Committed to Achievement. Sixth Form Prospectus Information and Guidance

Transcription

1 Committed to Achievement Sixth Form Prospectus Information and Guidance 1

2 Highfield Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 3AX Tel: Fax: Welcome From the Headteacher Making the right choice about where to continue your studies is important. We are delighted that you are considering joining the Sixth Form at Cox Green School and hope that this prospectus will help you to make that decision. We welcome back our own students and extend a special welcome to those students who are joining us from other schools. The Sixth Form curriculum is designed to ensure excellent exam results, as well as providing additional opportunities for every student to gain the experiences and involvement to become confident, happy and well-rounded young adults, with genuine choice in choosing the next step. We are proud of the successes of all our Sixth Form students and hope that you find the information in this prospectus of interest to you and we invite you to visit the Sixth Form at our Open Evening on Monday 27 January Whether you are an existing Cox Green student or are thinking of joining us from elsewhere, please read carefully what we offer. The decisions you make are important - teachers, tutors and the Sixth Form Leadership Team are here to help you make the right ones. If you would like any further information about the Sixth Form please us: enquiries@coxgreen.com Heidi Swidenbank Headteacher Cox Green School: a company limited by guarantee Registered in England: Company Number: Registered Office: Highfield Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3AX

3 Contents Contents Page Welcome to Cox Green Sixth Form 4 Why should I apply to join Cox Green Sixth Form? 4 What courses can I study in the Sixth Form? 5 What do I need for the different courses? 5 Expectations 6 The Sixth Form Leadership Team 6 Applying for a University Place 7 Apprenticeships 7 Applying to Cox Green Sixth Form 7 Choosing your Course 8 Entry Qualifications 9 Entry Requirements 10 Maidenhead 6th Form Consortium 11 GCSE Average Point Scores 12 GCSE Average Point Score Calculation 12 Application Form for Cox Green Students 13 Application Form for External Students 15 3

4 Welcome to Cox Green Sixth Form Cox Green is a vibrant learning environment and we are proud of our school values and our strong sense of community. All our students receive the support and encouragement they need to become successful, confident and mature young people. We aim to offer responsive and bespoke programmes to match the Sixth Form to our students needs. We are committed to developing each student as a whole so that they succeed in their next steps and ultimately their career. As well as offering Level 3, A Level and BTEC courses our Sixth Form is an exciting place to be. The close community we have at Cox Green School fosters good relationships between teachers and students, who are open to opportunities that we offer both in and beyond the classroom. Such opportunities range from international travel with excursions and expeditions, to events for performing, marketing and managing. Our students are encouraged to volunteer within the school community, to help develop the well-rounded citizens that Cox Green School promotes. Through dedicated careers provision we ensure that all our students have quality guidance and support to make the right choices for their future. All of our Sixth Form students either progress to university to study specialist courses, or enter into the workplace training/apprenticeships. Why should I apply to join Cox Green Sixth Form? Now that you are approaching your GCSE exams you have a very important decision to make. The majority of our students choose to stay on at Cox Green Sixth Form to continue their education. There is tremendous competition for the most prestigious university places and apprenticeships. Our aim is to prepare Sixth Form students for the path they wish to take. Most stay on because of the personalised attention and care students receive and the bespoke support we offer depending on the student s goals. We have a range of A level and Level 3 BTEC courses that students can choose from as well as GCSE English and Maths classes. This provision is further enhanced by our involvement in the Maidenhead Sixth Form Consortium. 4

5 What courses can I study in the Sixth Form? A level courses (2 years) Art & Design Biology Chemistry Economics English Literature Geography History Mathematics Further Maths Media Studies Philosophy Photography Physics Product Design Psychology Sports Consortium subjects French Spanish German Government & Politics Geology Dance 3D Product Design BTEC level 3 courses Diploma (2 years 2 A level equivalences) Performing Arts BTEC level 3 courses Subsidiary Diploma (2 years 1 A level equivalent) Performing Arts IT Sport GCSE retakes in English and Maths University entrance preparation, e.g. UKCAT, BMAT, LNAT Extra-Curricular activities There are 6 packages of courses taken by students and within each they choose four courses, typically: 1. Science/Engineering/Maths Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Product Design. 2. Law/History/Humanities English Literature, History, Philosophy, Geography, Economics. 3. Biological Sciences/Sports Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Philosophy, Sports. 4. Accountancy/Business Maths, Further Maths, Economics, Government & Politics, Business Studies, IT, +1 Science. 5. Arts Art & Design, Photography, Performing Arts, Music, Media. 6. Languages French, Spanish, German, English Literature, History. What do I need for the different courses? For A level courses students typically require 5 GCSE passes grade A*-C, including English and Maths and an Average GCSE points score of 42. For BTEC Level 3 courses students typically require 5 GCSE passes grade A*-C. See page 10 for full Entrance Requirements. 5

6 Expectations with privileges come responsibilities We aim to make our Sixth Form students feel supported, respected and trusted and they therefore have privileges beyond others in the school. Through bespoke and targeted support we will provide all the opportunities a student needs to develop their inter-personal skills, academic strengths and personal achievements. For a student to be truly successful in the Sixth Form we would encourage them to be pro-active about grasping these opportunities to enrich themselves. Dress Cox Green School operates a Smart Business dress policy for all Sixth Form students. We want students to be dressed purposefully, respectfully and ready to learn. Students who transgress the dress code policy will be issued with a 30 minute after school detention. Students who continue to breach the code will be sent home to get changed, and items of clothing may be subject to confiscation. Students should wear: Button-down shirt: a full shirt with buttons. Smart trousers: trousers which are stitched on the inside and formal in appearance. Formal shoes: any shoe smart in appearance which is not a trainer. Reasonable-length skirt: will be defined by the Sixth Form staff. Smart top for girls: blouse or similar. Students should not wear: Polo-shirts or T-shirts are not acceptable. Jeans, jeggings, leggings, tracksuits bottoms etc. are not acceptable. Flip-flops, sandals, canvas shoes (e.g. Vans or similar style) are not acceptable. Mini-skirts, shorts or similar are not acceptable. T-shirts, sportswear, tops with large logos or slogans are not acceptable. The Sixth Form Leadership Team Our Sixth Form Leadership team is composed of the Head Boy and Head Girl and a number of Senior Prefects. They are heavily involved in all aspects of school life, such as, attending Full Governing Body Meetings, representing the views of the student body, speaking publically at school events, organising Enterprise days, supporting younger students with reading schemes, mentoring and representing the school through an array of activities. The team have a crucial role in the school and are well respected by staff and students. 6

7 Applying for a University place Whilst in the Sixth Form students are given a wide-range of opportunities and experiences to broaden their understanding and support their selection of the different routes available to them post-18. Students also need to research their next steps independently by: Using the prospectus and reference books in the careers room and Sixth Form area Accessing websites such as Attending university open days Attending PSHE lessons which support the application process Completing a personal statement Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly more available to students and are offered at three different levels (Intermediate, Advanced and Higher). The Higher apprenticeships are as competitive as the top universities. Students require good grades, good attendance and a strong CV. Applying to Cox Green Sixth Form Students already attending Cox Green will automatically receive information about the 6th Form and need to submit an application form (see back of prospectus). External applicants from other schools should register online at They will then be contacted with more detailed information about courses and admission. Friday 24 th January 2014 Sixth Form Taster Lessons for Year 11. Monday 27th January 2014 Open Evening for Prospective Students & Parents. Wednesday 29th January 2014 Friday 14th February 2014 February-March 2014 Open Morning for Prospective Students & Parents. Deadline For Applications. Interview and Conditional offers for all prospective Students internal and external. 3 rd & 4 th July 2014 Sixth Form Induction Programme for all students. Thursday 21st August 2014 GCSE Results day. 21 st & 22 nd August 2014 Individual Sixth Form meetings to confirm GCSE results and Sixth Form course choices. 7

8 Choosing your Course Typically students with a good range of GCSE subjects 5A*-C including English and Maths take a two year A level programme, where they study 4 AS levels in year 12 and take 3 of these onto A level in year 13. The courses chosen may well be influenced by the degree subject or apprenticeship you wish to follow. It is therefore important to find out what their requirements are early. This can be done by phoning admissions tutors of individual universities or looking at their courses online. Quite often universities look for facilitating subjects such as Sciences, English, Maths, Languages and Humanities. Universities often see Level 3 BTECs as equivalent to A levels and look for evidence of the students work in their portfolio. Often academic and attendance records are looked at to allocate places as well. Ask for advice and guidance from different people, such as, tutors, subject teachers, Head of Sixth Form, Sixth Form students, family and careers advisors. Make sure you ask them and yourself the right questions: What are you good at? What do you enjoy? What kind of courses of study are suitable for you? 8

9 Pathway 5 A levels or 4 A levels A level English and Maths Entry requirements Average Point score 52 (mainly grades A*/A ) Entry Qualifications Level 3 4 A levels and Extended Project Qualification Average Point score 46 (mainly grades A/B ) 4 A levels 3 A levels/ BTECs 3 A Levels or 2 A levels +BTECs Average Point score 42 (mainly grades B/C) and C + in English and Maths Entry Requirements for Individual Subjects Apply Average Point score 40 (mainly grade C) Double/Single award BTECs and Extended Project Qualification Average Point score 36 (mainly grade C/D or BTEC) Entry Qualifications Level 3 9

10 Entry Requirements A-Level Subject Art and Design Biology, Chemistry, Physics Business Studies Photography Economics English literature Geography History Entry Requirements 5 A*- C at GCSE including C in Art and Design. 5 A*- C at GCSE and APS 42 and 2 Bs in Science excluding Science BTECs. For AS Physics you must take AS Maths. 5 A*- C at GCSE including C in Maths and English Language. GCSE Business Studies not required. 5 A*- C at GCSE including Maths and English Language. 5 A*- C at GCSE including Maths and English Language. 5 A*- C at GCSE including C grades in English Literature and English Language. 5 A*- C at GCSE including C grades in Geography and English Language (higher tier papers). 5 A*- C at GCSE including B grades in History and English. Maths 5 A*- C at GCSE including B in Maths and APS 42. Further Maths Media Music Philosophy Psychology Technology Product Design BTEC Information Technology single BTEC Performing Arts single or double BTEC Sport single 5 A*- C at GCSE including A* in Maths and APS 42. Individuals will be confirmed by the Maths department. 5 A*- C at GCSE including English Language. 5 A*- C at GCSE and B in Music or Grade 5 in an instrument and musical theory. 5 A*- C at GCSE including Religious Studies or History and English Language. 5 A*- C at GCSE including B in English Language, C in Maths/Science and APS A*- C at GCSE including C in Graphics, Resistant Materials or Product Design and APS A*- C at GCSE with preferably C grades in Maths and English Language and D grade or higher in IT. This is a 2 year course. 5 A*- C at GCSE and a proven commitment to performing arts. Level 2 Performing Arts is not essential. This is a 2 year course. 5 A*- C at GCSE. GCSE PE is not essential, but a proven strong commitment to participation in sport is. This is a 2 year course. Consortium Subjects Dance at Furze Platt French at Altwood Geology at Desborough German at Newlands Government and Politics at Desborough 3D Product Design at Furze Platt Spanish at Newlands 5 A*- C at GCSE. 5 A*- C at GCSE including B in French. 5 A*- C at GCSE with preferably B in Geography. 5 A*- C at GCSE including B in German. 5 A*- C at GCSE with preferably B in English Language. 5 A*- C at GCSE including C in Graphics/Product Design/Resistant Materials. 5 A*-C at GCSE including B in Spanish. 10

11 Maidenhead 6th Form Consortium The Maidenhead Consortium began in September 2002 and enables Sixth Form Students to select one subject at AS or A2 level that may not be offered at our own school. It involves all five secondary schools in Maidenhead and offers courses which include more unusual subjects, for example Geology or Government and Politics, that may not be offered here. The Consortium lessons are on a Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon each week. Transport is provided on both lunch times, to either return you to your own school or to go out to another school at the beginning of Thursday afternoon. However, you will be responsible for making your own arrangements for the start of the morning or end of the afternoon. Entry requirements for external Consortium courses are stated below. Please read these carefully. For example, you may be required to achieve a particular grade in a specific subject in order to follow the course. There are limited numbers of places available on Consortium courses. If a course is oversubscribed, additional criteria, such as results in supporting subjects or the student s school record, will be taken into account. Places may be limited and cannot be confirmed until September All courses are provisional on viable numbers. Some courses may be oversubscribed and will be allocated according to the following criteria: Base school students Other students who fulfil entry requirements (on a first come first serve basis) For the list of Consortium subjects held at other schools are: Subject Taught At Entry Requirements Dance Furze Platt Senior 5 GCSE passes grades A* - C. French Altwood School 5 GCSE passes grades A* - C including a B in French. Geology Desborough College 5 GCSE passes grades A* - C. At least a grade B in GCSE Science. A minimum of a grade C in English and Mathematics is also desirable. Government and Politics Desborough College 5 GCSE passes grades A* - C. Ideally English at grade B is preferred, but some students succeed with C. If History was taken at GCSE then at least a grade C is required and/or ideally a B or better in a subject like Economics or Geography. 3D Product Design Furze Platt Senior 5 GCSE passes grades A* - C with at least a grade C for GCSE Graphics Products or Resistant Materials. German Newlands School GCSE German grade B (or equivalent qualification/level of study) Spanish Newlands School 5 GCSE passes at grade A* - C with a minimum of grade B in Spanish GCSE. Please note, you can only select one subject from this list. 11

12 GCSE Average Point Scores Award type Grade Point score Standardised Points score Single GCSE A* A B C D E F G U 0 0 BTEC Extended Certificate (Level 2) (2 GCSE equivalent) Distinction* Distinction Merit Pass Fail 0 0 BTEC Certificate (Level 1) Double award Distinction Merit Credit Pass Fail 0 0 GCSE Average Point Score Calculation The average points score is calculated by taking the standardised scores of all full course awards and dividing by number of awards taken. Example: Subject Award type Grade Standardised score Calculation 468 / 12 = 39 Average Points score Sport Btec Dip Distinction 52 Maths GCSE B 46 English Lan. GCSE B 46 English Lit. GCSE C 40 Science Core GCSE C 40 Science Additional GCSE C 46 Performing Arts BTEC Cert Pass 40 French GCSE C 46 Art GCSE C 40 Geography GCSE D 36 History GCSE E 36 IT GCSE Fail 0 Top 8 Subjects

13 Notes for Guidance Application Form for Cox Green School Students Please read the prospectus and make sure you are aware of the subject content before you make your choices. Any choices made are provisional and might change depending on GCSE results and viability of courses. Please return your completed application form by Friday 14 th February 2014 to Mrs McKay. NAME: HOME TEL: TUTOR GROUP : MOBILE NUMBER:: DEFINITE COX GREEN: or POSSIBLE COX GREEN: or OTHER : (please specify) SUBJECT CHOICES Please indicate using numbers 1 4 your choice of subjects (1 being highest priority, 4 being least priority) Only one * subject may be chosen. Subjects in italics are offered at other school sites. Reserve subject This must be completed in case your preferred combination of subjects does not fit into the option blocks. Reserve subject LEVEL 3 COURSES A Level Subjects BTEC Subjects Art & Design I.T. (BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma) Biology Performing Arts (BTEC Subsidiary/National Diploma) Business Studies Sport (BTEC Subsidiary Diploma) Chemistry Photography Consortium Subjects Economics* German* English Literature Dance* Geography Government & Politics * History Geology* Mathematics Further Mathematics Media Studies Music * Philosophy Physics Product Design Psychology French* 3D Product Design* Spanish* GCSE Subjects English Language Maths

14 Current and Predicted Grades GCSE retakes in English Language and Maths are necessary if you achieve a grade D. Please indicate your predicted grades in each of your GCSE subjects from your mocks or latest progress report. Are you considering going to university? Yes / No (please circle) List here any career options you are considering: English Language English Literature Mathematics Science BTEC Science Core Science Additional Biology Chemistry Physics ICT Philosophy & Ethics Options: GCSE SUBJECTS PREDICTED GRADES POINT SCORE Average Point Score Student Name: Signed: (Student) Signed: (Parent) Date: Date: You will be informed whether your application has been successful by the end of the Spring Term.

15 Application Form for External Students Notes for Guidance Please read the prospectus and make sure you are aware of the subject content before you make your choices. Any choices made are provisional and might change depending on GCSE results and viability of courses. Please return your completed application form by Friday 14 th February 2014 to Mrs McKay. NAME: CONTACT NUMBER: ADDRESS: CURRENT SCHOOL NAME AND ADDRESS: DEFINITE COX GREEN: or POSSIBLE COX GREEN: or OTHER : (please specify) SUBJECT CHOICES Please indicate using numbers 1 4 your choice of subjects (1 being highest priority, 4 being least priority) Only one * subject may be chosen. Subjects in italics are offered at other school sites. Reserve subject This must be completed in case your preferred combination of subjects does not fit into the option blocks. Reserve subject LEVEL 3 COURSES A Level Subjects Art & Design Biology Business Studies BTEC Subjects I.T. (BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma) Performing Arts (BTEC Subsidiary/National Diploma) Sport (BTEC Subsidiary Diploma) Chemistry Photography Economics* English Literature Consortium Subjects German* Dance* Geography Government & Politics * History Mathematics Further Mathematics Media Studies Geology* French* 3D Product Design* Spanish* Music * Philosophy Physics Product Design GCSE Subjects English Language Maths Psychology

16 Current and Predicted Grades GCSE retakes in English Language and Maths are necessary if you achieve a grade D. Please indicate your predicted grades in each of your GCSE subjects from your mocks or latest progress report. Are you considering going to university? Yes / No (please circle) List here any career options you are considering: English Language English Literature Mathematics Science BTEC Science Core Science Additional Biology Chemistry Physics ICT Philosophy & Ethics Options: GCSE SUBJECTS PREDICTED GRADES POINT SCORE Average Point Score Student Name: (Printed) Signed: (Student) Signed: (Parent) Date: Date: You will be informed whether your application has been successful by the end of the Spring Term.