Holy Cross Sixth Form College Prospectus 2023

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 programm, an outstanding Learning Support Department, access to our Student Hardship Fund, an exceptional pastoral system, and a staff team committed to providing a high-quality 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.

This booklet is available in different formats (e.g., Braille, large print) please contact the Admissions Department for a copy.

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, 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 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

Case Study

Oluwalonimi Owoyemi

Subjects studied: Law, Drama and English

My time at Holy Cross has been a monumental time in my life that has impacted me as a person and helped me grow in all aspects of life. I was able to learn discipline and was provided with a supportive learning environment and excellent resources to help ensure I achieved my full potential. I was able to realise strengths I did not know I had and was pushed to work on weaknesses and had the belief and support of my teachers to ensure I didn't get complacent.

Holy Cross presented me with opportunities such as playing in the college football team which is all inclusive. The live nights which helped build my confidence in performance and helped me play music with my band. I was also involved in the college musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' which was a surreal experience, one I will never forget.

In the future I hope to study Law at Manchester University but to keep performing because I love it. I believe that things will naturally fall into place with a sprinkle of hard work and persistence. Principles that Holy Cross instilled in me.

Excellence, Careers 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 Medicine.

Our students’ success in accessing these courses and institutions are exceptional and significantly above local and national averages.

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 year 12 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.

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

• Catholic Students Group

• Chaplaincy Group

• Faith Ambassadors Group

• Spectrum Bereavement 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 college, and smoking is only permitted in one designated area of the campus where a shelter is provided.

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 feel

able to contact us to discuss the ways our Learning Support team could help you.

The Library

Our library is a university style space, perfect for study and research for your homework and for on-going revision. Our professional and highly experienced librarians will encourage you to read widely and engage in independent research for your studies. We have a wide range of books for borrowing or reference use that support all of your curriculum areas, and a collection for leisure reading. Online you will have access to eBooks, journals and university standard subject databases, 24/7. There are various study options available to you such as bookable group work rooms, a silent study area, individual study spaces and group-work tables.

You are automatically a member of the library and can borrow up to 10 items at any one time. The Library is open until 8.00 pm, three evenings a week.

Admissions and choosing your course

We believe Holy Cross is unique, and as you learn more about us, we hope you will agree.

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

In offering places we take into account 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 reference from your school.

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

Case Study

Maddie Garner

Subjects studied: A Level Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

My time at Holy Cross really prepared me for studying at University and life beyond.

The teachers were so supportive, tailoring lessons and revision to our own preferences. I also had an amazing experience with my extra curricular time, performing in the orchestra for 2 productions (‘West Side Story’ and ‘Sweeney Todd’) and also playing for the hockey team.

My favourite experience was the famous Biology Department field trip to Anglesey, North Wales. We conducted practical field studies with techniques we had learnt during our 2 years, along with visits to the labs where I eventually completed my degree in Marine Biology at Bangor. This was such an amazing week where we got to do ‘real science’ and explore the UK coastline. I am currently completing an internship on Curieuse Island in Seychelles, an opportunity that was made possible thanks to that field trip where I realised that marine biology was the path I wanted to take!

Enrichment

Holy Cross offers a wide range of Enrichment activities which you can take part in, in addition to your academic studies; we believe in creating a balance between studying for your qualifications and doing something you find personally rewarding. We encourage you to get involved in activities, as many universities and employers will want to know what interests you and that you have interests beyond your studies. It also gives you the opportunity to meet different people and learn something new.

Here are just some of the examples of activities and events in recent years:

Recent curriculum related educational visits & field trips

• Dove Cottage, Grasmere

• Colomendy, North Wales

• Blue John Mines

• Castleton and Mam Tor

• 'Girls into Geoscience' residential, Plymouth University

Enrichment activities

• Medics and Vets Group

• Debating Society

• Duke of Edinburgh qualification

• Student Representative Council (SRC)

• The Collective – our own student based Art Company

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Charity and chaplaincy-based work

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Sport,Visual Arts and Performing Arts

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

Sport

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.

Great sports choice

We enter a large number of competitions through our affiliation to the North West Colleges league, sports governing bodies, and the Association of Colleges with their annual three-day sporting festival. In recent years our students represented Holy Cross in sports at local, regional and national levels.

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.

Visual Arts

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, lifechanging, 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 nine years. For more details see: http://anoaktree.org

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 100 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 4,000 publications, and raised over £5,000 as a successful business to fund their creative endeavours. For more information please see: http://www.thecollective.org.uk

Performing Arts

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 Little Shop of Horrors and West Side Story 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 Bury Met; Bury Art Museum; 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

Emma Rayner

Subjects studied: Biology, Psychology, Physical Education

I selected my A level subjects to reflect requirements held by universities to access my career aim of a physiotherapy degree course.

I was able to manage my academic and netball aspirations thanks to the flexibility of staff at Holy Cross in structuring my timetable to accommodate the, sometimes competing, demands of both areas. My form tutor's assistance in helping me with my university applications was really beneficial and was greatly appreciated. It enabled me to fulfil my career aspirations.

Case Study

Harry Surplus

Subjects studied: A Level Maths, A Level Further Maths, A Level Drama & Theatre Studies

My time at Holy Cross was fabulous. The welcoming, approachable and friendly teachers made my experience one to remember. I throughly enjoyed studying maths and learning from expert mathematicians. My lessons were engaging, challenging and most importantly fun. As well as maths, the drama department helped share my creative side and opened some excellent opportunities for me, like becoming Deputy Stage Manager of ’Les Miserables’. If you love performing like me then I’d highly recommend getting involved in the college production. I am now studying Mathematics at The University of Manchester. I hope to complete a PGCE and become a Mathematics teacher. A big thank you to Holy Cross for everything.

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