Frome College Open Evening

The Frome College Sixth Form open evening saw a huge crowd in their campus, the Merlin Theatre, on the night of Wednesday 4th November.

Jane Davis, college communications officer reported, “The evening opened with head boy Fynn McLennan, head girl, Adrianna Seviour, year 12 students Charleigh Mustow and Ben Manning  speaking to the audience about their experiences ‘jumping up’  from GCSE to A-level, and the excellent leadership team support network at college to make that transition smooth and giving the students a ‘voice’.

“They said how fortunate they felt having the purpose-built sixth form block to study in which helps them focus and gives a good attitude to learning to support the expectation to act like adults.

“The audience listened to them explain about the induction day which is important to help make the right option choices, the study periods to work in and cover homework, the large amount of trips on offer to support the courses chosen, with a huge variety of extra-curricular activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

“Principal, Gavin Ball followed with a talk about ‘what’s on offer’ at Frome College, and with over 400 students in the sixth form, it enables us to offer the widest choice of subjects in the area.

“He spoke proudly about how focused the college is on teaching, choice, challenge and the high expectations to ensure that students meet their goals in their education at the same time as promoting ‘conceptual thinking’ to work alongside other agencies and community to ensure individuals have a rounded and positive experience with the best outcomes and essential life skills.

“He said that the college is proud to have a great care plan for all students, starting with their tutor programme and working with a network of welfare and intervention staff to help and support individuals if needed.

“The college is already working hard to put in place the new three subjects A-level system with exams at the end, and offering tailor-made courses including the EPQ research project and qualifications to run alongside other options, ensuring that the right students are in the right courses and choosing the right paths with something for everyone.

“He introduced Dr Andrew Ross from the University of Bath, who works very closely with Frome College who attended to speak about the two-year ‘On track to Bath’ programme open to sixth form students to support them going on to university.

“Vice-principal, Bruce Hain introduced the sixth form team members and their roles and the focus being on achievement, hard work, attitude to learning, the importance of attendance,  good teaching, the careers, apprenticeship and UCAS support available and the 1-2-1 mentoring programme.

“Dr David Smith, who has recently been recruited to the sixth form team to cover maternity leave, spoke about the caring tutor team at the college and how important it is to build relationships between the staff and students.

“Student guides were on hand to escort the audience around the site to see displays of art and music, speak to staff in all subject areas, and to meet the sixth form team and discuss any questions or to find out information on courses.

“If you were unable to attend the evening, please contact Lindsay O’Connell on 01373 469014 to arrange a tour of the college.  The sixth form course guide is on our website: www.fromecollege.org/post16/course-guides ”