16-19 Study Programme

All students at St Bernard’s are enrolled on a study programme, which typically combines qualifications and other activities, and is tailored to each student’s prior attainment and career goals. Students who immerse themselves in the life of the school, thrive. In addition to a strong academic base the study programme delivers valuable soft skills required for further study or the world of work. At St Bernard’s our study programmes combine the following elements:

1. Qualifications

Students are able to study a combination of 3 or 4 Level 3 courses at St Bernard’s including a range of A level subjects and Btec courses.

2. English and Mathematics

English and Mathematics are essential skills for the future. Students who have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4 in one or both of these subjects are supported in continuing their study to achieve this.

3. Careers Advice and Opportunities, UCAS guidance and Work Experience

A bespoke programme of Careers Education and Guidance is provided for our students, offering a range of experiences designed to prepare them for their options once they leave us. All students have the opportunity to have a Careers Guidance Interview with our Careers Coordinator in Years 12 and 13.

4. Personal Development and Enrichment

PSHE

All students receive a comprehensive series of Personal, Social and Health Education lessons throughout their time in Sixth Form. This covers a range of topics such as: study skills, first aid, gambling, sexism and misogyny, internet safety, danger of carrying weapons, mental health and wellbeing, dementia and FGM.

Religious Studies

In line with our school ethos, students also attend regular General Religious Studies lessons where they have opportunities to explore moral and ethical issues that come up in society today, such as euthanasia and crime and punishment. They also look at things that religious people take part in across different religions such as pilgrimage and festivals.

​​​​​​Tutor time

Students benefit from time as a group with their form tutors each morning where they complete a range of activities including a weekly quiz, discussion of current affairs, mentoring conversations, prayer and discussion of the theme of the week.