West Hatch Sixth Form

Prospectus
2024
 Welcome to West Hatch 2024
Dear Prospective Students and Parents,
Thank you for showing an interest in West Hatch Sixth Form.

At West Hatch, our students are encouraged to work and study hard and achieve all
they are capable of academically. Equally important, we believe that they should
become well-rounded citizens, who demonstrate good character habits in all aspects of
their life, personal and professional. Standards and expectations are high, we lead a
distinctive learning community, and we purposefully and explicitly prioritise the
development of students’ character and academic accomplishments in equal measure,
so that they flourish as socially aware, skilled citizens equipped to take their place on
the world stage.

Our hugely successful Sixth Form offers a wide range of both A-Level and BTEC
qualifications, to ensure students are able to successfully follow their chosen pathway,
whether it be a Russell Group University, or Apprenticeship. We provide high quality
teaching by staff with a track record of success. We offer an outstanding, experienced
Pastoral Care system, ensuring every student is fully supported throughout their time
Welcome

with us. In addition, Key Stage 5 students enjoy the use of their very own Sixth Form
Centre.

West Hatch Sixth form offers a broad range of courses to match student interests,
ambitions and ability. Most students choose West Hatch Sixth Form to study A levels
but we also offer a range of Level 3 vocational qualifications. The types of courses you
will follow will depend on your entry qualifications.

We expect all students to be smart and well presented. Sixth Form students must
recognise their responsibility to act as ambassadors for the school and as positive role
models for all students at all times.

We have a robust pastoral care system where students are cared for and nurtured to
make the next leap in their continuing education, post 18 or employment or
apprenticeships.

We understand that making the choice about where and what to study in the Sixth
Form is a major decision for students and families. With a focus on excellent academic
teaching and our pastoral programme, West Hatch Sixth Form offers a truly distinctive
experience at this important stage of your life

We look forward to meeting with you.

West Hatch Sixth Form Team

'I have greatly enjoyed my time at West Hatch
Sixth Form so far and am proud of the person that
the Sixth Form have shaped me into being.
Leadership roles have helped me to feel more
confident and learning new studying techniques
have allowed me to be more self-sufficient and
independent.

Emma Basco
Senior Ambassador
 The core values of our Sixth Form is based on our vision; where all students can say
that they belong so that they can thrive and excel and where all students and staff
work together to unlock potential.

At West Hatch we create tomorrow’s change-makers by:

Working together to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all students can
reach their full potential, regardless of background or ability.

Helping prepare students to become active citizens, positively contributing to their community
Vision Statement

and the world.

Stimulating students’ minds and shaping their futures.

Fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Where students are encouraged
to ask questions, explore new ideas and take risks.

Throughout the academic year students could be nominated for an award based on our vision
statements.

The Award for Collaboration: creating a supportive environment and helping others.

The Award for Community Service: becoming an active citizen and positively contributing to
their community and the world.

The Award for Commitment to Learning: stimulating minds and shaping their future.

The Award for Culture: Curiosity, Creativity or Critical Thinking.

“At West Hatch Sixth Form there really is a genuine sense of community.
Here, every student's Individuality is celebrated, and we're encouraged to
dream big and support each other in achieving those dreams! I couldn’t
have asked for a better final two years at school. “

Aaron Gelkoff
Senior Ambassador
 Mrs Natalie Steadman Mr Steve Windsor
Assistant Headteacher KS5 Head of Sixth Form
Meet the Team

Mrs Gemma Saunders Mrs Karen Plowright

Sixth Form Progress & Sixth Form Administration Co-ordinator
Pastoral Co-ordinator

Ms Justine Leigh Mr Geoff Towsey

KS5 Safeguarding/Mental Health Careers Adviser
& Wellbeing

Miss Bianca Tindides Mrs Donna Beach

Enrichment Co-ordinator Sixth Form Canteen
Common Room Supervisor
 2023 Success
A high achieving academic sixth form developing
outstanding young men and women
2023 Successes

London School of Economics Management

Queen Mary London Accountancy
Accountancy & Management
Kings College Computer Science
Loughborough Business, Economics & Finance
Geography & Management
Economics & Management
Birmingham English Literature
Sports, Exercise & Health
Liverpool Mathematics
Bath Sociology & Social Policy
Integrated Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
Warwick Psychology
Bristol Economics & Finance
St George’s Paramedic Science

Plymouth Marine Biology

University of Law Law
Nottingham Management
Physics
Greenwich Criminology & Criminal Justice
Psychology & Counselling
Accountancy & Finance
Sports & Exercise Science
Computer Science
Law
Royal Holloway Film, TV & Digital Production
SOAS World Philosophies and African & Black Diaspora
 2023 apprenticeship & employment
successes include:
Apprenticeship Successes

Previous apprenticeship & employment

successes include:

… to list just a few!

 Our Curriculum
Students who meet the conditions of their offer combined with a satisfactory reference,
will automatically be given a place in our sixth form. If you do not fully meet our entry
requirements, your offer may be revised. All offers will be made according to group size,
ability and aptitude. If students do not fulfil our entry requirements, their place cannot
be guaranteed.

Programmes of study at West Hatch aim to get the best out of each student,
encouraging breadth and depth without compromising rigour or levels of achievement.

We offer a variety of routes through the Sixth Form, resulting in courses that are
individually tailored to meet the interests and needs of each student.

There is a compulsory re-sit of Maths and English GCSEs, if not achieved at Level 4 or
above.
Sixth Form Entry

All students should be prepared to work hard and make their studies a priority for the
duration of their time at West Hatch.

Maintaining a place in the sixth form and progressing to

Year 13
As you enter sixth form it is the expectation of the school that you are to be role models
for younger students within our school and show your commitment to all aspects of eve-
ryday life in our sixth form.

Students who are successful in gaining a place on a two-year linear A Level or Level 3 vo-
cational programmes will maintain their place if they attend regularly, complete and are
successful in internal assessments in Year 12 and 13.

A-Level students will be continually assessed via independent study, tests, Year 12 pro-
gression exams. Students will be expected to perform well in these continuous assess-
ments in order to progress from Year 12 to Year 13.

If a student is on a vocational course the expectation is to pass at least 50% of

assessments at the first attempt in Year 12 in order to progress from Year 12 to 13—this
gives re-sit opportunities in Year 13.
 Our Academic Pathways

Art & Design Biology Business Studies

Chemistry Computer Science AS Level Maths in Context

Drama & Theatre Economics English Language &

Studies Literature

ADVANCED English Literature Extended Project Level 3 Geography

Sixth Form Entry

LEVEL
COURSES
Government & Politics History Mathematics

Media Studies Philosophy & Ethics Physical Education

Physics Product Design Psychology

Spanish Sociology

BTEC National Extended BTEC National Extended BTEC National Foundation

Certificate Certificate Diploma
Applied Science Business Dance
VOCATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
Cambridge National BTEC National Extended
Extended Certificate Certificate
IT Sport

VOCATIONAL
LEVEL 3 BTEC National Extended
COURSES Diploma – Business

COMPULSORY GCSE (Resits) English GCSE (Resits) Maths

COURSES
 General Entry Requirements

You must have achieved a least 6 or more GCSE grades 9 - 5 including

ADVANCED English and Mathematics Grade 5.
LEVEL To study a particular subject, you must achieve the specific entry re-
COURSES quirements as outlined on the next page.
Sixth Form Entry

On this pathway you will study 3 courses which are a combination of

Advanced Level courses and Vocational courses.

COMBINED You must have achieved a least 5 or more GCSE grades 9 - 4 including
COURSES English and Mathematics Grade 4.

You must then achieve the specific entry requirements for each
subject as outlined on the next page.

VOCATIONAL You must have achieved a least 5 or more GCSE grades 9 - 4 including
LEVEL 3 English and Mathematics Grade 4.
COURSES

It will be compulsory to study English and/or Mathematics at GCSE if

COMPULSORY you have not achieved a Grade 4 in either subject at Key Stage 4.
COURSES N.B. These lessons may be timetabled after school and your attend-
ance is compulsory.

N.B. The ESOL qualification will not count towards an English Grade 5.
The qualifications for ECDL and Financial Literacy will not count towards the 9— 4
grades as a GCSE equivalent (these qualifications are preparation for work.)
**All applications are subject to a satisfactory reference.
 A Level Entry Requirements

We highly recommend that you have studied the subject at GCSE level to move on to
the A Level course. Where this is not the case, there is an element of flexibility in
some subjects as outlined below.

A Level Subject Entry requirements (if taken at GCSE) Entry requirements

(if NOT taken at GCSE)

Art Grade 6 or above in Art This subject cannot be taken

Biology Grade 6 or above in Biology or This subject cannot be taken
Combined Sciences at Grades Double 7 or above
Business Studies Grade 6 or above in Business Studies A grade 6 in another GCSE
subject and grade 5 in
Mathematics
Chemistry Grade 6 or above in Chemistry or This subject cannot be taken
Sixth Form Entry

Combined Sciences at Grades Double 7 or above

Computer Science Grade 6 or above in ICT or Computing This subject cannot be taken
AS Level Maths in Con- Grade 5 or above in Mathematics This subject cannot be taken
text
Drama and Theatre Stud- Grade 6 or above in Drama A grade 6 in another GCSE
ies subject and grade 5 in
English
Economics Grade 6 or above in Economics Grade 6 in Mathematics
English Language & Liter- Grades 5 and 6 or above in English Language and This subject cannot be taken
ature English Literature in both respectively
English Literature Grade 6 or above in both English Literature and Eng- This subject cannot be taken
lish Language
Geography Grade 6 or above in Geography A grade 6 in another GCSE
subject and grade 5 in
English
Government & Politics Grade 6 or above in Government & Politics A grade 6 in another GCSE
subject and grade 5 in
English
History Grade 6 or above in History A grade 6 in another GCSE
subject and grade 5 in
English
Mathematics Grade 6 or above in Mathematics This subject cannot be taken
Media Studies Grade 5 or above in Media Studies Grade 4 in English Language
Philosophy & Ethics Grade 6 or above in Religious Studies A grade 6 in another GCSE
subject and grade 5 in
English
Physical Education Grade 6 or above in Physical Education Grade 5 in a Science
Grade 6 or above in Physics or This subject cannot be taken
Physics Combined Sciences at Grades Double 7 or above
plus Grade 6 in Mathematics
Product Design Grade 6 or above in Resistant Materials, Product This subject cannot be taken
Design or Systems & Control
Psychology Grade 6 or above in Psychology A grade 6 in another GCSE
subject and grade 5 in
English
Sociology Grade 6 or above in Sociology A grade 6 in another GCSE
subject and grade 5 in
English
Spanish Grade 6 or above in Spanish This subject cannot be taken
 Vocational A Level Courses for the Combined Pathway

Vocational Programmes Entry Requirements Entry Requirements

(1 A-Level equivalent)
BTEC National Extended
Certificate
Applied Science
BTEC National Extended
Certificate
Business
BTEC National Foundation
Diploma
Dance
(equivalent to 1.5 A levels)
Cambridge Extended Technical
Sixth Form Entry
(if taken at GCSE )
Grade 4 ore above in any triple Science or
Grade 4-4 in Combined Science
Grade 4 or above in GCSE Business Studies
BTEC Dance Merit or GCSE grade 5 in
Dance or medals/grades from dance
school and successful audition
Grade 4 or above in ICT
(if NOT taken at GCSE)
This subject cannot be taken
A grade 4 in another GCSE
subject and grade 4 in English
and Mathematics
Evidence of dance
experience and qualifications
must be uploaded on to the
application form at
submission
A grade 4 in another GCSE

Certificate subject and grade 4 in English

IT and Mathematics
BTEC National Extended Merit in BTEC First Certificate or Diploma A grade 4 in Biology and
Certificate in Sport or Grade 4 in PE or Dance Grade 4 in English
Sport and Exercise Science

Full-time Vocational Pathway

Vocational Programme Entry Requirements
(3 A-Level equivalent)
BTEC Subsidiary and Extended Diploma Business 5 GCSE grades 9 - 4 from separate subjects with at least a
grade 4 in in English and Mathematics

Compulsory Subjects
GCSE English Resits
This course involves preparation for examina-
tions and is compulsory for students who
achieved a grade 3 at GCSE and need a grade 4
for further education purposes. Entry is made
in November and the following June. This
decision will be made in consultation with the
teacher.
Students are required to attend all
lessons and it is a condition of their
place at West Hatch Sixth Form.
GCSE Maths Resits
This course involves preparation for examina-
tions and is compulsory for students who
achieved a grade 3 at GCSE and need a grade 4
for further education purposes. Entry is usually
made in November and the following June. This
decision will be made in consultation with the
teacher.
Students are required to attend all
lessons and it is a condition of their
place at West Hatch Sixth Form.
 Making an application to West Hatch Sixth Form
The sixth form have an on-line application form, you will find the link on our
school website or scan the QR code.

 To complete this form, applicants need to register to create an account. The initial
email must be the students email account. It is important that the account is set up
in the applicant’s name and not the parent/carer and that the login details are rec-
Making an Application

orded. The initial email must be the students email account. Parents/carers have
the opportunity to put their own account in later. We will always communicate
with all email accounts.

 When providing contact details, please double check information provided,

particularly email addresses as this is how we will be communicating with you
(we do not recommend that you use your school email) as access to this to may
be restricted during the summer holiday.

 We ask that you also provide a parent email address that is different from the
applicant’s.

 Please ensure that the box for communicating with parents is also completed.

 If this ticked, all emails are sent to both applicant and parents.

 When providing the referee for the school reference email, we would recommend
that this should be the Head of Year 11 (check the address is correct as without a
completed reference, we will not be able to process your application).

 After completing the application form this will be automatically submitted to the
Sixth Form Team.

 This system allows us to maintain regular contact and keep you informed on the
progress of your application and, if an offer is made, to invite you to our Induction
Day.

Timeline of Application Process

16 November 23 26 February 24 15 April 24 1 July 24
Application site Application site Offer letters will Year 11 into
opens after open re-opens. be sent out to Year 12
evening Applications successful Induction Day
received will be applicants during
classed as late this week

Nov 23 Dec 23 Jan 24 Feb 24 Mar 24 Apr 24 May 24 Jun 24 Jul 24 Aug 24

31 January 2024 20 Mar 24 May 24 22 Aug 24

Deadline for Year 11 Transition GCSE Examinations GCSE Results Day
Applications Interviews (internal begin and Year 12
students only) Enrolment
 Success for You
Success starts from within, and our Sixth Form will encourage and support you. To reach
your full potential you must:
 make a commitment to independent study
 create a balance between your studies and other activities
 organise your study time and develop effective study skills
 take responsibility, together with your subject teachers, for your progress
 self-evaluate what you want to achieve during your time with us and beyond

Monitoring Performance
Regular monitoring is an important element for successful study. We will provide:
 Regular feedback
Sixth Form Life

 Progress Checks
 Academic Reviews and Mentoring
 Parent’s Evenings
 Intervention and Support at Department level
 Expected 95% attendance for all students
 Automatic Progression to Year 13 depends on achieving a C grade in Year 12; this
decision is at the discretion of Assistant Headteacher of KS5

Independent Learning
At West Hatch, we believe that success can only be achieved when responsibility for
learning is taken by the students. We expect all students during their time here to
develop the independent learning skills that will prepare them for the challenges that
come from university or employment. To assist with this development, all students will
need to allocate a minimum of three hours on their timetable (dependent on learning
programme) to spend time in our Study Centre. The Centre offers a wide range of
resources and is supervised by experienced staff who offer support and guidance.

Independent Advice & Guidance

We offer qualified experienced teachers and support staff within a caring pastoral setting

 Academic Support
 Pastoral Support
 Student Services to help with
practical financial issues
 Professional Counsellor
 University & Careers Guidance
 Learning Support
 Vespa Programme
Run during form time, the Vespa programme is based around 5 key components to student suc-
cess, providing a framework for students to develop study skills.

VISON is about having a clear goal; it's about making the connection between the work
students are doing and the reason for doing it. In simple terms its about knowing the outcomes
you want to achieve.

There is an argument that educators can be guilty of doing too much pushing through the
examination years, and that this takes away the "future mindedness" of students, making them
feel they have a lack of control over their life.

The programme is designed to help support students develop their own ideas and empower
them to take control over their future.

EFFORT Sometimes called "academic perseverance" effort refers to how much hard work
Sixth Form Life

students do. It is fair to say that the absence of effort pretty much guarantees failure; however
more effort on its own is not a guarantee of success.

One of the most important messages to transmit to students is the 'myth of effortless success'.
Pupils only get to understand this when they see and hear the amount of effort that has
generally gone into a successful performance.

The effort tasks within the programme allow students to explore their current levels of effort
and provide practical tools to help them improve their levels of effort. In VESPA Academy we
focus mainly on 'efficient effort', i.e. tasks which maximise the returns on the time students
invest.

SYSTEMS is about two things:

1) A System to organise learning so students can make sense of everything

2) A System to organise their time so students can complete key tasks to meet deadlines.

For many students, academic challenges are related more to lack of organisation than to a lack
of intellectual ability (Hassanbeigi, 2011). There is a clear link between students who are
underperforming and poor organisation and project management skills.

The activities included in VESPA Academy are designed to help students develop good habits and
teach them how to organise their learning more effectively.

PRACTICE represents exactly what learners do with the time they put into their studies. Not
the "How much" of study but the "How".

Practice doesn't make perfect; deliberate practice makes perfect. In other words, effort alone is
not enough to guarantee success. Academic progress is as much about how students work as it
is about how long they work. Many pupils who are putting in large amounts of time and effort
but not making progress, are very often working on the wrong things.

VESPA Academy activities focus on developing students knowledge of deliberate practice

methods and strategies.
 Vespa Programme contd...
ATTITUDE there are four elements to developing students attitude (in relation to performance
virtues). These are confidence, emotional control, academic buoyancy and growth mindset.

Confidence is key to success in any field, and students can very quickly lose confidence if they
are unable to recognise their achievements and progress.

Emotional control is especially important to deal with stress of public examinations and over-
come the weight of expectation many students feel at this time.

Developing academic buoyancy allows students to see critical feedback as a way of improving,
and learning how to bounce back after disappointing test results.

Finally students need to believe they can improve, without believing their intelligence is fixed or
gifted, the importance of developing a growth mindset is critical.
Sixth Form Life

At VESPA Academy the activities aim to develop all of these aspects of student attitude. By
getting the attitude right there is a good chance that a student will achieve the best they can be.

Hatch Extra 6th Form Enrichment

Our ‘Hatch Extra’ enrichment is a compulsory programme that encompasses a 3 strand
rota to include development of academic skills, self/social skills and a focus on our
pupils’ careers post 6th form. Students will engage in a number of different workshops
and activities designed to add further skills to personal statements, CV’s and potentially
assist in any future pathways. Workshops in self-defence, financial education, first aid
and higher education, will allow for students to become immersed in sixth form life, the
wider school community and make long lasting friendships outside of normal
timetabled lessons.

Delivering PSHE
The sixth form PSHE programme sits alongside the national curriculum framework in
order to support students’ spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development as
well as prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life. The
programme of study is based on three core themes to include: Health & Well-being,
Relationships and Living in the Wider World. The sessions will include independent and
group work, reflections on current issues and attempts to engage students in
development of their oracy skills. All sessions will allow for equal opportunity without
prejudice and preconception.
 Sixth Form Dress Code
Sixth Form students must recognise their responsibility in acting as ambassadors of the
school and as positive role models at all times. We expect all students to be smart and
well-presented.

The aim of the Sixth Form dress code is to ensure students are dressed smartly,
professionally and in a formal, business style.

Male
Black, grey or blue suit including Jacket/Blazer. Jackets are to be worn at all times.
Sixth Form Dress Code

White or light blue collared shirt.

WHHS Sixth Form tie. West Hatch Sixth Form ties can be purchased from Carolina
School Outfitters, 708 Chigwell Road, Woodford Bridge

Jumpers may be worn under a jacket/blazer. It should be plain black, grey or navy,
V-neck or zip neck, smart and fitted. Shirt and school tie should be visible under the
jumper. No crew/roll neck jumpers
Dark sombre coloured formal shoes. No trainers, Converse, Vans or heavy boots
Hoodies, sweat shirts, gilets, denim jeans or jean style trousers are not to be
worn.

Students must wear their school lanyard at all times with the student ID visible.

Female
Black, grey or navy skirt, trousers or dress with smart suit style jacket/blazer. Jackets
are to worn at all times.

Skirts should be no more than two inches from the top of the knee. Lycra ‘body
con’ style skirts are not to be worn as these tend to ride up to an unacceptable
length. Leather, skater skirts, skorts and shorts are not considered smart and
should not be worn. Trousers must be tailored and not leggings, jeggings or den-
im.

Smart plain shirt or blouse may be worn. No bright colours, patterns or logos. No midriff
must be shown.

Jumpers or cardigans are to be of one block colour. They should be smart and fitted.
No logos permitted and should be worn underneath the jacket or blazer.

Spaghetti straps, vest tops, t-shirt, crop tops and sleeveless dresses are not al-
lowed
Black (flat or low heeled) formal shoes or boots.
Trainers, Converse, Vans, Crocs, sandals, flip flops and “Ugg and Dr Marten
style” boots are not permitted

No sleeveless/duster jackets, hoodies, sweat shirts or gilets.

Hair must be a natural shade and kept neat and tidy, with no designs shaved into the
scalp. Baseball caps or similar must not be worn in school. Scarves should not be used
to cover hair unless for religious purposes. Religious headwear must be plain black or
white with no designs, logos or sequins and the students’ face must not be obscured

One pair of discreet earrings may be worn. There should be no other visible piercings.
 Your studies are vitally important, however we realise that your time at Sixth Form is
about more than the subjects you choose. As outlined in our vision statement, we want to
prepare our students to become active citizens who make a positive contribution to their
community and the wider world; we want to stimulate minds and foster a culture of
Opportunities within Sixth Form
curiosity and creativity. We want to give all students the opportunity to develop both
academically and personally, so they can be the ‘best that they can be’.
At West Hatch Sixth Form, our enrichment opportunities are as equally important as our
curriculum offer. For us, these enrichment opportunities are underpinned by ‘Hatch Extra’.

What is Hatch Extra?

Hatch Extra is not one thing; it is our overarching term for all the wider opportunities we
offer at West Hatch Sixth Form. It has been developed and expanded to provide all
students with opportunities to engage with various activities and programmes, aimed at
helping them develop their skills, make informed decisions and prepare them for the
future. At its simplest, Hatch Extra is a way of providing students with that extra bit
needed to ensure success in the future. Hatch Extra includes the following elements.

Extended Project Qualification

This is an opportunity to gain Peer Mentoring
an additional qualification.

LSA/Academic Support Mentor

First Aid This is an opportunity to work as an LSA,
with younger students, and get paid.

Volunteering Programme
This is an opportunity get recognition Public Speaking & Debating
for completing a voluntary placement.

Financial Literacy
Self-Defence This is an opportunity to learn
how to manage your money.

Sixth From Student Newsletter

This is an opportunity to contribute British Army Team Building
to our Sixth Form Student Newsletter.
 Within the Sixth Form, and wider West Hatch community, there are numerous
opportunities for students to take up positions of leadership. As part of the Sixth Form
Leadership Team, students could apply to become a Senior Prefect and then stand for
election as one of our Senior Ambassadors. Students could also decide to stand for a
position within our Student Voice Team, where they would lead a team of students from
Opportunities for Leadership
Years 7-11. As well as this, there are also opportunities for leadership within our
House system, as House Captains.

Senior Ambassadors

Deputy Senior Ambassadors

Senior Prefects

Student Voice
Charity Subject Anti-Bullying
Ambassadors Ambassadors Ambassadors

Culture & Diversity Eco

Ambassadors Ambassadors
 From the moment you join West Hatch Sixth Form we prepare you for life after Year 13;
we realise you have less than two-years to make a decision about your post-18 routes.

West Hatch Sixth Form are well-placed to help you make those decisions. We have a Sixth
Form Team with over 15-years experience supporting students with their post-18 options.
We have a UCAS and Progression Co-ordinator and qualified Careers Advisor, who are
there to support all students to make an informed decision about their next step.

Whether you are thinking about an apprenticeship or university, we provide you with all
the support and guidance you need to make that next step. We also realise it is important
Opportunities Post 18

you are aware of all your options, so encourage all students to focus on all post-18 routes.

Careers Advisor UCAS Coordinator

Supporting with Post-18 decisions

Alongside preparing you for your next step, after Year 13, we also understand it is
important you are prepared for the world of work. We offer support aimed at preparing
students for employment, whether that is part-time work at Sixth Form or a career in the
future — this is relevant to all students, no matter which route they take after West Hatch.

Throughout students’ time at West Hatch there are various events and support they can
access, to help prepare them for life after Year 13, they include the following.

Lucy Cavendish College Work Shadowing

We work with Lucy Cavendish College, Students complete a Work Shadowing
University of Cambridge, to help support placement, where they have the
students who are considering applying to opportunity to gain direct experience of
Oxbridge. the world of work.

Careers Talks / Guest Speakers

Preparing for Employability Day
Throughout the year we have a range of
We run a ‘Preparing for Employability’
guest speakers delivering talks about
Day, where we give students an insight
their careers or opportunities students
into what an assessment centre includes.
may wish to take.

UK Uni & Apprenticeship Search Fair

Workshops (CV, UCAS, Careers etc.)
Early in Year 12 we visit the
We offer a range of workshops, covering
UK Uni & Apprenticeship Search Fair, so
a range of different topics, all aimed at
students can make an early start on
supporting students for life after Year 13.
thinking about their future.
 It can be difficult to decide on which subjects to choose for Sixth Form.
It depends whether you have a plan of what you want to do after Year 13.

You need to be realistic and honest with yourself; make sure you are choosing subjects
you enjoy and are interested in. Do not pick subjects just because you think you should.
There is a big jump from Level 2 qualifications (GCSE) to Level 3 qualifications (Sixth Form),
so be ready for this and expect a lot more work and for it to be a lot more challenging.

For most students, when it comes to choosing their Sixth Form subjects, they fall into one
Choosing your subjects

of two categories.

1) Students who do not know what they want to study after Year 13.
If this is the case for you, that is fine. Your best option would be to choose subjects you
are interested in, or ones you are particularly good at. Make sure you understand what
the subjects involve. At West Hatch we offer a number of similar courses, but different
qualifications which cover different topics.

For example, our BTEC Extended Certificates in Sports or Business cover slightly different
content to our A-Level PE or Business Studies courses. However, both qualifications are
Level 3 and have the same weighting.

2) Students who know what they want to study after Year 13.
If this is the case, your best option would be to check out the UCAS website
(digital.ucas.com/search) to see whether there are any particular subjects you need to
study at Sixth Form. Below are a few examples of popular university subjects and Sixth
Form subjects which are either required or desired.

 Architecture: Maths, Physics, Art & Design.

 Medicine: Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology.
 Economics: Maths, Economics.
 Law: History, English, Philosophy & Ethics.
 Engineering: Maths, Product Design, Physics.
 Psychology: Chemistry, Biology, Psychology.
 Veterinary Medicine: Biology, Chemistry, Maths.
 English: English, History.
 History: History, English.
 Mathematics: Mathematics, Economics, Physics.
 Computer Science: Computer Science, Maths.

This is not an exhaustive list and you MUST make sure you conduct your own research
about the best possible subject combinations.

As a starting point, you might want to check out the Russell Groups’ Informed Choices
website: www.informedchoices.ac.uk
Notes
 West Hatch High School
High Road, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 5BT
0208 504 8216
Email:6thadmissions@westhatch.net