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Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College  威尔贝克防御中学

Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 3LN
Tel: 01909 476326
[From September 2005: The Defence Sixth Form College, Woodhouse, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 8WD]
Website: 
• CO-ED, 15–19, Boarding
• Pupils 220, Upper sixth 110
• Termly fees £0–£2122 (means-tested)
• HMC, SHMIS, BSA
• Enquiries/application to the Principal

WHAT IT’S LIKE
Founded in 1953 to prepare young men for future professional service in the Army’s technical corps; girls were admitted for the first time in 1992. From 2005, the college will form the Defence Sixth Form College, relocating to a new, purpose-built site near Loughborough. Students will then be able to gain a commission, not only in the technical corps of the Army as at present, but also in the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force. The 2-year AS/A-level course in the college is usually followed by 3 or 4 years degree study at a number of MOD-approved universities and a 1-year commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst; similar arrangements will follow for the RN and RAF. Students have excellent opportunities to qualify, while serving, for membership of almost any of the professional bodies in the engineering field. It is a highly organised and highly motivated establishment. A large staff permits a staff:pupil ratio of about 1:9. Examination results are consistently very good. Music is strong and an unusually wide variety of sports and games is available, many played on an inter-school basis. There is much emphasis on physical fitness and outdoor pursuits. As might be expected, the CCF is obligatory but the college is not run as a military unit and in most respects is like any other boarding sixth-form college. However, those who successfully complete the two-year course can expect sponsorship as they move on to the next stage of training.

SCHOOL PROFILE

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 15–19; 220 boarding pupils (180 boys, 40 girls).
Entrance: Entry at 16 (15 for exceptionally bright students), 85% from state (mostly comprehensives) schools. Own selection system, looking for leadership skills, aptitude for physical challenge and ability in mathematics and physics. 5 GCSEs at least grade C required (grade B in maths and science). No religious requirements. Fees and military training subsidised by Ministry of Defence. Parents not expected to buy textbooks or uniforms. Travel warrants provided at the beginning and end of each term.

Head & staff
Principal: Tony Halliwell, in post from 1999. Educated at Penlan School, Swansea, and at universities of Swansea (microbiology, biochemistry) and Lancaster (education management). Previously Headmaster at Bentham Grammar School, Senior Housemaster at Rossall, and various posts at Lord William’s School, Thame, and Lancaster Royal Grammar School. BSA training provider; member of York Boarding Research Group, of SHMIS Professional Development Committee, of Institute of Traffic Management Administration, and of Army Regular Commission Board. Publications: In Loco Parentis – Management Issues in the Residential Environment.
Teaching staff: 22 full time, 4 military. Annual turnover under 10%.

Exam results
A-levels: In 2003, 110 pupils in upper sixth: 88% passed in 4+ subjects; 12% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 395.

University & college entrance 95% of students go on to a degree course before going to Sandhurst (5% taking a gap year), 5% go to Oxbridge. 94% take courses in science & engineering, 6% in other subjects eg management.

Curriculum AS and A-levels. 14 subjects offered.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (all include maths), 3 at A-level, mostly in science and technology; in addition, all take an officer skills development programme over the 2 year period.
ICT: Taught both in key skills programme and at AS and A-level. 200 computers available for student use, all networked and with e-mail and internet access; computer suite in boarding house. All students issued with own laptop.

The arts
Music: Many pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some musical groups including band and choir.
Art & design: Photography and pottery also offered.

Sport & activities
Sport: Rugby, soccer, hockey, cross-country, netball, cricket, athletics, tennis, swimming, sailing, rowing, canoeing, shooting, badminton, basketball, volleyball, fencing, judo, karate, climbing, table tennis, snooker, golf, squash, gymnastics.
Activities: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award optional. CCF compulsory. Several clubs, eg chess, offshore sailing, war games, popular music, classical music, debating, caving, mountain-biking, learning to drive.

School life
Uniform: Uniform worn.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Housemasters and mistresses appoint house prefects and head of house, from whom Principal chooses Head of College.
Religion: Inter-denominational worship.
Social: Good social contacts with other boarding schools. Regular concert and theatre visits, cultural visit to London. Organised skiing trip to French Alps; Mont Blanc expeditions; annual exchange visit to Austria; offshore sailing. All pupils attend a 1-week Outward Bound course and a 2-week summer camp during first summer vacation. School shop. Alcohol available in senior and junior social clubs under supervision, with parental permission.

Discipline A full self-explanatory set of college rules. No smoking allowed and the use of drugs results in expulsion. High standards of self-discipline are expected and required.

Boarding Boys are accommodated in study bedrooms for 1–4 pupils. Girls in study bedrooms of 2–3, in a separate lodge under the care of a Housemistress. Resident qualified nurse. Central dining room. Week-long half terms plus some weekend exeats. Visits to local town allowed by arrangement with Housemaster or Housemistress.

Alumni association is run by the Vice-Principal, c/o the college.