Mentoring that Matters

The level of support offered to our students is second to none, whether it be personal or learning support that is required.

On a personal level, our pastoral manager is able to help, linking up with external agencies where appropriate. She is also our initial contact for volunteering in the community.

Our study supervisor is available to facilitate independent learning. Careers guidance being one of her areas of expertise, she is also able to offer advice and assist students applying for apprenticeships.

Every sixth form student has a personal mentor, who will guide them through their time in the sixth form via group as well as one-to-one sessions.  Year 12’s also receive an individual interview that prepares the students to be able to articulate their aspirations, demonstrate what they have done and describe why their personal qualities and abilities will enable them to be successful at a particular university course, apprenticeship or job

The mentor programme is designed to support students’ learning and their onward progression, whether it be into higher education or employment. In addition, there are three PSHCEe days per year, which have a wider focus.

Potentially high achieving students may be offered additional activities such as the Raising Opportunities programme and the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and/or the United Learning University Fellowship programme which aims to ensure that capable students gain access to the top universities.

Additional Mentor Period Support (in addition to Mentor meetings)

VESPA

We use the VESPA system, which draws together current thinking from psychology, business and sport to inspire, motivate and support students ensuring they achieve their full potential. It aims to cut through the noise surrounding character development to discover common behaviours and characteristics that all students need to be successful. For more information, go to: https://www.vespamindset.com/

We pride ourselves on the personal attention and high level of assistance given to our applicants in the run up to their UCAS deadline using the UCAS Tracker and a dedicated UCAS Co-ordinator.

Beginning their HE research early in year 12 with the support of their mentors, students make use of online resources such as the Aspirations Programme and Unifrog to increase awareness of their personal strengths and preferences as well as the opportunities available to them.

In Spring all Level 3 Year 12 students attend the Sussex UCAS Convention for which widening participation officers from Chichester University help them prepare.  Follow up sessions assist with the narrowing down of course and university choices. In summer the focus is on writing that all-important personal statement, while Student Finance England will address your financial concerns in September when the application process begins in earnest.

Apprenticeship Support and Guidance

At Shoreham Academy, if a student decides that an apprenticeship is the best post-18 pathway for them, we will fully support them with their choice. We do this in different ways:

1. All Information found on VLE Firefly click here which explains what apprenticeships are and how to apply.

2. We advertise local vacancies and support careers both within the sixth form and virtually through our VLE. We connect  students with opportunities such as the ones shown here

3. We advertise apprenticeships related events and host presentations from West Sussex County Council representatives delivered by external speakers and current apprentices

4. We have a dedicated apprenticeship board with vacancies and useful information which is regularly updated

5. We provide one-to-one support with both their personal mentor and a qualified careers advisor to help support students to research potential apprenticeships

6. We hold employability week in year 12, in which we provide interview practice for all students. This is tailored to each students chosen destination be it higher education, employment or an apprenticeship

7. We provide compulsory work experience and support for all students with their applications, CV, cover letters and interview preparation.

8. We also provide external speakers such as West Sussex County council to our Open Evening for year 11 students to meet and discuss options.