APPLYING TO ECKINGTON SIXTH FORM CENTRE

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1 APPLYING TO ECKINGTON SIXTH FORM CENTRE Introduction Our aim is to provide our students with the best opportunities to progress into further/ higher education or into the world of work, equipped to meet the challenges of the 21 st century. The Eckington Sixth Form Centre provides care and attention and we are confident of the high quality education we offer. We value all our students and through the tutorial system, pre-sixth form interviews, target-setting and monitoring we offer the best kind of guidance and support through years 12 and 13. We are particularly proud of the fact that students who join us from other schools settle in quickly and go on to have a successful and fulfilling experience. Investment in the sixth form has seen the expansion of the Sixth Form Centre and the creation of a fully equipped ICT suite, new teaching rooms and extensive working and social areas. We pride ourselves on the spirit and sense of community within the sixth form. We respect our students and want them to succeed. To this end we ensure students have the opportunity to broaden their experiences and develop skills which will enable them to contribute to our community and to move forward on to the next stage of their lives.

2 THE CHALLENGE OF POST 16 STUDY There is a great difference between GCSE and A level study. Students now study fewer subjects but in much greater depth and there is an expectation that independent learning will take place. Rooms are set aside for students to undertake independent study during school time. Course content is much deeper and far more intellectually demanding than GCSE. To achieve success at AS and A level students must work consistently throughout the year. You will have to complete more individual reading and research. You ought to be doing 3-5 hours work outside the classroom in each subject. The degree of difficulty of the work will be greater in Year 12 but you will be given guidance and support on how to make the transition from GCSE to Advanced Level work go smoothly. INDEPENDENT STUDY IS: Taking responsibility for your own progress Being organised to use independent study time at school and home productively Planning work carefully and meeting all deadlines SUPPORT FROM HOME Reinforce the messages about personal organisation and regular commitment of time to personal study Help to identify good times and good places for study Support good working practices Restrict the hours spent working part-time

3 SUBJECT CHOICES Subjects Advanced courses BTEC Level 3 Art and design: fine art * Art and design: photography * Biology * Business studies * Chemistry * Child Care * Design technology: food technology * Design technology: product design graphics * Design technology: product design resistant materials * Design technology: product design textiles * Drama and Theatre Studies * English language * English literature * Film studies * French * Further mathematics * Geography * Geology * German * Health and social care * History * ICT * Law * Mathematics * Physical education * Physics * Psychology * Religious studies * Science * Sport * Sociology *

4 CHOOSING YOUR SUBJECTS You can choose from a range of AS/A level subjects and BTEC courses. Many students opt to study up to four AS subjects in year 12, but a minimum of 3 is required. Your choice of courses will be discussed during your application interview and again on the sixth form enrolment day. Selecting four AS subjects is intended to encourage breadth of choice. The important thing is to find out if your combination of choices will not restrict future career choice. For students considering university as an option it is recommended that you choose four AS subjects. The BTEC Nationals are vocational qualifications to prepare students equally for direct entry into employment or for progression to higher education. Students may study one BTEC course in one year and may go on to choose either a second BTEC option or follow an AS / A2 programme. BTEC options will involve students undertaking extensive work experience. Whilst it is possible to choose almost any combination of subjects from within the prepopulated option block the following combinations work well: SCIENCE: Science combinations lead to a wide variety of jobs in business and in industry. Most science degrees require at least 2 A level science passes. Chemistry is essential for both medicine and veterinary science. Students wishing to take physics at A level would find it helpful to study mathematics. For students looking at medicine or veterinary science as a career you are reminded that a supplementary test on top of your advanced level subjects is required. ARTS and HUMANITIES: There is often a greater flexibility for students studying arts subjects because these courses often have strong vocational applications. Popular combinations are: English, history and geography or a foreign language. Most universities will accept students who have studied any subject at Advanced Level, as long as their grades are good. For students looking at a career in law you are reminded that many universities are now introducing a supplementary test on top of your advanced level results.

5 COURSES OFFERED Level 3 courses Two types of level 3 courses are available: 1. AS / A levels 2. BTEC national certificate AS/ A LEVEL Minimum entry requirements for AS courses are 5 A*-C GCSE passes or equivalent, with a grade B being a minimum recommendation in some subjects you wish to study at AS: please check the subject entry requirements carefully. AS/A level courses have a unit organisation. At the end of year 12 units lead to AS qualifications which can be used as `stand alone` qualifications. However, most students progress to year 13 and complete the full advanced level course. Students are expected to choose a minimum of 3 AS levels from the range on offer. Students looking to go to university need to be aware of the different entry requirements; however, three advanced level GCE s would normally be expected as a minimum. Discussions with university admissions tutors make it clear that whilst higher education establishments welcome the greater diversity offered by the AS exam, there is a danger that some students are not making what could be termed sensible AS choices. Universities like to see the greater breadth offered by the fourth AS level. The offers made to students vary considerably and generally-speaking students can find suitable courses if they want to apply to university. BTEC NATIONAL CERTIFICATE BTEC national certificates are recognised qualifications for entry into higher education and can be studied alongside AS levels. The 12-unit National Certificate provides a specialist work-related qualification that covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the vocational sector and also offers different emphasis through the choice of specialist units. It is broadly equivalent to two GCE A levels.

6 CHOOSING YOUR OPTIONS Please find below the Year 12 Option Blocks for students starting Eckington Sixth Form Centre in September Students should not select more than one course from each option block. Level 3: A programme of these courses is suitable for those students who are expecting to achieve at least 5 grades A*-C. (An A level programme should include at least 3 A level subjects). Block A Block B Block C Block D French Physics English language Further Mathematics German Film Studies Law English Literature Mathematics Graphic Products Photography Geography Product design: Textiles Product design: Resistant materials Product design: Food technology Psychology Business studies Sociology Art History Biology Psychology Theatre Studies Chemistry Physical Education Religious Studies ICT Geology Music* *Taught at a consortium school. BTEC Option Block Block A Block B Block C Block D BTEC Science BTEC Science BTEC Science BTEC Science Child Care Child Care Child Care Child Care BTEC Sport Science BTEC Sport Science BTEC Sport Science BTEC Sport Science BTEC Health and Social Care BTEC Health and Social Care BTEC Health and Social Care BTEC Health and Social Care The Consortium The consortium brings together the sixth forms of Eckington, Dronfield and Newbold in a 21 st century collaborative approach to A level study.

7 The benefits of working together as a consortium are many and include: greater choice of subjects widening of student social experience developing student independence Consortium provision provides a bridge between schools and higher education, as students gain confidence and experience of moving between different sites and adjusting to different environments and styles of teaching. Opportunities are created for staff to teach advanced level work in a wide range of subjects. Full details of subjects offered through the consortium will be finalised in December but as a result of this new and exciting development we know that Eckington students will have access to music. Travel between the three centres will be provided free of charge. Study days will be Monday morning and Thursday afternoon. HOW TO APPLY All students wishing to apply to the sixth form must complete an application form and return it to: the sixth form office your leader of student development your form tutor Students who apply to join the sixth form will be interviewed by a member of the sixth form team. This interview will consider subject choices (Section 3) and career plans (Section 4) and expected grades at the end of year 11. The deadline for the return of the Sixth Form application form is: Friday 25 January Students applying from other schools should send their completed applications to Mr. I. Mellor, Assistant Headteacher, Eckington School, Dronfield Road, Eckington, Sheffield S21 4GN. Confirmation of receipt of your application will be made by post or . Application timetable 4 29th November 2012 Sixth Form Open Evening 25th January 2013 Deadline for applications, February to March 2013 Applicants interviewed and offers made for places in September. 22 nd August 2013 GCSE results are published. Sixth form places confirmed. September 2013 Sixth form induction.

8 ADDITIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Enrichment: An important feature of our provision is the enrichment programme. All students in year 12 will participate in enrichment activities each week. Enrichment is a compulsory component for all students in our sixth form. Students will be expected to take ownership of their project and work consistently even when unsupervised. Students will keep an activity log which will provide evidence of participation. Students should keep minutes of meetings, action plans, a record of achievement and learning. Enrichment activities will form part of the evidence for the system of school pledges. A sample of the type of activities on offer is given below: ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY Community projects, Charity Group, Sixth Form newspaper, Duke of Edinburgh, Sports activities, Chinese, Extended Project, Green Group, Teacher assistant, Mentors, Buddy reader, Toe by Toe Reading. Duke of Edinburgh Christmas Carol Singing Help for Heroes

9 PASTORAL CARE Eckington Sixth Form Centre operates a vertical tutoring system, mixing year twelve and year thirteen students in the ten sixth form tutor groups. The fundamental principles of pastoral care in the sixth form are that the form tutor, with the assistance of the assistant head, the leader of student development and the sixth form administrative assistant, will: - promote the academic achievement of each student; - promote the personal and social development of the students - build the self-esteem and self-confidence of the individuals in the tutor group. We value each of our students as individuals and we seek to offer appropriate advice, guidance and praise. Form tutors will focus on enabling students to recognise themselves as independent learners, providing appropriate challenge for the students as they embark upon a new course of study and identifying what is expected of them. Tutoring is organised so that time is maximised for the form tutor to work with individuals on academic mentoring, regular one-to-one discussions in which progress is monitored and targets set for improvement. While the individual discussions are taking place other students are undertaking self-supported study tasks or attending presentations and workshops by a wide range of visiting speakers. (Speakers last year included local politicians, gap year groups, charity organisations and health workers.) We pride ourselves on the breadth of help and advice which we offer to students on issues ranging from academic progress, personal and emotional problems to the in-depth advice offered on UCAS, training and employment applications.

10 2012 Results Eckington School's Sixth-Formers celebrated some of the school's best ever results at A Level and AS Level. Grades at A*/A were the best ever in the history of the school at both A level and AS levels whilst the improving trend in students average points score continued for its fifth consecutive year. At A level, A*-C passes increased 5% on last year to 61% and AS level A-C passes jumped 10% on last year. Most of our A level students progressed to university. In the following subjects students met their expectations: Mathematics Biology Geography Physical Education English Language Chemistry Psychology Graphics Law French German Art R.E. ICT In the following subjects students exceeded their expectations: English Literature Further Maths Photography History Textiles Film Studies Resistant Materials Food Physics Business Studies Drama & Theatre Studies The following BTEC subjects all met or exceeded their targets: Child Care, Health & Social Care, Sport Studies and Science. Year 13 Leavers 2012 University Foundation Course - College Apprenticeship Gap Year College Employment

11 Some of our High Achievers Robert Bentley Qualifications: English literature A* Geography A History A French C Destination: University of Nottingham * Laura Wadkin Qualifications: Chemistry A Mathematics A* Physics A Further Maths (AS) A Biology (AS) A Destination: Newcastle University* Amy Vickers Qualifications: Biology B Mathematics A Psychology A Law (AS) B Destination: University of Leeds* Amy Musson Qualifications: Textiles A* English Language C Geography A Law B Destination: Newcastle University* * denotes a Russell Group University

12 HOUSE SYSTEM AND THE 6 TH FORM All students and staff within Eckington School belong to one of the five houses Arkwright, Brindley, Davy, Eaves and Franklin. Each house has three teams within it: The Competition team involved in various competitions both sporting and curriculum. The Student Voice team involved in collecting and representing view of the house members and ensuring that action is taken where ever possible to improve the school life of the house members. The Charity and Community Volunteering team involved in raising money for a particular charity on a half termly basis and for ensuring that house members volunteer in some way to help out in the school or local community. Each house team is made up of form captains and is led overall by one 6 th form team captain along with one year 11 team captain. The entire house is then led overall by two 6 th form student leaders. These are amongst the most senior student leadership roles within school and we would expect such students to take a very active participation in the house system and lead by example at all times in relation to school life and house activities. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR 6 TH FORM STUDENTS WITHIN A HOUSE House Student Leader (2 from 6 th form) Line manages the House Captains (6). Chair House Leadership meeting (House Leader and House Captains). Overall responsibility for collating house points, updating displays and informing house members. Posts filled by nomination followed by interview with Head of House or senior teacher. House Captains (2 per team 1 Y11 and 1 6 th form) Manage team form captains (12-13 per house). Chair House team meetings. Responsibility for collating house team points, updating display and informing house members. Oversee and encourage house participation in team events. Posts filled by nomination and election if necessary. Form captains (12-13 per team) Oversee and encourage form participation in team events. Attend house team meetings. Posts filled by nomination and election within the form. General Form Vice captains (12-13 for house 1 per form) Stand in for Form captains in their absence.

13 REPORTING AND ASSESSMENT REPORTING AND ASSESSMENT To support student performance we will report to parents regularly by means of: a progress report three times a year; an autumn term consultation evening for year 13; an academic mentoring day for year 12 and year 13; a higher education evening in the summer term. Parents are encouraged to contact school at any time to discuss progress or any other matter for concern. CONTACT DETAILS Mr. C. Wright Mr. I. Mellor Leader of Student Development Assistant Headteacher Eckington School Eckington School Dronfield Road Dronfield Road Eckington Eckington Sheffield Sheffield S21 4GN S21 4GN Tel: admin@eckington.derbyshire.sch.uk

14 PREPARING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION There are now over 300 higher education establishments in the British Isles and it is important that any prejudices are removed when advising students where to go. Although league tables exist for universities and many of us think only in terms of traditional centres such as Bristol, Manchester and Warwick some of the new universities run exciting courses that may also appeal to our students. When discussing AS/A options with your son/daughter you may wish to consider the following which focuses upon the most common choices over the past few years: Medicine/Veterinary Science Essential: Desirable: Chemistry, biology (both at A level). Work experience related to the chosen career. 7 grade A - A* at GCSE. One further academic advanced level, but it does not have to be a science subject. Students wishing to apply for medicine/veterinary science also have a limited number of places at which to study; their course is much longer, competition is greater and the cost to the individual is likely to be more. Furthermore, students wishing to study medicine will have to take the UK clinical aptitude test (UKCAT), whilst potential veterinary students may have to take the biomedical admissions test (BMAT). Law Essential: Any 3 academic subjects, although practical subjects like art, product design graphics and physical education are not excluded if the predicted grades are at the highest level. Modern Foreign Languages Students applying for law will have to sit the national admissions test for law (LNAT) as well as gaining practical experience relevant to a career in law. Essential: Desirable: One advanced level in the language to be studied. A second language at advanced level, especially for those students wishing to study either a joint language degree or for those picking up a new language, like Italian, at university.

15 Science and Engineering Essential: Desirable: Mathematics and chemistry (for chemical engineering) Biology (for biosciences and oceanography) Physics (for geological sciences and many engineering courses) Physical education and biology (for sports science) Chemistry and one other science (for forensics) One further advanced level subject. NB: Most universities accept geography as a science subject when in combination with one of the traditional sciences. Humanities Essential: Most humanities courses are available to students with any combination of AS/A level subjects, although it makes sense to guide student towards obvious pairings such as history and English. Specialist Subjects This group includes subjects like art, music, design technology and ICT Essential: Universities and prospective employers look for students who have experience of performing or production. It is recommended that you keep a clear record or portfolio of all your work.

16 STUDENT FINANCE You may be eligible for financial help if you are struggling to make ends meet while you are at Eckington Sixth Form Centre guaranteed bursary The Guaranteed Bursary may be available to support you while you study if you are: a looked after young person i.e. in foster care a care leaver in receipt of income support in receipt of disability living allowance and employment and support allowance. You must be in receipt of both these benefits to qualify. Details for have not yet been released but information will be made available as soon as we receive it Student Support Fund The Student Support Fund is available to students who are experiencing financial difficulty and provides a one off payment to help meet the cost of items such as transport to work experience placements or field trips. Bus travel Students who act as bus monitors on the school service buses may receive help towards the cost of daily travel to and from school. Sitwell Family university bursaries The Sitwell Family Trust offers a bursary of 1000 towards the cost of the first year of university to our top performing students in art and English literature. Student discount cards Students can apply for b_line cards which gives you: money off fares on local buses and trains discounts at more than 700 places membership of Derbyshire County Council libraries proof of your age Student s may also apply for the ucas card which not only gives discounts at places like Alton Towers, Dominos Pizza and Topman but also helps with the ucas application process.

17 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What happens after I send in my application form? Students who apply to Eckington Sixth Form Centre will be interviewed during early February to discuss in detail your application. You will be given an appointment time and during your interview the expectations of sixth form study will be clearly outlined to you. This interview will also reflect upon any career plans you might have and how these relate to your chosen subjects. If you are not currently attending Eckington School, arrangements will be made for you to visit the school in order to discuss your application. What if I do not get my grades for sixth form? The grade requirements for our sixth form courses are clearly indicated in the main part of the prospectus. Typically AS subjects require a minimum of a grade B in order to progress onto that subject. On GCSE results day sixth form staff and subject staff will be on hand to offer advice in the event that you do not achieve the minimum requirements for entry. A representative from Connexions will also be in school on GCSE results day to help deal with any issues. If you have any doubts as to whether or not you have achieved the minimum entry requirements sort things out early, do not wait until enrolment day in September. Do we get free periods in the sixth form? It is quite possible that once your timetables are sorted that there will be some periods in the week where you do not have lessons. These periods are for independent study and there is an expectation that you use this time to research your subjects in more detail. To help you with your independent study your teachers will supply you with independent study tasks, specifically designed to develop your research skills. Quiet rooms will be identified where you can go to complete your independent study. What is home study? Home study is a privilege not a right. By October half-term all students in Year 12 will have undergone a series of assessments in all their subjects designed to assess their suitability for Level 3 study. If successful then it may be possible for students to apply for up to six home study periods. This is time when you do not have any lessons in school and so you can elect to work from home. If your work begins to fall below an acceptable standard it is likely that the home study privilege will be removed. What if I do not want to go to university? With the cost of studying at university increasing many students are now looking at alternative career pathways at the end of Year 12 and 13. At Eckington School we have established very good links with a number of local apprenticeship providers as well as offering a comprehensive careers package for non-university entrants via Connexions. We also have close links with Chesterfield College for students wishing to enter their apprenticeship courses or their Foundation Courses post A level.

18 What is the ucas tariff? The UCAS Tariff is the system for allocating points to qualifications used for entry to higher education. It allows students to use a range of different qualifications to help secure a place on an undergraduate course. Universities and colleges use the UCAS Tariff to make comparisons between applicants with different qualifications. Tariff points are often used in entry requirements, although other factors are often taken into account. GRADE A level tariff AS tariff BTEC Certificate Grade Points A* 140 DD 240 A DM 200 B MM 160 C MP 120 D PP 80 E Can I re-sit my AS units? Following recent changes to A levels, the option for January resits has now been removed. Students enrolling on AS courses in September 2013 will only be able to resit during the June exam series. What if I drop a subject after being entered for an examination? Students who drop a subject, leave or are withdrawn by their teachers after already being entered for the examinations, will be charged for the cost of the examination and any other costs incurred during the course. E.g. If a student decides to drop mathematics after being entered, the current charges are; Examination fees (4 units) total plus administration charges of 30.00

19 ECKINGTON SIXTH FORM CENTRE - a specialist engineering college STUDENT LEARNING AGREEMENT We believe that at the heart of a successful sixth form there must be clarity. Students must be clear about what is required of them and what they have a right to receive from the school. Similarly, with privileges come responsibilities. To this end, we have devised a written agreement which makes clear the parameters within which we operate. This is looked at closely with all Year 12 students during the induction period and all parties to it (the student, the parent and the tutor) read and sign it. If you join the sixth form, this is what you will be agreeing to at the start of Year 12. Under this agreement we will endeavour to: deliver lessons of the highest quality through our specialist staff, all of whom are committed to providing excellence in education; provide all the support and help needed for you to reach your potential; deliver a comprehensive support programme which involves information, advice, guidance and career development; agree challenging but realistic targets; enrich your sixth form experience through a range of activities and visits; inform you of your progress through consultation meetings, reports and individual discussion; provide a comfortable, well resourced and safe learning environment in which to study; elect a sixth form committee to take responsibility for running sixth form centre affairs including the cafe bar and common room; promote a sense of responsibility and self-expectation; respond sympathetically to all reasonable requests for help and guidance. In return you will be expected to: attend all lessons punctually and wherever possible, let teachers know if you are going to be absent; account for unforeseen absence by telephone or letter and make good any missed work; attend registration, tutorial time and assemblies; attend independent study periods; attend at least one enrichment activity complete and submit all assignments on time; Avoid plagiarism in any course work or assessed work and meet specified internal deadlines for these. Use private study time appropriately. Our expectation is that you will work for about five hours per week per subject over and above timetabled lessons. Meets costs of examinations which you have been entered for, including examination administration costs and any other costs incurred during the course, if you fail to continue the course or if your attendance on the course has been poor. help to keep the sixth form common room tidy and care for the fabric and furnishings; contribute to the wider life of the school and act as a role model for the younger students; work to support younger students in the school; seek help and advice if you meet any problems; Maintain standards of behaviour: no smoking, drinking alcohol, substance abuse, dangerous driving or other actions likely to reflect badly on you or the school.

20 Liaise with the appropriate school offices. You can make a difference if you see bullying or anti-social behaviour of any kind speak in confidence to a member of one of the school offices. Become involved in extra-curricular activities and offer help to the school when and where appropriate. Protect and respect the school environment. accept that you may be asked to leave Eckington Sixth Form Centre if the above conditions are not met. AND FINALLY The privilege of joining Eckington Sixth Form Centre brings with it both rights and responsibilities. You will become influential role models within the school community which will bring with it constraints as well as benefits. You must accept this as part of the package of being a sixth form student and remember that support and understanding does not conflict with the application and enforcement rules. Where a student fails to meet the terms of this agreement there will be a range of responses including verbal and written warnings, and ultimately, a review of the right of the student to remain in the sixth form. Name: Tutor Group:. Student signature: Date:. Parent signature: Date:. Tutor signature: Date:.

21 Eckington School-a specialist engineering college Sixth Form Application Section 1: Personal Details Surname: First name: Date of Birth: Address: Postcode: Telephone: Mobile: e mail: Parental details: Emergency contact: Previous school (if applicable): Section 2: GCSE (predicted grades) Subject Predicted Grade Subject Predicted Grade English Mathematics Science Section 3: Courses you would like to study in year 12 Block If you are choosing a course at level 3, make up to four choices. Students selecting one BTEC National Diploma, please note that it will be across all four option blocks. A B C D

22 Section 4: Career Plans Career Plans Section 5: Reasons for joining the sixth form What are your main reasons for applying to Eckington Sixth Form Centre? Section 6: Contract You will be admitted to the Eckington Sixth Form Centre on the following conditions: We can offer you a course appropriate to your needs and abilities You are prepared to abide by the terms of the sixth form learning agreement. Your signature:. Date: 7. Parental Consent I am willing for my son/daughter to join Eckington Sixth Form Centre in September Signature of parent: Date:

23 Comments from current subject staff regarding suitability for post 16 study Please ask your current teachers for the subjects that you have chosen to fill in the following part of the form. If you have chosen a subject that you have not studied at GCSE, please check the entry requirements and write down that it is a new subject in the space provided for the teacher s comment. Option block A B C D Out of Option Block Subjects Subject Please tick to indicate one of the following Unreserved recommendation Able but underachieving May struggle but will work hard Not recommended for AS study Unreserved recommendation Able but underachieving May struggle but will work hard Not recommended for AS study Unreserved recommendation Able but underachieving May struggle but will work hard Not recommended for AS study Unreserved recommendation Able but underachieving May struggle but will work hard Not recommended for AS study Unreserved recommendation Able but underachieving May struggle but will work hard Not recommended for AS study Teacher Comment (if required) Signature Please reserve me a provisional place in the Sixth Form for September 2013, I have read the information and accept the school requirements with regard to commitment, attendance and dress. Signed Date