AcademicIbstock inspires curious thinkers who share a thirst for knowledge. With a learning journey as unique as each pupil, we unlock each child’s potential and provide an education that nurtures academic rigour and inquiry. At each stage throughout the school, our pupils are supported and challenged so that they can confidently navigate our modern and globalised world. |
Zoe JarvisDeputy Head (Academic) |
Outstanding teaching for ambitious learning
We are committed to providing outstanding teaching for ambitious learning.
Delivering this is a team of teaching staff who are passionate about creating a stimulating, supportive and joyful environment.
Our pupil-centred approach ensures there are opportunities for all to strive for the next level.
Our teaching draws upon expert approaches and strategies to engage young minds.
With a continued awareness of research and developments in teaching and learning, our framework supports deep learning, the acquisitions of effective study habits and the flexibility for pupils to explore.
The excellence that we regularly see in the classroom is reflected in performance in external examinations, whilst the host of accolades which our pupils gather in other arenas shows the confidence and engagement that their Ibstock education inspires.
Our Curriculum
Informed by expertise and based on core academic principles, we give our Sixth Formers the breadth and focus to discover and develop their passions.
| Extended Project Qualification |
|---|
|
Although academic subjects lie at the heart of the Sixth Form academic curriculum, we recognise that universities and employers demand more from today’s young people. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides breadth and helps our Sixth Formers to develop skills of critical thinking and independent learning through the production of a piece of extended writing on a topic of their own choosing. |
| English Speaking Board |
|
At Ibstock, we value oracy. The skills required for clear oral communication and presentations to audiences are vital both at university and in the world of work. We provide the opportunity for Lower Sixth Form pupils to develop such skills, including those required to chair a meeting, by preparing for the English Speaking Board’s Level 3 Certificate in Speech. Lower Sixth Form pupils are encouraged to read and research beyond their core subjects in order to broaden their knowledge base and provide the material and topics for their presentations and group discussions. |
| Community Outreach |
|
For pupils taking three A-Levels, one afternoon a week is devoted to our impressive Community Outreach programme. Pupils will choose from a range of volunteering opportunities available to them including. You can find out more about Ibstock's community partnerships here. |
| Independent Study Periods |
|
The Sixth Form timetable includes Independent Study Periods, to help Sixth Formers to use non-structured time productively, and develop this important time-management skill for University and future careers. |
| Foundations Programme |
|
We believe that promoting the health and wellbeing of our young people is an important part of their overall education. We do this through the personal, social, health and emotional (PSHE) curriculum which we call the Foundations Programme. Our Foundations Programme covers many topics, including sessions around relationships, physical/emotional health and wellbeing, futures and the skills needed to live in the wider world. The aim of our Foundations curriculum is to help pupils make safe and informed decisions during their school years and beyond. Foundations is taught as a timetabled lesson and during our termly ‘Tutorial Days’. |
Facilities Designed to inspire
Our facilities are designed with young people in mind, providing independent study spaces and inclusive socialising spaces.
| The Library |
|---|
|
The expansive glass-fronted Library is arranged over two floors and is a haven for independent study and reading. Overseen by our specialist Librarian, it boasts an impressive and diverse collection alongside subscriptions to online journals and periodicals, and has extended opening hours before public examinations to provide a quiet place to study. |
| The Mezzanine |
|
Ibstock’s impressive modern wood-panelled Refectory has won two RIBA awards and is used for assemblies, performances daily lunches. Sixth Formers have exclusive use of the lunch area on the Mezzanine floor of the Refectory, which is devoted to quiet study outside of lunch breaks. |
| Sixth Form Café |
|
The Sixth Form Café on the first floor of the Refectory is for Sixth Form use only. It is spacious, airy and well equipped with PCs lining the room. The café is open 9.00am to 11.00am and 2.00pm - 3.30pm daily, with all purchases made on your tuck card. |
| Sixth Form Common Room |
|
The newly-refurbished Sixth Form Common Room area on the top floor of Main House is a haven for Sixth Form pupils. With kitchen facilities, dedicated study spaces and room to socialise with friends. |
| The Theatre |
|
Ibstock’s magnificent main theatre comprises a stage, auditorium and gallery with seating for up to 250. Facilities include an orchestra pit, extensive foyer areas, green room and dressing rooms. With two further studios and two full-time Theatre Technicians, we offer outstanding opportunities for pupils whether centre stage or behind the scenes. |
| The Innovation Centre |
|
A brand new Innovation Centre is equipped with the latest Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) devices. The centre includes a recording studio for podcasting and audio editing, and a green screen stage for video production and motion capture. Numerous art, design and technology studios, innovative ’armadilla’ music practice pods and IT suites complete the first-class facilities available at Ibstock. |
Super Curriculum
‘Pupils achieve well because they are relaxed within the classroom and are motivated to achieve by teaching that stretches, challenges and excites them.’
ISI Report, 2022
Going beyond the curriculum is important and we delight in providing opportunities for our Sixth Formers.
There are numerous competitions which take place throughout the year, giving our pupils the chance to gain national recognition.
We foster links externally in order to show our pupils the wealth of experience on offer. Many of our residential trips focus on Sport, the Arts, Humanities or Languages. Excursions showcase expert establishments, such as the Royal Geographical Society or the British Film Institute.
Through our co-curricular programme, pupils can try things just for fun, and every lunchtime many pupils engage in activities as diverse as literary baking and safe cracking.
|
|
The Ibstock FestivalAs part of the Ibstock Festival, our annual Activities Weeks in the Summer term provide an opportunity for pupils to expand their experiences beyond the classroom. Our pupils enjoyed a range of fun trips and activities ranging from the Great Ibstock Bake Off to car maintenance. |
Explore our Sixth Form
