If you are thinking of studying in the sixth form, Collyer’s has a lot to offer you. The college is a specialist open access sixth form and therefore it provides a wide range of subjects at Level 3 (A Level) and Level 2 (Intermediate Level) for students to choose from. The teaching and learning facilities are tailored to meet the needs of sixth form students and there is always a wide range of enrichment activities available for students to get involved in. With over 1300 students the college has a lively and friendly atmosphere. Student surveys constantly report that the students who have studied at Collyer’s have enjoyed a great time both academically and socially.
This section provides a brief summary of the main benefits of continuing your education at Collyer's. If you have any questions about the provision and/or the quality of the provision please feel free to ask at any point during the admissions programme, for example at the Open Evenings, Interviews or Welcome Day.
1. High quality education
Examination pass rates are constantly above the national average figures and amongst the highest in the region. All students follow a programme of study that has breadth and balance as well as scope for individual specialism. The college sets and expects high standards from students. The OFSTED inspection in the spring of 2008 graded the college overall as"outstanding" and commented on the "very high success rates," "outstanding teaching and learning" and "outstanding support for students" amongst the key strengths of the college. The fact that the college has Beacon Statusto spread good practice is a further indication of the very high quality of teaching that all students can expect.
2. A wide range of academic and general vocational courses
The college offers over 50 Advanced Level subjects at AS/A2 Level. The subjects are spread across the full academic spectrum allowing students to get exactly the right mix to meet their needs. There is also a very successful general vocational programme with courses in Applied A levels and Child Care and Education. Many of the more vocacational courses have related career specific options available to students to enhance their main programme of study. Some students complete a one-year Intermediate course (made up of BTEC First Diploma and some GCSE subjects). All students also have the opportunity to expand their skills through the Key Skills programme (IT, Communications and Application of Number) in the first year and additional subjects such as bespoke AS (extention) in the second year.
3. Personal support and guidance through a tutorial programme
All students receive individual and group consultations at enrolment and their studies are supported by guidance from a personal tutor throughout their stay at the college. Regular tutorial and lecture sessions provide for both group support and elements of personal and social education. Tutors see all students on a rolling programme of ‘one to one’ advice and monitoring. Specialist support is available when required from, for example, study support and the careers service. Parents are always kept informed of student progress via reports, parents' evenings and individual telephone contact. Students are given clear guidance on the appropriate targets and standards to aim at and staff follow this up.
4. A wide range of 'enrichment' activities and opportunities
Key skills are now an important aspect of all advanced level work. In addition there is plenty of opportunity for students to get involved in drama, music, team sport, recreational activities, charity work and voluntary service as well as enjoy a range of student social events arranged by the college council.
5. Specialist resources and teaching and learning facilities
Recent examples are a fitness suite and multi-user games area as part of the specialist sports hall facilities, a new state of the art Learning Resource Centre, suite of art rooms, enhanced science laboratories, networked learning resources with internet access, multimedia modern languages facilities, media studies digital mixing suite, and an updated canteen.