Beaumont School

SIXTH FORM BROCHURE

Welcome To Beaumont

Beaumont is a long established, mixed community school located on the east side of St Albans, with specialisms in Languages and Maths. The school provides outstanding education for students aged 11-18 and all students are encouraged, through a wide range of opportunities to ‘enjoy and excel’.

We are a truly outstanding school which achieves the very highest levels of academic success, supported by excellent pastoral care. In 2020, we were delighted to open our new Science block and we have ambitious plans for further developments of the school site over the coming years.

I am immensely proud to be Headteacher of such a fantastic school with over 1612 students and 234 highly qualified staff who are committed to give their best throughout their time with us.

Martin Atkinson
Headteacher

Teaching in the Sixth Form is outstanding. Teachers monitor, review and assess students often. A wide range of activities supports learning including an extensive range of extra-curricular activities and visits. Achievement in the Sixth Form is outstanding. Leadership of the Sixth Form is outstanding. Teachers plan exciting challenging lessons that stretch students’ thinking. The structures in place support learning, progress and attainment very well … so students make outstanding progress. A wide range of activities supports learning including an extensive range of extra-curricular activities and visits. Students’ personal development and well-being is outstanding. They enjoy Sixth Form life.

Welcome To The
Sixth Form

Choosing the right Sixth Form education is one of the most important decisions many of you will make. Beaumont School is proud to have a thriving, diverse, inclusive and highly academic Sixth Form currently comprising 486 students.

Beaumont is justifiably proud of the results achieved by our students each year. We consistently rank amongst the top schools nationally. This year’s results highlight this strength with the average A Level Average Point Score achieved by our students being in the 92nd percentile.  

A broad curriculum, outstanding teaching, dedicated study and social areas, approachable staff and our ethos of achievement for all, contribute to this success.

However, your personal development is also a priority and there is a wide range of opportunities outside the academic curriculum in which to gain experience, confidence and valuable interpersonal skills.

Whether you decide to go to university, complete an apprenticeship, take a gap year or embark on your career straight from school, we will support and guide you in planning and preparing for your future.

We would be delighted to welcome you as a member of our outstanding Sixth Form.

Joanna Tolley
Head of Sixth Form

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
Rob's Festival
Politics Trip to Supreme Court
Beaumont Orchestra

Entering Our Sixth Form

ENJOY & EXCEL

A smooth transition from Year 11 into the Sixth Form is our top priority for all students in their first term. We understand that the move into Sixth Form can appear daunting and we appreciate that some students joining us from other schools may feel apprehensive. We also recognise that students cannot move straight from Key Stage 4 learning to being able to work like a Key Stage 5 student, so a clear framework of support and planning is in place for each student.

To assist with the transition we offer the following:

Sixth Form Induction

This is held late in the Summer Term, immediately after GCSE exams, and offers a very helpful introduction to life in the Sixth Form. You will experience taster lessons in your chosen subjects, together with activities designed to encourage all students to feel part of the Beaumont community.

Supported Enrolment

On the first day of term, students will meet with the Sixth Form team and their Form Tutor to confirm their subject choices, interpret timetables and receive their lanyards and computer logins.

Tailored Tutor Programme

In Year 12, the focus is transition to Key Stage 5 study, where students are given practical advice on how to study effectively within their chosen subject areas. In Year 13, the emphasis is upon preparing students for life beyond Beaumont. All students are given support with the UCAS process, information, advice and guidance in relation to all career pathways, and the opportunity to book appointments with a Hertfordshire Services for Young People careers advisor should they need it.

Pastoral Care

A dedicated and experienced pastoral team is located in the Sixth Form Centre to support, assist, guide and encourage students.

Facilities

Recent investment in the school has doubled the size of our Sixth Form facilities.  Additional private study space, an enhanced Common Room incorporating a modern cafe and social area, together with an improved library, have been provided to all Sixth Form students.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum allows selection from a wide range of challenging subjects.

We offer the following A Levels:

Art, Biology, Business Economics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Drama (and Theatre Studies), Economics, English Literature, French, Further Maths, Geography, German, History, Maths, Media Studies, Music, Philosophy & Ethics, Photography, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology and Spanish.

In addition, Beaumont delivers the following A Level equivalent/Level 3 qualifications:

CTEC in Business, Core Maths (Mathematical Studies), Sport & Physical Activity, IT and BTEC Creative Digital Media.

Details of our A Level outcomes this year, including three-year trends, are available on the school website: www.beaumontschool.com.

We are able to offer a range of subjects through our extensive curriculum and, with our arrangements with the BeauSandVer Education Trust, the following subjects can also be worked into your programme: Business Studies, Dance, English Language, Music Technology, Product Design, Textiles and Law.

Students’ personal development and well-being is outstanding. They enjoy Sixth Form life. A wide range of activities supports learning including an extensive range of extra-curricular activities and visits. The structures in place support learning, progress and attainment very well … so students make outstanding progress. Teachers plan exciting challenging lessons that stretch students’ thinking. Leadership of the Sixth Form is outstanding. Achievement in the Sixth Form is outstanding. Teaching in the Sixth Form is outstanding. Teachers monitor, review and assess students often. A wide range of activities supports learning including an extensive range of extra-curricular activities and visits.

Examination Results 2023

Please note that the results shown are for Beaumont. Results for BeauSandVer are available on the website (www.beausandver.org.uk)

University Destinations 2023

All students are given extensive university application and careers guidance, support and impartial advice.  Each year we support students who apply to medical and veterinary schools, as well as Cambridge and Oxford Universities. This includes providing application workshops, alumni talks, mock interviews and the opportunity for medical/dentistry and vet applicants to experience a mock Multiple Mini Interview event.

Apprenticeship Pathways

We also support students who want to pursue the apprenticeship route. We invite various speakers, including alumni, to talk to students about the opportunities available, how to access them and how to secure a place on highly competitive schemes.  We work closely with the ASK (Apprenticeship Support & Knowledge) network who provide workshops to support those students interested in an apprenticeship pathway, whilst also providing tailored one to one guidance where necessary.

We offer the opportunity for all students to experience our highly successful Assessment Centre day. The experience replicates the processes used by the majority of graduate and apprenticeship recruitment schemes.  

We provide support with CV writing, interviews and psychometric testing, to enable our students to be as prepared as possible for any interview format they may face in the future.

Engaging in Sixth Form Life

Academic achievement is of paramount importance but students enhance their intellectual and social development by participating in the many extra-curricular opportunities that are offered in drama, music, sport and community involvement.

Drama

Beaumont delivers an ambitious programme within Drama; with the opportunity to take part in two school productions each year, run weekly KS3 clubs as our Drama Leaders, and attend many theatre trips and practical workshops. This year we have launched a Drama trip to NYC to participate in workshops and visit Broadway. We host National Youth Theatre auditions annually in school, where we invite Drama students to participate. Last year we saw a record number of students being awarded a place on the NYT Summer course. 

Many Drama students go on to successfully securing places at prestigious theatre schools and universities around the country to further their studies, where we will support and coach students with their preparations. In 2019 the Drama department was awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, to commission playwright, Mark Wheeller, to write a brand new verbatim play, Game Over, based on the story of Breck Bednar. This play, premiered by our students, received national television and media coverage, has now been published and is performed by Youth groups and Schools from across the world. 

In 2023 the performance of ‘The Red Shoes’ by the Upper School Drama company entered The National School Theatre Awards and was celebrated by the external adjudicators as a ‘Remarkable theatrical experience’! The Department has just been nominated as the ‘Outstanding School Drama Department’ as part of the Music & Drama Education Awards 2024.

Music

The Music Department at Beaumont offers a wide range of enjoyable and enriching extra-curricular opportunities. Our Sixth Form students regularly represent the school locally, as well as at regional and national events. 

The choirs, bands and orchestras are justifiably proud of the enviable reputation they have earned. The school has close links to the National Youth Concert Band and encourages students to audition for a variety of prestigious ensembles. Additionally, our students benefit from masterclasses with leading professional musicians.  Individual advice, support and guidance are also offered to students interested in pursuing further study of Music at universities or conservatoires.

Sport

Every student at Beaumont is strongly encouraged to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Wellbeing Wednesdays form a keep part of this. On Wednesday afternoons, Sixth Form students are able to play sports entirely for the enjoyment of taking part. Our excellent facilities are at their disposal including the fitness centre, four badminton-court sports hall, top quality grass pitches, floodlit all-weather 3G pitch and multi-use games area (MUGA).

Our Sixth Formers also have the opportunity to train and compete in a wide array of sports. Our Sixth Form sports teams regularly perform exceptionally well at district, county, regional and national levels. 

Some of the highlights from last year include:  U18 boys’ and girls’ Basketball County Cup winners, U17 boys’ made it to the last 16 of the national cup. U18 girls’ Football County League and District Cup winners, U18 boys’ made it through the final of the district cup. U18 girls’ Netball team made it through to the final of the district plate. We also have had County/Academy representation in both boys’ and girls’ Basketball, girls’ football and Cross Country. Beaumont had five medal winners at the County Track and Field Championships and 24 medalists at the District Track and Field Championships.

Community Involvement

There are wide and varied opportunities in the Sixth Form to become involved in the school community. We are keen to emphasise the importance of being able to contribute to a community as it has  benefits for personal well-being, developing leadership skills, and experience which allows greater understanding of how organisations operate. Consequently, we ask all students in Beaumont Sixth Form to contribute to the school community each week during term time. There are a huge range of different types of contributions which are available:

  • Pastoral mentoring of KS3/4 school students – we have over 100 students being mentored by Sixth Form students for 15 minutes each week
  • Subject Leaders who get involved with supporting subject departments and any relating activities.
  • Academic mentoring support for KS3/4 school students where lower school students receive help in revising for exams and support in difficult areas
  • Leading charity events
  • Support in other areas of the school (the library, reception, IT, Technology, Science, PE) 

Politics Trip
Sixth Form Atrium
Drama Performance Evita
Sixth Form Students

Personal Development In The Sixth Form

Being a Beaumont Sixth Form student is not just about the three courses students select to study.  Our Sixth Form provision is rich with other aspects fundamental to the personal development of our students and forms a key part of our Pastoral Curriculum.

We provide a structured and tailored PSHCE programme. All students receive information to help them navigate adult life through dedicated lessons, tutor sessions, assemblies, workshops and Personal Development Days. 

We support students in developing the independent study skills required to achieve success at this next stage in their education. This includes subject specific guidance on how to study beyond taught lessons and exploring different revision techniques, so students can utilise these skills in their final exams. 

All Sixth Form students are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school. These range from drama, music and sport to specific subject responsibilities. Vital life skills in communication, organisation and leadership are developed, as well as the promotion of a sense of community.

We also have an extensive enrichment programe including Duke of Edinburgh Awards, the Extended Project Qualification, Wellbeing Wednesdays, student societies, clubs and much more.

LIFE BEYOND BEAUMONT

EMPLOYER CONTACT PROGRAMME

Throughout the two years of Beaumont Sixth Form, the Employer Contact Programme supports our students in developing the skills and experience which will help them to be successful in later applications to university and employment. Students have the opportunity to gather employer input and factual information which will help them in their post-18 career path decisions, and in gaining valuable experience in approaching employers and making professional contacts.  Students personalise the programme, making it relevant to their own skills and potential career paths. The programme is made up of work-shadowing and work experience, arranged meetings or visits to relevant employers and opportunities, which help develop an understanding of the skills which employers value and the possibilities for employment in a variety of fields.

TOUCH TYPING

In order for students to improve their word processing skills and speed, we also offer a touch typing course; a key skill that will help them throughout their life beyond Beaumont.

UNIFROG

We provide access to Unifrog, an online resource, for all of our students. Unifrog provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on a wealth of university, college and apprenticeship courses in the UK and beyond, including Degree Apprenticeships. It is an excellent resource for researching and preparing for life beyond Beaumont.

In the spring term of Year 12, we host a Beyond Beaumont information evening that explores university and apprenticeship pathways, which helps parents/carers to understand the process and therefore support their child as they make important decisions regarding courses to apply for and which universities or alternative career options to consider.

Application Process

Having considered your subject options with reference to our academic entry criteria sheet provided, please complete our Application Form which you will find on our website.

If you are joining from another school, after submitting your application, you will be invited to attend a guidance meeting to discuss your subject choices.  This is an informal meeting which will give you the opportunity to ask questions about the school, your subjects and your future aspirations.  Internal applicants will have a similar guidance meeting with a member of the school’s Leadership Team in January.

In the first instance, you will be allocated to classes taught at Beaumont.  In the rare event that we cannot fit in all your subject choices here, you will be contacted regarding attending classes at one of our BeauSandVer Education Trust partners for that particular subject.

Our two day induction programme will be held on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 June 2024 when you will receive a formal offer of a place for September, subject to you meeting the entry criteria with your Summer GCSE results.

Beaumont Life Information Beaumont: A New Era Sixth Form Pastoral Curriculum

BeauSandVer Education Trust

Beaumont, Sandringham and Verulam Schools have been in a successful consortium for over 20 years. This partnership, which converted to an Education Trust in 2016, allows us to offer a wider curriculum to Sixth Form students. In the event that a chosen subject is not offered at Beaumont, students will be given the opportunity to study the subject at one of our consortium partners. Where numbers for particular subjects are low, it may not be possible to run these subjects in all schools. Students would still be offered a place on the basis that they will consort for said subject. The same will occur if numbers for particular subjects are very high, whereby we have to limit class sizes. In this case, decisions about which students would consort will be made based on random selection.  

Students are transported by minibus between the partner schools during the day.  The Heads of Sixth Form of the three schools meet regularly to ensure the smooth running of the consortium, as do the Headteachers.

Further
Information

Further information about Beaumont Sixth Form is available from the following sources:

Beaumont School website:
www.beaumontschool.com

Maria Atkinson
Sixth Form Administrator
Email: sixthform@beaumont.school

Tel: 01727 732962
Beaumont School, Austen Way, St Albans, AL4 0XB