Coulsdon Sixth Form College Prospectus - 2023/24

Education

Stuart Barlow, Interim Principal

Thank you for considering Coulsdon Sixth Form College for your studies. Coulsdon College is a warm, friendly place, full of people aspiring to become the best versions of themselves. I look forward to welcoming you to our community.

It’s all about Careers not Courses –creating employer and career led pathways for our students.

As a specialist Sixth Form College, we offer a wider choice of A Level subjects and vocational programmes than most schools. This gives students the opportunity to ‘mix and match’ to suit their specific interests, abilities and aspirations. Broadly speaking, students’ choices will fit into one of the following pathways: STEM; Creative & Cultural; Health & Service Industries; and Business & Professional.

As well as excellent academic support from teachers, every student has a dedicated personal tutor and access to learning support, careers advice, financial advice and counselling. All our staff are specialists in working with 16-19 year olds and are committed to helping each and every student to achieve their potential. Our students make excellent progress, enabling them to go to the university of their choice, direct into employment or an apprenticeship.

At its most recent inspection, Ofsted graded Coulsdon Sixth Form College as Good. The college has seen increasing levels of student satisfaction with teaching and learning rated highly by students who feel they make good progress in development of their English, maths and ICT skills alongside their programme of study. The college has seen increasing numbers of high grades across its courses with students being able to take their next step confidently.

The Student Experience team organises a whole host of activities on a regular basis, including table tennis, football, yoga, debating club, songwriting, as well as regular quiz and bingo sessions. There’s always something to join in with, and they’re all free!

Throughout the year we celebrate a range of awareness events and themes, giving you the opportunity to learn about and engage with social issues and causes.

Hang out space

The Common Room is a great space to hang out with your friends, play games, join in with activities, or just relax and have some fun.

Coulsdon Sixth Form College is a hub of activity outside the classroom, and alongside your courses there are many opportunities for you to meet other people, learn new skills, and have fun. Clubs, societies and events

Make your voice count

The Student Voice is an important part of all college decisions. Our Student Executive team is elected from the student body to provide valuable feedback on issues facing the college community, and to influence what we do and how we do it.

You could also be part of our Student Council by becoming the Student Representative for your course or tutor group. Gathering the feedback and views of your fellow students on their student experience, you will participate in termly Student Conferences to share this with college management.

You’ll also meet with your Head of Pathway on a termly basis to share feedback and discuss issues relating to your

At Coulsdon Sixth Form College, employability is at the heart of everything we do.

We understand you are looking to the future and where your education will take you. That’s why, from the moment you start college, we support you to understand the opportunities that are available to you, and help you plan your next steps to achieve your ambitions.

Whether you’re looking at university, or an apprenticeship, or getting into the workplace, Coulsdon Sixth Form College is committed to helping you achieve your potential.

Employability

Our courses have been developed to include key attributes which employers and universities say are important, such as teamwork, problem solving and communication skills. We have a real focus on English, mathematics and digital skills; all vital for your future success. There are also opportunities for you to develop skills through taking part in some of our enrichment activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh and National Citizenship schemes, which will help your CV, or university application, stand out.

Our links with employers are key to your success, and all students are supported to experience life in their chosen industry through work placements, employer visits and industry led projects.

Careers

We want you to make the most of your future, and the Careers team is here to provide you with impartial advice and guidance to support your aspirations, explore the opportunities that are available to you, and help you plan your next steps. Every student is treated as an individual, and throughout the year the team works closely with all course areas to support students to assess their own skills, values and interests, and match these into a Career Plan.

Our expert team of qualified Careers Advisors is here to support you with applying to university or an apprenticeship, and can help you with job searches, CV writing and interview techniques. Thinking about starting your own business? We can help you understand self-employment and how to market yourself.

Progression to University

Thinking about applying to university, or considering whether higher education is right for you? We provide plenty of support to help you understand your options and choose the path that’s right for you.

Throughout the year we run talks and workshops to help you complete your UCAS application, prepare your personal statement, and be interview ready if you need it. Our great partnership links with universities mean there are opportunities for you to meet with universities and get feedback on your personal statement before you apply.

Croydon University Centre

All our Level 3 courses will allow progression onto university. Many of our students are so pleased with their time at Coulsdon Sixth Form College that they choose to stay on and continue to study with us at Croydon University Centre based at our Croydon College campus.

As a CUC student you will have access to extra state of the art facilities and dedicated HE spaces such as lecture theatres and your own common room.

Want to find out more?

Visit croydonuniversitycentre.ac.uk or come along to our next Open Event.

Business & Accounting Business

Have you ever wanted to start your own business or become the next ‘Apprentice’?

If so, then business studies is for you. Business is an extremely relevant and exciting subject that will give students an insight into the world of work and current affairs and provide them with key life skills. Business students will learn about the structure of businesses, how businesses market and promote themselves, market research and how to plan and manage events. The faculty has excellent links with employers and trips are planned to complement the courses.

Accounting

A qualification in accounting will always be helpful – whether it’s used professionally or personally. This course helps students to understand the responsibilities of the accountant and the impacts of their recommendations on the business and the wider environment.

This course compliments the business courses perfectly.

courses

Business

Accounting

For full course entry requirements, please visit coulsdon.ac.uk

Computing

Computing is an established academic discipline that deals primarily with coding, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and how computers work.

Areas covered will be valuable to students interested in engineering, interactive media, data science, machine learning, electronics and mathematics, as well as those with an interest in computing. This course should not be confused with information technology, which tends to deal with what computers are used for.

The courses use a range of industry or university standard software for coding, cybersecurity, games development, mobile application development and website design. There are a number of specially equipped classrooms and every student has their own computer to use in class.

English & MFL

English

An A Level in English is desirable for many degree courses and is welcomed by employers.

English is seen as a key subject for students to develop their analytical skills through reading and writing. These skills are highly valued across all academic areas and this, in conjunction with the interesting and stimulating texts studied, leads to high student satisfaction levels and outstanding achievements.

Spanish

‘El mundo es un pañuelo’ – ‘it’s a small world’

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world after English, the second most used on Twitter, and the third most popular internet language – that’s why it is so important to speak it well.

By studying Spanish at A Level, students will develop their skills in communication, an ability highly prized by employers. Students will use the latest multimedia technology to practice their language skills and learn more about Spain and other Spanish speaking countries, as they study a range of topics from historical perspectives to the present day.

In addition they will have extra sessions in small groups with a Foreign Language Assistant to build their confidence in speaking.

full course entry requirements, please visit coulsdon.ac.uk

Humanities & Law

Humanities covers a collection of subjects that investigate the human experience. They are academic disciplines that study aspects of human society, culture and education.

History

If you are interested in the past, are keen to know how the present is shaped and what the future might hold in store, then history is the subject for you. Your ideas, your opinions and your views will be asked for as we come to judge how and why events in history happened. Students will enjoy and do well in history if they have a genuine interest in the world and how it has developed as well as analysing and problem solving based on collecting and assessing evidence.

Politics

Do you enjoy a stimulating and dynamic subject which investigates topical issues and controversies that affect our everyday lives? Politics helps us understand how the British political system works, as well as developing an understanding of the core ideologies of liberalism, conservatism and socialism and another important ideology, multiculturalism. Students will develop a range of analytical, investigative and critical skills to use in whatever career path they choose. To do well in politics, students will need to keep up-todate with current affairs by reading a respected newspaper and watching or listening to the news on a weekly basis.

Law

In the Law Department, students will be introduced to aspects of English law, will have the opportunity to take part in a mock trial and will be expected to participate in debates and discussions relating to contemporary legal issues. Law allows for debate, sometimes heated, as we study the legal system and its many complexities and problems. Importantly, students will gain an insight into what it is like to study law and pursue as a profession.

Sociology

Sociology is the study of society and how individuals and groups interact within it. It deals with a wide range of questions and concepts that are relevant to contemporary life. Studying sociology also involves looking at human action from a range of different perspectives and students are encouraged to see the world from many different angles. Students are encouraged to work together and use evidence to assess which point of view is the most accurate.

Our range of courses includes:

Level 3

A Level History

A Level Politics

A Level Sociology

A Level Geography

A Level Law

Humanities & Law

Health & Social Care

Health and social care is a fascinating and growing area.

Health and social care workers have to deal with a diverse group of people including children, young adults, the elderly and people with mental health problems and learning difficulties.

They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, care homes and people’s own homes. Now is an exciting time to be a care worker because reforms are creating new jobs and flexible ways of working meaning there is huge scope for career progression.

This is an interesting and practical course that is directly related to the vibrant, exciting and rapidly expanding health and social care sector.

Students will study a wide range of health and care related topics in practical and work related environments.

Students are actively involved in local community events as well as their work experience placements in a range of settings such as nurseries, schools, playgroups and homes for the elderly.

Our range of courses includes:

Level

Level

Level

Level

Health & Social Care

Health & Social Care

Health & Social Care

For full course entry requirements, please visit coulsdon.ac.uk

advanced

students

Media

The Media Department offers a lively and modern range of courses for students to learn using professional standard equipment. Students will broaden and deepen their understanding of the media industry and the role that it plays in society. During the course, there will be an analysis of examples of a range of media texts, from music videos to video games. They will look at how media is constructed but also how audiences interact with the media. Much of the time will be spent working with others in both making and researching media products. The course provides a useful background for academic or vocational courses at university, apprenticeships or employment.

Film

Interested in films? Would you like to spend more time finding out about them? If so, film studies could be the A Level for you. This subject focuses on the study of film within aesthetic, institutional and social contexts. Students will be expected to analyse film texts of different genres, by a range of directors and representing a variety of cultures. They will investigate and explore various critical frameworks and debates. They will explore how film generates meanings and responses as well as the ways in which spectators respond to film. They will also have the opportunity to make their own short film sequence in the first year and complete a short film in the second year, during which they will develop their evaluative skills in relation to film productions, drawing comparisons between their own product and professionally produced films.

Our

Level

Level

Level

A

For

course entry

Performing Arts & Music

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts Department is a lively and thriving area where the main emphasis is on performing to a variety of different audiences.

The vast majority of students achieve their ambition to pursue their interest in the subject at degree level. During the course, students will be required to produce high quality audition pieces and build a portfolio of the work they have produced during their studies.

Music

Is music an important part of your life? Are you interested in performing professionally, writing music commercially, teaching music or aiming for some other involvement in the performing arts world? The courses offered at Coulsdon Sixth Form College give students the opportunity to explore and develop their potential in these areas, as well as providing a good foundation for moving forward in whatever musical direction they wish after college. More generally the study of music will reveal some fascinating insights into cultures, history and societies.

Performing

Music

Bethany Payet

Studying A Level Business, Sociology & Psychology

Why did you apply to Coulsdon College?

Coulsdon College offers the A Level subjects I wanted to study. At Coulsdon, you can be independent with your studies and the teachers treat you like an adult.

Why did you choose your courses?

The subjects I study work really well together. They stimulate my critical thinking. The most interesting thing about all the subjects I study, is that they encourage you to think outside the box whilst increasing your creativity.

What are your future aspirations?

I’d love to work in the fashion industry. When the time is right, I will start my own business that focuses on sustainable clothing.

Do you have any advice for future students?

Make the most of your time, take advantage of the fantastic teaching and ask as many questions as possible.

Psychology

Psychology analyses the actions and thought processes of other people with the aim of understanding and predicting likely behaviours.

Students will benefit from this insight enormously, regardless of their future occupation.

On these courses, students will develop a wide range of study skills, with particular emphasis on analytical, descriptive and organisational skills.

Our range of courses includes:

Level 3

A Level Psychology Level 3 Applied Psychology

Psychology

Science & Engineering Science

Science courses cover a range of disciplines. At Coulsdon Sixth Form College you can study biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and medical science.

Applied Science

We offer applied science in three areas – science, engineering and medical. The courses aim to develop an appreciation of the competencies, skills and knowledge required for higher education and employment in science based careers.

Chemistry

Students will study chemists and the role they play in a variety of relevant and current technologies, such as the development of new medicines and materials, climate change and alternative fuels. Students will learn about important issues such as the greenhouse effect, how polymers are designed, the synthesis of pharmaceutical chemicals, and quantitative and qualitative analysis. Students will learn to determine the structures of new molecules using infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. They will also become confident in a range of practical techniques.

Physics

Physics is a fundamental science that lies at the heart of modern engineering, technology and medicine. The aim of physics is to recognise, interpret and apply fundamental principles clearly and creatively in a variety of different contexts. Physics is a practical subject: the only way to really understand how objects behave is to experiment and observe.

Our

Level

Level

A

A

A

A

T

Level

Level

Sports & Public Services

Sport

Our sport courses are dynamic, varied and reflect the depth of career opportunity in the sports industry.

The college’s sports department aims to promote and encourage the enjoyment of all sport and physical recreation both through academic studies and participation in practical activities. In addition, the department regularly organises trips, visits, presentations and workshops to enable classroom learning to be brought to life.

Public Services

Public services is a fast growing area of study and attracts students who are seeking a career in one of the forces – police, Fire Brigade, armed services and ambulance service.

Within the practical elements of the course, students will participate in different kinds of fitness training, take part in a number of different team building activities and participate in land and water based activities.

We offer distinct courses that reflect the scope and dynamism of the public services. Coulsdon Sixth Form College is also part of the British army further education bursary scheme.

Our range of courses includes:

Level

Level

Level

Level

Sport

Public Services

For full course entry requirements, please visit coulsdon.ac.uk

Level

Sports Level

Public Services

Sports & Public Services

Travel & Hospitality

Travel & Tourism

The travel and tourism course provides a significant focus on customer service and how employees meet the needs of the diverse range of customers they will encounter. Content includes an introduction to the industry where students will learn about all of the component industries within the sector, such as transport, accommodation and visitor attractions and the importance of travel and tourism to the UK economy. Students will also learn about marketing travel and tourism products and services. A favourite in the second year is the work experience unit along with travel and tourism enterprises, where students design their own travel and tourism business. Students will take part in a series of trips during the course and will have fun learning whilst practising their customer service skills in our brand-new aircraft cabin!

Hospitality

This course has been designed to support students to acquire the necessary skills and qualifications in the hospitality industry. Students will learn about the hospitality industry as a whole, learning about hotels, bars, restaurants and events management. Customer service is incorporated into the course and students enjoy the role play assessments that take place in the first year of the course. The first year ends with a food and beverage service unit, where the students visit a hotel for afternoon tea, and watch the experts at work. They then prepare and serve afternoon tea to the staff, which provides a fun learning experience. The second year involves studying how to market the hospitality industry and the products and services within it.

T

Laboratory Science

Overview of the course

Students will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including:

Working within the health and science sectors

How to collect data in laboratory or clinical settings

Planning, implementing and suggesting improvements to scientific tasks relevant to laboratory settings

Identifying and resolving issues with scientific equipment or data errors

Managing information and data within the health and science sector

Application of safety, health and environmental practices in the workplace.

What is involved

course

You’ll spend

of your time in the classroom and

on a 45-day placement with an employer to give you the skills and knowledge companies look for.

Visual Arts

There are a wide range of art related academic and vocational courses available at Coulsdon Sixth Form College and the art team is happy to help students choose the most appropriate programme. The visual arts areas are well resourced and set up for a variety of media including print making and textiles, photography and graphic design. There are also dedicated resource areas equipped with Apple iMac Computers.

Art & Design

The course equips students with in-depth knowledge from a wide selection of areas within the creative fields of fine art, design and textiles. The course structure can allow the qualification to be flexible to meet learners’ interests, abilities and aspirations.

Textiles

The course encourages experimental approaches to art & design with an emphasis on fashion. Students will explore different aspects of fashion and textiles including focussing on specialist areas such as fashion or costume design, fashion accessories or surface pattern design.

Fine Art

This is a practical fine art course. It gives students the opportunity to develop an appreciation of the visual world and to respond to it in a personal and creative way. Emphasis is placed on developing visual language skills through drawing, painting and printmaking and much of the work is based directly on observation.

Graphics

Graphics is a highly practical subject where students combine traditional graphic techniques with digital technology to produce their own work. The main areas of the course cover advertising, branding, illustration, packaging and typography. Students are encouraged to see their practice in the context of contemporary visual culture.

Photography

Photography is largely a practical subject and is all about visual communication skills. Students will use a variety of black and white photographic techniques and experiment with digital media, as well as analysing and researching the work of other photographers, designers and artists. Students are also lucky to have access to a dark room to produce their photos onsite here at college.

Our range of courses includes:

Level 2

Level 2 Art & Design

Level 3

A Level Fine Art

A Level Graphic Design

A Level Photography

A Level Fashion & Textiles

Level 3 Art & Design

Visual Arts

Level 3 Study Programme

Level 3 students follow a two-year programme containing A Levels and/or vocational courses that match their skills, prior qualifications and future aspirations. All students attend weekly tutorial and workshop sessions to support their pastoral needs and course progress. Students must also continue to study maths and/or English if they are yet to achieve a Grade 4 in these subjects at GCSE.

What is the ‘mix and match’ offer?

Unlike many school sixth forms, students at Coulsdon Sixth Form College have the option to ‘mix and match’ A Levels with BTEC Level 3 courses, or opt to study all A Levels or all BTECs. The ‘mix and match’ combinations are virtually endless. This ensures your timetable is tailor-made for you, giving you the best possible chance of doing well. If you don’t pass English Language or maths GCSE at Grade 4 or above, you will also continue to study these subjects.

What are the entry qualification requirements for Level 3 courses?

Students enrolling on Level 3 vocational programmes will have achieved Grade 4 or above in at least four GCSE subjects. Students wishing to include A Levels in their programmes will usually have achieved Grade 4 or above in at least five GCSE subjects, including English and maths. Some subjects have specific additional entry requirements that can be seen on our website.

How many units are students expected to take?

A Level 3 study programme contains one or more subjects to produce an overall programme containing (or equivalent to) three A Levels. The table shows how vocational courses are equivalent to one or more A Levels.

Coulsdon Sixth Form College offers a wide range of courses designed to develop students’ interests and skills, allowing for a smooth progression into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

How do I decide between A Levels and BTECs?

A Levels:

If students enjoy an intellectual challenge and are good at understanding concepts and applying them, they will probably be suited to A Level study.

Most A Levels are not directly job related and, because of this, it is possible for students to keep their options open about career and higher education choices.

BTECs:

BTEC Level 3 courses are practical, workrelated courses that are assessed mainly through coursework although most of those offered at Coulsdon now have some external assessments.

BTECs are recognised by universities and employers alike as suitable entry qualifications for university courses, apprenticeships and graduate training programmes.

How are the BTEC qualifications structured?

BTEC Level 3 First Year

BTEC Level 3 Second Year

Equivalent

Certificate Foundation Diploma

Certificate Diploma

Diploma

Level 2 Study Programme

Level 2 students will usually have achieved five GCSE subjects at Grade 2 or above, including English language and mathematics, with at least two subjects at Grade 3.

Students who successfully complete their Level 2 studies mostly progress to a Level 3 study programme for two further years.

Level 2 Subjects

These are practical, work-related courses that introduce learners to their chosen employment area and provide a good basis to go onto a more advanced work-related qualification, or directly into employment.

The BTEC Level 2 Award is equivalent to one GCSE (Grade 9-4) and is assessed via a combination of coursework and external assessments. In some subjects (such as sport), assessment is wholly by coursework.

Enrichment and Work Experience

We offer a range of enrichment activities including a football academy, tennis, a debating society and core maths. All students will also be supported to complete a week of work experience, with some completing longer placements depending upon their study programme and future aspirations.

Welcome to the

We can help you to increase your work-based and employability skills, enabling you to take your first steps into employment.

The World of Work Team based at our Croydon College campus, works closely with over 1,000 employers, connecting students with work-based opportunities to learn more skills via a range of options from apprenticeships to T Levels alongside a wide range of online learning courses, work experience opportunities and industry placements.

Your career starts here

When it comes to your career, there are so many possibilities – but where do you begin? At Coulsdon Sixth Form College, we’re not just here to get you started - we’re here to guide you every step of the way. #careersnotcourses

We have a dedicated team to support individuals from all communities and all ages through a range of inclusive programmes.

T Levels are new courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A Levels.

These two-year courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses, so that the content meets the needs of industry, preparing students for work, further training or study. Designed by employers, T Levels offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days). Get a head start in your career whilst learning and developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work within industry or progress to higher level study.

Who are they aimed at?

T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels and can be studied after GCSEs. They are aimed at advanced students (at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 including English Language and maths) who are aged 16-18 and recognise their strong interest for a technical industry.

Why study T Levels?

• To develop practical skills, knowledge and behaviours that show you are occupationally competent

• To apply theory in real workplace settings

• To combine classroom learning (80%) with on-the-job employment experience (20%)

• To pursue a high-quality technical route into skilled employment, further study or higher/degree apprenticeships

To see a video which explains T Levels in more detail scan the QR code.

As a training development programme tied to a job role, you will work as a contracted employee with professional on-thejob training alongside experienced staff and gain nationally recognised qualifications – whilst earning a wage too!

Croydon College is one of south London’s leading providers of apprenticeships, and there has never been a better time to start an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are available at intermediate, advanced and higher (degree) levels, covering more than 170 industries and 1,500 job roles. You can start an apprenticeship at any level depending on your existing qualifications and experience. There are no tuition fees as training costs are funded by the government and your employer.

We have the facilities to deliver many courses, so please feel free to enquire with your details. We could also add you to our talent pool, which will connect you with a vacancy that meets your needs.

To find out more about the World of Work at Croydon College and apprenticeship opportunities email apprenticeships@croydon.ac.uk.

Immediate vacancies – all year round

You don’t have to wait until September to apply for an apprenticeship. Use the QR code to view our live apprenticeship vacancies on our website.

See below a selection of apprenticeships we offer in differing levels:

Advanced Carpentry & Joinery

Accountant

Project Manager

Services Engineering

Services Engineering Installer

Administration

& Joinery

Chef De Partie

Engineering

Chef

Site Supervisor

Service

Analyst

Marketer

Electrician

Fitter

& Ventilation

Team Member

Communication Technician

Producer

Skills

Domestic

If you want to learn the trade of your choice and earn as you go, an apprenticeship might just be the thing for you. Read on to find out about our apprenticeship programme, delivered at our Croydon College campus.

Nataly Vivanco-Piechota Studying A Level Politics & BTEC Business

Earn as you learn with an apprenticeship

Why did you apply to Coulsdon College?

After some personal navigation through the college’s website, I was amazed at the wide range of courses they have available. When I attended my interview, I was very impressed with the building and staff who were so friendly.

Why did you choose your courses?

I studied business at GSCE and I knew I wanted to take my studies further. I decided to study politics because I have a general interest in the world of politics.

What are your future aspirations?

I will study business at university to help me in my journey to become an entrepreneur. My dream is to open a successful, well established business and maybe later on join a political party and maybe even become an MP.

Do you have any advice for future students?

Don’t allow yourself to fall behind, your first year is crucial. Take every single opportunity and always be yourself.

Jack Cress Studying A Level Business, Politics & Spanish

Why did you apply to Coulsdon College?

When staff came to my school during a College Fair event, I was really impressed. I then attended an open day and was amazed by what I saw: a modern building, friendly staff, a wide range of courses all situated in a green, peaceful area.

Why did you choose your courses?

I studied business and Spanish as part of my GCSEs, and it was always my intention to carry on studying them. I find it fascinating learning about the way businesses work, and the economic environment in which they operate.

I chose Spanish because languages are increasingly important in today’s world. I am an avid reader of the news so I chose politics in order to gain a greater understanding of the events I was reading about.

What do you love most about Coulsdon College?

Coulsdon Sixth Form College is unique. You have the opportunity to study a wide range of A Levels and BTECs which are taught by brilliant teachers in a great location.

Do you have any advice for future students?

Take every opportunity that comes your way.

At Coulsdon College, we welcome students with learning difficulties, disabilities and medical conditions. The Additional Learning Support (ALS) team support these students to maximise their potential and achieve their learning goals.

Support is provided to students that have declared a learning difficulty, disability and/or health condition and learners with an Education, Health and Care plan.

Support includes:

• One to one or small group support with their study program including English and maths

• In-class or out of class support

• Drop-in support for English, maths and vocational subjects

• Assessments for Exam Access Arrangements

• Reasonable adjustments to facilities, resources and procedures to enable the student to access their curriculum

• Access to specialist staff that provide direct or indirect input for learners

• Access to quiet study spaces and assistive technology and equipment

• Information, advice and guidance for career progression.

What can you expect from us?

• Welcoming, friendly and professional staff

• Access to advice and guidance regarding disability

• Small group sessions accessible to all learners for English, maths and academic skills.

For further information, please email: ALS@coulsdon.ac.uk.

Chloe Valentine Studying BTEC Sport & Business & A Level Media Studies

Why did you apply to Coulsdon College?

I applied to study at Coulsdon College because there are a range of different courses to choose from. You can also do a mix of both BTECs and A Levels which is great.

Why did you choose your courses?

I chose courses that I really enjoy and have a passion for. I wanted to choose broad subjects that would open up a range of different careers for me.

What do you love most about Coulsdon College?

I love the independence and having free time and freedom, whether that’s to socialise with your friends or catch up on your work.

What are your future aspirations?

I’d like to go into full-time work in business marketing, administration or management.

Do you have any advice for future students?

Focus on your own studies and don’t get distracted by others. Make sure you are up to date with your work and work hard to achieve the grades you desire.

Croydon’s Pathway to Independence Learning for Life Programme

Croydon Pathway is a specialist provision based at The Pathway Centre at Croydon College’s Coulsdon Campus, with a social community element included as part of the programme.

The Pathway Centre is for young adults with complex and severe difficulties. This may include young people who have significant learning difficulties, autism, health and medical needs, physical difficulties including visual and hearing impairments, and associated behaviours resulting from these needs. Every student is recognised and respected as unique and special, and we place each young person’s individual needs and goals at the centre.

It is this approach that underpins our curriculum; developed to ensure students are given opportunities to develop their communication, learning and independence, in a safe and inclusive environment. At the Pathway Centre the focus is on developing vocational skills, including numeracy and literacy, and arts and music. Where suitable, the course offers opportunities for mainstream integration with a focus on social interaction and development of life skills. There is also provision for taking part in supported activities in the local community, such as swimming, the gym, a community allotment and supported work placements.

To hear from one of our students about their time at the Pathway Centre or to download our Pathway Centre brochure scan the QR code.

THE PATHWAY CENTRE Coulsdon Sixth Form College, Placehouse Lane Old Coulsdon CR5 1YA For more information, please contact us on 01737 551176 (ext. 109)

Coulsdon Sixth Form College has exceptional facilities. Housed in a stunning three-storey building, the college provides students with outstanding learning facilities across all subject areas.

Light, contemporary classrooms are complemented by superb learning resource centres, enabling students to work independently in their area between lessons. Specialist classrooms for areas including science, visual arts, music and media, all have the latest equipment and resources, keeping students up-to-date with professional standards.

The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) on the ground floor has a suite of over 100 computers and a variety of different resources, including magazines and periodicals. There are also quiet areas for learning and reading.

The Refectory, on the ground floor, has glass doors leading to the courtyard – a perfect outside space to eat and mix with friends throughout the year.

The Sport and Performance Centre (SPC) is home to sport, public services and performing arts. Here you’ll find the college’s theatre, sports hall and gym. Outside there are netball and tennis courts, an all-weather pitch, extensive playing fields and landscaped gardens.

The college has more than 1,000 computers, equipped with industry-standard software and specialist educational programmes. Macs are available for all art, music and media students who are required to use specialist packages for their courses, which in turn prepares them for the world of work.

Learning Resource Centre

Industry-standard software & programmes

The Refectory Outdoor sporting facilities

Take a virtual tour around the college and see the facilities for yourself. Scan the QR code to watch the tour.

Access to different resources

Sports Hall

Specialist music studio

Onsite photography dark rooms

The college offers a range of financial support packages or bursaries.

The government’s 16-19 Bursary Fund is available to students who might be experiencing financial difficulties.

More details and an application form will be available at enrolment, along with any help which may be available from the local authorities. bursary@coulsdon.ac.uk.

16-19 Bursary Funds

For more information about the 1619 Bursary Funds available to you scan the QR code.

For the latest information and how to apply, visit www.coulsdon.ac.uk/financial-support

Our friendly Student Services team is your one stop shop for help and advice to ensure you enjoy your time at college and achieve your potential. We’re here to offer financial support and advice, careers guidance, support with personal or social issues, enrichment activities and much more!

Student Support Mentors

Our onsite student mentors are trusted members of staff that can offer students individualized support. They do this by enhancing students’ knowledge, life skills and wellbeing through 1:1 discussion, promoting engagement in group activities, and skills sharing workshops.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing Support

Our Safeguarding & Wellbeing team is here to support you with any issues that may be impacting your ability to achieve and enjoy your time at college. The team provides a safe space to talk, and support and guidance on everything from relationship and friendship issues, sexual health, financial and housing issues, substance misuse, or any other worries or anxieties. As part of the Southwest London NHS CAMHS Mental Health Trailblazer, you can also access specialist wellbeing support from our inhouse Mental Health Practitioner or Educational Wellbeing Practitioner. For more information email wellbeing@coulsdon.ac.uk.

Our student support teams are here to help make sure your time at Coulsdon Sixth Form College is all you want it to be.

How to Apply

Apply online now at coulsdon.ac.uk/apply or call 01737 551176 or email admissions@coulsdon.ac.uk. In addition, visit our website: www.coulsdon.ac.uk to download this publication.

How to Find Us

Coulsdon Sixth Form College Placehouse Lane, Old Coulsdon Surrey CR5 1YA admissions@coulsdon.ac.uk 01737 551176 www.coulsdon.ac.uk

By Public Transport

The 60 and 466 buses stop right outside the college. The nearest rail stations are Coulsdon South and Coulsdon Town. Please visit www.tfl.gov.uk for detailed information.

By Car

Coulsdon Sixth Form College is located just south of Croydon off the A23. Turn off the A23 at Stoats Nest Road and follow the road up into Old Coulsdon. Then turn right into Placehouse Lane where you will find Coulsdon Sixth Form College on the left.

Alternative formats - If you need this publication in an alternative format, please contact the Additional Learning Support team on als@croydon.ac.uk

Please note:

Due to the period between prospectus publication and registration, circumstances may change due to factors beyond our reasonable control and therefore it may sometimes be necessary to vary the content of the course or services described in the prospectus. The latest information about our courses will always be available on our website www.coulsdon.ac.uk

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Students at the heart of all we do; we ensure our decisions & actions focus on our students & their attainment

Our staff are our greatest asset; we value our staff & their expertise and invest in them

Respect for all; we celebrate diversity creating an inclusive & enjoyable environment Ambitious for our students; we support our students to achieve their potential

Aim to be great in all we do; we are reflective, innovative and always learning Serve our community; we support our community’s economic & social prosperity

About the Croydon College Group

The Croydon College Group comprises three campuses.

Croydon College delivers education and training from entry level to level 6 (degree level) for those aged over 16 years old in a wide range of vocational subjects, general subjects and academic pathways.

The Croydon University Centre, situated in the Croydon College building offers degree level courses, validated by the University of Roehampton alongside HNC Diplomas.

Coulsdon Sixth Form College concentrates on the delivery of academic pathways for 16–18 year olds from a purpose built modern university style campus based in the south of the borough.