What work should I be completing during the school closure?
You should be completing around 3-4 hours per day of ‘formal’ learning. This is in line with the 5 taught hours per subject/per week that are ordinarily delivered by your teachers in Sixth Form. This formal learning consists of planned subject lessons and activities that your teachers will email to you directly and record on G4Schools at the start of each week.
How should I structure my days?
You can structure your learning hours across the week in whatever way suits you best, as long as you are ensuring that all submission deadlines are met so that your teachers can assess whether the vital A Level content is being understood.
It is important to understand that the content that you are covering now will form part of the assessment for your A Level qualification in summer 2021. It is not additional work and they are not optional activities, this is what you would’ve been covering at this point in the year if you were still attending lessons. Failure to complete and submit this work may impact your ability to progress on to the Year 13 part of the course.
What support is available to me?
If you would like any support with your work, your subject teachers and the Sixth Form team are happy to answer any questions or offer any additional support by email. Please find a copy of all staff email addresses here: Contact List
When will we return to Sixth Form and will we have to sit any exams?
At this point in time, the Government has not issued an agreed timeline for the re-opening of schools however, if schools do re-open ahead of summer, internally assessed end of year progression exams for Year 12 A Level students (in lieu of AS exams) will take place so it would be advisable for students to also be building revision activities in to their studies.
Should I start my university, apprenticeship and employment research?
Yes, absolutely! During this time you may wish to begin to use unifrog to start considering your next steps after Sixth Form. Unifrog is the main hub used in Sixth Form for everything to do with careers and employability. Whether you’re planning on going to university, applying for an apprenticeship or securing employment and training, unifrog has a wealth of tools to support you over the coming months. These tools include:
– Geek Out: a range of journals, articles, books, films and podcasts to enable you to explore your A Level subjects in
more depth
– MOOCS: these are online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the web. They give you the
chance to study with top universities around the world. They enable you to gain knowledge in all sorts of areas and
help you to develop career skills, prepare for other education, or explore a new interest.
– CV and Resume Tools: these are step by step guides that help you to collate your knowledge, skills and
competencies and then draw them together in a a powerful CV and/or resume to submit to potential employers
Preparing for University:
This section will help to ensure that your subject skills and knowledge are maintained and enriched so that you can produce an outstanding university application
- Go to https://www.unifrog.org/student/home
- Go to ‘Subjects Library’, click ‘go to tool’
- Under ‘search by keyword’, type in the name of the subject(s) you are interested in
- Click on ‘read the guide’
- Scroll down to ‘geek out’ to find a wealth of articles, podcasts, journals, MOOCs etc that you can study ahead of applying to university
Preparing for an Apprenticeship:
- Go to https://www.unifrog.org/student/home
- Go to ‘Apprenticeships’, click on ‘start’
- Read through the overview on apprenticeships then click ‘next’ at the bottom of the page
- Click on the ‘subject area’ tab and start to search the range of apprenticeships available
Preparing for Employment:
- Go to https://www.unifrog.org/student/home
- Go to ‘Careers Library’, click on ‘go to tool’
- Search either by keyword or by the subjects you are studying
- Review potential career suggestions
- (Remember you can also use the ‘cv/resume’ tool on the following page https://www.unifrog.org/student/home should you wish to begin to prepare your cv for employment)
UCAS website:
Visit the UCAS website (https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate) to find a wealth of information about going to university. There are guides and video clips on a range of topics such as choosing what and where to study, university life and key application dates. You can also use the course search tool to look for courses you may be interested in studying. If you are considering pursuing an apprenticeship after Sixth Form, there is also information on how to apply.
Are there any other ways in which I can further or deepen my subject knowledge?
There are lots of ways to enrich your subject knowledge! The ‘geek out’ tools on unifrog are fantastic but there are also other ways in which you can do this:
TED Talks:
TED is a global community, welcoming people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world. They believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world. On TED.com, you can find a host of free knowledge from the world’s most inspired thinkers — and a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other. By using TED recommends, you can say what yours interests are and relevant talks will be selected for you.
Sixth Form Recommended Reads:
This extraordinary period of time also allows you to take some time to rediscover a love of reading. If you’re looking for some inspiration, please go to our ‘Summer Reading Guide’ on the Sixth Form area of the website to find a host of subject specific recommended reads alongside a range of diverse reads that have something for everyone: https://emmanuelsixthform.com/students/summer-activities/
Sixth Form Super-Curricular Reading Guide:
Developing your non-fiction research and reading skills is one vital way in which you can prepare for academic study at university level. More and more, universities are seeking evidence that applicants have explored their chosen subject through wider reading outside the classroom. This sort of exploration is called ‘super-curricular’, rather than ‘extracurricular’, as it builds on and enhances what you are currently studying in Sixth Form. Engaging with non-fiction texts will prepare you to critically write about your super-curricular reading in future university applications.
We’ve compiled this guide to show you how to become an independent non-fiction reader, with the ability to read around the subjects you’ve been studying at A-Level and that you intend to study further. Even if you aren’t considering further education after Sixth Form, maintaining a good reading habit and furthering your vocabulary will ensure that your research and reading skills don’t fall behind those of your peers. Please visit https://emmanuelsixthform.com/students/summer-activities/ and click on the ‘Sixth Form Super Curricular Reading Guide’ to access the guidance.
How can I look after my physical and emotional health and well-being during the school closure?
Whilst society is being asked to stay indoors and socially distance, it is important to take particular care of your physical and mental health. There are lots of things that you can and should be doing to keep happy and well during this time. Consider doing the following:
- Plan your days – your normal routine might be disrupted and that can be stressful. Take time to write down how you want to spend your day. Creating and sticking to a new routine will give you a sense of order and normality and it will make your return to education or employment in the coming months feel much easier
- Stay connected – (video) call with friends or find a positive online community
- Feel productive – make a list of all those things you said you would do but never get round to, for example, sorting out your room. These tasks can make you feel productive and give you a sense of accomplishment. Tidying your living space can also make you feel calmer and more positive.
- Listen to music – never understand the psychological benefits of listening to tunes you love!
- Learn mindfulness – there are lots of great free apps (such as Headspace) that you can use to guide you through breathing techniques and meditation that can help ease your anxiety and clear your mind of anxious thoughts. You could also try some yoga as a way to relax and boost your mood. There are lots of YouTube videos you can use to suit your ability and level of mobility.
- Exercise – whether it’s a 9am online class with Joe Wicks or a brisk walk around the block, exercise is one of the most powerful ways to boost your mental and physical health
- Clean up your social media – you might be spending more time than usual scrolling on social media. But have you ever thought about how this could be affecting your mental health? Try unfollowing or muting accounts that make you feel anxious, upset or angry. Find positive accounts like @youngmindsuk that boost your mood and share your interests.
- Get outdoors – even if it’s sitting in the garden listening to music, the exposure to day light is important for your well-being. Remember this must not be with others outside of your family
- Read a book – getting away from screens and reading a book can help you escape for a bit. Why not re-read one of your favourites, or get your friend to recommend one? It might be difficult to get a new book, but you can access lots of books online. Audible.com are offering lots of free books at the minute
- Play online games with friends – board games can be a great way to spend time with friends or family while giving you something to focus on. You can play a lot of these games online or via apps
- Remember the quote we often use in Sixth Form, “attitude is everything”! Never has this sentiment been more important for your health and well-being
If you feel you are struggling with your emotional or mental health during this period of uncertainty, please tell someone. You can email the Sixth Form team for support; access the range of services we posted on Google classrooms on 18th March; or use Nottingham City Care Partnership’s new Text Health service where school nurses are available to support with a range of issues (just text 07480 635024 and they’ll reply back)
And finally….
These strange times that we find ourselves in, offer up an opportunity for you to really focus your attention on your academic studies. By doing this, you will ensure that you give yourself the best possible start to Year 13. Please do use this time wisely to keep up with your A Level courses and to start to plan for your next steps after Sixth Form. Your future will be so much richer for having done so!
Take care and keep in touch
The Sixth Form Team
