BLACKFEN SIXTH FORM. BLACKFEN ROAD, SIDCUP, KENT. DA15 9NU Tel:

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1 BLACKFEN SIXTH FORM BLACKFEN ROAD, SIDCUP, KENT. DA15 9NU Tel:

2 Welcome The Blackfen school vision is raising aspirations - releasing potential. We aim to do this in our consistently high achieving sixth form by focusing on the academic and pastoral needs of every individual who continues their educational journey with us. Our vision is founded on two principles underpinned by our school's growth mind-set philosophy. These are: 1 For every student to continue their academic journey and to achieve at the highest possible level irrespective of their starting point. 2 For every student to develop and grow personally taking on ambassadorial and leadership roles in the school and wider community. Our sixth form students have a positive and a "can do" attitude to all that they do and we all firmly believe that there is no ceiling to what can be achieved. I look forward to meeting with you as you make the choice to continue your education here at Blackfen. Matthew Brown Head Teacher As Head of Sixth Form at Blackfen I welcome you to our on-line prospectus. You are making very important decisions about your next steps in life and it is crucial that you make the right choices. Whether you are staying on from year 11 or joining Blackfen from elsewhere we can ensure that you will be supported throughout your academic journey in the Sixth Form. When you finally leave us we aim to ensure that you are ready to face the challenges of the wider world whether that might be continuing studies onto degree level, taking up a higher level apprenticeship or embarking on a career. The skills and qualifications we aim to provide you with will set you up for a successful and fulfilling future. The Sixth Form at Blackfen is highly successful and has moved from strength to strength as it has grown over the years. Students have an excellent choice of subjects (both academic and vocational) in a setting where students are supported and challenged to succeed through developing a growth mind-set. Our students are highly successful in securing places at a wide range of universities, including Russell Group as well as some outstanding higher level apprenticeship placements. Blackfen Sixth Form is non-selective in the fact that there are courses available for all academic levels. We run a highly successful foundation package at level 2 for students who have not yet secured enough A*-C grades at GCSE to progress initially onto level 3 programmes of study. After a year many of these students move onto level 3 courses where they complete a further two years in our Sixth Form. Although gaining an academic education is our core purpose we fully believe that our students should develop their personal skills. We aim to build confident and resilient young people who will be successful in the competitive world. Students take part in an enrichment programme where they can learn new skills, participate in Sport, work on the school magazine or contribute to local charities or within the wider community. Most students also complete on-line courses in wide and varied areas in order to compliment and enhance their programme of study. I look forward to welcoming you into our Sixth Form. Please do contact us if you have any questions. Kim Brewer Assistant Headteacher, Head of Sixth Form Blackfen Sixth Form

3 Programme of Study Students in year 12 will be placed on a programme of study dependent on their GCSE results on entering the Sixth Form. Our aim is to place students on courses where they will be most successful. There are three main routes: L2 One year Foundation Package L3* BTEC/Vocational route For students who are not yet ready to embark on L3 Study. For students who have mainly C grades (or equivalent) in their GCSEs or prefer a more vocational pathway. L3* A Level For students who have mostly B grades (or equivalent) in their GCSEs. A number of students do a combination of A Levels and BTEC courses Most students will study a total of 3 A Level/BTEC courses (plus Core Maths AS level for some) A few students who have very high GCSE grades can select to study 4 A levels Most Level 3 qualifications also have subject specific entry requirements. Level 3 courses are 2 years in duration. A Level examinations are taken at the end of Year 13 (Linear) BTEC examinations may be taken in year 12. Year 13 Students can opt for the Extended Project qualification (EPQ) starting in the summer term of year 12 in addition to their programme of study. Level 2 students who successfully complete their courses and gain the entry requirements can progress onto level 3 courses. All students who have not yet achieved at least level 4 in GCSE English and Maths must continue to study these subjects in the sixth form. The programme of study for Sixth Form students also contains the following compulsory components: Daily Community time (Tutor period) Timetabled Supervised Study periods Challenge days during the year Enrichment programme One week Work Experience (Spring Term year 12) For more information on our current courses please look under individual subject headings on our website.

4 Courses on offer 2017 Students will generally select three Level 3 subjects. Student studying Sciences, Economics, Business or Psychology are encouraged to study AS Core Maths in addition to their 3 subjects. Students can select either an A Level or BTEC route. Some students complete a combination of A level and BTEC courses. Students with very high GCSE grades can select four A Level subjects. This will be discussed with individuals where applicable. A Levels BTEC Extended Certificate (2 year Linear) (2 year course) Biology Business Chemistry Drama Economics English Literature Fine Art French Geography Government and Politics History Law Maths Media Photography Psychology RS Sociology Spanish Business Childcare Creative Media and Production Dance Fashion/Textiles (Art & Design) Health & Social Care ICT Law Music Science Sport AS level Core Maths (one year) EPQ Extended Project Qualification Level 2 Foundation Package: Law & Legal, Public Services, Work Skills GCSE resit English/Maths

5 Welfare and Student Support Pastoral care is a key component in supporting our students to achieve academically. Students are supported in a number of ways throughout their time in the Sixth Form. All students are placed in a tutor group, this group meets daily for 25 minutes with their form tutor. In these sessions students follow a programme of activities and topics relating to academic progress and social/moral development. Examples of topics are: Study Skills, growth mindset development, driver safety education, dangers of alcohol and drugs, politics, healthy lifestyles and crime & justice. With the support of their tutor students are mentored through target setting and academic monitoring. Students also enjoy a range of interform competitions and events including: MasterChef, Geeky Games, Carol competition, weekly quiz and harvest challenge. There is a Student Support Officer available at all times as well as a transition coordinator and external careers advisor. The Sixth Form is managed by an Assistant Headteacher (Head of Sixth Form) and a deputy Head of Sixth Form. Parents are fully encouraged to play a part in their son/daughters academic journey and are expected to attend parent information evening and student review evenings. There is regular communication with parents through Sims in touch ( ) and text messaging.

6 Destinations Bath University Sport (Sports Performance) Brighton University Marketing Management. Physical Education with QTS Canterbury Christchurch University Accounting & Finance. Psychology. Law. Creative & Professional Writing. History, Sport & Exercise Science. Psychology. Policing (Criminal Psychology). Media & Communications, Film, Radio and Television Studies. Paramedic Science City University Politics. Psychology Derby University Sociology East London University Product Design Goldsmiths University History. Sociology. History and Politics. Sociology and Politics Greenwich University Psychology. Law. Criminology and Criminal Psychology. Film and TV Production. Childhood and Youth Studies, Sports Science with Professional Football Coaching Kent University History. Criminology and Sociology Kings University History Liverpool University Popular Music and Film Studies London Metropolitan University Fashion Marketing and Journalism Middlesex University Commercial Law. Education Studies Northampton University Architectural Technology Royal Holloway University History St Marys University Sport Rehabilitation. Physical and Sport Education Southampton University English, History, Psychology. Sociology and Social Policy Surrey University Law Sussex University Arts and Humanities. Law with Business and Management Westminster University: Politics and International Relations Winchester University Law We are proud of the diverse range of destinations our students pursue. For many this is university, for others a higher level apprenticeship and for some a job. Whatever route our students wish to pursue there is support available at all stages. In Year 12 students take part in a next steps challenge day where they are introduced to the University application process. This is followed in the Spring Team with a university information evening for parents/carers. We arrange a visit to Skills for London each year for students to look at possible careers and apprenticeships. A highly successful careers workshop is arranged during the Spring Term for year 12 where a range of guest speakers attend to run sessions on careers and training schemes. This has, in the past two years included: Deloitte, John Lewis, NHS, Police, M & G Investments, Bexley Council, Barclays, Land Securities, Teaching and various Universities. Year 12 students are fully supported to apply for taster courses through the London Taster Course Programme and prepared for attending university open days. In the Summer Term we arrange a trip for all students to Sussex University where student ambassadors from the university show our students around the campus and talk to them about student life, this is followed by a series of UCAS workshops to start preparing University personal statements. In early September of Year 13 further workshops are held to support students in completing their UCAS application form. Students wishing to pursue an apprenticeship route are assisted with searching and applying for these posts by our transition coordinator. Students can request a careers interview with our independent careers advisor at anytime during the year. Most students will complete at least one future learn (online) course during their time in the Sixth Form. These courses are offered by some of the top universities in the country and are really helpful in preparing students for university courses or for specific careers. All years 12 students complete a one week work experience placement. Students are encouraged to seek a placement that will not only challenge them but will help them gain experience in a field related to their future career. The EPQ (extended Project Qualification) is taken by a large number of students as an additional qualification in Year 13. This is excellent preparation for degree type research projects and highly regarded by University admissions tutors. Blackfen Sixth Form

7 Enrichment All students in year 12 are required to complete an enrichment programme. They have to plan their programme of activities and keep a record (log book) of completed activities: Current Enrichment Activities Additional Activities Mentoring In-lesson support Link Students Volunteering / Charity work Blackfen Library volunteering Reading mentors Wider Reading Future Learn on-line courses U19 Football Team Badminton D of E Silver Award Yoga Rugby Tag coaching qualification EPQ Sixth Form Leadership Charity events Sutton Trust Summer Schools London Taster Course programme Sixth Form Prom Work Experience programme Mindfulness CPR training Sussex University trip UCAS Workshops Skills for London event First Aid Qualification Deaf Awareness course Cake decorating Sixth Form Magazine Micro Tycoon Business Challenge Choir Drama / School production

8 Expectations in the sixth form are high. Learners collaborate well together, so that they adopt a professional attitude to their studies. Ofsted 2016 Quotes Blackfen Sixth Form provides a close-knit friendly environment where teachers are always willing to go above and beyond to help you reach your goals Lauren Barber, Class of 2016, Goldsmith University The time I spent at Blackfen was characterised by the dedication of its staff and endearing nature of the working environment. Blackfen helped to shape my academic performance, assisting me in realising my goals whilst providing an incredibly rewarding and exciting experience of secondary education." Lucy H, Class of 2015, Cambridge University It is the best place to start your further education, a very friendly place to be, with helpful staff, amazing opportunities and excellent resources. Taylor Eiffert, Student Leadership Team Class of 2015, Apprenticeship Brilliant support for students from all staff, both academically and career wise Nancy S, Head Girl, Class of 2012, UCL Trainee Teacher "Sixth Form was definitely the best two years of my time at Blackfen. Blackfen Sixth Form has a really good way of building the path for your future, whether that be University or the workplace. I always felt very equipped for life outside of school during my time at Sixth Form but equally never felt dumped in the deep end. My time at Blackfen Sixth Form was invaluable; I learnt so much and made a lot of unforgettable memories." Megan Bennett, Class of 2015, York University Blackfen s growth mind-set culture teaches students to fulfil their aspirations, sixth form prepares students for what they wish to do in the future. Lily Thackeray, Head Student, Year 13 Student Blackfen Sixth Form is a kind and caring environment with extremely dedicated and experienced staff. I received a very warm welcome from the staff and the students and soon realized that it was the school for me. Jordan Farris, Year 12 Student Blackfen Sixth Form

9 FAQ How do I apply? External students (non Blackfen) need to complete an online application form which can be found under the Sixth Form tab on the school website at Applications close on Monday 19th December at 3pm. Please note: you will be given a unique application number on submission of your application, you must keep a note of this. Successful applicants will be invited in for a subject selection meeting. We are oversubscribed therefore we have an admissions policy. You may be offered a place on our waiting list if unsuccessful initially. Which subjects should I choose? You must select subjects that you are interested in and will stick with. All subjects are challenging and require commitment and a positive work ethic. You will study level 3 courses for two years so you must be motivated to do this and enjoy what you are studying. You need to consider your career plan and for degree choice (if you know) and select subjects that will allow progression into this field. A good starting point is to look at UCAS ( to see what subjects and grades specific degrees and universities require. What is the difference between BTEC and A Level? All A Level subjects are Linear and therefore examined at the end of 2 years. Most A Levels are 100% examination. For those that have a coursework component it is likely to be a minimal amount (apart from Art). The new BTEC courses are as challenging as A Levels but with a higher coursework component. All BTECs have examinations/externally assessed units as compulsory components, these are taken during year 12 and 13. Students on BTECs must be able to meet deadlines and work independently on coursework and preparation work. BTECs are more vocational in nature and more related to specific careers/occupations. They are given the same weighting as A Levels for UCAS points and accepted at most universities. Will I have to attend everyday? Yes. Unlike a college, at Blacken students are required to attend school at 8.30am everyday. There are no part time courses in the Sixth Form. Will I have time to study? Yes. All students are timetabled for compulsory study sessions in the supervised Study Centre. This time is used to complete homework, prep work, revision or coursework. Students will also have additional non-contact hours on their timetable. These will be spend either in a study room, the learning zone, library or in a specific dedicated classroom (Art students are required to complete study time in art classrooms and music students use the recording studio or practice rooms). What financial support is available? Eligible students are encouraged to apply for the Bursary and Free School meals. The bursary can be used to pay for school clothing, books, trips, etc. More information can be found on the school website. What do I wear? Blackfen Sixth Form has a strict dress code of smart work clothing. Students are required to wear a suit jacket. A copy of the dress code can be found on the school website. Blackfen Sixth Form

10 Address Blackfen Sixth Form Blackfen Road Sidcup, DA15 9NU Contact Tel Website