Holy Cross Sixth Form College - Prospectus 2023

Holy Cross Sixth For m College

T hink well, feel well, do well

Holy Cross, founded by the Daughters of the Cross, is a Catholic Sixth Form College and University Centre, which exists to provide a high quality education within a community based on Gospel values.

We provide the opportunity for each person to develop spiritually, morally and intellectually, and we welcome students and staff of all faiths and those of none.

Equality and Diversity

We celebrate and promote the diversity of our community

We recognise that some members of our community may require additional help and encouragement in order to gain the most from their college experience

This support is provided via our Excellence for All programme, an outstanding Learning Support Department, access to our Student Hardship Fund, an exceptional pastoral system, and a staff team committed to providing a highquality experience to all of our learners Each member of our college community can expect to be valued as a unique individual

There is an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Group in college which meets regularly to discuss and review equality matters to ensure all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances. The Student Representative Committee also includes an Equality Rep whose role is to focus on equality and diversity issues.

Welcome to Holy Cross College

Leaving school for Holy Cross is the first step to a new future. This is a new and exciting time as you prepare to make the transition from school to sixth form college.

Holy Cross has a long tradition of success. Since 1878, when the Daughters of the Cross of Liège first settled a school on this site, we have been offering excellence in education to people in the local area and beyond, and with a clear mission in mind: to develop our students intellectually to achieve outstanding results, and to develop them spiritually and morally so that they can become valued and valuable citizens in an ever-changing world Being an inclusive Catholic sixth form college which welcomes students and staff of all faiths and those of none, this mission is at the heart of all we do

Students are the life of Holy Cross College We care for each and every individual who passes through our hands and we hold the highest aspirations for them all We believe that every student has unique talents to bring to our college community: talents to be nurtured and encouraged during their time with us

We have an incredibly dedicated, caring and expert staff who are highly experienced in preparing students

not only for exams but also for their next steps in life, whatever they may be As a college with a strong academic reputation, our students achieve highly with many going to renowned and prominent universities to study competitive courses including Oxbridge, the Russell Group and Performing Arts schools, as well as progressing onto highly sought after apprenticeships and employment opportunities

All of our students also have access to excellent specialist facilities and resources, including state-ofthe-art Science and Language labs, a superb sports hall, theatre spaces and art studios, music practice rooms, a recording studio, media and computing suites, as well as dedicated Learning Support and Careers and well-being services

An exceptional Enrichment Programme encourages students to pursue their own individual interests while studying for their qualifications and helps to prepare them for life after Holy Cross, wherever that may lead them.

As a Holy Cross student, you will always be supported, both now and in the future What Sister Mary Kelly, a former Principal of Holy Cross, once said remains true for us still:

“Our aim is to sustain our students and our staff in an atmosphere of encouragement and support

We believe in the growth of the whole person and in creating a climate where everyone can become their ‘best selves’ ”

Carina Vitti Principal

Cour ses Available

We have a wide range of courses available at both Level 3 and Level 2.

A Level Courses

Accounting

Art & Design

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Computer Science

Dance

Drama and Theatre Studies

Economics

English Language

English Lang & Lit

English Literature

Film Studies

French

Further Mathematics

Geography

Geology

German

Graphics

History

Law

Mathematics

Media Studies

Music

Photography

Physical Education

Physics

Politics

Psychology

Sociology

Spanish Textiles

Theology and Philosophy

Level 3 Applied Diplomas

Applied Criminology

BTEC Courses (Level 3)

Applied Law Applied Science

Business

Health & Social Care

Information Technology

Music Technology

Other

Core Mathematics

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

BTEC Courses (Level 2)

Applied Science

Business

ICT

GCSE Courses (Level 2)

English Language

Graphics/Photography

German

Higher Project Qualification (HPQ)

Maths

Psychology

Sociology

It is important to choose the right subjects for you. When choosing your subjects, please consider the information on our website here:

www.holycross.ac.uk/admissions/choosingyour-subjects

Case Study

Lucy Glynn

Subjects studied: Law, Psychology and English Language

The two years I spent at Holy Cross were crucial in shaping my future career choices I first began my studies in Law at Holy Cross and from the interest I developed here, I then spent the following four years learning about the subject in great detail at both Undergraduate and Masters level I will be continuing these further studies again later this year when I begin my PhD Without the high quality of teaching, pastoral support and extracurricular opportunities I experienced at Holy Cross, I may not ultimately have gone on to succeed in gaining the further qualifications I have I am now back at Holy Cross working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Law department, a role which I have found to be incredibly rewarding This has given me the opportunity to begin my career in education by giving back to those who are in the position I was 6 years ago, on the first steps of their potential future career path

Excellence, Career s and Pathways

The Excellence for All programme aims to take care of your future Whatever your interests, you will be valued as an individual and offered a range of activities to help you to reach your potential.

Holy Cross is justifiably proud of its reputation for academic excellence, developing those who aim for the most competitive universities, including Oxbridge, The Russell Group and High Tariff universities We also support students who apply for courses such as Law, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science

Students who are likely to apply for competitive university courses, training or employment will attend workshops to help them to develop high level thinking, reading and communication skills These sessions will also guide students in their super-curricular reading and in gaining awareness of key issues, concepts and debates related to their areas of intended work and study

Students will be supported in all aspects of applying to their chosen destinations including selecting the most suitable courses, preparing for admissions tests and interviews, and writing strong personal statements

Students can attend weekly workshops to develop essential skills in communication, critical thinking, how

to make a précis of a text, medical ethics and empathy. Students will also learn how to excel in their UCAS application, admissions tests (e g LNAT, UCAT, BMAT and the TSA) and at interview

Students will be encouraged to develop a competitive and relevant profile for university applications, apprenticeships and employment, by taking part in extension groups and super-curricular activities, to stretch their learning and encourage a deeper love for their subjects We encourage students to take up an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which allows them to develop key independent study and research skills; the qualification is highly regarded by universities and employers

Even if a competitive course is not for you, Holy Cross College has something to offer all students, so please get involved, join a group and lay the foundations for a fantastic future

Careers

Careers staff will ensure you have access to information

and guidance to support your career planning, aspirations and transition They do this in conjunction with curriculum teachers, Progress Tutors, and with support from Positive Steps

The careers resource area also has a range of prospectuses and information for you to use in addition to materials relating to apprenticeships, student finance and CV development The Careers Team also has a dedicated section on the college intranet (Moodle) with links to lots of information with specialist software packages including SACU and Higher Ideas

Throughout your time in college, you will receive lots of careers information via your tutorials and there will be talks, workshops and visits in conjunction with your subjects.

Here are some examples of what may be on offer: How to choose a course and University (Higher Education), Student Finance, Personal Statements and Apprenticeships. All Lower Sixth students attend the UCAS exhibition in Manchester.

Work Experience

Work experience is a good way to understand a specific job role and is especially relevant for students considering a vocational course e g , teaching or nursing as it allows you to develop an understanding of the job and the skills required Please note, work experience is an entry requirement for some university courses e g , veterinary science, dentistry, medicine, nursing, physiotherapy

Pathways

We want you to have an experience of gaining good qualifications here and progressing on to the next stage in a timely way We will offer advice and guidance at your application, interview and again at your enrolment We will only enrol you onto a course where you meet the entry criteria and where we believe you will be successful

If you are already aware of a challenge or difficulty, please inform us of this. It will not affect the offer we make; we will simply be better placed to help you when you begin your course. Many students receive support here at Holy Cross in a great number of ways, which are discrete and bespoke to their needs. We genuinely care about individuals and will do all we can to support every student in our care.

Core Religious Education and Chaplaincy

All students take one lesson of Core RE a week. The course covers a wide range of topics, always with the idea of helping you discover more about yourself, the world around you, your faith and the faith of others

Why do we do RE?

• To help you understand and express your own beliefs and worldview and to listen and respond appropriately to views different to your own.

• To have an opportunity to have your voice heard and your identity represented in our community

• To share our college values of faith, compassion, humility, service, daring, vision and joy

Why is it compulsory?

Success is not simply measured by the grades you come out with at the end of your time at Holy Cross We have a duty to develop you as a whole person so this includes not only intellectually, but also socially, morally, spiritually and emotionally RE is one of the ways we do this You will gain a tremendous amount from Holy Cross over your time with us, so engaging in RE is one of the ways you can contribute back to the community here

What will I gain from RE?

RE is the one lesson in the week where you can simply be yourself without the focus on your progress or academic abilities Because of this, you should become more confident in your own beliefs and ideas You will also develop important life skills such as critical thinking, debate, interpersonal skills, responsibility, empathy and respect Everyone has something to contribute to RE and you might be surprised at how much you’ll gain

What enrichment groups are there in the RE Department?

• 4C (College Community for Charities and Campaigns)

• Chaplaincy groups

• Equality Ambassadors

• Faith Ambassadors

• Prism (LGBT+ with allies)

Here are some student views about Core RE: "I love RE! The content and structure of the lessons forced the students to question their beliefs about themselves and the community around them to gain a more positive and inclusive mindset I am sure that there is something in each lesson that at least one person can benefit from and due to that, these lessons have been brilliant for students to attend at the college "

"RE is extremely organised and such an enjoyable course that has challenged my opinions on many social and religious issues and has developed my debate and listening skills greatly Thank you, Holy Cross, RE department!"

"Thank you to the RE team for being so approachable and having opportunities such as the 4C Group The Children's Christmas party has been one of my favourite memories of Holy Cross I also like how R E has such a relaxed atmosphere "

The Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy plays a key role in fostering the mission and ethos of Holy Cross College We aim to provide students and staff with opportunities to develop spiritually, morally, and intellectually

We are very proud of our Catholic tradition whilst also welcoming students and staff of all faiths.

There are many ways for us to develop our faith life

Some of these include:

• Full-time Lay Chaplain available to offer guidance and support

• College Chapel

• Chaplaincy Room

• Monthly Feast Day Mass

• Monthly Themed Liturgy/Prayer Service

• GIFT Team

• Eco Group

• Lunchtime Chaplaincy Activities to help grow in fellowship and faith

• daily morning prayer

• chapel available for personal prayer all day, every day

• a room is available for those of other faiths who wish to pray at lunch times

• an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, a chance for our students to volunteer in assisting sick and elderly pilgrims

• community work, for example a Christmas party for children from local special needs schools

• staff and student assemblies throughout the church’s year and academic year

• 4C charities group

• Mindfulness and Meditation Sessions

• Staff and Student Retreats

• Liturgical Assemblies

• Student Prayer and Liturgy Group

• Chaplaincy Group

• Faith Ambassadors Group

• Spectrum Bereavement Group

• SVP Group

Caring for and Supporting Students

In keeping with the mission and ethos of Holy Cross, pastoral care is a major priority for us

We aim to provide a safe and secure environment in which you can study and thrive.

We have a strong commitment to value each person as an individual and to enable all our students to maximise their potential during their time with us.

We welcome applications from students with learning difficulties, disabilities or particular educational needs. You will have a specialist Progress Tutor who will monitor your progress. They will also be someone you can turn to if you have difficulties.

Your academic progress is discussed regularly with your teachers The individual action plans developed from these discussions give you and your parents or carers valuable information about what you need to do to achieve your full potential Our relationship with parents and carers plays an important part in our students’ success Our Connect Portal holds information on a student’s timetable and attendance, progress grades, exam results and detailed careers advice

Counselling service

We offer a confidential counselling service which is available to discuss more personal matters, linking with outside agencies that can offer additional help and guidance to students as appropriate

Safeguarding and Prevent policy at Holy Cross

We recognise our responsibilities with regard to the protection of young people. We are fully committed to acting in accordance with our legal duty to protect all members of our college community and to keep them safe. Full details of the policy can be found on the college website or by writing to the Assistant Principal (Students).

No Smoking

We are a non-smoking/vaping college and smoking/vaping is not permitted inside or around the immediate perimeter of the college building

Supporting your learning

Our Learning Support team has experience of working with students with a wide range of disabilities and other support needs The support and resources available are negotiated on an individual basis, to meet your needs in the best possible way Please contact us to discuss how our team could help you

The Library

Holy Cross Library has a wide-ranging collection of materials to support you in your studies including books to support your curriculum needs and an excellent fiction collection for leisure reading We also provide 24/7 access to e-resources which includes e-books, available to you whether you are on site or at home

Our fabulous welcoming library space has a number of study areas available to suit differing learning needs, such as group study tables, quiet study carrels and bookable rooms for project work

We are open 5 days a week, including until 8 00pm Tuesday – Thursday during term-time

Our facilities include:

• PC and Wi-Fi access

• Charging points for mobile devices

• Laptop Loans

• Printing and photocopying

• Stationery for sale

Admissions and choosing your cour se

We welcome applications from students of all faiths and those of none. As a result, we have a wonderfully diverse student population

It is important to choose the rights subjects to give you the best chance of getting onto your preferred university course or career. When choosing your subjects please visit: www.holycross.ac.uk/admissions/ choosingyour-subjects

In offering places, we consider the following:

• your online application form

• discussions at interview

• a reference from your school

• the date of receipt of the application form, if it arrives after the closing date

We are looking for commitment, passion and hard work We try to keep our GCSE tariff as welcoming as we possibly can for the courses we offer; specific entry requirements are available on our website (www holycross ac uk) Offers of a place are always conditional on whether you meet these entry requirements and a supportive and satisfactory reference from your school

Applications are completed on-line via our website; the system is open from October each year and students are strongly advised to complete applications by the deadline indicated.

Case Study

Spencer Bland

Subjects studied: Business, Geography and Sociology

One thing I would say is to get involved! In my first year I didn’t look to get into any extracurricular activities. However, with the push of Miss Collins, I found ‘The Collective’ * and that is where my passion for business and management thrived. I used the experience from The Collective to get an amazing opportunity working as a business apprentice with Network Rail. Make the most of your two years at Holy Cross! My future is brighter than ever thanks to the support I received.

* ‘The Collective’ is an eclectic group of inspired young artists at Holy Cross College. It has grown to be an exemplary demonstration of student initiative and capability, now operating as a self-run, highly developed organisation where skills as Art & Design students are put into practice, having held exhibitions attended by thousands of people, produced over 7,000 publications, and raised over £8,000 as a successful business to fund their work

Enrichment

Enrichment is a very important part of your education at Holy Cross and there are many activities, events and excursions for you to take part in throughout your time here.

These opportunities help you to develop as a person, broadening your skills, knowledge and understanding Many of them introduce you to the worlds of work and further study and taking part in them will help to make you more attractive to universities and future employers All help you to learn about yourself: what you enjoy and what you are good at Enrichment widens your understanding beyond the courses you are studying and is key to being part of the College community We aim to make every activity accessible and affordable to all

All students are expected to do at least six hours of enrichment in each academic year though in practice, many do a lot more As part of your induction to the College you will be introduced to the enrichment programme for the year ahead so that you can choose the things you would like to be involved in and thus plan your time effectively Below are some examples of recent enrichment opportunities:

Events & Visits

• Business Means Business Day – talks and workshops by various companies on careers in Business and Finance

• University Open Days and Taster Days

• Visits by local MPs and members of the House of Lords

• Workshop with the Royal Exchange Youth Company

• Performing Arts London Residential Visit

• Visit to Shrewsbury Prison

• Visits to Home Cinema

• Visits to museums and galleries

• Visit from ITN News crew

Activities in College:

• Various Book/Reading Groups

• Chess Club

• Debate Club

• Case Files (run by Criminology)

• The Collective – our own student-based Art & Design Company

• The College Production

• Various competitive sports teams

• Recreational sports

• Duke of Edinburgh

• Student Representative Council (SRC)

• And many, many more

Sport,Visual Arts and Perfor ming Arts

Spor t

At Holy Cross we enjoy one of the best sporting reputations in the North West and, increasingly, at national and international levels too Our sporting teams and individuals consistently achieve a high degree of success in a variety of sports, and these can be enjoyed at a competitive and/or recreational level

Team and Recreational Sports

Our students have represented Holy Cross in sports at local, regional and national levels This includes football, netball, rugby, cross country, hockey, volleyball, athletics and golf We enter a large number of competitions through our affiliation to the North West Colleges League, sporting governing bodies, and the Association of Colleges National Championships

In the 2022/2023 season our Netball Girls and Cross Country Girls were AOC National Champions and our Basketball Girls were ranked 3rd Nationally. Wednesday afternoons are timetabled for those taking part in sport. This year Holy Cross was the most

At Holy Cross we enjoy one of the best reputations in the North West for Sports and the Arts.

successful team across the NW College Leagues, with Netball 1st and 2nd Team winning their leagues, Football Girls 2nd place, Football 1st team in 3rd place, and the Rugby Union team was undefeated for the second consecutive year

We also offer a variety of recreational sports every lunchtime, from basketball to badminton, football to cricket Any student from any subject is welcome to attend team or recreational activities

Scholarships

Students who excel in their sport are encouraged to gain selection for county or national teams For any student competing at this level or higher, there is a sports scholarship scheme providing some financial and timetabling assistance to meet individual needs

Supporting your future

Sport will also strengthen and enrich your personal statement It illustrates to university admissions departments and prospective employers that you have

some of the qualities they are looking for These qualities include physical resilience, good health, teamwork, commitment and a sense of purpose, passion and enthusiasm as well as wider interests

V isual Ar ts

It is ideas that have stood front and centre in the recent history of Art and Design

Art and Design at Holy Cross mirrors this, as students are encouraged to explore a diverse range of sources, generating practical work where ideas are developed in Art & Design, Graphics, Photography or Textiles

These disciplines can be life-affirming, life-changing, teachable, learnable, intellectual and an unbelievably exciting way to look at the world.

Students find the most inventive, personal and innovative approaches to making artwork, taking ownership of the creative process, solving problems and arriving at a place often beyond their expectations

Art & Design is celebrated in and around the college, as well as in the huge final exhibition, held off site for the past twelve years For more details see: https://www hccart co uk

As a department we believe it is critical for our students to develop a number of skills to help prepare them for a career within the creative industry, and in 2017 we launched ‘The Collective Project’ as a space / platform / opportunity for our students to further develop and share creative practice The Collective is an eclectic group of inspired young artists and designers at Holy Cross College who have been involved in exploring and creatively responding to an ambitious array of topics Since its inception, more than 300 students have contributed to the programme and today it has grown to be an exemplary demonstration of student initiative and capability Now operating as a self-run, highly developed organisation our students are putting their skills as artists and designers into practice

We have held exhibitions attended by thousands of people, distributed over 7,000 publications, and raised over £8,000 as a successful business to fund their creative endeavours.

For more information please see: www hcccollective co uk

Perfor ming Ar ts

We are a close-knit family of subjects that offer a lively and exciting enrichment programme to support our students and offer them a wide variety of extended performance opportunities Over the past few years, we have staged the musicals Sweet Charity and Little Shop of Horrors and the operas ‘Requiem’ and ‘L’enfant et les Sortilèges,’ alongside Dance and Christmas Evenings and our ever popular Live Music Nights

We stage most of our public performances in our newly refurbished hall The department also hosts a Drama Studio; Dance Studio; Recording and Mixing Studio and 5 Music Rehearsal rooms

We seize opportunities for our students to perform within our local community, with performances at The Lowry Theatre; Bury Met; Ramsbottom Music Festival; Carol Singing at Manchester Markets and band performances at Glaston-Bury. Staff in the department have a variety of industry expertise and will help you

to develop your performance technique and there is plenty of direct support that will prepare you for future auditions.

Within the department, we have a Director of Music who organises our thriving 40+ choir and Chamber Choir which meets weekly We also have a choral scholarship programme for our most ambitious singers Aside from this, we offer instrumental and voice lessons with a dedicated team of professional musicians We run weekly rehearsals with the orchestra, jazz band and guitar ensemble, a biennial Music Tour (previous trips have included Paris and Freiburg) and also an annual Theatre trip to London

If developing skills as a theatre or sound technician is more for you, there are opportunities to work with industry-standard lighting and sound equipment You don’t have to study Performing Arts subjects to take part in the many cultural activities available at Holy Cross – they are open to all We just ask for determination, enthusiasm and a can-do attitude!

Case Study

Scarlett Grif fiths

Subjects studied: Drama and theatre studies, English Literature, Textiles

My time at Holy Cross has been an incredibly formative experience, shaping me into the person I am, building my confidence through college productions and other enrichment activities like LAMDA enabling me to take the next steps into drama school

Throughout my time on the drama course, I have been surrounded by a network of support from both staff and peers creating a safe and welcoming environment that allowed me to engage my full creative potential.

The blend of my subjects; Theatre Studies, English Literature and Textiles allowed me to combine both practical and academic studies all ultimately supporting my next steps.

The memories I have made at Holy Cross are ones I will take with me throughout my life and ultimately the lessons I have learnt have equipped me with the knowledge I need to access my goals in the future

Time spent after Holy Cross: LIPA September 2023

Holy Cross College is situated conveniently close to Bury town centre and approximately 1/2 mile from the bus and metrolink station giving access to all nearby towns and to central Manchester (Victoria and Piccadilly stations).

Holy Cross Sixth Form College

Manchester Road

Bury

Lancashire BL9 9BB

Tel:0161 762 4500

www holycross ac uk

Email: information@holycross ac uk