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Loreto College ST ALBANS

INTR OD UC T IO N TO T H E S I X TH

FORM

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A M E S S A G E F R O M T H E H E A D O F S I X T H F O R M

"Women in time to come will do great things."

Mary Ward

Student life in the Sixth Form at Loreto College is both challenging and enjoyable. We believe that by choosing to continue Post-16 education here you are giving yourself an excellent opportunity to become an independent, resilient and resourceful young person, ready to succeed in a fast changing 21st Century. At Loreto, we provide a variety of successful academic programmes and welcome applications from all serious students. High quality pastoral care and support are central to our philosophy. Courtesy of our dedicated and experienced staff, you will be given all the advice you need to make a wise choice for your future, reflecting your own strengths, interests and ambitions. Our ethos of hard work and striving for excellence is fundamental to our success. We are justifiably proud of our excellent results in Post-16 examinations and of the large number of girls who are accepted into degree courses each year, including some of the most competitive subjects at Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities. In addition to academic studies, we aim to provide a substantial enrichment programme designed to address the personal and spiritual development of each student. We foster in our students both self-confidence and an independence of mind so that they can approach all of their learning with vigour and enthusiasm. We have always encouraged a commitment to the community and to the service of others and trust that our Sixth Form students will rise to their role in the school as senior pupils taking on new responsibilities as role models and prefects. We believe that, for the majority of students in Year 11, the best course of action is to continue their education in the Sixth Form at Loreto, where they will benefit from academic excellence and continuity of care. I hope you will find what follows useful. If there are any questions that you would like to raise, we would only be too pleased to help.

Mrs G Sheridan Head of Sixth Form

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S I X T H F O R M

at Loreto College (St Albans)

Welcome to Sixth Form at Loreto College!

As a member of the Sixth Form at Loreto, you receive an excellent education as well as many valuable and transferrable skills for the future. You have the opportunity to concentrate on the four subjects you really enjoy; these choices will prepare you for the next stage of your life. The transition from Year 11 to Year 12 can be challenging, but your subject teachers are always available to help you with your work. A different working relationship is established with staff as you are viewed as a young adult responsible for your own learning. Loreto is in a consortium with STAGS and Nicholas Breakspear which allows you greater flexibility when choosing your subjects. Students find this really helpful. In Year 13, you continue to study three subjects in more depth. There is also more independent and supported study time which is really useful in preparing you for the next phase of your education. The size of classes in Year 13 decreases, allowing for more one-to-one time with the teacher. All these factors ensure that your A Level classes are stimulating and fulfilling. You will be glad to know there is a lot more independence as a Sixth Former. In your study time you focus on your work, do research and revise for exams. In addition, you also have the freedom not to wear a school uniform. One of the most enjoyable benefits is being allowed to go out for lunch. The Sixth Form are trusted to manage their time effectively. This privilege is really advantageous as it makes school a much more enjoyable experience. Loreto Sixth Form strives to offer you a variety of extra-curricular activities which, not only broaden your life experience, but also complement your UCAS application and CV. Catechetics, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Work Experience, Eucharistic Minister, Year 7 Prefects and Buddies, Senior Prefects, In-Class Support and School Councillor are just some of the opportunities that are available to a Sixth Former. You are also a role model to those in the younger years who really look up to the Sixth Form students. These activities will benefit you as they provide genuine practical experience as you prepare for university or employment. On behalf of the current Sixth Form, we genuinely hope that you enjoy life in the Sixth Form at Loreto as much as we have. It helps shape you into the young adult that you aspire to be.

April Cremins

Head Girl, 2013-2014

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I can’t thank teachers enough for helping me achieve my grades. I have made many l i fe long fr iends

at Loreto and love the relaxed atmosphere and smal l c lasses.

Great atmosphere. Friendly teachers and students, a lways

wi l l ing to help .

S I X T H F O R M

at Loreto College (St Albans)

WE WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME YOU INTO THE SIXTH

FORM!

Being in the Sixth Form is a completely different experience to being in the rest of the school. You are given greater leadership roles, an opportunity to develop your curriculum interests and the chance to get involved in the local community.

C u r r e n t s ix t h f o r m st u de n t

WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNIT IES ARE THERE IN THE S IXTH FORM?

Take a leadership role within the school prefect system.

Get involved in leading the School Council.

Take part in our Enrichment Programme, either in school or externally in the local community.

Get involved in Young Enterprise and Dragon’s Den.

Take part in new sports activities.

Complete your Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

University applications advice with support about the UCAS system, personal statements and where to apply.

Oxbridge / Medicine / Veterinary Science / Dentistry Masterclasses as well as support and advice in completing your application forms and interview practice.

Various trips to exciting places such as New York, India and Madrid.

C u r r e n t s ix t h f o r m st u de n t

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ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME

At Loreto, we offer you the opportunity to take part in an Enrichment Programme. This can either take place in school or externally. We will give you the administrative support and advice to facilitate this. By arranging this yourself you will demonstrate to future universities and employers that you are an organised and motivated person. If you are thinking of applying to the caring professions, such as nursing, medicine, social work or teaching, additional work experience is essential.

IN-SCHOOL VOLUNTARY WORK

You may wish to assist the Learning Support Department in providing additional support to younger pupils either in lessons or during lunchtimes in homework clubs.

You may wish to take part in the Reading in Registration scheme with Year 7.

You may wish to volunteer in the library by assisting with the training of Year 7 pupils.

Take part in the Prefect system.

EXTERNAL WORK E XPERIENCE

We are keen for you to develop links with the local community.

We will therefore give you support and advice if you want to apply to do work experience externally. We have links with a number of local charities.

This may be working with a local charity providing administrative support, helping their fundraising activities or getting involved in marketing. It could be volunteering to walk dogs for the elderly or helping with the upkeep of a local church.

Whatever you end up doing, we want it to be relevant to you. Therefore, we will offer you the support and help to find an appropriate placement for you.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVIT IES In addition to academic studies, we aim to provide a substantial enrichment programme designed to address the personal and spiritual development of each student. All post-16 students’ benefit from taking part in a wide variety of activities designed to broaden their experience. Examples of some of the opportunities available for students to take part in include:-

A Sixth Form Induction course in July

Organisation of social activities and community events

PSHCE Events

Charity Work

Catechetics

Higher Education Information Sessions

Dragon’s Apprentice

Young Enterprise

Duke of Edinburgh Award

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GENERAL RELIGIOUS EDUCA TION In Years 12 and 13 there is one lesson of General Religious Education each week, in which the RE department lead discussion groups looking at topics of importance to Catholic students. Often there are guest speakers and the opportunity to engage in some outreach work including working with the Homeless Shelter, Old People’s home and help run a crèche. In Year 12 a number of students have the opportunity to be trained as Catechists – teachers of their faith to young children. This is a course most valuable for those interested in the teaching profession or caring profession such as social workers, midwives or nurses. Students will learn how children think and develop, and how to plan lessons and make resources and enhance their time management skills. Students will go on a six week work placement to a local primary school of their choice and work with a ratio of 1:4 children. At the end of the course, there is a celebratory Mass and reception where they will receive their Catechetic Certificate on behalf of the Bishop. Years 12 and 13 usually have an annual one-day retreat to enhance spiritual, moral and cultural issues. This year we are planning a Pilgrimage to Lourdes as part of the Westminster Diocese, students will participate as Red Cap helpers. They will meet people and other students from around the country and put the needs of others before themselves and work with people with all types of disabilities including wheeling them around in their wheelchair if necessary. This is a hard week but most rewarding where students where students form strong relationships and it help them to deal with challenges that life throws at them. Students are also encouraged and given the opportunity to become Eucharistic Ministers and help assist the Priest distribute Holy Communion during Mass.

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NEXT STEPS AND OPTIONS AT LORETO COLLEGE

Average Point Score = average point score from highest 8 GCSE grades where A* = 58; A = 52; B = 46; C= 40; D = 34; E = 28; F = 22; G – 16.

Most students who study 4 AS levels in Year 12 go on in Year 13 to study 3 A2 subjects.

Additional A Level provision is available within the Alban Consortium.

GRADES EXPECTED AT THE

END OF YEAR 11

OPPORTUNITIES AFTER

YEAR 11

PROGRESSION

5 A* - C grades including Maths and English with an Average Point Score

of 43.5

Four AS courses in Year 12

Degree course at University

Employment with training

5 A* - C grades including English

with an Average Point Score of 40.

Three AS courses in Year 12

Degree course at University

Employment with training

Four GCSE passes at grade C or

above. (The Diploma is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels.)

Four GCSE passes at grade C or

above. (The Certificate is equivalent to 1 AS Level.)

This is usually studied alongside an A Level subject.

BTEC National Level 3 90–Credit Diploma – Business

BTEC National Level 3 30-Credit- Certificate – Information Technology

Degree course at University

Employment with training

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THE A LEVEL PROGRAMME AT LORETO COLLEGE

To study Four AS Levels at Loreto College you need 5 A* - C including English and Maths with an Average Point Score of 44.

You must also meet the subject course requirements listed below:- Course Title Minimum Entry Requirements

Art Textiles

GCSE Art grade B or above and/or GCSE Textiles Grade B or above. Students with Grade C in either subject may be allowed to join in the course at the discretion of the Head of Department. Students without GCSE Art or GCSE Textiles may be allowed to join the course subject to the submission of a suitable portfolio of recent art work by the student and at the Head of Department’s discretion. Art Textiles is ideal for students who like to combine the freedom of expression of Fine Art with materials and fabrics and their attending processes.

Art [Fine]

GCSE Art grade B. Candidates with a C grade may be allowed to join the course at the discretion of the Head of Department as long as there is evidence of the students’ intentions to work hard. Students without GCSE Art may be allowed to join the course subject to the provision of a portfolio of recent artwork by the student and at the Head of Department’s discretion.

Biology Triple Award Science BBB or Dual Award Science AA, and a minimum of grade B in Maths.

Business Studies Five GCSE’s grades A* - C, including English Language and Mathematics grade C.

BTEC National Level 3 90-Credit Diploma - Business

Four GCSE passes at ‘C’ grade or above. (The Level 3 90-Credit Diploma is equal to 11/2 ‘A’

Levels and is an accepted university entrance qualification).

BTEC National Level 3 30-Credit Certificate – Information Tech

Four GCSE passes at ‘C’ grade or above. (The Level 3 30-Credit Certificate is equal to 1 ‘AS’ Level and is an accepted university entrance qualification).

Chemistry Triple Award Science BBB or Dual Award Science AA, and a minimum of grade B in Maths.

Classical Civilisation GCSE English Literature grade B. An interest in history and drama is also helpful. Economics GCSE English Language B, Maths B.

English Literature GCSE English grade B, GCSE English Literature grade B.

French Grade B at GCSE French.

Geography GCSE Geography grade B.

German Grade B at GCSE German.

Government & Politics GCSE English Language B. History GCSE History grade B. Latin GCSE Latin grade B and GCSE English Literature grade B.

Mathematics GCSE Mathematics grade A, but grade B applicants will be considered. Further Mathematics GCSE Mathematics grade A. Please note that this course can only be offered alongside AS or

an A-Level in Mathematics, and can be studied in either Year 12 or Year 13.

Music

It is preferable if students have followed a GCSE Music course and achieved grade B. However, applicants without GCSE Music will be considered if they play an instrument or sing to at least grade 5 standard and have a good knowledge of music theory. All those considering Music should be at least grade 4 standard in singing or their instrument at the start of the course.

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Course Title Minimum Entry Requirements

PE

GCSE Physical Education grade B. GCSE English grade C and either Triple Award or Dual Award Science grade C or above. It is desirable but not essential that pupils have studied GCSE PE.

Performance Studies

Drama or Music GCSE at Grade B plus English at Grade B. Applicants without GCSE Drama or Music may be considered if there is evidence of practical skills in these areas. This will be at the discretion of the Head of Department.

Philosophy & Ethics GCSE Religious Studies grade B.

Physics Triple Award Science BBB or Dual Award Science AA, and a minimum of grade B in Maths.

Psychology GCSE grade B in Maths.

Sociology Students need to have a genuine interest in controversial issues and be prepared to read widely.

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THE ALBAN CONSORTIUM Our consortium partners are St Albans Girls School and Nicholas Breakspear School. We work together to help resolve subject clashes when a student wishes to study a combination of subjects not possible at Loreto College. Pupils travel independently between home and the consortium school at the start and end of the day. Transport is provided for travel between the schools at lunchtime. Pupils must meet the entrance requirements of both Loreto College and the consortium school in order to gain a place.

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MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS

At Loreto College our ethos of hard work and striving for excellence is fundamental to our success. It is the expectation that Sixth Form students will honour all their commitments and aim to achieve 100% punctuality and attendance.

T A R G E T S Students are set ALPS (Advanced Level Performance Systems) targets at the start of Year 12. These targets are set by an external agency using national data and a student’s GCSE average point score as a minimum target. Subject teachers will discuss targets with students.

GCSE grades Average GCSE point score National ALPS AS Level minimum target grade per

subject

Mainly A* > 55.0 A

Mainly A 48 – 54.9 B

Mainly B 43 – 47.9 C

Mainly C < 43 D

P R O G R E S S R E V I E W Students meet their subject teachers individually towards the end of each term to review their progress. There are also interviews with Form Tutors to discuss their progress.

P A R E N T C O N S U L T A T I O N E V E N I N G S There is one opportunity in each academic year for parents to meet subject teachers with their sons / daughters to have detailed feedback about progress and areas for improvement.

S U P P O R T E D S T U D Y A N D I N D E P E N D E N T L E A R N I N G All students are encouraged to become independent learners. They spend approximately 4 hours per subject per week during Year 12 working independently on teacher directed and self-directed tasks.

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A LEVEL RESULTS 2013

2013 2012

Grades % %

Subject Entr

ies

A* A B C D E U X Q A-E A-B A-E A-B

Biology 11 2 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 100% 91% 100% 60%

Chemistry 11 1 3 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 100% 73% 100% 64%

Physics 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 100% 0% 100% 40%

Mathematics 15 2 5 3 2 3 0 0 0 0 100% 67% 100% 69%

Art and Design Textiles 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100% 100% 100% 25%

Fine Art 4 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 100% 50% 88% 63%

Geography 13 0 4 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 100% 92% 100% 53%

History 17 0 8 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 100% 82% 100% 69%

Information Technology (Voc) 4 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 100% 0% 100% 0%

Religious Studies 18 1 1 9 5 1 1 0 0 0 100% 61% 100% 50%

Art and Design 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100% 0% 50% 0%

Psychology 21 1 3 8 6 2 1 0 0 0 100% 57% 100% 48%

Sociology 11 1 1 3 4 1 0 1 0 0 91% 45% 94% 25%

English Literature 14 2 2 6 3 1 0 0 0 0 100% 71% 100% 14%

Expressive Arts 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 100% 0% 100% 30%

Drama 3 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100% 67% 100% 100%

Mathematics Further 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 100% 0% 100% 0%

French 4 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 100% 75% 100% 0%

Classical Civilisation 9 2 2 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 100% 56% 100% 29%

Latin 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 100% 100% 100% 100%

Music 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 100% 50% 100% 25%

Sport/PE Studies 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 100% 100% 100% 50%

General Studies 55 3 2 6 12 13 13 6 0 0 89% 20% 100% 50%

Year 13 A2 Results 2013

Year 13 A2 Results 2012

A-B: 66%, not including General St.

A-B: 48%, not including General St.

A-E: 99%

A-E: 99%

A-B: %, including General St. 55%

A-B: 49%, including General St.

A-E: 98 %

A-E: 99%

Average Point Score per entry: 220

Average Point Score per entry: 211

Total Average Point Score: 887

Total Average Point Score: 860

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2013 UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS

UNIVERSITY COURSE

Aston University Law

Bath Spa University Textile Design

Bournemouth University Psychology

Kings College London Mathematics and Philosophy

Kingston University English Literature and Sociology

Leeds Metropolitan University Civil Engineering

Leeds Metropolitan University History

Nottingham Trent University Business Management and Marketing

Nottingham Trent University History

Oxford Brookes University Anthropology/Geography

Oxford University English Language and Literature

Queen Mary University of London Chemistry

Sheffield Hallam University Psychology

St Mary's University College History

St Mary's University College Primary Education (ITT)

University of Birmingham Biological Sciences

University of Birmingham Geography

University of Birmingham Chemical Engineering (Industrial Experience)

University of Brighton Criminology and Sociology

University of Cambridge English

University of East Anglia Pharmacy

University of Essex Nursing (Adult)

University of Exeter Mathematics

University of Exeter Classical Studies

University of Glasgow Mathematics/Philosophy

University of Glasgow Biochemistry

University of Hertfordshire Psychology

University of Hertfordshire Psychology

University of Hertfordshire Extended Degree in Science

University of Hull Psychology

University of Kent Biomedical Sciences

University of Lincoln Business and Marketing

University of Liverpool Pharmacology

University of Nottingham Classical Civilisation

University of Nottingham Psychology

University of Reading Archaeology and Classical Studies

University of Roehampton Primary Education Key Stages 2 (History Education)

University of Sheffield Philosophy

University of Surrey Law

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UNIVERSITY COURSE

University of Sussex Geography

University of Sussex Philosophy

University of Warwick Biomedical Science

University of Warwick Law and Business Studies

University of Westminster Business Management

University of York History

University of York Psychology

5 students are taking a gap year.

1 student into work

1 student went to college

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TEACHERS WHO SUPPORT POST 16 STUDENTS

Mrs G. Sheridan

Head of Sixth Form Assistant Headteacher

Miss N. Ross

Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Mrs S. Kerry

Head of PSHE / Careers Assistant Headteacher

Form Tutors

Daily contact with pupils and monitoring of attendance.

Mrs T. Bray

Sixth Form Secretary

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ENTRANCE PROCEDURES

Wednesday 23rd October 2013

What’s Next Afternoon / Evening

Tuesday 5th November 2013

Year 11 Parent’s Evening

December 2013

Individual interviews for all students with a senior member of staff.

January 2014

Individual interviews with Year 11 Form Tutors.

20th January 2014

Deadline for application to Loreto College Sixth Form

Spring 2014

Timetable confirmation

Monday 30th June – Wednesday 2nd July 2014

Induction course

August 2014

GCSE Results Confirmation of subjects. Students who need to modify their plans receive individual guidance.