St Brendan's Sixth Form College

Our View

Welcome to the real student world! More of Bristol's young adults see this as the right compromise between school and university or work. Staff strike us as in tune with this age group and whole place buzzes. A great place to make friends and learn independent study skills. University would be less of a cultural shock after two years here.

Principal

Since January 2010, Ms Ann Barrow (fifties), who joined St Brendan's nine years earlier as vice principal. Ms Borrow taught chemistry in various state schools, then, after a brief spell at Foster's School for boys in Sherborne, she moved to Strode College in Street as head of maths, science and engineering. Finally, before coming to St Brendan's, she was head of general education for GCSEs and A levels at Strode.

Academic Matters

College offers three levels of post-16 study: as well as level three (A levels), a small number of level one courses caters for the most educationally disadvantaged; fifteen level two courses in a wide range of subjects provide the equivalent to four GCSEs at grades A*-C. We met one girl who had completed the DIDA course (an ICT based course using eight different software packages) and was now doing three A levels, having joined college with poor GCSEs from a failing Bristol secondary. The City and Guild CAD course provides a back-up for A level design students whilst other level two courses including BTec First Diplomas in art and design, business, health and social care, media, music technology, public services.

Much wider range of AS and A2 courses (currently approaching fifty) than you would find in a school sixth form, with every opportunity to mix and match. Principal commented on how even medical schools now appreciate entrants with unusual subjects alongside the expected ones. A and AS results above national average with growing number achieving four or more A grades (11 in 2008). Top sociology student out of 60,000 UK candidates in 2006. In 2009, 76 per cent A-C grades overall, with particularly good A/B percentages for science and maths – 60 per cent in maths, 77 per cent in further maths, 52 per cent in chemistry and 71 per cent in physics. Over 60 per cent A/B grades in German and Spanish too.

Annual visit to 'Your Future in Europe' conference in Paris for honours students who are expected to study a minimum of four AS and A2 subjects; take AS critical thinking as an additional AS level plus advanced extension awards. Now offers the AQA Bacc, which includes an extended project and personal development, eg community service, alongside A levels and AS critical thinking.

Being taught the 'spiritual journey' and 'preparation for working life' aspects of the core programme in 'honours' groups is making a marked difference to student performances and aspirations, claim staff.
Growing learning support team helps in or outside lassroom and includes 18 LSAs. All students have access to learning support and almost half of the student population take up the opportunity in some way. Two hundred of these students have regular support or exam entitlements. Stair lifts also installed. Recognised by Connexions as preferred post-16 centre for learning support. High percentage achieve better grades than predicted. Students praised support they've received – one African girl we met explained how she is now able to progress properly after getting extra English through the ESOL programme.

Games, Options, the Arts

The football and rugby pitches in front of the college may hark back to former days but college still fields strong teams in football and rugby. A new building containing sports hall, fitness suite and dance studio provides modern facilities where participation in health and fitness is encouraged.

Lots of demand for creative courses such as photography, fashion and textiles with some stunning displays. Lots of studio space for art and design with more excellent work and a newly refurbished design and technology suite has extensive computerised facilities. State of art music department caters for all styles and levels as well as production and studio engineering. Drama students were fully involved when we visited and share studio space with dance. Lots of dynamic overlap, especially for productions. Film students very innovative and even have their own 'Oscars' evening at college.

Activities, visits and sports rely heavily on student organisational input. Surprisingly varied programme given the logistical difficulties of getting people together outside lesson time. What runs is well supported but students here also get to enjoy hanging out with peers. Atmosphere encourages making new and lasting friends – more like what students will experience at university. Active student union organises parties and charity fund-raising and has a voice on the college's governing body.

Background and Atmosphere

Founded in 1890 as a boys' independent school run by the Christian Brothers, it later achieved direct grant status before emerging as a co-educational, Catholic sixth form college in 1979. Currently a hodgepodge of buildings – some date back many years (about to be demolished) others (such as social sciences and creative studies) already state of art, purpose-built facilities. Building programme 'will lend a new coherence' says principal and reconstruction was planned not to impede the working life of the college.

First names used throughout college; dress varies widely but errs on side of comfortable. We were impressed by the self-imposed silence in library area which includes a lot of computer spaces and remains open until 5pm. There is an internet café/IT work area adjacent to student canteen where a staff member is on hand whenever there is a need; other ICT suites around college. Increased numbers are placing a heavy demand upon these work stations. Flexible auditorium with raked seating for about two hundred provides performance and lecture space. Assemblies held here to celebrate Christian festivals with extra masses in chapel for Catholic students.

Pastoral Care and Discipline

Parents rate highly pastoral system which keeps a tight rein on attendance and progress. Role of student support managers is pivotal: each has five tutorial groups (about 150 students) whom they see for three 45 minute periods a week. In cases of poor work or behaviour students can be placed 'on contract'. Retention over year is 94 per cent which is high compared with FE institutions. All follow core programmes in life skills and a 'spiritual journey' course (non-sectarian and popular with students as an opportunity to explore their values and beliefs). Careers form important part with a rolling programme of fairs, visits, speakers etc as well as HE advice and an excellent resource base. Qualified counsellors also on hand to meet both referred and self-referred students. Catholic chaplain's role is separate from spiritual journey course; chapel is used for a wide variety of purposes.

Airy student canteen spoilt by failure of majority to clear up after themselves. Healthy options available but no salad bar yet and many go for greasy spoon choices it seems.

Pupils and Parents

Only about thirty per cent are Catholics but college is favoured choice of a number of other Christian churches in Bristol. Fifteen per cent ethnic minorities ('more Muslim girls would come if there were a direct bus,' says principal). Being part of Bristol's southeast area partnership alongside City of Bristol (FE) College has opened the doors to many more non-Catholics. Usual choice for Catholics from Bristol and Bath Catholic collegiate for which it is the only denominational post-16 option. Increasing uptake from ex-independent school pupils. Decision by First Bus to offer a student ticket which can be used for any journey in city has proved extremely popular.

Entrance

Impressive, university style prospectus makes task of selecting courses much easier. About 27 per cent of entrants come from Catholic collegiate schools where they are interviewed prior to admission and meet student ambassadors from St Brendan's. Parents generally like to attend these meetings and are welcomed. Remainder are interviewed at college. Over seventy feeder independent and state schools covering area between West Wiltshire and North Somerset.

Exit

Majority proceed to wide range of degree courses including seven to Oxbridge in 2009. Many to vocational and arts related courses. Some into employment.