ABOUT SIXTH FORM
About Sixth Form
WHAT MAKES SIXTH FORM GREAT AT THE AYLESBURY VALE ACADEMY?
- A purpose built academy on the rise with a small but growing sixth form.
- A sixth form where students are treated like adults.
- An average grade of Distinction* on Level 3 vocational courses putting us well above national average.
- Great links with local universities in Bucks.
- Great location with frequent bus services.
WHY STUDY AT THE AYLESBURY VALE ACADEMY?
- We offer a range of exciting pathways to develop careers in a range of industries.
- Excellent, personalised student welfare.
- One to one support and guidance for the next stage in your education or future employment.
- Vocational courses which can get you directly into university, and higher apprenticeships.
- A comprehensive work experience programme.
- University and work placement visits to support your career and education choices.
- Excellent teachers and instructors with an excellent track record in the subjects they teach.
- Your own personal lap top for use while at the academy.
- A state of the art gym and weights room free to use.
- Excellent sports facilities.
Facilities
The Sixth Form is a welcoming, friendly, and lively place, focusing on supporting students in both their academic and personal growth. Students will study in a modern, well-equipped environment with state-of-the-art classrooms and a dedicated study area just for Sixth Form students. Every student has access to a computer for independent study time.
Sixth Form students also have their own separate eating area in the canteen, and they can buy packaged snacks throughout the day. Everything is set up to help them succeed and enjoy their time at the Academy.
CAREER GUIDANCE
To help students prepare for life after Sixth Form, a great careers programme is offered, allowing them to learn about the various university courses, apprenticeships, and career options available. Students use online tools like Unifrog to explore and research their options, helping them understand how to reach their personal goals. Each student receives individual support with applications to ensure they choose the best path for their future.
We provide a range of activities to support this, including career visits, talks from industry experts, and trips to universities and workplaces. There is also a monthly newsletter with information about work experience opportunities and virtual events where students can connect with young professionals from different fields. These opportunities, along with support from the Sixth Form pastoral team and tutors, help students as they develop their career plans.
Beyond the Classroom
All Sixth Form students are strongly encouraged to get involved and express themselves in a variety of exciting ways. For example, the weekly Inspiration Programme in Year 12 prepares students for work life by providing hands-on practical experiences with real-world organisations. Throughout the year, students learn about work, life, arts and culture, police and criminal justice, community and environment, as well as personal health and wellbeing. They acquire specific skills for CV writing and career options available to them. Relevant work experience opportunities are provided through excellent links with employers, extending learning beyond the taught curriculum.
The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme is offered as a non-qualification-based activity in the Sixth Form enrichment programme. This provides students with opportunities to develop their interpersonal and collaborative skills, gain experiences to aid their future careers, and improve communication, leading to enhanced university applications, CVs, and job applications.
Building on cultural capital, all subject areas organise relevant educational trips and workshops to extend students’ awareness and learning. For example, Health and Social Care students visit a local care home to understand how person-centred care is delivered, while Media students regularly visit the Pinewood Studios.
A highly successful student leadership programme called Youth Social Action creates opportunities for Sixth Form students to develop their confidence and leadership skills by being part of the Student Parliament, running fundraising events, mentoring younger students, and representing the Academy.
All these opportunities help students develop the communication and leadership skills needed to succeed in further education, employment, and life in the modern world.