Trinity Academy Halifax 6 th Form Prospectus: for entry in 2017
Welcome... As Principal, I have pleasure in welcoming you to our 6 th Form. Whether you are a current Year 11 student at Trinity Academy looking for that next step, or potentially applying from elsewhere, I would like to thank you for your interest. Our 6 th Form continues to go from strength-to-strength, and in 2016 enjoyed exceptional results. In 2016 our post-16 results rose again, and the progress our students make puts us amongst the top 6 th Forms nationally. We are often asked why our 6 th Form is so successful, and how we ensure that the experience supports our young people to achieve their ambitions. Whilst grades are important, our focus is on how we can support students to flourish both academically and personally. Our 6 th Form team has high ambitions for all students. Whether this means supporting a student who wishes to apply to Oxford University or other high performing universities, working with a young person who wants to progress on to an apprenticeship, or helping someone who is unsure of what their plans are, our focus is on ensuring that they achieve their absolute potential. If you are looking for a 6 th Form that balances a drive for academic success and high expectations, with independence and bespoke support, I would like to welcome you to Trinity Academy. This prospectus shares more about the experience on offer, but please do speak to our team to find out more. Mr James Franklin-Smith Principal
Welcome from your Head of 6 th Form As Assistant Principal for 6 th Form, I would like to offer you a warm welcome to our 6 th Form. We believe that our 6 th Form offers challenge, aspiration, and support in equal measure, along with a wide range of courses. A key part of my role, along with the Personal Progress Tutor (PPT) team, is to ensure that the courses and choices students make are the right ones. At Trinity Academy, we spend a great deal of time ensuring that the application process includes a focus on providing the right guidance for each individual student. This makes sure that students get off to the right start and leave us with a set of qualifications that work for their future plans, whatever these might be. Our 6 th Form has a culture of excellence, and we have high expectations for each and every student both academically and personally. All students have challenging targets which they are supported to achieve. We also work to offer young people unique experiences that will support university and job applications, for example through our Enrichment Programme. 6 th Form is of course hard work but as any current or former student will tell you hugely rewarding. Our students tell us that they have achieved things they did not think were possible. Each and every student is recognised as both a young adult and an individual. We believe that our combination of high quality teaching and pastoral support makes us unique. Our outstanding team is available to support applications and share information about the courses they teach please do ask them questions. Mr Michael Fitzsimons Assistant Principal, 6 th Form 6 th Form Prospectus: for entry in 2017
A culture of high expectations and challenge We expect our students to have high expectations of their 6 th Form; equally, we have high expectations of our young people. 6 th Form represents the next step in a young person s educational journey, and their achievements here will shape their future success. Our 6 th Form is unique in that it benefits from the state-of-the-art facilities whilst having a separate building that allows us to offer students an independent, dedicated 6 th form environment. 6 th Form teachers are experts in the subjects that they teach. Trinity Academy s core values of Empathy, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility continue in 6 th Form life, and drive everything we do. Every student who attends Trinity s 6 th Form signs up to our Absolutes which include: Strive for 100% attendance and be punctual Effectively organise time and work Be fully equipped for all lessons Act as an ambassador for 6 th Form Adopt a respectful approach to equipment, buildings and other people around the academy Complete work which reflects best efforts Attend support sessions outside the academy hours when requested Ensure any employment does not interfere with progress Do not book holidays in term-time Dress appropriately Our students understand the importance of these fundamentals and how these support them to secure a bright future. They form a key part of the induction period, and are key to ensuring that students lay the foundations for success.
I have enjoyed every moment of my 6 th Form experience so far. Expectations are high for everyone, and there is a great atmosphere where you want to always achieve more. My PPT has really challenged me. My initial Physics target grade was a B, but to go to the university I want to I need an A. I am being supported to achieve that. It is hard work and challenging at times, but I have a clear goal and all the help and advice I need to get there. - Current Year 13 student
Outstanding Year on year our students continue to set new records for academic success. Our results make us the highest performing 6 th Form for student progress in the area, and we are amongst the top post-16 providers in the country for our vocational results. Our A-level APS/ Entry score for 2016 is 32.3, whilst our Applied General APS/ Entry is 46.3 - the boxes below give some more detailed information about what this means in practice. We have a strong focus on academic results; the grades our students take away are key to future success. However, this is balanced with a comprehensive range of support for every individual student and a strong focus on enrichment. Some of our headline results in 2016 for 6 th Form include: 79% A*-B - the proportion of A-level grades achieved with A*-C Almost one in two grades. This means that qualifications were achieved at least a grade almost four in every five B. 45% of our students qualifications was gained secured A-level grades with at least a grade C. at A*-B grades.
results 100% Every student who wanted to progress to university, successfully secured a place. Out of those who wished to move on to university, one in four went to a Russell Group university meaning they are attending universities classed as being amongst the leading ones in the UK. Student progress - amongst the top in the UK Our value added score shows that students at Trinity Academy s 6 th Form make between one third and one half of a grade more progress in every academic qualification they take than their national counterparts of the same ability.
Ensuring students enjoy a lifetime of success At Trinity, we understand that the step up from Year 11 to Year 12 is a significant one, and our focus is on ensuring that all students get the right support prior to, and at the start of, their 6 th Form journey. Each and every student, regardless of whether they are a recent Trinity Academy student or joining us from another school, undergoes a comprehensive transition process. Our support includes: Comprehensive guidance regarding course options during the application process Ensuring that students have selected the right courses is at the core of our application process. This ensures that when they commence their 6 th Form journey, they have the best possible start. Due to this process, we are confident that students are enrolled on to options that have the right fit for them, both academically and personally, and that the selected qualifications are the best ones to support their career ambitions. This process is a robust and comprehensive one, but absolutely essential in ensuring that students are on the right pathway to success. Dedicated 6 th Form teaching staff All of our post-16 teachers are specialists in the subjects that they teach. Achievement Centre There are no free periods in 6 th Form any time where students are not in timetabled lessons are study periods. Our Achievement Centre, which is staffed, provides a structured place to learn, work and be supported. Regular assessment, support and trial exams Most courses now have examinations at the end of the two year period of study. However, our focus is always upon ensuring that students and parents understand how on track they are, and students are monitored and regularly assessed. This allows us to work with students to plan next steps and achieve challenging targets.
Personal Progress Tutors: bespoke support through the 6 th Form journey Every student is assigned a Personal Progress Tutor (PPT). Their role is to ensure that each and every student succeeds. A PPT meets with students on a regular basis, reviewing progress and ensuring that goals, ambitions and targets are achieved regardless of current level of attainment. PPTs are also available should students have any personal issues, either at the academy or at home, that may affect their progress. PPTs also run regular sessions for students that complement their 6 th Form experience and growth as an individual, such as support with UCAS application forms, and exploring important topics such as British Values.
An enriching experience Our focus is upon supporting students to enjoy a well-rounded experience that supports them to grow both academically and personally. We offer experiences that help students prepare for the future, and gather important evidence for UCAS and job applications. Some of the ways we achieve this include: Enrichment Programme All students are enrolled on to our Enrichment Programme. This programme provides students with a way to gain new and exciting experiences outside of the classroom. Students participate in enrichment as part of their timetables, and can choose to extend this in their own time if they wish to gain additional experiences. Enrichment offers a wide range of opportunities such as bespoke work experience placements with external organisations, First Aid training, learning British Sign Language, Outward Bound challenges and art projects, amongst many others. Head Boy, Head Girl, and other leadership opportunities Our Head Boy, Head Girl, and Deputy positions allow students the chance to experience standing for election and undertaking a high-profile leadership role. Students in these roles represent the academy, and take part in a number of public speaking events. We also invite applications for a variety of student representative roles. All students are given the opportunity to stand for these positions and improve the 6 th Form experience for all students. Leaders also take responsibility for aspects of 6 th Form life such as our vibrant and successful charitable fundraising programme. I am currently undertaking a work placement with a large local employer - it has been amazing. I want to work in HR, and I have been working in this department during placement, and also in the holidays. This is giving huge strength to my UCAS application and, moving forward, will only help me when I apply for jobs. - Current Year 13 student
Subject offer The subjects our 6 th Form offer are detailed on this page. Please note that all subjects (unless otherwise stated) have a two year study programme. Please note that once students embark upon their three selected A-levels, it is not possible to drop a course as it means they are no longer in full-time education. We have a strong emphasis upon ensuring that students receive the best possible support and guidance, to ensure that they select the right courses for them and therefore have the best possible start. A-levels Applied Business Applied Science Art Biology Chemistry Computer Science Core Maths * Dance Economics English Language English Literature English Literature and Language French Further Maths Government and Politics History ICT Maths Media PE Performing Arts Philosophy and Ethics Photography Physics Product Design Psychology Sociology Spanish Textiles Urdu * Core Maths is a 1 year course worth 0.5 of an A-level Vocational subjects: single BTECs BTEC Applied Science BTEC Business BTEC Health and Social Care BTEC Music BTEC Performing Arts BTEC Performing Arts (Dance) BTEC Sport BTEC ICT Double BTECS (counted as two choices) BTEC Business BTEC Health and Social Care BTEC Sport BTEC Performing Arts Triple BTECs BTEC Performing Arts* (Dance) *Delivered by The Dance Mill
A key part of the 6 th Form application process is ensuring that every student is supported to choose the right courses for their ambitions.
Get ready to apply Applying for a place Students applying for a place at Trinity Academy s 6 th Form are required to achieve a minimum of 3 C grades and a minimum of a level 5 in both English and Maths. Please note that students applying to join the 6 th Form in September 2017 will be the first to be awarded the new level grades, therefore a lower grade in English and Maths may be accepted at the Principal s discretion. Please note that a core part of our application process focuses upon ensuring that students select and commence the right courses for them. All students are required to attend a guidance meeting before their full application is confirmed and a conditional offer issued. Please note that where more detailed discussions may need to be held, we will arrange additional meetings. Application process: For entry in 2017, applications are made online. Our application process is as follows: 1. Completion of the online application form by 8 December 2016. Students will be required to indicate their planned course options. 2. The application will be acknowledged. 3. Students will be contacted and invited to a meeting to discuss the application. A key focus of this meeting is ensuring that students know what to expect from the course, and checking that they are a good fit for their future plans. 4. Applicants will receive a letter confirming the outcome of the meeting, and asked to indicate whether they plan to take up a place should one be offered. Applications are made online at www.trinityacademyhalifax.org. Our team is happy to provide support and guidance if necessary. 5. Places are confirmed upon the receipt of final GCSE qualifications on Result Day, and students are formally enrolled and given information about their induction programme.
Trinity Academy Halifax Trinity Academy Halifax, Shay Lane, Halifax HX2 9TZ T. +44 (0) 1422 244 890 F. +44 (0) 1422 240 033 E. contactus@trinityacademyhalifax.org