PARENTS ’ COLLEGE GUIDE
As the parent/guardian of one of our future students, hopefully you have already heard about the great facilities, inspirational teaching staff, and fantastic success rates we have to offer. With this guide, we want to offer you an insight into college life and hopefully answer any questions you may have.
About us BEDE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE At Bede Sixth Form College we offer a variety of A level, A level equivalent and vocational courses. Catering for aged 16+, our students love to learn in our state-of-the-art building on Marsh House Avenue, Billingham. A caring college with a real community feel, we pride ourselves on giving all of our students the best possible experience – that means great lessons, exceptional teachers and, of course, fantastic results. Did you know Bede Sixth Form College is a part of the Etc.? The Etc. also encompasses Stockton Riverside College, Redcar & Cleveland College, NETA Training, and The Skills Academy.
1-to-1 Tours
For a personalised look around the college, why not book onto one of our 1-to-1 campus tours, all of which are socially distanced and led by a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team. Head to our website to book: www.bede.ac.uk
Why choose us? • • • • • • •
High achieving, aspirational sixth form college 98.5% of our students go on to positive destinations Excellent links with employers Bespoke High Achievers Programme (significantly increased Russell Group entry 2018-19) Excellent range of enrichment and extra-curricular activity New Institute of Sport and Education (ISE), and TASS dual career accredited site for talented athletes We embed a culture of growth mindset in all of our students
18/19 Destinations HE - 81.87% FE - 1.10% Employment: Part-Time - 4.95% Employment: Full-Time - 6.59% Apprenticeships - 3.30% Traineeship - 1.10% Continuing A-Levels - 1.10%
Did you know that in the past year... Bede students’ average A level grade has gone from C to a B, and the Average Applied General grade has gone from a Merit to Distinction.
JACOB RECEIVES HIGHER APPRENTICESHIP WITH THE LOGISTICS ACADEMY
Nam e: Jacob Former School: Northfield School and Spor ts College Aspiration: Work in logistics Course: Business, Economics,
Media Studies
After signing up to the College’s Logistics Academy programme and taking part in a work placement, Jacob impressed his bosses so much that he then received a higher apprenticeship job offer. He said: “I knew, as part of the programme I would get to do some work experience and I knew that had led to job offers before, but I didn’t think that would happen to me.”
Choosing to study at Bede and signing up for the Logistics Academy was 100% the right decision for me.
Next Steps... Jacob is now working as an Apprentice Chartered Surveyor at PD Ports. He said: “I wouldn’t have got this opportunity without the Logistics Academy.”
Recording Studio
You will find our campus on Marsh House Avenue in Billingham, where our facilities have been developed with our students in mind. Our newly refurbished Learning Resource Centre (LRC) has been revamped to provide a brighter, more functional space for our students, with more collaborative learning spaces, silent study areas, and ideal spaces for group work. There’s always a friendly member of staff to help with your questions, and we’ve got plenty of computers, laptops, iPads and more than 3000 books for you to use. Our theatre offers the perfect space for events, exhibitions and shows. Our theatre seating can be adapted to make the area fit for multiple uses. This is where students gather to watch and share presentations, year group meetings/assemblies and special events. All of our classrooms are light and spacious and kitted out with all the technical equipment needed for individual subjects. We also have four purpose built science labs and one dedicated project lab. For those students studying Music Technology and Media Studies, or with an interest in that area, we have both a recording studio featuring industry standard equipment for recording all sorts of music, and a Chromakey Room fitted with a green screen.
Gym
Learning Resource Centre
Astro Pitch
Bede Sports Centre
The Bede Sports Centre is situated on the same site as Bede Sixth Form College and offers a wide range of fitness and sporting activities for students and the surrounding community at competitive prices. Facilities include a four-court sports hall, a brand new FIFA 1 standard FA registered flood-lit Astro Pitch, a gym with a full range of fitness equipment and a high specification 10 metre-high climbing wall with cave features. A number of children’s sporting activities are also provided all with fully qualified, DBS checked, first aid trained coaches. The centre is
used during the day by our Sport and Public Services students and is open to the public; Sports Centre Opening Times Mon: 5.00pm – 10.00pm Tues: 5.00pm – 10.00pm Wed: 5.00pm – 9.00pm Thurs: 5.00pm – 10.00pm Fri: 5.00pm – 9.00pm Sat: 9.00am – 4.00pm Sun: 9.00am – 9.00pm Fitness Suite Opening Times Mon – Thurs: Fri: Sat: Sun:
5.00pm – 9.00pm 5.00pm – 8.45pm 9.00am – 3.45pm 9.00am – 8.45pm
Give us a call for more details on 01642 373 288 or visit our website: www.bede.ac.uk
Student Benefits
Student Finance
At Bede Sixth Form College our students benefit from: expert advice with CVs, help with careers and university applications, wifi throughout college, print credits, student events, trips, enrichment and enterprise activities, access to the gym, access to our support staff, great food at affordable prices, and use of our study spaces.
All students are invited to fill out a finance application form when they come for an interview at the college, or apply online: www.bede.ac.uk
Travel Getting to college couldn’t be easier. Our students are offered free travel* to and from college, either on the local bus service or via our dedicated buses. For details of our dedicated bus routes to Bede visit: www.bede.ac.uk
Course Fees If students are under the age of 19 at the start of their course, there should be no course fees to pay. If they are over the age of 19, they may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.
This will determine whether they are eligible for support with travel, childcare, meals or equipment*. Students can also get an NUS card, offering discounts on music, fashion, books, films and much more.
Careers Service At Bede Sixth Form College our dedicated Careers and Progression Coordinator is available to help students with advice and support as they plan their future career path and prepare for university, apprenticeship and job applications. Students can come and talk before applying to the college to discuss subject choices, and throughout their time at Bede.
We regularly host guest speakers from visiting universities and focused career talks and events to help our students explore their future options and find the right route for them.
Personal Progression Coordinators (PPCs) During your time at college you will have dedicated pastoral support in the form of a Personal Progression Coordinator. The role of the Personal Progression Coordinators (PPCs) is to provide high quality, tailored pastoral advice to help you achieve to the best of your ability and develop strong independent study skills. They will help you to develop your plans for life after college and aim high.
If a student is under 19 when they start with us, there is a government requirement that they continue to work towards achieving GCSE English and Maths if they haven’t already gained grades 9-4. Here at Bede we know how important these skills are to a student’s future success and that is why we are dedicated to helping all of our students to develop their English and maths abilities to achieve these qualifications. If a student does not already have GCSE English and Maths at grades at a minimum of a grade 4, they will continue to work towards these qualifications as part of their main programme of study.**
English & Maths English and maths are crucial to a student’s academic development and are essential in the world of work.
*Conditions apply and subject to change. **Unless they are exempt. See conditions of funding rules (Department for Education).
ENRICHMENT College life isn’t just about lessons learned in the classroom, and at Bede we encourage all of our students to explore and try out new hobbies and skills. In the past, our students have been involved in the following societies: vocal theory and performance, the chemistry society, music and film clubs, and the Duke of Edinburgh awards. The Logistics Academy is a new initiative, run in partnership with Bede Sixth Form College, Stockton Riverside College, NETA, Think Logistics, national charity Career Ready, and local employers, offering students the chance to learn about the logistics industry, take part in site visits, work with mentors and gain valuable work experience.
Our students have never been afraid to do their bit for a good cause and there’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to ideas. From bag packs to sponsored hikes or bike rides, face painting to dressing up, there’s always plenty of opportunity for students to get involved. Our students also get the chance to take part in lots of visits and trips! Previous trips have included visits to places like London and Barcelona, historical sites, employer sites, and visits to the theatre. Students also get to test their outdoor skills with expeditions and class trips to places like Keswick and the North Yorkshire Moors.
Nam e: Eleanor Lives: Billingham Former School: Northfield School and Spor ts College
Courses: Law, Psychology and Spor t & Exercise Science
After years of impressing in the playing fields of Teesside, Eleanor was called up to join the England Women’s Under-17s whilst studying at Bede Sixth Form College, even travelling to Europe and taking some of her exams overseas in order to represent the team. She said: “I had to make a lot of sacrifices for football. It takes dedication and hard work but it was good to feel I had the support at College.”
Why I chose Bede... Bede supports students in managing their dual career, offering the best of both worlds.
Next Steps... After securing a scholarship place, Eleanor is headed overseas to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where she’ll be studying Pre-Law alongside playing football for the university team. 11
JASON JOINS THE ROYAL MARINES WITH HELP FROM BEDE Nam e: Why I chose Bede... Jason
Lives: Billingham Former School: St Michael’s Catholic Academy
Course: Public Services, Level 2 & 3
I wouldn’t have been at the standard I was without their support. The Public Services programme is perfect for anyone thinking of joining a military or blue light service.
It’s a very fun and good place to be, not a chore at all. It’s a nice working environment, where everyone has a good work ethic and wants to do well and get something out of it. The opportunities presented for students are fantastic, you really get a good insight into life in different services.
Next Steps... Jason has gone on to join the Royal Marines and thoroughly enjoys his new role!
We offer a range of services to ensure that students always feel safe and supported during their time with us.
Student Services Our Student Services team are here to ensure you not only gain qualifications but also enjoy your time at college. We give you the chance to pick up new skills, find new interests, make friends and prepare for the future, all while making great memories. Our specialist team include: · Welfare and Safeguarding · Student Bursary · Careers and Progression
Safeguarding & Welfare Bede Sixth Form College is committed to safeguarding our students, with a commitment shown in our college values. We prioritise your safety at all times. We have a safeguarding and welfare team at all of our College sites. We can offer advice and support, ensuring that help can be sought from external agencies where needed. This enables the best outcomes for your safety and wellbeing. We offer information, advice and guidance on a range of issues including: · Mental health · Managing relationships · Housing · Substance misuse · Sexual health · Benefits · Internet safety
If you should feel unsafe or feel you need to access support, we are here to make sure you are heard and safe at all times.
Learning Support/Sen Our Learning Support Team are dedicated to making sure our learners receive the support they need. We can arrange a support interview and make sure the appropriate support is put in place. Our aim is to make sure our learners are respected and cared for as individuals and are encouraged and supported to reach their potential at all times. Learning support services include support for students who are visually impaired, have a hearing impairment, those with mobility issues, dyslexia, autism or any learning or physical difficulty and/or disability. Support packages may include (but are not limited to): ·S upervision and quiet areas within college · Assistive technology · Note takers/scribes · Exam concessions and assessment · Nominated key worker
Please head to our website to find out more: www.bede.ac.uk
Did you know the GCSE grading system has changed? From summer 2017 GCSE Maths and English is graded 9-1 rather than A*-G, with grade 5 considered a good pass and grade 9 being the highest (set above the current A*). The new system has been rolled out to all GCSEs.
GRADING THE NEW GCSEs
THE NEW GCSE GRADING STRUCTURE FOR SUBJECTS INCLUDING ENGLISH, MATHS AND SCIENCE
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
U
4=C and above
A*
A
B
C
and above
D
E
F
G U
CURRENT GCSE GRADING STRUCTURE
If you have any questions or concerns regarding GCSE grades, please get in touch: 01642 373 250 or bede.enquiries@stockton.ac.uk
HANNAH’S TIME AT BEDE GAVE HER THE SKILLS FOR THE JOB Why I chose Bede... Nam e: Hannah
Lives: Billingham Our Lady and Former School:Acad emy St Bede Catholic Course: Public Services, Level 3
Coming to Bede was one of the best experiences of my life. I would never have had the confidence to go into this type of work if I hadn’t done the course at Bede. The teamwork and determination we learnt has stuck with me.
After realising that studying A levels wasn’t for her, Hannah spotted the Public Services course at Bede. It was the perfect option, and Hannah felt right at home straight away. “Whilst Bede isn’t tiny it’s small enough that you get to know pretty much everyone. It’s a really friendly environment and a nice place to be – I felt welcome from my first visit.”
Next Steps... Hannah now works at an outdoor activity centre, and plans to travel and take her work overseas in the future!
Useful Contacts
Bede Sixth Form College 01642 373 250 Admissions 01642 865 566 Student Finance 01642 631 337 Bede Sports Centre 01642 373 289 Stockton Riverside College 01642 865 400 The Skills Academy 01642 607 464 NETA Training 01642 616 936 Visit our website: www.bede.ac.uk Email: bede.enquiries@stockton.ac.uk
Bede Sixth Form College Marsh House Avenue Billingham TS23 3HB
THE SKILLS ACADEMY
MARSH HOUSE AVENUE
RIEVAULX AVENUE
Address
WOLVISTON ROAD
A19 N
The best way to keep in touch with us is via our social media: Bede Sixth Form College BedeSixthForm bedesixthformcollege