Curriculum

We understand how hard it can be to help your son or daughter make informed choices about their future.

Supporting you as parent/ carers through this time is really important to us here at The Harbour School.

Understanding the options available can help you feel confident in the support you give.

There are many options available, and we are here to help you navigate them.

Options for Post-16 Education and Training

All children in the UK must remain in education or training until at least their 18th birthday.

This can include:

  • A full-time place at a Sixth Form or College
  • An apprenticeship
  • A recognised training scheme, such as the Armed Forces
  • A part-time job or volunteering combined with a recognised national qualification

How to have the “What Do You Want to Do?” conversation

Supporting your child to understand their learning style and the best type of course for them is key. Consider these questions to prompt discussions:

  • Do you prefer traditional classroom-based learning (academic) or using practical skills with some learning in the workplace (vocational)?
  • Would you prefer to focus on one subject or take several subjects?
  • What’s your assessment preference? Mostly exams (A-Levels), some coursework, or a variety of assessments (vocational)?
  • How would you like your education to relate to an actual job or industry?

Choosing the right Post 16 environment

After determining whether an academic or vocational pathway is best, consider the learning environment:

  • School Sixth Form: More structured and centered around the school routine, with mostly classroom-based learning and support for learning and pastoral matters. May or may not require a uniform.
  • College: Greater independence from the start, with more choice on how to spend free lessons and less structured support, but accessible when sought. No uniform.
  • Apprenticeship: Combines employment in a real job with studying for a formal qualification, either in a training center or a college.

Exploring Sixth Form and Further Education Options

Please see below some of the most popular Sixth Form and Further Education settings in our local area, with links to view their Ofsted ratings and reports to help you gain insight into their performance:

Visiting Open Events

The best way to see which learning environment is best is to visit them. Supporting your son or daughter to register for and attend open events is key to making informed decisions. We will also ensure that they have opportunities to do this when they are in school.

Positive Ways to Engage Your Child

  • Show interest without going ‘over the top’
  • Use open questions that encourage discussion
  • Take small steps for planning and research, like signing up for the next open event or looking at a website together
  • Check in regularly, stay observant, and keep positive

Parents and carers often feel frustrated when their son or daughter’s ideas about their future change all of the time. Embrace this as a healthy, normal part of their development—being curious and adaptable is a fantastic career development skill that will support them throughout their lifelong career journey.

If you would like any support with this, please make contact with the school and we will ask a member of the team to make contact, to help you with this.