#LongRoadLife - March 2023

#LongRoadLife

KEEPING YOU SMILING

Hello from Long Road!

This months applicant newsletter is focused once again on student support - this month looking at how we can keep our students smiling by supporting your wellbeing and welfare.

We'll be hearing about the rare sighting of a T-Rex on our student Ski Trip over February half-term and our Annual Apprenticeship Fair 2023!

There's also some important information from our Admissions Team about our March Advice & Guidance Meetings, so be sure to take a read.

Happy reading!

Long Road

ADMISSIONS UPDATE

T-REX SPOTTED ON STUDENT SKI TRIP

MEET SCHOLAR STUDENTS ETHAN & FAROUK

STUDENT SUPPORT: WELFARE & WELLBEING

FRENCH, HISTORY, RELIGIOUS STUDIES, SOCIOLOGY, SPANISH, PE & SPORT

LONG ROAD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE APPLICANT NEWSLETTER

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

Our friendly Admissions Team are here to support and guide you through every stage of your Long Road application.

If you have any questions, please get in touch!

Julianna Sosnowska Director of Admissions

ADMISSIONS TEAM UPDATE

I HAVE A MARCH ADVICE & GUIDANCE MEETING

Thank you to everyone who has booked their Virtual Advice and Guidance meeting for the6th March!

We understand that this stage can be thrilling and a little daunting; so please take a read of the advice in our February newsletter which will support you in preparing for your meeting.

Lydia Cottage Admissions Officer

We are really looking forward to meeting you and your Parent/Carers. To ensure that we can have a meaningful conversation about your individual goals and ambitions we require all meetings to take place with cameras and microphones on.

All of our staff are equally highly trained and experienced team members able to discuss your post-16 options in detail.

On the day, it is important to log on to the system at least 15 minutes in advance of your meeting to make sure that you are ready when it begins

I WAS UNABLE TO BOOK A MARCH MEETING

If you were unable to book a slot, please do not worry. We are holding additional Virtual Advice and Guidance Meetings throughout the Spring

We will send out more detailed communication, after this March round of meetings have taken place, directly to any applicants that are affected.

If you have any questions or worries please email us on admissions@longroad.ac.uk

Best wishes, Long Road Admissions Team

YOUR APPLICATION TIMELINE

Your application timeline will help you keep track of where you are in the admissions process and keep you informed of what happens next. Look for the arrow location to see where we are in the process!

OCTOBER 2022

Applications Open

JANUARY 2023

Applications Close. Applications made after the deadline may be placed on a waiting list

24 AUGUST 2023

GCSE Results Day

Good luck! We're keeping our fingers crossed for you

LATE AUGUST 2023

New Student Enrolment

Welcome to the Long Road family!

SPRING & SUMMER 2023

Virtual Guidance Meetings & Conditional Offer

Discuss your options with an experienced member of staff You'll receive a formal offer via your MyLongRoad account shortly after your Virtual Guidance Meeting

6 & 7 JULY 2023

Auditions, Welcome Days & Summer Work

Spend the day as a Long Road student; try out your subjects & get a taste of Long Road life. Summer work will be available online & must be completed for your first lesson at college. Auditions for Performing Arts subjects will also be held during Welcome Days

EARLY SEPTEMBER 2023

Start of Academic Year

2023/2024

Time to start your Long Road life!

MEET SCHOLAR STUDENT, ETHAN

I chose to study at Long Road because I wanted a change from the environment of my secondary school I wanted something that would give me more freedom and independence I applied for the scholar's award partially because it helped to motivate me to do my best in my GCSEs I wanted to prove that I could do well, and this award was a way to measure that. I also had considered volunteering around the college anyway, so getting involved in that was an extra bonus

To year 11s considering Long Road, I think that the environment of the college really stands out Everything feels so casual and calm here. I've enjoyed walking around the woods on campus and being able to manage my time

independently and do my work in my free time. The people, staff and general mood of the college is positive, and the freedom you have here relative to a secondary school sixth form is incredible (also, studying in Cambridge is cool).

The scholars award feels incredibly rewarding, both to work towards and to potentially achieve it and contribute to the college I've been thinking of saving it for equipment, maybe a new laptop for when I go to university. I might also use some of it to buy some more books.

ETHAN

Secondary School: Cromwell Community College

Year 1 Student

Studying: Criminology ExtendedCertificate

History A Level Sociology A Level

Click here to apply for the Long Road Scholars Award today!

SKI TRIP 2023

We are so glad that we are back to organising our annual ski trip after a few years break due to COVID-19.

Both students and staff had a fantastic half-term spent on the slopes and we are looking forward to taking more students again next year.

Whether you ' re a skiing pro, or have never skied before, you are welcome to join us!

T-REX SPOTTED IN ITALY ON SKI TRIP FEBRUARY 2023

Another successful Long Road Ski trip took place over February half-term, with 36 students from across the college getting the chance to experience the fantastic ski resort Pila, situated in the alps, Italy.

As well as a brilliant skiing experience for all levels of ability, the trip also included a variety of apre ski activities including; Bowling, pool, pizza night and a ski instructor presentation where all of our skiers were awarded with certificates demonstrating the progression they had made throughout the week with improving their skiing

All of the students were brilliant throughout the week, not only in

their behaviour, but also with theirattitude towards developing new relationships with peers from the college they had never spoken to or even met before

There was also a very successful fancy dress day on the slopes, which all of the students embraced fantastically with some brilliant costumes and outfits (not often you see a T-Rex skiing down a mountain!).

Overall, it was a very successful trip and was not only enjoyable for the students, but also for the staff who had the pleasure of working with the students who came Work has already started towards organising next year ' s trip - we can't wait to go again!

APPRENTICESHIP FAIR 2023

On Wednesday 8th February 2023, we held an apprenticeships fair as part of National Apprenticeships Week

The hall was packed with over 750 students, eager to find out more about apprenticeships, a way to learn and earn at the same time

Students who met five or more employers and completed the feedback form could enter a prize draw for the chance to win one of ten £20 gift cards

Needless to say, any student who attended the fair and found the apprenticeship of their dreams was already a winner (though of course a gift card never hurts).

We were lucky to have representatives from 21 different employers from a wide range of sectors including:

Royal Papworth Hospital

Ensors

Grant Thornton

Price Bailey

KPMG

Deloitte

Bidwells

Encore

AstraZeneca

Marshall Skills Academy

Illumina

West Suffolk College

Cambridge Regional College

Entrust

Morgan Sindall

The British Army

Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust

UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS

Our annual Career Fair is coming up soon on 9th May 2023 and will cover jobs for college leavers, work experience, volunteering, gap years, and summer work.

if you are an employer, a provider of gap year experiences, or can offer volunteering opportunities and want to take part –contact us at careers@longroad.ac.uk.

STUDY SUPPORT

Study sessions are held regularly throughout the year focusing on a range of areas such as time management, study skills and exam technique.

As you work towards those all-important exams you will be invited to our workshops on revision, wellbeing and exam preparation. All of our study skill resources are available online so you can access them wherever and whenever you need them.

STUDENT SUPPORT: ADDITIONAL NEEDS, WELFARE & WELLBEING

Here at Long Road, we share a passion for learning and its capacity to transform lives we encourage and inspire you to be the best that you can be

All of our teaching and support staff have a strong commitment to ensuring you have equal opportunities to succeed; their experiencers and advice make Long Road accessible and friendly to all students

All subjects provide opportunities for all students to receive individual support in workshop sessions with subject specialists Individual teaching support is also available for students with specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia or Asperger's.

If you have an EHC plan we will develop individual learning programmes Our team of qualified specialist tutors can provide formal and informal assessments of your individual learning needs.

We welcome students from the international community, offering you extra support with specialist teachers if English is your second language

All buildings have ready access for wheelchair users and classroom / general assistance is available for students who have physical impairments such as partial sight, partial hearing and motor skills difficulties.

STUDENT SUPPORT: ADDITIONAL NEEDS, WELFARE & WELLBEING

Our team of qualified specialist tutors can provide assessments of students’ individual learning needs, such as Dyslexia or those who are Neuro Diverse Specialist IT equipment and software is available to support students studies, including text-to-speech and mindmapping programmes

We're not only here to support your academic progress, but also your wellbeing

Whatever challenges you face, our dedicated support team are always ready to help with any concerns you may have Our drop-in counselling service is available if you ever need help, advice or a friendly chat.

24/7 STUDENT SUPPORT

We've teamed up with Health Assured, a Student Assistance Programme offering 24/7 confidential help with trained counsellors. They can help you with anything that is worrying you: exam stress, low mood, relationship problems, identity issues anything at all, no problem too big or small.

There’s a phone line: 0800 028 3766 And yes, of course there’s an App! It has lots of useful wellbeing activities plus a Live Chat function if you don’t want to pick up the phone and talk

WELLBEING FAIR

Our annual Wellbeing Fair introduces you to different techniques to help you manage stress and anxiety including Art Therapy, Yoga and Volunteering.

Our visiting therapy animals (which in the past have even included Owls!) are always a huge hit and we love the opportunity to cuddles with some super cute therapy dogs.

KEY INFO

Total students currently on course: 23

Current average class size: 11 Exam Board: AQA Assessment: 100% Exam

As a French A Level student you will develop your listening and reading skills and learn to translate complex texts accurately both from French into English and from English into French. You will study a novel, currently No et Moi, and a film, currently La Haine, in the original language which will evolve your analytical skills as well your capacity to write in French.

You will conduct and present a research project on a topic of your choosing, which you will then discuss in-depth, allowing your speaking skills to flourish.

The course will help you develop a wide range of skills. Being able to interact with people in their own language will open you the doors to a wide world of possibilities

OLIVER Year 2 Student

I came to Long Road to study in a new and different environment and took French because I would like to have the opportunity to work in a French-speaking country I love the variety and details of the topics we cover

SPANISH A LEVEL

Learning a language is an amazing experience, particularly if you enjoy finding out how languages work, discovering patterns, losing yourself in books and films, learning about new cultures and travelling.

We use a great number of original resources – you will have the opportunity to read Spanish newspapers and magazines, as well as watching media and hearing podcasts You will study a novel and a film in the original language which will evolve your analytical skills as well your capacity to write in Spanish.

The course is very diverse and is tailored to suit the individual; in addition, you will have the opportunity of researching a topic of your choice We run a number of extra support sessions ensuring additional help is readily available for all students.

OLIVIA Long Road Alumni

Our lessons were conducted in Spanish, which at first terrified me, but made me grow immensely in confidence by the end of the academic year Not only did we learn about the Spanish language, but also about the culture, which helped me understand the language and its speakers better With all the progress I made, I felt confident enough to go on holiday and speak to locals, and to continue studying Spanish at university. In my current job in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, I am able to use Spanish to converse and assist others in need of help I now hope to go into the field of Diplomacy and Development.

SPANISH: KEY INFO

Total students currently on course: 23

Current average class size: 11

Exam Board: AQA

Assessment: 100% Exam

16 Exam Board: EDUQAS Assessment: 100% Exam

RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS A LEVEL

Does God exist? Why is there suffering? How should we live our lives? Who was Buddha? Why do people meditate? Religion, Philosophy and Ethics A Level explores the variety of answers to questions from the great thinkers of Buddhism, Philosophy and Ethics

Our Religion, Philosophy and Ethics course gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in critical thinking, written and verbal communication that are highly valued by employers. Universities hold this A Level in high regard as the skills developed facilitate entry to a variety of degree courses You’ll find the knowledge and skills learnt on this course useful in many careers including Law, Education, Public Services, Health Care and Social Work

CALLUM Year 2 Student

I enjoy thinking deeply about life’s important questions and I have become very interested in Buddhism which was new to me when I started the course. It helps in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics if you are open-minded and enjoy writing essays!

HISTORY A LEVEL

Develop your skills of written and verbal communication, evaluation, analysis, assessment and expression as you study revolution, the collapse of the monarchy and the establishment of new regimes in A Level History. We will support your growing interest in understanding different time periods and the impact of political change on societies by presenting you with a number of opportunities to learn outside the classroom with activities such as guest speakers, trips and student conferences

All students will study the struggle for Black Civil Rights in America, 1860-1965; England 1603-1702, considering the causes and events of the English Civil War and the execution of King Charles I in 1649 We give you the opportunity to specialise in either Russia 1917-1953 or Germany 1918-1945.

JASMINE HUNT

Long Road Class of 2017 BA Classics and Italian, University of Glasgow

I wanted to study my A levels in a place which specialised in the final years of your school education I wanted to go to a place where people were going because they wanted to get something out of it, rather than just continuing education for the sake of it I felt that it was the perfect environment to ground myself and become more comfortable within myself, academically and personally.

I enjoyed the relationships I built with friends and teachers alike. The environment was always very welcoming and the fact that we called teachers by their first names felt like a barrier had been taken down in order to enable clearer communication.

HISTORY: KEY INFO

Total students currently on course: 234

Current average class size: 19

Exam Board: AQA

Assessment: 80% Exam 20% Coureswork

PE: KEY INFO

Total students currently on course: 108

Current average class size: 15

Exam Board: EDUQAS

Assessment: 70% Exam

30% Coursework

PE A LEVEL

The sports industry is an integral part of modern society and at a professional level is a lucrative business

On our A Level PE course, you will go on a journey that will take you through many avenues of the sports industry and, in particular, the application of Sport Science

On average, approximately 40% of A Level PE students go on to University to study a range of courses from Physiotherapy, Sport and Exercise Science and teaching qualifications to coach in Sport, Performance Analysis in Sport and many more

Approximately 25% of students go into employment and many have pursued careers in the Sport and Fitness industry whilst others have gone into coaching in Sport

NAOMI Year 2 Student

I really enjoy PE The balance of physical work and theory is perfect, and there is lots of support and guidance from the teachers.

I have decided that I want to take a Sport degree at university and become a PE teacher.

SPORT APPLIED LEVEL 3

This qualification will incorporate a wide variety of opportunities designed to broaden your experience and help you understand and develop a clear vision of the options and progression routes available in the sports industry. If you ’ re an enthusiastic fan of Sport, whether that be through participating, coaching, volunteering or spectating, this is the course for you!

You will develop the confidence to plan and lead sport and exercise in practical settings, enhance your communication and organisational skills whilst also developing a range of academic skills. This course will provide you with the wide range of skills, knowledge and understanding required to progress into sports related careers and University courses.

MILLY Long Road Class of 2021

The Sports teachers were so supportive throughout the pandemic and kept lessons fun and interesting even when we were remote learning.

This course has enabled me to get grades I never thought I could achieve, I can’t thank my teachers enough for all the help they have given me

SPORT: KEY INFO

Total students currently on course: 214

Current average class size: 13

Exam Board: OCR Assessment: Extended Certificate = 42% Exam 58% Coursework

Diploma & Extended Diploma = 100% Coursework

SOCIOLOGY: KEY INFO

Total students currently on course: 425

Current average class size: 22

Exam Board: AQA

Assessment: 100% Exam

SOCIOLOGY A LEVEL

Sociology is concerned with social behaviour and attempts to answer questions about why society works the way it does and why people behave the way they do Studying Sociology is inherently interesting. It gives you the tools to understand behaviour and how the world operates You will never be the same again!

Sociology forces you to look at the world in new ways. You will have the opportunity for frequent discussion, drawing on your own experiences and opinions and enabling you to relate these to relevant sociological ideas and evidence

The study of Sociology at this level can lead to a range of further studies and possible careers These include Law, Police work, Journalism, Social Work, Human Resources, and the world of business in general.

SAMUEL Year 2 Student

I chose Sociology because I’m interested in the study of society and our relationship with it, and how it shapes us.

You can gain a lot of skills from Sociology including writing essays, using analysis and evaluation, as well debating which will be invaluable in all areas of life, particularly university or future job roles I'm excited to learn about the crime and deviance topic later this year.

MEET SCHOLAR STUDENT, FAROUK

I would encourage Year 11's to apply to Long Road because it's a chance to feel like an adult; my experience so far in college has been more self-dependant, whereas in school I have to depend on my parents to make most decisions and had to attend full hours every day to subjects I wasn't interested in

If you are thinking about applying for the Scholars Award I would say, work hard on each of your subjects and get the highest grades you can achieve. Don't let your predicted grades determine whether you should apply or not as this is only a prediction of what they could get Treat mocks like GCSE’s as they are the closest things to the real exams. Don’t try to get high grades, try to do your best!

So far, my favourite thing about being a Long Road student is that it has been very easy to adjust to the timetable, and I was given all the necessary resources to do good in my subjects The college offers many facilities for us to use during free time, which is another thing I like about the collage I also like how being a Long Road student allows me to be treated like an adult during collage, as it is something I wouldn’t have experienced in a school

FAROUK

Secondary School: GEMS Wellington Dubai silicon oasis

Year 1 Student

Studying: Business A Level

Economics A Level

Maths A Level

Click here to apply for the Long Road Scholars Award today!