City Of Norwich School

CNS Sixth Form is a large and diverse Sixth Form that can offer space, breadth and time to suit your A-Level studies. Built in 1910, CNS has a rich history of academic success and we are proud of the pathways that our 6^th form go onto. Our motto of ‘Excellence in All’ can be demonstrated in our teaching and learning, in the attitudes of our students and in the outcomes and opportunities that students receive.  

The Sixth Form has its own areas within the school, including a large study hall, study pods, multipurpose study centre and café.  Lessons occur in subject specialist classrooms throughout the main school buildings. This offers the 6^th form independent study time as well as being well integrated in the community of CNS.

Life at CNS Sixth Form:

Being part of the CNS Sixth Form means becoming more independent, making new friends and enjoying a vibrant atmosphere.  You will be supported and encouraged at CNS to find a good balance between hard work and a life outside of school, and we will help you develop skills that will equip you for higher education and the workplace.  

Ethos and Expectation: 

At CNS we nurture student independence, high quality learning and teaching, supported transition in and out of Sixth Form, consistency of care, open communication, respect for our community and a culture of high standards.  We welcome all students who will enable us to uphold these expectations.  We hope that you will make a positive contribution to our institution, and that you will make the most of your two years under our guidance at Sixth Form.  We are proud to be considered a good and successful Sixth Form and we look forward to you helping to maintain our reputation. As a member of the CNS Sixth Form, you are treated as a young adult with a view to preparing you for either University life or the world of employment.  You will be treated with respect and considered a mature and responsible member of our school community. However, we are also clear that, at CNS, you have chosen to continue your education in a school-based environment, and as such we will carefully monitor your academic progress through assessment, tutorials and target setting.  This monitoring is crucial to ensure that you are supported in maximising your opportunity for success in both your academic work and your personal development.  

Personal development and support :

CNS staff are a key reason why our Sixth Form continues to be successful at preparing students for higher education and rewarding careers.  Teachers enjoy their work with Sixth Formers, communicating enthusiasm and knowledge for their subject as well as appreciating student’ maturity and their active choice to continue learning. The Sixth form Leadership Team, led by our Director of Sixth Form is comprised of three KS5 Leaders and a Student Services Support Manager, who are supported by  Pastoral Managers and a team of 11 tutors.  All students are supported and monitored through their two years at CNS Sixth Form by a KS5 Progress Coordinator. You will also be allocated a tutor based on your subject choice to ensure personalised care and guidance. In addition, your tutor will meet with you individually on a regular basis to discuss progress.  They will guide, inform and support you throughout your time in the Sixth Form; their support is always available, and they can respond quickly and sensitively to your individual needs. Individual study skills and learning needs are supported by our weekly “Learning Team” meetings initially developing A’ level study skills and later in the year subject specific revision skills.  This combination of dedication and care by both teaching and pastoral staff results in students feeling confident that they will be supported through any difficult academic, social or personal problems.

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion. 

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

Pastoral support :The teenage years can be hard to navigate for some, and for a few there will be times when additional support is needed. Believing that the emotional welfare of each student is paramount to their ability to fulfil potential, and that each student is unique, we aim to provide a safe environment where students are able to find someone to listen to their concerns, seek advice or receive appropriate signposting and reassurance. Our dedicated sixth form pastoral managers work closely with students and parents to enable every student to get the most out of their time in sixth form.

The Sixth Form Elkins Centre : The Sixth Form centre is within the main school grounds separated from the main school. Sixth form offices, study centre, café and classrooms are found here.

The Study Hall : The study hall is a bespoke area for our sixth form students and complements our ethos of developing our students into independent learners. This excellent facility is designed to feel like a university library, with space for independent computer work, silent reading and working spaces and journals, textbooks and course materials to support our students with their learning. There are also “Pods” available for small group work.

Computer Facilities : The Sixth Form has a computer suite and access to the school’s PC network with over 700 workstations. You will have your own password allowing you access to the internet and email. All subject areas have support materials available through the school’s Gateway system.

The Study Centre : This is open to students at all times and facilitates study through textbooks, compute banks, round tables for group work and printer. The aim is to create a multipurpose space where quiet research, revision or reading can take place. This space is available for Sixth Form study during non-contact time.

Guildhall Partnership : The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London is the UK’s leading provider of specialist music training at the under-18 level. It is also one of the world’s leading conservatoires and drama schools.

In 2013 we launched a unique partnership with the Guildhall School. The partnership brings many opportunities to CNS students and cluster schools, these include:

• Master classes from professional musicians
• Recitals and concerts
•  Visits to the Guildhall School
• Use of the Barbican for concerts and productions
• Specially devised projects for CNS students