Admission Requirements 2018-2019 Whitchurch High School 6 th Form Entry Requirements Entry to Year 12 Entry to Year 13 Essential Requirement No 1 Essential Requirement No 1 You will need: A minimum of 6 full course GCSEs at grade C or above* This must include the skills challenge certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate) in schools which deliver it You will need: Two AS passes at E grade or above and completion of all three Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate) challenges *Grade C is the minimum requirement Most subjects require a minimum of Grade B at GCSE to continue your studies at AS/A2-level You can find the minimum requirement for each subject area in Table A on pages 3 & 4 Specific details about individual courses and entry requirements are available on our website at: http://wwwwhitchurchhscom/sixthform/ WhatsOnOffer/Level3/ALevels/Level3Courseshtm Please note that where the minimum requirement for a course is grade B some students with grade C may be accepted onto the course We will make decisions on suitability based on prior performance, aptitude and work ethic Essential Requirement No 2 Essential Requirement No 2 Entry to sixth form is not automatic We will also take account of whether you have: demonstrated the potential to succeed at level 3 the aptitude for independent study beyond school leaving age a proven track record by way of attendance and behaviour Entry to sixth form is not automatic We will also take account of whether you have: demonstrated the potential to succeed at level 3 the aptitude for independent study beyond school leaving age a proven track record by way of attendance and behaviour Essential Requirement No 3 Essential Requirement No 3 You will be required to read, sign and adhere to the Whitchurch High School Sixth Form Student Contract You will be required to read, sign and adhere to the Whitchurch High School Sixth Form Student Contract 1
Allocation of Course Places Where the minimum entry requirement for a course is listed as a B grade: Places will be allocated as follows: 1st allocation: Those who have met the entry requirement and applied to study the course by the initial deadline for application forms to be submitted 2nd allocation: Those who have met the entry requirement 3rd allocation: Those who achieved a C grade and have been deemed suitable by departmental staff based on prior attainment, aptitude and work ethic and applied to study the course by the application deadline 4th allocation: Those who achieved a C grade and have been deemed suitable by departmental staff based on prior attainment, aptitude and work ethic Where the minimum entry requirement is a C grade: Places will be allocated as follows: 1st allocation: Those who have met the entry requirement and applied to study the course by the initial deadline for application forms to be submitted 2nd allocation: Those who have met the entry requirement In cases where courses are oversubscribed even when the above priorities are taken into account decisions will be made by taking prior performance, aptitude and work ethic into account External Applicants Each year we receive a sizeable number of applications from students at other schools Please note that: The admission requirements and details listed on the previous page apply to all students Not all students who apply will be offered an interview Not all students who are interviewed will be offered a place The initial application form is a key indicator for it will signal your target/potential grades Any accompanying documents interim/full reports will provide us with additional knowledge of your study background If no documentation is initially available, we will contact you to provide such information Decisions at this point will be made as to whether you receive a letter of offer to interview or not Interview candidates will be called to school for a 20-minute discussion and the opportunity to visit the sixth form site The interviewer will assess you and make a decision as to whether or not an offer can be made You will then be informed by letter of our decision Looked After Children Looked After Children who fail to meet the entry requirements and wish to apply will be offered an interview to discuss suitability for further study at level 3 Extenuating Circumstances In cases where parents/carers believe there to be extenuating circumstance a letter (of no more than two sides of A4) providing details should be sent with the application to Kath Jones Email: jonesk@whitchurchcardiffschuk for the attention of the Chair of Governors providing details These will be considered by the Admissions Sub-Committee of the Governing Body Appeals If you wish to appeal against a decision a letter (no more than two sides of A4) should be sent to Kath Jones email: jonesk@whitchurchcardiffschuk for the attention of the Chair of Governors providing details The admissions subcommittee of the governing body will meet to consider appeals in the first week of the autumn term This will allow for students to be clear about their learning pathways at the earliest possible opportunity at the start of the academic year 2
3 TABLE A: ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR COURSES OFFERED AT WHITCHURCH HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECT Art & Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computing Design and Technology Drama and Theatre Studies Economics Electronics Minimum Entry Requirement C grade in GCSE Art & Design Biology (triple sciencehigher paper) or BB (double science-higher paper) and BC grades in GCSE Numeracy and and B grade GCSE English Language If GCSE Business studied, then B grade in Business Studies and C grade in GCSE Numeracy or Otherwise a C grade in GCSE Numeracy or GCSE Chemistry (triple science- higher paper) or BB (double sciencehigher paper) and BB grades in GCSE Numeracy and English Language and Numeracy or B grade in a GCSE Technology based subject Drama (if studied) or C grade in GCSE English Language Numeracy or and C grade in GCSE English language C grade in GCSE Electronics or B grade in a SUBJECT Government and Politics History Hospitality BTEC ICT Law Media Studies Music Photography Minimum Entry Requirement History (if studied) or English Language History (if studied) or English Language No specific requirement for prior learning ICT (if studied) or English Language and B grade in GCSE Numeracy or English Language BB grades in GCSE Numeracy and English Language or Literature Music C grade in GCSE Art and Design or GCSE Photography
English Language and Literature English Literature Financial Studies French Further Geography technology based subject BB grades in GCSE English Language and Literature BB grades in GCSE English Language and Literature C grade in GCSE Numeracy or GCSE or GCSE English Language French AA grades in GCSE Numeracy and Geography Physical Education Physics Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Sport BTEC Physical Education Physics (higher paper) or BB grades (double science-higher paper) and BB grades in GCSE Numeracy and C grade GCSE Psychology (if studied) or English Language and C grades in GCSE Numeracy/ and GCSE Science Religious Studies or Philosophy & Ethics and English Language C grade in GCSE Sociology (if studied) and C grade in GCSE English Language C grade in GCSE Physical Education Geology German Geology (if studied) or BB grades GCSE Core Science and C grade in GCSE Numeracy or German Tourism Welsh (2 nd language) C grade in GCSE English Language or C grade in GCSE Geography Welsh (short or full course) Subject Changes After commencing your studies in year 12 you will only be permitted to change to a different subject if the following criteria are met: You have made the request before the end of September, (no changes are permitted after this point) A parental letter has been received requesting the change There is space in the incoming class The Department leader of the incoming subject is confident that you can catch up on missed work when prior performance, aptitude, work ethic and attendance are taken into account GCSE /Numeracy and English Language Resits Any student who has failed to secure a C grade or better in a GCSE Maths qualification ( or Numeracy) or GCSE English Language, or both, will need to resit the qualification/s Resit lessons will be provided and attendance at these lessons is compulsory 4
Whitchurch High School 6 th Form Student Contract As students settle into their chosen courses, they will now be aware of the challenges that face them The learning environment is different with far more emphasis placed on self-study and self-organisation; a necessity of Higher Education Whilst the Sixth Form works on the principle of structured autonomy it is nevertheless important that the structure itself is carefully observed To this end we would like to draw your attention to the following basic but essential requirements made of students Section 1 CURRICULUM All students must attend all compulsory classes/tutorials/timetabled events punctually Attendance at all Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate) lessons is compulsory Any student who has failed to secure a C grade or better in GCSE Numeracy or GCSE English Language or both qualifications will need to resit the qualification/s in year 12 Resit lessons will be provided and attendance at these lessons is compulsory Any student who is unable to co-operate with the expectations listed on this document needs to be aware that it may be reflected in any reference the school may write Formal warning and notification will be given to the student and parent/carer if any of the expectations are not adhered to Periods of free time are for private study in school using the library, study room or other agreed working areas Work / coursework deadlines set by the teachers must be adhered to Failure to meet set deadlines will result in warnings being given and contact being made with parents/carers to discuss continuation on courses affected Students who wish to drop a subject MUST complete a form available from the pastoral team The form will need to be countersigned by you the student, your parents, the subject teacher(s) concerned, the Department Leader and Mr Havard, Head of Sixth Form No student will be allowed to continue in Whitchurch High s Sixth Form with less than three level 3 subjects and the Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate) in Year 12 No student will be allowed to continue in Whitchurch High s Sixth Form with less than two A2 subjects and the Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate) in Year 13 However, it is strongly recommended that students follow three A2 subjects and the Skills Challenge Certificate in Year 13 Section 2 ATTENDANCE Absence letters are required on the first day back to school and the school must be notified in advance of planned absences The Sixth Form secretary Naomi Williams can be reached on 029 20 629742 Section 3 SCHOOL LIFE All students in Year 12 will be required to participate in school based activities which contribute to the education / wellbeing of others in the school This may contribute towards the Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate) The common room / study area / old library and new library are all available to all Year 12 and 13 students and it is the responsibility of each individual to ensure that they are all well maintained We are a non-smoking school and students should not smoke on school site, near the school premises or during commutes Drugs or alcohol are not permitted on the school premises Any student found in possession, dealing, condoning the use of, or who is under the influence of such substances will be investigated and face permanent exclusion 5
Students who bring bikes to school should store them in designated areas with their own locking devices Bikes must not be ridden on the school site at any time Bikes are brought onto the school premises at students own risk Any phones, laptops, i-pads, tablets and any other electronic devices brought onto premises are done so at the student s own risk Students who drive to school must not drive onto the site or park cars or motorcycles on site Students must consider the needs of our neighbours and local community Students are reminded that they are the most senior members of the school and should conduct their behaviour accordingly, setting a good example at all times to younger pupils Following an initial allocation of student printing credits, there will be a charge for further printing credits These credits may be added to during the year as necessary through the library If financing additional credits is proving difficult students will need to see the Head of 6 th form Section 4: DRESS CODE Sixth Formers return to school voluntarily as their place of study and work A privilege of membership of senior school deems that for sixth form students there is no longer a requirement to wear school uniform However, as senior students there is a responsibility to dress as befitting a working environment and thus a DRESS CODE applies This acknowledges student individuality, yet, ensures that students are well presented in the community and are rolemodels to pupils in Years 7-11 Guidelines Clothes should be worn that are appropriate for a place of study and work Casual clothing must be smart Long trousers or jeans must be sufficiently neat and tidy under no circumstances should they be cut-off or frayed Shirts, T-shirts can be worn, but not bear any inappropriate logos or wording Hoods on tops must be worn down at all times Given the very nature of a working school, all students must dress respectfully and thus shoulder-less tops, immodest necklines, low slung trousers or vest-type attire will not be accepted Midriffs should be covered Skirts should be of a respectable length Students may wear tailored Chino -type shorts of discreet single colour, but other leisure shorts will not be accepted Hats/caps/sunglasses should not be worn when inside school buildings If facial jewellery is worn, it must be a discreet stud type ALL senior students play a valuable role as role models, and an appropriate dress code encourages younger pupils to assume high standards Senior staff are the arbiters of what is acceptable Any student wishing to apply to join the sixth form at Whitchurch High School will need to sign the declaration on the following page and return it to school along with an application form This contract will then be kept on file A copy of this form is available on the school website in the following location: http://wwwwhitchurchhscom/admissions/sixthformhtml 6 y
DECLARATION I have read and understand the Sixth Form Student Contract and am aware of the admission requirements and expectations SIGNED ------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Student Signature Print Name Date ------------------ I have read and support the contents of the Sixth Form Student Contract for my child and am aware of the admission requirements and expectations SIGNED ------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Parent/Carer Signature Print Name Date ------------------ 7
8 WHS 6 th Form - Frequently Asked Questions FAQ How do I apply for the 6 th form at Whitchurch High School? Where do I find a copy of the 6 th form application form and admission requirements/student contract? What do I need to include in my personal statement? How do I know if I have been offered a place at Whitchurch High School? What do I do if I have met the entry requirements for the 6 th form, but do not have the minimum entry requirement for some of the subjects I wish to follow? How many courses should I study? What do I do if I would like to join the rugby academy? Expectations and Clarification 1 You will need to complete the 6 th form application form and return it to the 6 th form pastoral secretary by the deadline stated You will also need to complete and submit a personal statement along with your application form 2 You will also need to read the 6 th form student contract and admission requirements document carefully and sign and return this along with your application form and personal statement One of your parents or carer will also need to read and sign this document 3 You will then need to send all 3 documents to the following address: Sixth Form Pastoral Secretary, Whitchurch High School, Penlline Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 2XJ Internal students will be issued with application forms and admission requirements/student contract documents during individual option interviews Digital copies are available on the school website at the following location: http://wwwwhitchurchhscom/admissions/sixthformhtml You can also request a copy by contacting the 6 th form secretary at: Sixth Form Pastoral Secretary, Whitchurch High School, Penlline Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 2XJ Or via email williamsn@whitchurchcardiffschuk Or via phone on 02920629742 You will need to describe why you want to join the 6 th form at Whitchurch High School, what you would hope to achieve, what your contribution to the 6 th form and the school will be, and what your interest/hobbies are Please limit this to one side of A4 and attach to this application form If you are from a school that offers the Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate) you will be expected to incorporate information about your achievements in this subject area at key stage 4 If you are an internal candidate, you will automatically receive a conditional offer unless informed otherwise This means that if you secure the minimum entry requirements and meet essential entry criteria 2 & 3, you will be accepted into the 6 th form If you are a successful external candidate, you will receive a letter following interview confirming that you been offered a place subject to achieving the required grades and meeting essential entry criteria 2 & 3 Places on courses will be determined by the criteria listed on pages 1 to 4 of the entry requirements document You may still be accepted onto a course with a C grade, even if the entry requirement is a B grade In this instance decisions on your suitability will be made by departmental staff based on prior performance, aptitude and work ethic If you are an external candidate your school will be contacted to help us to determine suitability Places will be allocated according to the criteria listed on page 1 of the admission requirements document The following learning pathways are for advice only, but may help with your decision: 7 or more GCSEs at grade C and above with 4 or more at grade B or better to do 4 AS/A2 subjects plus WBQ at Advanced Level 6 or more GCSEs at grade C and above with 3 at grade B or better to do 3 AS/A2 subjects plus WBQ at Advanced Level 6 or more GCSEs at grade C and above with 2 at grade B or better to do 1/2 AS/A2 subjects plus two BTEC/Level 3 equivalent subjects plus WBQ at Advanced Level 6 or more GCSEs at grade C and above with 1 at grade B or better to do 1 AS/A2 subjects plus two BTEC/Level 3 equivalent subjects plus WBQ at Advanced Level Indicate your wish to be considered for the rugby academy at Whitchurch High School by filling in rugby academy where indicated in option column 5 on the 6 th form option grid on page 2 of the 6 th form application form It would also be useful for you to include a separate short letter to accompany your application highlighting your rugby playing experience to date
How can I find out more information about the rugby academy? Do I have to attend registration tutorial each morning (Mon to Thurs)? Do I have to attend assemblies? Do I have to attend Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate) lessons? Is there a dress code for sixth form? Will I have to sign a contract? What should I do if I am going to be absent? Can I change course (discontinuing one course and commencing another)? Can I reduce the number of AS or A2 courses that I am studying? Would I be allowed to resit Year 12? Would I be allowed to resit Year 13? More information is available via the school website at: http://wwwwhitchurchhscom/whitchurchrugbyacademy/homepagehtm Alternatively, contact the school on 02920629700 and ask to speak to Steve Williams or David Williams Yes All students are required to attend their registration tutorial each morning This is essential for Health and Safety and your pastoral and academic welfare and to support Skills Challenge Certificate studies (Welsh Baccalaureate), and future learning pathways Yes All students are required to attend assemblies / organised events as notified Assemblies / organised events are an essential means of communication and identify the 6 th form as part of the school Yes All students are required to attend the Skills Challenge Certificate lessons as timetabled These lessons are compulsory and are provided to add breadth to your academic course of study and to prepare you well for employment and Higher Education You will also be expected to attend Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate) weeks when the academic timetable is collapsed during the summer term (this will be for a period of 2 weeks) Yes You are reminded that 6 th Form students remain part of an 11-18 school You are required to exercise discretion in your choice of clothing and avoid extreme fashions that are inappropriate to a school environment Please see 6 th Form Dress Code in the student contract 6 th Form Tutors and Senior Staff reserve the right to make decisions about the suitability of appearance if difficulties arise The Head Teacher will act as the final arbiter This requirement continues to apply throughout the academic years, including all examination periods Yes The student contract signed at the start of Year 12 sets out the expectations Whitchurch High School has for all students in 6 th form A copy of the contract is kept on file and will be referred to if necessary Any student who is unable to co-operate with the expectations listed needs to be aware that it may be reflected in any reference the school may write Formal warning and notification will be given to students and parents/carers if any of the expectations are not adhered to Where absence from school and/or lessons is planned, you should notify your subject teachers, Form Tutor and the 6 th Form registration secretary in advance eg medical/dental appointment If the absence is not planned a telephone call must be made on the first day of absence to Naomi Williams, Pastoral Secretary on 029 20 629 742 Any student absence should be accompanied by a letter from a parent or carer or a medical certificate, which should be given to the appropriate Form Tutor or the 6 th form Pastoral Secretary on the first day back after the absence If your attendance gives cause for concern communication will be made with you and your parents/carers and a meeting will be set up to discuss these concerns Only following discussion with Head of 6 th Form and completion of a Change of Course Form The Change of Course Form requires approval from Department Leaders of the subjects concerned It must also be countersigned by a Parent / Carer Until final approval for the change is given, you must continue to attend lessons for which you are enrolled You cannot reduce the number of courses for which you have enrolled until October half term at the earliest and, only following extensive discussion with senior staff, will you be allowed to do so at all It is important that you make informed decisions Any amendment to your course of study may only be made following discussion with Head of 6 th form, subject teacher, Department Leader and satisfactory approval from a parent / carer A change of options form will then need to be completed and countersigned by all parties No We are an 11-18 school and you will need to remain within your age appropriate year group You are able to resit components of AS during Year 13 alongside your A2 studies
Who pays for Examination Entries and Fees? Entry for AS /A2 courses Students who are enrolled for a course will be entered for the appropriate examinations as long as the department recommends entry Examination fees for recommended entries will be paid for by the School except: a) Where a student chooses to withdraw from the examination on or after the date when a late amendment incurs a financial penalty b) Where a student fails to sit all or part of the examination (including a coursework component) for a reason other than illness that is accompanied by medical certification In circumstances a) and b) above the cost of examination entry shall be at the student s expense c) Where a student s attendance falls below 90% (unless absence is authorised) Entry for re-sits of GCSE/ AS/A2 units Will be at the student s expense A department may withhold recommendation for entry if there are significant concerns about the student s: Attendance Submission of work to the required standard Validity of the student s own work Parents/Carers will be notified of any such concerns Students attending Whitchurch High but following a subject elsewhere may be asked to meet their course fees and the cost of the examination for that subject 10