Worcester Sixth Form College

WSFC launch Peer Mentor Scheme 2016

At Worcester Sixth Form College we are trying to make the transition from school to College as easy as possible for our students by offering support in a variety of ways. The 'Peer Mentor' scheme, which was successfully piloted last year, provides practical one-to-one support for students who may be struggling with confidence issues or experiencing loneliness. The scheme has been extended and this year the Student Services' Counselling Team have trained twenty-one second year students as Peer Mentors. The students have covered a variety of topics in their training including understanding confidentiality, equality and diversity, active listening skills and record keeping. The College's lead Counsellor, Sam Ridout, supervises the Peer Mentors throughout the year. If it becomes apparent that counselling may be a more appropriate option, the student would be given the opportunity to access this at the College. This is also an amazing opportunity for the Peer Mentors themselves, as the scheme offers personal development and the chance to grow in confidence through their experience. Mentors will have the opportunity to develop and improve their communication skills, problem solving, self-esteem and empathy. Sam says: "It is hoped that this continues to be one of the many ways that Worcester Sixth Form College help our students settle into their course, make progress and achieve their potential, ultimately enabling them to make positive decisions for their future."

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EXAMINATION RESULTS: SUMMER 2016

The College's A Level pass rate of 99.2% (grades A*-E) continues to be significantly higher than the national average (98.1%). This is the fourteenth year running that it has been above 99%.

Of Worcester Sixth Form College's 600 A Level candidates this year:

595 (99.2%) gained at least one A Level;
84 (14.0%) gained 3 B grades or better;
22 students gained 3 A grades or better;
57 A* grades were achieved by 40 students;
42 subjects out of the 48 taken (87.5%) had a 100% pass rate.

Worcester Sixth Form College is the largest sixth form in Worcestershire (state or independent). These excellent results, achieved across entries in 48 subjects, are significantly above the national average, despite the fact that the College operates a truly comprehensive admissions policy, including a number of students who have not been allowed to enter local school sixth forms or have not succeeded in local independent schools.

Principal, Michael Kitcatt, said: "I am delighted with the excellent results that our students have achieved again this year. This is the fourteenth consecutive year that our A Level pass rate has been above national average and this is a tribute to the hard work of our students and the dedication and expertise of our staff."

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