The Head of College Reports
26th January 2023
We are almost half-way through our first half term of 2023 and we have had a busy yet productive start to the year.
From the first day back in January, Year 12 and 13 BTEC students were completing external examinations. It was lovely to observe students working together to revise topics, themes and key terminology in preparation for these examinations. We have been extremely impressed with their determination, resilience and independence during this period. Year 13 students have 17 weeks or 14 weeks of college (with holidays removed) before the summer exam season begins so we are thrilled to see that they are forming revision groups and trying out a range of recall strategies.
It has been a particularly exciting time for many of our Year 13 students who have been sharing news about university interviews and offers, whilst others continue to work on their UCAS applications. With a mid-January deadline, Mrs Reed and Mr Dale have been working tirelessly to provide guidance to our students and we are delighted that so many more have made the decision to move on to higher education.
University is just one career pathway available for post-18 options and we look forward to the National Apprenticeship Week at the end of this half-term. This week-long event focuses on how apprenticeships can help develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career. Students at Sigma Sixth will be able to meet with apprentices and apprenticeship employers throughout the week and receive individualised support with applications. Career support clinics will continue beyond this week for those still undecided about their future pathway.
A few weeks ago our Year 12 Duke of Edinburgh cohort ventured out on a chilly hike around Harwich. Whilst the conditions were tough (-1 deg C in the sunshine) spirits remained high and the teams successfully completed the exercise that will go towards their silver award. Mr Dale, our DofE leader was proud of their achievements and looks forward to the next event where they will be completing their final practice expedition in Thetford Forest which is scheduled for next term.
We are currently in the middle of our post-16 application season and it has been wonderful to meet and speak with so many prospective students from both CCHS and across Tendring to discuss the courses they would like to pursue and their future career plans. The students we have spoken with have been most knowledgeable about complementary subjects and the requirements of higher education and employment. We look forward to welcoming these prospective students back to our campus in the summer for our induction day.
As ever, the Sigma Sixth calendar is very busy for the rest of the year and I look forward to sharing successes, achievements and further information as we progress through the spring term.
Sarah McKarry, Head of College
15th September 2022
We have now completed almost two weeks back at Sigma Sixth and I wanted to write and update you on the start to the new academic year at our college.
All students have settled back well and the new cohort have done an amazing job of adapting to new systems. Learner behaviour around the college has been impeccable, the quality of teaching and learning is excellent and the sense of common purpose and desire to learn is clear for all to see.
Student attendance has started out strong and it is vital that this continues throughout the term. Students who frequently miss lessons can quickly fall behind and, without doubt, there is a strong link between good attendance and achieving good results. Any student failing to meet expectations in regards to attendance will be supported as outlined in the ‘Sigma Sixth Support Strategy’ which can be found in the student handbook. If you know in advance that your child will be absent, please email: sixthform@cchs.school or if your child is suddenly unable to come into college due to illness or some other personal difficulty, please email or call on 01255 424266 before 9.00am.
At Sigma Sixth we have a wide programme of extra-curricular activities, which include The Duke of Edinburgh award, Bar Mock Trial, Student Council, Eco-club and Debate Team. Our extra-curricular programme provides students with a chance to experience new opportunities, to both broaden their education outside of the classroom and compliment university and job applications; please encourage your child to get involved. The extra-curricular programme is on our website and updated regularly.
Our campus café opens for breakfast at 8.30am and remains open until after lunch to offer students a range of high-quality food and drink, with a lively and yet relaxed atmosphere. Options include grab and go items for takeaway, pizza, paninis and sandwiches, and a regularly changing lunchtime menu of hot meals. Card and cash payments are accepted.
Sarah McKarry, Head of College