Learners joining us with high GCSE grades (8s and 9s) across most or all subjects.

If you join us with high GCSE grades you will have the opportunity to join our High Flyers Programme. Alongside your academy choices, you will be invited to regular information and support sessions to help prepare you for applying to top universities, competitive courses or leading apprenticeships. This includes bespoke support for applying to Oxford, Cambridge or Russell group universities and Medicine, Dentistry and veterinary science courses.

The high flyers programme will help you with all aspects of an application, helping to de-mystify the application process and clarify what these providers are looking for.

Activities include: A specific talk on New Parents Information Evening for Parents and Carers, detailed guidance with the application process, support with admissions tests and interviews (including practice interviews), a trip to Oxford University, guest speakers and opportunities to participate in national competitions in a variety of subjects including Oxford and Cambridge essay prizes.

Learners in the High Flyers Programme should also undertake an academy that either fits the subject they wish to study at university, the Extended Project Qualification or the Critical Thinking Academy to further develop the skills to stand out.

Open to all learners

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is one of the most well-known and widely respected awards for young people in the United Kingdom. Covering five different areas: Volunteering, Skill, Physical, Expedition and Residential; participants show their dedication and build their confidence and skills set to help them stand-out beyond their academic abilities. We offer the Gold Award in the Sixth Form which requires a commitment of 18 months, or 12 if the Silver Award has already been achieved.

N.B. There is a enrolment fee to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award as well as additional costs for the Expedition and Residential sections.
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Open to all learners thinking of applying to top universities.

Welcome to the Critical Thinking academy!

It is designed specifically for high achieving A Level students. It focuses on honing essential critical thinking skills through engaging discussions and practical exercises. Students will learn to analyse complex issues, evaluate evidence, and construct well-reasoned arguments through research and presentation skills. The goal is to enable the development of a wide range of academic and personal skills that will help turn you into a more rounded learner. To this end, the academy will empower students with the intellectual tools they need to excel in university and beyond. Join us on this exciting journey of intellectual exploration!

Open to learners who want to gain an additional qualification.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a challenging yet rewarding qualification that helps you develop your research skills. The EPQ helps prepare you for University by developing your independent study skills. You will be responsible for setting your own research question, then through research you will be supported to write a report or create an artefact.

You will need to express an interest in the EPQ on enrolment and will be able to submit your final project in the October of your second year. Alternatively, learners can opt to undertake the EPQ in their second year.
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There are opportunities to undertake a fourth subject whilst you study with us in the Sixth Form.

If you are taking a fourth subject, such as Core Maths or Further Maths, or are in the Sports Academy, there is not a need to also choose a Sixth Form Academy as you will have a significant time commitment from these activities.

In certain circumstances, if you are joining us with high GCSE grades of 8s or 9s, we may allow you to undertake another subject as a fourth subject. This will depend on if it works on your timetable and if you can be entered for the AS exam in this subject. This can be discussed on enrolment or if you have any questions you can email sixth@sgscol.ac.uk

This academy is open to those studying Biology A Level

In the Biology Academy you will have the opportunity to deepen and develop your knowledge in the subject. This will not only underpin your learning on the A Level, but also help you stand-out as an ideal candidate as a biologist for universities. Those in the academy have the opportunity to undertake the British Biology Olympiad as well as undertake some additional practical experiments and learning.

You will also be able to develop your skills as a biologist. You will learn the type of research-based and problem solving skills that you will encounter at university to become more well-rounded in your understanding of the subject.

Open to learners studying Business or Economics

Are you studying Business or Economics and want to put your skills to the test? In the Business Academy learners start their own company and register it with companies house. They are given a cash injection by the sixth form to design, develop, market and sell a product. Learners in the Business Academy are given specific roles within their company, each fulfilling a different role like in any business organisation.

Everything you study in the classroom can be applied and developed in this academy which is run by external advisors from the world of Business who share their expertise with you. It is a fantastic opportunity to put your learning into practice.

Open to those learners studying English Language and Literature

The English Academy will broaden your understanding of the world around you as we discuss a variety of texts from across the globe. You will explore key contemporary concepts through the medium of personal essays, short stories, speeches and more. You will also have the opportunity to enter a range of essay competitions as we level up your academic writing skills.

This academy is especially useful those those interested in careers in journalism, teaching or marketing and for those studying English Language.
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Open to all learners

The History Academy will essentially equip you with the skills to ask 'What is History and why do we study it?' You'll develop your research skills, use source work and explore how fields of history affects perspective.
There will also be an opportunity to consider the history around us, and to explore how history is presented in the public space. It will also introduce ideas such as heritage, collective memory and national memory. There'll be a chance to consider controversial histories, such as the Colston statue and you'll use documentary and film media to enhance your understanding of the taught curriculum. There is also a range of speakers who come in to speak to you about different aspects of history, in the past this has included speakers from the SS Great Britain.

Open to learners studying Law and Criminology

In this academy you will dissect and analyse a new legal case study each week - with a focus on miscarriages of justice, American and British crime. The academy is discussion based and you will need to consider the evidence and be prepared to get involved with each case.

You will also dive into and investigate a series of cold cases; reviewing the evidence and exploring new lines of enquiries. In addition to this, the legal academy also has talks from a wide variety of different speakers. Such as university lecturers from our university partners, police officers and legal professionals.
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Maths Academy is a weekly session with a purpose to provide extra help and support with any maths you have covered in any subject, whether that’s maths, or science, or psychology and beyond.

As your exams draw closer it will also be a great chance to attempt past papers and get help with revision and exam techniques from a subject specialist. For both those who either love maths and can’t get enough, or those who loathe it and need some more support!

Help and support is provided by both teaching and Sixth Form staff as well as second year maths students working to offer mentoring help and support to first years. This is also an excellent opportunity for second year learners to expand their CVs or university applications.

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This academy is open to any learner, but especially useful to those studying Media and Film.

This academy is ideal for those interested in film, journalism and marketing careers. Combining practical skills such as the use of adobe photoshop to create advertisements, in addition creating and editing short films using adobe premier pro. The academy also develops an understanding of the production process and how products are marketed. It is ideal for anyone who is interested in a career in a creative industry as it helps to embed and further develop the skills that you learn about in the Media and Film A levels.

If you want to develop your skills in any aspect of media or film, this is the academy to choose.
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Open to those learners studying Psychology.

The Psychology Academy delves further into how your brain works and how you think. From evolutionary insights to the work of master illusionist Derren Brown, the academy embeds and further develops the knowledge and skills learnt in psychology. In this academy you will look at some of the classic studies in psychology as well as at the most up to date developments and theories to try to discover what we actually know about ourselves.

The academy gives you the opportunity to really stand-out in your understanding of psychological studies for universities and employers.

Open to all learners studying a Science

This academy gives you an opportunity to further your skillset in Science by completing a Gold CREST Award. CREST Awards are a nationally recognised scheme from the British Science Association which allows you to complete an extended research project on a science topic of your choice!

In addition to giving you the opportunity to undertake hands-on-science, CREST Awards also build skills that are transferrable to other subjects, further education and future employment (time management, project management, teamwork and communication skills).

Open to those studying sociology

The Sociology Academy takes the sociological concepts you explore in class and applies it to the world around you through the lens of contemporary issues. This academy will develop your understanding and interest in global contemporary social issues, along with your analytical and evaluative skills which are an important factor in your success in the subject.

The Sociology Academy is delivered in a series of workshops and guest lectures and helps to further develop your understanding of sociology and embed the knowledge and concepts you have studied in class.

If you are wanting to continue studying Sociology at university, or are interest in how the world works, then this academy is for you.

Open to all learners

In the creative writing academy, our learners learn the skills to write for both professional and creative briefs. By the end of the academy you will have created an extended piece of work, whether a novel, short stories or poetry anthology that you can use as evidence for a range of different university course and employment routes.

The academy also invites in a series of guest lecturers from universities and industry to talk about how these skills directly relate to possible further study and employment.

This is an ideal academy for those who have an interest in creative writing or associated career paths such as journalism, copywriting, marketing or the subjects of English Language, English Literature, Film or Media.

Open to all learners

Debating Academy allows you to develop the skills to critically analyse and find evidence for different debate topics throughout the year. The ability to craft sound arguments is a key skills that universities and employers look for and is also something that can be extremely fun and interesting. Sometimes you may be arguing for something you believe in, however learning to argue for something you don't believe in is a more difficult, yet rewarding task.

Membership of the academy brings with it the opportunity to enter local, and national, debating competitions which further help make members of the academy stand out as candidates.
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Open to all learners

The DigiED Careers Academy are for those who want to develop their digital skills and make themselves highly employable. Advancing your digital skills will open doors for your career, and support your studies.

At SGS college we have a range of Microsoft experts, and we would like to help you assess and develop your digital skills too. You will develop across a range of areas, including: Basic digital skills. using digital tools. finding information and resources, digital communication, digital creativity and more. Additionally the Academy also helps learners with building a fantastic CV, raising their digital profile, including how to optimise a linked-in account, and learn about the changing jobs market and how to ace interviews.

Open to all learners

The Driving Academy is designed to equip you with the skills you need to pass your driving theory test, along with the opportunity to have a driving lesson too. You will discover the rules of the road, how insurance works and how to fix common problems with a car, alongside crucial practice and guidance for your test.

You will be supported in learning all of the key information such as the meaning of different road signs, road markings and the types of questions asked by the DVSA on your tests as well as exploring the hazard perception element of the test and what you should do. After completing the academy you should be in a position to successfully start your driving lessons and undertake your theory test.

Open to all learners

The First Aid Academy offers you the chance to learn how to save a life! You will be taught how to perform emergency first aid which is a fantastic skill that is both important to know but also valuable to employers.

In the academy you will cover a wide range of first aid skills including what to do if someone is unconscious including if they are not breathing, what automated external defibrillators are and when should they be used, what to do if someone is choking, bleeding or suffering from a burn or poisoning as well as a large range of other important information and actions.

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Open to all learners

This academy gives you an introduction to plantsmanship; the knowledge of plants alongside the skill and expertise in planting. This year-long project will bring a community of like-minded and budding green fingered enthusiasts to plan, design and create wildlife spaces around our campus making it buzz and burst into life.

The horticulture academy has its own Polytunnel where plants are propagated ready to be planted around the Sixth Form site. We also hold a yearly plant sale where the plants grown by learners are also sold to staff and learners.

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Have you ever wanted to learn British Sign Language? In the BSL Academy you will undertake a 24 week course in BSL.

Did you know that there are over 151,000 users of British Sign Language (BSL) in the UK? You will learn the basics of BSL and gain the skills to hold basic conversations with members of the deaf community, their relatives and interpreters. This is a useful skill to have in any customer facing role or even just to learn for fun!

This academy runs on Friday lunch times and is open to all learners.

The LGBTQ+ Academy runs for our learners to meet and discuss in a safe space. The LGBTQ+ organises several talks and events throughout the year, with a focus on celebrating LGBT History month and Pride.





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Join our comprehensive programme designed to enhance your resilience skills and support your mental wellbeing. In this academy, you’ll delve into the 5 ways to wellbeing and gather practical tips for maintaining both physical and mental health. If you ever experience low social battery or anxiety in certain situations, this space is perfect for exploring the reasons behind it and will help you to build a toolkit to navigate challenging times.
The course includes Off the Record’s resilience lab workshops, calming sessions for your nervous system, and the chance to create and promote mental wellness events within the college community.

With unparalleled player success, top level coaching and the ability to fit American Football around your studies, Bristol Pride, our American Football Academy is perfect if you play American Football. The original Bristol Pride American Football Academy began in 2008 and has a track record of trail blazing success.

For more information and to find out more visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/american-football

Please note: You must complete the SGS Sport Application Form to apply to join the SGS College Sports Academy alongside your Sixth Form application.

Combine top level coaching, conditioning and matches with your Sixth Form study programme.

The Basketball Academy has teams that compete in the Elite Academy Basketball League (EABL) and the AOC South West League. SGS Sport and Bristol Flyers are fully integrated in our offer where we provide opportunities to compete in the Basketball England national basketball league (NBL) and the British Basketball League (BBL). The Basketball academy is open to both male and female players as we make the step towards entering the WEABL. To apply for the Sports Academy, you must also complete an SGS Sport Application alongside your SGS Sixth application.

To find out more visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/basketball

Combine top-level coaching and training with your Sixth Form study programme.

DiSE Boxing at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College works with the brightest talents from boxing clubs in the South West, at SGS College we have a proven pathway to being successful and we are the first step on the England Boxing Talent programme.

We cater for aspiring and elite boxers aged between 16 and 19 to train full-time in boxing while attaining educational qualifications from the many courses on offer at SGS College. To apply you will need to complete an SGS Sport Application alongside your Sixth Form application.

To find out more visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/boxing

Combine top-level coaching and matches with your Sixth Form study programme!

Offering both men's and women's teams, the Football Academy has a long track record of success. With top coaches, amazing facilities and access to a wide range of support including sports science, sports therapy and strength and conditioning members are supported to become elite athletes. To apply you must complete an SGS Sport application alongside your Sixth Form application.

For more details visit:
https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/womens-football
https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/football

As one of the original sports academies, the Netball Academy has flourished over the years to become a well-established name in netball.
At SGS, we are proud to offer a range of top-class facilities, including a fully sprung sports hall, a strength and conditioning gym and an athletics track. By joining SGS Netball, you will be signing up to an elite netball programme that encompasses up to 16 hours per week of court training, strength and conditioning and competitive gameplay, as well as match analysis and theory sessions.
For more details visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/academies/netball

With links to Bristol Bears Rugby Club, our Rugby Union Academy fields both male and female teams and is well known for their local and national success.

The SGS Rugby Academy has a longstanding reputation of developing aspiring rugby players since its conception as one of the original academies at the college. As an academy we are committed to supporting each student-athlete to achieve their personal best on and off-field.

For more details, visit: https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/sports-academies

The STEM@Lunch talks are an additional opportunity for any learner, particularly those who study the sciences, to listen to a range of academics and employers talk about their work and research.

STEM@Lunch talks are held monthly and attendance also contributes towards learners work placement hours.

Come listen to a varied range of interesting talks from experts and see what you could do on the next stage of your education journey!

Humanities talks are another additional opportunity for learners, particularly those studying humanities subjects, to listen to a range of speakers from academic backgrounds talk about their work, research and topics in the news.

Humanities talks are held monthly and attendance also contributes towards your industry placement hours.

These help develop your knowledge and interests as well as increase your cultural capital to make you more appealing to universities and employers as well as develop your understanding of the world and putting your subject in context.

The study skills programme is designed to support all learners who feel they need some guidance in organising and improving the way they study, and the skills they need to be successful students. These include planning and structuring writing, time management and revision techniques. This academy will be delivered by our Library+ staff, who are experts in applying study skills to improve your academic success.