Essential information 2017/18

Blackpool Sixth

Essential Information 2017 - 2018

www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk

Summary of contents Welcome to Blackpool Sixth 03 Our mission and values 03 Important dates for 2017 - 2018 03 Study programmes and entry requirements 04 Academic Support Tutorials (ASTs) 04 Directed Study Time (DST) 04 Study day 05 Communication with parents/carers 05 The Blackpool Sixth day 05 Membership cards 06 Reception 06 Equality and diversity 06 Acceptable use of computers 06 Attendance and punctuality 06 Term time holidays or requests for special leave 06 Absence procedures 07 Long-term sickness 07 Safeguarding and confidentiality 07 Change of circumstances 07 Safety and first aid 08 Pastoral care 08 Additional support for students 08 Minimum Target Grades (MTG) 08 Changing a subject 08 External and mock examinations 08-09 Route3 programme (Level 2) and progression to Lower Sixth 09 FYi – The learning resource centre 09 Student Services, financial support and transport support 10 Careers and education, information, advice and guidance 10 Work experience placements 10 The Excellence Programme 11 Excellence programme enrichment (6Advance) 11 Enrichment programme (6Xtra) 11 The college environment 11 Bicycles, motorcycles and cars 11 Catering facilities 11 Illegal substances, smoking and consumption of alcohol 12 Dress to college 12 Compliments, concerns and complaints 12 Disciplinary procedures 12 Other policies operated by the Directors (Governing Body) 13 Charges to students for college activities 13 Financial contributions for specific subjects 14-19

Our Mission:

Inspiring learning, developing character, building futures

02

Blackpool Sixth 2017 - 2018 Introduction

Our mission and core values Our mission: Inspiring learning, developing character, building futures

The core values: The core values listed below underpin everything we do as a college and as a community:

Respect - for ourselves, for others, for the rule of law, for the environment

Excellence and High Aspirations - striving to be the best we can be

Support - helping everyone to succeed Inclusion - valuing everyone individually Integrity - acting according to our values and promises Global Citizenship - being active in improving our world and broadening horizons

Enthusiasm - learning because we love to learn, teaching because we love to teach

Welcome to Blackpool Sixth

Please note: The information given in this handbook was accurate at the time of going to press in July 2017 but may, of course, be superseded in some respects during the academic year 2017/2018.

I am delighted that you have chosen to join us for the next step in your education.

Blackpool Sixth is a very welcoming, supportive and friendly place in which to study. Students achieve outstanding results; this is in part due to the fact that we have high expectations of all our students and staff.

I hope that you find this handbook useful. You will find information about important matters, including student attendance, travel, college policies and health and welfare.

Our Blackpool Sixth Expects document gives guidance on what is expected of students in terms of their studies and general behaviour. It also clearly sets out the high standards that Blackpool Sixth expects of itself to ensure all our students can achieve their full potential and receive the best support.

We will provide students with an environment that helps them to make a smooth and confident transition to university, employment with training and a future career.

Blackpool Sixth values a positive partnership between college, students and their parents/carers; communication, therefore, is very important to us. In the Autumn and Spring term parents/carers will receive a newsletter, which will provide updated information and news about Blackpool Sixth. Please visit our website www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk for regularly updated news and information.

Please do not hesitate to contact any member of staff should you need to – we are all here to help.

Wishing you happiness and success during your time with us.

Jill Gray Principal

Important dates for 2017 - 2018 24th & 25th August 4th September 5th September 6th September 26th September 23rd - 27th October 8th November 15th November 17th November 20th December 8th January 15th – 19th January 21st February 28th February 12th - 16th February 1st March 8th May 6th March 22nd March 23rd March 9th April 9th - 13th April 7th May 28th May - 1st June 2nd & 3rd July

Enrolment for new students Upper Sixth Building Futures Day Induction Day for Lower Sixth and Route3 students Lessons for Lower Sixth and Route3 students only Welcome Evening for all new students and their parents/carers Half term (college closed to students & public) Staff CPD Day (no students in college) Cause for Concern Evening for parents/carers Staff day - No students in college Students finish for Christmas College opens for Spring Term Upper Sixth formal mock examination week Progress Review Evening for students and parents/carers (surname A-K) Progress Review Evening for students and parents/carers (surname L-Z) Half term (college closed to students & public) Staff CPD Day (no students in college) Cause for Concern Evening for parents/carers Preparing for University Evening for Upper Sixth parents/carers Building Futures Evening for Lower Sixth parents/carers Students finish for Easter College opens for Summer Term Year one formal mock examination week May Day Bank Holiday Half term New Student Days (no lessons for current students)

6th July

Students finish for Summer

03

Study programmes and entry requirements All students will have a study programme which will include: • Main area of study (A Levels, Level 3 BTECs, Level 2 BTECs or GCSEs, where appropriate).

• Pastoral mentor session • Pastoral mentor 1:1 review meetings • Directed Study Time (DST) • Course enrichment (e.g. course related visits and visiting speakers from higher education and industry) • Enrichment (e.g. 6Xtra activities) • Experience of work (e.g employability skills development) In addition, study programmes may also include: • English and mathematics GCSE studies (where appropriate) • Additional qualifications (e.g. Community Sports Leaders Award) • Work placements or volunteering placements (an essential part for students studying mainly BTEC courses or the Route3 programme) • The Excellence Programme • 6Advance

Study Programme : Main area of study

Entry Requirements

A Level Programme

Students require at least 2 GCSEs at grade B (5) and 3 GCSEs at grade C (4) in academic GCSEs, in most cases including both Maths and English. Some courses have specific requirements - see the prospectus or website for details.

3 or 4 A Level courses In some cases a GCSE in English or Maths as part of the programme.

BTEC Programme BTEC Level 3 Triple or BTEC Level 3 Double plus single BTEC. The programme may also include GCSE English/Maths, where required

Combined Programme A combination of A level and BTEC courses adding up to the equivalent of three or four single courses.

Route3 Programme First year: GCSE English and/ or Maths, where appropriate and Level 2 Finance, plus a choice of one of the following: BTEC Level 2 Workskills, GCSE Biology, BTEC Level 2 Creative Digital Media or BTEC Level 2 Public Services

Students generally require 5 GCSE passes of C (4) grade or above (or equivalent), including English or Maths. Some courses have specific requirements - see the prospectus or website for details.

Students generally require 5 GCSE passes of C (4) grade or above (or equivalent), including English or Maths. Some courses have specific requirements - see the prospectus or website for details.

A minimum of 4 D (3) grades at GCSE is required to begin the Route3 programme with GCSE Maths and English grades of at least E (2), unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Second and third years: Students will follow one of the Level 3 study programmes outlined above in most cases the BTEC or Combined programmes.

This is a three year programme for students who don’t have 5 GCSEs at grade C (4) or above at enrolment.

Academic Support Tutorials (ASTs) Each department is allocated time each week to provide extra support for students, called Academic Support Tutorial (AST) time.

ASTs will be provided to support students in a variety of ways, including revisiting previously taught material, developing study skills and working towards achieving high grades. Wherever possible, ASTs will take place within the core day, for example at lunchtime, but may also be scheduled to begin after session 6 at 3.45pm.

Directed Study Time (DST) Students should expect to spend at least four hours on independent study every week for each of their subjects. Directed Study Time (DST) gives students the opportunity to work independently towards achieving this during their core day at college to complete tasks set by their subject teachers and other members of staff. Students will be set DST tasks such as: • Preparation work for future lessons • Wider reading • Research tasks • Peer assessment of a partner’s classwork • Correcting mistakes from a ‘model’ answer written badly • Devising concept maps to summarise their learning • Completion of homework or assignments • Coursework assignment work Pastoral Mentors will help students to make effective use of their independent study time and support students to complete work and meet deadlines.

04

Progress Review and consultation evenings Progress review reports giving details of each student’s progress, effort, attendance and current achievement are sent to parents/ carers in October and in February. These follow one to one discussions between the student and his/her Subject Teachers and Pastoral Mentor.

Study Day The study day is designed to give students blocks of time for concentrated study. The study day is part of a student’s commitment to college and they must be ready to come into college if required to do so. Students are usually allowed to work at home, however, if they wish they can use the college’s study areas such as the FYi and other facilities on this day.

Teachers will ask students to come into college for part or all of their study day if they think it necessary, for example to catch up on work or carry out a resit key assessment. Equally, teachers may require students to attend Academic Support Tutorials (ASTs) on their study day. In addition, students should use the study day to gain work experience or participate in other work-related learning organised by the college.

Therefore, students should not organise regular commitments that are not flexible on their study day (e.g. part time work).

We see the study day as a vital part of the college week: it is definitely not a “day off”.

Communication with parents/carers At Blackpool Sixth we recognise the commitment parents and carers make in supporting their daughter’s/son’s/ward’s learning, so we aim to work in partnership with parents/carers to ensure all students achieve their full potential. We keep parents/carers involved in a variety of ways.

Email Blackpool Sixth is committed to improving the environment and will use paperless forms of communication, where possible. Newsletters and progress reports will be sent to parents/carers via email. It is important that college is informed of any changes to email addresses by sending the details to enquiries@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk Newsletter Parents/carers will receive a Parents’ Newsletter in the Autumn and Spring terms which will provide updated information and news about college.

Parents’/carers’ welcome evening This gives parents/carers an opportunity to establish personal contact with their daughter’s, son’s or ward’s Pastoral Mentor, learn more about Blackpool Sixth and the demands of the courses, and raise any concerns.

Academic monitoring reports These reports will be sent to parents/carers in November, February and April/May. The reports will include attendance data and latest predicted grades in each subject.

Progress Review Evenings Progress Review Evenings are held each year in February when parents/carers come into college to consult with individual Subject Teachers. Students are expected to accompany their parents/carers to the consultation evening.

Parents/carers may also be invited to attend Cause for Concern Evenings, held in November and May, if teachers are concerned that students are underperforming significantly.

Other communication with parents/carers Parents/carers are welcome to enquire at any time about their daughter’s, son’s or ward’s progress, or any other matter. Please either telephone college and ask to speak to the student’s Pastoral Mentor or contact the member of staff directly via email.

Pastoral Mentors or Heads of Department will get in touch with parents/carers from time to time, and particularly if there is any reason for concern about a student’s work, well-being, attendance or punctuality.

A member of the reception team may telephone parents/carers to seek information about any student who is absent without a valid explanation.

Students over 18 years of age are advised to inform their Pastoral Lead or the Head of Student Support if they do not wish college to contact their parents/carers.

Website There is a wealth of information and news items available on our frequently updated website www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk and on social media through the college’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Parent portal The parent portal is an online tool giving parents/carers direct access to their daughter’s/son’s/ward’s up-to-date attendance and progress data. Access details to the parent portal will be provided to parents/carers who are named on the student enrolment form and have provided a personal email address.

If the college has a valid email address for parents/carers then account details, including username and password, will then be automatically sent by email by the end of September.

Otherwise, an application to have access to the parent portal post enrolment can be made using the portal application form available from the college website.

Attendance reports These will be sent to parents/carers in October and January.

Attendance data is also included in the Progress Review reports sent in October and February.

The Blackpool Sixth day Blackpool Sixth is open from 8.00 a.m. until 5.30 pm each weekday during term time.

Timetabled classes are generally arranged in sessions 1 to 6 but some activities, such as sport, enrichment activities and field trips take place outside these hours, and special arrangements are then made for students to have whatever access to Blackpool Sixth facilities they need.

Please note: each student receives a personalised timetable when they join Blackpool Sixth.

05

Equality and diversity Blackpool Sixth is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and study. The college is opposed to all forms of discrimination inline with the Public Sector Equality Duty 2011 and as defined by the Equality Act 2010, whether direct, perceived, indirect or by association.

Membership cards All staff and students must wear their membership card visibly on a Blackpool Sixth lanyard around their neck whilst on the college site, in lessons and examinations, when using college facilities or when taking part in college activities. This helps us to ensure the safety of all members of college and to confirm that only recognised visitors are welcomed on to the site.

Students who forget to bring their membership card to college will be asked to report to the FYi or the Student Finance Office where they will be given a temporary membership sticker.

Students must pay a £2 fee for a replacement for a lost membership card and lanyard. Replacement cards can be obtained from the Student Finance Office.

We take the safety of our students very seriously and anyone persistently not visibly wearing a membership card will face disciplinary action.

Students who persistently forget or lose their membership card will face disciplinary action and may be required to pay a £10 deposit for a replacement card and lanyard, the deposit is refundable once the membership card or lanyard returned.

Students who forget to bring their membership card to college will be asked to report to the FYi or the Student Finance Office where they will be given a temporary membership sticker.

Students must pay a £2 fee for a replacement for a lost membership card and lanyard. Replacement cards can be obtained from the Student Finance Office.

We take the safety of our students very seriously and anyone persistently not visibly wearing a membership card will face disciplinary action.

Students who persistently forget or lose their membership card will face disciplinary action and may be required to pay a £10 deposit for a replacement card and lanyard, the deposit is refundable once the membership card or lanyard returned.

Reception Reception is located on the ground floor of the main building and is staffed from 8.15am to 5.30pm. Enquiries can be directed to reception in person, or by telephone, using the main Blackpool Sixth number 01253 394911.

The college seeks to ensure that no individual or group, because of their protected characteristic, faces discrimination, harassment or victimisation.

Protected characteristics refer to: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. It is also unlawful for employers to ask health-related questions prior to a job offer, unless the questions are specifically related to an intrinsic function of the work.

Promoting, celebrating and valuing diversity and ensuring equality are at the heart of the college’s core values, and will benefit the college in all aspects of its members’ performance. These encompass the British values of mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith, the rule of law, individual liberty and democracy.

The college will take very seriously any instances of noncompliance to the college’s equality and diversity policy by staff, students or other members of the college community. All instances will be investigated and appropriate disciplinary action taken against the student or staff member.

Students should report any bullying or harassment to their Pastoral Mentor, a member of staff in whom they feel they can confide or a member of the Senior Leadership Team, who will take appropriate action.

Acceptable use of computers We have outstanding IT facilities for students that are used inside and outside lesson time to support and enhance learning. Blackpool Sixth has a very clear Acceptable Use of Computers policy which each student agrees to the first time they log onto a college computer. Failure to comply with the policy could result in serious disciplinary action being taken.

During induction lessons all students are given information, advice and guidance about responsible and safe use of IT and the internet.

The filtering of internet content provides an important means of preventing users from accessing material that is illegal or is inappropriate in an educational context. No filtering system can guarantee 100% protection against access to unsuitable sites, therefore, members of the safeguarding team monitor safe internet usage daily using log file reports.

Attendance and punctuality Regular and punctual attendance at lessons is crucial to the success of our students. We monitor attendance at all lessons and other timetabled activities using an electronic register system. Parents/carers will be informed if students show a pattern of missing sessions without explanation or if they show poor punctuality. Poor attendance and punctuality could lead to disciplinary action in line with the attendance policy and the managing students policy (student code of conduct and disciplinary procedures).

Parents/carers are able to view the up-to-date attendance records using the online parent portal (see the Blackpool Sixth website for further details).

Term time holidays or requests for special leave Blackpool Sixth expects students’ college work to take priority and other activities should be arranged outside of their college commitments. ​ I​t is recognised that there​may be rare occasions​​where a student may require leave of absence from college due to extenuating circumstances. ​ Please refer to the college’s​​Special Leave Policy, available on www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies.

06

Absence procedures At the Blackpool Sixth we expect students to let their Pastoral Mentor and subject teachers know in advance if they are going to be absent from classes due to a scheduled appointment.

For unforeseen absences, we expect students, or their parent/ carer, to on the first day of absence email the student’s Pastoral Mentor or telephone 01253 394911 before 09.15am.

Communication must include the student’s full name, a brief reason for absence and expected return date. Students should also email their subject teachers to get details of any work missed.

Long-term sickness

In normal circumstances during a period of absence we expect students to maintain daily email contact with their Pastoral Mentors and subject teachers to ensure the student is able to maintain learning. If the student, parent/carer does not maintain contact, they can expect to receive a phone call from the college.

Safeguarding and confidentiality

Authorised absences – if Blackpool Sixth is notified in advance • A hospital appointment • An orthodontist appointment • Visit to university to attend an open day/interview; a career related interview or audition • Attendance at court or an appointment with a legal adviser • Practical driving test (An appointment card or appointment letter must be presented to he student’s Pastoral Mentor for all of the above).

Note: Routine medical appointments (e.g. doctor, optician, physiotherapist and dental appointments) should be made outside timetabled sessions and are not considered as authorised absences.

Authorised unforeseen absences • An emergency family situation (a letter from parent/carer should be submitted to the student’s Pastoral Mentor).

• Transport problems with no alternative solution (inform reception on arrival at Blackpool Sixth).

Examples of unacceptable reasons for absence • Unauthorised holidays in term time.

• Part or full-time work that is not part of the student’s programme of study • Birthdays or similar celebrations • Babysitting younger siblings • Driving lessons • Driving Theory Test Whatever the reason for absence, it is the student’s responsibility to complete work missed as quickly as possible.

Staff will support individuals following a period of absence to help students to get back on track. However, if students do not take active steps to catch up on missed work, they may face disciplinary action in line with the managing students policy.

Students who feel unwell whilst in college should report to the Link or the Focus Centre where they will be asked to sit quietly whilst members of staff contact parent(s)/carer(s) to decide whether or not it is appropriate to let them go home.

If symptoms persist and students are permitted leave, they will be marked absent for any sessions missed. Students who go home ill without reporting to the Link or the Focus Centre will be marked as an unknown absence and may face disciplinary action.

Student illness, unless supported by a doctor’s note, will be classed as an unauthorised absence.

07

The college will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to maintain learning during periods of long-term sickness or medical conditions through the Fitness to Study Procedures.

Blackpool Sixth is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students, staff and visitors. All staff will be carefully selected using recruitment and selection procedures designed to emphasise our commitment to safeguarding. All posts, including volunteers, are subject to enhanced DBS clearance.

Blackpool Sixth actively promotes health awareness amongst students. Each member of the college community has an individual responsibility for health and safety. We have trained First Aiders on site at all times and access to a First Aid room.

Blackpool Sixth staff cannot offer absolute confidentiality to students. There are clear situations when it is essential that staff share information with external agencies such as social services or the police, for instance when there is suspicion or evidence that a student is in danger of being harmed or abused.

If anybody has any concerns about any safeguarding issues, or would like further information, please contact college and ask to speak the student’s Pastoral Mentor or the Deputy Head of Student Services. Alternatively, you can email: safeguarding.alert@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk.

The safeguarding and child protection policy is available in the downloads section of the college website.

Any students who are now, or ever have been, in care/looked after, or students who are living independently, should speak to a member of staff in the Student Finance and Welfare Office, who will offer practical support and advice. There may also be additional financial support for students in this position.

Change of circumstances It is important that all our records are fully up to date. Students must inform reception of any change in personal circumstances, for example home address, email address or telephone number.

Safety and first aid Blackpool Sixth is a very safe and secure learning environment. In the unlikely event that students have an accident (or a near miss) at Blackpool Sixth, they should report it to the member of staff in charge or to reception. If necessary a First Aider will be contacted.

Students who are feeling unwell may seek assistance from any member of staff or from the Focus Centre. A First Aider will be called to attend to them if necessary. Parents/carers will be contacted if a student is too ill to remain in college. In this situation we expect parents/carers to make appropriate arrangements to transport the student home safely or to meet the student at the hospital if a first aider has decided that further medical treatment is needed.

Minimum Target Grades (MTG)

Pastoral care All students are allocated a Pastoral Mentor who will offer support and guidance throughout their time at Blackpool Sixth. They will help students to settle into college quickly, monitor their academic progress and look after their wellbeing. The Pastoral Mentor is central to everything students do and is the first line of support for them whilst at college.

The aspiration for students should be to at least achieve their MTG but aim to exceed it. We refer to MTGs in Academic Monitoring Reports which are sent to parents/carers in November, February and April/May. Either side of these dates each student’s performance is regularly monitored and, where progress appears to be falling below minimum expectations, students may be directed to attend academic support tutorials (ASTs) and receive extra support from their teachers, Pastoral Mentor or member of the additional learning support team.

If parents or carers have any concerns, they should contact the Pastoral Mentor who will respond as soon as possible.

Changing a subject

Every student is a member of a pastoral mentor group.

Pastoral Mentors deliver a tutorial programme that is an integral part of students’ learning and development. It supports them to succeed on their programmes of study and progress into higher education or employment with training.

The tutorial programme aims to develop students’ ability to monitor and improve their own academic progress, to research and plan for moving on after college and to promote healthy and safe lifestyle choices. It also helps students to acquire a greater awareness of social and economic-related issues.

Students will meet with their Pastoral Mentor at least once a week as part of a group and also have regular individual tutorials to discuss their progress and agree specific targets for improvement.

Additional support for students Blackpool Sixth provides support for students whose additional needs may have been already recognised in school. However, support is also available where students’ needs are identified in college.

We support students with a variety of needs, relating to mobility and wheelchair access, visual or hearing impairment, dyslexia, dyspraxia, communication needs and medical conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy.

All students are given an initial literacy assessment during induction. This, together with other information (for example from the family or school), helps us to identify students who would benefit from additional support.

If a parent, carer or student feels that support may be needed at Blackpool Sixth, please contact the Additional Learning Support (ALS) team on 01253 394911, or email learning.alert@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk. students who would benefit from additional support.

If a parent, carer or student feels that support may be needed at Blackpool Sixth, please contact the ALS team on 01253 394911, or email learning.alert@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk.

08

Students are given subject-specific Minimum Target Grades (MTG) for each of their subjects the start of their course. The MTG is based on the on average achievement at level 2 that students have achieved when they join college. It is the minimum acceptable grade that should be achieved in each subject. The MTG is used to monitor the progress of individual students.

Students are expected to show a commitment to their studies and continue with each of their chosen courses for the entire academic year. Occasionally, students may find they have made an unsuitable choice for a variety of reasons. In such circumstances it may be possible to arrange a change of subject during the week beginning 18th September.

Any student who has concerns about his or her course choices should speak to his or her Pastoral Mentor.

External and mock examinations External examinations

For a significant number of A Level subjects, students will be required to sit examinations during May and June of their final year of study. This also applies to the majority of students sitting GCSE English, mathematics and science. Level 3 Visual Art subjects have exams planned during the period of March, April and early May. A small number of BTEC subjects at Level 2 and Level 3 will also have external examinations and these will take place in January and May of each academic year.

Students are issued with individual examination timetables in advance of the relevant exam season. If a student has more than one examination externally timetabled at the same time, the Examinations Team will arrange for them to be taken at an alternative time on the same day and advise the student of the new exam start times. This may mean a student has to stay in isolation during the day and be advised to bring food and drink for lunch periods spent under supervision. Students will be individually notified if they are affected.

Electronic communication/storage devices including mobile phones are not permitted in examination venues and disqualification is a risk if a student is found to be in possession of unauthorised items or materials. Students are also required to remove their watches prior to entering the examination rooms.

For both external and internal examination days, students must be wearing Membership ID in order to enter examination venues. Students are also expected to attend examinations with appropriate resources such as black pens, pencils, rulers and calculators if appropriate as the college does not routinely provide this equipment. The resources required are listed on individual examination timetables issued to students prior to the examination events.

Mock examinations Students will sit mock exams in all examination based courses at Level 2 and Level 3. This will give students a taste of the real experience of sitting exams, and help them and their teachers to assess progress and plan improvements.

For level 3 students in their final year of study the college plans a formal mock exam week that takes place early in January of the relevant academic year. Students will have only one opportunity to sit mock exams and an “X” grade will be used for any students who are absent from mock examinations. GCSE students will also have a mock examination planned at this time.

For level 3 students in their first year of study the college plans a formal assessment period during the Spring.

Examination study leave Short periods of study leave are allocated to offer students the opportunity to prepare for external examinations. Study leave consists of one half day immediately prior to each examination, except in the case of a Monday morning exam.

Study leave is not allocated for practical examinations.

Examination certificates and BTEC coursework The rising costs of postage have made it prohibitive for Blackpool Sixth to post examination certificates to students at the end of their studies. Students are requested to collect their certificates in the Autumn Term, usually towards the end of November, after they have completed their programme of study at Blackpool Sixth. Email reminders will be sent but the college can only retain the certificates for a limited period before returning them to Awarding Bodies.

It is important to inform the college of changes to personal contact details so as the college can inform students when certificates are available for collection. When collecting certificates former students or their parents/carers must first sign in as visitors at reception.

Overseas students can make a payment for certificates to be sent by recorded delivery to their home address once they are available. The Examinations Office can provide further information on this on request.

FYi – The learning resource centre FYi (For Your Information) is the name given to our fully equipped Library and Learning Resource Centre.

The state-of-the-art facilities have been carefully designed to aid students’ learning. The FYi is a quiet place for students to study with an extensive range of resources for their use in a modern and comfortable environment. There are thousands of books, a wide range of magazines and DVDs, and the centre also provides access to university-style databases for both students and staff.

FYi Study Advisors support students’ learning by finding and using information for them, and helping them to become an independent learner ready for life after college. They can also assist with developing study skills throughout the year covering areas like organisation, exam techniques, time management, revisions skills and stress busting. This service is designed to enhance the support given by the pastoral mentors as part of the tutorial curriculum.

The FYi is a great place to access Google Drive and Apps, which offer interactive help and course information 24 hours a day.

Please note that food and drink are not permitted in the FYi with the exception of bottled water. We also ask students to make or receive mobile phone calls outside the centre.

The FYi is open each day between 8.00am and 5.30pm during term time and 8.30am to 4.30pm during the Easter holidays and May half term.

BTEC coursework will be retained in college when a programme of study is complete and cannot be released to students until late November after certification. Any coursework that has not been collected by the end of the following February will be disposed of appropriately.

Route3 programme and progression to Lower Sixth Students studying on the Route3 programme will need to demonstrate satisfactory attendance and commitment during their first year at college, and should meet the entry requirements for the level 3 courses that they have applied for, or at least have passed the courses on their Route3 programme, in order to progress to Lower Sixth.

Please refer to the prospectus or the college website for full details of entry requirements.

09

Student Services, financial support and transport support There is a wide range of student services available tailored to meet individual need. Friendly, supportive and dedicated staff are available from 8.30am to 4.30pm each day to offer information, advice and guidance on any issue that is causing a concern to students. Student Services offers the following guidance and support: Welfare issues – contact the student’s Pastoral Mentor or a member of the Additional Learning Support team Counselling – email counselling.alert@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk Careers information and guidance – the Futures Team in Cafe+ Enterprise and employment advice – the Futures Team in Cafe+ Sport and enrichment – in the Brock Building (first floor) Work experience – The Futures Team in Cafe+ Further details about how to access the support available will be given to students during their first few weeks at college.

Financial Support There are 5 types of financial support available to students.

Blackpool Sixth also offer bursaries to eligible students that covers the cost of a subsidised travel pass. The financial support available to students are: Guaranteed Bursary with travel and free meals – to the value of £1,250 per year including travel pass plus free meals of £3.01 a day for students in most need Discretionary Bursary with travel and free meals – to the value of £750 per year including travel pass plus free meals of £3.01 a day for students who meet the free meal criteria Discretionary Bursary with travel but without free meals – to the value of £750 per year including travel pass for students who don’t meet the free meal criteria but whose parents receive working tax credit and whose household income is less than £16,190 Access Fund which is an emergency fund for students who experience short-term financial hardship who are struggling to meet the costs associated with studying at Blackpool Sixth Any student experiencing financial hardship is entitled to apply for financial support. There will be an assessment undertaken to ensure that support is provided to those most in need. Blackpool Sixth will ensure that financial support is implemented in the fairest possible way, to the maximum possible benefit of students who need financial support in order to succeed in their studies.

See the Financial Support leaflet for more information or contact a member staff in the Student Finance Office on 01253 394911.

Access Fund The purpose of the Access Fund is to financially support students who are experiencing short-term difficulty meeting the costs associated with their learning.

The fund is used primarily to provide support towards: • Travel support • Course costs/materials/textbooks/trips • General financial hardship If students or their family are experiencing financial hardship, students may be entitled to financial help from the college.

Further details and application forms are available from the Student Finance Office.

Transport support Blackpool Sixth recognises that the cost of transport is a concern for some young people and their families. Our subsidised transport schemes not only help with transport costs to and from college but may also provide unlimited travel throughout the day, including evenings, weekends and during the college holidays. Students can purchase subsidised travel passes from the Student Finance Office at a significantly reduced price.

Bicycles for loan Blackpool Sixth has a number of quality bicycles available to loan out to students to use throughout the year. The bikes come complete with helmets and safety lights. An application form can be obtained from the Student Finance Office. Bicycles will be allocated on a needs basis.

Lockers A limited number of lockers are available for a hiring fee of £10 for one year plus a £10 deposit, which is refundable on return of the locker key. Combination locks are issued at the Student Finance Office.

Careers and education, information, advice and guidance The tutorial programme provides all students with careers advice and guidance. Students also have access to the Futures Team, our qualified careers advisors, for one to one meetings.

Separate careers events, visits and guest speakers are organised at appropriate times of the year. These events offer students the opportunity to meet university representatives as well as training providers and local and national employers.

Individual advice and guidance on choosing career paths, apprenticeships, employment with training and higher education/university courses is available from our Futures Team, situated in Cafe+.

Students can also access support with applications, CV preparation and mock interviews from local employers as well as college staff.

Work experience placements A work experience placement gives students an insight into their chosen career and the experience needed to improve their chances of making successful job applications in the future.

All students with a career intention of apprenticeship and employment with training, and those on the Route3 programme must organise and undertake work experience as an integral part of their study programme. This requirement for work experience also applies to students choosing to enter a particular profession or technical route to achieve their career aims.

Students are encouraged to arrange their own placements but they need to contact the Work Experience Officer before starting their placement to ensure that all essential health and safety arrangements have been made. Parents/carers will be required to sign a consent form.

The Work Experience Officer, based in Cafe+, can offer assistance to source a suitable placement.

10

The Excellence Programme

Bicycles, motorcycles and cars

The Excellence Programme has been designed to support

Blackpool Sixth actively promotes sustainable travel alternatives, specifically public transport and cycling.

the achievement and progression of the most academically able students. Entry to the programme is based on GCSE scores and will be automatically determined at enrolment.

The programme consists of three main elements, which are: 6Advance - a range of specialist academies that help students to develop essential skills and knowledge for competitive careers and university courses, including medicine and maths (see below); EPQ - the Extended Project Qualification is a formal qualification formed of a large-scale independent research project on a topic chosen individually by students, leading to a dissertation and presentation; Preparation for prestigious universities - all Excellence Programme students will receive support in the application process to highly selective universities. Students will take part in application workshops, guest lectures and university visits, as well as having the chance to take part in the Cambridge HE+ programme

Excellence programme enrichment (6Advance) As part of our study programme, we offer students the opportunity to enrich their studies through a range of academies, clubs and societies, including the science academy, medical club, debating society, etc. Please see the college website for more details.

Entry to each of the 6Advance academies, clubs and societies is selective and will be based on an application made early in the autumn term. The academies then run for the rest of the year (with a break for the summer exams).

Pastoral mentors will give further details during induction.

The college is well served by public transport with bus stops directly outside college. The Layton train station is a 15 minute walk away.

Students are encouraged to use bicycles as a means of transport to and from college. Covered, secure cycle racks are available at the rear of the site. Students are responsible for leaving bicycles securely locked and for their legal roadworthiness. Students are strongly advised to insure them and to register them with the police.

Limited parking is available for students. To limit congestion and to reduce the impact on our neighbours, students are encouraged to make use of alternative transport.

There is currently a FREE Parking Permit scheme in use at Blackpool Sixth. Car drivers and motorcycle riders need to register their vehicle and sign to agree to the safety guidelines. Permits must be displayed at all times when parking on college grounds. Student Parking Permits are available from the Estates Office.

Please note: although there is a CCTV system in operation, Blackpool Sixth cannot accept responsibility for the theft, loss or damage of any bicycle, motorcycle or car brought onto the college site.

Parents/carers or others parking briefly to bring or collect a student are asked not to enter the college site or to park close to the car park entrance, as this causes congestion and increase the risk of accidents.

Enrichment programme (6Xtra) As part of Blackpool Sixth’s commitment to developing and broadening students’ skills and enjoyment of college life, we offer a varied programme of additional activities to enrich their studies, including sports, work placement, mentoring, leadership, volunteering, etc. Please see the college website for more details.

All students are encouraged to take part in some enrichment whilst at college. Some enrichment will take place during Pastoral Mentor sessions. There will also be sports teams, academies and many clubs and societies to choose from.

Some enrichment activities take place off college premises.

Students may be asked to make their own way to these activities or, where possible, transport will be provided.

Some activities inevitably involve obvious hazards (e.g. rock climbing) and are subject to risk assessments to ensure that the perceived hazards are as controlled as possible.

Such activities are, of course, only undertaken under the supervision of qualified instructors.

6Xtra activities will start in September. Pastoral mentors will give further details during induction.

The college environment Students have the benefit of first-class, specialist sixth form accommodation and facilities. We expect students to take care of their college and local environment. In particular, we ask students to observe restrictions regarding consumption of food and drink on carpeted areas and to place all litter in the appropriate bins provided.

Catering facilities Food and drink is available from Cafe+, Café Six, Relish and Starbucks. Meals and snacks are of a high quality and are good value for money when compared to other local options.

Cash operated vending machines for snacks and drinks are also available. These are located in Relish, Cafe Six and next to reception.

Blackpool Sixth is committed to promoting healthy eating so a range of healthy, vegetarian and vegan options are available. Special dietary requirements can be catered for if notice is given. Allergen information is available on request at each outlet.

Blackpool Sixth operates a cashless catering system.

This allows students to pay for food and drinks without carrying cash around. Instead, students pay for meals using fingerprint identification or a PIN number. Students register for the cashless catering system during enrolment in August. Parents/carers can top up their daughter/son/ward’s account online, or students may choose to top up at one of the loading machines dotted around college. The loading machines take coins and notes up to £20.

Please note that all catering areas adopt a self-clear system and students are asked to clear away all their trays and packages as they leave.

11

Illegal substances, smoking and consumption of alcohol We encourage all staff and students to make healthy lifestyle choices. It is illegal to smoke in college buildings and on the college site. Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking area by the main entrance. Students are requested not to smoke at the front of the college.

Help is available to support any students wishing to make a positive choice to go smoke-free. Recent guidance from the British Medical Association states that the use of e-cigarettes may undermine smoking prevention and cessation by reinforcing cigarette use in public and workplaces. The World Health Organisation has also stated that no rigorous, peer-reviewed studies have been conducted showing that the e-cigarette is a safe and effective nicotine replacement therapy. Taking this into consideration, and to avoid confusion between e-cigarettes and tobacco smoking, the use of e-cigarettes is not permitted in college buildings nor on the college site, except in the designated smoking area.

Any students found consuming alcohol, or under the influence of alcohol, whilst at college will be subject to immediate suspension until the circumstances have been fully investigated. Parents/ carers will be informed in accordance with the college’s disciplinary procedures.

Any student found in possession of, or dealing in, illegal substances will be suspended pending an investigation, as a result of which the student’s place at college may be withdrawn.

Dress to college Blackpool Sixth is a community of staff and students who work and study together within an atmosphere of mutual respect. Students are free to dress as they please but they should fit in with the college’s high standards and expectations.

In line with our core value of respect, students who wear clothing which could cause offence to others (e.g. clothes that are too revealing or display offensive slogans or images) will be asked to cover the item of clothing up or will be sent home to change.

For security purposes, it is important that all members of college are clearly identifiable. Blackpool Sixth, therefore, requires all staff and students to keep their faces uncovered and to wear their membership card while on the premises and while representing college offsite.

Compliments, concerns and complaints We want all students to be very happy at Blackpool Sixth; it is a very pleasant and friendly environment in which to learn. If you have a concern or complaint then please follow the procedure below.

Please do not to use social media to air a grievance as this does not give us with an opportunity to respond.

A concern or complaint should be raised in the first instance with the person or area concerned as soon as possible and not later than within five working days of the incident. This may be a student’s teacher or other member of staff. The member of staff dealing with a concern or complaint will make every reasonable effort to resolve the it promptly at local level as soon as possible or at least within five working days.

If the concern or complaint cannot be resolved, a formal complaint in writing should be made to the Deputy Principal. The college will respond within two working days to indicate that an investigation is being undertaken and aim to conclude an investigation and respond within ten working days of receiving a formal complaint.

Disciplinary procedures Blackpool Sixth expects all members of college to: act according to the core values and expectations (see the Expects document) be challenged if students or staff fail to meet the core values and expectations Repeated failure to meet the values and expectations or serious breaches may result in disciplinary action.

Disciplinary action is occasionally necessary in cases of poor attendance at lessons, failure to complete and submit work, including meeting coursework deadlines, inappropriate behaviour etc. The aim of the disciplinary process is to help students to improve their performance and prepare for the world of work.

Normally the disciplinary procedures will be followed in the order out below. However, a student can move directly to an appropriate formal warning in cases where there is more serious misconduct.

Verbal Warning: A Verbal Warning will be issued by the student’s Pastoral Mentor. At this stage interventions are key, so an agreed support plan, which includes targets and identified areas of support for the student to achieve these targets, will be implemented.

First Formal Warning: Students progress to a first formal warning as a result of not meeting the targets set through the support plan. The student attends a formal meeting with their Pastoral Mentor and Pastoral Lead and/or a Curriculum Leader. The student and parents/ carers will be informed, in writing, of the outcome of the meeting and will receive a copy of the support plan and associated targets/expectations.

Second Formal Warning: Students progress to a second formal warning as a result of not meeting the targets set at the first formal warning. There will be a formal meeting held with the student, Head of Department or Curriculum Leader (acting on behalf of the Head of Department) and a member of the Pastoral Leadership team. Parents/carers are invited to attend.

Students and parents/carers will be informed, in writing, of the outcome of the meeting and will receive a copy of the support plan and associated targets/expectations.

Formal Disciplinary Hearing: Students will progress to a formal disciplinary hearing as a result of not meeting the targets set at the second formal warning or as a result of an act of alleged gross/serious misconduct. There will be a formal meeting held with the student, the College Lead for Safeguarding and Student Standards or a Head of Department and a member of the Leadership Team who is independent of any previous disciplinary action relating to the case. Parents/carers will be invited to attend the hearing. The student will usually be suspended from Blackpool Sixth prior to the hearing.

Students and parents/carers will be informed, in writing, of the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.

A student has the right to appeal against decisions made at a Formal Disciplinary Hearing. Appeals must be made in writing to the Deputy Principal within five working days of notification of the outcome. An appeal hearing will normally be held within five working days of receipt of such a request.

Compliments may be received verbally or in writing and may be received directly by the individual in receipt of the praise or by a direct line manager. College staff will seek to share compliments in a genuine and generous manner.

The college’s compliments, concerns and complaints policy is available in full on the college website.

12

Other policies operated by the Directors (Governing Body) In compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Blackpool Sixth issues a publication scheme. The scheme is a document where we declare which pieces of college-related information we publish or intend to publish in due course. This is available on the Blackpool Sixth website.

Charges to students for college activities Although most aspects of a student’s education are provided at state expense, Blackpool Sixth does have to make charges to students for certain additional activities.

The Directors (Governing Body), the Principal and staff believe that the education of our students is much enhanced by the many opportunities which are offered for activities and excursions out of college, although they may not always be an essential part of any course. The Directors are most grateful to the staff who organise such activities, and recognise that appropriate charges to students who choose to participate must be made. Charges must also be made for certain aspects of some subject courses, so that the level of government funding does not limit opportunities for students.

The Education Reform Act 1988 requires the Directors to publish their policy in these respects.

The following is the Statement of the Charging and Remissions Policies of the Governing Body of Blackpool Sixth Form College for 2017/2018.

Although the Directors believe that parents/carers will support this policy, they must draw parents/carers’ attention to these details, to avoid misunderstanding. The order in which the items are given is that in which students will experience that aspect of college organisation and the particular activity concerned during their course.

Please note that these limits are imposed as part of our Sustainability Policy to help reduce our carbon footprint.

The allowance is calculated to cover the typical demands of coursework, homework and other course-imposed printing. It may be that students taking specific combinations of subjects exceed this allowance. In such instances, students may need to buy additional credit or make an application for support from the Access Fund.

Enrichment activities (6Xtra/6Advance) Some of these activities involve external commercial organisations and so a charge has to be made to students.

Such charges are clearly publicised in advance and there are always other, non-chargeable options available at every stage of the year.

Educational visits Several departments organise excursions out of college to supplement and enhance the teaching and learning carried out in the subject. The cost of travel is shared equally by all participating students and is often subsidised. Most of these visits do not involve overnight accommodation, but, for those residential visits that do, an additional charge is made to students for this.

Students who have difficulty in meeting the expense incurred for educational visits should talk to a member of staff in the Student Finance Office.

Theatre visits Visits to theatres are organised regularly. These are usually evening performances and participation is open to all students.

In the case of productions of set texts, students studying these are strongly advised to attend. Participating students pay the cost of their theatre seats, generally at a discounted rate, and an equal share in the cost of travel.

FYi (Library and Learning Resource Centre) Library fines are charged at the rate of 5p per item per day for overdue loans, which is less than the current rate in public libraries. The maximum fine per item is £1.50. Nevertheless, no student needs to incur fines, as books can be renewed twice before they must be returned.

Students experiencing financial hardship may be able to claim funding from the Access Fund to cover some of the charges listed below. Further details and application forms for support from the Access Fund are available from the Student Finance Office.

Application fees for higher education (UCAS) UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) makes a charge for participation in the scheme and the student pays this at the time of application. The cost is £13 for an application to a single course and £24 for multiple applications of up to 5 courses.

Membership card Students are issued with a free membership card and lanyard at the start of term. Students must pay a £2 fee for a replacement for a lost membership card and lanyard. Students who persistently forget or lose their membership card may be required to pay a £10 deposit for a replacement card and lanyard, the deposit is refundable once the membership card or lanyard returned.

Interviews and open days for higher education and employment In the case of those visits to Open Days which are specifically organised by college, all participating students share the cost of the travel equally and this may be subsidised. Students who choose to attend other Open Days under their own arrangements must meet all the expenses involved.

Printing and photocopying Photocopying is available in the print room/shop (Re-fill) at a cost of 3p per A4 side and 6p per A3 side. Colour photocopying is available at a cost of 10p per A4 and 20p per A3 side.

Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS, formerly CRB Check) Students undertaking work experience with young children or vulnerable adults will need a DBS check to go out on a work placement. The cost of the DBS check is currently £44.

Payment is made when students bring in the completed DBS form and evidence of identity to the Work Experience Officer. It is possible to apply for funding from the Access Fund to help with the cost of this.

All students will receive a computer printing quota worth £30, allocated in termly instalments of £10. Printing will be charged at 3p per sheet for black and white A4 printing, 5p for doublesided A4 printing, 20p per side for A4 colour printouts and 40p per side for A3 colour printing. Students who use up their entire quota, in any one term, will need to buy extra credit printing credits can be purchased at the FYi counter or from Re-fill.

College property Students will be charged for any loss or damage caused, whether deliberately or accidentally, to any textbook, iPad or other equipment /property belonging to Blackpool Sixth or to the fabric of the building itself. The amount levied will be either the full cost of replacement or repair, current at the time of the incident, or an appropriate amount, at the discretion of the Vice Principal (Resources).

Students taking designated art subjects (graphics, photography or BTEC fashion or art) that require significant amounts of colour printing, will receive an additional allowance at key points in the year where coursework demands are high.

Willful damage to Blackpool Sixth property would be deemed gross misconduct and may result in a student’s place at Blackpool Sixth being withdrawn and, if appropriate, 13 a formal prosecution.

Files, paper and pens Students are expected to provide their own stationery. Paper, pens, files etc. can be purchased from the Blackpool Sixth print room/shop (Re-fill) located in the Brock building.

Financial contributions for specific subjects The following summary gives students advance warning of the required materials and resources for specific subjects.

In some cases, students may be recommended to purchase a textbook, iPad or other device for personal use. However loan copies will be made available for students to use in lessons if needed.

Students experiencing financial hardship may be able to claim funding from the Access Fund to cover some of the costs listed below. Further details and application forms are available from the Student Finance Office.

Business Studies and IT Business Studies, Computing, Economics, BTEC IT and BTEC Business Students wishing to purchase a textbook should seek advice from teachers.

NOTE: It is not advisable to purchase books until the course has started, as it is likely that more up to date books will be published in the summer.

Financial Studies Students will be given a textbook covering the contents of the course at the start of the year.

English and Modern Foreign Languages English Literature, English Language, French, German and Spanish These subjects have been chosen to take part in an exciting and innovative Technology for Learning programme to transform teaching and learning. We are asking students to provide their own device to access and interact with online tasks and resources. The device will be used both in and out of class to create a more modern form of teaching and learning.

English Literature Students are required to purchase their own texts.

The examination board required texts are: • A Room with a View, EM Forster: Penguin Classics • Carol Ann Duffy’s “Mean Time”: Picador • David Hare’s “Murmuring Judges”: Faber • Philip Larkin’s ‘The Whitsun Weddings’: Faber • Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure: we recommend the Heinemann edition • Shakespeare’s The Tempest: we recommend the Oxford School Shakespeare edition • Selected poems: John Donne. Penguin Classics English Language Students may wish to purchase the official AQA textbook for English Language “The AQA English Language Student Book”, Oxford University Press.

French, German and Spanish All students are required to pay £10 for the relevant Kerboodle resources Year one Language students are recommended to purchase the official AQA Grammar Workbook for £5.99.

Students should provide or purchase a device with a minimum 7inch screen and enough storage space to be able to download and interact with materials. Devices also need to be compatible with ‘Google Apps’. Please note that Blackpool Sixth has a small pool of devices that it can loan to students who cannot afford to purchase one of their own.

In their second year, all second year students are required to purchase a novel for their chosen language.

Advice on what device is most suited to to the subject can be found on http://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/TFL. There will also be lots of advice available in the enrolment pack and at the new student enrolment days.

All Spanish students have the opportunity to participate in an overseas trip to Spain at a cost of £500. This is not a compulsory part of the course.

Students are expected to have the device in place (whether bringing an existing device, purchasing new or loaning) by mid-September.

Also, French students have the opportunity to participate in an overseas trip to Montpellier. This is not a compulsory part of the course. The approximate cost is £600.

All German students have the opportunity to participate in an overseas trip to Germany for an approximate cost of £500. This visit is optional and not a compulsory part of the course.

14

Humanities

Mathematics

Geography Students may wish to purchase their own course textbook for the A level course “Edexcel A Level Geography Book 1 ISBN9781471856549 at an approximate cost of £25. Students will have an opportunity to undertake fieldwork at a local level, which may have a small travel cost attached, and further afield at a cost of approximately £30.

Mathematics Mathematics students must have a scientific calculator with has access to Binomial Tables. The minimum calculator is the CASIO FX-991EX – costs approximately £20 - £25; they are new to the market for this year’s A-level. It would benefit students to have access to an A-level textbook, this will be discussed in the first week of lessons.

History (Modern/Medieval) Students may wish to purchase their own course textbooks for the A level course: “The Cold War 1945 - 1991” (Oxford AQA History) ISBN 978-0-19-835461 - 1 and “AQA Tudors” textbook ISBN 978-1-4718 -3758-6. Each textbook is approximately £20 - £25. However, copies of these will be made available in class.Students may also wish to purchase the Hodder revision guides for each examined module at a cost of £10 each.

Further Mathematics Students must have a scientific calculator with has access to Binomial Tables. The minimum calculator is the CASIO FX-991EX – costs approximately £20 - £25; they are new to the market for this year’s A-level. It would benefit students to have access to an A-level textbook, this will be discussed in the first week of lessons.

Ancient History (Classical Civilisation) The course offers the opportunity to participate in a number of optional trips, including: Chester Amphitheatre study visit £15, the UCLan archaeology day £5, the Lowry theatre trip £15, Liverpool University Egyptology day £10 and overseas visit to Athens and Delphi at an approx. cost of £550.

It is recommended that students purchase specified texts: further guidance will be given by teachers at the start of the course. The cost of these texts will be approximately £30 to cover both years. The cost can be reduced by purchasing used copies through Amazon marketplace. Copies will be available for use in class. For each module a course booklet will require printing.

Statistics Statistics students must have a CASIO graphical calculator fx-9750Gii calculator for the course costing approximately £50.

GCSE Mathematics GCSE students must have a calculator for every lesson, the recommended calculator is a CASIO fx-83GT plus – this is available from Blackpool Sixth print room/shop (Re-fill) for approximately £6.

GCSE students must have a calculator for every lesson, the recommended calculator is a CASIO fx-83GT plus – this is available from Blackpool Sixth print room/shop for approximately £6.

Law Textbooks can be purchased for £25.99 however this is optional and basic notes are accessible via Google Drive.

In addition, there is an overnight trip to London at an approximate cost of £120.

Religion, Ethics and Philosophy No purchases are required for this course. Some students may wish to purchase a textbook, details will be provided by teachers. Class copies are available for use in the lessons.

15

Performing Arts, Music and Media Dance and BTEC Performing Arts and Musical Theatre It is compulsory for all students to purchase appropriate black clothing and footwear for taking part in practical work.

Dance In line with professional standards, female students are required to wear black leotard and footless leggings / tights, male students are required to wear black fitted vests and black tracksuit bottoms to all practical classes.

BTEC Creative Media Production This subject has been chosen to take part in an exciting and innovative Technology for Learning programme to transform teaching and learning. We are asking students to provide their own device to access and interact with online tasks and resources. The device will be used both in and out of class to create a more modern form of teaching and learning.

Students should provide or purchase a device with a minimum 7inch screen and enough storage space to be able to download and interact with materials. Devices also need to be compatible with ‘Google Apps’. Please note that Blackpool Sixth has a small pool of devices that it can loan to students who cannot afford to purchase one of their own.

Advice on what device is most suited to to the subject can be found on http://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/TFL. There will also be lots of advice available in the enrolment pack and at the new student enrolment days.

Students are expected to have the device in place (whether bringing an existing device, purchasing new or loaning) by mid-September Music The music team will be able to recommend various types of headphones during the course induction. Students will also be expected to provide their own instruments, leads, etc for use in rehearsals, performances and studio recordings.

BTEC Music Performance All students (except drummers and pianists) will be expected to bring their own instrument to college. This includes microphones for singers.

Music Technology Students may wish to purchase the textbook “Edexcel AS/A2 Music Technology Listening Tests, 2nd edition” approx. £21, ISBN 9781906178901 Students may wish to purchase the textbook“Edexcel AS/A2 Music Technology Study Guide” approx. £17, ISBN 9781906178482

Theatre Studies This subject has been chosen to take part in an exciting and innovative Technology for Learning programme to transform teaching and learning. We are asking students to provide their own device to access and interact with online tasks and resources.

The device will be used both in and out of class to create a more modern form of teaching and learning.

Students should provide or purchase a device with a minimum 7inch screen and enough storage space to be able to download and interact with materials. Devices also need to be compatible with ‘Google Apps’. Please note that Blackpool Sixth has a small pool of devices that it can loan to students who cannot afford to purchase one of their own.

Advice on what device is most suited to to the subject can be found on http://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/TFL. There will also be lots of advice available in the enrolment pack and at the new student enrolment days.

Students are expected to have the device in place (whether bringing an existing device, purchasing new or loaning) by mid-September.

Trips pre-payment scheme for Theatre Studies students is a requirement as students need to see a minimum of three live professional performances in order to prepare them for both the practical and written elements of the course. This is set by the examinations board. We request that students pay £75 in the first half term: this will pay for them to attend 3 trips throughout the year. There will also be an opportunity to see more live work throughout the year, and this can be paid on an ad hoc basis at later points in the year. Details of the arranged visits and letters of permission will be published on the college website at the start of the course. By ordering tickets in bulk, we are able to secure significant discounts for students: this pre-payment scheme enables the teacher to secure best value for money for travel and theatre tickets. Students experiencing financial hardship may be able to claim funding from the Access Fund to cover some of the costs listed above. Further details and application forms are available from the Student Finance Office.

Students also require copies of their set texts for the written exam, in which they need to make their own personal annotations. In Year 1 the cost of the text is £4 and in Year 2 the two plays will cost approximately £16.

16

Science

Social Science and Health

BTEC Applied Science and BTEC Medical Science There is no requirement to purchase a textbook for Applied Science. Students must have a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the CASIO fx-991ES plus – costs approximately £15 - £20. A 30cm clear ruler and an A4 lever arch file is a requirement of the course.

Psychology There is no requirement to purchase a textbook for Psychology. If students wish to purchase a resource to assist with their studies, the recommended textbook is AQA Psychology for A Level Year 1 & AS by Cara Flanagan, Dave Berry, Matt Jarvis and Rob Liddle (2015). ISBN: 978-1-908682-40-6.

Biology Students may wish to purchase books such as these to support them in the first year of the course: AQA Biology Glenn Toole and Susan Toole Oxford University Press CGP: A Level Biology Year 1.

Students will need to purchase a 30cm clear ruler and a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the CASIO fx- 991ES plus – costs approximately £15 - £20.

Sociology There is no requirement to purchase a textbook for Sociology. If students wish to purchase a resource to assist with their studies the recommended textbook is AQA A Level Sociology Book 1 by Rob Webb, Hal Westergaard, Keith Trobe and Annie Townend (2015). ISBN: 978-0-954007- 91-1.

Chemistry Students may wish to purchase books such as these to support them in the first year of the course: AQA Chemistry 2nd edition Ted Lister and Janet Renshaw Oxford University Press CGP: A Level Chemistry Year 1 Students must have a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the CASIO fx-991ES plus – costs approximately £15 - £20.

Electronics Students must have a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the CASIO fx-991ES plus – costs approximately £15 - £20. Students also need a 30cm clear ruler and mechanical pencil.

Engineering Students must have a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the CASIO fx-991ES plus – costs approximately £15 - £20. Students also need a 30cm clear ruler, mechanical pencil, protractor set, 60 degree and 45 degree set squares, and an A4 lever arch file. Students are recommended to purchase the following below to support them in the course: Mechanical Engineering: BTEC National Level 3 Engineering Specialist Units approx. £21 ISBN 978-0-08-096577-2 There is project work for engineering courses and some of the materials for the mandatory project must be purchased by the students. There may be educational visits involved with the course and some of these may incur a cost to the student.

Physics Students must have a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the CASIO fx-991ES plus – costs approximately £15 - £20. Students also need a 30cm clear ruler, mechanical pencil, protractor set and 45 degree set square. Students may wish to purchase books such as these to support them in the first year of the course: AQA Physics Jim Breithaupt Oxford University Press CGP: A Level Physics year 1. There may be educational visits involved with the course and some of these may incur a cost to the student.

17

BTEC Health and Social Care (Diploma and Extended Diploma) This subject has been chosen to take part in an exciting and innovative Technology for Learning programme to transform teaching and learning. We are asking students to provide their own device to access and interact with online tasks and resources. The device will be used both in and out of class to create a more modern form of teaching and learning.

Students should provide or purchase a device with a minimum 7inch screen and enough storage space to be able to download and interact with materials. Devices also need to be compatible with ‘Google Apps’. Please note that Blackpool Sixth has a small pool of devices that it can loan to students who cannot afford to purchase one of their own.

Advice on what device is most suited to to the subject can be found on www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/TFL. There will also be lots of advice available in the enrolment pack and at the new student enrolment days.

Students are expected to have the device in place (whether bringing an existing device, purchasing new or loaning) by midSeptember.

Students undertaking work experience with young children or vulnerable adults will need a DBS check to go out on a work placement. The cost of the DBS check is currently £44.00.

Payment is made when students bring in the completed DBS form and evidence of identity to the Student Finance Office.

In the second year of the Extended Diploma course there will be an opportunity for students to take part in the cadet programme at Blackpool Teaching Hospital. Any student enrolling onto this programme will be required to purchase their uniform and ID badges through Blackpool Victoria Hospital, the approximate cost of this is £45.00.

There is no requirement to purchase a textbook for Health and Social Care. If student wish to purchase a resource to assist with their Health and Social Care Diploma, the recommended textbook is Health and Social Care Level 3 BTEC Nationals (Book 1). ISBN: 978-1-846907-46-3. If students are studying the Health and Social Care Extended Diploma, in addition to the above textbook, another recommended textbook is Health and Social Care Level 3 BTEC Nationals (Book 2). ISBN: 978-1- 846907-47-0.

Sport, Tourism and Public Services Physical Education A textbook for each year will be recommended by the teachers, once the course has commenced. It will not be essential to purchase these as teachers will provide essential resources/ sources of information to support the course.

Students will be encouraged to purchase a Blackpool Sixth sports kit to be worn during practical sessions. The approximate cost is £20.

BTEC Public Services This subject has been chosen to take part in an exciting and innovative Technology for Learning programme to transform teaching and learning.

We are asking students to provide their own device to access and interact with online tasks and resources. The device will be used both in and out of class to create a more modern form of teaching and learning.

Students should provide or purchase a device with a minimum 7inch screen and enough storage space to be able to download and interact with materials. Devices also need to be compatible with ‘Google Apps’. Please note that Blackpool Sixth has a small pool of devices that it can loan to students who cannot afford to purchase one of their own.

Advice on what device is most suited to to the subject can be found on www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/TFL. There will also be lots of advice available in the enrolment pack and at the new student enrolment days.

Students are expected to have the device in place (whether bringing an existing device, purchasing new or loaning) by mid-September.

There will be educational visits, possibly residential, involved with the course.

Some of these will be funded by the specific uniformed service. Other visits will be funded by the students. An approximate cost for these will be £150 over the two years of the course.

Students will be encouraged to purchase a Blackpool Sixth sports kit to be worn during practical sessions, approximate cost £20.

As part of any voluntary work, students working with young children or vulnerable adults will need a DBS check. The cost of the DBS check is currently £44. Payment is made when students bring in the completed DBS form and evidence of identity.

BTEC Sport & Exercise Science This subject has been chosen to take part in an exciting and innovative Technology for Learning programme to transform teaching and learning.

We are asking students to provide their own device to access and interact with online tasks and resources. The device will be used both in and out of class to create a more modern form of teaching and learning.

Students should provide or purchase a device with a minimum 7inch screen and enough storage space to be able to download and interact with materials. Devices also need to be compatible with ‘Google Apps’. Please note that Blackpool Sixth has a small pool of devices that it can loan to students who cannot afford to purchase one of their own.

Advice on what device is most suited to to the subject can be found on www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/TFL. There will also be lots of advice available in the enrolment pack and at the new student enrolment days.

Students are expected to have the device in place (whether bringing an existing device, purchasing new or loaning) by mid-September.

It is recommended that students studying BTEC Sport and Exercise Sciences purchase one comprehensive textbook to support assignment work. Subject teachers recommend the following textbook: BTEC Level 3 National Sport and Exercise Sciences Student book - £25.99.

There is no need to purchase this before the start of the course.

A range of other textbooks and other relevant publications are available in the FYi or departmental resource area. Subscription to appropriate periodicals is also available through the department.

18

There are day visits included as part of the course in which students are encouraged to participate. These may incur a cost to cover transport and entrance to the visited organisation. In total these will be approximately £75.

Students undertaking work experience with young children or vulnerable adults will need a DBS check to go out on a work placement. The cost of the DBS check is currently £44.

Payment is made when students bring in the completed DBS form and evidence of identity to Student Services.

Students will be encouraged to purchase a Blackpool Sixth sports kit to be worn during practical sessions, approximate cost £20.

BTEC Sport (Sports Performance & Excellence) (Diploma and Extended Diploma) This subject has been chosen to take part in an exciting and innovative Technology for Learning programme to transform teaching and learning. We are asking students to provide their own device to access and interact with online tasks and resources. The device will be used both in and out of class to create a more modern form of teaching and learning.

Students should provide or purchase a device with a minimum 7inch screen and enough storage space to be able to download and interact with materials. Devices also need to be compatible with ‘Google Apps’. Please note that Blackpool Sixth has a small pool of devices that it can loan to students who cannot afford to purchase one of their own.

Advice on what device is most suited to to the subject can be found on www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/TFL. There will also be lots of advice available in the enrolment pack and at the new student enrolment days.

Advice on what device is most suited to to the subject can be found on www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/TFL. There will also be lots of advice available in the enrolment pack and at the new student enrolment days.

Students are expected to have the device in place (whether bringing an existing device, purchasing new or loaning) by midSeptember.

There may be the option to participate in a residential visit in both year 1 and 2. The approximate cost of this in each year will be £400.

There are a range of other day visits included as part of the course in which students are encouraged to participate. These may incur a cost to cover transport and entrance to the visited organisation. In total these will be approximately £75.

Students are also recommended to purchase the core text book, “BTEC National Travel and Tourism Book 1” approximately £ 25, ISBN 0-435445-88-1. There is no need to purchase this before the start of the course.

Students undertaking work experience with young children or vulnerable adults will need a DBS check to go out on a work placement. The cost of the DBS check is currently £44. Payment is made when students bring in the completed DBS form and evidence of identity to Student Services.

Students are expected to have the device in place (whether bringing an existing device, purchasing new or loaning) by mid-September.

It is recommended that students studying BTEC Sport (Sports Performance & Excellence) purchase one comprehensive textbook to support assignment work. Subject teachers recommend the following textbook: BTEC National Sport Student Book (Heinemann £21.99) There is no need to purchase this before the start of the course.

A range of other textbooks and other relevant publications are available in the FYi or departmental resource area. Subscription to appropriate periodicals is also available through the department.

There are day visits included as part of the course that students are encouraged to participate in. These may incur a cost to cover transport and entrance to the visited organisation. In total these will be approximately £75.

Students undertaking work experience with young children or vulnerable adults will need a DBS check to go out on a work placement. The cost of the DBS check is currently £44.

Payment is made when students bring in the completed DBS form and evidence of identity to Student Services.

Students will be encouraged to purchase a Blackpool Sixth sports kit to be worn during practical sessions, approximate cost £20.

BTEC Travel & Tourism (Diploma and Extended Diploma) This subject has been chosen to take part in an exciting and innovative Technology for Learning programme to transform teaching and learning. We are asking students to provide their own device to access and interact with online tasks and resources. The device will be used both in and out of class to create a more modern form of teaching and learning.

Students should provide or purchase a device with a minimum 7inch screen and enough storage space to be able to download and interact with materials. Devices also need to be compatible with ‘Google Apps’. Please note that Blackpool Sixth has a small pool of devices that it can loan to students who cannot afford to purchase one of their own.

Visual Arts Art All students are required to buy essential basic equipment at the start of their studies. This is to ensure they have the essential items they will need in order to complete homework tasks. A basic art pack of materials will be available at our college shop (Re-fill) and will cost approximately £10.00. Some students may need to buy additional materials to expand their ideas and this may create extra costs. Art materials are available for sale in the college shop (Re-fill) at very competitive prices.

Textiles and Fashion A basic practical garment construction pack will be available at a cost of £30.00. All students are required to buy this at the start of their studies. This pack will supply the essential items they will need in order to complete homework and classroom tasks.

Some students may need to buy additional materials to expand their ideas and this may create extra costs. Art and textiles materials are available for sale in the college shop (Re-fill) at very competitive prices.

Graphic Design and Digital Photography All students are required to buy an SD Memory Card, a 1GB memory USB Stick, and a memory card reader. Approximate cost for the materials is £10. Students will incur additional costs throughout the course. Photographs and digital printouts must be documented in print format. Students can buy art materials from Re-fill at very competitive prices.

NOTE: Again, students are reminded that if they are experiencing financial hardship they may be able to claim funding from the Access Fund to cover some of the costs listed above.

Further details and application forms are available 19 from the Student Finance Office.