Upload
phungmien
View
213
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
+ 1
Our Vision• Torquay Academy will provide high quality
education and state-of-the-art facilities for
students, families and the wider Torquay
Community.
• The Academy will offer students learning
opportunities to suit their individual abilities and
aspirations.
• The Academy will raise the aspirations of young
people, opening doors for their future success.
• No student will leave the Academy without a
path to further education, training or the
workplace.
• Teaching and learning will be at the highest
level to drive academic standards
• The Academy will focus on the needs of
individual students.
The Post 16 provision at Torquay
Academy will offer a range of high
quality academic and work related
courses to suit all students aged 16 –
19, whatever your ambition.
Whether your aim is to go to
University, College, take an
Apprenticeship, go on to further
training or directly into work we have a
programme that will suit your needs.
Alongside opportunities to gain formal
qualifications and vocational training
there is a full range of enrichment
activities which will enable you to build
a programme that is varied, relevant to
your needs, motivating and enjoyable.
Every student will have a personal
tutor who will be an academic mentor
and provide specialised support
together with careers advice and
guidance.
A very warm welcome to Torquay Academy
Sixth Form. You are joining us at a very exciting
period of our development. With a new, dynamic
Sixth Form Centre, excellent personalised
learning resources, extended curriculum offer,
dedicated Sixth form team and highly skilled,
professional subject teachers our Sixth Form is
designed to be the place for you to stretch,
grow, learn and fulfil your true potential and
broaden your horizons.
Life in the Sixth Form is based upon a strong
partnership between you, your parents or
careers and school. You will enjoy more
freedom to determine your chosen curriculum.
However, with this freedom comes a
responsibility to have a mature, motivated and
honest approach to your learning commitments.
You will be required to show initiative, undertake
research and read broadly (not just set texts)
around your chosen subjects. In return we will
provide you with excellent quality teaching,
pastoral support, career guidance, help and
advice when you need it most. However, it’s not
all about the curriculum! We are passionate
about providing you with every opportunity to
enrich your experience with extra-curricular
activities; supporting local charities, working with
younger students, becoming anti-bullying
ambassadors, work experience placements,
Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh award.
We believe that Futures are made HERE and
we know that in joining us at Torquay Academy
Sixth Form you are making a step in the right
direction to securing a very bright future!
Mrs. Jane Thomas
Head of Sixth
Futures are made HERE …
+ 2
Our ExpectationsWe are looking for students who arecommitted, ambitious and willing to work hardto achieve their goals.
When you choose to commit to joining ourSixth Form you do so in the knowledge that weexpect you to give of your best at all times andthat you will act as a role model to otherstudents in the school.
You will agree with our expectations regardingattendance, punctuality and uniform and takeresponsibility for your own actions and yourown learning. We want you to be integral tothe life of the school and the local communityand expect you take on leadership roles in anumber of the enrichment activities we offer.
In return you will find teachers and other staffthat will fully support you in your journey fromYear 11 to whatever route you decide to takeonce completing your courses at the school.
AttendanceStudents are expected to attend school
full-time, albeit that some of your
attendance maybe off site provision.
Registers will be taken in all lessons, you
are expected to be on time for all lessons.
Both punctuality and attendance will be
monitored on a regular basis, if you are not
meeting the expected standards you will
be interviewed by the Head of Sixth form
to ascertain whether there are legitimate
reasons. You will be expected to register in
school each day at 8.25am unless you
have permission not to do so.
16-19 BursaryIn March 2011 the Government announced a new
16-19 Bursary Fund to support the most vulnerable
young people to participate in and benefit from
Post 16 education and training, following the
closure of the EMA (Education Maintenance
Allowance) Scheme. The funding is designed to
help support those young people who face the
greatest barriers to continuing in education or
training post 16. The maximum amount awarded is
£1200. Bursaries are awarded on an individual
basis at the discretion of the Principal. More details
of eligibility will be available prior to the deadline
for applications.
Joining the Sixth FormThis prospectus will provide you with
information about our Sixth Form and will
also give you information about joining
us.
Our entry requirements for each subject
are listed under the individual subject
information found in the subject
handbook enclosed in this prospectus.
All students will be interviewed to ensure
that we offer them courses that suit their
needs.
Prior to commencing your studies you
will be asked to sign a learning
agreement in which you agree, to abide
by the expectations that Torquay
Academy has of its Sixth Form students.
Please note: You will be expected to remain in school until 3.00pm each day. You
are welcome and indeed encouraged to stay later than 3pm each day to continue
your independent studies, should you wish to do so.
+ 3
Uniform and Responsibilities We believe it is reasonable to expect a high
standard of dress and behaviour from our
students, just as in the professional working
environment. Sixth Form students are
therefore expected to wear school uniform at
all times.
All our uniform items can be bought locally.
The official stockist of the Academy Sixth
Form uniform is Riviera Schooldays, 134
Union Street, Torquay (01803 293650).
Uniform
The following items must be bought from
Riviera Schooldays:
Black blazer embroidered with Academy
logo
Sixth Form House tie worn traditionally
and full length
Pleated black skirt
The following items can be bought from other
outlets but must conform to Academy
requirements
Plain collared white shirt (top button
fastened, shirt tucked in)
Plain black trousers of traditional design
(no jeans or leggings)
Plain black school shoes of traditional
design-no canvas/training style shoes or
boots
Plain black tights or plain black ankle or
knee length socks
Sixth Form students are also expected to:
• Agree to be bound by the school code of
conduct
• Attend all lessons
• Complete work on time
• Use study periods sensibly
• Wear School uniform at all times whilst
on the School site
• Involve themselves in the extra-
curricular life of the school
• Be Role models to other students
The Learning EnvironmentStudy
The ways in which you study and learn as a
Sixth Form Student, will develop you and
will empower you to assume greater
responsibility for your own independent
learning. You will become increasingly self
motivated and self disciplined. Choosing
the right courses is vital to your success so
seek advice, information and guidance and
take time to consider your programme of
study very carefully.
There are many routes possible through the
Sixth Form but generally students will
choose according to their career intentions,
personal interests, learning styles and
academic ability.
You can choose an academic or a work
related pathway. In certain cases,
depending on courses, it may be possible
for you to combine pathways.
Each student will receive Independent
Careers Guidance on a regular basis
throughout their time in the Sixth Form.
Private study time The state of the art facilities at the Academy
together with the Sixth Form study centre,
include a wide variety of study areas to give
you every opportunity for success and will
support your independent learning. There
are extensive learning resources available
around the school for students to use to
enhance their learning. The school places
much emphasis on Digital Learning
consequently we have excellent ICT
facilities, providing a basis for independent
learning. These can be used by Sixth Form
students before, during and after school,
students can also access their work at
home through our Virtual Learning
Environment.
+ 4
Google Chromebook Scheme
Students joining our Sixth Form will have the opportunity to
buy a subsidised Google Chromebook under a new
scheme.
The purchase scheme was put together after Torquay
Academy identified that independent learning was a barrier
to learning in the Sixth Form and the the Google
Chromebook is an excellent device to address that.
In addition to this we have developed our network structure
to support the use of this mobile device around the
Academy building.
Assistant Principal Gareth Harries said ‘ There are a lot of
mobile devices on the market. We have investigated a
range of devices and after consultation with the e-learning
foundation, parents and students, we have decided to offer
the Google Chromebook. This is a robust and cost
effective mobile device which will support independent
learning of Sixth Form students’
Under the scheme you will be asked to either pay a ‘one
off’ fee of £200 or make ten monthly payments of £20
towards the cost of the device.
Students eligible for the Sixth Form bursary will be able to
use part of this to cover the cost of their Chromebook.
Torquay Academy will be maintaining the devices and will
provide technical support for the duration of the student’s
studies in our Sixth Form. We will also provide a robust
carrying case.
If you require any further information please see Mr.
Harries who will be more than happy to answer your
questions.
Fitness SuiteAs a member of our
Sixth Form you will
also get free Junior
Membership to our
Fitness suite
+ 5
How we build your individualised programme
You will have the opportunity at the Year 11next steps evening, to talk to subject staffabout the courses and subjects that interest
you.
This prospectus includes further information oneach course.
Mrs. Hadden the Academy Careers Officerand Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Harries will beavailable to assist on the evening should youneed further information. In addition to this wewill be available on 15th December, Year 11Parents Evening.
The deadline for Sixth form applications is the1st February 2016.
You may also be invited to a separate 6th FormInterview, to which your parents are also mostwelcome to attend, during this interview youwill have time to discuss and consider yourchoices.
In the Summer term we will host a Post 16Induction Day so you can sample the subjectsor courses that interest you. During this dayyou can check any information or queries youmay have before the summer holiday starts.
On GCSE results day on Thursday 25th
August 2016 Mrs. Thomas and other SixthForm staff will be available in school all day tohelp and advise you if you wish to change yourcourse choice.
In September when you join the Sixth Formfurther information about Enrichment andOptional Courses will be available. Your SixthForm Personal Tutor will help you with this.
All students need the security to know that support is available for them. Whether the issue is subject specific, general study skills or personal you can be assured that we offer a wealth of appropriate support. In particular:
Subject Staff Our Sixth Form teachers will work hard to ensure that students are supported in the classroom as well as enabling them to work independently on projects, research, group based learning and individual set tasks. As part of our classroom practice across the school we aim to make sure that students fully understand and can apply the ingredients for success.
Pastoral Tutors and support staff: Every student will be allocated a personal tutor who meets with them on a regular basis for mentoring support. We have members of staff who are based in the Sixth Form Centre; specifically to work alongside students and support them in an independent learning environment. Trained staff are able to support students with specific learning needs.
Careers Advice We will provide an excellent Careers programme organised by the Academy Careers Advisor and delivered by trained staff. We have a wealth of resources to help make career decisions: books, videos, CD ROMS, magazines, ICT links.
ParentsWe recognise that parents play an important part in supporting students throughout their time in our Sixth Form. Parents will be invited to an introductory meeting early in the Autumn term. Regular contact is then kept through consultation evenings, reports and other special events. Parents may, of course also make an appointment to talk to staff at any other time.
+ 6Course
Gu
ide W
hic
h LevelSHOULD I
CHOOSE
LEVEL 2LEVEL 3
Level 3 means qualifications at an advanced level. It
is the step up after GCSE. There are different types
of qualification at this level, but they are all
equivalent. They include:
- GCE A level
- BTEC Diploma
- OCR National
You will need to make the academic entry
requirements for each course. This is because
courses are challenging and we must ensure that
you have the ability and skills to be successful. See
each subject listing for entry requirements.
Each course takes two years to reach the full
qualification.
LEVEL 1
ACADEMIC OR
VOCATIONALAcademic courses are traditional courses which deal with more theoretical
ideas. You will need to process information and usually present ideas in written
form, often as reports or essays. Some courses will include practical elements
and a little coursework, but overall they will be assessed by examination. If you
want to go into a traditional career such as teaching, medicine or law you will
need academic subjects.
Vocational courses are work related qualifications. They are designed to allow
you to learn in a way that suits you, and give you the skills employers are
looking for. There will be more practical activities and you will produce a portfolio
of coursework. You will get feedback on how you are doing during the course
and how to aim higher. Vocational qualifications can lead on to training,
employment and vocational courses at university.
Level 2 qualifications are GCSEs or an
equivalent qualification. This is what
you will have completed in Year 11. In
order to be fully qualified at level 2 you
need to obtain at least a grade C in
English and Mathematics as well as a
minimum of three other subjects,
including level 2 BTEC qualifications.
This is what you need to get onto most
apprenticeships and to get many jobs.
It is also what you need to get onto
most level 3 courses.
If you expect to get grades D-G at
GCSE, we offer a one year course in
the Sixth Form. You will be able to re-
sit English and Mathematics, as well as
choosing other subjects.
We aim to make this one year course
successful for you so that you can
either enter employment, take on an
apprenticeship or carry onto to level 3
courses the following year.
In most cases
level 1 courses are
practically based
and would suit
students who have
a willingness to
work hard and are
looking to gain
qualifications that
will promote
employability
opportunities,
these courses are
highly
individualised. A
good attitude
towards work is
required for these
courses, is the
expectation that
you have studied
Mathematics and
English at Key
Stage 4
+ 7
Course
Gu
ide
Wh
ich Courses
SHOULD
I TAKE
DO- Choose courses you enjoy and want to spend
time studying
- Choose courses you are good at, which use your
strengths
- Choose courses which are relevant for your
future career
- Choose courses that work well together and
support each other e.g. mathematics and physics
- Talk to your teachers and parents
- Find out what the course involves
- Research which qualifications an employer or
university requires
DO NOT- Just do what your friends are doing
- Choose a subject because you like the
teacher
Remember
- Do get your
application
in on time!
It is your decision which courses you choose, but make sure
you have researched all options and listen to advice given
When you apply you will need to list the subjects you are interested in. We
will then use this to plan our timetable and group subjects into option blocks.
We will try and fit you in with as many of your choices as possible, providing
you meet the course entry requirements.
+ 8
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the entry requirements for Torquay Academy Sixth Form Centre?
Your Study Programme will be personal to you and, so, it is difficult to specify general entry requirements. Whatever
courses you choose, the most important requirements are:
an enthusiastic and positive approach to your studies a commitment to being part of the Torquay Academy Sixth Form
community and meeting the high expectations we have of our students full time attendance and punctuality. Each
course has its own entry requirements. It is important that you check the course details carefully. If you do not get a
grade C in GCSE English or Maths when you join our Sixth Form, you will be required to continue your GCSE studies
in these subjects in the Sixth Form and resit these qualifications.
How many courses should I choose?
Your Study Programme at our Sixth Form is about much more than just the courses you choose. Your Programme is
personal to you and will be made up of examination courses, tutorial, the opportunity to develop important skills for
learning and life and a variety of other activities. We aim to provide you with a Programme which meets your
individual needs and will provide you with the qualifications and skills to enable you to progress to higher education,
employment or further training as well as developing your personal interests. The Sixth Form team will advise you
carefully about the right number and type of courses for you.
Can you guarantee that all the courses that I choose will be available?
The courses in this brochure are our ‘offer’. Whilst we would love to run all of the courses, sometimes we are not able
to. Decisions about whether to run courses will depend on the number of students who opt for them. If we are not able
to run a particular course for any reason, we will let you know in good time and advise you on choosing a different
course.
How do I apply to Torquay Academy Sixth Form?
Simply complete the application form in your Prospectus or visit our website to download an application form.
Applications forms should be posted to the Sixth Form Office. Torquay Academy students can drop them into the Sixth
Form Centre. Deadlines for receipt of applications is 1st February 2016. See the Application Timeline for more
information.
What will happen at my interview? Do I need to bring anything with me?
It is a good idea to bring a recent school report with you and, for some courses, you may need to bring examples of
work you have done - but your letter will tell you exactly what you need to bring. Interviews will be held throughout
February and March. You will be interviewed by a member of the Sixth Form Team. Your interview is an opportunity
for you to ask any questions that you might have and for us to advise you about the right courses and activities for
your personalised Study Programme. At the end of your interview you will be given an ‘offer’ confirming your Study
Programme and the grades you will need to be able to do those courses.
What happens if I change my mind about what I want to study?
You just need to let the Sixth Form team know what you would like to change to. If it is a major change, we may ask
you to come in for another interview.
What happens if I don’t get my predicted grades?
The most important thing is that you are studying on the right courses at the right level. Our admissions process takes
place in the week after your GCSE results are available. Every student will have an admissions interview and if you
haven’t got the grades that you need, we will work with you to look at the options available to you. This might mean
changing course. The Sixth Form Team will also be available for advice on GCSE results day. Full details will be on
the website.
+ 9
Key Dates What Happens? Further Details
10th December 2015 Year 11 Next Steps
Evening
A chance to find out more about the
opportunities on offer at Torquay Academy.
Meet the staff and current students. Explore
subjects that you might be interested in and
get expert advice about the right Study
Programme for you.
December 2015-January
2016
Visits to Sixth Form for
external students
A chance to find out more about the
opportunities on offer at Torquay Academy.
Meet the staff and current students. Explore
subjects that you might be interested in and
get expert advice about the right Study
Programme for you.
December 2015 – January
2016
Taster sessions and
‘Drop Ins’ for TA
students
TA students are invited to attend lunchtime
taster sessions to find out more about the
courses on offer at Sixth Form or ‘drop in’ to
advice sessions with the Sixth Form Team
about choosing a Study Programme. Details
will be on the Bulletin.
1st February 2016 Applications Deadline 1st February 2016 Applications Deadline.
Completed application forms must be
returned to the Sixth Form Office by this
date.
February – March 2016 Sixth Form Interviews Your interview is an opportunity for you to
ask any questions that you might have and
for us to advise you about the right courses
and activities for your personalised Study
Programme.
May – June 2016 GCSE Examinations Good Luck!
29th June 2016 Induction Day Students are expected to attend induction
activities on this day and to collect their
induction tasks.
25th August 2016 GCSE Results Day The Sixth Form Team will be available for
advice, guidance and support.
29th -31st August 2015 Admissions Meetings We meet all students to confirm their Study
Programme and complete the official
enrolment process.
September 2016 Welcome to Sixth Form
Key D
ate
s
+ 10
EnrichmentOur enrichment activities are wide ranging, it
is something that the school places great
emphasis on.
One of the core values at the school is to
produce a young person who is well-
rounded, polite, disciplined, has good
communication skills, problem solving skills
and who has both teamwork and leadership
qualities in equal abundance. The
enrichment programme will reinforce and
enhance this concept in our Sixth Form
students.
Opportunities will range from;
• First Aid training
• Peer Mentoring opportunities
• Community Services
• A wide range of sports
• Music productions
• The Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Drama productions/Fashion Show
• Sixth Form Charity
• Fitness Suite
• Sports Leaders Award
• Reading Buddies
• Student Council
Please note this list is not exhaustive.
Opportunities will expand in line with student
demands
So Why Torquay Academy?
In summary:• You will have an individualised pathway
• You will know most of your teachers
• You can continue at a school that you know
and one that knows you
• There are a wide range of subjects available
• Learning takes place in small groups where
you will receive personal attention
• You will receive lots of support with job
applications, careers advice and University
applications
• You can take part in a range of enrichment
activities
• You will be part of a forward thinking school
where digital learning is at the heart of the
school community
• If you are new to Torquay Academy you will
find us friendly, inclusive, student focused
with exceptional pastoral support system,
where you are at the centre of your own
learning experience
Application ProcedureThe Sixth Form Prospectus and Application
Forms are available from the school or on
the school website (www.tqacademy.co.uk)
Applications should be sent to or handed into
Torquay Academy
Cricketfield Road
Torquay
Devon TQ2 7NU
by 1st February 2016
1st February 2016Final submission date of application forms
from internal and external prospective
Sixth Form students.
Applications received after this date will
be at a disadvantage in the allocation of
places in over-subscribed groups.