Ballakermeen High School. Sixth Form Prospectus 2017

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1 Ballakermeen High School Sixth Form Prospectus 2017

2 Your journey starts here... At Ballakermeen, our Sixth Form Centre is modelled on a university environment. Students learn in an independent, separate building whilst retaining access to the main school with excellent specialist facilities. Adrienne Burnett, Head Teacher

3 We are incredibly proud of our Sixth Form and of our students achievements. It is always a pleasure to show potential new students our community. Our young people have signed up for the next crucial stage of their education and their journey in life. Our work with students is a partnership and it is the goal of my team to help you make the most of your talents and academic abilities. Whether you are a budding actor, a promising scientist or one of tomorrow s professionals in the business world, we are confident that our programmes of study and our individual advice and guidance will help you move more closely towards your goal. We have a proven track record of supporting students preparation for courses as diverse as Medicine, Veterinary Science, Law, Musical Theatre, Journalism and Accountancy. Our Sixth Form creates a culture in which students want to succeed and where aspirations and excellence are valued. Our intention is to equip our students with the skills, understanding and flexibility to face the challenges they will meet in the world of Higher Education and work. Moreover, rather than a one size fits all approach, we are holistic in our application process and value those who are motivated to achieve individual success, at whatever standard. We will help you to maximise your potential, understand the challenges that lie ahead, and pursue your goals with self-belief and self-confidence. We will celebrate your success together and the Sixth Form Team will be on hand to guide you through any academic or personal tests you may face. I look forward to welcoming you to our Open Evening on Wednesday 1st February or, if you are unable to attend this event, by arrangement. The choices you make now will be those that define the path that the rest of your life could take. Let us help you in the decision making process. I sincerely hope that you consider becoming part of the friendly and successful community that is Ballakermeen Sixth Form. Ian Kay Head of Sixth Form Passionate about Achievement

4 Ballakermeen has an amazing Sixth Form Centre, filled with great, modern facilities and plenty of space to study quietly, very much like a university environment Sophie Smart Page 4

5 Our aims and values What students can expect of us: Students will receive the highest level of professional standards from their subject teachers and personal tutor, studying in an environment that supports their progress both academically and personally. They will receive regular reports on their progress and attainment and regular feedback on their work. Students will be supported and advised during the compilation of their UCAS application and Personal Statement by both their form tutor and the Sixth Form Team. For students not applying to university, they will be similarly aided in preparing their job applications and will be offered mock interview practice, where applicable. Students will be involved in all decisions affecting them and will have access to their references before dispatch. The student is at the centre of all we do. What we expect of our students: We expect all of our students to treat their period of study with us as if they were in employment. Regular attendance, completion of work set and independent study to enhance the classroom experience are the key components of success. Punctual arrival at daily registrations is compulsory, as is full time attendance from 8.45am until 3.20pm. Students are expected to meet the dress code, designed by our Sixth Form Committee, and we encourage all students to contribute positively to the school community. It is also our expectation that students conduct themselves courteously and professionally with both their teachers and their student-colleagues We expect their use of social media to be positive and respectful. It is our aim for all Sixth Form members to be inspirational and aspirational role models for students in the main school. Passionate about Achievement

6 Sixth Form Options Entry requirements The minimum requirement for any student wishing to follow A Level or BTEC courses at Ballakermeen Sixth Form is 6 GCSE (or equivalent) passes at grades A* to C, including Maths and/or English Language. ACTING (BTEC) CHEMISTRY ENGLISH LANGUAGE ART AND DESIGN CLASSICAL CIVILISATION ENGLISH LITERATURE BIOLOGY DESIGN TECHNOLOGY FRENCH BUSINESS STUDIES ECONOMICS GERMAN

7 GEOGRAPHY FURTHER MATHS PHYSICAL EDUCATION GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS MEDIA STUDIES PHYSICS Can t see what you re looking for? Please let us know as we re happy to discuss alternative courses. HISTORY MUSIC RELIGIOUS STUDIES ICT (BTEC) PERFORMING ARTS (BTEC) SOCIOLOGY MATHS PHOTOGRAPHY SPORT (BTEC) Teachers constantly motivate you to improve by setting you new challenges and encouraging you to keep going, especially if you are lacking confidence Alex

8 Your life, your choices SIXTH FORM COMMITTEE The committee provides a voice for those students keen to be part of the decision making process and to represent their colleagues. Committee members are elected by their peers, and meetings are chaired by the Head Girl, Head Boy and their deputies. The group organises charity occasions and fundraising, social events and mixers, enrichment activities and, of course, The Leavers Ball. EXAM P.A.S.S. (Peer Assisted Subject Support) Exam PASS is an initiative whereby students volunteer to mentor and provide subject support for their colleagues. Anyone can volunteer to be a PASS officer, and meetings take place weekly at lunchtimes, with students accessing this support on a drop-in basis. We encourage our students to give back to the school community and this is a marvellous experience to enhance students CVs. SPORT There is a variety of sporting opportunities on offer to our Sixth Form students. We have senior teams in a variety of sports including football, netball, hockey and basketball, and students are encouraged to get involved in any way possible, whether this is playing, supporting or coaching. JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT COMPANY PROGRAMME Students can opt into the Company of the Year Programme, run by Junior Achievement Isle of Man, a Manx-registered charity, giving students skills in employability, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The Company Programme gives students experience of running a company and participating in the Island-wide competition, which we have been lucky enough to win four times over recent years. The winners go on to represent the Island at the European finals in July. CHARITY CHALLENGE COMPETITION Some of our students also elect to take part in Charity Challenge, a competition in which they select and research a local charity, with a view to creating a presentation about their work in order to bid for funding for the organisation. The programme is run by the One World Centre, in conjunction with the H and S Davidson Charitable Trust, and we have experienced numerous successes, the greatest of which is our students awareness of issues on the Island and beyond. COMMUNITY SERVICE AND WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS Whether work experience is a prerequisite for students UCAS applications or not, we encourage all Sixth Formers to make a contribution to the school or wider community alongside their studies. This may be through mentoring younger students, supporting teachers in their chosen subject or helping to run a club. For students who need work experience outside of the school environment, we will support them in gaining such a placement. SOCIAL LIFE We firmly believe that joining our Sixth Form is as much about personal development and meeting new people as it is about academic success. Ballakermeen is an eventful and vibrant place, with a busy social calendar, and there is usually something for everyone. If an activity is not currently on offer, why not start a society to inspire others to share your favourite activity? There are frequent school trips and cultural pursuits, opportunities to get involved in our growing number of exchange programmes, university visits and a host of other options, all there for the taking. Page 8 Passionate about Learning

9 Passionate about Achievement

10 A learning environment Our purpose-built Sixth Form Centre has been designed to cater for the demands of post-16 education today. The new extension opened in September 2014, and you can benefit from: Two large study areas, equipped with seating for over 180 students, 50 PCs and printing facilities, Higher Education resources and reference materials, WIFI access for use of students own devices Vast common room, with three zoned social spaces, containing a variety of seating, vending machines and an outdoor terrace with seating for the summer Fully equipped modern kitchen Lecture theatre seating 76 people Dedicated computer room Meeting room and separate office spaces for private consultations with Sixth Form staff Specialist post-16 seminar rooms and teaching rooms, including a dedicated Media Studies room equipped with Macs and a Social Sciences suite of four teaching spaces Our Sixth Form students can also access the following Ballakermeen facilities: Outstanding specialist classrooms Studio Theatre, dance studio and performing arts spaces Swimming pool, sports centre and fitness suite Fiction Library and Open Learning Centre, stocked with specific Sixth Form reference and fiction loans sections Two canteens, offering a variety of meals and a priority service for Sixth Form students Page 10

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13 Teachers are really passionate about their subjects and are more than happy to help Sam and Charlotte

14 Teachers are welcoming and always there to help you to achieve your potential, even if sometimes you may feel like giving up Ben

15 Tutorial programme, contact with parents and student support TUTOR PROGRAMME Our tutorial system plays a key part in students academic success and pastoral support. We have a team of highly experienced teachers, many of whom have long standing experience as Sixth Form tutors. A specialist tutor will be the key contact between home and school. Tutors will work with students every day to monitor and discuss their progress. The tutor will also deliver our weekly Guidance Programme, with sessions ranging from study skills to life skills such as ironing and sewing! PARENTAL CONTACT The three-way partnership between Sixth Form, parents/carers and the individual student will be crucial to academic success. Snapshot and full reports are issued regularly and our Academic Review Day will be a key opportunity for parents/ carers to receive feedback on students progress and set targets for the forthcoming period. Parents/carers can request an individual meeting with their son s/daughter s form tutor or subject teacher throughout the academic year. The Sixth Form team are always on hand to answer queries and we encourage regular communication because we see this as the conduit to students achieving in line with their potential. STUDENT SUPPORT We see our students as people and recognise that a contented, focussed young person is more likely to meet their potential. We encourage students to speak to us anytime they need support. You will have access to: One-to-one advice on all your pastoral and academic concerns. Study skills and revision support Career planning Financial advice and awareness Health and welfare guidance We want to help to create a self-aware individual, ready to face the rigours of the world of work and the demands of study at a higher level. Members of the Sixth Form team are available throughout the school day, and we operate an open door policy. Where required, we will always help students to access professionals from outside agencies and organisations, for every conceivable reason from gaining work experience placements to seeking support with wellbeing issues. Passionate about Achievement PAGE 15

16 The future s bright Our students achieved 99% Pass rate There is a great variety of course options for everyone. I really enjoyed pursuing subjects about which I felt excited. Shannon

17 Support and guidance are always available from the Sixth Form Team. There s always someone to talk to when you need them and I have really benefited from their advice. Katie

18 Admissions and Key Dates SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING: Wednesday 1 st February 2017 This is an opportunity for all potential students to come along to our Sixth Form Centre and find out about what Sixth Form studies and life are all about. There will be the opportunity to discuss the subjects on offer with the teaching staff. INTERNAL APPLICATIONS DEADLINE: Monday 13 th February 2017 Course choices, detailing students preferred courses in preference order, should be submitted to your form tutor or to Mrs Kirk in the Sizth Form Office. Course choice forms will also be available online. MARCH AND APRIL: All internal applicants will meet with a member of the Leadership Team or Sixth Form Team to discuss their application and subject choices. EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS DEADLINE: Friday 5 th May 2017 This is the deadline for students not currently studying at Ballakermeen. We would also like the chance to meet you informally during the school day, but this could be done once applicants are on study leave. Please contact Gill Kirk (Sixth Form Administrator) on gill.kirk@sch.im to arrange an appointment. GCSE RESULTS DAY: Thursday 24 th August 2017 Students who have successfully met the criteria to join us will be invited to make an appointment (which will take place during the first week of term) with the Sixth Form Team to confirm their place and finalise their course choices in preparation for starting in September. If, at any time, you have any queries about the admissions process, please feel free to contact Mrs Kirk (Sixth Form Administrator) on gill.kirk@sch.im Page 18 Passionate about Learning

19 The Sixth Form building provides outstanding facilities, ensuring that every student has the workspace to maximise their learning Phoebe

20 Ballakermeen High School St Catherine s Drive Douglas Isle of Man IM1 4BE T: E: bhsenquiries@sch.im W: