Catholic High School for Girls

1 NISI DOMINUS AEDIFIC VANUM St Philomena s Catholic High School for Girls Sixth Form Prospectus for 2016 entry A2 Results 2015 39% of all entries were A* - A grades 65% of all entries were A*- B grades 90% of all entries were A*- C grades 100% pass rate in all BTEC subjects

Dear Students, Post 16 study is an exciting time for you. You will begin to make important decisions about your future and chosen area of study. Studying at St Philomena s provides numerous opportunities and our dedicated team of specialist post 16 staff offer outstanding teaching, information and advice. We offer specialist support from our Aspirations Co-ordinator for Oxbridge applicants and for students applying for Medicine, Law and other prestigious courses. Central to all that we do at St Philomena s is our Catholic faith and ethos. All students have the opportunity for faith formation through our Chaplaincy and our Spirituality and Leadership programmes. Students have the opportunity to complete community service and participate in peer mentoring schemes with younger students. We do accept students of all faiths or none in our Sixth Form. It is a very diverse Sixth Form made up of girls from other schools and from a variety of different backgrounds. St Philomena s offers a wide and varied menu of extra curricular activities to help enrich your post 16 experience. There are opportunities for fieldwork, theatre trips, as well as participation in Sport, Drama, Music and Art. Students have the opportunity to join the Global Young Leaders programme in Washington and to travel abroad as part of Exchange programmes. As a single sex Sixth Form, St Philomena s is a vibrant learning community made up of likeminded individuals committed to ensuring they achieve their full potential. I look forward to welcoming you into our Sixth Form in September 2016 and I am confident that you will feel fully prepared for life thereafter, be that university, further education or the world of work. Yours faithfully Miss Noone Headteacher BSc (Hons) MBA

1 Welcome, We are very proud of all of the achievements of our students in the Sixth Form and are delighted with yet another fantastic year of A Level and BTEC public examination results putting our Sixth Form in the top twenty five percent of schools nationally. I hope that this prospectus proves useful in helping you to make sound decisions about which courses you want to follow in the Sixth Form at St Philomena s School. We offer a wide and varied range of subjects. To help you to make informed choices you will be provided with opportunities to discuss individual subjects with teaching staff during our Sixth Form Open Evening on Tuesday 6th October 2016. We are keen to ensure that students choose the most appropriate courses and to this end we have minimum entry requirements for study into the Sixth Form for some subjects. Every member of staff working with the Sixth Form has the specialist knowledge needed to teach you to the highest level and to equip you with the skills necessary to prepare you for adult life. Subjects are taught by experts in their field, and support with preparing high quality university applications comes from a team of trained specialist tutors and members of the Sixth Form and Careers Information and Guidance Team. Tailored enrichment programmes, extra-curricular activities are provided which address the development of life skills. The opportunities to broaden, social, moral, cultural and spiritual awareness are also an important element of the Sixth Form experience. We would strongly encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities and we expect you to participate in positions of wider responsibility within the school, including student leadership opportunities, working with staff and younger students as positive and inspiring role models. We expect the majority of our Year 11 students to continue their studies at St Philomena s School, but we are also proud to welcome a number of students new to the school each year. Our Sixth Form students benefit from a dynamic, hard-working and supportive environment where a Catholic ethos of mutual respect, dedication and individual excellence are always present. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to working with you and welcoming you to our Sixth Form! Mrs Snowden Assistant Headteacher/Head of Sixth Form St Philomena s Sixth Form has provided me with so many different and useful resources and skills to help guide me and prepare me for my next journey. Year 12 Student

2 Why study at St Philomena s? 1. All students are valued as individuals and encouraged to reach their highest level of academic and personal achievement. 2. We offer a wide range of courses and resources with the flexibility to suit academic and vocational needs. 3. We have highly qualified, experienced and committed staff who will give you the best possible chance to further your education and increase your career aspirations. 6. Progress is monitored regularly and support given throughout the year to maximise potential. 5. We offer the security of familiar surroundings and stable routines. You will be working with staff and fellow students with whom you are familiar. However, the environment is welcoming to all. 4. Guidance and support for individuals is outstanding with tutors who have specialist Sixth Form knowledge and know their students. 7. One of the pleasures of the Sixth Form is that you study subjects that interest you and that you have chosen. 8. In the Sixth Form, you will be expected to play a full part in the life of the school. Sixth Form students are role models for younger students and Sixth Form life at St Philomena s promotes achievement, independence and leadership. 9. We offer a wide range of creative, spiritual, cultural and sporting activities within the Sixth Form. 12. Students are given many opportunities for spiritual reflection and to live out their faith on a daily basis. 11. There is an outstanding Pastoral Careers Education and Guidance programme designed to support Future Pathways, Higher Education and Career Aspirations. 10. Teachers are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and set aspirational targets.

3 Sixth Form Curriculum Aim: To provide a high quality, well-rounded Sixth Form education which engages, inspires and rewards all learners, so that they are fully equipped for life in the wider world. Components: 1. Core Curriculum - Specialists Subjects of Choice 2. Core Learning to include Core Religious Education Programme and Future Pathways Programme (please refer to this page and the separate insert in the prospectus Sixth Form Block 2016-2017) 3. Optional Additional Learning - EPQ, Core Mathematics and Sports Leaders 4. Leadership & Extra Curricular Opportunities Specialist Subjects: A Levels & BTECs chosen by each learner (with personalised guidance from senior staff) GCSEs in the Sixth Form GCSE Re-sit Mathematics or GCSE English Language. Students will need to re-sit these subjects if GCSE Grade C or above has not been achieved in Year 11. Future Pathways Programme YEAR 12 Autumn Future Pathways Future Pathways and Careers Spring Pre Public Examinations/Mocks and Voluntary Service Health and Wellbeing Summer Safeguarding Future Pathways and Careers Core Religious Education: Opportunities for all students to engage in important moral and spiritual issues. Year 12 Year 13 Faith and Reasons to Believe World Faith Conscience and Religion Relationship and Listening Religion in Contemporary Society Experiment in Spirituality and Prayer Life after Death Ethical Issues Religion in Contemporary Society Exploring Spirituality through Life Experience Optional Additional Learning: All students are encouraged to enrich their curriculum. We offer the following options: Extended Project Qualification (half an A Level) Sports Leader Award Core Mathematics Choice of student leadership groups Leadership & Extra Curricular: Sixth Form students participate in, and often lead, a variety of extra curricular activities. There are numerous opportunities for extra curricular involvement e.g. sports clubs and teams; school productions; senior choir; instrumental ensembles; debating club; ski trip; World Challenge expeditions. All Year 12 students will receive leadership skills training and will take up a leadership responsibility in one of the following areas: student leadership groups, prefects; leading lower school clubs; peer mentoring i.e. Careers Ambassadors, House Captains amongst others. YEAR 13 Autumn Future Pathways and Study Skills Democracy and Equality Spring Health and Emotional Wellbeing Student Finance Summer Leaving a Legacy Study Leave Sixth Form has boosted my confidence and given me the tools to present myself as a professional Year 13 Student

4 Sixth Form Options At St Philomena s we offer a high quality core curriculum with a wide range of A Level and vocational courses. In the Sixth Form the vast majority of our students will study 3 A Level courses or a BTEC Diploma, together with one accredited enrichment course. Upon graduating from the Sixth Form most students progress to Higher Education, while some begin full time employment or an apprenticeship. The core curriculum offer for September 2016 includes the following subjects (at A Level unless otherwise stated): Please consult our options blocks (available on the school website) to confirm whether your preferred options work together. While our option blocks intend to enable the vast majority of combinations, a few students may find a clash in their combination of options. If this is the case, please draw this to the attention of the Head of Sixth Form as soon as possible, so we can inform you of possible solutions. For example, a few subjects may be delivered in twilight lessons or in collaboration with other local schools. The vast majority of St Philomena s Sixth Formers are taught entirely within curriculum time, but those who are taught in twilight lessons or in collaborative lessons will be supported accordingly. Applied Science Design & Technology: Product Design Mathematics Art & Design: Fine Art Drama & Theatre Media Studies Art & Design: Photography Economics Music Art & Design: Textiles English Language Physical Education Biology English Literature Physics Business Studies French Psychology Business Studies BTEC** Geography Religious Studies Chemistry German Sociology Computer Science Government & Politics Spanish Core Mathematics Health & Social Care BTEC** Design & Technology: Food Technology History * Please note that while we plan to run all of the above courses, each course can only run if a viable number of students wish to study it. ** Both BTEC pathways are equivalent to 3 A Levels Student Leadership at St Philomena s 2016-2017 At St Philomena s we have an elected Head Girl team comprising of a Head Girl, Deputy Head Girls, together with House Captains and Student Leadership Prefects. The House Captains lead the School Council and work together to organise inter-house charity events and competitions to encourage team spirit within the school, promote friendship values and contribute to the social, moral, cultural and spiritual well-being of the whole community. The Student Leadership Prefects meet weekly with a designated member of staff to plan and carry out projects across the school. St Philomena s Society Groups aim to provide students with guidance and support needed to successfully apply for Higher Education courses, apprenticeships and employment in a number of vocational fields. These include: Alumnae Anti- Bullying and e-safety BEAMERS* Community and Environment Engineers and Technology Fundraising and Spiritual Life Law Medics Next Steps (alternative to university) Performing and Creative Arts Sport Teaching and Learning In addition to this we have Subject Prefects, Reading Recovery Mentors and Career Ambassadors giving every student in the Sixth Form the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Each position is valued and aims to develop confidence, creativity, and skills in all students to build self-esteem and leadership potential. Every year students attend a number of student leadership conferences. For example, Women of the World (WOW), an event which aims to inspire future female leaders and empower leadership development back in school. We also host a termly Student Leadership Network Conference where the Head Girl and Boy teams across our partner schools are invited to attend. The themes vary from enhancing the importance of leadership and networking, to giving students confidence and experience of public speaking. St Philomena s approach to student voice is inclusive and gives all students an opportunity to participate and develop a partnership of genuine self-evaluation. Our Student Council led by the Sixth Form, has clear processes and structures for student representation and incorporates students views into decision making. The Student Council is representative of the vertical House system and all of the student leadership groups. *Business, Accounting, Advertising, Marketing, Management, Economics, Enterprise & Human Resources

Westmead Road Entrance West Street The School Hymn Lord make our school a house of prayer In work at play in all we do Regard for others be our care And serving them may we serve you Oxford Road Alma Road Carshalton Road Cambridge Road Shorts Road The Parade Park Hill B278 Pound Street Beynon Road A232 In vain we labour if we suppose Ourselves sufficient for our task O Master builder of this house Give us the faith and grace we ask Amen St Philomena s Catholic High School for Girls Pound Street, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 3PS T 020 8642 2025 F 020 8643 7925 enquiries@stphils.org.uk www.stphils.org.uk www.stphilssixthform.org.uk

Sixth Form Head Girl Anna Peecock My name is Anna Peecock and I am the 2015-2016 Head Girl of St Philomena s School. I currently study Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics, and have recently sat my AS Levels where I was delighted to achieve four A s. I hope to study Natural Science or Mathematical Physics at University. There s no denying that Sixth Form is different from lower school education; the classes are smaller and the work load more intense, but St Philomena s aims to minimise the impact of the transition from GCSE to A Level through a compassionate support network of staff and older students. Operating as a Sixth Form rather than separate year groups, creates a sense of camaraderie between students in which we work together helping each other achieve our goals. The school supports this by creating a suitable working environment for us; as well as a more relaxed study area, we have an independent study area with 60 Chrome Books, specifically to make the independent workload expected at A Level and BTEC easier to adjust to. As the oldest members of the school, sixth formers have the opportunity to get involved in student leadership. This is a collaboration of teachers and students who work together to make both temporary and lasting changes to support our learning and make our experiences at school more enjoyable. It also gives each student the chance to play a vital role within our school community, adopt positions of responsibility and be ambassadors for the school. I have been fortunate this year to take on the role of Head Girl and work alongside a team of thirty individuals including Society Presidents and House Captains. Together the team organises house competitions and fundraising events, trips and external speakers, whilst in constant contact with the lower school to ensure that each girl s school journey is a successful and enjoyable experience. Of course we re afforded the additional privilege of organising the Christmas and Summer Balls! Sixth Form at St Philomena s provides students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and cultivate skills and passions through participation in extra-curricular activities, whether it is in competitive sport or taking a lead in the school production. There are a multitude of both academic and recreational school trips on offer, including the visit to Cern, Geneva and the joint Ski Trip to Boston with The John Fisher School. A key part of St Philomena s Sixth Form is preparation for life after school, ensuring that we are sufficiently equipped to thrive in whichever path we choose. Students have the opportunity to visit universities, take part in super-curricular activities, taster days and complete residential courses, supplemented by our internal Higher Education Programme, which concentrates not only on University but also Higher Apprenticeships and Employment. Additional Admissions Preparation days are organised to aid anyone taking admissions tests, such as prospective Medical students, or advice and practice for those who are likely to be called for interview, as well as sessions on student finance and perfecting personal statements. It is through such provisions that I feel fully equipped for the next stage of my education; the vast network of support that the Sixth Form Team supplies drives us to set aspirational goals and achieve our ambitions. Reflecting on my time at St Philomena s, I can look back only with affection and gratitude, knowing that I have been well prepared for future hurdles that I may have to face, equipped with the determination and drive to succeed. The Sixth Form has not only continued to support me academically but also provided a nurturing environment, which has given me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Being an external student, joining St Philomena s Sixth Form has been the best decision. It has helped me in so many ways to plan and prepare for my future career. Year 12 Student