BSIX PILOTS NEW FRAMEWORK
 BSix has been chosen as one of only 11 colleges in the country to pilot a new framework for post-16 education. It is called the Sixth Form Bacc (short for Baccalaureate).
The idea of the Bacc is that young people need skills and personal attributes to succeed at university or employment. These include an ability to work in teams, to communicate clearly, to solve problems and make decisions. Success in BTEC or A Level qualifications does not mean that you automatically have these skills and attributes. The Bacc intends to encourage students take a full part in learning beyond the classroom. This will enable them to acquire the so-called ‘soft skills’ prized by universities and employers. If, during their time at college, students do participate and can demonstrate that they have these skills, then they will graduate with the Sixth Form Bacc as well as their BTEC, GCSEs or A Levels.
“We are delighted and honoured to pilot the Sixth Form Bacc”, says Bernice Gummer, Acting Director Student Experience, who led the BSix bid to become a pilot. “We want all our students to achieve their qualifications. ‘A-Cs and Merits and Distinctions for all’ is our slogan.”
“At the same time, the mission of BSix is to nurture the all-round development of students”, Bernice adds. “Ask any employer or university academic and they will tell you that they want to recruit young people who can communicate well, work effectively in teams, take the initiative and make considered decisions. We agree with them and the Sixth Form Bacc is our way to make sure our students are confident and equipped to flourish on a university campus or in a place of work”. (SFCF)
The pilot is being run by the Sixth Form College’s Forum (SFCF), the representative organisation of the nation’s sixth form colleges. BSix plays a full part in the Forum. Our staff and students speak at its national conferences, Principal Ken Warman sits on its National Council and Bernice Gummer has worked on the development of the Bacc for the Forum.
Indeed, BSix has been a pioneer in this field. It has been developing a Bacc-style framework since 2006, commissioning the Institute of Education to explore the possibilities of such a framework with staff and students.
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