How to support your teenager in Sixth Form

Sixth Form is a big step in a teenager’s development and growth, bridging the transition between childhood and adulthood. During this time your teen works towards qualifications which will influence their future. Schools and colleges actively encourage independent study to help prepare students for further education or the world of work, where they will need to take initiative in seeking out information for themselves.

Effective study and revision also includes developing and growing essential life skills, such as time management; resilience in challenging situations; and finding the right balance between work and leisure. Therefore, Sixth Form is not only about acquiring qualifications, it is also about nurturing personal qualities that will benefit them in the years to come, whatever path they may choose to take after Year 13.

We have created valuable resources for parents and carers to support their teenagers during Sixth Form, covering various topics such as effective revision techniques, hydration, nutrition, and more.

Click the link below to explore these useful guides on our website:

Woolwich Polytechnic Sixth Form - How to support your teenager in Sixth Form (polysixthform.co.uk)

As we approach World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October, it’s a perfect time to reflect on any challenges your students face, especially with the recent changes in social media safety.

According to a recent BBC article, nearly 60% of young people have experienced negative impacts from online interactions. At Kooth, we provide a clinically safe and moderated digital space where you and your students can seek support for their mental health without fear of trolling, discrimination, or sharing personal details. Our team reviews all user-generated content, and anonymity is strictly maintained.

Our free webinars offer valuable insights for education professionals and parents, providing practical information and guidance on key mental health topics.

Helping young people stay safe on their new smartphone

With over a third of parents and carers feeling uneasy about their child having their first smartphone, we've put together this session to explore supporting a child's mental wellbeing whilst using the device plus information on UK law and social media usage and online safety tips. We are also offering a KoothKlass live stream morning assembly session for Year 7 students on staying safe on your new smartphone. 

• KoothTalks for families: please share this link to book
• KoothKlass for Year 7 students: book your place here

Meeting the needs of neurodivergent and Special Education Needs & Disabilities (SEND) young people.

Children and young people waiting for an assessment or navigating a diagnosis may need additional emotional support. We’re offering a webinar this month exploring how our platform meets the needs of neurodiverse and SEND young people. 

• KoothTalks for professionals: book your place here
• KoothTalks for families: please share this link with parents and carers 

Avoiding Exploitation

Also in November, we’re providing guidance for both teaching professionals and young people about what exploitation means, signs to spot and available support, including an interview with Kooth’s Deputy Head of Safeguarding. 

• KoothTalks for professionals: book your place here
• KoothKlass for young people: (to livestream during class or form time): book your place here

Emotionally Based School Avoidance 

Our December webinars focus on helping you understand a little more about Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), hear from a young person’s perspective, and explore support strategies with Kooth’s Senior Clinical Psychologist.

Parents and carers may also be seeking support for their anxious child avoiding school. They’re often juggling work and caregiving, feeling deeply worried while their child remains at home. So we’re also offering a webinar for families.

• KoothTalks training for professionals -  book your place here
• KoothTalks for families: please share this link with affected families

Partial scholarships awarded to 43 of our exceptional Sixth Form Finance students

Once again, the Business Department at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys is pleased to celebrate the continued success of our Finance students at the end of their studies in years 12 and 13.

However, this year we are particularly proud of their achievements and the courage, resilience and tenacity that they have shown by overcoming the many challenges of studying and the continued high grade boundaries set by examination boards since the pandemic.

Despite all the obstacles placed in their way they have performed superbly well at both the Certificate (CeFS) and Diploma (DipFS) levels with nearly two thirds of each cohort receiving grade As. In recognition of the outstanding achievements of our students as top ten percent performers in the qualifications during the academic year 2023/24, a total of 43 meriting students have been awarded partial scholarships towards undergraduate study with LIBF, should they continue further studies at the London Institute of Banking and Finance.

These results are a testament to the determination of our students to succeed and proof, if any were needed, of the bright future that undoubtedly lies ahead for all of them. They are a credit to their families, to the staff who worked so hard to support them, and to their local community.

Dear parents/carers,

As you will be aware, one of our Year 11 students tragically died on 22nd September. We are devastated by this loss and all our thoughts are with the young man's family and friends.

The family are collecting funds for his funeral and have set up a Go Fund Me page, and they have requested us to share this page with our wider school community.

If you would like to contribute, please click the link below.

https://gofund.me/e0385b73

What is an InvestIN Weekend Programme?

During term-time, we deliver 1-day career tasters designed to give students an immersive introduction to their chosen profession. Delivered by top professionals, our Weekend Programmes enable students to gain the foundations of an industry, try their hand at an interactive career simulation, receive career coaching and participate in a live Q&A session. Weekend programmes have two intakes each academic year, with dates available on Sundays in November and March. Students can choose to attend the programme in-person at UCL in London or live online (UK time zone). They are non-residential.

INVESTIN - THE ULTIMATE WORK EXPERIENCE - WEBSITE LINK

Extend your Child Benefit claim for your teen today.

It’s time for parents across the UK to extend their Child Benefit claim if their 16-19-year-old is staying in full-time non-advanced education or approved training.

HMRC sent 1.4 million letters between 24 May and 17 July to parents, explaining how to extend their claim. If you haven’t received a letter, there’s no need to worry. You can still extend your Child Benefit via the HMRC app or online where eligible. 

We know how important Child Benefit can be to families, so let HMRC know by 31 August if your teen intends to stay in approved education or training.

Extending your Child Benefit ensures you won't miss out on any payments from 31 August. However, if your child changes their mind about further education or training, you can simply let HMRC know online or in the app and we’ll update our records and adjust any payments as needed.

For parents who can’t extend their Child Benefit online, you can still do so by post or by phone.