Information Book 2020

2020Information SIXTH FORM torquay girls’ grammar school

OPEN EVENINGS: WELCOME Wednesday, 13th November & Wednesday, 15th January at 6.30 pm We are holding two Open Evenings, each covering the same content. We hope that these evenings will give you the opportunity to see the facilities and to talk to staff in the subjects that you are considering taking at A Level. You will also be able to attend presentations on how we prepare students for careers in general and more specifically in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Law and Oxbridge. INDIVIDUAL TOURS: If you would like a chance to speak to senior staff and sixth form students, and to look around the school in daylight hours when lessons are taking place, we are always happy to arrange individual tours. This should help you to get a sense of what daily life is really like in the school. If you would like further information please contact our Sixth Form office: [email protected] BE A SIXTH FORMER FOR A DAY: Wednesday, 22nd January 2020 Would you like to get a real taste of life in the Sixth Form? This day will give you the opportunity to experience taster A Level lessons, make new friends, relax in our coffee shop and speak with staff and current students. Students not currently attending TGGS can obtain further information or book a place by contacting our Sixth Form office: [email protected] The closing date for Sixth Form applications is Friday, 7th February 2020.

A Warm Welcome from the TGGS Sixth Form Team An exciting and important part of Year 11 is the opportunity Throughout Years 12 and 13, we promote various to choose the direction of your sixth form education. At opportunities which include UCAS and Oxbridge Torquay Girls’ Grammar School, not only do we offer a preparation, studying abroad, taking part in community broad range of subjects to study at A Level, we also provide projects overseas, work placements and attending TGGS many opportunities that will prepare you for life beyond careers conferences in Medicine & Dentistry, Law, STEM, Sixth Form, whether it be going off to university, into an Business and the Performing Arts. apprenticeship or into the world of work. But sixth form life at TGGS is not just about work; we also have You can create a bespoke academic experience with us at lots of fun! We get involved with lots of initiatives such as TGGS. Alongside your core A Level subjects, we also provide Macmillan Coffee Mornings or Up-Cycled Fashion Shows for the opportunity for you to take an AS level in a creative climate change charities, and we host a week-long school subject such as Art, Drama, Media or Music, complete an charity event every year. We have team building days Extended Project Qualification, study a course in Critical and residential opportunities that not only encourage team Thinking as well as become involved in our enrichment work but promote friendship and camaraderie. There are programme. also Sixth Form socials to take part in - pizza lunches, cake breaks, shopping and bowling trips, a weekly quiz league Our enrichment programme offers many varied activities as well as an annual Sixth Form ball. We encourage you to including the Duke of Edinburgh award, volunteering at relax in our purpose built Sixth Form café or use the newly the Torbay Community Project or Mayfield School, taking built gym. We pay for your gym membership as part of our part in the Junior League of Friends, supporting students in mindfulness programme because we know a healthy body our Hub Scheme, learning how to debate, experiencing and a healthy mind are important if you are to succeed in new subjects like Geology, playing Music or Sports, as well life. as undertaking roles as Academic Ambassadors or being part of the Head Girl team. All girls in Year 12 take part in Our Sixth Form is not just a place to study, but somewhere enrichment and develop great pride in learning new skills or that allows you to thrive and challenge yourself in a safe helping those in the community. and caring environment. Please take the time to look around our school and Sixth Form, talk to current pupils and The Extended Project (EP) is perfect for broadening your staff and read our prospectus. We look forward to receiving learning beyond A Levels in an area that interests and your application soon. engages you. The EP carries more UCAS points than an AS level and is highly regarded by universities as you Ms Emma Browne Mrs Abby Horrocks learn how to independently research, Harvard reference Head of Sixth Form Head of Year 12 and time manage - competencies which are essential in an undergraduate degree course. Critical Thinking also provides excellent preparation for the additional entry exams that some university courses now desire as well as developing strong skills in reasoning and critical analysis.

TGGS is a top performing, single-sex grammar school which not only attains THE FACTS excellent public examination results, but develops the skills and confidence of its inspiring study-body by offering a stunning range of extra-curricular activities. The Sixth Form centre offers modern classrooms with interactive white- boards dedicated exclusively to the teaching of Year 12 and 13 students; a spacious coffee shop; a careers area and 2 designated ICT suites. The building is situated close to the Drama and Music block with its superb facilities and the Study Centre (offering quiet work space throughout the day). One of the central reasons that the Sixth Form works at TGGS is because it is placed both geographically and spiritually at the heart of the school. TUTORIALS All students are assigned a form tutor with whom they meet on a daily basis for registration and general administration. Tutors are responsible for overseeing academic progress and providing pastoral care. There are approximately 20-25 girls in each tutor group. There is a weekly tutorial session which covers a range of topics, including careers advice and study skills to ensure that students receive the necessary support and guidance. HOUSE SYSTEM All Sixth Form students are attached to one of five houses that are organised vertically on a whole school basis. This enables the Sixth Form to feel part of the school as a whole and is integral to our school communitiy. House culture underpins our 10 Habits initiative which aims to ensure our students live long and happy lives. Sixth Form students are given the opportunity to stand as Heads of House and to lead their houses as part of the Head Girl Team.

OFSTED DRESS CODE Ofsted inspected the school in September 2011 and said: We fully appreciate that young women may wish to express their identity through the way in which they dress. Our aim ‘Students make outstanding progress in the sixth form’; is to allow your daughter to do this, whilst still presenting a professional image to the rest of the school and to members ‘The extent to which students develop independent of the public. Therefore, there is no set uniform in Sixth Form, learning and personal skills, take on responsibilities and show but instead a simple Dress Code that we ask all Sixth Form leadership is striking’; students to abide by. We ask girls to observe this code which seeks to ensure that they avoid extremes of fashion, ‘The implementation of the English Baccalaureate and the are dressed smartly, appropriately, and safely, for a place Extended Project is highly innovative’. of study. Overall, they found the Sixth Form to be ‘Outstanding’ - only From Monday to Thursday, all Sixth Form students are about 10% of Sixth Forms achieve this. required to abide by the code and wear: For us, whole-school statistics matter less than helping the • a smart tailored, plain black jacket/blazer (no denim or wonderful young people we work with to fulfil their potential; leather) or alternatively a black TGGS Sixth Form Hoodie we remain dedicated to caring, whether that be through creating high expectations or offering one-to-one support. • a white or cream plain blouse, t shirt or jumper (no strappy tops) FINANCIAL SUPPORT • black trousers or a black knee-length skirt (no ripped The school has been allocated a fixed sum of money by the denim or leather) government for payment to those students who are identified as being in need of financial support. If you are facing • smart black shoes, black trainers (no other colour) or financial difficulties and are aged under 19 on 31st August boots; in the academic year in which you start your programme of study, you may be eligible to receive bursary support. • a smart knee-length, plain black dress suitable for a Applications can be made to the Learner Support Bursary place of work is also acceptable. once you have begun your A level studies with us. • Discreet ear and nose piercings are acceptable; however, sixth form staff may challenge students and ask them to remove facial jewellery if it is deemed too excessive. • Hair dyed in extremes of colour is not acceptable. The Sixth Form Dress Code should be followed from Monday to Thursday. However, on Fridays there will be a relaxation of the code. Students will be allowed to wear mufti each Friday, and once a month we will ask for a contribution of £1 for this privilege. Each term we will ask the students to vote for a charity and all monies collected will be donated to the nominated charities. Please be aware that mufti should be appropriate to a school setting/working environment. Students who do not follow the code Monday to Thursday will not be allowed to participate in the relaxation of the dress code on Fridays.

OUR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ENTRY CRITERIA 6 full-course GCSE grades at 6 or above Grade 5 or above in both English Language and Mathematics All subjects have specific entry requirements, which will need to be met in order to be admitted onto the courses. Details can be found on the adjacent page. An individual GCSE short-course will not count as part of the six subjects needed. If a student who currently attends another school achieves less than two Grade 7s in double science, we will ask them to arrange for their school’s Examination Officer to complete a form to provide evidence of their performance in each Science subject. Our full Sixth Form Admissions Policy can be found at: www.tggsacademy.org/sixthformadmissions

Subject GCSE Grades Required Art 6 or above in GCSE Art Business Studies Computing 6 or above in Maths and English Language. GCSE Business Studies is not a requirement but, if Drama and Theatre Studies taken, a 6 is required. No additional requirements Economics English Literature 6 or above in English Language and English Literature. 6 or above in Drama. Students who French have not studied GCSE Drama will be considered on an individual basis but will be expected Geography to perform a short monologue. German 6 or above in Maths and English Language. GCSE Business Studies or Economics would be History useful but is not a requirement. If the GCSE has been taken, a 6 is required. Maths 6 or above in English Language and English Literature. Further Maths Media Studies 7 or above in French. If a student achieves a 6, but still wants to take the subject, then the Music Head of Department will assess that candidate’s suitability. Philosophy 6 or above in Maths and English Language. 6 or above in Geography. Politics Physical Education 7 or above in German. If a student achieves a 6, but still wants to take the subject, then the Psychology Head of Department will assess that candidate’s suitability. Sciences: Biology 6 or above in English Language and English Literature. 6 or above in History. Chemistry 7 or above in Maths. 6 or above in core and additional science or at least a 6 in two out of Physics three separate sciences. 8 or above in Maths. 6 or above in core and additional science or at least a 6 in two out of three separate sciences. 6 or above in English Language and English Literature. 7 or above in Music. Students should be approximately grade 4-5 standard or higher on any instrument and have reasonable grounding in music theory. 6 or above in English Language and English Literature. Humanities subject – History, Geography or RE - 6 or above. GCSE Religious Education is not essential. 6 or above in English Language. A strong practical background is required as well as 6 or above in Additional Science or 6 or above in Single Science Biology. GCSE PE is not a requirement but if taken a 6 is required. 6 or above in Maths. 6 or above in English Language or English Literature. 6 or above in both Core and Additional Science. Or single Science 6 or above in any two Sciences 6 or above in Maths. Separate Science GCSE students 7 or above in Maths. 7 or above in chosen A Level science and 7 or above in Maths. 6 or above in other two sciences OR Double Award Science GCSE students 6 or above in GCSE Combined Science, with an overall 7 in chosen science and 6 or above in the other two science components.

All of our students take three A Level subjects chosen from our THE CURRICULUM extensive range. Art & Design German Biology History Business Studies Mathematics & Further Mathematics Chemistry Media Studies Computer Science (TBGS) Music (TBGS) Drama & Theatre Studies Philosophy Economics Physical Education (TBGS) English Literature Physics French Politics Geography Psychology Students can also choose to study an optional AS Level in a creative subject, alongside their three A Levels, in one of the following: Art & Design, Drama & Theatre Studies, Media Studies or Music. We will enable a student’s request to take a fourth A Level as long as it fits within their timetable and the subject classroom size isn’t exceeded. Where there are subject clashes, we make every effort to resolve this through our collaboration with TBGS. The choice of which A Levels to study should be based on a mixture of three things: • What you enjoy the most – this is really important as you will need to fully immerse yourself in your subjects and engage in super curricular study; • What you are best at – this can really help facilitate your ability to achieve your full potential and maximise your grade potential; • What you need for your chosen career – e.g. to become a Physiotherapist you usually need to gain a Biology A level.

The Extended Project and Enrichment Programme The Level 3 Extended Project known as the EPQ In principle, and for the majority of students, the Enrichment Programme will happen throughout Year 12. The Extended All students in Year 12 are encouraged to take the Level 3 Project will be launched during the Spring term of Year 12 Extended Project. and will be submitted at the start of Year 13. This is essentially an opportunity for individual students to A Programme of Enrichment choose a topic from any area of interest and then to work with a designated supervisor to produce either a 5000 word style This incorporates a range of activities, from helping dissertation, or an artefact (painting, model etc.). Pursuing disadvantaged children in a local school, to raising funds and this qualification allows the student to take real ownership awareness of the Torbay League of Friends. The list really is of their project, choosing both the area researched and the endless, and as a school we provide an array of opportunities mode in which this research is conveyed. It is high-level work and activities for the girls to participate in. We also have an carried out independently; there is no checking of rough established and vibrant outdoor education programme drafts but there is consultative guidance. Some students which can include Ten Tors, The Duke of Edinburgh Award choose to study an area related to their chosen Higher Scheme and World Challenge. Education course, whilst others pursue an interest that they are passionate about. Critical Thinking Course Topics chosen this year include: the politics of Eurovision, Although universities do not generally make offers based on the reasons for the demise of Polari, researching how music Critical Thinking, they highly value the skills it teaches, and therapy techniques used with autistic children could help all most entry tests, such as the BMAT, UKCAT and LNAT, are children and the publication of a vegan cookbook. Critical Thinking tests. Students aiming for courses that require entrance tests should consider taking a course in Critical The students are supported through the process by: Thinking in Year 12. • A series of taught skills lectures and seminars; Critical Thinking helps facilitate success in applying to competitive universities and/or courses, including Law and • Watching presentations by Year 13 students on their Medicine. chosen topics; • One-to-one mentoring with staff supervisors who provide guidance and support throughout the process; • Designated time in the curriculum to undertake independent research. This exciting opportunity allows bright students the opportunity to research a topic of interest to them, and not only is this highly motivating for the girls – as we have seen with our present Year 13 – but is looked on very favourably by universities as evidence of independent learning beyond that normally offered by potential applicants. Some universities are prepared to be flexible with reduced A Level offers if students perform highly in their EPQ. In UCAS points terms, it is the worth more than half an A Level. The project can be one of the following: • a dissertation style essay; • a research project; • the making of an artefact; • putting on a performance.

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMES Too few women are leaders – we aim to change that! One aspect of TGGS that may distinguish us from other schools is our focus on the development of female leadership. We work really hard to nurture the kind of self-belief needed to be successful in today’s work place. This is achieved through our school ethos and curriculum, as well as the many opportunities that we provide for our students to undertake leadership roles. Some of these opportunities include: joining the Head Girl Team – a pivotal role within school which develops students’ leadership and management skills; acting as Heads of House, promoting and encouraging a strong house culture throughout school; running the HUB scheme and leading and organising in-house academic and pastoral support for the lower years. Students are also able to work closely with Heads of Departments as Academic Ambassadors, promoting and supporting learning in their subjects. This list is not exhaustive of the activities that students can take part in, but provides an insight into the kind of opportunities that we make available to them. We also run a highly successful Duke of Edinburgh programme and regularly enter teams in the annual Ten Tors Competition, encouraging leadership and resilience. If our students have the skills to develop into the leaders of tomorrow, but lack the confidence to flourish, then we believe that taking on roles and responsibilities such as those mentioned above will help to change that. OXBRIDGE APPLICANTS As applying to Oxbridge is a demanding and at first sight bewildering experience, Mr Charlwood, Deputy Headteacher, delivers this preparatory programme, which helps to facilitate students throughout the application process. The detailed programme includes: • Visits to both universities; • Detailed analysis of the colleges – their strengths and ratio of applicants from private/state schools, and in different subjects; • Individual help - all students receive tailored advice; • Interview practice from retired Oxbridge staff and members of the Senior Leadership Team.

THE OPTION TO TAKE AN AS LEVEL IN A CREATIVE MEDICAL/VETERINARY/DENTISTRY PROGRAMME SUBJECT ALONGSIDE YOUR 3 A LEVELS We have a specific programme designed to support those At TGGS, we recognise that you might want more breadth who wish to pursue a career in a medically related field such in your curriculum choices; the option to study a creative as Medics, Vets, Dentists, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, subject as an AS level could provide an opportunity for you Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, Chemists, Opticians and to explore your more creative side. This will enable students to Midwives. The programme involves: continue studying their core 3 A level subjects, without having to give up a creative option. As a school, we are committed • Early guidance on the types of activities that would aid a to supporting students who wish to undertake an AS level in successful application; Drama, Art, Media Studies or Music, to support the holistic development of each individual; an ethos which underpins • Formal application preparation sessions with Dr Smith; our vision at TGGS Sixth Form. • The opportunity to undertake an Extended Project on a THE CAREERS PROGRAMME career-related subject; The careers programme we offer aims to give independent, • The opportunity to take critical thinking to improve impartial advice to all our students. performance in the BMAT, UKCAT & interviews; Some of its key components are: • Internal interview programme which includes up to three • Individual interviews with our own highly knowledgeable 1 to 1 interviews with Dr Smith. and approachable Careers Advisor, Mrs Tully and Mr Gordon Neighbour, our Head of Careers; We run a successful MEDSOC that enables students to research and discuss current medical and ethical scenarios • Access to UNIFROG – an online portal for both students in a problem solving setting. Last year we hosted Operating and parents giving full details on university courses Theatre Live at our school, a learning experience based throughout the UK, live apprenticeships and MOOCS around the dissection of real anatomical specimens in an (Massive Open Online Courses) on a wide range of operating theatre environment. subjects which students can complete free of charge; STUDYING ABROAD • Talks on non-university options after A Levels such as higher level degree apprenticeships; We encourage our girls to broaden their horizons in terms of considering where they will study after Sixth Form. We • Talks by university subject specialists; regularly invite speakers to talk to the students about studying in Europe and America as we feel it is important for them • Mock interview practice; to consider all options. The TGGS Sixth Form has become a more cosmopolitan and vibrant place due to the European • Support with work-experience placements throughout students who study with us for either a term or a full year. the Sixth Form. We feel that this is hugely beneficial for all of our students as we are promoting acceptance and understanding whilst • Visits by apprenticeship providers helping them develop as ‘global citizens’. Students are able to share ideas with each other, learn about different cultures, • Weekly newsletters from Mr Neighbour (Head of Careers) and speak new languages whilst forming strong friendships that will last a lifetime. One of our students, Rebecca Tinkler, gained places at Bath, Nottingham, Durham and York universities and was successful in gaining a prestigious fully paid scholarship at Emory University in the USA where she has chosen to study. She is an exceptional student but it does show that the support is here for students who want to study in America and elsewhere.

HOW SUCCESSFUL ARE WE? We are proud of the fact that for the last two years, at least 88% OUR RESULTS of students took up places at their first choice university. 64% of our students went to one of the prestigious universities in what is known as the Russell Group, and last year 100% of our Oxbridge applicants successfully gained a place. “The preparation and support for University applications was brilliant. The staff were fantastic at explaining the application process and were always there to answer any questions we had. When we actually put in our applications, the one-to-one sessions with my Personal Statement mentor were extremely useful, especially as I found this aspect of the application quite difficult. The support doesn’t stop as soon as the application goes in either, for those with interviews at their universities, lots of advice sessions and mock interviews were available, both of which I personally found very helpful, and I think did a good job at preparing me for my interviews.“ Katie, TGGS Student Our OUTSTANDING Sixth Form is ranked in the TOP 10% IN ENGLAND for Academic Progress and has been the best performing school in Torbay for A Level results for the last 10 years. (Source: Department for Education/Alps Data) Results at A2 in 2019: 72% of A Level grades were A* - B. 42% of grades were an A or better. Student Progress 2018 (Value Added Score) = 2.2 (Above Average) 2019 Score not yet available Extended Project results in 2019: For the Extended Project, 92% of grades were at A* - B; 52 projects were completed.

A LEVEL RESULTS 2019 Pass rate = 99% Number of girls: 91 A* & B = 72% Entries A* A B C D E U Biology 26 3 10 6 6 0 1 0 Business Studies 7 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 Chemistry 24 2 10 7 2 2 0 1 Computing (TBGS) 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Drama 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 Economics 18 2 4 7 3 2 0 0 English Literature 38 3 10 10 13 2 0 0 Fine Art 4 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 French 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Geography 24 4 9 10 0 1 0 0 German 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 History 20 1 9 9 0 1 0 0 Mathematics 32 5 9 8 5 2 3 0 Mathematics (Further) 5 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 Media Film &TV Studies 7 1 2 2 1 1 0 0 Philosophy 7 0 2 1 4 0 0 0 Physics 9 0 4 2 1 2 0 0 Politics 18 3 5 5 3 2 0 0 Psychology 22 2 5 4 7 1 3 0 Sport Studies 3 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 TOTALS 274 30 85 82 50 17 8 2

Listed are some examples of degree courses (this is by no means BEYOND A LEVELS an exhaustive list), together with the A Level subjects commonly required or expected. Not all higher education establishments have the same requirements, and very rarely is there no flexibility at all. On the other hand, if you apply with an unconventional combination of subjects for a particular course, you may put yourself at a disadvantage with respect to other applicants. Some A Level subjects will be listed as ‘Required’ and are essential and some listed as ‘Recommended’ and, although are not essential, may be qualifications held by the majority of people applying for that course. The most up to date information is usually on university websites and university Admissions Officers do not mind answering queries. A further consideration may be your proposed career direction beyond university. Some degree courses may lead to specific occupations while others are less ‘vocational’. You should be wary of letting this aspect totally determine your A Level subject choice and remember that the quality of both A Level passes and a degree are widely regarded as a measure of a set of skills which can be applied in any number of occupations. The majority of graduates rarely employ the information gained through their degree but do employ their cumulative skills. In other words, whilst you may want to keep an eye on the future, there is much to be said for choosing subjects in which you are interested and are likely to be successful. Therefore if you have any concerns about A Level course choices and their suitability, please make an appointment to see Mr Neighbour. NB. Sustained and relevant work experience may be a requirement for some courses. In addition, some university courses now require a 6 at GCSE in Maths/English and we advise you research this through UCAS. Students who study at TGGS are registered with Unifrog - an online portal providing daily updates on university courses and apprenticeship opportunities.

Animal Sciences Computer Science Geology / Geophysics Occupational Therapy Biology and Chemistry Maths and Further Maths, with Earth Sciences / A social science or Science preferred. Relevant work some preference for Physics. Palaeobiology / subject required for most experience is useful. STEP used by some universities Palaeontology courses. Archaeology as part of conditional offer. Maths/Science subjects Pharmacy History, Geography, English Dentistry usually required. Chemistry, Chemistry and one or two and/or a Science subject Chemistry plus Biology usually Geology, Maths and other Sciences usually may be preferred. 2 Sciences required. Another Science Physics often preferred. required. required for Archaeological subject may be required (For Palaeobiology / Philosophy / Science courses. or preferred. Evidence of Palaeontology courses Maths PPE - Philosophy, Politics and Anthropology manual dexterity must be often useful). Geography may Economics Biology, Economics and given (e.g. model-making or be accepted as an additional No specific subjects required. Geography preferred playing an instrument). Science for some courses. Maths can be useful for logic for some biological Drama/Theatre Studies History (and Economics) and an anthropological courses English and Theatre Studies History with 2 other Arts essay-based subject can give (Social Anthropology) may be required. Extensive subjects. A Science subject or evidence of ability to expand Architecture/ record of involvement in Modern Language may be on ideas. Architectural Engineering theatre productions often considered for a third A level. Physics Maths and/or Physics required required. Not all courses Law Physics and Maths (and or preferred for some courses. involve acting - you need A very high standard required Chemistry sometimes Art sometimes a requirement to check. You may also in 3 subjects. Preference for preferred). Further Maths and a portfolio of artwork is wish to apply through UCAS at least one essay based highly desirable for some often requested. Conservatoires – see Mr subject. (LNAT – the Law courses. Art / Design Neighbour for details of how National Admissions Test often Physiotherapy Art A level and portfolio of to do this. required – check course One or two Science subjects artwork required by many Economics websites). required. courses. You may choose to Maths and Economics may Materials Science Physical Education complete an Art Foundation be required or preferred. Maths, Physics and/or PE, Sports Science required for course prior to university. Check university websites Chemistry. some courses. May be useful Biochemistry / Biomedical carefully for other preferred Mathematics/Statistics to have studied Biology / Science / Genetics / subjects. Maths and Further Maths, Chemistry. Physiology Educational Studies preference given to Physics. Politics/International Relations Chemistry required. Biology A level in the main subject of STEP may be used. No subjects specified. Politics, usually preferred, one or choice required plus one or Medicine/Veterinary Science History or English useful. two Maths/Science subjects two other A levels. Chemistry and Biology Psychology required. Engineering required. Subject A Science subject sometimes Business and Management Maths and/or Physics usually requirements vary - check required. Look carefully at Courses/Accountancy required. Further Maths university websites carefully. individual course outlines - Maths is often essential or sometimes recommended. High grades, relevant work some more science-based desirable. There is a wide Some universities may use experience essential and an than others. Maths can also range of courses, some show STEP as part of conditional interview will be required. be useful. preference for Economics, offer. Additional admissions test Sociology Business Studies, Geography, English may also be required (BMAT, No subjects specified English or a Foreign English Literature required, UKCAT). Town and Country Planning Language. often two other Arts subjects. Music Geography may be specified. Chemistry / Environmental Science A level Music plus instrumental Zoology / Chemical Engineering One or two Science subjects grade usually required. Animal Science Two Science subjects are usually stipulated. Maths Natural Sciences Biology and Chemistry including Chemistry may be required. High grades in 3 Sciences preferred. (Chemistry, Physics and Geography (check individual course Maths is a good combination Geography with two other requirements). Maths useful as with Further Maths for some subjects. Maths or Science a fourth A level. courses). required for BSc. Always check University Admissions Criteria for the most up-to-date information

“I’ve never felt more at home. I am always pushed to achieve excellence, to reach my full TESTIMONIALS potential and to aim for the stars. Having been given ample opportunities, I can leave year 13 without any regrets. I am proud to say that moving to TGGS was the best decision that I have ever made” Bethany Gillson (joined us from Newton Abbot College) “With the support of my teachers and the high standard of teaching, this school has helped me fulfil my potential. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere has made the process of settling in and making friends much easier. I have really enjoyed my time here and look forward to facing the opportunity and challenges in the year ahead” Hanan Yonis (joined us from Westlands) The TGGS Sixth Form is an environment which has inspired me, as a young woman, to be confident and ambitious in all areas of life. My year on the Head Girl Team involved organising numerous whole-school events and taught me so many invaluable skills, such as leadership, teamwork and time-management, which I will take forward with me. The size of the Sixth Form means that the staff care about you as individuals, and I’ve received nothing but support and encouragement from the staff regarding my aspirations to go into theatre. If you want to study somewhere that will challenge you to be the best you can be and receive unwavering support along the way, I cannot recommend the TGGS Sixth Form highly enough! Ellie Finnerty (Deputy Head Girl 2017) “My time at TGGS Sixth Form was filled with opportunities, enrichment and laughter. The staff nurtured all the students and enabled us to learn in a safe and fun environment. Personally, I believe this time provided me with a platform to develop not only my academic skills, but also my confidence and self-belief, which was pivotal in me applying to and gaining a place at The University of Bath.” Britt Tonge (Britt is studying Modern Languages and European Studies at Bath) “Throughout my time in sixth form I was encouraged to grasp every opportunity; by far my biggest accomplishment was representing my school as Head Girl. This role endowed me with a plethora of skills and gifted me new passions, whilst simultaneously moulding me into the resilient woman I am today. Such academic and administrative rigor thoroughly prepared me for the highly competitive admissions process necessary for drama schools. I attribute my success to the wide-ranging opportunities I received at TGGS; I now feel fully equipped to take on a demanding, but rewarding, career in the Arts.” Laura-Jo Williams (Laura-Jo is studying American Theatre Arts at Rose Bruford College)

“The dedication and hard work of the teachers at TGGS is something that I will always be grateful for – they were always prepared to give up their time and go the extra mile for any student – in academic, pastoral or even careers help and guidance. Undoubtedly, this support enabled me to have the courage to apply for a legal apprenticeship – something I was uncertain about, however the support and open minded approach of TGGS sixth form was unbeatable and I am now loving the path that I have taken. I feel that attending TGGS sixth form has given me such a head start in my career, the hard work, drive and professionalism encouraged at school, has already been recognised by my managers and colleagues in the work place, and I put this down to the confidence, independence and passion for my work that sixth form at TGGS allowed me to develop. Student wellbeing is key to TGGS, and the memories and opportunities that sixth form gave me, are just as important to me as strong academic and vital skill set that TGGS encourage and grow with every student” Sophie Dumont (Legal Apprenticeship with Womble Bond Dickinson) “During my A Levels I was supported in taking, and engaging with, subjects I enjoyed on a more profound level. My teachers were always helping to cultivate a creative environment, where I was encouraged to develop my opinions and challenge conventional thinking. Many of the skills which were coached have been crucial in my transition to university, and beginning to think independently about our world and current events. The support I received from pastoral and teaching staff was excellent, and I was accommodated at every stage of my sixth form experience. The Sixth Form staff are always working to facilitate every girl’s needs, and create long-lasting relationships with the students, through their care and supervision. I believe the guidance and encouragement I received throughout my A Levels contributed hugely in helping me build the resilience and initiative to pursue new opportunities at university, and beyond.” Amelia Harkabuzik (Amelia is studying Management in Canada after an internship in New York) “TGGS is the most supportive, encouraging and transformative place to spend a crucial seven years of your life. You may occasionally end up standing in the middle of a river on Dartmoor picking up bed rock, skyping in a classroom with a group of Australian boys about a poetry collection, or performing as one of the Backstreet Boys in end of term entertainment, but these are all life-affirming events in their own right. The opportunities my friends from school and I have gained from the sense of drive and confidence instilled in us by the incredible teachers and students have led to, five years on, us having lived in various countries around the world, working and studying in places we first talked about the possibility of at school. I would recommend TGGS to anyone and everyone considering whether they want to go.” Sophie Cowling (English & American Studies Graduate now working in PR in London)

A Level Programme: YOUR CHOICE All students will embark upon a programme of three A Levels, however a fourth A Level may be accommodated within your timetable; this will be dependent on group sizes. The option of initially undertaking four subjects, may allow you to make a more informed decision about which three you will finally take examinations in and the option to study a creative subject as an AS level could provide an opportunity for you to explore your more creative side. As a school, we are committed to supporting students who wish to undertake an AS level in Drama, Art, Media Studies or Music, to support the holistic development of each individual. Enrichment: A wide range of enrichment opportunities are available to all of our students. This might include volunteering within the school community, joining the Head Girl team, leading the HUB scheme and mentoring lower school students, acting as academic ambassadors or form buddies, or within the wider community such as volunteering at Mayfield School, Torbay hospital and the Torbay Community Development Project. Other opportunities include achieving the Duke of Edinburgh award or participating in Ten Tors. Extended Project: The EPQ is worth more than an AS level and is regarded highly by universities. The qualification allows students to develop and implement a project of their own choosing, developing higher level thinking skills including scholarly research, analysis and the synthesis of ideas leading to a substantiated judgement, often in the form of a 5000 word essay. Critical Thinking: This course is delivered over 10 weeks and will focus upon developing skills of hypothetical reasoning, critical evaluation of sources and how to develop a justified argument. This course will complement the teaching of the Extended Project and will be very useful for university entrance tests such as the UKCAT and the LNAT.



O“ utstanding” - Ofsted Torquay Girls’ Grammar School 30 Shiphay Lane Torquay TQ2 7DY Telephone 01803 653 765 Email [email protected] Website www.tggsacademy.org