SIXTH FORM. Heathcote School & Science College. Sixth Form: A Nationally Recognised Area of Excellence

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1 SIXTH FORM Heathcote School & Science College Sixth Form: A Nationally Recognised Area of Excellence

2 Heathcote s ethos is one of success built on inclusion, care and support for all its learners Aims At Heathcote School & Science College we aim to develop today s learners into tomorrow s global citizens. Students are valued, make positive contributions to the school community and go on to become responsible, independent members of society. To meet these aims, we: llprovide an excellent education in a safe, supportive learning environment. llpresent students with every opportunity to develop their confi dence and self-discipline, to progress their learning skills and to improve their life chances. llgive students opportunities to have new experiences and to expand their horizons. llhelp students in their pursuit of excellence, to extend their consideration and respect for others and provide them with all the support possible to meet their full potential and achieve their goals.

3 Welcome to Heathcote Sixth Form Zoë Cozens, Headteacher I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you a warm welcome to Heathcote School s Sixth Form. Heathcote is a successful, well-ordered and caring community committed to providing its students with a rich and extensive education. Heathcote s ethos is one of success built on inclusion, care and support for all its learners. At Heathcote we put learning and learners first in every aspect of school life. Our core purpose means that we ensure that every Sixth Form student is fully supported to achieve their potential. Our efforts have been recognised by Challenge Partners who confirmed our Sixth Form as an area of Excellent Practice and by The Brokerage Citylink who awarded Heathcote the Outstanding School of the Year 2016 Award for bringing City of London employment opportunities to students. At Heathcote, we make sure the learning experience is tailored to and responsive to the needs of all our students. This resulted in Heathcote being one of the first two schools in the country to achieve the much sought after STEM Assured status because of the quality and breadth of the curriculum in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Whether your future aims are to continue with Further Education, to progress to Higher Education, to obtain an Apprenticeship or to move into employment, at Heathcote we support you to succeed. Sixth Form: A Nationally Recognised Area of Excellence 1

4 Purpose-Built Sixth Form Centre In 2009 Heathcote s success was rewarded with a grant of 6.1 million to design and build a new, state of the art Sixth Form Centre. This centre opened in This purpose-built facility has specialised areas to accommodate both academic and vocational learning and also includes social, study and leisure areas for learners. Two years after opening, the Sixth Form was full - surpassing all predictions. Students continue to benefit from the superb teaching, support and guidance that characterises the lower school. Many students achieve top grades at A Level or BTEC, and students are well prepared for the next step in their career path, whether University, Apprenticeship or employment. At Heathcote it is not only the building but the learning environment created by our staff and students that contributes to learners achieving their maximum potential. As part of the Heathcote community you will: l Have the opportunity to study from a range of courses to help you develop a wide variety of skills, interests and abilities; l Be encouraged to excel in both academic and personal development through our excellent teaching and the wide range of extra-curricular activities available; l Benefit from the excellent learning support that is offered to all our students; l Be offered guidance and support in exploring the most suitable pathways available in Further or Higher education, Apprenticeships, or in employment; l Develop your independence and maturity; l Be a valuable and active member of our school. 2 Heathcote School & Science College Sixth Form

5 Why Study Here? At Heathcote, we care deeply about the success of our students. We believe that the wide range of courses on offer, the high quality of our teaching and support programmes, the superb facilities and the variety of activities and opportunities available to our students make us the first choice for those wishing to progress onto Further or Higher Education, an Apprenticeship or into employment. The innovative Sixth Form curriculum is designed to inspire and challenge all learners and to provide clear progression routes, focused on achievement and long term success. All of our Sixth Form students benefit from personalised and structured Study Support Programmes as well as detailed progress reporting to help them to continue to improve. Continuous self-assessment, support and guidance ensure our students are in the best position to achieve success. All of our Sixth Formers are guided to make the right choices for their future. We will continue our track-record of outstanding care, support and guidance to make sure students choose wisely between Further Education, Higher Education, Apprenticeships and employment; and we will continue to raise the aspirations of our learners through the provision of additional learning experiences and opportunities to expand their horizons. We are proud of the Heathcote community. We have created a happy and purposeful environment where every student knows they are valued and develops a sense of belonging. Students are expected to take ownership of their learning and to support others. Our Sixth Formers are expected to be role models for younger students and to be involved in promoting a positive community spirit. We have exciting learning opportunities and have developed academic and vocational links, with Businesses and Universities, providing enrichment opportunities for the classroom and beyond. In 2016 the Brokerage Citylink recognised this by awarding Heathcote the Outstanding School of the Year 2016 Award for bringing City of London employment opportunities to students. Heathcote was one of the first two schools in the country to achieve the esteemed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Award. In 2013 we were adopted by Gardiner & Theobald, a multi-national construction consultancy company, providing increased opportunities for students of all abilities. All of this has contributed to an outstanding success rate and excellent progression for our Sixth Form students. In 2016, we welcomed Challenge Partners to review us and were delighted when they confirmed our Sixth Form as a national area of excellence. Our support and guidance, together with our students hard work and determination, has resulted in such a high success rate that even in Heathcote s first cohort of Year 13 Leavers, every student who applied to University achieved a place on their chosen course. We aim to ensure that every student will also enjoy their experience at Heathcote. When they leave, we want them to proudly say: I went to Heathcote Sixth Form. Sixth Form: A Nationally Recognised Area of Excellence 3

6 Our Commitment to Success Our commitment to success is strengthened by the qualities we encourage in our students: tolerance, mutual respect, leadership and self-reliance. All our students are taught to value learning as a life-long process, to achieve their full potential and to prepare themselves for the demands of adult life. Our high standards of academic study and array of cultural and social activities benefit all our students by equipping them with the means to succeed. At Heathcote, we run a highly developed and carefully structured Tutorial Programme, focused on the individual needs of students during their time at Sixth Form. This is dedicated to helping students adapt to the demands of KS5 courses. The units include developing improved organisational and study skills; choosing an appropriate Course and the right University; and completing a UCAS (University Application) Form, with a strong emphasis on producing a high quality personal statement. In preparation for examinations, students are also given guidance on revision techniques. Nationally, most students find the transition from GCSE to A Level study challenging. You may find it hard to adjust to the increase in the expected standards, and the quantity and complexity of Level 3 study. We have therefore created a bespoke Induction and Transition Programme, designed to help you adapt to these increased demands, combining support from your teachers with custom-made guided learning tasks. We also recognise that some students find this transition particularly challenging, and staff are always on hand when additional support is needed. This intervention is maintained throughout the Sixth Form, so you can be assured that you will receive support at any point in your course if you need it. In addition, every Sixth Form student at Heathcote has a Form Tutor, a Study Tutor and a Learning Manager. Together they will help you to keep track of your progress and work with you to ensure you will achieve your potential. 4 Heathcote School & Science College Sixth Form

7 Supporting Your Learning At Heathcote, we are committed to offering you first class support to enable you to achieve your goals and make the most of your time studying with us. As a part of this commitment you will receive the very highest level of support for your studies, together with the resources you will need to achieve your goals. Our Learning Resource Centre provides you with information and research services: a place to study, access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and other learning resources, plus friendly, knowledgeable staff to help you find what you need. The Sixth Form Study Area has been designed to enable you to work independently or collaboratively with your fellow students, supporting each other s learning. All students have a Personal Tutor who supports and monitors them throughout their course. The Head of Sixth Form and a dedicated Learning Manager monitor and track the progress of all students, sharing successes and providing opportunities to discuss your challenges in a productive and understanding setting. We value the independence and growing maturity of our Sixth Formers while continuing to provide regular reports to parents and carers, empowering them to monitor their son/daughter s progress. Sixth Form: A Nationally Recognised Area of Excellence 5

8 Unique Curriculum We have designed a curriculum that is broad, personalised and extended to suit all learners. As well as providing traditional academic courses we have a vocational offering so that everyone will have a pathway suitable for them. The new Sixth Form Centre was designed to enable a wide variety of courses with general, flexible and specialist areas all included. This allows us to provide a unique curriculum with every student able to succeed. 6 Heathcote School & Science College Sixth Form

9 How To Make Your Choice What you should do when deciding which courses to study: 1. Talk to your subject teachers and read the descriptions of the different subjects in the Curriculum Guide. 2. Think about your predicted GCSE results and the careers advice you have been given. 3. Make sure you choose subjects that you like, you are good at and that will help you with the career you want to pursue. 4. Ensure you take enough time to research all of the subjects that interest you and those which are relevant to your desired career. 5. Do not rush these are important decisions to make so take your time. The courses listed below are those that are currently offered to Heathcote Sixth Form students. More details can be found in the Curriculum Guide and on the Heathcote website Students who have not already achieved a Grade 5 in one of their English GCSEs or in their Mathematics GCSE, will be supported to achieve those key qualifications. Please note that courses offered will be subject to student numbers and teacher availability. Please check the Website for the latest updates of courses on offer. Academic Pathway - A Levels: l 3D Product Design l Art l Biology l Business Studies l Chemistry l Computer Science l Drama l Economics l English Language l English Literature l EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) l Geography l Government and Politics l History l Mathematics l Music l PE l Physics l Psychology l Sociology l Textiles Academic Pathway - Other Level 3: l Design Engineer Construct l Information & Communication Technology Vocational Pathways: l Business Studies - BTEC Level 3 l Construction: Maintenance Operations - Level 2 l Sport - BTEC Level 3 Sixth Form: A Nationally Recognised Area of Excellence 7

10 Enrichment At Heathcote, we fully believe in the importance of students receiving a well-rounded education to enrich their learning experience as much as possible. Sixth Form should not just be about studying hard; it should be about developing into young adults and leaders for the future. We aim to give you a range of opportunities to build those skills. Sixth Formers are expected to take a leading role in the Junior Leadership Team and the House system, to give your ideas and voice your opinions. You are expected to encourage, mentor and support younger students. Sixth Formers also have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills in the Duke of Edinburgh programme and in the Level 2 Community Sports Leaders Award. Heathcote s Sixth Form offers a range of enrichment activities for students to get the most out of their Sixth Form education. These include: l Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) l Duke of Edinburgh Award (Silver and Bronze levels) l University Master classes l Work Experience l Visits to Financial institutions, including the Bank of England l Guest lecturers l University application training and guidance l School Productions l Theatre Visits l Art Gallery Visits l Industry Specialist Workshops l Stockbroking Taster Days l Accountancy Taster Days l Public Speaking and Debating l Financial Literacy Training l Residential fieldwork visits l Summer Schools l Archery l Outdoor and Adventurous Activities l Rock climbing l Competitive and Recreational Sport l University Visits l Life Skills 8 Heathcote School & Science College Sixth Form

11 Success For All At Heathcote, we value the achievements of all of our students, whether these achievements relate to academic or extra-curricular success. We have courses for all abilities and interests, to cater for every student s gifts and talents and to allow them to develop their strongest skills. We provide a programme of extension activities to challenge the most able students and our Learning Support department continues their work to ensure that every individual is able to make the maximum academic and social progress. All students are guided through a target-setting process to set themselves challenges and to help them fulfil their potential. Each students' progress is tracked by a Tutor and the Learning Manager, and you will also regularly receive feedback from your subject teachers. Students can also receive support from a Sixth Form Mentor, in order to help you ensure you succeed and achieve. The Tutor Programme provides guidance as and when required by students, and additional staff support the Programme if the need arises. Sixth Form: A Nationally Recognised Area of Excellence 9

12 The Heathcote Community At Heathcote we value every one of our students as an individual and as a member of the school community. We have created a secure, happy and nurturing environment where every student is able to reach his/her full potential. Students are expected and encouraged to take ownership of their learning and to support others, to respect the rights of others and to be involved in promoting a positive community spirit. High standards of behaviour, good manners and self-discipline are encouraged at all times, and learners are provided with clear expectations of their responsibilities across all areas of the school community. Sixth Formers especially are expected to model good behaviour for younger students. You will help to develop a strong sense of community and belonging, particularly through the leadership programmes and your work as Mentors, Prefects or Sports Coaches. Each Sixth Form student takes part in the 'Heathcote School Voluntary Hours Award'. This involves contributing to the development of younger students in the school and ranges from helping in lessons to develop their subject-specific skills, to working in small groups to improve their social skills. In return, you develop your own interpersonal skills and improve your understanding of a subject you are studying. This Award can be written about in the 'personal statement' for your University Application and is well respected by Universities. 10 Heathcote School & Science College Sixth Form

13 How To Apply All students currently studying at Heathcote School are offered a place in the school s Sixth Form. We are also able to offer a number of places to students from other schools who wish to join us. Admission criteria will be applied if more applications are received than we have places for. If you are considering joining our Sixth Form, we would encourage you to: llattend the Prospective Sixth Form Students and Parents Evening in January. See the school website for the time and date. lltalk to the staff in the areas that you want to study. llread all the information provided on courses carefully. lldiscuss the options available to you with staff and with your parents (see how to make your choices ). When you apply, we will normally ask you to come to Heathcote for an interview where you will discuss your application with a member of the Sixth Form management team. Most of these meetings will take place between February and May of Year 11. We may then make a conditional offer to you. This offer will normally be dependent on how well you achieve at GCSE, to make sure that the course you choose is appropriate for you. Financial assistance: Depending on the fi nancial circumstances at home, students may be eligible for an Educational Bursary. We give guidance to those students, helping them to apply for any funds available. Heathcote also has a free and confi dential counselling service available. We are happy to be of assistance should you need any information or guidance. Sixth Form: A Nationally Recognised Area of Excellence 11

14 Moving On During your time with us, you will be choosing your next steps. This might be to continue with another Further Education course, to progress to a Higher Education course at University, to start an Apprenticeship or to begin your working life. Throughout the Sixth Form we will give you advice and guidance about appropriate future courses or career opportunities, and help you with University applications. Heathcote has strong links with a range of Higher Education and Further Education providers, including Universities and Colleges of Higher Education, and employers. These links include Imperial College, London; the London School of Economics; Gardiner & Theobald; PricewaterhouseCoopers; Ernst & Young; Intern First; the EY School Leaver programme; The Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales; and many others. We use these partnerships to provide students with a variety of experiences so that you can make informed choices about your future and are in a better position to understand University life. The More Able co-ordinator leads a team which helps students to prepare for interviews at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and to be successful in their applications to Russell Group Universities. We help you to decide which course is best for you to study and which University you should attend, in order to achieve your career goals. We support you in preparing your UCAS Application and in writing the increasingly important 'Personal Statement'. We also arrange for students to visit Universities and for University tutors to visit us at Heathcote - all of which will help you to make important decisions about your future. Whatever your plans, our information, advice and guidance teams offer you confidential and unbiased support to help you make the right choice for your future. An advisor who is a specialist at Sixth Form level will be available to offer you personalised advice and guidance. There is a high quality programme to support you in making the right choice at the end of your time at Heathcote. Every year, each student who applied to University has achieved a place on their chosen course. Whether you choose this path or another, you will be well supported as you move onto the next stage in your life. 12 Heathcote School & Science College Sixth Form

15 your school has proven to be one of the top 100 in England showing the greatest sustained improvement over the last three years. Minister of State for Schools, January 2014 every student, regardless of ability, behaviour or attitude is treated as an individual with the potential to succeed. As a result students flourish and are prepared well for the next stage of their education, training or employment. Ofsted 2014 A large proportion go on to university including Russell Group universities. A number of students take up the offer of high level apprenticeships. Challenge Partners 2016 Heathcote School & Science College Sixth Form: A Nationally Recognised Area of Excellence

16 supporting individual excellence THE NEW Highams Park Station IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII II I I I I I IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII GREEN K I N G S ROAD L A R K S H A L L R O A D S T A T I O N R O A D HATCH ROAD F R I D A Y H I L L LANE Chingford Station W H R A N G E R S I T NORMANTON THE HIGHAMS PARK PARK FOREST E SIDE H A C H I N G F O R D L A N E ( A H S R O A D L ) L Heathcote Sixth Form R WOODFORD GOLF COURSE WHITEHALL PLAIN O A D ( A WOODFORD SIDE ) E E N ( A ) W O O D F O R D G R E P P I N W G N E W R O A D ( A ) N S E Heathcote School & Science College Normanton Park, Chingford, London E4 6ES Tel: Fax: heathcote.school@heathcote.waltham.sch.uk Headteacher: Zoë Cozens