Student and Parent Newsletter Issue 2 2017/18
We are
MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE SIXTH FORM
NEW COURSES TO WOW EMPLOYERS AND UNIVERSITIES
From September, Middlesbrough College’s Sixth Form is launching new courses that blend academic A Level study with vocational style learning. Students will study A Levels and a technical qualification such as a BTEC or Cambridge Technical Diploma in the College’s purpose built Sixth Form Centre and this will give them a chance to learn industry-specific skills alongside academic qualifications.
New technical qualifications include: • • • • • •
Applied Law Applied Science Business Construction Criminology Engineering
• Health & Social Care • Journalism • Music Practice • Performing Arts • Sport
Carolyn Yule, director of programme A Levels at Middlesbrough College, explained: “Students will study a mix of two A Level subjects and one Technical Diploma – and the combination allows them to add specialism to their studies while also building traditional academic qualifications. Universities see the value in this mix as it balances analytical, researchbased skills building with practical skills.” One student already benefiting from a mixed portfolio of subjects is Jess Lancaster. The 18-year is currently studying BTEC Law, A Level Philosophy and English Literature – and has ambitions to go into teaching. Jess, who is on course for a distinction star in her BTEC, and an A and B in her A Level subjects, already has a conditional offer to study at the University of Leeds. She said: “Studying a mix of courses has really helped me, and I know it was a factor in securing a university offer.”
A LEVELS
STUDENTS NOMINATED FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AWARDS Six Biology students have been nominated for the International LUMA StarT Education Award. Their project, which raises concerns about DNA paternity tests, involved production of a short drama. Students researched, wrote, performed, filmed and narrated the drama, with the help of an A-Level Media Studies student. The drama is based on the true story of a man in the USA who repeatedly failed DNA paternity tests, even though he had fathered his child. The competition,
SPOTLIGHT ON
Computer Science
AMAZING RESULTS As the world becomes more dependent on advanced technology, computer science students are highly sought after in the workplace and the average salary for a computer scientist is £52,500!
which aims to share excellence in science-related projects, is organised by the LUMA Centre Finland. Dr Richard Spencer MBE, Head of Science at Middlesbrough College Sixth Form, encouraged his students to enter the competition. He said: “I’m incredibly proud of our students’ efforts. Their project is an excellent example of cross-curricular learning and show-cases our students’ talents and ability to work as a team. To reach the nomination stage is a fantastic achievement. The drama is thrilling - they deserve to win!”
Our Sixth Form Centre A Level students will be based in MC6, a modern learning environment which includes a dedicated study room, open plan study space and social common room. We have our own café and are just a short walk away from the town centre. A Level students can also use all of our campus facilities including the gym, hair salons and learning resource centre.
Our computer science course is not just about learning to use tools or just training in a programming language, instead the emphasis is on computational thinking and problem solving with 50% of the course involving practical programming. Students without a GCSE in IT or computing are welcome to apply to the computer science course, as it covers the basics. The course boasts 100% pass rate for the last three years with higher than national average A-C grades! 2
Course Information 01642 333333
DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
A LEVELS SPOTLIGHT ON
History
TRIPS AROUND THE WORLD Our A Level students visited Krakow, Poland. Here they had the opportunity to learn about the holocaust. They listened to an insightful talk from a holocaust survivor and went on a guided tour of the Krakow Jewish ghetto, Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and Schlinder’s factory.
Our unique A Level tutorial programme is designed to develop essential life and career skills for your future. Sessions are delivered in small, seminar-style workshops alongside e-learning modules which will encourage you to think about your studies, health and place in society. As part of Enterprise Week students were treated to a talk from local entrepreneur Andy Preston on his many social enterprises including The Fork In The Road and Bar Zero.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Joe Cook
Diana da Silva de Andrade and Jodie Simmons
Previous school: Sacred Heart Secondary Academy Achieved: A Computer Science, B Maths, B Physics, C Further Maths Now studying: Computer Science at Newcastle University
Previous schools: Outwood Academy Acklam and Thornaby Academy Achieved: Diana - A Media, B Photography, B Film Studies. Jodie - C Photography, C Film Studies, D Art. Now: Started photography company Jo & D Photography
Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk
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STUDENT SUCCESS! JESS CODLING Previous School: The Kings Academy Studies: A Level Physics, Maths and Computer Science
“The Sixth Form Centre is a great place to study; they have lots of good facilities. I am hoping to progress to university to study Physics.”
TOP NATIONALLY National statistics show A Level progress at Middlesbrough College to be in the top quartile for A Levels in the country. This means that the grades students can achieve at MC6 are better than the majority of GFE Colleges in the country! *2016/17 DfE National Rates and 2016/17 Middlesbrough College Performance Level 3 Progress (A Levels) (157 Colleges)
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UPCOMING EVENTS 2018 9-10 JULY 11 JULY 3PM - 6PM
A LEVEL BRIDGING EVENT Once your GCSE exams are finished you will have the chance to get set for Sixth Form by spending a couple of days in MC6. Here, you will try out different subjects and find out more about life as an A Level student. If you’ve already applied we will send you an invite in the post, just reply with your subject choices.
SCHOOL LEAVER OPEN EVENING Discover our great range of A Levels, vocational courses and apprenticeships. Perfect for Year 10 and 11 students. Visit direct.mbro.ac.uk/2018 to book your place.
NOT YET APPLIED TO MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE? You can do so by visiting our website and completing an application form. Alternatively, you can email our Admissions Team on admissions@mbro.ac.uk and request a free-post application form. If you would like to change or add a course to your application, please call the team on 01642 333601 and they will be happy to help you.
CALL 01642 333800 OR TEXT ‘SCHOOLS’ TO 83123