Heathfield Community College

Heathfield Sixth Form is part of an innovative and forward-thinking College. Ofsted described the College as a "great school" with an Outstanding Sixth Form. "“The school values of ‘Pride, Ambition, Community’ are lived out in daily life. Pupils flourish here. They are well mannered and polite. Staff set a high bar in terms of pupils’ conduct. Pupils feel happy and safe in this vibrant and nurturing school.” Our success is based on a strong sense of community, high expectations and mutual respect. This reflects our focus on ensuring students are happy, ambitious individuals who strive to achieve their full potential whilst also contributing to our safe and welcoming community.

Our Sixth Form has an established reputation for excellent results and high quality teaching and learning. We have committed and experienced staff who ensure students have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their courses. Our student’s success reflects our high expectations for achievement, conduct, and independent study, all of which are a necessity for meeting the demands of A Level study.

Sixth Form students have access to strong and effective pastoral guidance and support. The Sixth Form team, including a dedicated Director of Sixth Form, head of year, pastoral manager, study supervisor and administrator, are ably supported by coaches who are the first port of call for student’s needs. This support enables us to build positive relationships with students and for us to know them as individuals.

Further information about Heathfield Sixth Form is available at our Open Evening, through progression events or on our website. We look forward to working with you in the future.

Pastoral Support & Wellbeing

We are committed to delivering excellent pastoral care and support for students during their time with us.

Our Head of Year and Pastoral Manager are the key points of contact for students who require specific support with any issues that may impact on their studies or well being. They are trained in guiding students and signposting to recognised agencies and support networks.

Our Tutorial programme is developed to provide the necessary time to understand the skills needed to study at A Level and beyond. Built into this programme are opportunities to develop students independence, resilience, mental health and personal well being.

Through Tutorial students are able to develop positive working relationships with their Tutors who can provide day-to-day support and guidance.

Our Heathfield Experience booklet gives more of an insight into the College. We provided a well rounded experience to ensure students are supported to be successful academically but are also given experiences to allow them to have the required skills Post 18. 

Academic

We are consistently placed in the top 20% of Colleges nationally for student progress. Annually c. 30% of grades at A*-A with 55-60% of grades being A*-B. A number of our students successfully complete the EPQ qualification. 

Support

Through dedicated sessions in PSHEE and an embedded tutorial programme students receive guidance all through their time with us. This is pastorally, academically and for all options regarding progression. We get to know our students well and, because of this, we are able to offer tailored support and guidance.

Wider Experience

We offer dedicated enrichment periods in Year 12 for students to participate in a range of activities from food technology to crafts. Other opportunities including Sixth Form social events (bowling, bingo, charity fundraising) and subject trips further enhance students programmes. 

Community

We are proud of our Sixth Form and how they work together and with the wider community at the College. Students volunteer as subject LSA's, mentor Year 7 students and also support at College events. 

Citizen Card

If you are under 19, you can use this card to buy an East Sussex Freedom bus ticket for £17.50 from the bus driver. This ticket gives you unlimited travel on almost any bus in East Sussex for seven days in a row, including weekends. Applications can be made online, follow the link below. 

The Unique Code for Heathfield CC applications is – HEA63F 

When asked to choose your verifier, please select either Sarah Jackson or Karen Reed. 

www.citizencard.com/e-form 

Please note that Choice ID cards will no longer be accepted by bus drivers. 

College Run Transport Service 

We offer two bus routes which are College run alongside the transport offer from East Sussex County Council. The two set routes are outlined below: 

Battle/Robertsbridge Route :

Robertsbridge
Sedlescombe
Battle Station
Battle Abbey 

St. Leonards Route:

St. Leonards
Brede
Cripps Corner 

Information on these routes and the associated costs are available from the College. 

Other Transport Information 

If you have any queries regarding the College run transport services, or those offered by East Sussex County Council, please contact the College and we can direct your query to the relevant person. 

Facilities

We are a large College with excellent facilities. Students have access to a breath of specialist teaching rooms and equipment to meet the standards required at Post 16.

Alongside our teaching rooms are dedicated Sixth Form spaces. This includes our Study Room which is specifically designed for students to work independently. This space is supervised by the Sixth Form team and gives students access to the necessary resources to support good quality independent work. Students also have access to the College library for quiet study and access to ICT.

The Sixth Form Common Room is a more informal study space during the College Day. It is also the dedicated space for students to purchase refreshments at Cafe Six.

Enrichment & Opportunities

Mentoring

Every student in Year 12 mentors a Year 7 student for one morning a week during tutor time. Students meet to have conversations about learning along with offering advice about transitioning to a new school. Both groups of students find this a rewarding experience and it allows all students to feel part of the wider community. There are also opportunities to support younger year groups in specific subjects and also in our Learning Support Department to help them achieve and make progress.

Super Curricular

We acknowledge the importance of students developing their wider skills and awareness of the subjects that they are studying. This can involve independent work outside the classroom or trips and visits to engage students.

Charity and Fundraising

Sixth Form students actively raise money for charity and other events that take place during the year. This includes ‘Think Pink’, ‘Red Nose Day’ and ‘Children in Need’. Students who are passionate about specific charities can also discuss their ideas with the Sixth Form team.

Leadership Opportunities

Our College has a large number of Leadership Programmes. These are supported by Sixth Form students and allow for students to achieve internal accreditation for their leadership skills. Current opportunities include: Radio Heathfield, Heathfield TV, Sports Coaching, The Vine (our College newspaper), along with getting involved in Student Council.

Extra Curricular

Students have established and led sporting events and we have links with other local Colleges to run sports competitions along with quizzes and debates. Students can also participate in the whole College drama and music performances and take part in trips such as the popular Sixth Form Ski Trip.

Wealden Cup

We collaborate with other local colleges in the Wealden area to compete in a wide range of different activities. This includes sport, debating or subject specific competitions. All of these opportunities allow students to develop wider networks along with providing opportunities to continue to expand their knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.

Courses & Entry Requirements

As a Sixth Form College we offer a broad range of academic courses. Students have the opportunity to discuss course choices and future pathways with teachers and current students at our Open Evening. Throughout the application process further advice and guidance can be given at interview or by contacting the Sixth Form Team.

When deciding upon courses, students are encouraged to think carefully about what they enjoy studying and how they like to learn. It is also important to consider future aspirations and whether certain courses are required to give access to further qualifications or employment.

Considering current strengths and being honest about weaknesses is also vital in ensuring the course selection will result in success long term. It is important to read all the subject information thoroughly so when final decisions are made there is a full understanding with what is involved in the course.

Students who pursue courses in which they are actively engaged are significantly more likely to succeed. There is also substantial evidence demonstrating the need for a future workforce skilled in the creative arts, social sciences and humanities as well as the sciences. A few university courses demand specific A levels, but many have no subject requirements – only grade requirements.

Entry Requirements

Our minimum entry requirements are set to ensure students are fully prepared for the demands of A Level study. A number of our courses also have additional entry requirements. These can be found in our Course Guide available on the College website.

Minimum Entry Requirements

To study three Level Three courses and an optional EPQ students must achieve:

• 6 Grade 4+ at GCSE including GCSE English Language at Grade 4 GCSE Mathematics at Grade 4

Students wishing to study four A Levels can discuss this with the College at interview. Students will need to achieve at least 6 Grade 7+ including English and Maths.

Courses

All courses are Level Three. Please note courses will run based on sufficient interest at application. The final course offer will be agreed following the application deadline.

Extended Project

The Extended Project is well recognised by Universities as it supports the transition between A Level and degree. At Heathfield we offer an EPQ in Design and Technology which is completed through Year 12 and must be opted for at application. All other EPQ’s are opted for at the end of Year 12.