WELCOME TO. This pack will provide you with information on life as a

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1 WELCOME TO This pack will provide you with information on life as a Post 16 student. It will help you to decide which pathway to follow in your Post 16 studies and explain the application process. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES As a Post 16 student at Aston Academy we expect you to work hard and show commitment to your studies and to Post 16 life in general. We expect you to: Attend all lessons punctually Meet all deadlines on time Use non-contact periods effectively Contribute to the wider school community In return, from us, you can expect excellent teaching and support. TUTOR SUPPORT Every student is allocated a tutor who will track and monitor your progress closely, and talk with you regularly to review your learning, set targets and provide you with additional one to one support. Your tutor will discuss your formal assessment grades with you, which subject staff provide on a regular basis, and help you to identify your key areas for development. Your tutor will be your first port of call should you have any difficulties or concerns and in Year 13, will provide support with the completion of your UCAS application.

2 INTRODUCTION Welcome to Aston Academy Post 16. We are a lively, thriving and diverse community of learners. Our aim, in keeping with the Academy s mission statement, is that every student is enabled to reach their full potential, whatever their age, ability, gender or ethnicity. As such, we provide a broad and varied curriculum which caters for a wide range of learning needs. We offer 24 traditional A Level courses as well as a broad selection of opportunities for students to follow BTEC Diploma pathways at level 3, including pathways linked to Health and Social Care, Sports Performance and Excellence, Performing Arts, Fashion and Clothing, Business and IT. Becoming a post 16 student at the Academy is about more than just achieving academic qualifications however. While this is of the highest priority, we want our students to develop all of the skills and the confidence they will need to move on successfully to their next stage; whether that be higher education, training or employment. As such, we expect students to take responsibility for their own learning and progress. This means that you will be required to plan your own learning and study time, ensure that you meet deadlines consistently and that you arrive punctually to lessons, ready to contribute and to learn. The most successful students are those who involve themselves fully in a wide range of post 16 enrichment opportunities. Our students are encouraged to act as positive role models to younger students through their work as peer mentors or as members of the post 16 committee. Students arrange a number of charity fundraising events throughout the year. They take part in field trips, visit theatres and universities, complete work experience placements and enjoy a wide range of sporting activities. We will not expect you to achieve all of this alone however. If you come to Aston post 16, you will receive high quality care, guidance and support in order to ensure that you fulfil your potential, enjoy your time with us and are suitably prepared for your next step. You will be allocated a Daily Tutor who will support you with any problems or concerns you may have and who will review your progress with you on a regular basis, and provide you with additional one to one support. Our aim is to provide you with the pathway, high quality teaching, extra-curricular experiences and support you will need in order to achieve your ambitions. If you apply to Aston, you will be invited to an interview at which we will discuss at length with you your aspirations and interests, and which would be the best learning package for you. Dominic Curran Vice Principal INTRODUCTION

3 INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE The majority of our students progress into Higher Education. However, whichever path you choose, you will be offered advice and guidance to help you plan for your future. You will be encouraged to explore all options and take responsibility for your decisions. You will be supported throughout by a team of experienced staff. These include: Tutors - fully conversant with subject and curriculum options and all aspects of UCAS A dedicated Learning Progress Manager for Post 16, offering on-going support on all aspects of Post 16 life Access to a Careers and Guidance Advisor who can advise on all aspects of progression and careers You can request individual appointments at any time and are expected to attend activities organised to support your progression. These include: Pathways Week a programme of activities designed to prepare students for higher education, employment and apprenticeships post 18. Guest speakers from a variety of employment sectors and HE institutions Visits to Universities and the Higher Education Fair Support with work shadowing In addition, you are encouraged to engage in enrichment activities and undertake leadership roles within the wider school community for example: Post 16 Committee, Peer Mentor, Post 16 Ambassador at events, Leader of Charity Fundraising. INFORMATION

4 HOW DO I CHOOSE WHAT TO STUDY? You might already know which subjects to choose, but if you are unsure, have a look at the tips below. Be realistic and do your research. If you have a career in mind, find out what courses are available and the qualifications you will need. Find a course which matches your interests, career aspirations and talents. Doing something you enjoy and are passionate about will make a difference. Think about how you work best are you better at exams or providing a portfolio for assessment? ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You need 5 GCSE s at A* - C including Maths and English to begin a full level three programme. Some courses will have more specific entry requirements which you need to check. These are listed on the individual subject information sheets. We offer a full range of Level 3 courses, including both traditional academic routes and BTEC Diploma pathways. A Level courses are more academic and are usually assessed by end of course examinations. Diplomas provide alternative methods of assessment, and prepare you with the skills you will need to pursue a particular career pathway. You can combine studying more traditional A Level courses with a Diploma course. These courses are designed to be studied for two years. WHAT NEXT? University entry, Higher Apprenticeships, Professional Qualifications, Employment. WHAT TO STUDY?

5 HOW TO APPLY APPLICATION FORM Apply through UCAS Progress (or ask for an application form if you do not have access to this) Deadline for applications is FRIDAY 8TH JANUARY 2016 If you need further information or support with your application then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Post 16 team on or via at post16@astonacademy.org INTERVIEW All students submitting an application will be invited to attend an interview where you can discuss your chosen pathway with experienced staff. OFFER Following your interview you will receive an offer of a place to follow your selected pathway, subject to meeting the entry requirements for your chosen courses. ENROLMENT After you have received your examination results you will be invited to attend an enrolment interview where you can discuss your pathway and confirm or make adjustments to your choice of courses. WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING COURSES: A LEVELS IN: Art and Design, Business Studies. Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Drama, Economics, English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Photography, Physics, Physical Education, Product Design, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Spanish BTEC DIPLOMA COURSES IN: Applied Science (Single), Art and Design (Single), Business (Single), Fashion and Clothing (Single), Health and Social Care (Single & Double), IT (Single), Music (Single), Performing Arts (Single & Double), Sports Performance and Excellence (Single, Double and Triple) ADDITIONAL COURSES: Extended Project Qualification, Core Maths, General Studies The curriculum is designed to allow you the best chance of studying the combination of courses you select. However, please refer to the option blocks to ensure that your chosen combination can be accommodated. All A Level subjects have 5 teaching hours allocated to them each week. Single BTEC courses also have 5 teaching hours allocated. This will mean that you have a number of study periods available for independent learning activities. As an approximate guide, you should spend a minimum of 4 hours per week of independent study for each subject. HOW TO APPLY