Give and Expect the Best
Barking Abbey Sixth Form is a special place, a welcoming and supportive community of students and staff, committed to enabling you to achieve your potential and prepare for the years ahead. We are extremely proud of our reputation of high academic achievement, outstanding teaching and excellent support and guidance. The progress made by our A level students is significantly above national and local averages. Given such excellent results, the vast majority of students progress to higher education, with many of our students achieving places at Russell Group Universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Our unique and innovative Sports Academy programme ensures students can access a full time sporting programme whilst still succeeding at the highest level academically. We achieve outstanding results in many subjects because we have highly skilled and motivated staff who strongly believe in our school motto: “Give and Expect the Best.” We also ensure that our young men and women leave us with the skills and independence to take on the challenges of life beyond school. We therefore place an emphasis on developing a wide range of personal, social and leadership skills. We look forward to you joining us for the next stage in your education. Mark Lloyd, Headteacher
“Students enjoy the family community atmosphere of the school, at the core of which lies the values of tolerance and respect. These are central to promoting exemplary attitudes to learning and excellent behaviour.” OFSTED
We are delighted that you are considering joining Barking Abbey Sixth Form. Our goal is to ensure that every one of our students is successful. We offer courses that meet the needs and aspirations of all students. Underpinning everything we do are the strong and positive relationships we build between students, staff and our parents/carers. Current members of the Barking Abbey community will know this well and can be confident that this relationship continues into Sixth Form. For potential members, we hope this prospectus gives you a taste of the Barking Abbey Sixth Form experience. We look forward to meeting you. Mr A Falzon Ms S Boom Mr A Moloney Sixth Form Team
Why do students want to study at Barking Abbey Sixth Form? 1.
Long history of outstanding academic achievement and strong pastoral care
2.
Extensive range of Level 3 courses
3.
Innovative High Performance Programme for students aiming for a place at a Russell Group university
4.
University and Career guidance
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Wide range of enrichment opportunities including trips to top universities and access to Summer Schools
6.
Excellent support and monitoring systems
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Outstanding teachers who go the extra mile
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Open door policy to students and parents
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Small class sizes and higher level of 1:1 support
10. Personalised academic mentoring system
“I feel my daughter has been supported in the leap from GCSEs to A Levels. She has been given opportunities for trips to enhance her learning and finds teachers are always willing to help her.� Parent of a Year 12 student
Why did you choose Barking Abbey 6th form? I previously came to the school and found the teaching of the subjects exceptional and the support of the teachers really good. Therefore I have continued to study A levels in Barking Abbey Sixth Form. The Higher Performance Programme gives you the opportunities to visit Russell Group Universities and gives you the help and support with how to write personal statements. What subjects are you studying? History, English, Biology and Chemistry A Levels.
Sabiha Chowdhury
How have you found your 6th form studies and experience so far? Studying for subjects like Biology and Chemistry requires sheer hard work which has meant that I have had to really commit to these subjects. What do you hope to do in the future? I hope to excel and continue studying English Literature and History.
CHOOSING A COURSE At Barking Abbey Sixth Form, a wide and varied range of courses is offered to students. The type of course you will take is dependent on your achievement at GCSE. Students have the option of studying either A Levels or Vocational courses and, timetable permitting, may do a combination of both. Why did you choose Barking Abbey 6th form?
What subjects are you studying?
As a keen student athlete, I felt that studying at Barking Abbey Sixth Form would enable me to pursue both academic and sporting excellence. I was made aware that as a Basketball Academy student, I would be able to receive a plethora of perks such as amazing gym facilities; an on-site Physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach, coaches with international experience as well as so many strong links that Barking Abbey has with American colleges and universities.
Maths, Biology, Psychology and History A Levels. How have you found your 6th form studies and experience so far? I have thoroughly enjoyed studying at Barking Abbey Sixth Form and the stimulating and challenging environment that it has to offer. What do you hope to do in the future? To gain a scholarship to an Ivy League University in America.
Imani Whittington
Advanced Level Courses • You need 6 or more GCSE grades A* - C. • Most AS/A2 courses will require a grade B at GCSE. • AS Levels are a continuation of GCSE but are much more specialised. • Students must be prepared to put in an additional 5 hours of study per subject per week. • Most Universities require 3 A Level passes, although some 2 and some may require a fourth AS Level. • AS Levels can be mixed with vocational courses if the timetable permits.
Level 3 BTEC Diplomas • Students need 5 A* - C at GCSE depending on the subject. • These are equivalent to either 1, 2 or 3 A Levels depending on the particular course being followed. • They are recognised by universities and students are regularly successful in moving onto Higher Education with this qualification. • They tend to be more coursework based with either no exams or only a limited number of exams. • Students will need to put in additional hours as with A Level courses. Please see our website for full details about all of our courses in the Sixth Form.
Why did you choose Barking Abbey 6th form? As an internal student, I didn’t feel that I had any reason to change my surroundings. Barking Abbey and its staff had laid the foundations for my success at GCSE level so I had no qualms about staying. I look forward to fulfilling my potential here. What subjects are you studying?
Mathematics, Economics, Chemistry and History A Levels. How have you found your 6th form studies and experience so far? It’s certainly a step up from GCSEs but it’s nothing that can’t be dealt with through hard work and focus from the start in Year 12. Barking Abbey has provided me with great resources, such as knowledgeable and
Maximising Student Achievement Specialist Mentoring Programme All students have their own personal academic mentor who will expertly guide you through a structured programme aimed at preparing you for university applications as well as further developing your personal skills. Individual tutorials take place regularly so you can discuss your progress and receive advice on independent study. We take great pride in our expertise when preparing students with their future plans. In addition to supporting students to academic success, we have a proven record in guiding students with their personal statements for UCAS applications. Please see our website for full details about all of our courses in the Sixth Form.
passionate teachers. As a result, you’re given the motivation to improve as a student. The High Performance Programme has also rounded me as I am able to interact with my peers on current issues. The brilliant HP mentors provide invaluable information and opportunities regarding university study.
RYAN DANIEL
High Performance Programme This is a programme for our top academic students who have achieved at least 6 A/A*at GCSE with an average point score of 50+. Students will need to be fully committed academically and have a strong desire to achieve the highest possible grades. Those accepted onto the HP programme are taught lessons in specialist groups in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Religious Studies, Psychology and Further Maths. The HP programme includes a full induction programme which focuses on developing a variety of study skills as well as providing subject specific material covered to start the process of ‘stepping up’ to A Level. HP students access a mentoring programme during Year 12 and Year 13 delivered by experienced mentors that focus on developing the skills needed for applications to Oxbridge/Russell Group Universities. It is expected that the majority of our HP students will be wishing to apply to these universities. There will also be support given from our Alumni group who have been successful Oxbridge/Russell Group students.
Enrichment While studying at Barking Abbey Sixth Form you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of enrichment activities. Both universities and employers value students who have shown commitment and participation in a range of activities whilst at Sixth Form, both academic and extra curricular, so we urge you to get involved and enhance your prospects.
Enrichment activities include: • • • • • • • •
Sixth Form Ambassador scheme Local and National Charity work Duke of Edinburgh Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership course Level 3 Higher Sports Leadership course International Exchange Programme Work Experience Placements Peer Mentoring opportunities with younger students
DESTINATIONS Barking Abbey Sixth Form has a long history of academic success. Barking Abbey students achieve year on year, some of the highest grades in the borough. We are very proud that around 85% of our students progress to university at the end of Year 13 - well above the national average of 70%. Around 40 students each year gain a place at Russell Group universities with a growing number of students achieving places at Cambridge to study a range of subjects, such as Mathematics and Engineering. In an increasingly competitive environment, in which Barking Abbey students compete with hundreds of thousands of students from across the country, Barking Abbey’s reputation for excellent results, high grades and consistently above average performance in national and local league tables gives our students an advantage when applying to university.
Why did you choose Barking Abbey 6th form? Barking Abbey Sixth Form was a very easy choice for me. It has a great history of students reaching the pinnacles of higher education and it also has a personal feel that will never leave you lost. What subjects are you studying? I’ve chosen Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Economics A Levels.
How have you found your 6th form studies and experience so far? Sixth Form has been great, not only has Barking Abbey been an amazing place to further my studies but a haven for extra-curricular activity. What do you hope to do in the future? I wish to study Mathematics, hopefully at a research intensive Russell Group university. I have applied to study Mathematics at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.
Abdul Wajid Why did you choose Barking Abbey 6th form? I wanted a fresh start and to meet new people, and when I came for my interview everyone was very friendly.
How have you found your 6th form studies and experience so far?
What subjects are you studying?
They have been more challenging than I expected, but my teachers have supported me, and were always happy to answer my questions.
Psychology, French, Biology and Chemistry A Levels.
What do you hope to do in the future? I’m not certain, but I’m really enjoying Psychology at the moment so I would like to carry it on in the future.
Emma Botterill
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1. Complete the online application form 2. Admission Interview
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If you are interested in studying in the Barking Abbey Sixth Form, please follow these steps:
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Applicants will be invited to attend an Admissions Interview with a senior member of staff. The interview is a key part of the application process and is an opportunity for us to discuss what you would like to study, so that we can make sure that you have chosen the courses that are right for you. 3. Offer of a Place
“Barking Abbey gave me all the support, skills and teaching I needed to equip myself for this experience. You will not get a better preparation anywhere from a personal and academic point of view at Sixth Form. Don’t even think about going anywhere other than Barking Abbey at the end of Year 11!!”
Providing you meet our entry criteria, you will be offered a conditional place at the end of the Admissions Interview. 4. Enrolment Student enrolment will take place in August after A Level results day.
Year 13 Student (now studying Engineering at Cambridge University)
Give and Expect the Best
Please visit our website for further enquires about admissions or particular courses at: www.barkingabbeyschool.co.uk
Barking Abbey School Sixth Form Sandringham Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 9AG. T 020 8270 6517 E 6thform@barkingabbeyschool.co.uk www.barkingabbeyschool.co.uk
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