St Helens College
14-16 Academy A guide for Students
Prospectus and Options Information 0800 99 66 99
sthelenscollege
www.sthelens.ac.uk
@sthelenscollege
“In September 2014 St Helens College will launch a new 14 – 16 Academy for young people in Year 9”
If you are in Year 9 and are about to select your options... there is now an alternative to staying in school to complete Years 10 and 11. You have the exciting opportunity of making a fresh start, with the opening of the new 14-16 Academy at St Helens College. From September 2014, your future can be different; you have more exciting choices available to you than ever before. For the first time, you do not have to stay at school; you can choose to join us full time at the 14-16 Academy at St Helens College. You will join us as a Year 10 student and attend the Academy for two years to successfully achieve your core GCSEs as well as a personalised programme of GCSEs and vocational choices. This allows you to be able to study high value vocational qualifications alongside the core GCSEs of English, maths, sciences and computing, plus additional GCSE options of your choice. You will have the potential to graduate from the 14-16 Academy with a total of 9 GCSEs (or equivalent). Vocational qualifications are career and employment related. They have a more practical focus and relate your learning to the world of work. You will also develop many valuable and transferable skills. Vocational qualifications will be ideal for you if you would like to explore potential career options and they will help you to decide which pathway you would like to follow when you leave the Academy at the end of Year 11.
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“Learn vital employability skills through exciting projects set by employers, receive mentoring from keynote speakers from the business world and show off your entrepreneurial talent with competitions and challenges�
The St Helens College 14-16 Academy is a great alternative to high school. It is a fantastic opportunity to explore potential career options by studying two vocational subjects. They will develop your understanding and teach you skills related to the world of work in a particular sector. As a student at the 14-16 Academy, you will study in a purpose built professional environment. You will be expected to demonstrate a mature approach to your studies. You will have the benefit of smaller class sizes than at school and you will develop professional relationships with your tutors and colleagues. We know that all of our students will be motivated to succeed in their studies, as every student will be attending the Academy out of choice. This will ensure we can create a friendly, energised and positive community. We will expect you to work hard. The 14-16 Academy will be a unique learning environment where you will be stretched, challenged and can enjoy and excel in your studies. We will also fully prepare you for your future progression pathways. At 16, you could choose to join our Sixth Form College, to undertake further advanced level vocational studies, a programme of A levels or you may want to progress to employment as an Apprentice.
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You don’t need to be worried about making the change from school. You have the opportunity to make a fresh start, meet new friends and you will receive support from your tutors and other specialist staff. We will look after you.
You will have the opportunity to: Develop highly valued skills that employers want including enterprise, entrepreneurship and team-working. Develop vocational skills in state of the art real work environments including commercial hair and beauty salons, construction and engineering workshops, kitchen, restaurant and sports facilities. Take part in relevant work related learning and work experience in your chosen vocational areas. Work on exciting, innovative industry based projects, competitions and challenges. Access impartial careers advice and guidance to help you discover the most appropriate progression route based on your skills, knowledge, experience and interests. Tailor your development of professional skills and knowledge to those in demand in the Liverpool City Region. Enjoy smaller class sizes. Let your voice be heard – we have active Student Voice Forums, where you can influence and help shape the Academy. Access support. St Helens College has undergone a huge £60 million redevelopment and students of the 14-16 Academy will be housed in a dedicated, purpose built, safe, secure learning environment. It is more than a building, it is the home for our 14-16 Academy Community.
“Study subjects that are of interest to you, to help you decide what you want to do in the future. You will gain qualifications while developing a depth of knowledge, skills and expertise.�
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Curriculum for 2014/2015 Our curriculum is based around developing the essential academic knowledge and skills that you will need to succeed in life and work. Your vocational studies will help you understand and apply skills related to the world of work. Vocational learning takes place through a range of practical, workshop and classroom based activities.
The table below shows what you will be studying in Years 10 and 11 at the 14-16 Academy. You will work towards achieving a total of 9 GCSEs or equivalent made up of: Two nationally recognised high quality vocational level 2 qualifications chosen by you GCSEs in English, English Literature, maths, sciences and computing Two GCSEs from options chosen by you Core curriculum subjects including: Personal, Social and Health Education and PE.
Year 10 - Two Year Programme Core GCSEs (compulsory)
GCSE Options (select 2)
Vocational Options (select 2)
Maths
Business
Engineering
English
Media
Construction
Double Award Science
Sociology
Health & Social Care
Computing
Spanish
Hair & Beauty
English Literature
Geography
Hospitality & Catering Motor Vehicle Sports Child Development and Care
Your vocational curriculum is focused around the ‘world of work’. It will be regularly reviewed with employers to ensure the learning activities develop your employability skills, including industry based enterprising projects, employers visiting as guest speakers and other work related activities. In addition to the academic and vocational curriculum there will be an integrated programme of Personal, Social and Health Education including a physical or sporting activity and a range of after school enrichment activities. A Progress Coach will support you with regular tutorials, reviews and guidance to help you maximise your potential. You will undertake a range of career development activities and have access to impartial careers advice.
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“Your Academy education is more than studying academic and vocational subjects – it’s about broadening your horizons, making new friends and experiencing new things.”
Enrichment You can make the most of your student experience at the 14–16 Academy by participating in an exciting range of extra-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities, all aiming to help you:
Take on new challenges and learn new skills Increase your confidence and enhance your CV Develop new interests and make new friends
You will have the opportunity to develop your entrepreneurial skills with exciting competitions and national challenges where you can test your ideas and innovation. Taking part in these extra-curricular activities will help you when applying for college, universities or employment to demonstrate teamwork, leadership skills, self-motivation, commitment and time management skills. Some examples of activities include: Film club Art and Design society Music hub Hair and Beauty elite
Sporting academies and clubs Interactive gaming sessions Residential trips
Links with Saints - St.Helens Rugby Club and Langtree Park We have teamed up with St.Helens Rugby Club to offer our Academy students a range of exciting opportunities at the multi-million pound Langtree Park stadium alongside high profile Saints players. Parts of your curriculum will have learning activities linked to Langtree Park. You will also have the opportunity to explore the wide range of careers opportunities available in fields such as media, photography, catering, business, marketing, sales, journalism and more.
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Student information Student support
You will have a dedicated Progress Coach who will work closely with you and ensure you are provided with the appropriate support both in and out of the classroom. This will include support with issues that might affect your attendance, punctuality and learning. Your Coach will help you to consider and plan your future progression.
Smaller class sizes
Students in the 14-16 Academy will benefit from class sizes of approximately 15-20, resulting in lots more help and support dedicated to you.
Expert vocational staff and excellent industry standard workshops and resources
14 – 16 Academy provides you with access to vocational specialists...‌people who have expert industry related knowledge and experience and are passionate about their industry.
Breakfast Club
The Academy will be open to students from 7.45am; all students will be provided with a free breakfast every weekday, including: toast, cereal or porridge and a drink. You can arrive early, socialise with your friends and enjoy your breakfast.
Break time
There will be vending facilities provided in the Academy within the social areas, hot and cold drinks and snacks will be available.
Transport
A free Arriva bus pass will be available to all Academy students.
Lunch time
Lunch will be available each day; it will be served in the food court in the College building adjacent to the academy building. A range of hot and cold meals, sandwiches and snacks will be available from the Food Court. Academy students will be supervised throughout the lunchtime. Students who are entitled to a free school lunch will be provided with one, parents will need to complete the appropriate forms. Students who wish to bring their own lunches may eat them within the Academy social areas.
Study Hub
The 14-16 Academy will have a Study Hub where you can access resources to support your studies.
“You will be assigned a dedicated Progress Coach who will closely work with you to ensure that you reach your potential and that you have access to the support you need to succeed� 11
“The 14 – 16 Academy gives you the opportunity to study two vocational pathways, combined with your academic studies; this provides a broad base to help you make a more informed decision about your future”
“Expert tutors and links with employers help to develop key employability and transferable skills”
Preparing for the future “The 14 – 16 Academy gives you the opportunity to study two vocational pathways, combined with your academic studies. This provides a broad base to help you make a more informed decision about your future” A key focus of the Academy is to fully prepare you for the next stage of your career journey. We will ensure you develop your employability skills. We have built excellent links with employers from across the region, resulting in strong partnerships. This provides students with the chance to gain a vital understanding of the world of work and to develop personal and social skills. You will undertake ‘career planning sessions’ and have access to impartial careers information advice and guidance. This will help you make important decisions about which pathway will be best for you when you graduate from the 14-16 Academy. Progression opportunities include the option to go onto Sixth Form study, where you can choose from a range of study pathways including: A programme of A levels An advanced vocational programme for a specific career pathway or An Apprenticeship This may be within St Helens College or with another provider. However, you are guaranteed a place with St Helens College, if this is your choice.
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St Helens College Guarantee: On successful completion of your 14-16 Academy studies, you will be rewarded with either: A guaranteed place at St Helens College on a full time vocational programme A guaranteed place at St Helens College to study a suite of A levels or A guaranteed interview with St Helens College for an Apprenticeship
Higher Education At 18, there will be the option to study for a degree or equivalent higher education qualification, either with St Helens College or at another university.
Admissions criteria There are only a limited number of places available at the 14-16 Academy so early application is encouraged. To be eligible to apply, you will need to have predicted grades from your present school. These should indicate you have the potential to achieve a range of GCSEs at grade A*-D including English and maths, as well as demonstrating a keen interest and enthusiasm in your preferred vocational options. You will be required to complete an application form and provide us with some key information to inform us of your progress at your present school, including attendance and academic target grades. You will be invited for an interview. To secure a place you must complete a successful interview which will include demonstrating your commitment and your ability to succeed in your studies.
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FAQS Does it matter where I live? No. We can enrol students from any area and with our central location and fantastic transport links for access by road, bus and train the 14-16 Academy is easy to get to from Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Will I have to pay to attend the 14-16 Academy? No, you won’t have to pay for anything as the Government funds all places.
Do I need to ask permission from my school? No. The decision to enrol at the 14-16 Academy is a decision to be made by you and your family.
Find out more Information and Open Evenings Thursday 13th February 2014 Wednesday 5th March 2014 Thursday 3rd April 2014 Thursday 1st May 2014
6.00pm – 8.00pm
Presentations at 6.30pm and 7.30pm Town Centre Campus For more information about the 14-16 Academy join us at our events. Free refreshments will be followed by an informative presentation at 6.30pm and repeated again at 7.30pm. You will have the opportunity to meet the leadership team and tutors, and find out more about the options that are of interest to you. If you would like more detail about these exciting new options, or to request an application form, please call 0800 99 66 99 or visit www.sthelens.ac.uk The content of this booklet has been checked and is correct at the time of publication.
Town Centre Campus
St Helens College reserves the right to amend, cancel, suspend or modify programmes as necessary, and this document cannot be considered contractual. The viability of these courses depends on application numbers and students should continue to make option choices at school until a place at St Helens College 14-16 Academy has been confirmed. Final deadline for all applications to the 14-16 Academy should be with St Helens College on or before 9th May 2014. These can be submitted online or via a paper application form. All applications will be acknowledged by letter which will explain the remainder of the application process.
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Information for parents and carers A welcome from the Principal – Dr Jette Burford “The launch of our 14-16 Academy is an exciting new concept in education which integrates national curriculum with vocational specialisms. It gives students the opportunity to study a strong academic core combined with specialist teaching from industry trained tutors – passionate about what they teach, with access to vocationally specific, industry standard facilities. The 14-16 Academy is an alternative to staying in school to complete Years 10 and 11. Your son or daughter has the exciting opportunity to make a new beginning by joining us full time at the Academy. A mature attitude and dedication to learning is essential to succeed in this advanced environment. The opportunity to study in the 14-16 Academy is not an alternative for students who don’t wish to engage or those that put barriers to learning, but a choice for dedicated students to study core GCSEs alongside high level, high quality vocational pathways. The Academy expects mutual commitment and will stretch every student to achieve their full potential, meet their aspirations and celebrate their success.
Young people are often uncertain about their future and career options, studying with us will give them the opportunity to experience at least two vocational areas that interest them before making their final choice. In addition to the specialist vocational knowledge and skills, they also develop valuable transferable life skills; providing them with a broad base from which they can make a more informed choice about their future progression. Career education, research and planning will form an important part of their studies; we will ensure they are aware of all the progression options available to them at 16, both within St Helens College and beyond, to enable them to meet their career aspirations. We know how important it is to build a positive relationship with parents and we will enjoy working with you to support your son or daughter to succeed. In addition, we will ensure you are informed regularly of their progress and look forward to inviting you to the Academy to review their performance. An education at the 14-16 Academy is more than just studying academic and vocational subjects – it is about broadening horizons, improving prospects and experiencing new things.� If you would like any further information regarding 14-16 Academy, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 99 66 99 or drop in to one of our Information Evenings.
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St Helens College
14-16 Academy A guide for Students
Prospectus and Options Information 0800 99 66 99
sthelenscollege
www.sthelens.ac.uk
@sthelenscollege