Chislehurst School
POST-SIXTEEN
Chislehurst School
POST SIXTEEN POST-SIXTEEN
Welcome to CHISLEHURST SCHOOL POST-16 EDUCATION You are looking at this prospectus because you believe in the benefit of additional study. You are already successful at Key Stage 4 and want to continue that success. Chislehurst School’s Sixth Form is the right place for you. This is because it is a vibrant, exciting and dynamic place to be. We are a popular, thriving community of experienced and enthusiastic teachers and students. We treat every student as an individual and expect them to conduct themselves responsibly. Time and care is spent preparing a schedule to suit our students’ needs. Your progress is carefully monitored by a tutor and teaching staff. We feel strongly that encouragement is the key for each student to fulfil their potential. Our standards are very high, with excellent teaching and high levels of achievement. We are looking for highly committed students who strive for excellence and are not only academically driven but also willing to contribute to the school community by taking on one of our many leadership opportunities in order to develop their interpersonal skills. We take great pride in our success in preparing our students for their futures and are delighted when we see them progress on to Higher Education and professional careers. We look forward to sharing the future with you.
Mrs K J Raven
Ms C Nicholson
Headmistress
Director of Studies: Years 11, 12 & 13
A Message from THE STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM Welcome to our Post-16 Prospectus. Having absorbed all that is to be offered, we hope that you’ll want to become part of the team. From personal experiences, some of us have been at Chislehurst School for a while, but others are new. All of us strongly recommend this friendly and exciting atmosphere. The teachers here are welcoming and supportive. We’ve found that they all channel their passion for the subject to the students and this really motivates us to achieve our potential. This is essential at the beginning of Year 12, when you relish the opportunity of studying your chosen subjects in much greater depth. We have a Sixth-Form Common Room that is environmentally friendly making us unique compared to other schools and colleges. It is a quiet place to work and study for your courses or simply to relax (when you have time!) Being part of Post-16 means we also have the responsibility and privilege of organising whole school events. The biggest challenge is organising our Leavers Ball at the end of Year 13, which is a fantastic way to celebrate our time and memories here. For the younger years, we have planned some quirky and enjoyable events for everyone, such as staff v student football matches and a Summer Fair for the Lower School. The possibilities are endless. Thank you for picking up this Prospectus and reading this short introduction. We know Chislehurst School is the place for you!
Chislehurst School
POST-SIXTEEN
A CURRICULUM TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS There are many subjects available at A-Level 3 or Level 2 as you can see from the Way Ahead booklet. A-Levels are two-year courses of study, available in a wide range of subjects. Students usually study four A-Levels. A-Levels play a crucial role in providing entry to university, college, a trainee management role, or the start of a professional career. The general entry requirements for A-Level courses are good grades (usually at least a ‘B’) in at least eight GCSEs, including Mathematics and English, and Science in certain circumstances. Please see the Way Ahead booklet for specific course entry criteria. The Level 2 courses we offer are Child Care and a Legal Secretarial course. Please note that the running of a course is subject to student numbers and availability of subject specialists.
“ My friends and I really love the dance facilities and pupils helped to design them.� YR12 STUDENT
Chislehurst School
POST-SIXTEEN
14 – 19 LEARNING SUITE & SPECIALIST FACILITIES We have a fabulous Post-16 building. The building and its facilities match the first-class education provided. This special suite was created to meet the needs of the students. It is the ideal space in which to provide Post-16 education in the 21st Century and also uses the most modern renewable energy technologies available. The provision we now have on offer is second-to-none. Your purpose-built new accommodation includes: • Brand new ICT equipment and Wi-Fi throughout the building • Quiet rooms for students to study • A large common room for relaxing and socialising together • A private garden for quiet revision and Summer activities These facilities empower Post-16 students to achieve and maximise their potential. We believe that this excellent environment will help us to continue to grow and take Post-16 education to further, and ever higher levels over the next few years. Other specialist facilities are also available around the campus. These include: a purpose-built Media Studies Suite; a Drama and Theatre Studio; a Dance Studio; a Video Conference Suite; Sports Hall & Conditioning Suite and a Photography Suite.
Chislehurst School
POST-SIXTEEN
LEADERSHIP Now that you are the senior members of the school, you are the student leaders of the community. There are many opportunities for you to have a positive effect on life at the school. You could consider: • Being elected to the Student Leadership Team • House Captain/Vice-Captain • Running a club in Music, Sport, Drama, etc • Helping as a class assistant/study buddy • Post-16 Committee • Student Council • Editing the school magazine/alumni newsletter This not only enhances school life for the younger students, but also helps Post-16 students develop confidence, a greater sense of responsibility and leadership skills; vital additions to impress future employers and university admissions tutors. Opportunities are also offered for competitive sport. The main thing is to try to get involved as soon as possible. You will be surprised just how quickly your time in Post-16 education passes. Make the most of it!
ENRICHMENT & ENTITLEMENT We offer many enrichment opportunities. These include: Health and Fitness, which ranges from aerobics to life-guarding; the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme; work experience; singing in the choir; playing in the orchestra or joining the drama club, as well as various trips which regularly include the Isle of Wight, skiing and Disneyland. One of the highlights of Post 16 is always the annual ‘Leavers’ Ball’. Students may also choose to study additional courses that they may find interesting, and might be useful for their future career, such as the Community Sports Leadership Award. Support for your academic studies also includes daily tutorial contact and monthly personal profile meetings.
Chislehurst School
POST-SIXTEEN
PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE One of the main advantages of life at Chislehurst School is the substantial amount of support, help and guidance that is given to every individual student. There is also lots of support for planning your future, whether at university, college or in a professional career. The Director of Studies, Director of Post-16 Transition, Year 12 & 13 Co-ordinator and Post-16 Tutors are always available to provide help and advice on Higher Education and employment issues, in order to assist you in developing your career plan. The Learning & Achievement Suite and Learning Resources Centre can be used by students, and contain a variety of resources that will help you clarify your career plan. We are proud of our track record of university admissions, with the majority of students achieving their first choice.
“ I have gained my University place due to the help and guidance of my teachers.” YR13 STUDENT
FAQ’S Q: What grades do I need to study A level courses?
Q: To whom do I speak to about going on to University after Post 16?
A: In most cases, you will need eight A*-B grades at GCSE, with at least B grades in the subjects you wish to study at A Level.
A: As well as having a Form Tutor who will support you through this process, we are fortunate in having a dedicated Post 16 Transitional Manager, whose job it is to help you make the right choices in proceeding with your education.
Q: What happens if I don’t get these grades? A: Each student’s situation will be different. You may still be able to join Post-16, but may need to think again about the subjects or courses you want to study. This may be taking level 2 courses or considering different subjects at A-Level or Level 3. There are a range of pathways outlined in the ‘Way Ahead’ booklet. Q: How many hours a day will I study? A: Each subject you do will have approximately 5 hours guided learning time per week. You will also have a Form Tutor to register with each day. In noncontact periods you will be expected to study, and take part in activities that will enhance your learning. Q: What will I wear?
A: Expect to be treated as an adult and respond accordingly. For instance: You will: • Have your own common room and specific Post-16 facilities • Have the freedom to use non-contact time as you choose • Have greater independence in managing your workload • Attend school in smart, business wear • Be expected to meet deadlines, with support from staff • Be a leader of the school community You won’t: • Wear school uniform • Be expected to be in formal lessons at all times in the day
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A: Post-16 has a policy of a ‘Business Wear’ dress code which was drawn up by staff and students. For boys this involves a shirt, tie and trousers (not jeans). Girls are expected to wear a blouse with skirt or trousers (not jeans). All students are expected to wear a blazer when on school site.
Q: How will Post-16 be different from Year 11?
Chislehurst School
POST-SIXTEEN Beaverwood Road • Chislehurst • Kent • BR7 6HE Telephone: 020 8300 3156 • Facsimile: 020 8300 3251 Email: office@chsfg.co.uk Website: www.chislehurstschoolforgirls.co.uk