Middlesbrough College A Level Newsletter
Spring 2021
Hello and welcome
…to our A Level newsletter 2021! In this newsletter you can read about our students’ latest achievements, exciting updates about our Sixth Form Centre and find out about our upcoming events. Despite the difficult circumstances, we are proud of how hard our students at MC6 have been working and excelling in their studies.
Investing in our campus extension plans for MC6!
Our University Centre
We are so excited about the upcoming extension plans for MC6! The extension will include a brand new café refit and improved social space. Keep an eye out on our website and social media channels for updates!
We are excited to announce that work on our brand new University Centre has begun! Our University Centre gives students the option to stay close to home to achieve a globally recognised degree, accredited by The Open University. We offer small class sizes and regular 1:1 support with tutors, plus our industry courses allow our students to gain the skills employers need!
Our IOT status We are part of the North East Institute of Technology! Having the prestigious Institute of Technology status gives the promise to our students and employers that we deliver high-quality technical qualifications and bespoke training.
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Taking student success higher Results Day 2020 We are always so proud of our students achievements and Results Day 2020 was no exception. We were delighted to achieve a 100% pass rate for our A Levels!
Lourdes Lourdes Maigua Medrano is studying at New College, Oxford University, after scoring top grades at Middlesbrough College. Lourdes studied Psychology (A*), Biology (A*) and Chemistry (A). Lourdes is passionate about animal conservation, and was inspired by her teachers and friends at the College to apply to study Biology at one of the world’s top universities. “The teachers and students have been amazing throughout my time here. The support I’ve received from Middlesbrough College, and the fact that they really focus on you as an individual, has made such a difference. The hard work has all paid off, and I’m now an Oxford University student!”
Durham success for Steven! Steven Mclean has been offered a place to study German and Russian at the prestigious Durham University.
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Steven said: “The course at Durham University is really well suited to me and I am extremely proud of achieving an offer. After University, I would like to complete a law conversion and become a commercial solicitor. I am currently studying History, English Literature and Physics and I am also studying German privately. I find my courses really interesting and the College has offered me a wide range of support during the lockdowns such as extended deadlines and also checking in to see how I am feeling.”
Our Alumni At Middlesbrough College we aim to take students higher and help them to land their dream jobs, make inspirational changes in the community or head to their first choice University. We know that many of our students go on to achieve great things so that’s why we got back in touch with them and launched The Middlesbrough College Alumni!
Former Middlesbrough College student Millie Blenkinsopp is working hard on the NHS frontline in a time like no other. Millie studied A Levels and progressed to study a foundation degree in Health, Well-being and Social Care at The Middlesbrough College University Centre. After successfully completing her foundation degree, Millie was accepted onto an adult nursing degree programme to fulfil her career ambition of becoming a nurse. Now twenty-year old Millie is supporting the country through the Coronavirus pandemic and is devoting her University placement time to the Covid-19 ward- a true NHS hero.
Nicole Nicole Olagesin is now studying Medicine at Newcastle University after achieving A grades in Biology, Maths, Chemistry and Physics with us last year! Not content with scoring top grades during her time at Middlesbrough College, Nicole is also a gold medallist after an outstanding performance at this year’s Biology Olympiad. She said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the College and can’t speak highly enough of the teachers and my fellow students. Even when lockdown came into effect earlier in the year, the College was quick to make sure that we each had the support we needed to study at home.”
Back to class for former MC6 student Charlie! Former A Level student Charlie Turner is now back at Middlesbrough College Sixth Form but on the other side of the classroom! Charlie studied A Levels in 2014 and progressed to study Psychology at University. After successfully finishing his teacher training, Charlie applied for a teaching position at MC6 and today Charlie’s old classroom, where he once was taught is now his new office as he works full time as an Applied Psychology and Criminology tutor.
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Meet our tutors! Sarah Martin
Sarah teaches on the Film Studies and Media A Level programmes. “If you are thinking of studying Media Studies or Film Studies as an A Level choice, then here’s how to prepare yourself: 1. Be interested – watch, listen, re-watch, browse, read: soak up as much as you can of what is out there. 2. Be critical – don’t take everything at face value; question what is in front of you. 3. Delve into the past: watch old films and old TV shows – see how far the industry has developed and changed.
Top 5 things to watch and listen to before studying a Film or Media A Level: 1. Line of Duty (BBC) – there are lots of other great BBC dramas out there – it really does provide a great public service! 2. BBC Radio – do you listen to the radio much? Take a dive in to the wide range of things you can listen to on the BBC – you can access it through the BBC Sounds app. 3. Foreign language drama – check out All 4 or a streaming service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime. 4. Keep an eye on social media trends / topics – what are people doing? What are they talking about? Why? (Any of you seen beans on Weetabix?) 5. There’s a whole world of film beyond American blockbusters: there are some amazing and thought-provoking Independent films out there and the British can make some pretty amazing stuff too. And if you really want to be amazed – investigate the world of Short Film (how on earth do they tell an amazing story in such a short period 4 of time?)
Richard Spencer
Local lad Richard Spencer (or Doc as he is affectionately known) is one of Middlesbrough College’s treasures! An award winning teacher, Doc teaches on the A Level Biology programme delivered at Middlesbrough College Sixth Form. Doc said: “I enjoy every minute in the classroom and hope my students do too. I find it invigorating, knowing that I am making a difference to the students I teach and their future prospects. Our students are so polite and grateful – they are a pleasure to teach. “I’ve enjoyed seeing the Sixth Form go from strength to strength and, in particular, seeing A-level Biology students achieve excellent results. I introduced a challenging national competition called the Biology Olympiad and I’m proud of the dozens of students who have gained national recognition, including commendations and bronze, silver and gold medals. “I’ve seen students flourish as they have been involved in national and international research projects, such as those run by School & Plants for Schools (SAPS), Science on Stage Europe, LUMA Finland and Erasmus Plus Europe. “Great teachers are great learners. Every day I learn something new. That’s what I love about being a teacher and I think it is important that, as teachers, we demonstrate our love of learning, so our students can absorb our enthusiasm to become passionate life-long learners themselves.”
Lucy Wood
Lucy is curriculum team leader for vocational programmes at Middlesbrough College Sixth Form and teaches on the BTEC Applied Science course!
Lucy’s top tips for students starting a Science course in September:
Watch:
1. There are a variety of science podcasts on the BBC that cover a range of topics. On the BTEC Applied Science course one of the units we study is Contemporary Issues in Science so it is important to keep up to date with current developments. 2. There are also a host of excellent YouTube channels such as Crash Course, Khan Academy and S-Cool to help refresh your science knowledge.
Read:
1. CGP Head start to A level Biology, Chemistry and Physics are always good starting points to help with the transition from GCSE to Level 3. 2. BBC Bitesize is also helpful to refresh those key concepts in science!
Do:
1. Try to keep up to date with current science developments. New Scientist is a good place to read reliable science information on the internet. 2. Review key concepts from GCSE Science such as bonding, cells and waves. 3. Work on your organisation skills! Vocational courses rely on good time management when juggling exams, assignments and homework. Find a method that works for you whether it be a diary, a planner on your phone or having a noticeboard.
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Student life Why choose MC6? We caught up with A Level students Molly Gibbin and Abbie O’Neill to find out why school leavers should choose MC6.
Molly
Abbie We’ve got your backsupporting you through Covid-19 We hope that you are excited for the year ahead and that you’re ready to take on your dreams with Middlesbrough College Sixth Form. We want you to know that we are here to support you. Nobody should feel alone during this difficult time and we will always be here for you and do our best to help you. Even though September may seem a long way off, it will come round quicker than you think! We want to make sure you have everything you need to kick-start your College experience with us, so any questions or worries you have, make sure you ask away and our team will be happy to help you!
“There are many reasons why I decided to study here! It is an exceptional place to study as there are endless opportunities. There’s a striking sense of community here and we have both loved making new friends.
“In general, MC6 is an allround great place to study, where the atmosphere is always positive, the teachers feel more like encouraging friends, and it’s only a 10 minute walk from Greggs!” Molly and Abbie are the elected Year Leaders for Year 12 & 13 and are also members of the Student Council!
Live Chat Got a question? Our teams are available on Live Chat on our website to help answer any queries you may have. Admissions Live Chat: Monday & Wednesday 3:30-5:00pm
Schools Team Live Chat: Tuesday 3:30-5:00pm & Thursday 3:30-6:30pm Simply open up the chat box located in the bottom right hand corner of our website!
Text Back Service Our Text Back Service means that you can have your questions answered by a member of the Schools & Admissions Team at any time! Your question could relate to the application process, our campus or your chosen A Level courses. Complete the form on our website and a member of the team will text you back!
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Our top tips for starting College in September Moving on from your school and starting at College can be really daunting, but don’t worry! Here at Middlesbrough College we’ve prepared our top tips to help you get off to a great start. There’s a lot you can be preparing for right now to make sure you have an amazing time!
Before you start College:
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Make sure you’ve chosen the right course. At Middlesbrough College Sixth Form we offer a range of A Level and Applied courses, so no matter what your career ambitions are, we have a course that’s perfect for you. Make sure that you are choosing a course you are interested in and you’ll do well in- don’t just pick a course because all your friends are doing it. If you think you’ve picked the wrong course- don’t panic! You don’t need to finalise your A Level subject choices until you enrol with us in the summer.
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Work out how you’re going to get to College. Whether it’s by bus, train, car, bike or foot- know which route you’re going to take and where your closest bus stop or train station is. At Middlesbrough College we offer an amazing travel package to our students so that you can travel into College for FREE 7 days a week! Take a look on our website to find out about our bus routes.
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Do your research. Take a careers quiz online, look into different University courses and take the time to research jobs. This way you can be a step ahead of everyone and help to focus your CV and applications for future Universities or employers.
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Stay on top of your studies. Make sure you’re attending school, as this will help to get you ready for the jump to studying at College level.
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Plan ahead. Find out about all the fantastic sports academies, clubs, societies and enrichment opportunities at Middlesbrough College so you know which one to join in September.
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Follow us on social media! Stay up to date with everything that is going on and look out for important updates.
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Events MC6 Transition Days 5th, 6th & 7th July Get a taste of what life is like as an MC6 student at our Transition Days! You’ll be able to meet subject teachers, take part in taster lessons and explore MC6 before you start in September. Find out more and book your place on our website!
Enrolment We are so excited for you to join us in September! We will be enrolling students from the 12th August. You will be sent a letter in the post this summer that will explain how to complete your enrolment. Please keep an eye out for communications from us. We hope that you are looking forward to starting your next chapter at MC6.
Follow for Follow!
Campus Guidance Events Wednesday 21st April & Tuesday 18th May 2021 5:00pm - 7:30pm Come along to our safe and socially distanced open event to take your dreams higher. Meet tutors face to face, find out more about our A Level programmes and get all of your questions answered!
Booking is essential
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