Sixth Form Prospectus. Tudor Grange Academy Redditch

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1 Sixth Form Prospectus Tudor Grange Academy Redditch

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3 Welcome to Tudor Grange Academy Redditch Sixth Form I am delighted to welcome you to Tudor Grange Academy Redditch Sixth Form prospectus, and I hope that you find the information both useful and informative. We believe that every student deserves an outstanding education and should be at the centre of everything we do. Our core purpose is to raise their aspirations and ensure that all our students have the best educational experience possible which provides them with the outcomes they need to progress for their future chosen pathway, university, college, training or employment. At Tudor Grange Academy Sixth Form, we have designed our varied and innovative curriculum to meet the needs of a wide range of students. This means that you can choose to follow a very traditional academic A level path, or you can take a more vocational path, choosing courses that build practical skills at the same time as developing your academic abilities. We aim to instil in every student the behaviour, aptitude and ability to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. We believe that we must enable students to develop their full potential and as such we encourage students to get involved in our wide range of extra-curricular opportunities including our bespoke Sixth Form Enrichment programme. At Tudor Grange Redditch, we recognise that our students, your son(s)/daughter(s), only get one chance of an education, one main chance to flourish and prepare for adult life. We strive to give our students the very best developing the potential of every child and equipping them with the skills, knowledge and attitude to enable them to excel and succeed in the future. I hope that this prospectus provides you with a flavour of the expectations we have for our students. We look forward to welcoming you to our community and having the opportunity to show you around our school. Students at Tudor Grange Academy Sixth Form have access to excellent facilities in a great Sixth Form building. Our Sixth Form prides itself on high expectations of behaviour and standards, placing great emphasis on pastoral care and very close links with parents. Our Sixth Form team have a wealth of knowledge and experience and provide personalised support for students, helping you achieve your goals and move on to your next destinations. Jodie Bolter Principal

4 A message from the Head Students Tudor Grange Academy Redditch is a school that provides the resources and experiences essential to your success as a Sixth Form student. The academy offers a diverse subject choice, highly approachable staff and a range of activities for students to participate in, meaning you are given the opportunity to follow your passion. All members of the Sixth Form Team are able to give students the support and guidance needed for the transition from the end of Key Stage 4 through to Higher Education or the work place. Throughout our studies at A Level we are yet to come across a member of staff who isn t willing to help and assist with any queries we have had. This gives us great confidence and this personalised approach is one of the biggest strengths of TGAR. We believe making a student feel welcomed and feel like they are part of a family is just as important as providing the finest educational provision. As Head Students, we are passionate about student voice and our student council enables us to voice our opinions and make significant changes that are beneficial to student life in TGAR. But don t take our word for it, come and look around and join our TGAR family! Mortimer Smith and Emily Evans Head Students.

5 Student Support The Sixth Form staff team consists of: Mark Hulme Louise Hyde Cindy Busby Martha James Sharon Jones Head of Sixth Form Assistant Head of Sixth Form Sixth Form Progress Manager Sixth Form Enrichment & Community Sixth Form Student Manager The team works together with the tutors to support our students in all aspects of Sixth Form life. While we concentrate our efforts on helping students to attain their best grades through our achievement programme, we also encourage and support students to enrich their Sixth Form experience through sport, community involvement, work placement or to learn new skills. Each week we hold a Sixth Form assembly for all students, in which, students are given valuable information, for example: work opportunities, university application and student finance. Assemblies also provide an opportunity to celebrate the many successes of our students. In a highly competitive market, employers and universities are increasingly interested in a wider range of skills developed through Sixth Form life and we feel our students are well placed to fulfil these criteria.

6 The Achievement Programme A system of continuous monitoring is in operation to help all students achieve the grades of which they are capable. Transition: All new students familiarise themselves with Sixth form procedures and facilities as outlined in our Induction booklet. Students should be aware of standards and expectations within the Sixth form. During the first half term, students undergo an induction period which includes an introduction to a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Working with their tutors, students review their subject choices and all aspects of their performance, including attendance, completion of work and wider involvement in Sixth Form life. Parents/carers may be invited to discuss the outcome of these sessions. Tutor Time: Based on an analysis of previous attainment, we determine target grades for each subject studied. These targets are shared with the students to enable them to set themselves aspirational targets. Tutors and students have weekly timetabled sessions and students have formal interviews regarding their progress, enrichment programme and future plans. Tutor time is also used to offer guidance and support towards those aiming for higher education or employment. Closer mentoring of students is also available to enable students to overcome any learning barriers and enhance their management of Sixth Form study.

7 Support The Higher and Education/Employment Guidance in Sixth Form Programme Year 12 Support & Guidance During tutor time, students plan and prepare for their post 18 options. The sixth form Throughout team and visiting Year experts 12, students offer support are encouraged for future planning. and supported All students to applying prepare to for their Post-18 university options. have one The to one Sixth support Form from team our and Higher visiting Education experts Consultant offer support to help for future planning. complete applications Students have for student the opportunity finance and to writing access UCAS an independent personal statements. careers advisor. University Students have Taster the opportunity Days and to Open access Days an independent also offer students careers advisor. the opportunity to find out more about study and student life. We allow students five such visits during University Taster Days and Open Days also offer students the opportunity to find their time in Sixth Form and also arrange a whole year visit to the regional Higher out more about study and student life. We allow students five such visits during Education Exhibition in the Spring Term of Year 12. their time in sixth form and also arrange a whole year visit to the regional Higher Education Convention in March of Year 12. Students interested in vocational Also in the Spring Term, parents/carers are invited to our Year 12 Higher Education degrees have the opportunity to visit the Step into H.E. event in November each Evening. This includes presentations by invited speakers on Higher Education, year. Individual support and guidance is provided by Year Staff. Student Finance, budgeting and student life. This is an opportunity to talk to the Sixth In April Form parents/carers Team and are visiting invited experts to our Higher about Education Post-18 options. Evening, which includes presentations by invited speakers on Higher Education, student finance, budgeting Progress and student and life. Guidance This is opportunity Interviews to are talk an to important Tudor Grange part Academy of Sixth Redditch Form provision. Progress staff and visiting Interviews experts review about a student s Post 18 options. progress Those against students National considering target grades and Oxbridge take application place after are every invited summative to separate assessment sessions involving period. Guidance our contact Interviews with are designed Oriel College, to ensure Oxford. If your successful son / daughter in their application, achieves students the grades are then needed supported to progress to the through destination mock interview of their practice. choice at the end of Sixth Form. For Year 12 students, the first Guidance Interview is completed after the October Half-Term to allow the students to settle into Sixth Form study. The second interview takes place after the Mock examinations and begins to focus on a student s planned destination, whether that be Higher Education, Further Education, Employment or Training. The final interview takes place upon return from AS Examination leave and is when students are streamed into separate PSHE groups in preparation for Year 13.

8 Support and Guidance in Sixth Form Year 13 Support & Guidance When students return to Year 13, they continue with their separate PSHE groups, focusing on UCAS Applications or Employment and Training Applications. The UCAS group focuses on UCAS registration, personal statements and preparation for University, including updates on Student Finance, accommodation, university access schemes, interview techniques, entrance exams and Scholarships. These sessions are a delivered jointly by the Sixth Form team and external speakers from various University Outreach Teams. Those students considering Oxbridge applications are encouraged to attend an Interview Preparation Day, using an external provider, to be supported through mock interview practice. The Employment and Training Group focuses on producing personal employment documents such as CVs, personal statements, covering letters, interview preparation notes and job applications as well as support in finding employment and/or apprenticeship training schemes. These sessions are delivered by the Sixth Form team. Students interested employment or apprenticeships have the opportunity to visit the Skills Show at the NEC Birmingham and National Apprentice Show at the Arena MK. After the February Half-Term, every Year 13 student takes part in a Life Skills programme designed to prepare them for life after Sixth Form. This includes a rolling carousel of sessions delivered by the Sixth Form team on topics such as car maintenance, basic cooking skills and surviving on a budget. Specific sessions delivered by external speakers on personal health & relationship (including sexual health) and driving awareness and road safety.

9 Progress and Guidance Interviews continue in Year 13. Again, Progress Interviews take place every half term following an assessment. Guidance Interviews are completed at three key points in Year 13. The first interview is completed before the October Half-Term and discusses the students AS results and their impact on predicted A Level result for the end of Year 13. The second interview takes place after the Mock examinations. Sixth Form Opportunities Sixth Form education is more than just academic achievement and we believe in developing those personal skills that ultimately make individuals successful in their career. A range of opportunities and experiences help students to develop skills and knowledge to support their academic work and enhance their prospects in Higher Education and employment. The final interview takes place from February onwards and is used to advise students on replies to their UCAS Offers before making their firm and insurance choice of university. Parents are also invited to attend a second Year 13 Higher Education Evening to inform them of the remaining steps required by students to confirm their university place. At all times during Sixth Form communication between the student, parents/carers and the Sixth Form team is vital. This ensures that we are all working towards a students desired final destination. If, at any time, you are concerned about your son / daughters performance at Sixth Form, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Sharon Jones (Sixth Form Student Manager) or your son/ daughters Form Tutor.

10 Enrichment The Enrichment Programme at TGAR forms a core part of the Sixth Form curriculum. Enrichment takes place once per week and participation is compulsory. The programme provides a range of activities designed to: Extend your education and personal growth beyond the academic side of school life. Enable you to develop your personal, sporting and social interests. Help support your career aspirations by gaining relevant experience. Help you to realise your potential and develop new interests. In order to get the most out of the programme, students are encouraged to participate in a range of activities across the year, both in group situations and as individuals selecting across 4 option blocks. These additional experiences enhance the impression students give to future employers and are extremely valuable when applying to Higher Education establishments. Crucially, Enrichment is an opportunity to have fun! Enrichment Options Choose one activity from Block A D to complete each half term Activities in Block E last all year and are optional Block A: Leadership (Compulsory) Block B: Community (Compulsory) Block C: Social (Compulsory) Block D: Life (Compulsory) 1. Student Leadership Team 2. Subject Ambassadors 3. TGAR Leaders 1. Internal Volunteering 2. External Volunteering 3. Work Experience (Day releases) 1. Performing Arts 2. Debate and public speaking 3. SEN support 4. Paired Reading 1. Life-saving skills 2. Sport Active 3. MfL 4. Driving Theory Block E: Enhancement (Optional) 1. Young Enterprise 2. Duke of Edinburgh 3. EPQ

11 Duke of Edinburgh Tudor Grange Academy Redditch offers all students the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh s Award. The Award is a national scheme giving young people recognition for achievements in five sections; volunteering, physical, skills, residential and expedition. Each section will challenge students in different ways; however the award allows students to take on personal challenges, learn new skills, meet new people and become more independent. Unsurprisingly, the scheme is highly valued by both top apprentice providers and universities. Young Enterprise Year 12 students have the opportunity to take part in the Young Enterprise Scheme. The students form their own company, raise capital and produce products or services to sell within Academy, in the wider community and at trade fairs. Mentoring Through the mentoring scheme Sixth Form students undergo training before being paired with Lower School students as academic mentors. Mentoring can take the form of supporting reading, offering academic or pastoral support. Ready for Work All Year 12 students will enjoy a week s Work Experience after returning from their AS Exams. This is an excellent opportunity for them to not only get a taste of their chosen profession but also experience working life in a full time position. Work experience placements should be chosen carefully to ensure any entry requirements for university courses are met.

12 Budgeting and Finance Tudor Grange Academy Redditch have worked closely with HSBC Bank to put together a programme which enables students to explore the real of cost of living. They will complete workshops on the how to budget, credit scores and borrowing, salaries, wages and tax. Leadership The Sixth Form College Council consists of two Head Students, two Deputy Head Students, Community, Learning & Teaching, Social and Sports Secretaries. This important group of students are elected by staff and Sixth Form students and are interviewed by the Head of Sixth Form. The successful candidates are students who demonstrate growing maturity, show initiative and reliability in a variety of contexts, communicate well and demonstrate leadership qualities and the ability to work as a member of a team. They represent and promote student views and opinions and play a major part in many aspects of academy life. Extension Opportunities Students who have achieved particularly high grades at GCSE are offered the opportunity of completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in order to extend their higher order thinking skills. As part of the tutor programme offered to Year 12, students will play an active role in hosting one charity event as part of their form group. They will also collaborate to put on a form led assembly on a topic of their choosing adding further experience to add to their CV s or UCAS Personal Statements.

13 Sixth Form Community Experience The Sixth Form community is active in supporting our younger students, our environment and local/global charities. Through our mentoring scheme Sixth Form students undergo training before being paired with lower school students either as pastoral or academic mentors. Pastoral mentors support form groups whereas academic mentors are paired with an individual student for single subject tuition and support. Each student is expected to play their part in the wider Sixth Form community, giving them the opportunity to boost their final references to universities, colleges or work. Their involvement and effort is also recognised during the selection process for Head Students. A proportion of study time may be used for this type of enrichment.

14 Learning Champions Students are expected to support learning in a department of their choice or assisting with the Year 9 reading programme. Studying Skills As part of our preparing students for life at university and improving their academic ability, the school also implements a Study Skills course. This entails an hour of numeracy and literacy skills designed to help students, access research and improve essay writing ability. This is complimented by a revision skills programme delivered through assemblies and tutor periods.

15 Studying at Tudor Grange Academy Redditch At Tudor Grange Academy Redditch, students follow a curriculum which suits their preferred way of working, their interests, their ability and their future aspirations. Below are a list of the courses we offer. However, these can change according to student demand, if the course you would like to study is not here then please let us know what course(s) you are hoping to study. We currently offer the following Level 3 courses. Where appropriate to meet student need, we may provide courses in collaboration with the other Tudor Grange Trust Sixth Forms or will investigate the possibility of collaboration with other local providers. AQA Level 3 Applied Science Art (Fine Art) Art (Graphic Communication) Biology BTEC Business BTEC Health & Social Care (Single & Double A-Level equivalent) BTEC Performing Arts (Single & Double A-Level equivalent) BTEC Sport BTEC Travel and Tourism Business Studies Chemistry Computer Science English Literature Further Maths Geography History Maths Media Studies Philosophy and Ethics Physical Education (PE) Physics Psychology Sociology WJEC Level 3 Criminology All courses are subject to demand based on pupil numbers. Courses will be confirmed by Easter 2018.

16 Pathways from Sept 2018 Oxbridge / Medics APS 7.0+ University visits, Oxbridge speakers, Medical student visits, summer school and Birmingham University master classes. Guidance towards work experience and internships, specialist UCAS early entry guidance, wider reading guidance. 4 A levels (two of which should be Facilitating subjects), EPQ programme (compulsory). Russel Group / Top Universities APS 6.0+ University visits, summer school and Birmingham University master classes. Guidance towards work experience/internships, UCAS guidance, wider reading guidance. 3 or 4 A levels, EPQ programme (optional). Higher Education APS 5.0+ Trips including the Skills Show and Fresh Horizons, guidance towards work experience/ internships, UCAS guidance, support with applying for employment/apprenticeships. 3 or 4 subjects, (All A levels or A level/btec combination). Skilled APS 4.0+ Trips including the Skills Show and Fresh Horizons, guidance towards work experience/ internships, support with applying for employment/apprenticeships or further training. 3 or 4 subjects, (Combination of BTEC qualifications and A levels). Professional APS 3.2+ Trips including the Skills Show and Fresh Horizons, guidance towards work experience/ internships, support with applying for employment/apprenticeships or further training. 2 or 3 subjects, Vocational (BTEC) subjects/work experience placements.

17 All Pathways include: Community Brand new Enrichment volunteering programme Employability Work shadowing Dedicated careers guidance One-to-one mentoring CV and Personal Statement advice and support Interview practice and presentation Mock assessment day External Trips Personal Development Bespoke personal development programme, including First Aid, Cooking, Road Safety, Sexual Health, Wellbeing and Finance Public speaking Enrichment days Duke of Edinburgh Leadership opportunities including Executive Board, College Council, Year 12 Representatives, College Captain, Charity Leader

18 Choosing courses Several things should be taken into account when choosing the courses that you are going to study in the Sixth Form: You should choose subjects you enjoy and in which you are interested. If you have some idea of future career aspirations, you should choose subjects that are necessary to follow that path. Choose subjects that you are good at. You should choose subjects in which you think you will be successful. Research into the courses that are on offer. Speak to members of staff or contact the school to find out more information. Speak to other students who have taken the subjects. If the course is offered at Tudor Grange Academy as part of a partnership with another school you will need to make a commitment to travelling to one of our Trust schools; Worcester or Solihull. Think about the assessment methods of the different types of qualifications. If you find examinations difficult, you should choose consider taking courses in which a proportion of the assessment is by coursework. We will go through all of these issues when we invite all interested applicants to visit the School to discuss their chosen pathway and combination of subjects.

19 Tudor Grange Academy Redditch

20 Tudor Grange Academy Woodrow Drive Redditch B98 7UH