College Life
Discover what a students day to day life is like and the resources our students have access to.
Independent Learning
To be successful in your studies, students are expected to undertake 6 hours of independent learning per subject per week. Students will need to conduct research, and work independently, to enhance their subject knowledge and facilitate learning in future lessons.
Directed Study Periods
Students will have the opportunity to focus their revision and consolidate their learning in their directed study periods. Students will have Directed Study periods on their timetable, and can use the LRC or common room to study during these periods.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Catholic schools and colleges offer a provision for Religious Education. We are a Catholic College and we explore RE and related issues in assemblies and tutor time. We also enjoy Soul Days where we take time for spiritual growth, for example exploring our faith, serving our community and using our talents to help others. Some students may choose to explore religious themes as part of their Extended Project Qualification (see EPQ course section).  An EPQ is worth more than an AS and often warrants a reduced offer from universities.Â
Learning Resource Centre
The LRC is located in the heart of the college, with a dedicated sixth form space. It is designed specifically for College students to provide additional materials to work to their full ability. Our experienced Library staff are able to offer guidance and support with wider research and accessing journal articles and relevant texts.
SUPPORT & GUIDANCE MONITORING
Your subject teachers will monitor your academic potential and progress in liaison with your tutor and the Sixth Form Team. You will receive regular reports on your progress which will be emailed home. During your 1-1 meetings every fortnight, you will be able to review your progress and achievement, set targets and be offered constructive advice and support. You are required to attend and be punctual for these 1-1 meetings.
APPLICATIONS TO OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE
A growing number of our students make successful applications to Oxford or Cambridge as well as for courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Law.
Students with the potential to excel are identified early and given as much support as they need to achieve their potential. They benefit from additional interview preparation and practice, university visits, meetings with able students from neighbouring schools and specialist guidance on university applications, especially personal statements. All departments have strategies and resources in place to support students aiming for A* grades.
Chaplaincy and opportunities for spiritual growth
We are proud to be a Catholic College, and encourage all of our pupils to engage with the spiritual life of St. Paul’s, wherever they may be on their own journey with faith. Through our college Chaplain, we have strong links with our parishes and the local youth Hub team. Keen sixth formers are able to engage with opportunities such as pilgrimage to Arundel Cathedral, Diocesan events at Worth Abbey and pilgrimage to Lourdes.
A regular programme of Masses and Liturgies at key events in the church calendar such as Advent and Lent are held in College. Sixth formers are often able to take a leading role in these acts of worship, by leading prayer, sharing readings or contributing musically. Sixth formers are able to engage in Prayer during weekly assemblies and tutor time. Our Chaplain also leads a sixth form Christian Union group who meet on a regular basis at lunchtime
St Paul's Day and other activities
All Year 12 students contribute to the celebration of St. Paul’s Day in June – a fun-filled day commencing with Mass for the whole College community, followed by an opportunity for fundraising through a variety of student led stalls.
Termly Soul Days offer sixth formers the chance to pause and reflect on their own spiritual pathway, by considering moral issues and global challenges. Guest speakers on these days offer an opportunity for us to be challenged to think about the problems we face as a society and how our young people can take their place in an ever changing world.
