BIRCHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Welcome to our Sixth Form 6 th
Contents Welcome from the Headteacher, Dr Ingate Student Support Supporting University Applications Sixth Form Admissions and Pathways Courses and Entry Requirements
Welcome to Birchwood Sixth Form Dear Year 11 Students, Parents and Carers We are very proud of our excellent Sixth Form where we balance academic excellence with a wide range of student leadership opportunities and an outstanding enrichment programme that allows Birchwood students to stand apart from their peers. The majority of our Year 11 students continue into our Sixth Form to follow a predominantly A-level curriculum, although a range of vocational opportunities do exist. The curriculum is designed to support students as they step into Higher Education, University, High Level Apprenticeships or more aspirational employment. You may have noticed from the local newspapers this summer that we now have a Sixth Form with A-Level results that are well above the national average. Consequently, of those students that chose university, over 75% of our students obtained their first choice place, with strong representation at Russell Group and Oxbridge institutions. Those who opted for apprenticeships, gap years and employment have started very successfully. 2014 results Birchwood A Level Results National A Level Average % A/A* 30% 23% % A*/B pass rate 55% 46% % A-E pass rate 99% 97.8 Average point score 230 200 % Students securing first choice university place 78% 53% % Students going through clearing 2% 11% There are benchmarks for progressing from GCSE to A-Level. The entry requirements are in place to support students as it is important to note that a strong foundation of GCSE is a pre-requisite for successful A Level study. As you will read, we plan distinct Post 16 pathways according to students abilities and learning preferences. For example, students who want to study four A Levels (the preferred choice for most students) will require a best eight GCSE average point score of 43 points which is an average B/C grade profile at GCSE as well as a B grade at least in the subject they intend to continue with at A Level. Students in the past who have entered with such a profile have done exceptionally well and coped with the demands placed upon them. Whilst we believe we will have the capacity to meet the demand from current Year 11 students, as well as those in Year 12 as they move into Year 13, numbers will be tight. We will, of course, give priority to our own students but, undoubtedly, there will be interest from external students as well. It is really important, therefore, if you are intending to enrol into Birchwood High School s Sixth Form, that you complete your application form and return it to the school by Monday 15 December. Dr Chris Ingate, Headteacher
Student Support Birchwood encourages excellence and maximum personal achievement. We are proud of the academic progress our students make, with improving results year on year. Students are supported in their studies by teaching and learning that is stimulating and of a consistently high quality, and by the academic and pastoral support of a team of experienced personal tutors, giving one-to-one guidance. A parent wrote in appreciation of the school s contribution for being so patient, understanding and supportive in helping her daughter achieve her potential. To help you realise your potential, we: Organise visits to university lectures, theatrical performances, concerts and various exhibitions to supplement your classroom learning experience. Provide dedicated study areas in our Sixth Form Centre and priority access to the Sixth Form computer room, school library and other facilities to encourage you to take more responsibility for your own learning. Offer personal Tutorial meetings to support you and to address any concerns or worries you may have academic or personal. Provide a full programme of regular interim reports, parents evenings and reports throughout the year which will keep all interested parties fully informed of your progress. Birchwood s Sixth Form widens horizons and encourages responsibility. Birchwood prides itself on the variety of opportunities offered, including: A wide range of courses offering breadth of choice and opportunity. You will also participate in weekly enrichment sessions, a course designed to enhance your all round education, help prepare you for your life ahead and create some balance to your academic studies. Assistance with university UCAS applications and careers advice to help you plan for your future. A genuinely proactive Sixth Form Council, run by the students, which meets monthly to discuss Sixth Form issues. Sixth Formers also organise, promote and deliver Sixth Form events. In addition, two Sixth Formers are elected annually to represent Birchwood on the Bishop s Stortford Youth Council. A Sixth Form Leadership Team comprising of Head Boy, Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy, Deputy Head Girl, House Leaders and the Sixth Form magazine editor is also in place. These opportunities to take on a range of leadership roles enhance Personal Statements and CV s. A variety of school and community-based events, predominantly run and organised by students, to broaden your Sixth Form experience. Charity fund raising is an integral part of the Sixth Form at Birchwood with money being raised last year split between a variety of good causes. Numerous subject based field trips help to broaden your horizons and enrich your Sixth Form experience.
Supporting University Applications The majority of our students leave the Sixth Form with university as their next step. We support this by offering: Individual interviews with tutors and the assistant Head of Sixth Form. Personal assistance with completing UCAS online applications. General advice and guidance about university life. Prospectuses and virtual internet tours. Advice and guidance on the benefits of a university education, student finance and budgeting at university (also available to parents). An annual visit to the Higher Education conference, as well as encouraging university open day visits and courses in preparation for Higher Education. Students that have left Birchwood are currently not only attending universities throughout England, Wales and Scotland, but also in Spain and Portugal. Applications over the years have been made to both European and North American universities. Birchwood students are going places!
Sixth Form Admissions and Pathways Birchwood Sixth Form currently has 250 students on roll, this is our capacity for the Sixth Form. With a large and potentially very successful year group, we are expecting numbers to remain at this level. In order to provide objective admission criteria, as well as ensure that the right students embark on the right courses, the following will apply: 2015 Entry Requirements for the Birchwood Sixth Form To help you make the best possible choice for Sixth Form we, at Birchwood, follow a process which gives you information, advice and guidance about the best options for you. This starts with choosing a Pathway which is based on the Average Points Score (APS) that you achieve at GCSE (Level 2). You do this by taking your best 8 subjects and converting them to a points score. Grade Points Score Equivalence A* 58 A 52 B 46 C 40 D 34 E 28 F 22 G 16 U 0 Example: English B 46 English A 52 Maths B 46 History C 40 =362/8 PE A 52 APS 45.25 Science C 40 Science C 40 Media B 46 Your Pathway will help you decide how many Level 3 courses (these are A Level or BTEC) you want to take. Once you have done this you can then choose what subjects you would like to study. Pathway 1 For admission onto Pathway 1 to study 5/4 Level 3 courses, students should have a minimum APS of 49 (A/B grade average) and the specific subject requirement. Pathway 2 For admission onto Pathway 2 to study 4/3 Level 3 courses students should have a minimum APS of 43 (B/C grade average) and the specific subject requirement. Pathway 3 For admission onto Pathway 3 to study 1 BTEC Level 3 course and 1 Level 3 course students should have a minimum APS of 40 (C grade average) and the specific subject requirement.
Progression from Year 12 into Year 13 Progression to Year 13 is subject to students demonstrating the capacity to benefit from a course which is more demanding than the Year 12 programme. This will normally mean that the target grade or above is achieved in Year 12. Students who achieved a grade below their target in Year 12 may be considered but this will have to be negotiated between the student, the parents and the school. Those students who achieve a U grade in Year 12 will not be allowed to continue on the course and students who gain two or more U grades in Year 12 and/or whose attendance or attitude to work has been poor during the year may not be invited to return. Students achieving a D or E grade in Year 12 and intending to follow the subject into A2 will need to negotiate access onto the course with the Head of Sixth Form. If students drop to two courses then the Head of Sixth Form will discuss future options with the student. Applications Priority will be given to Birchwood students in Year 11 wishing to stay on into the Sixth Form. Places for external applicants will also be considered. It is essential that applications are received by the deadline of Monday 15 December. Applications received after this date may not be considered.
Courses and Entry Requirements The information that is below lets you see what courses are available to you and what the Entry Requirements are for the course. If you are unsure please ask. Subject Entry Requirement Art and Design Grade B in GCSE Art or Graphics Biology 2 Grade B s in GCSE Double Science or Triple Science including Biology Business Studies (BTEC) APS 40 Chemistry 2 Grade B s in GCSE Double Science or Triple Science including Chemistry Creative Writing Grade B in GCSE English Language Design and Technology Graphics Grade B GCSE in any Design and Technology subject or Art Design and Technology RM Grade B GCSE in Graphics, RM, Textiles or Art Drama and Theatre Studies Grade B in GCSE Drama, English Language or Literature. (If GCSE Drama has not been taken it is a requirement to have Grade B in either English Language or English Literature) English Language & Literature At least B English Language or English Literature; C or above in either Language or Literature English Language Grade B in GCSE English Language English Literature Grade B in GCSE English Literature and English Language Extended Project Qualification EPQ does not count as one of the option choices but is an additional subject that can be picked up during the year. Film Studies Grade B in GCSE English Language or Literature Football Academy APS 40 French Grade B in GCSE French or the ability to speak French to the equivalent level Further Mathematics Grade A* in GCSE Mathematics Geography Grade B in Geography (Non-Geographers will need a B grade in a Science GCSE) German Grade B in GCSE German or the ability to speak French to the equivalent level Government & Politics Grade B in GCSE History or English Literature Health & Social Care (BTEC) APS 40 History Grade B in GCSE History (Non-Historians will need B grade in GCSE English Language) Hospitality (BTEC) APS 40 IFS Diploma in Financial Studies APS 40 Information Technology (BTEC) APS 40 Mathematics Grade B in GCSE Mathematics Media Studies Grade B in GCSE English Language or Literature Music Grade B in GCSE Music or grade 5 in an instrument/voice if GCSE Music has not been taken Philosophy and Ethics Grade B in GCSE RS or Grade B in GCSE English Language
or Literature Physical Education Grade B GCSE in PE or Grade B in Additional Science or Biology Physics 2 Grade B s in GCSE Double Science or Triple Science including Physics Psychology Grade B in GCSE English Language or Literature Spanish Grade B in GCSE Spanish or the ability to speak Spanish to the equivalent level Sport and Exercise Science (BTEC) APS 40 If for whatever reason you miss any of these requirements we will recall your exam result and talk with you about your options. Full details of all subjects being offered can be found on the school website www.birchwoodonline.co.uk. Some courses are yet to be accredited so where there are no details these will be added as accreditation is granted and decisions are made.