Prospectus 2016/17
Welcome to The Shared Learning Trust Contents Our Vision and Values From the Principals Qualifications at TSLT Sixth Form Courses we offer Pastoral Care Guidance and Support Enhancement and Study Support Ethos Gifted and Talented University Visits and Links Enrichment Activities Facilities Communicating with Parents Dress Code How to Apply 2 3 4 5 7 8 8 10 12 Our ethos is simple: we will make the most of our unique family of schools to give every child the best possible opportunity to flourish and develop into a decent, disciplined, well-educated and employable young person. Welcome from the CEO: Andrew Cooper Open Events & Visits Please look out for advertised open events. Our Vision and Values 1 Developing Decent People Results and qualifications are important, but they are not the whole story. Our ultimate goal is to develop well-rounded young people who will make the most of the opportunities open to them. They will have resilience, zest and passion. They will be people that employers want to employ; who play a part in their communities and can be proud to say that they came through one of our schools. 2 Achieving Full Potential, No Excuses We will do all we can to make sure every child reaches their full potential. No child should ever get left behind; all have the capacity to learn and to achieve. We teach that hard work, effort and application really does pay off and leads to selfrespect, self-esteem, self-belief and success. 3 Discipline and Standards 4 Great Schools for All We want our schools to be judged as great. We will recruit outstanding people and offer a curriculum that is engaging, challenging and responsive to individual needs. 5 Big on Attitude We will stand back and reflect on how we can do things differently and better. We will be open-minded to trying new ideas and acknowledge that mistakes are experiences from which to learn. 6 Strength in Numbers Each of our schools is different. At the heart of each one is a strength brought about by working together within a multi-academy trust sharing resources, knowledge, experience and success. It is important to us that our young people demonstrate high standards and that our schools are safe places in which to learn. We have high expectations and pay relentless attention to detail. Values such as respect for ourselves and others are important to us. As the Chief Executive Officer of The Shared Learning Trust I am incredibly proud to lead a team of passionate, dedicated and talented staff. The structure of our family of schools means that we can be with a child at every step of the way, from the age of 4 to 18. To make an appointment to visit one of the Sixth Form Academies call 01582 722 333 or 01582 601 221 Lo-Res cutout 3
From the Principals We believe in three core expectations: high achievement for all, happy and successful students and a blend of traditional values within a modern context. Our students are articulate, hard-working and well-rounded individuals who achieve highly and enjoy their educational journey. The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form ensures high quality exam results, as well as providing additional opportunities and experiences for students. It will prepare students for the next step, beyond Sixth Form, through the excellent teaching and tutoring of our highly qualified and experienced staff. By choosing The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form you will benefit from the support of extremely committed teachers with professional expertise. We provide the correct balance between pressure and support for each individual, to ensure you leave with qualifications and experiences that will place you very well for your future career. We hold a pivotal position in delivering a world class education for students within our local community. We offer a full range of truly specialist course options within the Sixth Form. We are committed to excellence and excited about the future successes of our students. Together we are achieving more than we ever thought possible. We look forward to welcoming you to the Sixth Form in 2016. Cathy Barr Principal, South Academy Samia Akram Principal, The Chalk Hills The curriculum is varied and excellent something for everyone! The staff and tutors are very supportive, any problems are solved really quickly Qualifications In this guide, you will see the very extensive list of courses available to choose from. The majority are at Level 3 (A-Levels and equivalent) reflecting the destination of a vast number of students to universities and other higher education establishments. University admissions tutors and employers look for more than academic and vocational success they want young people who have a range of outside interests, who show initiative and enterprise, who are involved in voluntary and community activity and who play sport and music. The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form is vibrant and friendly, supported by our two 30 million state-of-the-art buildings. It is a learning environment where all students have the opportunity to be high achievers, make good friends, contribute to their community and take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Advanced Level qualifications are demanding courses that require two years of full-time study after GCSE. Good GCSE results are essential to ensure that you are best placed to achieve at A-Level. Entry Requirements We expect students to have achieved at least 5 A*-C grades including English and Mathematics with a B grade (or merit grade at BTEC) in the subject you wish to study or a related subject before taking any advanced level course. If you have any queries regarding how to apply or simply for more information please don t hesitate to call 01582 722333 or 01582 601221 or email: j.godfrey@thesharedlearningtrust.org.uk m.patel@thesharedlearningtrust.org.uk 4 5
Courses we offer Our extensive range of courses, including AS Level, A2 Level and BTEC, are delivered across two campuses offering flexibility and outstanding facilities. The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Levels are studied in first year of sixth form and cover the fundamental elements of the subject. They are designed to be a significant but management progression from GCSE. The Advanced Level (A2), which is studied in the second year of sixth form, covers content that involves greater cognitive depth and technical difficulty. New specification Advanced Levels will be studied over a two year period with examinations taken in one period at the end of the course. The alternative level three qualifications are the BTEC BWA BSA AS Level Art and Design AS Business Studies AS Biology AS Chemistry Core Maths BWA AS Government Politics BSA BWA BSA AS Religious Studies AS Sociology AS History AS Spanish AS Health and Social Care BTEC Applied Science Forensic AS Law BTEC Applied Science Medical AS Dance AS Maths AS Drama and Theatre AS Media AS English Literature AS Extended Project (EPQ) BTEC Business Studies BTEC Digital Media AS Music BTEC Health and Social Care AS PE Cambridge National Level 3 ICT AS Philosophy and Ethics BTEC Leisure and Tourism AS Film Studies AS Photography AS Further Maths AS Physics AS Psychology AS Geography At interview you will be advised about the opportunity to select a combination of subjects to best suit your chosen career aspirations. Some university courses require specific Level 3 qualifications and subjects. It is recommended that you look at your future career options when deciding on what courses to study. AS Graphics AS English Language 6 qualifications and there are three sub-types; the extended Diploma (equivalent to three A levels), the Diploma (equivalent to two A-Levels) and Subsidiary Diploma (equivalent to one A Level). We offer a wide range of subjects allowing students to study BTECs, A Levels or a combination of both. BTEC Sport 7
Pastoral Care Our pastoral care is second to none you will form an integral part of Sixth Form life, have opportunities to lead others and share your life experiences. Looking after your wellbeing whilst you learn is vital. You will have a dedicated tutor and pastoral leader who will be available to offer day-to-day advice, guide you towards the right support and help you compose personal statements and your curriculum vitae for university and employment. There will be opportunities for you to meet and talk with your tutor everyday. We are always here to guide you through the good and more challenging aspects of becoming an independent Level 3 student. Guidance and Support We will closely manage your academic achievement throughout the two years and your performance will be measured against your individual targets that we will set for you. You will receive assertive mentoring and one-to-one tutor meetings to help ensure that you fulfil your potential in all areas, allowing you to go on and be successful in higher education or in employment. These one to one sessions are intended to guide your learning, design revision plans, identify ways to enhance your skills and help you make the transition into further education. Our dedicated and experienced team will help you through difficult situations, offering expert guidance and support. They will help you find the right university, review your options for the future and eventually find suitable employment. Study Support Ethos Gifted and Talented University Visits Raising attainment and ensuring academic success is a key focus in the Sixth Form. The staff team will be dedicated to providing personalised revision sessions tailored to your individual needs. The academic provision at The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form will strive to support your every need including trips, guest speakers, workshops and study groups. The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form expects exemplary conduct by every student. In return students will be supported, monitored and encouraged to pursue their aspirations. We offer a wide range of enrichment activities and extra curriculum initiatives. The experience will be challenging, rewarding and memorable. Students enjoy their time here and also give back to the wider local community. They are role models and young leaders, who contribute to the collegiate ethos with a mature and dedicated approach to A-Level study. We work with Villiers Park Educational Trust which is a national charity that helps very able young people achieve their full academic potential and gain a place at a leading university. We provide opportunities for students to participate in the Oxford Access Scheme, the GEEMA scheme at Cambridge plus other access courses with other local universities. The Sixth Form have specifically trained staff who work with the gifted and talented students to ensure the students meet the specific requirements of the Russell Group and Oxbridge Universities. They also run additional sessions to support students in achieving the A*/A grades at A2. Students also have the opportunity to practise interview questions with a senior member of staff. As part of our pledge to fully prepare you for the future we will provide access to a wide range of university open days and events. These will range from the Russell Group of universities to more local universities and higher learning establishments. We also arrange an annual trip to the HE fair providing you with a range of information about a large number of different options for your future. 8
Enrichment Activities and Student Leadership Facilities Dress Code At the Academies you will have access to world-class, purpose-built facilities. Dress code within the Sixth Form is smart/business dress. This includes: Enrichment Activities The high standard of facilities on offer will include a superb sports hall, SMART board and Blu-Ray technology, dance studio, fully equipped gym, drama facilities, third generation Astroturf pitches, studio and display rooms, a full wireless network and our Sixth Form common room. We promote the values of independent learning, and, as such, specially designed learning areas solely for Sixth Form use have been installed. These break-out learning environments are only available for Sixth Form teaching, and guarantee a personalised and mature approach to learning. Our students are offered an extensive enrichment programme including sporting activities, music activities, and the opportunity to join a reporting club, study an additional language and support younger students. Post 16 Leadership Team Sixth Form students will be encouraged to have an appropriate balance of work and life. You will also have access to Sixth Form only rooms, quiet learning areas in the learning resource centre and other Sixth Form dedicated areas. We have an active Sixth Form Leadership Team which is comprised of Academy Presidents, vice presidents and other senior roles. There are regular meetings to discuss all aspects of sixth form life and agenda items including academic topics, opportunities within the school/local community, fundraising and student lead social events. At The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form there are outstanding ICT facilities throughout to encourage innovative learning. Business and Enterprise areas will be available to give students the opportunity to run their own mini business ventures and perform student led shows and concerts. Extended Project Qualification This qualification is a stand-alone qualification at AS level. On completion the students will receive a grade between A*-E and the UCAS points that accompany that grade. It provides students an opportunity to exercise their abilities beyond the A-Level syllabus and develop their research and independent learning skills. Community Support Sixth Formers are encouraged to spend at least one lesson a week supporting in KS3 lessons and/or tutoring KS4 Maths and English students. Sixth formers have the opportunity to support younger students in lessons or to develop their reading skills. These additional opportunities are an ideal way to demonstrate to universities or employers excellent leadership and communication skills. Students are also given the opportunity to support with promotional events such as open evenings. 10 The staff encourage you to begin thinking about university and employment which is very helpful Communicating with Parents Trousers Shirts Jackets Ties Blouses/smart tops to waist Skirts knee height or below Dresses knee height or below Cardigans Jumpers Shoes Subtle jewellery, make-up and hair styling We fully understand the importance of parental support to your learning. Every half term we will provide a report detailing academic progress, enrichment activities and overall attainment. There will also be parents evenings and the opportunity to meet with tutors and subject staff twice a year.
Apply NOW It s simple! Pop in to any academy to pick up an application form The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form The Stockwood Park Academy Rotheram Avenue, Luton, LU1 5PP Phone: 01582 722333 The Chalk Hills Academy Leagrave High Street Luton, LU4 0NE Phone: 01582 601 221 All information is correct at the time of print. Course details subject to change. Please visit the website for up-to-date information. www.thesharedlearningtrust.org.uk