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2 Achieving Success Together

3 A Warm Welcome From The Principal Abbey College Birmingham was founded in 1992 and is part of the Alpha Plus Group of schools and colleges. Since then the College has become one of the leading providers of independent sixth form education in Birmingham. Our students achieve grades they often didn t believe possible and secure both university courses and destinations of their choice. The College has a significant reputation for those entering medicine or medical related fields such as Pharmacy, Dentistry and Optometry, whilst also having a growing reputation for those students aspiring to enter the professions of Business, Law and Finance. The Ofsted inspection in June 2010 rated the College as good with many outstanding features, while the 2010 Secondary School and College A level Performance Tables showed that Abbey College students achieved the best value added score in the Birmingham region. We aim to: Guide our students to achieve academic success and fulfil their aspirations Respect and value each student, providing a friendly, safe and supportive environment where students can learn and grow in confidence Enable students to meet the challenges of the 21st century by helping them develop key skills to succeed - resilience, adaptability, independence and determination Prepare our students to access top tier universities on the courses of their choice We are a dynamic, exciting college, situated in the heart of Birmingham providing high quality, flexible GCSE and A Level programmes. A recent student survey highlighted how much our students enjoy the cultural, educational and business opportunities we offer them. Our modern building provides a wonderful environment in which to study and our small classes mean each student can develop their individual abilities aided by a strong system of tutorial guidance. Teaching and learning is rigorous and challenging, whilst being creative and understanding to individual need. Our extra-curricular activities include sport, music, voluntary work, charity events and many other opportunities led by the students and staff. We encourage students to raise their own expectations and standards to higher levels. At Abbey College Birmingham, we offer a unique alternative to traditional school life whilst still maintaining a strong academic ethos. Our committed teachers are passionate about their subjects and seek to inspire their students in turn to enjoy learning and benefit from the acquisition of knowledge. This provides a strong foundation not just for university but life in general. I believe that being a student at Abbey College Birmingham will enable you to achieve your goals, as it has for so many students in the past. We may well challenge you at times, but that is because we have belief in your capabilities and talents. We describe this as the Abbey Way and students and parents consistently tell me that their decision to enrol at Abbey was one of the best they have made. I extend an invitation to you to come and meet us to see if you too would like to be a student at Abbey College Birmingham. Peter Farrar Principal, Abbey College Birmingham

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5 Teaching & Learning At Abbey College Small classes We believe small class sizes and the highest quality teaching are the keys to success. This approach is very personal and means that students are focused on their studies and are given a great deal of advice from teachers to maximise attainment and fulfil potential. On average, class sizes are between six and eight students. In addition, we foster a friendly environment and good working relationships between teachers and students. Expert teachers Our dedicated teachers have an excellent knowledge of their subjects and with some also examiners for the major examination boards, they are well positioned to offer guidance and support in developing examination technique. Students are prepared thoroughly for examinations and gain vitally important study skills. Developing independent learners Learning how to develop skills such as critical thinking, effective use of resources, analysis, presentation and ICT enables our students to be better prepared for success in our competitive, fast-paced and ever-changing world. We measure and assist our students to recognise their preferred learning styles and ensure our teaching is tailored through a variety of 1-1 tutor groups and supervised self-study programmes. Assessment and monitoring progress Small class sizes mean teachers can spend more time assessing each student s work and giving verbal and written feedback on a 1-1 basis. Teachers monitor student effort and attainment very closely. Reports are sent home regularly and include written comments and data covering attendance, academic attainment and student effort both during curricular and extra curricular time. Students and teachers reflect on current work and raise standards by agreeing targets in areas such as subject knowledge, time management, revision techniques and progress on coursework. This in turn builds confidence and raises standards. Attendance Attendance is monitored through registration at the start of each lesson. Parents are contacted if a student is not present in class. We are totally focused on ensuring students have a safe and secure environment in which to learn and study.

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7 Your Route To University We specialise in giving expert advice and guidance to students on university courses that will enable them to pursue a future that offers challenge, stimulation and economic security in an increasingly competitive world. Students research relevant university courses, training and work experience. We offer a programme of mock interviews, 1-1 career and university guidance meetings and personal statement workshops. This enables students to learn how to present themselves with confidence and substance on paper as well as at interview. Students gain entry to leading universities to study a wide range of courses including: Accounting & Science Actuarial Science Aeronautical Engineering Biomedical Engineering Biomedical Sciences Business Business Management Clinical Sciences Criminology & Psychology Dentistry Dispensing Optics Economics Engineering Environmental Engineering Film Production & Technology Film Studies Financial Maths Forensic Science Hospitality, Tourism & Business Law Management Marketing Medical Physiology Medicine Medical Science Microbiology Occupational Therapy Optometry Politics Pharmaceutical Science Pharmacology Pharmacy Politics Psychology Pre-Medical Primary Education Science with a Foundation Year Sociology Sport Science Stage Management Traditional Chinese Medicine

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9 The Courses We Offer Making informed choices Making the right decision about the study programme has a huge impact on successfully working towards the next stage in life and at Abbey College Birmingham we value individual aspirations and ambitions. Choosing the most appropriate programme is a very important part of the enrolment process with us, and we offer expert guidance during the interview and throughout the student s time with us. Two year A Level programme There are over 140 students in the sixth form, the majority of whom are taking three or four A Levels on a two year programme of AS and A2. We offer a wide range of A Level subjects, and recommend that you should have achieved at least A*- C grade in your chosen subjects in your GCSE exams. One year A Level programme A number of students are enrolled on this programme which is suitable for students who have taken their A Levels before but wish to re-take to improve their grades to get onto highly competitive university degree courses. Subjects can be chosen from our full range of A Levels and are available over a full one year course. We offer this to current students who might wish to take up a new subject in a year, or by mature or gap year students who may wish to take additional A Levels within a year. One year GCSE programme The College offers a unique and highly successful one year GCSE programme for approximately students who wish to transfer mid GCSE into year 11, or for students wishing to re-sit their GCSEs. The subjects offered form a core curriculum with a range of optional subjects and the course is delivered in its entirety in a year. Students have a highly dedicated and experienced Head of Year to oversee the successful completion of the course. On completing their GCSEs many students transfer directly to join our A Level programme. Flexible programmes At Abbey College Birmingham we are able to offer a unique degree of flexibility in our programmes and mid-year and mid-course transfers are possible for many of our GCSE and A Level courses. We advise parents and students to visit the college to discuss their options.

10 Getting The Best Out Of You Individual needs We all have different learning styles and the quality of our teaching and our small class sizes enable us to develop the most appropriate methods for all students. Tutor groups Abbey College Birmingham believes in the importance of all students feeling secure and supported whist studying at the college. Our small size and personal approach means we know our students extremely well, allowing us to understand them as people and help them reach their goals. Each student has a team of exceptional teachers working to help them fulfil their potential. The tutor is central in coordinating a holistic approach to each student s individualised learning programme. They take a particular interest in their progress throughout the year. Each student is a member of a tutor group which meets weekly. In the classroom Our lessons are lively and encourage students to discuss ideas, ask questions and actively learn. Additional support is always available and is provided where required. We can accommodate those students with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia through our individual focus on the student, our approach to learning in the classroom and access to specialised expertise as necessary. Students, parents and teachers working together We believe the team approach is highly successful in ensuring students achieve their potential. Communications between Heads of Year, tutors and parents are integral to supporting the student s progress through the programme and onto the next stage of their education.

11 Our Facilities Technologies Classrooms benefit from access to modern technologies, including projection facilities and interactive whiteboards. Students have access to laptops to support their studies and their own personal computer login to access shared areas. Science laboratories Practical work and investigation is central to the teaching of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and so each subject is taught in a modern, specially equipped laboratory. Each room has been fitted to the highest standards and is well equipped to allow the delivery of a wide range of experiments and demonstrations to stimulate student learning. Student study area and common room A well equipped study room is available for students to pursue regular, timetabled, supervised self-study, and the common room enables students to take a break between lessons and relax with friends. Accommodation Some students join us who live outside Birmingham. The college provides high quality city centre accommodation similar to university halls of residence only a short minute walk from the College.The accommodation offers single study bedrooms with private bathroom, 24hr security and high speed internet access. Younger students can live with home stay families who provide a welcoming and safe environment.

12 Beyond the Classroom Our student academic success is underpinned with the encouragement to broaden their horizons beyond the classroom. These extra-curricular activities help them develop leadership, management and communication skills, as well as self-belief and confidence. Students can involve themselves in a full sports programme which includes football, basketball, cricket, badminton and netball. Sport is organised at the prestigious National Indoor Arena and all students are offered membership of the fitness suite and use of other leisure and recreational facilities. A wide range of cultural programmes is organised, both through external visits and College celebration events. Through the College Council students are encouraged to lead and develop their own events, and to bring their hobbies and interests into the college and involve others. Students also act as mentors or buddies both to welcome new students at the start of the academic year and to assist the student support network during the year. Links with a number of local businesses have been built up carefully to give students a flavour of what different sectors can offer and what skills they are looking for in candidates. Interactive workshops, mentoring and voluntary work placements have all contributed to this. Images supplied by Marketing Birmingham visitbirmingham.com

13 Learning In The Heart Of The City At Abbey College Birmingham our students are focused on academic achievement. Success in life, however, comes from more than just exams and we encourage our students to take advantage of the resources Birmingham, as a city, offers to help with learning and personal development. Just a few minutes from our door students can take advantage of numerous galleries, museums, libraries, theatres, sports facilities and conference centres. These add breadth to our teaching programmes and form an integral part of the Abbey College Birmingham experience. MICHAEL BAILEY

14 Contact Us Office hours for the college are 8:00am to 5.00pm from Monday to Friday (including Easter and Summer Holidays). During all college holidays the office is open from 9.00am to 3.00pm from Monday to Friday. Our Administration team will be delighted to help you arrange a visit and provide you with more detailed information about Abbey College Birmingham. Abbey College Birmingham 10 St. Paul s Square Birmingham B3 1QU enquiries@abbeybirmingham.co.uk

15 BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE Abbey College Birmingham 10 St. Paul s Square Metro Station Metro Line DLD National Rail Station Restricted Access + Abbey College is situated between the famous Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham and the main shopping areas around the New Bullring. Being so centrally located in the heart of the city means that we can be easily reached by public transport. The main Birmingham railway stations of New Street and Moor Street are each 15 minutes walk, and Snow Hill is closer still being just 10 minutes walk. Driving in is fairly straight-forward, and there is metered parking on the street around St Pauls Square as well as a car park a couple of minutes walk away on Lionel Street. Birmingham is reputed to have more miles of canals than Venice, and for the more adventurous access to Birmingham s world famous canal network is just a couple of minutes walk away. Marketing Birmingham

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17 ABBEY DLD GROUP OF COLLEGES Abbey College Birmingham 10 St. Paul s Square Birmingham B3 1QU Tel: Abbey College Birmingham is part of the Alpha Plus Group Ltd. +