Student Support, Voice and Wellbeing
Student Support
Transition to post 16 learning can be challenging and we are proud of the range of specialist support on offer to our students. The Sixth Form office operates an ‘open door’ policy and students are encouraged to speak with us should they have any concerns. Our specialist Sixth Form tutors meet with students on a daily basis and oversee their personal and academic development; monitoring progress, offering advice and support and helping students achieve balance between the different demands on their time. This daily contact ensures that tutors know their students extremely well and quickly develop a natural rapport with them meaning students feel fully supported from the outset of their time with us.
In addition, our dedicated, full time Senior Co-ordinator of Sixth Form works with a range of students in a variety of ways and deals with an array of issues; this might be supporting a student with time management, stretching themselves to achieve top grades, general course concerns or revision techniques and may involve daily contact, weekly meetings or work with small groups of students.
Post Sixth Form Progression
Over your time in Sixth Form you will have access to a range of support regarding your post 18 progression. Independent Careers advice is available to all Sixth Form students where you can discuss your career aspirations and goals. All Year 12 students attend our Careers and HE Conference as well as having the opportunity to attend the HE Convention at the UEA and take part in a day visit to 2 universities in Nottingham and Leicester. In addition, we have contact with a range of Alumni who are always willing and able to provide appropriate support and guidance to Sixth Form students.
Student Voice
At Sir John Leman, being part of the Sixth Form means being part of a student body that works together in numerous aspects throughout the school. Many think that you only attend Sixth Form to learn and study, however you also grow and receive many new experiences that assist you in future learning and careers. At Sir John Leman Sixth Form, you are encouraged to take every opportunity that you are given and use it to develop and expand on your existing knowledge and skills and also take responsibility for your own learning.
One aspect of the student body that offers you the chance to use your student voice is the Sixth Form Council. The Council works closely alongside other members of the school to organise events such as RAG week, Freshers week, sporting events and dress-up days. The Sixth Form Council also makes decisions on behalf of the whole Sixth Form in order to constantly improve the Sixth Form experience. The Council structure allows students to showcase their ideas and talents in areas such as finance, sport, marketing, performance and teaching and learning. Being part of the Sixth Form Council allows you to work as part of a team to take control of your environment and make it the best you can; it’s about using your student voice to the best of your ability.
The Sir John Leman Sixth Form also gives you the chance to take responsibility for your own learning with individual study periods. These give you the chance to carry out independent research into areas of interest within your studies, so that you can expand your knowledge. Sixth Form allows you to have freedom in your learning whilst still offering support where it may be needed. The teachers within Sixth Form offer academic and pastoral support which encourages you to push yourself in your learning. Furthermore, the Sixth Form team has an ‘open door policy’ where you are always able to drop into the office whenever you need to. Another opportunity that the Sixth Form offers is the chance to work alongside your peers and older students to receive additional support and have the chance to ask questions about particular subjects. The Sir John Leman Sixth Form has a positive academic environment which allows you to challenge and stretch yourself to reach your full potential.
As a Sixth Form student, you will be able to access many specific Sixth Form facilities such as the common room, study room and the Atrium coffee shop. In the common room, there are facilities including a vending machine and a kitchen with a microwave, kettle and fridge. The common room is an area that allows you to socialise and relax between study periods and lessons during lunch and break and some students also use it for study. The Atrium is somewhere you can go to buy a variety of drinks and food which extends to an outside area, which offers you the chance to sit outside when the weather is pleasant. The study room is where you will spend most of your study periods, as it offers a variety of study methods; for example, you have the chance to sit and work around tables as a group or individually in a booth. Sixth Form facilities also include a private sixth form garden, separate computer suites and Wi-Fi in the common room, study room and Atrium!
We can’t wait to welcome you to our Sixth Form, and for you to experience our positive and exciting environment!
Student Wellbeing
We care and genuinely want the best for our students...
Here at Sir John Leman High we pride ourselves on our Sixth Form Open Door Policy. Students are welcome to pop into the office and speak with members of the Sixth Form Team at any time during the school day – believe us, we can chat about absolutely anything!
Should students prefer to contact us via email or telephone that’s fine too.
Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community (World Health Organisation).
Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. In England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week. (Mind.org.uk).
We firmly believe it is a strength to acknowledge when you need guidance and help. We are here to assist and work with individual students in relation to resilience and to signpost them to appropriate support.
Sir John Leman High School has a Positive Mental Health Policy.
Whilst all staff have a responsibility to promote the mental health of students, Sixth Form staff with a specific, relevant remit include:
Mrs S Silvers - Director of Sixth Form
Mr T Gorbould - Senior Co-ordinator of Sixth Form
Mrs S Thompson - Sixth Form Pastoral Support and Deputy Co-ordinator of Sixth Form
We pride ourselves on working closely with:
- Students
- Parents / Carers
- Staff here at SJLHS and other schools
- Young Persons Worker assigned to SJLHS
- Family Support Practitioners
- Social Workers
- GP Surgeries
- Outside support organisations and more besides
Please remember however you are feeling you are not alone and there is someone who will listen and help you. If you would like to know more about outside organisations offering support please follow the links below:
A website of information, advice and support for young people in Suffolk. Guidance includes information relating to mental health and wellbeing, depression, stress, anxiety, confidence and much, much more.
Non-judgemental chat online with young people's worker. Available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays between 5:00 - 7:00pm.
Text a school nurse for confidential help. Available in the Waveney and Lowestoft area from April 2019.
07507 333356
Available Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm, excluding bank holiday.
Get support if you or your friends are worried about an emotional wellbeing issue online or by telephone.
0345 600 2090
Available Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 7:30pm
0300 123 1781
Services that improve the social, emotional, physical health and wellbeing of 12-15 year olds.
01473 252607
The UK's eating disorder charity.
0808 8010711
Prevention of young suicides.
0800 068 4141
0800 1111
Committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
Young Person in Crisis (YoungMinds Crisis Messenger - free 24/7 support).
Text YM to 85258
116 123
Emotional wellbeing service available to any child or young person living in Norfolk or Waveney, or registered with a Norfolk or Waveney GP.
0800 977 4077
Can be contacted through the website or via their helpline.
03000 11 12 13