Edinburgh Academy
educating the individual
Personally Tailored Teaching
Personal & Social Development in the Senior Years
Sixth Form
In PSD we aim to raise some of the issues that are directly relevant to the 16-18 year old age group. There is a structured programme, with in-built flexibility so that topics of interest can be addressed as required. The programme seeks to be responsive to pupil needs.
Inevitably, preparation for life beyond school is the underlying theme. Much of what is done in PSD in the fields of Education for Work and Further Education can be considered to be an integral part of our Careers Education programme.
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Class Tutors
At The Academy, we believe that pastoral links with students are of critical importance, whether they be formally or informally structured. For the two years through 6ths and 7ths, each student is part of a tutor group of around fourteen in size.The Class tutor delivers the PSD programme to this group, one period each week, as well as steering the students through the process of applying to University or College or moving onto the work-place.
In each term of 6ths and 7ths, time is dedicated to student self-evaluation and target setting, with an eye firmly on progress and likely attainment in the public exams. Time spent 1:1 with Class teacher and Student is a key aspect of this. |
PSD Topics
6ths Autumn |
7ths Autumn |
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As a 6th Form Class represents a new pupil grouping, initially with a mixture of new and existing Academy pupils, time is spent early in the Autumn Term on the adjustments to 6th Form, and getting to know the new tutor group.
The pupils generally have a full programme of academic subjects and extra-curricular activities, and thus the skills required for effective time management and prioritising are addressed.
Speakers from University and from a Year-Out provider prompt pupils to start thinking early about steps beyond school. Issues of gender/equality and healthy lifestyle are raised with all pupils. |
The Autumn Term is dominated by the UCAS procedures (University applications). The Classteachers work closely with their pupils, guiding and advising them on choices, as well as the application process. Outside speakers and in house guidance is given on the writing of the Personal Statement and the completion of the UCAS form. Time is also allowed for practicing interview technique.
In addition to this, pupils are given a presentation on Blood Transfusion Service, and this is followed up by trips to the transfusion Unit. Pupils who have completed their UCAS form also use the time to work with younger pupils in PSD as part of our Mentoring system. Time is also allowed for pupils to work with younger classes on the school‘s Charity Fund Raising programme. |
6th Spring |
7th Spring |
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In the Spring Term, we start by addressing revision and exam techniques in the build up to Higher/AS prelims. The emphasis then moves more towards education for work and study beyond school, with a further presentation from a Year Out provider followed by speakers from industry and commerce. Pupils are then briefed on how to put together their CV, and then produce their own in PSD time.
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In the Spring Term, A2/AS modules occur in January, and hence the PSD
slot is used at the discretion of the Classteacher, addressing revision
techniques if the need is there.
Time is dedicated to preparation for life away from home: pupil finance and budgeting are addressed, as is the general topic of student lifestyle. Time is also given to 7ths pupils for the planning and coordination of their Yearbook and Leavers Ball. |
6th Summer |
7th Summer |
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In Summer, the Higher and A-Level exam schedule dominates much of the 6th
Form timetable, but in PSD we do address Interview skills (practice
interviews are currently given to all pupils after the summer exams).
Finally, the issues and procedures for University/College choice and
application are introduced (with an evening for parents in June), and
pupils use PSD time to use an in-house Careers Workbook which leads them
through decision making for post-school options. |
In the Summer term, Higher and Alevel exams dominate once again, but time is dedicated to forward planning and the exploration alternative strategies on leaving school should exam results be different from expectations.
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