What Will My Day Be Like?

Extension Studies provide an excellent way to develop wider skills and abilities such as team-working, problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking and the capacity to conduct independent research, all of which are greatly valued by both universities and employers.

In your first year Extension Course, you will have the opportunity to undertake a Complementary Study option alongside your core A Level or BTEC subjects. For example, you might decide to get involved in Community Volunteering, take part in the College production, play team sports or join the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
In the second year, you have the opportunity to choose a specific Progression Pathway to support your progression and develop your skills further. The most popular current choice is the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

A massive part of sixth form life, is your weekly timetabled PDP session with your tutor. These sessions are designed to help you succeed not only in your studies, but also in your personal growth.

In the first year, the initial emphasis is on a smooth transition from school to college and making new friendships, beginning with the ‘Your Start at Esher’ induction in early September. This includes a one-to-one with your new tutor so that we are fully aware of your learning needs. During your first few weeks of College, your subject teachers will run course induction sessions, highlighting our Learning to Learn programme, which is designed to help you make the step up to independent learning.

For the rest of the first year, the PDP is designed to focus on issues of a particular relevance to young adults, including sessions covering safeguarding. The programme is regularly updated in light of student feedback. Amongst several popular sessions, students highlighted the Christmas Charity Fundraiser as a time in which the College comes together to support a common cause, bonding burgeoning friendships within the tutor group. In March, we hold our annual Higher Education Day, when more than 70 different universities and colleges come to Esher for our own “Uni Expo” to offer support and advice about the many opportunities on offer after Esher. Our Progression Guidance team also run specialised days for gaining work experience and finding out more about apprenticeships and employment. In June, we hold our After Esher Day, to help you begin the UCAS application process.

Your Personal Tutor
As a member of a tutor group, you will have a personal tutor who is likely to teach one of the subjects you are studying. Your tutor will take a close interest in your academic progress, attendance and welfare to help you have a successful time at college. There will be opportunities for regular meetings with your tutor, as part of the full tutor group and on an individual basis. If you have any problems, your tutor will find a solution or help you get support from the Student Services available in the College.

Tracking student attendance and academic progress.
If there are concerns, your tutor or subject teacher will communicate these home. More significant concerns, or where students do not show improvement, will be referred to the Tutor Team Leader (equivalent to a Head of Year in schools). These pastoral managers may request a meeting or communicate with parents/carers via phone, Microsoft Teams or in person. They will, in the first instance try to support you through your time at Esher Sixth Form College, in line with our Cause for Concern procedures.

All new 6.1 parents/carers will have the opportunity to meet with your personal tutor at Parent-Tutor Evening in the first half-term of teaching.

New for first year students, we are introducing one timetabled study period with a member of staff to help with your studies.