Sixth ST BENEDICT S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTUS. YOUR future BEGINS HERE...

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1 ST BENEDICT S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL INCORPORATING WEST CUMBRIA CATHOLIC SIXTH FORM CENTRE Sixth ST BENEDICT S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

2 Welcome from the Headteacher It is my distinct pleasure to write this introduction to the West Cumbria Catholic Sixth Form Centre. Although this is quite a long name, it reflects the fact that it is not exclusively the home to post sixteen study for students from St Benedict s. We provide a distinctive Catholic setting for Year 11 leavers from our sister school, St Joseph s in Workington and other young people wishing to join us from the surrounding areas. Please note that whilst the primary purpose of our Sixth Form is to provide learning for those young people from Catholic families, it is not exclusively so; at this present time, our doors are open to all irrespective of belief. We regard ourselves as an inclusive community and our doors are open to all young people aged in possession of the right academic credentials. The Sixth Form is academic and our results in recent years show excellent progress and attainment. The very significant majority of our students go on to study at the university of their choice. Our recruitment and retention rates are high. The significant majority of our students go on to flourish at universities across the country and then employment. Many of our students return to us once they have graduated and found that all - important first job to speak with our current students, inspiring them by their success and life stories. Our academic approach is reflected in challenging entry requirements and the nature of courses on offer. As we select the right students and offer the right courses, our students can be assured of success. The quality of teaching on offer and excellent facilities combined with strong leadership and pastoral support from our Head of Sixth Form and Student Support Officer are the recipe for your academic success. We are concerned to develop the whole person as we know both head and heart matter. We cherish all our students in school and recognise life after GCSEs can be both exciting and challenging. As you might expect, the style of teaching in the Sixth Form differs from that in the main school and consequently the demands on our students are different. Our students learn to grow as people and to develop independence as learners in a supportive, caring and Christian setting. You will be challenged and supported throughout your time with us. Both you and your parents/carers will be provided with regular feedback to ensure that you know you are on track for success. Beyond this we will support you in applying to higher education, a higher level apprenticeship or employment. Sixth Form life however is not just about work. Our Head Boy and Head Girl are members of the Governing Body and represent the entire school community. The Sixth Form Leadership Council is vibrant and influential. You may be assured that the number of social, sporting and charitable opportunities are second to none. We do not expect students to wear uniform but our students dress smartly and formally. Welcome from the Director of Learning Post 16 education is the next step in the journey towards your future. Our Sixth Form team will work with you to enable you to excel and achieve your academic potential. We have had sustained success with our results and in joining our Sixth Form you will benefit from the immense support and academic expertise from a team of specialist subject teachers and tutors. As well as focusing on academic excellence, central to our ethos is finding ways to serve the community around us; we pride ourselves on the fact that our students take a key role in the wider school community and benefit from opportunities such as working with lower school students, organising charity events as well as fundraising for our local community. We are renowned for having an outstanding pastoral system. Our Sixth Form has a dedicated Student Support Officer and tutor team whose specialist skills will assist you with high quality information and guidance which is reflected in our high retention rates, university offers and success in higher level apprenticeship applications. I look forward to welcoming you to our Sixth Form and helping you take the next steps towards achieving your future goals and your true potential. Mrs Sheena Kar Director of Learning Post 16 Welcome 2&3 Please be assured of our total commitment to your personal needs, your happiness, your academic success, as well as your sense of fulfilment in life. Mr Ian Smith Headteacher Students achievement has risen as a result of good teaching and effective support from personal tutors, the Director of Learning and the Student Support Officer Mrs Sheena Kar DIRECTOR OF LEARNING POST 16

3 Students are well advised about courses and supported effectively as they move into Sixth Form Providing high quality, continuous academic support and guidance to every student is a feature of St Benedict s Sixth Form which underpins every student s learning pathway. Regular progress reports will allow you to monitor how you are performing and keep focus on what is needed for academic success. The Director of Learning, a dedicated Student Support Officer and a team of highly experienced tutors are there for you every day to help you to make a successful transition from Year 11 right through to university/college entrance or into employment. Our LINK department makes provision for students who need specialist support to continue education post-16. 4&5 sense OUR OF Faith As a Catholic/Christian school we place respect for the individual at the heart of all we do and we welcome students from all faith backgrounds into our school community. Through the work of our Lay Chaplain and RE department you will have opportunities for spiritual growth, personal development and the chance to become actively involved in making a contribution to the Sixth Form community, the wider school community and beyond. Provision for students spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding RESULTS The Sixth Form team will: Get to know you, your abilities and your aspirations for your future. Help you to solve any problems that may be affecting your academic progress. Support you in a programme of enrichment opportunities designed to develop your self- confidence, communication and decision making skills. Provide specialist advice around the UCAS application process and applications to higher level employment. Encourage you to be an independent learner who can take responsibility for your learning. ACADEMIC Support and GUIDANCE The Sixth Form continues to improve its outcomes for students year on year. 100% of our students leave with at least 2 A Levels and over 95% leave with at least three (2016) The APS (average point score per student) is 761 which has been an increase for the sixth year running. More students than ever now leave with the highest grades and we are very proud of the fact that 100% of our students secure university places, higher level apprenticeships and other higher level career pathways, most of which lead to graduate study.

4 The curriculum meets the needs of students well. Students say they can pursue courses that enable them to realise their ambitions Through a series of transition activities and interviews beginning early in Year 11, between you, your parents and the Sixth Form team, you will be helped to make the right choice of courses for your future. As an academic Sixth Form, most of our A Level courses are primarily aimed at students who achieve B or equivalent at GCSE; all courses offered allow you to gain valuable UCAS points allowing progression through to university or into higher level employment and apprenticeships pathways. Most students in Year 12 will study four A Levels from a wide range of academic, some applied subjects and technical qualifications and will follow three of those options into Year 13. In addition, you will have the opportunity to study Maths and English resit should you need to. General Studies and Extended Project can provide additional qualifications to boost your employability and your university applications. We guarantee to run Further Maths Choosing THE right COURSE FOR YOU Beyond the CLASSROOM By participating fully in the life of the Sixth Form you will have the opportunity to access other activities outside of the classroom which will boost your employability skills, leadership ability and increase your chances of success with your university and apprenticeship applications. These include: Engineering in Education Scheme Maths Challenge Business and Enterprise projects Paired reading with younger members of our school community Mentoring of Year 12 students Assisting in departments where you are studying A Level Charity fundraising activities Fair Trade projects Organised work experience Participating in theatre trips, sporting events, national and international trips University visits and higher education workshops Study skills workshops Mock interviews GEORGINA BILLSON, SYSTEMS ENGINEER Whilst at St Benedict s I completed EES; the scheme played a big part in my later career choices. The opportunity to experience problem solving, report writing and project management while working with a company on a technical problem is something which is still on my CV today, seven years later. 6&7

5 We believe in celebrating our students achievements and successes at every opportunity. Honour Roll - Every term, after each assessment period, names of qualifying students are entered into our Honour Roll prize draw; good progress and attitude to learning grades can earn you gift vouchers as a reward for all of your hard work. Student of the Week - Tutors nominate one student each week whose contribution to the wider life of Sixth Form deserves recognition. Leavers Ball - Our leavers ball or prom is a formal event in a local venue organised by students and attended by many staff. It is a special evening and a wonderful way to mark the end of your school life and look forward to the next stage in your life. Achievement Evening - Year 13 return to be presented with those hard earned A Level certificates and subject prizes; it s an opportunity to catch up with friends and find out what exciting opportunities they are pursuing. 8&9 Voice STUDENT The Sixth Form has a vibrant student council which plays an active role in the day to day running of the centre; you can represent the views of your tutor group, join the social or charity committees or be part of the Teaching and Learning Council which works closely with staff to improve standards of teaching, feedback and student responsibility. You can be nominated for Head boy or Head girl. You can take up a place as an Associate Governor of the school, representing the views of students in all years across the school, witnessing first-hand the decision making processes involved in running our school community. As we begin the exciting development of building our new school, your views as a post 16 student will be invaluable in helping to shape our future community. Students provide good role models for younger students. Their good behaviour and positive relationships set good examples for all. Success CELEBRATING

6 JASMINE BUTTERWORTH YEAR 12 ST. JOSEPH S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL WORKINGTON I chose to come to St. Benedict s school because it has the best Sixth Form in the area. Getting A-level qualifications will give you so many more options in the future. You re given a lot more independence and this helps you be more organised which is a very important skill needed for the future. There is also a lot of support from teachers and other staff members who are always there give advice and help. PATRICK CLARK YEAR 12 ST. BENEDICT S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL I had a very positive experience with the teachers at secondary level so it made sense to continue this relationship into Sixth Form. tell us WHAT OUR students JASPER LITHGOW YEAR 12 WHITEHAVEN ACADEMY I chose St. Benedict s Sixth Form after I came along to the taster day in the summer. I felt welcomed and as though I was being treated less like a Year 11 student and more like a young adult. I could sense immediately that this was the right place for me to spend such an important two years; to learn and develop as an individual. EMILY GARROWAY YEAR 13 ST. BENEDICT S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL The main reason I came to West Cumbria Sixth Form was because of the first class support they offer all of their students. The progress of each individual student is the priority of all the Sixth form staff which was an important aspect for me. My favourite thing about Sixth Form is the friendly, positive atmosphere and the opportunity to be viewed and treated as adults. ISABEL ROBINSON YEAR 13 SOUTHFIELD COMPREHENSIVE, WORKINGTON St. Benedict s was my first choice for education at Sixth Form. I spent a great deal of time considering all the available Sixth Form opportunities. However, St Benedict s topped the list, both for its reputation for great results and the excellent introduction to the school I received at the open day. STEPHANIE MILLS YEAR 13 ST. BENEDICT S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (YEAR 7-9) KESWICK ACADEMY (YEAR 10-11) The open day won me over, as it showcased everything the Sixth Form has to offer, and since beginning my studies here I am confident that my choice was the right one. I am enjoying the independence of Sixth Form and have found that the staff at St. Benedict s are supportive and keen to help make the transition from GSCE to A Level as smooth as possible. PATRICK BRENNAN YEAR 13 ST. BENEDICT S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL I enjoy the independence and responsibility that comes with Sixth Form, and I am confident that this Sixth Form provides students with the skills required to progress on to employment or university. I enjoy working in the School Council to promote fundraising within the school community. MATTHEW BLAND YEAR 13 ST. BENEDICT S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL I decided to come to this Sixth Form because the quality of teaching is excellent. 10&11 CLARE HASTINGS YEAR 12 ST. BENEDICT S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL I have always enjoyed the style of learning taught here and the relationships I have gained with the teachers and other students. I want to go to university after Sixth Form and pursue a career in Law. This Sixth Form makes me feel very comfortable and all the teachers and older students are approachable if I have any problems. The facilities available for the students here are key in developing our education and makes for great results in the end!

7 Make the most of your time in Sixth Form; work hard, get involved, take responsibility and achieve the best grades that you can. Academic achievement allows our students to experience increasing success in: Applications to Oxford and Cambridge Applications to Russell Group and other universities Applications to Higher Level apprenticeships Applications to the energy sector and supply chain industries Applications to local and national employers Many studies show that over your working life having a degree leads to higher earning potential. The latest figures from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills show that the average graduate premium for women is 252,000 and for men 168,000. If you have a degree you will earn on average 12,000 a year more than those who have not studied to graduate level. Facilities The Sixth Form is purpose built and houses its own refectory, study areas, lecture theatre and has access to WiFi. The Director of Learning and Student Support Officer are housed there to be accessible to you on a daily basis. Life after Sixth FORM The school s sport facilities and the Independent Study Centre are also available to Sixth Form students. Most A Level classes are delivered in departments around the school providing an opportunity for Sixth Form to be visible role models for students in lower school. 12&13

8 We constantly receive positive feedback from those who come into contact with our Sixth Form students: Google Foundation in London we re really glad that everyone enjoyed themselves, and found the sessions useful. St Benedict s were incredibly engaged and enthusiastic, and we were all impressed with how the pupils came across so maturely and smartly, so thank you! Others WHAT DO Students show care and consideration for others. They are well mannered and show respect for their teachers and other staff. SAY about US? Lamont Pridmore Cumbria accountancy firm Thomas had a refreshing attitude to the working environment and was prepared to challenge and debate financial practices, particularly relating to the economic climate and current market conditions. Thomas was punctual, courteous with a genuine interest in the financial sector and would be a real asset to any organisation. Stuart Askew Secretary, Cumbria Aspires St Benedict s are to be commended that, for the second successive year, they have brought forward three science-oriented students of such high calibre who can adapt well to the work placement programme. Adam G Ridgway MER Ops Support Sellafield Having mentored several Engineering in Education Scheme teams from St Benedict s I have always been impressed by the keenness, diligence and innovative thinking displayed by the students. Mark Blackburn IEng MIMechE SAP Mechanical THORP Sellafield I find it exciting to see the students develop and mature as people and see them expand their Engineering knowledge, all in such a short space of time. It is nice to see former students once employed by Sellafield return to the school to carry on the cycle. Sarah Lickess Student Recruitment Manager, Newcastle University We have visited St Benedict s a number of times to deliver presentations and workshops on applying to higher education, we have also hosted the students from St Benedict s on our campus for a tour and various workshops. Each time we have worked with them, the students have engaged in the sessions, contributed to discussions and generally have been a delight to work with. We look forward to more visits in the future! 14&15 Sixth ST BENEDICT S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

9 St Benedict s Catholic High School Red Lonning I Whitehaven I Cumbria I CA28 8UG T: F: E: admin@st-benedicts.cumbria.sch.uk W: Headteacher: Mr Ian P Smith Director of Learning Post 16: Mrs Sheena Kar YOUR futurebegins HERE... Sixth ST BENEDICT S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Contact details DESIGNED & PRODUCED BY PPS