What makes us different?
Do you want to study at university whilst you prepare for your A Levels?
At Southfields Academy we are keen to ensure that our students are well prepared for university life and study. All our curriculum areas have close links with universities. This includes on-going mentoring from an undergraduate who studied the same subject A Level.
Do you want expert help to explore your career options and plan your next steps?
We pride ourselves in ensuring that every student who leaves our sixth form has a suitable place of further study, training or work arranged. Students receive individual guidance and support from our dedicated careers advisors alongside opportunities to take part in careers seminars and workshops. Southfields Academy Careers Fair is an annual event with over 50 universities, training providers and employers offering workshops and talking with students. Whilst the majority of our students choose to go to university, our close links with employers such as Allen and Overy, KPMG and Lend Lease also results in employment opportunities for some.
Do you want to know what outstanding teaching looks like?
When you study at Southfields you find yourself surrounded by enthusiastic teachers who create engaging learning experiences. They know when to introduce more challenge and when to add some support. They are relentless in their quest to ensure that every student reaches or exceeds their potential whilst enjoying the learning journey. With an average class size of 14 students in the sixth form and help from dedicated sixth form teaching assistants, teachers are able to focus on supporting each individual. Regular assessments are used to inform learning conversations, where student have an opportunity to have a detailed discussion about progress with their teachers.
Would you like to try something new or extend your talents?
Southfields Academy is not just a place to study, it’s a place to grow, develop and flourish as a person. Our enrichment programme gives you the chance to try something new alongside your studies. Basketball, cookery and drama are examples of the extensive range of activities we offer. Our student leaders also contribute much to life in the sixth form, from organising social or sporting events to charity fundraising and coaching younger students. Taking part in some of these activities throughout your time in the sixth form will enrich your personal and social development and enhance your UCAS application or CV.
Will our spacious, specialist and dedicated facilities impress you?
We are fortunate to have a spacious and light school building, which has been designed around the needs of learners today. Specialised spaces, such as construction, textiles, art drama and science have been equipped with state-of-the-art resources, our extensive range of sports facilities are impressive. Whilst our sixth form area boasts enviable social and study areas, most curriculum areas have a dedicated space for sixth form independent study or project work
What support will I get outside of my lessons?
The Academy offers a full pastoral programme that runs alongside the academic timetable. Students meet with tutors every morning and afternoon during registration where groups complete literacy activities, discuss moral and ethical issues and debate current affairs. Once a week students attend hour long tutorial periods which are designed to support students with the extra skills necessary to make them successful, both within the 6th form and when they leave the Academy. These sessions involve a full induction to the 6th form followed by sessions on teambuilding, organisation skills, the key to successful work placements, study skills and personal safety and well-being to name a few. These are followed by a full programme in Year 13 which guides students through the UCAS process, offers support with alternatives to university and prepares students for day to day life after the 6th form. Our students rate this system of pastoral support as one of their favourite things about the 6th form.
I have a disability, how will you cope with my needs?
The Academy is fortunate to have total access for disabled students. There are lifts in each building and all areas are accessible by ramps. There are disabled toilet facilities on each floor and in each curriculum area. The dining and communal areas have full disabled access. If you wish to discuss your specific needs then do not hesitate to get in touch.
I am LGBTQ+ and am worried that I won't be accepted by the other students?
The Academy strives to ensure that all individuals are equally valued and everyone treats each other with respect. The Academy is aware that more than half (55 per cent – “The School Report (2012)” and “The RaRE Research Report (2015)”) of LGBTQ+ young people have experienced direct bullying and 99 percent have heard homophobic language while at school. Southfields Academy has robust procedures in place to deal with bullying. We have unisex toilet facilities for those students who do not identify as binary. We have on-site support from a Free2B Alliance Mentor. The mentor offers 121 support and group support for young LGBTQ+ people and their families and runs awareness sessions for staff and students.