Welcome POYNTON. Inspiration Achievement Celebration

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1 POYNTON th THE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Welcome Thank you for your interest in the Sixth Form at Poynton High School. This prospectus will assist you in making the important decision of where to pursue your further education. It also provides you with important dates needed in making an application. This is an exciting time to be joining our Sixth Form as all A Level courses are now reformed as new linear courses. In addition to the wide range of A Level courses we offer, we have also expanded the range of BTEC qualifications available for students to study. These too have been redeveloped to offer greater challenge to students and universities have reported a significant growth in recent years in the numbers of students joining them having studied a combined BTEC and A Level pathway. Our Sixth Form has an established reputation and consistently achieves excellent results at A Level. Students are taught in our state of the art Sixth Form centre, opened in September This provides students with the perfect environment in which to continue their academic journey to Higher Education, training or employment. Students receive individualised pastoral care within a tutor group and specialised UCAS, Apprenticeship or employment advice. Around 80% of our students move onto University, with around 50% of these accepting places at Russell Group Universities. Many other students are successful in securing either level 3 apprenticeships at top national companies or choosing to enter the world of work on receiving their A Level grades. I look forward to discussing your application further and hopefully to welcoming you into our Sixth Form next year. Richard Hardman Director of Sixth Form Inspiration Achievement Celebration

2 Poynton High School House Colleges

3 Life in Poynton Sixth Form Students find that life in the Sixth Form is different from what they have experienced before. They have chosen to join the Sixth Form because they want to gain further qualifications and they are keen to benefit from the experience of their teachers. This positive attitude creates a much more adult relationship between students and teachers. It is a shared partnership which can be a very stimulating and beneficial experience. As a school, we have high expectations of our Sixth Form students, requiring them to act as role models to younger students and also to approach their studies in a professional and committed manner. Sixth Form students at Poynton are given more adult responsibilities and privileges. They are expected to take responsibility for their work and progress, with their teachers providing support and guidance and the students managing their self-directed study time effectively. Independent learning is the key to A level success and our priority is to give the students the tools of research, planning and evaluation which they need to organise their own learning. It is true to say that the Sixth Form at Poynton provides our students with an excellent preparation for future study and employment and we are very proud of the contribution our Sixth Form students make to the school community. Each Sixth Form student becomes a member of a House College, within which they are given leadership opportunities both over their peers and younger students throughout the school. We recognise that prospective employers and admissions tutors are increasingly looking at the whole individual, not just their academic record. With this in mind, we offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities for students to involve themselves in which will help with their own personal development, gain them experience that will enhance a UCAS form or a CV and also contribute to the wider school community in a positive way. Some may choose to work with younger students by supporting lessons through the In-Class Support programme or supporting a specific student lower down the school in a subject area of their choice. Students may choose to explore a personal interest by involving themselves in the Eco Group, editing a Student Newspaper or running a Debating Society. Leadership is recognised through the Prefect Scheme and Sixth Form students are appointed to be Head and Deputy Girls and Boys. Students are offered the opportunity to stretch themselves by entering one of the many competitions that we participate in every year. These are broad ranging and include Public Speaking Competitions and National Maths Challenges or alternatively they may choose to stretch themselves physically by completing the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Inspiration Achievement Celebration

4 I have enjoyed my time at Poynton, made lots of friends and received excellent support from my subject tutors I knew I could approach any of my subject tutors and other support staff for help with my UCAS Strong support was given for my university application

5 Why choose Poynton Sixth Form? Our Vision Statement Our Sixth Form welcomes students who are committed to learning and achievement and who will make a positive contribution to the life of our school. We encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunities offered by an community and build their leadership and communication skills as they learn. We believe the Sixth Form experience should be enjoyable and stimulating, providing opportunities for students to gain the qualifications, skills and attitudes which will enable them to shape their futures positively and will equip them to be lifelong learners. Our programme of study offers opportunities to gain qualifications and employment skills which are matched to the needs of the individual students and which prepare them for their future lives. What Ofsted Say The sixth form provides rich experiences that prepare learners effectively for their next stage of education or employment. Many go on to their first choice universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. The achievement, teaching and the fostering of the personal development of learners are good. Learners speak highly of the pastoral support they enjoy. Learners have a very positive attitude to their studies and are ambitious. Learners speak highly of the extensive facilities they enjoy. Learners speak highly of the careers advice that they have access to and which helps them to make well-informed career choices. Every learner receives advice and support with university applications. We Provide High Quality Tuition and Extensive Curriculum Choice. Our broad ranging curriculum and excellent A Level results enable our students to move on to the university or career of their choice. Careful Charting of Student Progress and Tailored Advice, Guidance and Support. Parents and students are invited to regular Progress Consultation Evenings and assessment reports are sent to parents at regular intervals throughout the year. A dedicated Sixth Form Team are on hand to ensure smooth transition from GCSE through the whole A Level study programme. Access to Careers and Higher Education Information. We aim to equip our students with all the tools and information needed to make informed choices. All students will participate in a programme of trips, workshops and information events tailored to meet the specific needs of A Level students. Students also have access throughout their A Level studies to a specialist careers advisor. Social, Cultural and Enrichment Activities. We believe that a student s experience in the Sixth Form is about far more than just their academic studies. Students are encouraged to participate in a range of activities beyond the formal curriculum which are designed to challenge them and enhance their skills. Inspiration Achievement Celebration

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7 Programme of Study Why study Advanced Level Subjects? Advanced Level subjects are extremely useful qualifications, for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are valued by universities and colleges and offers made to students usually require A Level grades. Secondly, employers value them as evidence of high ability and achievement. Finally, they are flexible. They do not lock students into one narrow vocational area but lead to an extremely wide range of possible options at 18+. Our range of courses and options are designed to enable students to tailor their own programme of study to their interests and strengths. Individual subject information is available in the prospectus which is on our website, Here you will find information on examination boards, course content and structure. This information is regularly updated during the year as further examination board information becomes available to us. Why study BTEC courses? In the same way as Advanced level qualifications, BTEC qualifications show universities and employers that you can work at a high level of study. BTEC courses allow students to work in a more modular way through their studies. Many assessments are conducted on an ongoing basis throughout the two years and are combined with a level of external assessment. Rigorous deadlines are set for the assessments to develop students abilities to meet deadlines and develop sound time management skills. Programme of Study Students may study A Level courses, BTEC courses or a combination of both as part of their overall programme of study. Students can complement their studies by participating in the Career Ready Programme or develop an interest in greater depth by completing an Extended Project Qualification. Alongside these courses we will provide all other required elements to allow students to successfully achieve their full potential. We will ensure that they are fully equipped to move beyond their chosen Sixth Form studies in a planned and structured way. These elements within the programme of study will include: Career planning and guidance Interview skills Financial advice Support with work experience Leadership opportunities A range of structured enrichment activities Entry Requirements Please see the school website and prospectus for information. Inspiration Achievement Celebration

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