Planning!
Design!
Hi we’re Demi and Dom, the editors of the student prospectus. We would like to welcome you to a new chapter, are you ready? We have created a student prospectus to give you an insight into the life of a student at All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form. Starting Sixth Form can cause a lot of stress but hopefully this prospectus will reassure you that there really is nothing to worry about!
Demi!
Write up!
Dom!
It is common knowledge that there is a big step up in the workload when you become a sixth form student, but do not be afraid because with hard work and dedication the workload is achievable. You can make the two years at sixth form successful as long as you manage your time, have the correct attitude and juggle your social life with the workload. Often students attend sixth form at a different school to the school at which they previously studied and this can bring the worry of not making friends. However sixth form gives students the opportunity to make new friends with extracurricular activities, socials and new classes! Sixth formers upon starting are issued with a laptop on loan for two years. These
are to support with study in classes, study periods and at home. There are dedicated areas for sixth form students to study such as the sixth form study room and the common room. Sixth formers also have access to other areas of the school that are used by all students including the learning hub and breakout areas (areas in-between classrooms which are kitted out with computers).
SIXTH FORM TEAM
Mr Simcox jsimcox@asachelt.org
Mr Kelly lkelly@asachelt.org
Mr Carroll tcarroll@asachelt.org
Mrs Atkins ratkins@asachelt.org
Mrs Parr jparr@asachelt.org
Danielle Screen screda08@asachelt.org
Emily Towle towlem08@asachelt.org
Dan Newman newmda08@asachelt.org
Jack Lane laneja08@asachelt.org
Emma Power, previously studied at Pittville “When I first joined All Saints’ it was scary and daunting but I soon discovered that everyone is very friendly and the teachers and staff gave a very warm welcome. Before I began I had doubts, but I’m glad I made the decision I did, because now I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Bryoni Bradshaw, previously studied at Winchcombe “I found it hard moving from such a small school to one as large as ASA but after my first few weeks I started to settle in and make friends as well as taking on board opportunities ASA offered. The relationships I developed with my teachers made coming to ASA a lot easier as they were friendly and encouraging to all students. Finally after my first few weeks at All Saints’ I was certain that I had made the correct choice and I have loved attending ever since!!”
Wednesday Sport Wednesday afternoons students take a break from studying and have the opportunitiy engage in sporting activities. There are several options Sixth Formers are able to choose from. The options change each term so the students can try something new but also to deal with weather conditions. Options include: • Football • Netball • Rounders • Basketball • Badminton • Table tennis • Yoga • Aerobics For several of the above sports, ASA puts together a team which will then compete against other schools during the Wednesday after-
noon slot. Good sportsmanship, a good attitude and dedication will allow you to take up these opportunities and compete for the school. Often the sports department will bring in external people to deliver a different session to the students. For example Zumba was offered last year as a taster session and then was continued as an extracurricular activity on a Friday Afternoon. Suggestions are always welcome for new activities, just let the sports staff or a Sixth Form leader know.
Amazing grades are not possible without studying and studying successfully is not always easy. Here are 4 steps to be help you get the best possible grades!
12 Motivation
Concentration
Motivation is key. If you are not motivated and have a poor attitude, your study session will not be very productive. Pick a time of day where you can get motivated. Midnight isn’t always the best time to finish coursework!
The ability to concentrate is one of the more important study skills you need to develop. You won’t always be able to study in absolute silence. You need to learn how to overcome distractions so you can focus all your attention on your studies. If studying in sixth form areas is difficult because of noise levels then it is your responsibility to move elsewhere.
Time-Management
When in doubt, ask
It is not the amount of time you spend studying that matters. It’s what you can accomplish during that time. Study periods are there to be used. If you use them correctly, you will remain on top of your workload and maximise your results! When given your timetable it’s a good idea to allocate study periods to subjects to ensure that you are never falling behind. Remember that working in your study periods isn’t enough! If you want the best grades you should spend your own time reading ahead, catching up or completing coursework.
If you aren’t sure about a particular topic, don’t be shy. Ask your teacher, family or friends for help. It is important to address the problem area as soon as possible to avoid spending even more time catching up.
34
The Bishops’ Award is an optional initiative that offers students the opportunity to get involved with the wider school life, outside of their usual subjects, that at the same time recognises student successes. Activities range from; Prefects, House Captain, successfully completing the Start-up scheme, lunchtime and Homework Supervisors, Student Council, Summer Schools Supervisor, leading Sixth Form fancy dress days, Church support, 95%+ attendance, being part of the Social Committee, writing for the school newspaper, leading assemblies, Year 6 Induction support, sports day support, L4L Sixth Form Alternative Sports Day, and much more.
Last year several awards were achieved. In Year 13 there were: • • • •
5 X Platinum award winners 14 X Gold award winners 11 X Silver award winners 32 X Bronze award winners
During your two years at Sixth Form there will be opportunities for you to go on trips. These trips can go alongside your course or may be provided as an extra-curricular activity. Examples of trips that have taken place the last
BCU Trip! NEW YORK!
two years are shown below.
Science Festival
Trip to Parliament!
Skiing trip
Africa
One of the main advantages of being a sixth form student is you have more independence and can hold social events for the students. Social events are important because they help to bring the students together, bonding with current friends but also developing new friendships. It gives students a break from the studying and rewards them for their hard work. In the past two years at All Saints’ we have held several social events, the most popular event being the “Ice breaker� which was held at a local nightclub. This year we hope to have even more socials to bring the students together so if you think you can help make this hap-
pen or have good ideas for a social event then join the sixth form social committee and pass them on.
elfie! Icebreaker s
Frien
ds!
!
arty
-p Pre
As a reward for all your hard work throughout the year students are able to attend a Year 13 Ball. Students have the opportunity to dress in their finest attire and spend the evening watching videos from their stay, win awards and then dance the evening away alongside friends. There is an opportunity to join Ball Committee to help run this event.
Towards the end of Year 13 students will be given a log in to the year book website on which they can fill in their profile and upload photos that will then be placed into the final book. Students will be given a chance to buy a copy which they are then presented with on results day. Yearbooks are a good way for students to store memories that can be looked back on in years to come.
Results 2014 A-Level results at All Saints’ Academy are improving each year, with 2014 being the best results yet!
2014 results! 97% Pass 47% A*-B 61% A*-C
Some of our students results: Chelsea Midwinter Distinction* x 3 Liam Taylor Distinction*, A*, A Bryoni Bradshaw B, B, B
Beyond Sixth Form You may think that its a little too early to think about the future considering you are just starting sixth form but it’s never too soon. It’s good to begin thinking about what you can get out of your two years at sixth form and where it can take you. There are many routes you may choose to take once you have completed A-Levels: • Apprenticeship • University • Gain employment • Gap Year You are not alone on making your decision. Staff members provide support and advice on what’s best for you after Sixth Form but you are also able to talk to Year 13s to see where sixth form is taking them.
Demi is off to Birmingham City University to study Journalism. Dom is studying Business in University of Worcester.
Brandon is doing a higher apprenticeship at GE Aviation.
Bethany is doing an apprenticeship in Child Care at a nursery.
@asasixthform
@asachelt
@asasixthform
@asachelt
www.asachelt.org All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form, Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham, GL51 0WH Tel.01242711200