Are there any minimum entry requirements for post-16 courses?

Entry requirements for post-16 courses vary depending on the course taken. Level 3 courses (A Levels) require five A*–C GCSE grades, and for the vocational BTEC courses four A*–C GCSE grades are required. To find out more about individual course requirements please download our sixth form prospectus or visit the sixth form courses area of this website.

In addition to these GCSE requirements, we expect students to have minimum attendance levels of 90% in order to demonstrate commitment to continuing your studies at sixth form level.

Is it possible to retake GCSEs?

Yes. Students who have not already achieved a C grade or above at GCSE in English and maths will be expected to retake these GCSEs.

How many subjects can I take?

You can take up to three A Level courses. Post-16 course choices must be made from the option form with no more than one subject per block being selected. See link below for course options form.

Can I change subjects once the course has already begun?

Students are allowed to change their choice of subjects up until the end of September in the first year of study. See Mrs Everitt-Smith if you are considering changing courses.

Is there any sixth form induction process?

Yes. Induction days take place at the end of June/beginning of July. Also following results day in August there are timed appointments given to confirm your timetable choices.

How are target grades calculated?

Target grades for A Level are calculated from GCSE grades attained.

How is student progress monitored?

Student progress is monitored through our academic mentoring system, on a half termly basis.

What can I do in my free periods?

There are no free periods in sixth form. All students allocate themselves private study sessions that are taken during the school day – one per subject.

These study periods might consist of:

• teacher-set tasks, essays, research
• revisiting/rewriting class notes to consolidate learning from the start
• wider reading – reading around topics/subjects to develop understanding or reading ahead
• completing past examination papers/questions
• preparing a presentation
• watching a documentary or DVD related to your subject/topic and making notes
• reading a newspaper article relevant to your subject. Some broadsheets have sections dedicated to scientific or technical developments for example, or sociology, media or literature.

Independent study sessions taken at home after school should also feature in a student’s own timetable, as students should complete at least five hours of independent study per subject taken, per week.

Do students have to attend tutorial?

Yes. You are expected to attend tutorial daily following lunch, promptly at 13:40. Assembly day is Friday, please gain your mark in tutorial and make your way down to Excellence Hall.

Do sixth form students have to attend assemblies?

All students are expected to attend assembly, lots of guest speakers will be in and you can support your fellow students who will also create and deliver some of the assemblies.

Am I allowed to do part-time work alongside my studies?

Yes. Students are allowed, and encouraged, to gain part-time employment alongside their studies. Part-time work can be a great way of learning new skills and gaining valuable employment experience as well as a source of income. However, part-time work should not interfere with a student’s studies.

We strongly recommend that students:

• work no more than eight hours a week, preferably at weekends
• do not undertake work that is unduly tiring eg. that involves working late at night, affecting concentration or attendance the next day
• are always available for timetabled or other commitments in sixth form
• prioritise sixth form study over any work-related clash of commitments

How much independent study is expected of students?

Four to five hours per subject, per week.

What is the dress code?

Sixth form students at the academy are expected to adhere to the following dress code:

Young men

• Dark trousers (no combat style or jeans)
• Blazer
• Shirt and tie (not a school tie)
• Plain jumper or sweatshirt (no logo)
• Dark footwear (no trainers)

Young women

• Skirt, dress or dark trousers (no combat style, jeans or leggings/jeggings)
• Blazer
• Plain blouse or shirt (no T-shirts)
• Plain jumper or sweatshirt (no logo)
• Dark footwear (no trainers)

The following are not considered acceptable

• Jeans
• Leggings/jeggings
• Very short skirts
• Very low cut tops
• Hats/caps
• Bare midriffs
• Sportswear
• Shorts
• Excessive jewellery
• Large earrings
• Extreme hairstyles/colours
• Visible tattoos
• Facial and visible body piercings, including tongue piercings
• Coats and other outerwear should not be worn in class as a matter of courtesy

Who do I contact if I am going to be late, or if I am ill?

If you are going to be late or if you are ill, you (or someone on your behalf) must telephone school and choose the option for attendance to report this.

What is the procedure if I need to attend an appointment during school hours?

In order to attend an appointment during school hours you must fill in a yellow card and get it signed by the subject tutor of the lesson you are going to miss. You must agree to catch up on the work set. Give this card to Mrs Mason or the Attendance Officer, Mrs Sangwin prior to the appointment.

What support is available for the university application process?

In one of your weekly tutorial sessions the focus is on UCAS and your application to university. These sessions cover information about the application process including how to write a personal statement and issues relating to finance.

Am I allowed to attend university open days in school time?

Yes. Students who are considering applying to university are encouraged to attend open days in order to help them to decide which course and which university they wish to attend. However, in order to avoid excessive disruption to their studies we advise that students should attend no more than three open days during school hours. Many university open days are on weekends and it is preferable that, when possible, students attend these open days instead.

What careers support is available?

Students are able to discuss career options with a Connexions personal advisor. To make an appointment contact Neil Selvey. His office is based in the Sixth Form Centre.

What are the fire drill procedures?

If the fire bell rings, leave the building through the nearest exit. Congregate on the concrete between Endeavour and Excellence Buildings next to the post-16 signs.

Is there any extra support available?

Yes. Please discuss with anyone in the Sixth Form team should you feel you need some extra support. If it is an academic issue we can arrange for some mentor support to overcome this. If it is support of a more personal or sensitive nature we can make a referral to the School Counsellor should you feel this is necessary.

Can I drive my car to school?

Yes, once you have officially passed your test. Please provide a copy of your driver’s licence and car registration number to Mr C O’Hara via main reception. You may park on the main car park – please press the buzzer and explain to reception who you are.

Can I have a locker?

There are a limited number of lockers available within the Sixth Form Centre. If available, a deposit of £5 is required, to be given to Mrs Belstone on the main reception in exchange for a key. Those students who are part of the Football Academy can be assigned a locker in the sports hall following a similar procedure; please discuss this with Mr Forsyth.

Do I have to do work experience?

All Year 12 students are expected to organise and complete a work experience placement during 3rd to 7th July 2017. The purpose of this is to develop skills and gain experience in fields of employment that they may wish to pursue. University admissions departments and employers also wish to see evidence of this experience to support your application in that chosen area.