Sixth Form Prospectus
‘Aspire not to have more, but to be more’ We are a high-achieving, academic and dynamic school which fosters the well-being of each individual within an exciting, challenging and supportive environment. We recognise commitment, hard work and success, setting ourselves the highest academic We are proud of our school and its Christian values, yet respect the beliefs of others in our community. We believe in social justice for all and feel a sense of responsibility for those less fortunate, for whom we provide support both locally and globally through our fundraising and community service.
We are proud of our Sixth Form Centre where we are as happy to welcome high-calibre students from outside the Alderley Edge School for Girls community as we are the girls who move into our Sixth Form following on from Year 11. They are young women who recognise the benefits of a high quality, single-sex education, which will enable them to move on to university and ultimately the wider world.
In the Sixth Form, girls are given greater opportunities and privileges including a Common Room area, a designated IT Suite and a Coffee Bar. Girls are also expected, as young adults, to take control of their own learning. As a school, we aim to balance the increase in freedom with an unparalleled level of support and guidance. We are committed to providing the highest level of individual care and support to each and every student, particularly in making career choices, completing UCAS applications and preparing for interviews. Girls leave the Sixth Form highly qualified, wellequipped and enthusiastic about the future that lies ahead, taking with them a host of memories and experiences from their time with us.
Mrs Kate Cheetham Head of Sixth Form
Mrs Anne Perls Assistant Head of Sixth Form
00 + 01 SIXT H FORM
Our Sixth Form is exclusively academic and as a result we offer AS and A level options in a wide variety of subjects, in addition to the Cambridge Pre-U course in English Literature. Teaching is outstanding and our students appreciate the individualised help and motivation which their teachers give them. Girls are given complete freedom of choice of subjects and the timetable is then constructed to meet their options. This flexibility reiterates the view that girls are individuals and this allows them to follow their own path through these two crucial years.
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challenges to develop our talents to the full.
Welcome
Contents A full and enriching curriculum
10
Planning for their future careers
12
The importance of pastoral care
14
What makes us different?
16
Leavers’ destinations and lasting memories
18
Fees and scholarships
20
Transport links
20
The Lower Sixth Students in the Lower Sixth will opt to study four or five subjects at AS Level, including General Studies, which is a taught and examined subject. They will then narrow their subject choices down to three (or possibly four) A Level subjects which they will study in the Upper Sixth.
The Upper Sixth In the Upper Sixth, students are encouraged to remain committed and dedicated to their studies as the pressure increases in the run up to their A Level examinations. All students receive individualised and tailored support to prepare them for the challenges ahead.
Freedom and Flexibility In the Sixth Form girls are given more flexibility, opportunities and privileges including a Common Room, a designated IT Suite and Coffee Bar.
Resources and Facilities The facilities which the girls enjoy at Sixth Form level are outstanding. They are fully involved in their learning and all the resources are there to support them, with extensive use made of our Virtual Learning Environment.
I want to thank AESG for everything, it has been a pleasure to work with such amazing teachers and I have made friends for life. I will never forget my time at AESG! Emily Former Sixth Form Student
A full and enriching curriculum programme of study for the two years in the Sixth Form. In addition to the core subjects, there are many ways to enrich and extend studies and opportunities to have a varied Sixth Form life by involvement in enrichment activities
As far as enrichment activities are concerned, there are a huge variety of opportunities. For example, we offer a wide range of sporting activities, Debating, the Young Enterprise Scheme, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Community Service, Youth Speaks, Your Future in Europe, Modern Foreign Language Exchanges, Field Trips, the School Magazine MUSE and Model United Nations – to name but a few.
A Levels Offered Art & Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry Design & Technology: Product Design Design & Technology: Food Technology Economics and Business Studies English Language English Literature (Pre-U qualification) French Further Mathematics Geography German History Information & Communication Technology Latin Mathematics Music Philosophy & Ethics (Religious Studies) Physical Education Physics Psychology Spanish Theatre Studies
10 + 11 SIXT H FORM
In addition to the main subjects listed, students will also follow an enrichment programme which includes PE, Community Service, PHSE (Personal, Health and Social Education) and General Studies. The Gifted and Talented programme continues in the Sixth Form and girls have the option of enriching A Level studies with the Extended Project Qualification.
There are, of course, the more traditional enrichment activities on offer and opportunities to join one of the many music groups, choirs, dance squads or sports teams.
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Choice of subjects is critical as this determines the
Planning for their future careers As soon as students enter the Sixth Form they are encouraged to think about the next stage – selecting AL D ERLEY ED GE SC HOOL F OR G IRLS
university courses and considering their future profession. In the Upper Sixth students benefit from continuous support from their tutor and Head of Sixth Form, in order to turn their aspirations into reality.
Our main focus as an academic Sixth Form is to ensure that students achieve the highest grades possible. This will then allow them to access the course of their choice at their preferred university. We therefore monitor, support, encourage and challenge the girls to ensure they achieve academic excellence. We also welcome independent organisations specialising in career planning to run workshops designed to help our students consider what kind of people they are, where their individual strengths might lie and what sorts of courses and careers they should be applying for in the future. In addition we welcome speakers, including our alumnae, to talk specifically to the students about choosing the right university course.
We run several professional events throughout the year in addition to a Careers Fair every two years, to which a vast array of different employers are invited. We also organise sessions with the girls on university life, student finance and career choices for the future on a weekly basis.
12 + 13 SIXT H FORM
In the Sixth Form, we prepare our students for their lives beyond school by supporting them at every stage of the UCAS application process and by encouraging the girls to consider their own futures.
We are proud of the fact that our students go on to study a wide range of courses from Medicine, Law, History, Physics and Modern Foreign Languages to Psychology, Journalism, Marketing and Sports Science at universities as distinct as Oxford and Liverpool John Moores. I have had the best two years of my life here in the Sixth Form. I have not only achieved beyond my expectations, but have amassed amazing memories that will last a lifetime. Olivia Former Sixth Form Student
The importance of pastoral care We are proud of our pastoral system and the amount of individual attention each student receives. AL D ERLEY ED GE SC HOOL F OR G IRLS
Our aim is to foster the confidence, well-being and achievement of each individual, balancing the increased freedom students experience in the Sixth Form with a high level of support and guidance.
14 + 15
The Head and Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Cheetham and Mrs Perls, work closely with the tutors to ensure the girls receive all the necessary help and support they need. In addition, all girls have access to the school nurse for personal health matters and members of the Senior Management Team have a wealth of experience in handling issues of common concern which can affect Sixth Form students.
Greater freedom and more independence mean you begin to manage your time efficiently. It is a good grounding for university as many skills are developed, such as organisation, independent learning and teamwork. There is a really good atmosphere within the Sixth Form which motivates you to succeed. Beth Former Sixth Form Student
SIXT H FORM
Girls in the Sixth Form are allocated to a Form which is made up of both Lower and Upper Sixth students. Groups are relatively small which means dedicated time and support can be provided for each individual. Tutors choose to work with Sixth Form students and are specialists in a wide variety of subject areas; they therefore build excellent working relationships with the girls during these final and very important years of school – it is vital for students to be supported both emotionally and academically.
Life Beyond School As a Sixth Form team we prepare our students for their lives beyond school and work alongside them to ensure their future plans are brought to fruition. We invite former students back to the school to discuss their life at university and give their much-valued advice to the next generation of university undergraduates.
The Sixth Form is a wonderful time to pursue your chosen subjects in much more depth, however there is so much more to Sixth Form life – it offers fantastic opportunities to develop teamwork, discover additional skills and talents and above all to achieve at the very highest level.
What makes us different? Being a Sixth Form student at AESG is special. Although we are highly academic, it is certainly not an ivory tower existence. The expectations are high but there are also privileges such as a more Unbeatable Preparation
relaxed dress code, teachers who view you as young adults and freedom to go into Alderley Edge village at lunch time.
Closer Contact
Achieving Aspirations All the girls are known and valued as individuals. Whatever their strengths, whatever their needs, they will receive the personalised care, expertise and encouragement to fulfil their aspirations and make the next stage a reality.
It is even more the case in the Sixth Form that we will work closely with you to support your daughter in these critically important years. You will be kept fully informed of her progress and we also value your input as to how she is progressing. Time is very short and we will support her at every stage.
16 + 17 SIXT H FORM
The individual care and excellent advice which they receive concerning the UCAS process and all aspects of university preparation is unbeatable – even if your daughter applies in her Gap Year she will still get the same level of support from the Sixth Form team.
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So Much on Offer
Leavers’ destinations and lasting memories After spending two studious and fulfilling years in the Sixth Form, our students go their separate ways to pursue their chosen university courses. We have listed here a selection of their degree courses – an impressive testimony to the exciting dedication, hard work and commitment.
Yasmin Former Sixth Form Student
The girls thoroughly enjoy their time here, do please take the time to read some of their testimonials about their experiences at Alderley Edge School for Girls. Feel free to arrange an appointment to visit the school and speak to our girls directly.
Adult Nursing Anthropology Art & Design Foundation Biochemistry Business and Geography Business and Management Computing Consumer Marketing Deaf Studies Dental Therapy Drama Economics English Literature European Management Events Management Geography History Law Marketing Management Mathematics Mathematics and Philosophy Medicine Modern Foreign Languages Music New Media Pharmacology Physics Politics Primary Education Psychology Sports and Exercise Sociology Theatre Studies
18 + 19 SIXT H FORM
When our girls leave us, it is as confident and impressive young women, ready to move on to university and then an exciting career and fulfil their potential. Leavers do not, however, forget about their school life and many keep in touch with other girls at the school and the staff who have taught them over the years. They also keep in touch through our Old Girls’ Network.
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futures that await them as a result of their
I’ve had such a wonderful time at AESG, I wouldn’t have had a better time anywhere else. I’ve made amazing friends and had brilliant teachers to teach me. I am really sad to be leaving and I will definitely miss AESG.
Admissions Overview for the Sixth Form
Entry into the Sixth Form is based on GCSE results and an interview with the Headmistress, Sue Goff and Head of Sixth Form, Kate Cheetham.
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20 + 21
The minimum recommended requirement is at least 6 GCSEs at grade B or above including a minimum of a grade C in Mathematics and English Language. Some subjects have further specific requirements which are explained in the Sixth Form Options Booklet.
Fees The current fees for those girls joining us in the Sixth Form are £3,278 per term. Fees include school lunches and personal accident insurance.
SIXTH F ORM
Please note: The fees listed are for academic year 2013 – 2014, and will be subject to an annual review. Additional Children Should you have subsequent children joining the school and your first child is paying full fees, you will receive a sibling discount 10% – Second Child 20% – Third Child 50% – Fourth Child
Application Procedure
Scholarships and Bursaries
Open Days
Transport Links
If you would like to visit the Sixth Form, please contact Julie Bedigan, School Registrar to book an appointment. The school offers Taster Days and Information Evenings for those girls who are interested in joining us.
In order to support the girls in their aspirations we are keen to recognise and promote academic excellence in the Sixth Form. Sixth Form Academic Scholarships are based on performance in the Scholarship Examinations and a successful interview. Music and Sports Scholarships are also available in the Sixth Form.
Our Sixth Form Information Evening is taking place on
Situated on the A34 Bypass in Alderley Edge, we are easily accessible by car, train and bus. The location of Alderley Edge Railway station, directly opposite the school, also helps to open up access for our girls with regular direct trains to Manchester and Crewe. We work with several private hire companies and the minibus and coach routes bring students to and from school from a wide area. The stops en route are flexible and we try our utmost to accommodate girls joining the school and to find options which will work for all.
If you would like to apply for a place, please complete the enclosed application form and return it to us at your earliest convenience. An admission fee of £75 is payable at this time. The admissions policy and all other school policy information is available on our website www.aesg.co.uk. For further details about Sixth Form entry, subjects options and grade expectations, please contact the School Registrar, Julie Bedigan to arrange an appointment with Head of Sixth Form, Kate Cheetham, or to receive a Sixth Form Options Booklet.
It is expected that Music scholars will have achieved Grade 6 standard in one or more instruments with good predicted GCSE grades and that Sport scholars will have high levels of expertise, talent and ability that can be further developed. High levels of participation in other areas of school sporting life will be looked upon favourably. Sports scholars are expected to play a full part in the sporting life of the school, and have good predicted GCSE grades. A small number of Bursaries are awarded annually and are subject to review during the summer term for the following academic year. Each application is considered on an individual basis. For more details, please contact the School Bursar, Pauline McGill.
Thursday 26 September from 6.00pm – 8.45pm. Senior School and Sixth Form Open Days are also being held on: Thursday 10 October 2013 from 7.00pm – 8.30pm Saturday 12 October 2013 from 10.00am – 12.30pm In addition, we offer working day tours and Taster Days at your convenience.
Alderley Edge School for Girls, Wilmslow Road, Cheshire, SK9 7QE T. 01625 583028 F. 01625 590271 E. schoolmail@aesg.co.uk www.aesg.co.uk Registered Company No. 2659703 Registered Charity No.1006726