take 5 simple steps further... POST SIXTEEN PROVISION

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1 POST SIXTEEN PROVISION

2 I m delighted that you re considering for your studies. Choosing where to continue your education is a major decision and I believe that is the right choice. is a brand new post-16 provider, serving the needs of the community and surrounding areas. We are here to provide an outstanding learning environment which will inspire and develop you into a confident, independent learner, who is fully prepared for the work place, university and beyond. We understand that for our students it is not just the qualifications which are an important factor in making their decision we believe that post-16 students need a different environment which helps their transition to the next stage of their life, whether that be university, college or employment. As well as offering A level courses we will be investing in a 6th form suite for our students. This will include a student lounge with catering facilities, private study areas, an outdoor area and access to the Goals fitness suite. Our post-16 students will not wear uniform but will be expected to wear smart business dress with the aim of making them feel that they are continuing with the high quality education provided by The Excel Academy but are young adults being given the luxury of independence, responsibility and high quality provision. offers an experience that is based on the belief that the best post 16 provision stems from smaller class sizes and personalised support, bridging the gap between school and your life as an independent adult. The experience will also provide a greater freedom, combining the study of subjects that you genuinely enjoy, with more adult relationships with teachers and tutors, which all make for an exceptionally fulfilling and hugely rewarding time. Your post 16 years are very much a gateway to your future, which is why everyone at Excel Further, shares a vision and commitment to provide a safe, inspiring place of learning to encourage achievement, ambition and to guide you into becoming confident and successful members of society. The Excel Academy is a good school. Welcome JOHN PATINO EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL &3 2 EXCELLENT LEARNING FACILITIES

3 1a Choose Your Programme of Study Programmes of Study You have choices! First of all you need to decide what type of qualification you want or need to study. Programme 1: 3 A Excel Further Programme 2: BTEC Level 2 Studio College Programme 3: BTEC Level 3 Extended Studio College Programme 1: The A level course will be undertaken over a period of four days and, unlike any other providers, the other one day will be given to work experience which we will arrange for the young person. This will give them the educational values and the life skills and experiences which Universities, apprenticeship providers and other employment establishments are desiring, alongside qualifications. Programme 2 and 3: In addition to the A level pathways, we will also be offering Excel students a preferential route into other courses provided by the Studio College. For example, students interested in pursuing careers in Engineering, Built Environment, Science or Business, they will have the choice of BTEC courses at both Level 2 and Level 3 These qualifications can lead to University, Advanced Apprenticeships or employment. A Level BTEC English Literature Maths History Biology Art Photography PE Media Engineering Construction Business Students make good progress. EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDY VOCATIONAL AND ACADEMIC PATHWAYS &5 4

4 1b Choose Your Programme of Study To complement your Programmes of Study Enrichment We focus on academic excellence but also believe in the development of well-rounded individuals. Our students are therefore encouraged to participate in a wide range of volunteering opportunities, both within school and outside of school. Creating opportunities to develop and evidence a wide range of skills needed for university and the wide world of work, including: Teamwork Empathy Communication skills Leadership Time management Mentoring Coaching Community Sports Leadership Award Sixth Form students have an opportunity to achieve the Community Sports Leadership Award (CSLA). This involves experience in coaching and organising events for our younger students and pupils from our feeder primary schools. Duke of Edinburgh s Award Our students have an opportunity to achieve the Duke of Edinburgh s Award up to and including the Gold Award. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience a wide range of activities including volunteering in the community and taking part in overnight expeditions. Supporting the School Ethos Sixth Formers have the opportunity to take responsibility for the organisation of younger students. Leadership qualities are essential in today s environment and, as students of all ages are proud to belong to the school community, we offer this chance to all Sixth Formers and appropriate training to become mentors/counsellors/ prefects. FutureLearn FutureLearn is a unique and accessible way to learn a range of new and exciting topics. Educators from top UK and International Universities have compiled a vast range of unusual and interesting courses for you to not only complement your studies, but make fresh discoveries and form new ideas. The excellent courses on offer are based on their knowledge of me! Year 11 student &7 6

5 2 Do you have the right Grades? Entry Criteria We ask for a certain level of academic attainment in order to progress onto a pathway here at Excel Further. We have set entry at this level because we believe if you have achieved to this standard, you are prepared for the challenge of advanced level study. Therefore, from September 2015, there are two sets of criteria; one for an A Level Pathway and one for the BTEC Pathway. If you are interested in studying Programme 1: 3 A Excel Further You should have at least a 5 A* - C Grades including English and Maths If you wish to study English and Maths at A Level, you should have at least a B grade in both English and Maths GCSE If you are interested in studying Programme 2: BTEC Level 2 Studio College At least 4 A* D grades at GCSE including English and Maths If you are interested in studying Programme 3: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma@ Studio College At least 4 A* to C grades at GCSE including English and Maths You should have at least a B grade in Maths GCSE...teaching is typically good and outstanding. &9 8 2 There are examples of outstanding teaching.

6 3 Look at the support available to you Support Success on your pathway will depend largely on you. We encourage our students to take responsibility for their learning and to become independent thinkers! That does not mean you will be left on your own. Your teachers and tutors will guide and support you with your independent learning, pointing you in the right direction to access useful resources and answering your questions. As well as teaching staff, you will have an Academic Tutor. This person is there to support you in a range of ways, offering advice on applying for university, support on study skills and time management, or just someone to talk to. Sessions with your Academic Tutor will run in groups, but also one to one, so you can talk about issues really relevant to you. Your teachers and your tutor all want the same thing: for you to achieve your potential. They will help you do this by getting you to think about your goals, set targets to enable you to reach those goals and monitor your progression. This process encourages you to take responsibility for planning your learning and make the best use of your time. As well as the focus on supporting you in your studies, we also have a range of other support services available to you. This includes Career staff, who can advise you on University, employment, apprenticeships and financial advice. The pastoral support offered can assist you with student welfare, health advice and counsellors too, so if you need someone to talk to, there is always a sympathetic ear available. Relationships with staff are highly positive. Students feel extremley wellcared for &1

7 4 Apply for your place my son is able to make the transition to A Levels but with the added bonus that the teacher really cares, as they have followed his life through school. my brother and sister both left here with great results and wish they could have stayed on to do AS and A Levels, now I will get that chance. 4 Parent Student 12 3 &1

8 5: Further your love of learning See you in September! Everyone at The Excel Academy shares the vision and a commitment to provide a safe, inspiring place of learning to encourage achievement and ambition and to guide students to become confident and successful members of society. Excellent guidance for our community Excellent individual pathway choices Excellent future opportunities &1

9 The Excel Academy I Milton Road I Sneyd Green Stoke on Trent I Staffordshire I ST1 6LG t: I f: e: [email protected] Executive Principal: Mr. J. Patino M.Ed.,NPQH Chair of Governing Body: Councillor D. Gratton DESIGNED & PRODUCED BY PPS I I