Shaftesbury High School Sixth form guide

Transcription

1 Shaftesbury High School Sixth form guide Bringing our skills to to life

2 Page Contents 3 Introduction 4 Policy 6 Our scheme of work - ASDAN 8 ASDAN challenges 10 Partner groups and staff 12 Enrichment and the sixth form year 14 Work experience and Residentials 15 Additional information Shaftesbury sixth form building Harrow College, Weald Campus 2

3 Introduction This booklet is designed for everyone who is interested in being part of the sixth form at Shaftesbury. That includes students, parent-carers and all the people and organisations who work with our young adults. There are many reasons why a student may wish to join our sixth form. They may already be at the school, and want to stay on after year 11. They may not feel ready to leave school yet, or to join college full-time. They may benefit from a phase of transition over one year or two. Or they may be at another school or college, and want a fresh start. So what do you get if you join the sixth form? At least three things. 1. Extra time. Time to find your voice, to speak up and be heard, and to listen to others. Time to develop more independence and confidence, and to get used to being a young adult. Time to learn more about who you are and what you want to do. 2. Independence skills. All the sixth formers have regular opportunities to cook, garden, shop and use public transport. They learn how to cope with change, and how to be safe online and in the community. They are also offered work placements and residential visits. 3. Learning paths. Everyone has personal targets, choices and chances. Our courses and qualifications are designed to support a wide range of abilities and interests. We are aspirational and have high expectations. We want everyone to leave with pride in their progress and real hope for the future. 3

4 Our Policy This policy is written with the students, and revised every September. It is in two parts Who we are, and Ten things you need to know. Who We Are We are young adults We are not children. We have rights and responsibilities. We are here to develop our life skills, and to make the most of who we are. We are a community. The Sixth Form is a community. We share our culture and support each other. We take part in the life of our school, college and local area. We are positive role models We set a good example for each other, and for everyone we meet. We are not afraid to make mistakes, or to celebrate our progress. We talk things through We all have voices and we all have choices. No-one should feel ignored. We take time out when we need it. We stay safe and appropriate. We plan for the future These years are our last years in school. We re getting ready to move on. We set targets for ourselves, to help us all Plan Do Review. We keep growing We want to grow in confidence and independence, and get used to change. We may take different paths, but we are all on the same journey. 4

5 Ten Things You Need To Know 1. We are aspirational and we all have our own goals and ambitions. We focus on independence, life skills and building resilience for our lives as adults. 2. We wear our own clothes (not school uniform). 3. We have group rewards, not individual merits. 4. We take many different qualifications to help us move on. These include ASDAN, Functional Skills and AQA units. 5. We believe employability training and enterprise is important. We experience the world of work in many different ways and get regular careers advice. 6. Every week, we go to Cedars Youth Centre and Harrow Weald College. 7. Every week we take part in enrichment activities like personal finance, gardening, textiles, making the 6th form newspaper and more to extend our learning. 8. Every term, we meet with our teachers, parent-carers and key workers. 9. Every year, we have a residential experience. We help raise money for this through enterprise activities. 10. The 6 th form space is in a new building. Each classroom is equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, we have a common room and outdoor space to socialise with our 5

6 Our scheme of work - ASDAN This is a course made up of 12 modules. Each module has lots of challenges. We do not have to complete every challenge or every module, but we do need to complete a good mix. 6

7 ASDAN is all about teamwork and taking responsibility, managing our time as individuals and as a group. We use lots of life skills and plenty of Maths, English and IT. We PLAN DO REVIEW to make the most of every opportunity. You can see some examples of the ASDAN challenges on the next page 7

8 Our Challenges This is a list of some of the challenges offered by ASDAN. Some we do as a group, some by ourselves. We do not have to complete them all, just a good mix. We can also negotiate other agreed challenges. Communication Give a talk about something that interests you Host a tea or coffee morning Plan two journeys and describe them Make a story book for a young child Community Identify the main organisations that help people in your community Identify the main organisations that help people overseas Make a poster to promote your local community Complete a period of voluntary or community work Sports and Leisure Take part in at least two indoor activities Take part in at least two outdoor activities Research a leisure activity Take on a role as coach or referee Home Management Make a healthy snack Wash and iron items of clothing Tidy and clean a room Plan and cook a two course meal Environment Conduct a traffic survey Follow a public footpath or visit a local park Identify environmentally friendly products Improve a garden or area of waste ground 8

9 Number handling and data handling Compare the prices of 20 items in two supermarkets Keep track of your personal finances Find out different ways to save money Deal with weights and measures Health and survival Survey personal hygiene products Keep a record of what you eat over two days Show how to deal safely with unwanted attention Understand road safety World of work Obtain information on further education Complete a CV and letter of application Research an occupation Study a local company Technology Use a digital camera, word processor and spreadsheet Show to be safe online Design a poster or newsletter Make and edit a short video Wider world Make links with someone from another country Research the range of languages used in school Study another country s culture Take part in an international event Expressive Arts Study a famous artist, writer or performer Attend a dance or theatre production Interview a local artist Be part of an exhibition Beliefs and values Visit a place of worship Investigate a social issue Find out more about a named charity Research an inspiring person 9

10 Partner groups As well as ASDAN, 6th formers can gain certificates and qualifications from AQA, through the unit award scheme, Entry Levels and Functional Skills. All of us visit Cedars Youth Club for a morning every week, to use their sports hall and laptops. Many of us also join Cedars so we can use it in our own time. All of us go to the Weald site at Harrow College every week for their link course, with support. HAD (Harrow Association of Disabled people) help us with work placements and visits. They also organise social activities for us during out of school hours. We have strong links with Harrow Mencap. Students take part in the Skill Up programme where they develop independence and employability skills. They have also helped to refurbish some of our site through the Raising Your Game initiative. 10

11 Staff 6th form staff and students call each other by their first names. The 6th Form Team Jackie is the family liaison officer. She provides support and advice to students, parents and carers, helping them to access a range of services to enhance their quality of life. She is confidential and non-judgemental, empowering young people to make the most of their opportunities. She also helps with early intervention and transition. Kelly is the Transition Worker. She supports transition to college, facilitating visits, interviews and the application process. She also works closely with our Connexions advisor who provides careers advice and guidance as well as supporting work experience. 11

12 The Sixth Form Year Before students join the sixth form, they have an induction programme. This involves spending time with the current sixth form, visiting college and having staff and family discussions to make sure this is their best option Term 1 1. Being a sixth former 2. MacMillan coffee morning 3. Certificates night 4. Year 13 and 14 annual reviews 5. London Jobs Fair Term 2 1. Mentoring younger students 2. Fairtrade fortnight 3. Year 12 annual reviews 4. Theatre visit and workshop 5. International evening Term 3 1. World Book Day 2. Residential week 3. College interviews 4. Leavers night 5. Transition time for new 6th form Leaving can be hard for some, but everyone is invited to become a Friend of Shaftesbury. The Friends are former students who meet in school for an evening each term. Former students are welcome to visit on some Fridays. A number of students later return as mentors. There is also the weekly Monday Youth club at school, 7-9 p.m. 12

13 Enrichment Throughout the year, we have regular opportunities to expand our horizons both on and off site, and to celebrate each others culture. Here is just a small selection of what happens Thames Cable Car - Cooking for staff - Textiles Basketball at Cedars- Top Hat workshop - Spring planting We share more of what we do in a monthly newsletter This is also available on the school website. 13

14 Work Experiences and Employability Preparation for adult life is the key focus for us in the 6th Form. Developing employability skills and experiencing work are a big part of this. Through enterprise activities, life skills and functional skills development we build the independence and employability skills of our students. Work experiences take place throughout the year, subject to availability. Some placements are available for a day a week, across a month or more. Others are available for a block week or fortnight. This year, students have worked in cafes, charity shops, Supermarkets, HAD offices in Wealdstone and range of retail settings Please note that we are not always able to escort a student to or from their work placement. The more that parents and carers can provide support, the more successful the placement is likely to be. If you know of an employer who may be able to offer a placement, do let us know. They will need to be CRB checked. Residentials Before they reach the sixth form, many students have a week in Hereford or time away with the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. Last year we offered a residential at Phasels Wood Activity Centre as part of our 6th Form transition programme. In their last term, sixth formers also have the chance to spend a week in Douai, France. We appreciate that not every student or family may wish to take advantage of these opportunities, but the long-term benefits to student confidence and team spirit should not be under estimated. Parent-carers help to meet the cost wherever possible. 14

15 Additional information Here are some guidelines which we believe make learning easier. Clothes Equipment Financial Support Home links Food Mobiles Photos Rotas Sanctions Travel These should be safe, comfortable and appropriate for the classroom, cooking, gardening and PE. 6th formers are role models for the rest of the school. Young people can be forgetful. We still want them to bring in their diary, stationery set and a smile each day. As part of their growing independence, the students have regular opportunities to cook, buy lunch and travel. Parent-carers are asked to contribute to the costs. The more that school and home communicate, the more we can support each other. is helpful. We encourage a healthy diet. Fruit and water are preferable to sweets and fizzy drinks. Students can buy lunch locally with home permission. Phones are left with reception during school hours; so are all valuables. Please provide a labelled zip bag Students are photographed to provide evidence for their ASDAN qualification. Support is appreciated. Everyone takes a turn to wash up and tidy up, and help with wall displays and recycling. Wherever possible, we try to talk matters through with our students. In the event of injury, bullying or damage, a family meeting is called. All Shaftesbury 6th formers are entitled to a Freedom Pass. Please apply through Harrow council during year 11. The school has a member of staff to support travel training. We hope this booklet proves useful. If you need to know more, please do contact us. We are only a phone-call, 15 or diary note away.

16 We believe in The right to be educated The right to be healthy The right to be treated fairly The right to be heard The progress and achievements of students in the sixth form are excellent because of the outstanding provision. It is extremely well matched to their aspirations and abilities. They develop the skills needed for life extremely well. They become as confident and independent as possible. The care and guidance they receive is second to none. 16