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UCAS Discovery

UCAS Discovery

The UCAS Discovery event took place live on Wednesday 25 May 2022. We hosted this event and gave students the opportunity to take part in and watch various helpful webinars to get them started on their journey to life after The Island VI Form. 

UCAS Discovery is an opportunity to get student tips and expert advice and to explore universities, colleges and apprenticeships. 

We have downloaded and added some of the videos from the event below, but to access all of the resources, you will need to sign up to the event online here: https://www.ucas.com/events/ucas-discovery-online-404036

You will then have 24/7 access until 8 June 2022. Don’t miss out! 






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Head of School’s Blog – 20 May 2022

20 May 2022

Congratulations to all award winners at our Year 13 celebration assembly this week, it was lovely to see you all in person and share in your celebrations.  Best wishes to Year 13 as they embark on their final stage of their VI Form life by completing their exams. Remember that staff are still available during lesson times whilst you are on study leave if you need or want to speak to them.

Year 13, you will have received a farewell letter from me by email today. If you have not received this, you can view it here

Knife crime is an issue I would like to think will not affect members of our community, but this week is the National week of action to tackle knife crime. Knife crime is a societal problem which cannot be tackled by police, schools or single agencies alone, highlighting the need to work together both reactively and proactively. The responsibility must be that of us all  – police, councils, education providers, health care, youth services, welfare services, housing services, local communities, parents, social media providers etc. – we must all work together to effectively protect children and young people from the threat of county lines, gangs, knives, drugs, media/peer perceptions and adults who pose the risk of exploiting them. For more information visit: https://www.safe4me.co.uk/ portfolio/knife-crime/

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Year 13 Leavers’ Awards

Year 13 Leavers’ Awards 2022

It was wonderful to have Year 13 together on Wednesday 18 May for a final assembly. As well as sharing some important end of term information, it was a pleasure to celebrate our students and their successes by giving out the Leavers’ Awards. 

Each subject area presented an award to the most exceptional student for their progress and achievement over the course of their studies at The Island VI Form. Special awards were also presented for Contribution to Dance Live, Contribution to Debating Life, Outstanding Academic Progress and Achievement and the Head of School’s Student of the Year. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see details of all of the award winners. 

Year 13 have now started their examinations and we wish them all the best of luck. Staff will continue to be available to support students in normal lesson periods until the final examination has taken place. 

We look forward to seeing all of the hard work pay off on results day, 18 August 2022. 

The Head of School – Student of the Year accolade was awarded to Ollie Arnell. 

Ollie has been really involved in so many aspects of College life – Lighting for Dance Live whilst at Medina and again in Year 12, Student Voice, Prom Committee, Duke of Edinburgh; the list goes on. He always does what he says he’s going to do and takes up every opportunity offered. He is an incredibly diligent student and marries this with a full extra-curricular schedule – for example he recently qualified to lead sea kayaking groups! These qualities will see you go very far Ollie, and we wish you all the best.


A special scholarship prize was awarded to Harley Hamerton which was supported by the Reading List Foundation

(https://www.readinglistfoundation.org/). 

This is awarded to a student who has shown ‘exceptional academic performance’, and Harley is a thoroughly deserving winner. Well done!  

Harley will receive an e-book voucher for £250 to use during his first year of university.  

Award Winners

Award Student Winner Citation
Art & Design Aiden Lynton What an outstanding talent! Aiden has utterly excelled in his art A level, making the most beautiful models from clay, reflecting a sensitive and perceptive understanding of the forms that he is creating. We will miss him greatly next year, and wish him all the best in the future.
Business Kaitlin Wilson Kaitlin has shown to be an exceptional Business practitioner who has shown a wide and varied understanding of business concepts and their impact on the surrounding economy. Kaitlin has been able to converse on a number of topics in a way that both demonstrated understanding and reasons. Kaitlin has been an amazing student for two year and will no doubt be successful in the future.
Biology Freya Langdon Freya has maintained an excellent work ethic as well as balancing an impressive range of work experiences and extracurricular activities. Many have benefited from her enthusiasm for science and willingness to impart knowledge. We wish you the very best for your veterinary degree and we look forward to watching you in the future guest starring alongside ‘Noel’.
Chemistry Willo Corin Willo’s passion for Chemistry has grown over the course of her A level, so much so that she is moving into to the realms of Pharmacology next year. Those that know Willo know that she is a naturally quiet person who will hate having to collect this. But we give this award in the full knowledge that she is a worthy recipient who loves Chemistry and she will smash it out of the park, just like some of the glassware in practical sessions!
Children’s Play, Learning & Development Sally-Ann Adams Sally-Ann has undoubtedly set the standard of an exemplary Childrens Play, Learning and Development student. Her self discipline, organisational skills, commitment to study and ability to adapt in order to work both theoretically and practically has been outstanding. Sally-Ann has grown in both confidence and self belief over the two years and this has been demonstrated through the production of exceptional research, production of coursework and revision. Her teamwork and responsible demeanour has also meant that she has inspired other students to produce their best too. We will miss Sally-Ann and her determination to succeed. We have no doubt that she will be hugely successful in this next exciting chapter.
Classical Civilisations Arron Hollis Arron has shown himself to be an excellent student throughout the entire course. he has a very strong grasp of both the literature and historical aspects of the course. His written work is of an exceptional standard and his analytical ability is highly impressive.
Computer Science Archie Taylor Despite starting this course with no GCSE experience Archie has worked tremendously hard to become one of the leading members in the class. Best of luck Archie.
Criminology Torren Radcliffe Fantastic effort attempting a 2 year full on course in 1 year. Always contributing to class discussions and teaching us new things! Brilliant and dry sense of humour
Drama & Theatre Studies Sarah Jukes Superb development of skills over the two years – always enthusiastic and never afraid to ask for help! Good luck in the future!
English Language Natasha Lord Natasha has proved herself an excellent student throughout the course. She has always contributed to class discussion, has completed every task set (and plenty that I didn’t set) in a drive to improve, achieving very high standards in her work. Her organisation and attention to detail are fantastic and will stand her in good stead in the future.
English Literature Rachel March Right from the first term, Rachel showed her commitment and genuine interest in English Literature studies when she painted an image from a Keats’ poem in her spare time. It beautifully represented her passion to bring to life the words on the page using her talent as an artist and her ability to translate poetry into the visual form. This is a great example of her generous nature, enthusiasm for the subject and willingness to share her thoughts about literature with others. Her teachers have seen how she has absorbed lesson information and put in the time to work outside lesson time to really develop into a confident and perceptive essay writer and also develop her own creative writing skills culminating in a superb coursework submission. Her artwork is on our classroom wall and will stay there until they decorate again in 10 years time probably! Best wishes for the future.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Bea Muncaster Bea has been an exemplary student – her levels of organisation, attention to detail and thoroughness have been consistently outstanding. She has made the best of every resource offered, adapting them to suit her way of working, to ensure that her project is the best it can be. These attributes will stand her in very good stead in her future studies.
Fashion & Textiles (Single) Lucy Roberts Lucy has worked incredibly hard this year on her fashion coursework, and has spent many extra hours in the Fashion department. Her attention to detail has ensured that her final kimono is finished to an incredibly high standard. Huge congratulations to Lucy!
Fashion & Textiles (Double) Lauren Spragg Lauren is an outstanding Textile designer, who continuously amazes us with her innovative fabric designs. Lauren is an inspiration to us, and the reason we do this job. Thank you for being so amazing!
Film Studies Ruben Chiverton Ruben has been a revelation in Film Studies over the past two years. He has continually improved and is now working at the highest level. He is an avid film watcher and analyst and his practical film making shows a real aptitude to take film at a higher level.
MFL – French Oliver Arnell Oliver’s beautiful flair for language and academic skills have been matched from the start by an unrivalled sense of drive and determination. I have taught you now for 7 years and am incredibly proud of you and your awesome achievements. Sock it to them at university! Bonne chance!
Geography Lorelei Ford Lorelei is an outstanding geographer with an inquiring mind and a good eye for detail. She has made excellent progress throughout the course and is very dedicated to her studies. Her personal investigation demonstrated excellent enquiry skills, Lorelei showed great independence throughout the process and always met deadlines. We wish Lorelei well with her further studies.
Geology Stella Baisley Stella has consistently excelled in her studies of Geology throughout her time at the college. She can be relied upon to be meticulous and analytical as well as organised and hardworking. She has a wonderful sense of humour and positivity and is willing to get stuck into all challenges and tasks. Good luck for the future!
Government & Politics Isaac Lethbridge Isaac has shown himself to be an astute politician with an excellent grasp of the workings of modern politics. He has a great enthusiasm for the subject and has followed contemporary affairs both in the Uk and USA very closely since the beginning of the course. This will be a highly beneficial skill set for the future.
Graphics Ruby Wild Ruby has shown herself to be a talented designer who has worked with dedication and commitment throughout the 2 years on the course. We have been impressed by her progress in such a short space of time and we wish her all the best for her future studies.
Health & Social Care (Single) Olivia Garvey Olivia has a superb work ethic, she is very attentive in every lesson, contributes some thought provoking ideas to discussion, seeks support when she needs it and is always willing to share her knowledge to support others. She is an invaluable member of the group
Health & Social Care (Double) Sophie Morgan It has been a pleasure to teach Sophie. She has shown a tremendous work ethic throughout the course, producing well-considered and efficiently researched work. She will make a fantastic, kind and caring nurse for younger people and we wish her every success in her future studies and chosen career path.
History Harley Hamerton Harley has made incredible progress in all his sixth form subjects and is excelling in History. He works hard and immerses himself in the latest podcasts, documentaries and books and possesses a wide-scoping historical knowledge which he applies to understanding the modern world. Congratulations Harley!
Law Nicci Rivers Nicci is an excellent student, whose legal skills have improved enormously over the last two years. She consistently demonstrates qualities such as hard work, determination and perceptiveness, and she has laid a firm foundation for the next stage of her education.
Mathematics Lucas Hudson Lucas is a talented and enthusiastic mathematician and has been a pleasure to teach throughout the course. He has also shown great kindness in giving up his time to help other students with their mathematics. We hope that he enjoys continuing his mathematical journey at university and wish him all the best.
Mathematics (Further) Harvey Osborne Harvey is an excellent mathematician and has been a pleasure to teach throughout the course. He has always been conscientious and hard-working and we wish him every success for his future engineering endeavours.
Media Studies Isabella Moor Isabella has shown a wonderful commitment to Media over the past two years and her practical work in particular has been innovative and of an outstanding level. She has worked extremely hard to get to the high level she has achieved and thoroughly deserves this award
Music Josef Krista Josef has worked incredibly hard on his coursework over this past year; he is clearly passionate about creating his own music in a variety of styles and will continue to improve his practise at University in September. Fantastic work Josef, well done.
Philosophy Violet Williams Violet has shown a genuine interest in Philosophy over the past two years. She has a naturally curious and inquiring mind and happily bombards me and classmates frequently with questions! Violet also demonstrates a natural gift for Philosophy, she is analytical and critical of theories and really shows a great love for the subject. Her enthusiasm is inspiring, and I hope it continues long after A levels!
Photography Matt Dyer As well as being an innovative and talented photographer with exceptional technical ability, Matt is a wonderful student. He is endlessly helpful and his approach to the subject has inspired and enlightened us all. He is inventive and far sighted in his approach and meticulous in his recording. I feel that Matt will not need luck, but I wish him lots anyway, and I hope that he keeps in touch.
Physical Education Rhianna Vernon From day one of our course, Rhi has worked with focus and dedication. She is an absolute joy to teach and watching her flourish has been an absolute privilege. We have no doubt that she will continue to excel , but most importantly will always be an incredibly kind hearted individual.
Physics Tom Walker Tom has shown a passion for Physics throughout the course which has seen him make great progress. He has really started to think and problem solve like a Physicist which should stand him in good stead for the exams.
Psychology Matthew Gabrielli Matthew has shown an impressive level of focus and effort since the start. It has been an absolute pleasure to teach him; he is hardworking and determined and therefore will no doubt have enormous success in his pursuit of a psychology career – we wouldn’t be surprised if we were teaching about his work in 10 years time!
Sociology Tiarna Barton Tiarna has worked incredibly hard in Sociology, committing herself to producing the best work possible. Her work ethic is inspiring and we have no doubt that this will continue at University. Her mature, sensible and conscientious approach has been reflected throughout all her studies, and we wish her the very best for the Summer, and beyond-make sure you have a fun, chilled out Summer, Tiarna!
Sport Robyn Hartup Robyn has shown fantastic commitment to the subject quietly getting on with her assignments diligently with little fuss, This has allowed her to produce high quality coursework. Through her time she has shown that she is unflustered in stressful situations. Thank you Robyn for everything you have done for the PE Department we wish you all the best for the future
Contribution to Dance Live/ Global Rock Emma Mosdell Since Year 7, Emma has been an integral member of our Dance Live/ Global Rock entries. She is an incredible performer, choreographer and role model to all of those around her. She is also so very modest, hence why she deserves recognition and for her efforts to be celebrated. I will miss working with her dearly.
Contribution to Debating Life Joe Hodgkinson Joe has excelled in representing the school at both the Mock Trial and Model United Nations and has been a founder member of the weekly ‘Talking Shop’ group for the last 2 years. His open minded, thoughtful, assertive and articulate approach is an example for us all.
Outstanding Academic progress and Achievement Harley Hamerton
Outstanding Academic progress and Achievement Jodie Kelly
Head of School Award – Student of the Year Ollie Arnell



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Head of School’s Blog – 13 May 2022

13 May 2022

Year 13 – Thank you for your patience in completing the leavers photo for Year 13, third time lucky. Good luck and best wishes with the exams, a few are starting next week with the main bulk of exams starting the week before half term.

If you are struggling with the pressure of exams, talk to us (Year 12 & 13), establish good routines: bed times, exercise and eating. The following website also has some good advice: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/exam-stress/#Dealingwithexamstress

The Year 12 trial exam timetable can be found here and has been emailed directly to students today. Teaching staff will be on site for normal lesson times during study leave and will be available to support students in preparing for their trial exams. BTEC, practical, vocational and creative subjects may continue on timetable as normal and individual teachers will share their expectations.

There will be a Year 13 leavers assembly on Wednesday 18 May at 9.50am in the main hall. From 23 May, Year 13 will be on study leave for their exams – remember staff are still around to help and support you if you need advice and guidance. Pop in and see them or use Google classroom.

If you would like to keep any work from your school Google account, you must transfer it to another personal Google account. During the summer term break, your account will be terminated and at this point everything gets deleted by Google and we can’t recover it. Sharing it isn’t good enough, you need to make sure that you transfer the file.

Enjoy a hopefully sunny weekend.

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Business and Law students visit Southampton Solent

Business and Law Students visit Southampton Solent University

34 business studies and law students from The Island VI Form visited Southampton Solent University last week. They had a taster day to experience what life is like studying these subjects at a higher level. 

Students met with staff and current university students to discuss what life is like as a student at Southampton Solent. They attended a range of speeches and presentations to find out about the courses offered and the additional experiences they can expect from university life. They also took part in a mock courtroom with various discussions and challenges set to test their problem solving skills. This was delivered by members of IBM.

Overall, the students found the taster day extremely beneficial as they gained a real insight into what they can expect from life at University, particularly within these two subject areas.

Thank you to Mr Mather and Mrs Drage for organising this opportunity. 

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Head of School’s Blog Post – 29 April 2022

29 April 2022

Welcome back, I hope that all students had a productive break and managed to finish their revision notes. It’s now time to switch to burning that information into your memory by repeating, repeating, repeating.

If you are at all worried about your exams, speak to your teachers and/or Student Services. Exams can be stressful and it is normal to be worried or anxious; speak to friends and family or school staff, exercise / relax, try and be prepared as best you can.

On a personal level, I have now had my third (hopefully final) hip replacement over the Easter break. I’m now starting to do rehab work and strengthening my leg muscles and remembering how to walk, still with crutches at the moment, and hopefully I will be able to get rid of those soon. I anticipate returning to VI Form after half term, if everything goes to plan.

Upcoming events for Year 13:

  • Year 13 leavers photograph – second week of May – details will be shared with students
  • End of year celebration assembly – Wednesday 18 May at 9.50am
  • Year 13 ‘Old Hollywood’ Prom – Thursday 30 June at Landguard Manor (tickets available via the School Gateway app)

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Head of School’s Blog – 8 April 2022

8 April 2022

Dear Students, Parents & Carers

I would like to wish you a happy Easter break, as well as remind you that this is a key time for revision in preparation for the Summer exams.  By the end of Easter we recommend that the production of revision materials (mind maps, flash cards etc.) has finished and work switches to using these materials to burn the knowledge into your long term memory by repeat, repeat, repeat.

I get questions from parents about how they can help?  At this stage it is about supporting the basics and encouraging routines. Good systems and routines beat good intentions every time for most people.

Routines / systems:

  • Healthy diet / regular lunch & evening meal
  • Produce and stick to a revision timetable
  • Regular breaks
  • Regular bed time / enough sleep
  • Planned day / time off
  • Revise without distraction (leave phone in another room)
  • Work / school work balance (able to do more work shifts once exams are over)
  • Easter revision sessions at VI Form

The Easter revision schedule has been emailed to all students and parents this week and individual exam timetables; which include dates, times, room locations and seat numbers have also been shared via email. Paper copies of these timetables can be requested via Student Services or Main Reception. 

Finally, thank you to all students that helped with our German visitors this week. You made them all feel very welcome. They now travel home, having enjoyed a fantastic week. 

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Head of School’s Blog – 1 April 2022

1 April 2022

Next week we will be welcoming 55 German students and their teachers to the VI Form and the Island. They will be with us from Monday 4th April to Thursday 7th April up to lunchtime and in the afternoons they will be exploring the Island, taking part in other activities.

They will be visiting a range of lessons to observe the English education systems and to improve their English and when not in lessons they will be based in the Upper common room.

Please make them feel welcome in your lessons, help them out if they can’t find a room / lesson and maybe pop into the Upper common room to speak to them. If any students have time on Monday morning to help show them around, it would be much appreciated. Just pop into Student Services and let them know that you can help.

All of our visiting students will be issued with a temporary Lanyard. And just to remind you, ALL students must be wearing theirs as well.

Finally, we are inviting members of the current Year 12 student cohort to apply for the positions of Exam Helpers at Medina College. As part of a small group of Exam Helpers, you would be expected to set up the appropriate number of tables and chairs in the Sports Hall and / or Gym at Medina College as directed. Exams will be mainly in January, May, June and early July. You need to be reliable and physically fit, and able to be at Medina College ready for a 7am start and /or a 3:30pm start. Work is allocated on a rota basis, so you would not need to be available for all sessions. Details of how to apply is on the Student Services Hub.

Have a great weekend

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Geographers visit Briddlesford Farm

Year 12 Geographers visit Briddlesford Farm

Year 12 geography students visited Briddlesford Farm on Thursday to investigate how rural areas can be regenerated.  We were treated to an informative history of regeneration on the farm and conducted surveys about environmental quality and identity. 

During an interview with farmers Chris and Judy, we learnt about how the farm encourages social progress and were pleased to hear about how the business invests in their staff and kept everyone onboard during these last difficult two years. 

The students loved getting in close to the animals and enjoyed learning about how farms like Briddlesford can have a positive impact on people and the environment.  After a glass of milk and one last stroke of the calves, we came back to VI Form to present and write up our findings.

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Car Washing for Prom

Car Washing for Prom

The Student Voice group held a car wash at the VI Form site last week. They washed cars all day for donations towards their Year 13 Prom. More than £100 was raised and they had lots of very happy customers (with very clean cars!). Great effort – well done! 

The group have more fundraising events planned which  include a raffle with some fantastic prizes donated by local businesses, and more car washing.

The prom will take place on Thursday 30 June at Landguard Manor in Shanklin. Tickets are available to purchase now on School Gateway. 


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