Welfare & Support

We pride ourselves on the pastoral support and guidance we give as we are a small Sixth Form, but this allows us to get to know all our students individually, giving every student the opportunity to flourish.

We provide a college atmosphere in which students can feel safe and secure. Students are supported by subject teachers and the Sixth Form Team, being guided every step of the way through to success at the end of their study programme with us, whether that be one year of GCSEs or two years of A Level courses.

Students at HP6 come from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and a range of differing nationalities. Good manners and mutual respect are promoted, as that is additional education in itself in learning to live with and respect one another. We encourage a supportive and kind atmosphere.  

We have opportunities for students to take part in team work activities and there is a great sense of camaraderie amongst the Sixth Form, which fosters self-confidence and self-belief.  

Whether we see Sixth Form students acting as mentors to younger pupils, serving refreshments in the student run Snack Shack or helping out at an after-school sports activity, there are always opportunities for all students to get involved with something. All the extra activities students take part in outside of the classroom are great to add into a CV or UCAS application in readiness for next steps.

Good pastoral support for our students also requires us to share information between staff where deemed necessary. This cohesive approach of working together, in the best interest of students, allows us to have shared understanding of individual student pastoral and support needs.

Key members of staff are available for students to speak with for any issue, concern or problem, whether that be in or out of college.  

Young people come to counselling for lots of different reasons, such as: 

• Sadness, depression, unhappiness, loneliness 
• Difficulties with family and/or peer relationships 
• Anger 
• Worries about college or work 
• Concerns about sex or sexuality 
• Use of alcohol and/or drugs 
• The illness or death of someone close to them 
• Experience of sexual, physical or emotional abuse 
• Self harm. 
• Suicidal thoughts 

Students can request a referral to our Student Welfare Team, who can offer a series of supportive, safe and confidential sessions talk to through anything that is making them worried or upset, or any difficult thoughts they may be having. The sessions remain confidential unless we believe someone is at risk of coming to serious harm. We also initiate discussions with parents, carers, teachers or tutors, which students may be finding difficult to do themselves.

No matter how small the issue may seem, all students can contact the Student Welfare Team. Students can email the team direct: yourspace@hovepark.org.uk

All students have a Tutor who will meet regularly with each student in their tutor group, in 1:1 sessions as part of our Learning for Life programme. This supports academic and personal progress, advising on career and University choices. Mr Wickens and Mrs Cox are always available for additional advice and support, and the Sixth Form Team closely monitor and track the progress of each student. The Sixth Form Office is located just off the Common Room, giving students easy access to speak to staff whenever they need to.

Throughout the academic year, parents and carers are kept informed of student progress through Subject Consultation Evenings, written reports and also phone calls home or meetings in college where necessary. 

 

Teachers report progress grades once every half term, which allows the Sixth Form Team to implement additional learning support if needed.

Students can apply for financial support through our Bursary Fund. Hove Park Sixth Form is responsible for determining the eligibility of applicants for financial support from this fund and for deciding the amount each student should receive. This fund is used to help students who face genuine financial barriers to attending college. It cannot be awarded for costs unrelated to course studies. We aim to distribute the funds fairly with regard to the needs of each individual Bursary applicant. Bursary funding can make all the difference to a student’s studies e.g. paying for bus/train fare, getting all text books/revision guides provided for your courses, paying for course trips, having an iPad/laptop to support learning, getting other equipment needed for your course (for example a camera for photography or materials for a graphic design course). Students eligible for Bursary funding are also given a rucksack and stationery starter pack.