The Pingle Sixth Form Prospectus 2018 Aspire and Achieve part of The de Ferrers Trust
The thing I really like about Pingle Sixth Form? You are supported and encouraged to reach your potential. 4 5 6 10 12 15 18 20 21 Contents Welcome Introduction Facilities Case Study Results Curriculum Entry Requirements Careers/Advice & Guidance Application Process Year 12 student 2 3
Welcome Introduction Our Sixth Form is a vibrant place, where students quickly settle in and get to know each other and the staff. Our teachers are inspiring and very experienced; we have high expectations and there is strong performance at A Level across all subjects. We offer a very wide range of subjects and courses and we provide comprehensive advice and guidance about university choices and possible future careers. We have an excellent curriculum offer, with an additional qualification for every student, an extended study programme and enrichment opportunities, such as survival cooking skills and debating. All of these are excellent preparation for university. Students can also participate in recreational activities such as sport and fitness or ceramics and painting. We want each student to achieve highly and feel happy and well supported. Our aim is to provide an all round quality experience for everyone studying in our Sixth Form. We are proud of our hard working Sixth Form students, who have high aspirations. Students invariably leave us to go on to the university/course of their choice, or secure an apprenticeship. They study in a stimulating environment and quickly gain the skills to work independently and become lifelong learners. We look forward to welcoming you. As a student in our Sixth Form, you will be joining a community which has a positive, committed and supportive working atmosphere, where students can achieve at the highest level. Our high expectations of our students, coupled with our excellent facilities and pastoral care, ensure all students gain very good results, which will enable you to progress onto your desired career pathway. Our links with universities, local employers and careers advice services are excellent and consequently, all students can be confident of quality careers and Higher Education guidance. Our enhanced curriculum enables students to embed learning in their subjects and to develop wider skills and experiences, which are valuable for their future CV or university application forms. When you achieve your A levels and leave us to go on to university, apprenticeships or into employment, you can be confident of managing your own learning, secure in the knowledge that you have the skills, abilities and understanding to overcome any challenges you might face on your path to success. Throughout the year, students participate in university experiences, including the Oxbridge shadowing scheme; Inspiring Excellence conference at Villiers Park, Cambridge; Sutton Trust and other university summer schools and workshops. Recent work experience opportunities have been in local government and at East Midlands Airport. Students perform at their best when they have a supportive, encouraging team to help them. Our tutors are all highly experienced in teaching A Level subjects and working with young people. Mrs Goodwin is the Assistant Head of Sixth Form and Mr Smith is our Student Mentor. Both work closely with students and are key members of staff, providing both academic and pastoral support to remove any barriers to learning and ensure students achieve their potential. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to our Sixth Form and getting to know you. Ms J Wilson, Head of Sixth Form 4 Mrs V Sharples Principal Mr E Smith Student Mentor Mrs E Goodwin Assistant Head of Sixth Form 5
Facilities Pingle Sixth Form students have their own purpose built facilities housed in the bright and airy Sixth Form Centre. 6 7
Facilities The Sixth Form teaching areas are grouped together in close proximity to the main common room, which is the hub of the Sixth Form. From 8:00am, during study periods and after school, students have access to study facilities, where computers, textbooks and other resources are available to support progress. We also have a wide range of university prospectuses and other career information available within the Sixth Form study room. At break and lunch times, a Sixth Form only food bar is open in the common room, serving a range of snacks and meals. Beyond the dedicated Sixth Form teaching rooms, Sixth Form students also have use of the Academy specialist facilities, for example Science Laboratories, Art and Technology areas and the Performing Arts Centre. We have extensive sports facilities: sports hall, gymnasium, fitness room, swimming pool, 3G floodlit astro turf pitch, tennis courts and grass football and rugby pitches. In addition, the Sixth Form has excellent signal for free Wi-Fi. 8 9
Case Study Tommy Pitcher, former Pingle student. After leaving Sixth Form, Tommy was successful in securing a place at the University of Oxford, where he is currently reading Chemistry. Why did you choose to study A Levels at The Pingle Sixth Form? I chose The Pingle Sixth Form for my A Levels as I was familiar with the teachers and their teaching style. I had also achieved good GCSE grades whilst studying at Pingle. How was Sixth Form at The Pingle different from being in main school? There was more individual focus in the Sixth Form due to smaller classes. The work was challenging, with more independent learning and I found it more interesting. What did you enjoy most about your time in Sixth Form? The level of independent working, especially going away and working through questions and researching topics on my own. What was the most challenging thing about studying A Levels? Managing time to revise for each paper. How well did Pingle support your application to university? Pingle was very supportive. Staff provided lots of help and advice with my personal statement. I also attended Villiers Park where I experienced an introduction to degree level work. How well prepared were you for university life and are you enjoying it at university? I felt prepared, but the workload was still a surprise once I started. There are lots of contact hours as well as independent work. It can be challenging, but I enjoy my time at Oxford and feel privileged to be here. What advice would you give to students applying to Sixth Form today? My advice would be to do what you enjoy and put the effort in for the examinatons, because that effort will be needed once at university! 10 11
Results 2017 Results 2017 We are proud to be an inclusive Sixth Form and meet the needs of a broad range of students. Our students are well supported throughout and we ensure they go on to secure a university place or an alternative career choice. In 2017, we gained our best ever A Level results. Results have improved year on year and we are justifiably proud of the academic achievements of our students. Students have gained entry to a wide variety of universities the length and breadth of the country, covering a whole range of undergraduate courses. A Level A* A B C D E U / Fail Art 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 Biology 2 1 5 2 2 0 0 Business 0 1 3 3 3 0 0 Chemistry 0 4 0 0 3 2 0 English Language 0 3 1 4 3 0 0 English Literature 1 1 8 5 2 0 0 Geography 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 Government & Politics 0 2 2 0 3 1 0 Health & Social Care 1 0 2 4 0 0 0 History 0 1 9 6 6 1 0 ICT 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 Law 2 2 5 2 1 0 0 Mathematics 4 1 2 4 3 3 1 Mathematics (Further) 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 Music 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 Physics 3 0 0 1 5 0 0 Psychology 1 5 8 8 4 2 0 Religion 1 1 1 5 2 0 0 Sociology 1 4 9 0 0 2 0 Vocational Sport 0 5 0 0 1 1 0 12 13
Curriculum At The Pingle Academy we have planned very carefully our Sixth Form offer and our range of opportunities. The vast majority of students embark upon traditional academic A Level courses, but vocational and combined academic/vocational pathways are also available. Sixth Form students will take three A Level/vocational courses, which will be examined at the end of the two year period. Students will select from one of the two pathways. These pathways will be supplemented by the additional learning opportunities, which are explained in further detail on pages 16 and 17. There is a very wide range of courses compared to other Sixth Forms and you don t always need to study a subject at GCSE to study it at A Level. Year 13 student A two year Programme of Study in the Sixth Form consists of one of the two study pathways within the core curriculum. A Level Pathway: select three or four A Level subjects Academic Pathway (A Level & BTEC): a combination of both A Level and appropriate vocational qualifications. Our additional learning opportunities are aimed at supporting students with the skills required to be successful in their A Level and vocational studies and beyond, in addition to preparing students for the demands they will face at university, in apprenticeships or in employment. Additional learning opportunities include: 1 An additional Plus One qualification page 16 1 Extended study skills page 16 1 Enrichment activities page 17 1 Work experience page 17 14 15
Curriculum Additional Plus One Qualification Curriculum Enrichment Choices All students will be required to opt for an additional qualification, which is intended to support the skills required in their chosen academic/vocational courses. Students can opt for: A) Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) This is a popular additional qualification respected by universities, which involves academic challenges and the ability to study independently. The EPQ is a freestanding qualification, which involves creating a 6,000 word report on a topic of your choice. This is worth 50% of an A Level. B) Core Mathematics: Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Mathematics) is a new qualification designed for students who have achieved a Grade 4 or above at GCSE and wish to further their mathematical competence. It is highly valued by universities and can help a student to stand out from the crowd. It helps to develop students mathematical skills and thinking and supports courses such as A Level Psychology, Sciences and Geography, as well as many other technical and vocational qualifications. C) INGOT ICT The ITQ (NVQ of IT users) offers a wide range of study options and levels and can be used to create a unified and progressive way for learners to gain the skills and knowledge required to be able to work within any industry which requires IT based skills. Extended Study Skills Extended study skills workshops are designed around developing the study skills students need to achieve well at A Level and succeed after Sixth Form. The skills aim to create independent learners in charge of their own learning and success. Students will have one timetabled hour per fortnight in addition to four 20 minute tutor periods each week All students will be required to choose a minimum of two enrichment opportunities, which will take place each half term and will run for two hours over six consecutive weeks. Enrichment is an opportunity to learn a new skill which is essential for young adults about to embark on the exciting opportunities that university, employment or a travelling experience offers. Debating 1 Learn the art of debating and how to really make your point! 1 A chance to discuss and debate real issues and develop a key skill which universities and employers value. Sporting Activities & Fitness 1 Come along and get involved in competitive or non-competitive sports, using the full range of The Pingle Academy facilities. 1 Either compete against other Sixth Formers or simply create and follow a fitness programme of your own choice. Student Kitchen Learn how to survive in the student kitchen whilst at university by: 1 Making your favourite recipes. 1 Learning new techniques to make your money stretch further. 1 Cooking healthy meals for all times of the day. The skills include: 1 Academic writing and referencing 1 Critical thinking 1 Debating 1 Growth mind sets 1 Note taking 1 Organisation and timekeeping skills 1 Personal statement writing 1 Planning for the future 1 Presentation skills 1 Problem solving 1 Researching 1 Revision strategies Travel Activities include: 1 Basic bike and car maintenance. 1 Researching back packing trips around Europe. 1 Finding out about employment opportunities for 18-25 year olds around the world. All sessions are led by Sixth Form tutors and are aimed at supporting the students needs at different points of the year, for example revision skills and organisational sessions will feature around examination periods. Work Experience All students are expected to arrange and undertake one week of work experience during the summer of 2019, which is meaningful and relevant to their future career aspirations. 16 17
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements by Subjects Enrolling onto an A Level course for a two year period can be a difficult decision, with lots of factors to consider. It is critical that when choosing to study A Level and/or vocational courses, you have the necessary skills which will enable you to perform to your true potential. For this reason, we feel it is very important to set an entry requirement which reflects the standard required to be successful on A Level/vocational courses. For September 2018, to gain overall entry into The Pingle Sixth Form, you will be required to meet the following criteria: 1. Minimum 5 x A*-C / 9-4 grades 2. A GCSE Average Point Score (APS) over 4.7 for all A Level pathways. Each GCSE letter grade and/or number grade has a corresponding point score. The GCSE points are added up (maximum of eight) and divided by the number of GCSEs taken. Details of how to calculate APS can be found in the Sixth Form section of the Academy website. Any questions/queries to be directed to Mr Hall, Vice Principal. 3. Individual subject entry requirements for the subjects which you choose (see page 19). A Level Courses Art and Design Business Studies Drama and Theatre Studies English Language English Literature Geography History Languages French Languages Spanish Law Mathematics Further Mathematics Music Politics Product Design Psychology Religious Studies Science Biology Science Chemistry Science Physics Sociology Specific Entry Requirements Overall plus Grade 4 in Art. Overall plus Grade 4 in Mathematics. Overall plus Grade 4 in Drama and English. If Drama has not been studied at GCSE, individual cases will be considered if all other criteria is met. Overall plus Grade 5 in English Language. Overall plus Grade 5 in English Literature. Overall plus Grade 4 in Geography. If Geography has not been studied at GCSE, individual cases will be considered if all other criteria is met. Overall plus Grade 4 in History and Grade 5 in English. If History has not been studied at GCSE, individual cases will be considered if all other criteria is met. Overall plus Grade 6 in French. Overall plus Grade 6 in Spanish. Overall plus Grade 4 in English. Overall plus Grade 6 in Mathematics. Students will sit an algebra test in September and be given additional support if required. Overall plus Grade 7 in Mathematics. Overall plus Grade 5 in Music. Students must have studied Music at GCSE or be at Grade 5 on their chosen instrument. Overall plus Grade 4 in English. Overall plus Grade 4 in Art or a Technology subject. Overall plus Grade 4 in English, Grade 4 in Mathematics and Grade 4 in Science. Overall plus Grade 4 in English. Overall plus Grade 5 in Biology/Combined Science and Grade 5 in Mathematics. Overall plus Grade 5 in Chemistry/Combined Science and Grade 5 in Mathematics. Overall plus Grade 6 in Physics/Combined Science and Grade 6 in Mathematics. Overall plus Grade 4 in English. Vocational Courses Health and Social Care (BTEC) Science - Applied (BTEC) Sport (BTEC) Specific Entry Requirements Overall plus Grade 4 in English. Overall plus 2 x Grade 4 in Combined Science. Overall plus Grade 4 in English and 2 x Grade 4 in Combined Science. 18 19
Careers/Advice & Guidance Application Process Careers Our excellent links with universities enable students to participate in a range of events and activities, which relate to future careers and enhance the depth and breadth of A Level study. Activities include guest lecturers; presentations about Higher Education, funding and applications; participating in summer schools and other raising aspiration events including Oxbridge Shadowing Scheme; Inspiring Excellence conference at Villiers Park, Cambridge; residentials and access to university libraries for EPQ. Careers advice and support is crucial in Sixth Form. Students need guidance on the choices of university, apprenticeships, employment or gap year. It is important that students are aware of all the Post 18 choices and options so that they can identify the route which best suits their interests and abilities. Open Evening: Wednesday 8 November 2017, 6:00pm Apply by: Thursday 30 November 2017 Interviews: January 2018 Induction day: Wednesday 27 June 2018 Enrolment day: Friday 24 August 2018 (or by appointment) Members of the pastoral team are all experienced in providing careers advice and support; it is an integral part of the Extended Studies and form time activities. We also have an independent careers advisor from CareerTorch, who will give one to one advice. Completed applications should be returned to Ms Wilson, Head of Sixth Form. Sixth Form Bursary A Sixth Form Bursary is available for students meeting the eligibility criteria and application forms can be downloaded from the Academy s website. Sixth Form and Academy Tour Why not come and see the Sixth Form in action? We will be pleased to welcome students and their parents/carers. Bursaries of up to 500 to assist in paying for things like books, equipment, transport and meals are available. Please contact Mrs K Wagstaff, Principal s PA, on 01283 216837 or email: kathrynwagstaff@pingle.derbyshire.sch.uk. Please see Ms Wilson, Head of Sixth Form, for more details. Students with Additional Learning Needs Please state on the application form if you have any additional learning needs. We welcome applications from students with a statement or EHC plan who meet the entry criteria and we have specialised provision. We endeavor to meet the needs of individuals where possible and will discuss personal circumstances with each individual on a one to one basis. 20 21
The thing I really like about Pingle Sixth Form? The freedom and respect you receive; it makes you feel like an adult. Year 12 student The information given in this brochure is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. Any changes will be reported to parents/carers by letter or published on our website. It should not however be assumed that there will not be any changes before, during or after the school year 2018 2019. The Pingle Academy Designed and produced by foxcreate.com Principal: Mrs V Sharples Vice Principals: Mr S Hall Mrs M Hall Assistant Principals: Mr J Done Mrs B Parker Mr D Riley Mr A Rollins Mr S Waller Head of Sixth Form: Ms J Wilson Assistant Head of Sixth Form: Mrs E Goodwin Chair of Governors: Mr D Baker part of The de Ferrers Trust 22 23
Go to the Academy s website at www.pingle.derbyshire.sch.uk or for daily updates you can follow us on Twitter @PingleAcademy The Pingle Academy Coronation Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 0QA Telephone: 01283 216837 Email: enquiries@pingle.derbyshire.sch.uk