SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS
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ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS WITH US
Welcome Hello and welcome to The de Ferrers Academy ‘Outstanding’ Sixth Form.
We believe that we provide an exceptional learning environment where you will be given the freedom to take control of your own learning, but are still able to access support as and when you need it.
Throughout your time here, the Sixth Form staff team will help you make the right decisions and take the right steps to achieve your goals. We hope you like our new prospectus and that you find all the information you need. If you do have any questions, our dedicated team of specialist staff will be happy to answer them for you. We look forward to welcoming you in the near future and wish you every success in your upcoming GCSE examinations.
Paul Galloway, Head of Sixth Form
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“Students receive excellent guidance and support to ensure they make informed choices, which meet personal, academic and aspirational needs.”
Ofsted Report, 2008
Support to Succeed
At The de Ferrers Academy Sixth Form you’ll find the advice, support and encouragement you need to succeed in a safe and friendly environment. We have a wide range of academic and vocational courses available along with the latest equipment and technology to ensure that you have everything you need to achieve your goals. As a member of the Sixth Form, we’ll also provide you with books and equipment and you’ll receive regular one-to-one support with your personal tutor. You will also have access to careers advice and additional learning support whenever you need it. We know our approach works, our students have told us! Each year our Sixth Form students achieve results way above the national averages and they go on to study at top Universities across the UK. Whatever you go on to do after Sixth Form, we will ensure that you leave us prepared and ready to lead a successful life.
Whatever you want to achieve, we will help you make it happen.
“The Sixth Form is a welcoming, friendly environment.” Callum Mclean, Year 13
Contents 4-5
Studying in the Sixth Form
6-7
Sixth Form Life
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Our Results/University Destinations
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How to Apply
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Courses Available
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How to Find Us
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Studying in the Sixth Form When you decide to join the Sixth Form you’re making an active choice to take control of your education and continue your studies. You’ll have more freedom to manage your own time and workload, but your teachers will be on-hand to help you at all times if you need them. We are proud to be an outstanding Sixth Form and our experience has shown that students who achieve the best results have excellent attendance and complete all work set in class. To ensure that you enjoy your time in the Sixth Form, achieve the best results and get the most out of your learning experience, we ask that you: ●●
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Complete all workand meet all deadlines you’re set
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Have excellent attendance Have excellent behaviour and show respect to all staff, students and visitors Participate in and enjoy Sixth Form life
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Set a good example for younger students in the Academy and act as a role model for them
Take a proactive role in your own learning and development
Wear the specified Sixth Form uniform
Our Promise to You To help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential, we will: ●●
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Appoint a dedicated team of senior students to help you settle in, organise events and ensure that you have a productive and enjoyable Sixth Form experience Ensure that you will leave the Sixth Form ready to go into Higher Education or employment Establish and support a Sixth Form committee that represents students’ views at Sixth Form and whole Academy level Give you work experience and volunteering opportunities, which will help you to build up your CV Offer you a wide range of extra curricular activities to get involved in Provide a careers advisor and help you prepare for university or job interviews Provide you with support, advice and guidance throughout any decisions you make Treat you with respect and listen to your ideas and options
“The teachers are like a catalyst, enabling us to bring out the best in ourselves.” Falaq Raheel, Yr 12
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Sixth Form Life In the Sixth Form we work really hard but we play hard too! We’ve got loads of activities and events for you to get involved in, so why not give it a go?
LEISURE PROGRAMME The Leisure programme encourages a healthy, active lifestyle and we would recommend that all our students partake in one or more of the activities and accredited courses available. A range of timetabled and extra curricular sessions run throughout the week and allow you to participate in sport and exercise for fun and/or at competition level.
HELPING IN THE COMMUNITY
Whilst undertaking this programme, you will regularly visit a place of work and really become involved in its operation - you won’t just sit and watch! This is a great chance to get some work experience and really make a difference in the local community.
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The fact that the Academy allows students to partake in ‘World Challenge’ demonstrates how much is offered in the extra curricular activities here.
DEBATING SOCIETY “Students in the Sixth Form make a significant, positive contribution to the wider community”
06 Ofsted 2008
The Debating Society is a great way to develop your debating skills and have fun! There are fortnightly debates, which include staff, students and outside speakers. Skills gained in The Debating Society are easily transferable into University studies and employment, so it’s a great addition to any University application or CV.
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During your time in the Sixth Form, you may have the opportunity to participate in the Community Service programme that aims to provide help and support to organisations in the local community.
Rachel Freeman, Year 13
YOUNG ENTERPRISE
FUNDRAISING
The Young Enterprise Programme is an international scheme that gives you the opportunity to work in a team to actually set up and run your own business!
Our students have put on some great fundraising events and raised lots of money for local and national charities. If you want to help make a difference, why not take part in a sponsored event or help distribute Harvest and Christmas parcels in the local area?
Not only does this scheme give you the chance to experience running a business first hand, you will also have the option to sit the Young Enterprise Exam, which is now a level 3 qualification that gains you valuable UCAS points. Young Enterprise is also recognised by many Universities and employers, who acknowledge the entrepreneurial skills students gain from the scheme. The de Ferrers Academy is one of the most successful schools in the area for Young Enterprise achievements. In 2010, a team of students represented the West Midlands in the national final at the Hilton Hotel in London. So, if you want to be the next Sir Alan Sugar or Dragon in the Den this is the programme for you.
We’re always looking for new ways to raise money for charity and help out the local community, so if you have a new idea to put forward, let us know and we’ll help you make it happen.
WORLD CHALLENGE World Challenge is a once in a lifetime experience of organising and undertaking volunteering abroad. In the summer of 2010, after 18 months of fundraising and preparation, a team of 18 Sixth Formers embarked on a 3 week World Challenge expedition to Tanzania. The expedition included: ●●
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Trekking and wild camping with the Maasai tribe Building a dining room at a primary school
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Climbing 4566m to the summit of Mount Meru And finally, some well earned rest and relaxation on safari!
The whole expedition was planned and organised by Sixth Form students. They planned the itinerary, booked accommodation and transport, shopped for food and even cooked the meals! It was a fantastic experience for the whole team, not only did they discover a lot about themselves, they have taken home many lasting memories of a truly unforgettable experience. A new team are currently preparing for a three week expedition to Nicaragua in July 2012. Will you be up for the challenge?
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Our Results A Level Results 2011
BTEC Results 2011
54%
52
100%
Gained A-C grades
A and A* grades awarded
Pass rate in 21 subjects
8 Students achieved distinctions (equivalent to A grade)
100% Pass rate in all subjects
Who Went Where? In 2011, 95 of our students went on to study at a number of top Universities across the UK.
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University of Derby - 8 University of Central Lancashire - 1 Nottingham Trent - 16 University of Bath - 1 University of Bangor - 2 University of Loughborough - 3 Keele University - 6 Leeds Metropolitan University - 3 University of Manchester - 2 University of Birmingham - 5 University of Nottingham - 4 University of Leeds - 3 University of Exeter - 1 University of Warwick - 2 London Metropolitan University - 1 University of Bedford - 2 de Montfort University - 3 University of Hull - 2
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University of Bournemouth - 2 Rohampton University - 1 University of Leicester - 4 Aberystwyth University - 2 University of Glamorgan - 1 Sheffield Hallam University - 7 University of Blackpool - 1 University of Lincoln - 1 University of Reading - 2 Wolverhampton University - 1 University of Chester - 1 University of York - 1 Leeds Trinity University - 1 University of Portsmouth - 1 Gloucestershire University - 1 University of Brighton - 1 University of Bolton - 1 Open University - 1
“Sixth Form allows you to broaden your skills, doing everything possible to achieve your end goals.” Mitchell Taylor, Year 12
Route
A B C
Course Type
Entry Criteria
Additional information
AQA Baccalaureate
8 A* - C passes, which must include Maths and English
You will study 4 or 5 subjects to A2 level, plus:
(Grades A* - B preferred)
- Critical Thinking - Extended Project / Enrichment
6 A* - C passes, which must include English and Maths
You will study 3 or 4 subjects to A2 level.
5 A* - C passes, which must include English and Maths
You will study 3 subjects to A2 level, which can be:
Visit: www.aqa.org.uk/bacc for more information about this qualification.
A Levels
Applied A Levels & BTEC
You can choose any mixture of: - A Level, Applied A Level and BTEC courses plus General Studies.
- BTEC/Applied A-Levels and 1 A-Level - 3 applied OR 2 applied and one traditional A Level.
2012 ADMISSIONS
- Only one traditional A-Level subject is allowed.
To join the Sixth Form, you will need to achieve at least 5 passes A* - C at GCSE, including English and Maths.
“Art BTEC is a fascinating and interesting subject that pushes your abilities so you reach your maximum potential.”
We encourage students who gain 8 A*- C grades at GCSE to follow our Baccalaureate route as this best prepares them for applying to and studying at University. Those aiming to enter universities must remember that GCSE passes in Mathematics and English are needed as a basic matriculation requirement.
Megan Evans, Year 12
APPLICATION DEADLINES
EXTERNAL STUDENTS
If you would like to join The de Ferrers Academy Sixth Form, please apply between November and January during Year 11 to ensure your application is given the best opportunity of success.
If you’re not currently a student at The de Ferrers Academy, but you think you would like to join our highly successful Sixth Form, we’ll be happy to accept your application.
You can download a Sixth Form application from: www.deferrers.com or you can come into the Academy and get one from the reception. All students should return the completed application form to us by 31st January 2012 at the latest to ensure you application is received and reviewed in time.
Each year we are delighted to welcome a number of students from other schools who choose to join our Sixth Form. The criteria will be the same as for internal candidates (set out in the table above).
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Course List We have a wide variety of academic and vocational subjects available for you to choose from. You can choose up to 5 subjects at AS Level, depending on which route you follow, and will carry 3-5 subjects forward into A2 Level. Specific course information can be found on the course digest sheets, which are available from the Academy reception, website or from the relevant member of teaching staff. It is our priority to ensure you’re happy with your final subject choices and feel that they are right for you. Although we will do our best to accommodate all your subject choices, sometimes it may not be possible to timetable all subject combinations that you request. If this issue arises, we’ll ask you to choose another subject and provide you with the advice and support you need.
AS/A2 Levels ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
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Art Biology Business and Economics Chemistry Critical Thinking Design and Technology (Product Design) Design and Technology (Textiles) English Literature English Language French General Studies Geography
Applied A Levels ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
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Business (Single Award) Health and Social Care (Double Award) Information Communication Technology (Double Award)
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German Government and Politics History ICT Mathematics Mathematics (Further) Music Philosophy and Ethics Physical Education Physics Psychology Sociology Theatre Studies
BTEC Level 3 ●● ●●
BTEC Art BTEC Media
How To Find Us Trent Campus
St Mary’s Drive Burton upon Trent DE13 0LL Tel: 01283 239936
Dove Campus
Harehedge Lane Burton upon Trent DE13 0AS Tel: 01283 239961
To Tutbury To Sretton & A38
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Trent Campus
St Mary’s Drive Burton upon Trent DE13 0LL Tel: 01283 239936
Dove Campus
Harehedge Lane Burton upon Trent DE13 0AS Tel: 01283 239961
Email: office@deferrers.com @deferrers www.deferrers.com
“Sixth Form is a lively environment and it opens doors to a more interesting future.” Sophie Donnelly, Year 13