities and Colleges through UCAS and to Art Foundation courses. In addition we have excellent facilities to enable you to carry out independent research into Higher Education courses. You have access through the school network to the UCAS web site, online university prospectuses and many other useful online sources of advice. Information is also on a variety of CD-ROMs. Additional Careers Information is made generally available through DVDs, lunch-hour talks and Careers Conventions. Focus Day sessions are used to give you information about student finance, grants and awards, taking a “Gap Year” and sponsorship.
You will be given advice about work experience - and help finding a placement when it is appropriate for your career plans - in such areas as medicine, teaching and
physiotherapy. In Year 12 you will undertake several days of work shadowing at Senior Management Level.