Joint sixth form offers unique pathways

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BMAT Sixth Forms have launched a unique curriculum package to cater for whatever path young people want to take after school.

Whether students are looking to study A-levels, vocational courses or wanting to specialise in STEM subjects, the combined sixth forms of BMAT STEM Academy, in Harlow, and Epping St John’s Church of England School, in Epping, have created a curriculum to suit.

Each student will be able to create the timetable to support their personal journey, with some studying purely in Epping, some in Harlow – while others will split their time between both sites to benefit from what each has to offer.

BMAT Sixth Forms will offer –

• specialist STEM subjects such as engineering and 3D design at BMAT STEM, with expert teachers and state of the art equipment used by industry not generally seen in sixth forms or colleges.
• both A-levels and vocational subjects such as health and social care, information technology, film studies and travel and tourism at Epping St John’s.
• free transport between both sites for those splitting their studies between Epping and Harlow.

Mike Yerosimou, head of school at Epping St John’s, said BMAT Sixth Forms have listened to the desires of previous students who are keen to follow a bespoke path after their GCSEs.

He said: “This is about finding the right pathway for each individual student. What we are offering is really unique. We know our families and we are answering a need that we have identified. This is what needs to happen as it is right for our students.

“With BMAT Sixth Forms, students will be able to study a mixed curriculum. If they want to study specialist STEM subjects, but also take English or further maths, the combined sixth forms can offer that bespoke package. They can take just A-levels, just vocational courses or a mixture of both.

“Not everyone wants to take the traditional path of A-levels and then university. Of course, if that is what a student wants to do, they can absolutely achieve that with us. But, the difference from next year is that we will be offering alternative routes which also provide students with employment at the end of their two years with us. That is what makes us completely different.

“This move fits with our Christian value of inclusivity.”

BMAT STEM opened its doors to its first cohort of Year 10 students in September 2018, offering a business-focused education to older students keen on focusing on STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – subjects.

The school, which caters for students in Year 10 onwards, will open a sixth form in September 2020.

Dustin Schuyler, head of school, said: “This exciting new curriculum has been designed around the needs of our young people and local employers. We are catering for everyone.

“We are enabling our students to take whichever path they desire by being completely flexible.”

Find out more by attending the BMAT STEM Academy sixth form information evening on October 23 between 4pm and 7pm or the Epping St John’s Church of England School sixth form open evening between 6pm and 9pm on November 12. For more information and to register inline visit bmatsix.org