Cottesloe 6th Form Prospectus 2016

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SIXTH FORM

make a name for yourself


‘Leadership of the Sixth Form is strong, with an ambitious vision for an academic Sixth Form. There are high expectations of students, with stretching targets set...’ Ofsted July 2016


Welcome The Cottesloe School has a long established and very successful Sixth Form, with the key aim of supporting all students in achieving the success they need to pursue their chosen goals. Students are challenged to achieve the ambitious and demanding goals we set through a combination of excellent teaching and extremely close monitoring and support. The Sixth Form is housed in a dedicated Sixth Form Centre which is designed to help and guide independent learning as well as providing a base for information and guidance about all aspects of Post 16 education. Exciting and valuable enrichment activities are designed to help develop each student’s skill set and prepare them for the next stage of their life. There is also the chance for them to take up positions of responsibility and make contributions to the wider community. We are extremely proud of the quality of pastoral support and careers guidance we provide for each and every student which has enabled students to successfully reach the next rung of their career ladder be it university, an apprenticeship or work. Underpinning everything we do is a strong sense of togetherness where the positive relationships we build between students, staff and our parents/carers mean that we are all working together to achieve the level of success that we all strive for. If you are already a member of the Cottesloe Community you will already recognise the environment I have described. For those thinking of joining from other institutions, I hope this prospectus gives you a taste of our Sixth Form. Alan Youngs Head of Sixth Form


Making the correct Post 16 Choices We provide a broad range of A Level and BTEC courses which enable students to create a personalised Programme of Study to suit the aspirations of students. Students will be supported throughout the process and the system is designed to give the students as much choice as possible. Every student applying will receive one to one guidance on choosing the subjects that they are going to study. This ensures that

they have followed the appropriate programme which will enable them to access their preferred university or course. This support during the application process is essential in ensuring that students have a successful time during Sixth Form and see the courses through to a successful conclusion. During a three week induction process after the GCSE examinations have finished, students will have the opportunity

to experience an A Level timetable of the subjects which they have chosen. They will get a true taste of the content and the necessary study skills required for each subject. In addition they will also be set summer work in order to give them a head start before the course begins in September. This process prepares the students in the best possible way for life studying A Levels.

‘Students are advised carefully about their study programme and clear criteria are applied to ensure that they are on the right course.’ Ofsted July 2016


Enrichment and Additional Studies We believe that Sixth Form is about developing the whole person and equipping them with the necessary life and employability skills which enable them to fulfil their potential. All students will be expected to give up time each week to engage in a programme of curriculum support in Years 7 to 11. In addition students will also arrange a number of work shadowing placements in order to gain some insight and experience in the field they wish to study or work. Many students also choose to continue to the next stage of their Duke of Edinburgh award. There are a number of additional courses which the students can pursue alongside their subject choices. These include the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the Core Maths Qualification. The EPQ is becoming increasingly popular with universities and employers who seek evidence of a candidate’s ability to work independently and project manage. The Core Maths Qualification is designed to develop further the mathematical skills of any students not pursuing A Level Maths. In addition to these opportunities, students also organise their own entertainment, social activities and fund raising events. Each year culminates in an end of exam celebration in the form of a Prom at a private venue.

Sixth Form Study The Sixth Form provides a radically different learning experience to the one students have become accustomed to in Year 7 to 11. Students must be quick to acknowledge the substantial increase in workload and expectation which will be placed upon them from the moment they arrive. They will be expected to carefully manage the private study time afforded them alongside their timetabled lessons. In order to help and support this, we seek to provide a working environment which is both facilitating and stimulating where the students are constantly monitored to ensure they are making the most productive use of their time.


‘… students feel well supported …. they are prepared well for their chosen courses and retention rates are high compared to national figures.’ Ofsted 2016

Student Support and Pastoral Care We pride ourselves on providing an environment where students are driven to achieve in an environment which remains caring and supportive. Those who have attended The Cottesloe School in Year 7 to 11 can take advantage of the continuity of being taught and supported by staff who already know them as individuals and understand their abilities and ambitions. We tend to offer smaller class sizes which allow the teaching staff to spend more time focusing on the needs of the individual students. It also provides a comfortable atmosphere for students to feel involved and contribute to the lessons. A PSHCE programme is formulated using a combination of outside agencies such as the Police, The Fire Service, The School Nursing Service, Addaction as well using the skills and expertise of those within the school. It is our intention that students leave the school knowing how to keep themselves and others safe and healthy.

‘The Head of Sixth Form monitors the progress of students and the teaching they receive.’ Ofsted 2016 At the start of Year 12 students will be set ambitious targets in their subjects. Their progress towards these targets will be monitored constantly throughout the year starting with an initial review after two weeks. The Sixth Form Leadership team meet every half term with Subject Leaders to discuss any specific concerns regarding students’ progress. We intervene at the earliest possible point to ensure that any barriers to learning are addressed. A formal report will go home to parents during the Autumn and Spring terms and there are two parents evenings where progress can be discussed with subject teachers.


UCAS & Careers ‘Students report that they are enjoying their time in the Sixth Form. They are appreciative of the support provided by the school, in particular the helpful information and guidance on the next steps.’ Ofsted 2016 Throughout the year, students will receive up to date support with Careers Education, Higher Education and Apprenticeships. This includes a dedicated Futures Week where students are given specific help and advice regarding UCAS applications and applying for jobs or apprenticeships, with a particular focus on interview skills and Personal Statements. Students and parents receive input from external agencies throughout the year to help them with the post 16 transition. This typically takes the form of planned sessions during the school day or the evening where the complexities of matters such as students finance and UCAS applications are addressed. Updates recording any aspect of futures, be it UCAS or potential job/apprenticeship opportunities, can be found by students on our Twitter feed.

Finance Bursaries are available for students. The most in need are eligible for compulsory sums whilst others can apply to receive discretionary funding. More, and the most up to date, information can be found on the website.


SIXTH FORM Aylesbury Road, Wing, Leighton Buzzard, Beds, LU7 0NY

Telephone: 01296 688 264 Fax: 01296 681 729 Email: office@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk

make a name for yourself

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