SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

2013-2014

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Welcome Welcome to Stratford upon Avon School This prospectus aims to give you an insight into the Sixth Form at Stratford upon Avon School. We set high standards in everything we do and we expect the best from our students and staff. We have clear values which we encourage in our students and adhere to as staff and we base our work on trust, co-operation, fairness, honesty and a belief in the unique worth and aspirations of each individual student. We aim to provide the very best learning experience possible for all our students so that they are able to achieve their personal potential. We have excellent and extensive facilities and a dedicated staff that enable both curricular and extra-curricular opportunities to be available to every student. We celebrate successes both academic and non-academic including our excellent GCE and BTEC Level 3 results, our Higher Education and career successes and our outstanding sporting, artistic and musical achievements. This prospectus will give you much of the information you require but we recommend for further details that you visit our website www.stratforduponavonschool.com or call us on 01789 416653 and ask us for a tour of the school.

Mr David R Williams, Head teacher

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About our Sixth Form

At Stratford upon Avon School our Post 16 provision is tailored to both challenge and satisfy all individual students. We aim to offer our students a learning experience through a broad and engaging curriculum. A range of Level 3 and Level 2 courses can be chosen, including A-Level, BTEC, and GCSE, all enabling a range of learning experiences from terminal examination to coursework based study. It is our aim to provide an inspirational Sixth Form environment where students are challenged and supported to fulfil their potential. In addition to Academic study, we provide a curriculum that incorporates a purposeful enrichment programme. This includes Leisure / Sports opportunities, Leadership & Mentoring, Work in the community, Young Enterprise, and the opportunity to acquire relevant life skills and other useful qualifications. Underpinning the Sixth Form is a dedicated team of specialist staff to support pupil learning and provide advice and guidance. This support aids their transition into either the world of work or to further studies including Higher Education. Our modern facilities, purpose built Sixth Form area, and outstanding learning resources, all ensure that students have every opportunity to be successful. We have an active and very capable Senior Student Team of whom we are very proud. This team work tirelessly both within the school and in the community, enhancing their personal skills in a variety of activities, and they contribute significantly to our school. We appreciate the importance of choosing a Sixth Form, and we hope that this prospectus will give you a sound insight to both the provision and service available at Stratford upon Avon School. Mr Mark Brennan, Head of Post 16

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The following pages act as a quick reference guide and will hopefully answer most of your questions. Should you

require greater detail on any areas of Sixth Form provision including information on SEN and Disability provision

please visit our website: www.stratforduponavonschool.com or email staff@stratfordschool.co.uk

‘Stratford upon Avon Sixth Form offers not only academic aid such as apprenticeship and university guidance,

but extracurricular activities including Latin classes, Young Enterprise and Duke of Edinburgh. For me the Sixth

Form is much more than just studying for your A levels, it’s about developing yourself’

Hayley Ashton -Year 13 student studying Sociology, ICT and Economics

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Admissions Core requirements to enter the Sixth Form at Stratford upon Avon School:

Evidence of a good attitude to school learning

Evidence of a good school attendance record

Completion of an application form and interview.

Criteria for priority allocation of places at Stratford upon Avon School Sixth Form:

Students who already study at Stratford upon Avon School

The date when applications are received will be used. All applications are numbered and, in the event that we are over-subscribed, the time an application was received will be used as a means to decide who is awarded a place.

Criteria for allocation of places on specific course of study: When demand exceeds the available number of places on a specific course the school will attempt to deploy its available resources to satisfy the request of all students. However, when this is not possible, the criteria for place allocation will be:

Evidence of prior commitment to and prior achievement in the subject area

The appropriateness of a student’s subject choice in relation to the other subjects in their application.

We will attempt to provide all students with the best pathway into the Sixth Form and combination of subjects

to suit their needs.

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Important Dates for Admission Into Sixth Form Open Evening: 26th November 2012

An evening designed to find out more about our Sixth Form. There will be an opportunity to discuss the subjects on offer, and take a glimpse into Sixth Form life with our current students.

Pathway A & B Guidance Evening 4th December

Guidance for those considering Pathways A & B. The evening will include: course options, combination subjects, Enrichment, considerations for Post 18 destinations.

Pathway C & D Guidance Evening 5th December

Guidance for those considering Pathways C & D. The evening will include: course options, combination subjects, Enrichment, considerations for Post 18 destinations.

Closing Date for Applications: 25th January 2013

Please contact the school if you require any assistance with your application: staff@stratfordschool.co.uk

Interviews: February/March 2013

All applicants will meet a member of the Sixth Form team to discuss their application and subject choices.

Provisional Offer Letter: 9th April 2013

All applicants will receive a letter notifying them if they have secured a place in the Sixth Form. The letter will be a provisional offer. It will identify the subjects the student has opted for and the grades required to gain a place within the Sixth Form.

Taster Days: June 2013

Applicants will be invited to attend taster days and experience the Sixth Form and subjects first hand.

GCSE results & 22nd August 2013 Sixth Form Registration:

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Choosing your courses Level 3 courses are a significant step up in difficulty from those studied during Key stage 4. Choose your subjects

wisely, and be aware that you may have different teachers in the Sixth Form. Indeed, in most subjects you are

likely to have two teachers.

Choose subjects you will be good at:

For many careers or courses, grades matter more than subjects. It can be very difficult to stay motivated if you

are finding the work difficult.

Look carefully at the course syllabus, even if it’s a subject you’ve already studied, and look at the way that it is

taught and assessed. With new subjects check whether they share any similarities with other subjects or with

extra-curricular activities you enjoy.

Our experience tells us that certain combinations of subjects might support each other, e.g. Maths with Sciences, English with History, English Literature with Drama, ICT with Business Studies.

Check your combination of subjects:

Ensure that the combination of subjects you choose meets the requirements of any career or Higher Education

course that you may be considering (see page 7 for likely requirements to study specific degree courses).

Sixth Form Open Evening on Monday 26th November

This will give you the opportunity to talk to Curriculum teachers, and Sixth Form students who are already

studying these subjects.

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Higher Education & University A number of specific careers and university courses specify particular A-Levels.

Degree Course Possible Requirements Accountancy / Banking / Finance /

Economics Maths is often required. Business Studies and

Economics are often useful.

Biology Biology and another science, or Maths.

Chemistry Chemistry, and sometimes Maths and/or another science.

Computer Sciences Often requires Maths.

Dentistry Chemistry and Biology are often required, and some ask for Physics and Maths.

Economics Many universities require Maths A-Level.

Engineering Maths and Physics.

Law Any, but preferably academic subjects especially English.

Medicine Chemistry and Biology. Maths and / or Physics are also relevant.

Natural Sciences Sciences and Maths required at most institutions.

Nursing and Midwifery Biology, and at the most competitive universities, Chemistry.

Physics Physics and Maths.

Physiotherapy One science – usually Biology. Some universities will require two sciences.

Psychology A pure science subject is usually required.

Teaching Must have at least one ‘academic’ subject.

Sports Science Some universities require Biology or another science.

Veterinary Science Chemistry and Biology and then either Maths and / or Physics.

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Curriculum Pathways From September 2013, the Sixth Form will offer four Pathways of study. Each Pathway has its own entry criteria, course offer and progression routes.

Guidance Evening 4th December

Guidance Evening 5th December

Pathway A

Pathway B

Pathway C

Pathway D

Entry requirement

5 or more GCSE grades A* - A

including Maths and

English

5 or more GCSE grades A* - B

including Maths and

English

5 or more GCSE grades A* - C

including Maths and

English

5 or more GCSE grades A* - C

Year 12

Programme of

Study

4 AS Levels or

BTEC Level 3 &

Extended Project

4 AS Levels

or BTEC Level 3

3 AS Levels

or BTEC Level 3

2 AS Levels or BTEC Level 3

+ Level 2 awards

Year 13

Programme of Study

3 / 4 A2 Levels or

BTEC Level 3

3 A2 Levels

or BTEC Level 3

3 A2 Levels

or BTEC Level 3

2 A2 Levels or BTEC Level 3

+ Level 2 awards

Possible Exit Routes

Oxford / Cambridge

& competitive courses

University University / Vocational

Widening Career

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Curriculum Subject Choices Level 3 Qualifications - BTEC Subject Entry Requirements (Level 2 / GCSE) Performing Arts: Dance (New for 2013) B in Dance and/or successful audition ICT C in Maths and English Sports Studies C in Sport and PE Fashion and Textiles (New for 2013) C in Technology Level 3 Qualifications - AS / A2 Level Subject Entry Requirements (Level 2 / GCSE) Biology BB in Science Business Studies C in Maths and English Language Chemistry BB in Science Drama and Theatre Studies C in Drama Economics C in Maths English Language B in English Language English Literature B in English Literature Environmental Studies CC in Science

Film Studies C in English French B in French Geography C in Geography History C in English Maths B in Maths Further Maths A in Maths Physics BB in Science Product Design C in Design and Technology Psychology B in English Language, BB in Science Photography (New for 2013) Sociology C in English Language Fine Art C in Art and / or evidence of Portfolio

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Level 2 Qualifications GCSE English Language (re-sit) GCSE Maths (re-sit) GCSE Film Studies (New for 2013) GCSE Law (New for 2013) GCSE Photography (New for 2013) BTEC Sport Studies (New for 2013) BTEC Business Studies(New for 2013)

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The Pastoral College System Our College system aims to ensure that individual students feel valued members of the school community and

that their wellbeing and aspirations are cultivated.

Upon entry all students are placed in a vertical tutor group, positioned within one of three Colleges. These tutor

groups are made up of students from different age groups, and Sixth Form students will assist the Form tutor,

taking an active role in mentoring and coaching younger members of their group.

The College Cup

The College Cup reflects the spirit of competition between the three Colleges of Hathaway, Arden and

Shakespeare. College points are awarded for academic success and effort; sporting endeavours; good behaviour;

good attendance and for individual contribution to the school and wider community.

The design of the cup itself was created through an inter-College competition organised by the Student

Parliament and every half term a winning College is announced. This culminates in the end of year presentation to

the victorious College.

‘Working with younger years as a Prefect and Student College Leader is very rewarding. Being able to see the

difference you make within a school or to an individual give you a great sense of pride. The atmosphere in our

Sixth Form is something you won’t find anywhere else’

Vicki Fleet –Year 13 Student College Leader studying Biology, Maths and Psychology

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Communications We recognise the importance of active communication between School, Student and Parents. Various lines of

interaction exist:

An open door policy for students - to discuss any issues a student may have.

Daily email contact with parents to confirm student absence

Direct contact with parents should an issue or concerns arise

Weekly Sixth Form Briefing

Termly Interim Assessments and an Annual Academic Report

Parents Evenings

Dedicated Sixth Form Noticeboards / Plasma Screens

School Website

School Newsletter

Full time Careers, UCAS and HE advisor.

‘As a new student to Stratford-upon-Avon Sixth Form in Year 13, I found it very welcoming and have been

offered many exciting new opportunities. The amount of support I have been offered is amazing and extremely

helpful’

Alice Shilstone - Year 13 student studying Business Studies, Technology and Photography

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Structured Day & Enrichment Our Curriculum offer extends beyond examination courses and academic study. We are proud of our

commitment to offer all students a very supportive, purposeful and enriched learning programme. University

admission officers and employers consistently remind us that they are looking for students with more than just

academic qualifications and so we strive to include a diverse range of wider learning experiences.

All students within the Sixth Form, irrespective of the academic pathway that they are following, will have a

thorough and complete timetable that provides structure and personalised activity for approximately 85% of their

working week.

In addition to their academic study all students will have compulsory periods of:

Supervised Study & Learning Support Peer Mentoring Personal Life Development Programme

(PLD)

Students will also elect a number of enrichment activities to compliment their timetable.

These will include choices from:

Recreational Sport / Leisure Sports Leader Level 2 Award Use of extensive facilities including Fitness suite Accredited Leadership Award

Young Enterprise Duke of Edinburgh Award Tackle enterprise challenges and work with real

life entrepreneurs Develop skills in a range of activities. Highly

valued by employers / universities

Dance / Performing Arts Modern Foreign Languages Leader

Recreational dance and drama. Opportunity to perform in productions

Planning and assisting in language activities for younger students

Journalism – School Magazine Arts Award Opportunity to work as part of an editorial team Accredited Performance and Leadership award

Work Experience ICT Key Skills

Acquisition of valuable ICT skills using relevant software

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Other Opportunities Engineering Scheme This incorporates the completion of an engineering project in conjunction with the Engineering England Scheme. Several months are spent developing a project from conception to completion and working with a team of people. A residential is held at Birmingham University. This is a great opportunity to get an insight into the engineering world and valuable for those continuing on to University.

Trips and Visits Subject areas offer a range of educational trips and visits. These have included History trips to Germany and Poland; Biology students spending a week in Somerset; Geography students completing a Field study in Scarborough. There are also Art trips to London and theatre trips for English and Drama students.

Music and Drama Recent productions range from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘42nd Street’ and ‘Thyestes’.

School Parliament/Prefect Opportunities exist to join the School Parliament, work as a Prefect or assist in the provision of other clubs to

students.

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Exemplar Timetable This Year 12 student is completing Pathway C and is studying 2 AS level qualifications and a BTEC Level 3 award. They have compulsory enrichment comprising:

two periods of Peer Mentoring

two periods of Supervised study

one period of PLD This student has also elected to do two periods of recreational sport, and two further periods completing an accredited Level 2 Sports Leaders award.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1 AS Maths

BTEC Sport St.

AS History

AS Maths

SUPERVISED STUDY

2 SUPERVISED STUDY

BTEC Sport St.

AS Maths

BTEC Sport St.

3 AS History

AS Maths

PEER MENTORING

SPORT LEADERS L2

4 AS History

SPORT LEADERS L2

5 LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH

6 BTEC Sport St.

SPORT

AS Maths PLD

7 PEER MENTORING

AS History

SPORT BTEC Sport St.

AS History

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Senior Student Team Led by our Head Boy & Head Girl the Senior Student Team consists of a body of Year 13 students with specific

roles of responsibility.

Current positions are:

We are very proud of our Senior Student Team. We see them as the leaders of the future, developing skills and

talents that are essential for success both within further education and the work place. This body of students has

the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities both within the school environment and the wider

community. They work tirelessly with senior management, governors and others, representing the school at a

number of events, raising money for numerous charities and supporting younger pupils.

Head Boy Head Girl

Deputy Head Boy Deputy Head Girl

Social Secretary Charity Coordinator

Student Parliament Coordinator Sports Coordinators x 2

Hub Coordinator Marketing Coordinator

Higher Education Officer Administrator

College Leaders Shakespeare x2 College Leaders Hathaway x 2

College Leaders Arden x2

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Expectations Within our Sixth Form we promote an adult and business like working environment. This is factored on mutual

respect and trust, and as such we are keen to offer students a degree of responsibility for their own learning.

Nevertheless, we do recognise that this is a structured environment and therefore we have a number of

expectations.

These include:

A high level of student attendance and punctuality

Student attendance at both their Form group and weekly Sixth Form briefing

Business Dress.

We view our Sixth Formers as outstanding role models to our younger students and as such we expect them to

take an active role within their Form groups and College.

‘Taking part in the Young Enterprise Scheme offered in the Sixth Form has given me a real insight into Business,

and has also given me a great deal of confidence. In addition to this, I developed friendships with other

members of the scheme’

Charlie Phipps – Year 13 student studying Product Design, ICT and Sports Studies

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Dress Code In an established business-like environment, and with enhanced status amongst the wider school population,

Sixth Form students are expected to dress in appropriate ‘business attire’.

Male Dress

A dark business suit in shades of black, grey or navy, pin stripe etc

Business shirt in white, striped or pastel shades. The shirt must be tucked into the waist band

A business tie. Designs must be professional and discreet. Cartoons and animations are not permitted on ties. No skinny ties

Business shoes. No trainers

When it is cold a plain, light weight, sober coloured sweater can be worn with the jacket, not instead of the jacket. No hooded jumpers inside the school. No logos etc

Smart, professional top coat is optional

No fashion belts are to be worn. Students are permitted to wear a belt in one dark colour with a small buckle.

Female Dress

A tailored trouser, skirt or fitted dress business suit. All suits in shades of navy, grey or black. The bottom and top of the suit must have been designed to go together. Skirts must be knee length. No body-con skirts

Basic top or shirt/blouse. Tops must be layered so that they are not revealing. No eccentric patterns

Black, grey or tan tights. No Leggings or knee-high socks

Navy, grey or black flat or heeled shoes. No trainers

Cardigan/sweater in complimentary colour to uniform. No hooded jumpers inside the school

Smart, professional top coat is optional

Sensible dark belt, complimentary to uniform

One professional necklace and/or one bracelet. One ring and small earrings.

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Support Sixth Form students receive continual support and guidance throughout the year. Students will meet with their

tutor daily, but routine formal learning conversations will take place including discussion about attainment and

progress. Students are assessed frequently and their attainment matched against personalised targets created at

the beginning of the year. We expect parents to be active participants in this process and keep them regularly

updated on attainment and progress.

Our Sixth Form team work hard to prepare all students for successful life beyond the Sixth Form, and the reality of

study at university. A number of experienced staff will guide students through their UCAS application and the

preparation of a successful and effective personal statement.

Students will receive a wealth of advice and guidance including a programme of visitors and speakers from a

range of institutions enabling students to make informed decisions about their future.

The Sixth Form also runs a specialised programme for those students who wish to apply for the most competitive

courses such as medicine and dentistry, or have ambitions to attend universities such as Oxbridge.

‘Being part of Sixth Form as a Prefect and member of the SST has helped me make a difference in school and

gain confidence’

Rebeca Hymers - Year 13 student and Sports Coordinator for the Senior Student Team Studying English Language, English Literature and ICT

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Timings of the School Day

Lunch

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Contact Us Stratford upon Avon School Alcester Road Stratford upon Avon CV37 9DH Tel: 01789 268051 Fax: 01789 261919 Email: staff@stratfordschool.co.uk Website www.stratforduponavonschool.com