​​Office: 01603 497767
 sixthformtsa@yare-edu.org.uk

iAspire

Some of our students show a particular aptitude for academic work, and enjoy the challenge of intellectual exploration.  This becomes particularly apparent in the GCSE years, and on into the Sixth Form.  

We work to support these students through our “iAspire’’ programme.

Since so many of our students go on to university, and often to some of the country’s top ranking institutions, we aim to support them from as early as Year 10 so that they have the power of choice.

We want our students to make the right decisions for them, so we aim to provide them with a variety of opportunities. Working closely with the Norfolk Higher Aspirations Scheme (HAS), students are encouraged to explore their subjects outside the classroom. Online lectures and onsite visits with leading universities,  group meetings and educational visits allow students to share their experiences in a more informal setting and further develop their understanding of future study and careers within their chosen specialisms.

Our iAspire programme and its linked staff members run a range of programmes to encourage the students to take advantage of all the opportunities that could be available.  Applications to CHAS (Cambridge High Aspiration Scheme) and Oxford’s Fibonacci, Floreat and Frontier programmes are popular. Students can take advantage of our in-school  and online medic seminars.  Students are also allocated expert tutors in Upper Sixth  who are skilled in supporting young people with their applications to Russell group institutions and medical based degrees.

We encourage students to think carefully about their A Level choices, guided by the advice being promoted by the Universities (and by Oxford and Cambridge in particular). We then work closely with our link colleges, Balliol in Oxford, and Gonville and Caius in Cambridge, to signpost learners to the full range of experiences that will help them with their applications.  Mock interviews are also held, alongside individual advice on UCAS applications, which support learners to realise their future aspirations.

The widening participation scheme at both universities, plus those offered by the UEA, also contribute to the school’s work with academically able students who are from families that have not previously accessed university education.

The school’s Science department and Sixth Form Team work with aspiring doctors, dentists and veterinary surgeons to help them with the application process that is unique to their chosen career pathway.

Our work is accessed through the Google classroom and half-termly meetings.  Older students are provided with additional learning opportunities to mentor younger members of the iAspire community. Examples of this have included: revision tips, examination preparation and university application experiences.