Year 12 Parents’ Information Evening

Tuesday 16th September 2014Kathryn Williams and David Blight

Mr. Blight – Head of Sixth Form• OFSTED report GOOD

• Induction carousel: • What makes a good/outstanding 6th form student. Motivation,

Time management, Getting the most from each day, Concentration and Organisation

• 3,4,5 A levels:

• What can you do to help (biggest step).• Organisation, Work Ethic and timetables, Study periods and Study

leave, Wider reading, Holidays, Driving lessons and Part time jobs. We need them in front of staff.

Can you link those pictures to the following messages that were given to your sons and

daughters in assembly last week?

Outcomes…

1. The highest possible qualifications2. The development of talent, versatility and

social skills3. Instilling a lifelong love of learning and

curiosity about the unknown

Statistics from Summer 2014 The average point score per entry was 211.37

This means on average students achieve between a B and a C grade.

98% pass rate 42.8% of all grades were A*-B Vast majority of applicants were successful in

gaining their first or second university course choice.

There are currently just over 200 students in Year 12 and in Year 13 in the Sixth Form.

Average class size of 10-15.

1. The highest possible qualifications

How We Get There - The Sixth Form Team11 6th Form Tutors Daily guidance, monitoring and support. (6 in Year 12)

Melanie Graham

Tim Smith

Karl Boyd

Rob West

Tess McCullagh

John-Paul Nesbitt

Kathryn Williams Assistant Headteacher/Post 16/Careers and Guidance

David Blight Head of Sixth Form

Threats to success The gap between GCSEs and A-levels

and required learning style changes? No January modules 4 vs 3 ASs Attendance inc Registration (Drop

Everything and Read, Current Affairs, Tutorial, Quiz, Assembly)

Part time work Unwise use of study periods

1. The highest possible qualifications

We asked Year 12 why they thought these two numbers were important…

34 17

2. The development of talent, versatility and social skills

The English education system has been criticised by some high profile individuals for pigeon-holing young people and programming them to see themselves as scientists, artists etc too early

General Studies and Critical Thinking

We promote versatility through General Studies, and Extended Project.

– All students can do General Studies or Extended Project (EPQ)

– General Studies can be used to access Universities– General Studies and Enrichment help grades in

main subjects– Enrichment builds CV and helps personal

statements

*Except for those timetabled in English/Maths resits

Additional Enrichment opportunities• Drama

productions/Edinburgh Fringe Festival

• Visits to Universities• New York Trip• Sports Leadership• Summer Schools

• Sports teams• Debating• Field work residentials• South Africa Visit• Orchestra/Wind band• Student Ambassadors• In-Class Support

3. Instilling a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the unknown

Whilst expected to act as socially responsible adults as the oldest members of the school community, we ask for a childlike approach to learning in the classroom, characterised by curiosity, fascination and no stigma about failure or not knowing.

Typical Sixth Form Learning Style

• There is an emphasis on talk• Lessons and interactions with the teacher are

relatively informal• Learning depends on strong relationships• Learning is fun, challenging and exciting• Lessons can be active• BUT… post-16, students are required to be more

independent and are more accountable for their own progress and learning

We are asking a lot…It is not reasonable to expect every student in Year 12 to have all of the skills and qualities necessary to be successful at A-level two or three school days after being a Year 11 student.

So have created a way to help develop these skills and qualities.

Sixth Form 30 Day Makeover

The 30 Day MakeoverStudents are supported by:• Tutorial work on the five attributes• Preparatory Year 12 Reading Day TasksThe results of the Makeover will inform our first Year

12 Data Drop in October.

Year 12 Important Dates

Wednesday 3rd September 2014 Year 12 Induction

Tuesday 16th September 2014 Year 12 Parents’ Information Evening

Friday 19th September 2014 Post Results Service Ends

Friday 26th September 2014 Course Changes Completed

Early October Year 12 Progress Check + results of 30 Day Makeover

Early December Year 12 Progress Check 2

Monday 8th December 2014 Year 12 Geography Field Trip

Wednesday 10th December 2014 Year 12 Subject Evening

Monday 12th-Friday 23rd Jan 2015 AS Trial Exams

Thursday 22nd January ART 6th Form Parents Eve

Mid February Year 12 Progress Check 3

Early March Year 12 Reports Issued

Late March Year 12 Progress Check 4

Mid May Year 12 Progress Check 5

Date TBC Year 12 Exam Study Leave

Date TBC Year 12 Back in School

Monday 29th June Introduction to HE Evening (TBC)

Monday 13th July Careers and HE Week

Year 12 Important Dates Cont.

Concluding comments

• Literally an open door policy• Wealth of experience across a large team• No problem is too small • We aim to create a caring, supportive

environment which also challenges and holds students to account about their progress and the quality of their learning.

• Relationships are everything and communication is vital.

Concluding Comments

• 6th form at PCHS • Induction carousel: What makes a

good/outstanding 6th form student• 3,4,5 A levels• What can you do to help