WELCOME
KERRY WADE
Associate Headteacher of Dinnington High School
I am proud to be the Headteacher of Dinnington High School and would like to welcome you to our school. We pride ourselves on the unparalleled levels of care, guidance and support we provide for our young people and this was recognised as a real strength at our most recent Ofsted in 2023. Dinnington High School has undergone significant change this academic year; it has new leadership and has joined a new outstanding trust, NCLT. My immovable belief that Dinnington High School will be the best school in Rotherham and the transformation that we have seen in recent months only make me believe that this will be a reality in the very near future. This is testament to the hard work of my staff and the exemplary behaviour and attitude of our young people. Dinnington High School is a very special place. Our staff are child-centred, progress-focused and everything we do allows our young people to grow and thrive. Our relentless pursuit of a child’s best is at the heart of every decision we make and we believe that going the extra mile is necessary in achieving that goal. Our students will be the hardest working children in Rotherham and our core values of kindness, respect and excellence are characteristics we nurture from Year 7. The high expectations for student progress and conduct are integral to day to day life at Dinnington. We recognise the enormous contributions and support that you as parents can offer us and we will embrace the opportunity to work in true partnership to support your child’s learning. Together we will aspire to provide a secure, safe and caring learning environment at the school and at home, where every child matters, achieves their potential and where no child is left behind. I look forward to working with you and your child to ensure they can grow and thrive in a school that provides an exceptional educational experience.
SAM HUNTER
Head of Sixth Form
Our results have gone from strength to strength since we opened in 2017. Students achieve very strong results both in A-level and applied courses, making exceptional progress from their start points at the end of GCSE. Results and student progress are consistently significantly stronger than national and regional levels. You can be confident that you will be joining a very strong academic, supportive and inclusive college that achieves outstanding results for young people.
As well as our focus on achieving excellent results, we are deeply committed to preparing our students for adult life, further study and employment, and to helping young people be happy, confident and safe. Our extensive enrichment programme helps students meet new people, gain new skills and learn more about the world around them. Our students are well supported in their readiness to move to the very best degrees, apprenticeships and jobs, with valuable engagement with universities, employers and work experience.
This prospectus will give you a good introduction to the very wide range of courses that we offer. We would love to meet you in person at one of our open events taking place throughout the year. These are a great opportunity to meet our teachers face-to-face, to see our facilities, to get a feel for our culture, and to find out more about our courses. I look forward to meeting you then.
HOW DO I APPLY?
TO APPLY TO NEW DINNINGTON SIXTH FORM FOR ENTRY IN SEPTEMBER 2025.
If you are already a student at Dinnington High School, there’s nothing you need to do at this stage. Later in the spring term, we will arrange a time to meet with students in Year 11 where we feel there is a good chance that you may meet the entry requirements for courses in the Sixth Form. This informal meeting will provide us with an opportunity to explore with you your plans for the future, to provide information, advice and guidance, to discuss the courses on offer at New Dinnington Sixth Form, to consider the ones that might suit you best if you decide to stay in the Sixth Form, and to review the entry requirements for those courses. We look forward to making conditional offers to students who attend well, have good behaviour and demonstrate positive attitudes to learning, and where there is a good chance that you will meet the minimum entry requirements if you work hard.
IF YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY A STUDENT AT DINNINGTON HIGH SCHOOL THEN PLEASE CONTACT: SIXTHFORM@DIN.LEAP-MAT.ORG.UK FOR AN APPLICATION PACK.
Once we have received and reviewed external applications, applicants may be invited to visit the school for a tour and for an informal meeting, which will enable us to consider whether we can provide you with a conditional offer.
Open Evening
Come along to our Sixth Form open evening on 26th September 2024 from 4.00 - 7.00pm to find out more about the Sixth Form, what we can offer, and to explore the courses that are available.
Application
Complete one of our short application forms. We’ll talk to you more about this at school and give you some time to complete an application during the school day.
InformaI Interview
We’ll arrange a time to talk to each applicant about your future plans and aspirations, about the courses you’re interested in and the grades you’ll need, and about how things are going at school. This informal interview is mostly about us giving you advice and guidance about your next steps.
Conditional Offer
Many applicants will be given a conditional offer after their interview. This means that there’s a place for you in the Sixth Form on your chosen courses, as long as you achieve the minimum entry requirements when you collect your GCSE results in the summer. To provide a conditional offer we also have to be satisfied that a student is demonstrates good attendance, behaviour, commitment and that they have a good chance of securing the grades they need to join the Sixth Form.
Offer Holder’s Day
We’ll invite you to attend our Offer Holders’ Day which takes place on Wednesday 9 July – a chance to settle into the Sixth Form, meet your new teachers and find out more about the courses you’re likely to be studying in September.
Enrol
When you collect your GCSE results on results day - 21 August 2025, we’ll meet with you individually to review your grades, to finalise your courses for September and to officially enrol you as a New Dinnington Sixth Form student.
External Applicants
If you are not currently a Year 11 student at Dinnington High School and you are interested in joining the Sixth Form, please email: DinSixthform@nclt.ac.uk.
The quicker you apply the better, but please note our official application deadline of
A conditional offer means that a place has been offered to you in the Sixth Form, for the courses discussed in your individual meeting or interview, subject to you meeting the minimum entry requirements set out in this prospectus. Students can change their course choices at enrolment provided they meet the minimum entry requirements.
NEW MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
YOU’LL SEE IN THIS PROSPECTUS THAT SOME OF THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR COURSES IN SEPTEMBER 2024 HAVE BEEN UPDATED.
The entry requirements for the Sixth Form reflect those in place for the three outstanding Sixth Form colleges within our trust. Minimum entry requirements are there to safeguard students, ensuring that students have a secure platform of knowledge and skills at the very beginning of their Sixth Form courses so that they have a good and realistic chance of successfully completing their courses.
All students need to have completed a minimum of five GCSE courses. The average of all the GCSE courses a student has achieved forms part of the minimum entry requirements, and the average GCSE point score required varies from course to course. Some courses require an average GCSE point score of 3.5, whereas others require a higher score, for example 5.6 for A-level Maths. It’s important to work hard and do the best you can in all your GCSE subjects because all of them contribute to your average GCSE point score.
Every course in the Sixth Form requires students to have achieved a 4 in GCSE English Language but some courses may require higher than a 4.
In addition to meeting the average GCSE point score requirement for each course that you wish to study, you may need to achieve particular grades in specific GCSE courses. For example, a grade 7 is needed in GCSE Mathematics is required to study A-level Maths.
YOU CAN SEE FURTHER DETAILS OF THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COURSES IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
A Wide
Range
of A-level and Level 3 Applied courses.
Teachers That know you and will support you.
A Sixth Form Working Closely with outstanding Sixth Form colleges.
A young adult Learning Environment
Regular Assessment and Academic Support
Since last Autumn we have been working closely, we have been working closely with our partners at New College Doncaster, New College Pontefract and New College Bradford, all of which are highly successful Sixth Form colleges. These colleges have all recently been graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and have a strong track record of delivering exceptional results in A-level courses and A-level equivalent courses.
In the year ahead, many of the courses, teaching resources, assessments and systems that have proven to be so successful at these Sixth Form colleges will be incorporated into Dinnington Sixth Form. Our teachers at New Dinnington Sixth Form will be working closely with teachers in these Sixth Form colleges to share best practice.
Leaders at New Dinnington Sixth Form and leaders from these outstanding Sixth Form colleges will be working together to drive high academic standards and to ensure the very best support and experience for students in the Sixth Form.
NEW PARTNERSHIPS WORKING ALONGSIDE OUTSTANDING SIXTH FORM COLLEGES
Progress Tutors
Your Progress Tutor will help you settle into college life when you arrive, and will support you as you adjust to the challenge of managing your workload and achieving your grades.
Your relationship with your Progress Tutor will be key to ensuring you get the very best out of college life and engage with it fully.
Tutorial sessions held once a week in Year 12 will be a mixture of one-to-one support sessions and important relevant topics, such as social and career related issues. In Year 13 your tutorial will be designed to support you with your UCAS application to university or apprenticeship/job application.
Assessments
We need to know how you’re performing so we can help you achieve outstanding results. Both your Progress Tutor and subject teachers will review your progress on a regular basis, focusing on your achievement and attendance in each subject.
Together you will agree targets to ensure motivation, direction and a clear plan of action to keep you on track and improving.
All this information will be recorded and will be accessible to both parents and students securely via our secure online portal.
Teacher Access Periods - One-to-one and Small Group Support
Every subject, every week will have a designated session for additional support, helping students to catch up on missed work, or to complete extension activities.
These Teacher Access Periods are one of the most important strategies we use to help students push themselves to achieve higher grades, or catch up if they have fallen behind.
There is a direct link between improved performance and contact time with teachers, which is why our Teacher Access Periods can make a real difference.
Financial Support – 16-19 Bursary Fund
Financial support is available to assist eligible students during their time in the Sixth Form. Financial support for successful applicants is paid on a half termly basis to support with:
• The purchase of books/equipment.
• Transport costs (public transport) to and from the Sixth Form.
• Trips and visits organised within the Sixth Form.
• University open days and interviews.
Applications are usually considered at the start of the academic year, though students can apply in-year if their household circumstances change. Payment is subject to satisfactory attendance, engagement and conduct.
This financial support is means-tested and students may be eligible depending on their total household income and certain criteria.
Study Space
At Dinnington, we are lucky to have a number of dedicated social and study spaces exclusively for students in the Sixth Form. The common room and canteen are areas for you to socialise with students at breaks and lunchtimes.
We also have a quiet study area and an IT suite where students can complete directed independent learning activities and revision during their independent study periods.
Directed Independent Learning
This is at the heart of every student’s success. Taking responsibility for your own learning is essential if you are to succeed in post-16 education.
Sixth Form life differs in some important ways from school life. Your relationship with your teachers will be more adult, you won’t need to wear a school uniform and you’ll have independent study time as part of your timetable. There is a much greater expectation for you to take responsibility for your learning, particularly outside of lessons.
You will be set independent learning tasks for each subject each week – taking homework to the next level. This will help you to feel prepared for lessons that are coming up, to consolidate your understanding of recent lessons, and to revisit content from earlier in the course.
The time expectation for this will increase as the courses progress. Students will also increasingly take responsibility for preparation for assessments and examinations and your teachers will support you in developing the strategies that will help you be well-prepared.
Careers Advice
You will also be able to access a comprehensive programme of careers advice in the Sixth Form, including access to the careers service, expert advice about degree courses, support in organising work experience placements and assistance in applying to highly competitive universities.
We will help you to make well-informed decisions about your future and to prepare high-quality applications, whether that’s to university, to apprenticeships or into the labour market.
THE TUTORIAL PROGRAMME
NEW DINNINGTON SIXTH FORM REPRESENTS AN IMPORTANT STEPPING-STONE BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY OR EMPLOYMENT.
STUDENT QUOTES
We recognise the importance of becoming well prepared for your future and this bespoke programme enables you to move onto positive destinations, building and developing your skill set along the way.
You will have tutorial once a week as a group, but then your Progress Tutor will meet with you on a one-to-one basis, as well as be there should you have any further queries.
Phillip
Year 12 student
“Tutors are supportive and approachable for your problems and needs. The weekly sessions are something I look forward to, being fun and interactive as well as a good way to find out the best next steps for you.
“Tutorial has helped me gain knowledge, helped with my understanding about university and created a safe place where I could gain support and develop into the person I am now. Tutorial helped me with my successful application to my top choices for university.”
WHO WE ARE
We are a multi-academy trust comprising of three Sixth Form colleges, a secondary academy and three primary schools. We have a strong track record of improving the quality of education, raising aspirations and helping young people progress to higher education, apprenticeships and careers. Dinnington High School and Brinsworth Academy will officially become part New Collaborative Learning Trust this year.
OUR VISION: Our colleges and schools will make a significant difference to the lives of young people. As a result, together we will make a positive contribution to social mobility.
OUR COMMITMENT: To provide an outstanding, consistent student experience through collaboration.
OUR 4 PRIORITIES
Student Achievement
Contribution to Social Mobility
OUR VALUES: THE 5 CS
CANDOUR
To be open, honest and fair to everyone.
CHALLENGE
To have high expectations of ourselves and each other.
COLLABORATION
To learn from each other for the benefit of all.
Student Personal Development
Student and Staff Well-being
COMMITMENT
To be dedicated, resilient and strive for continuous improvement.
CARE
To be considerate of others and their needs.
NEW COLLABORATIVE LEARNING TRUST NAMED ‘EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR’
New Collaborative Learning Trust won Employer of the Year at the 2023 MAT Excellence Awards. The national awards celebrate the very best performers from over one thousand MATs across the country.
NCLT were also shortlisted for Wellbeing MAT of the year, reflecting their commitment to putting staff and student wellbeing at the heart of their strategies and policies.
As we continue to thrive, we know that looking after our staff and students is key to our future success.
opening doors to a brighter future
A-LEVEL & APPLIED GENERAL COURSES
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students will usually study three courses in the Sixth Form, from the list below. Please note that a course marked ‘double’ will count as two courses. Students with an average GCSE point score of 6.8 or above may wish to consider studying four courses, but we will advise students about this at interview and enrolment. A student who has not yet achieved a grade 4 in GCSE Maths will also study GCSE Maths resit alongside a programme of three courses.
5 in GCSE Visual Arts subject. If a GCSE Visual Art subject has not been studied, a
Grade 6 in Biology and one other science or 6-6 in Combined
Grade 6 in Physics and Grade 6 in one other Science or 6-6 in
*This qualification is currently subject to a process of review and reform by the Department for Education. If there are any changes to this qualification following your interview for a place at the college, we will be in touch to discuss possible
BIOLOGY
Subject Intent
Biology develops key transferrable skills through the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment.
Some of the highest skills shortages in Yorkshire are in STEM and our curriculum is designed to develop scientific methodology, awareness of the advances of technology and recognition of the value of Biology in society so that students can go on to enjoy careers in fields such as health and medicine, engineering and research.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
We use metacognition at the heart of our teaching to promote understanding and memory of key concepts. Lessons are taught by teachers who are knowledgeable and have a passion for their subject.
We focus on developing the skills needed to excel at Biology, lots of which are transferable and will help students succeed after their time at college. Many skills are developed during practical work, and we have well-equipped laboratories to support you with this.
What Will I Study?
• Biological Molecules.
• Cells.
• How organisms exchange substances with their environment.
• Genetic information and variation.
• Energy transfer within and between organisms.
• Responses to internal and external environments.
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems.
• Practical and investigative skills in Biology.
Entry
– Grade 6 in GCSE Biology Course or 6.6 in Combined Science
– Grade 5 in GCSE English Language
– GCSE minimum point score of 5.6
We will have trips to businesses to see the application of theory in practice and real life, as well as to develop employability skills. Students also have the opportunity to practice the skills they learn in the classroom in real life situations through our enterprise enrichment project.
What Will I Study?
• Business as a whole, including ownership, stakeholders and aims of the business.
• Key functional areas – HR, Marketing, Operations and Finance.
• Business in the context of the external environment and the competition in the market.
• Analysing key performance indicators in finance, marketing and HR.
• The impact of threats in the business environment and the extents to which different businesses are affected.
• Investment appraisal.
• Innovation in business in product and process.
• Managing change.
• Business operations in international markets.
Entry
– Grade 4 in GCSE English Language
– Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics
– GCSE minimum point score of 4.5
EXTENDED CERTIFICATE BTEC
CHILDREN’S PLAY, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Subject Intent
Children’s Play, Learning and Development gives students the chance to look at holistic key aspects of child development. Students gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of child development and well-being necessary for working with children in a variety of settings. It enables students to develop transferable skills and encourages them to self-reflect and regulate to inform their practice. Communication and teamwork skills are integral whilst on work placement and are regarded as the most prevalent skills required for future employment. Embedding at least one work placement into the curriculum gives students a wider and rich knowledge and provides them with the understanding needed to progress into occupations such as nursery worker, teaching assistant, paediatric nursing, childhood studies, play therapy, social work, midwifery, and primary education.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
The qualification is for you if you are considering a career as a pre-school early years co-ordinator, health visitor assistant, child minder or nursery nurse as well as the previously mentioned occupations. The content may be applied during delivery in a way that is relevant to local employment needs and as a result placements have been established within the local area. As part of the course, you will be required to attend at least one work experience setting for a minimum of 50 hours during the 2 year course. This setting should be working with children aged from birth to seven years and 11 months. This will allow you to work alongside professionals and help you to develop your specialised skills. There is a mixture of both internal and external assessment. Lessons in Children’s Play, Learning and Development are engaging, practical, interactive, and relevant. Students enjoy visits to local play centres, pre-schools, primary schools, childminders, and nurseries. The qualification is designed to support and enhance progression to higher education when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate Applied General or A-level qualifications.
What Will I Study?
You’ll study a range of topics, including:
• Children’s Development –of child development, including how this relates to the Early Years Foundation Stage, and the short and long term effects of factors that affect child development.
• Children’s Communication, Literacy and Numeracy about how children develop these skills and how to plan activities in exciting and interesting ways that help to develop their ability to process information and interact with others.
• Children’s Play and Learning and how this supports their learning and development, including the theoretical perspectives and curriculum approaches that have been developed over many years and how they influence practice in early years settings.
CREATIVE DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION
Subject Intent
Media will allow learners to develop a wide range of creative, organisational and communication skills by practical creative projects from initial ideas generation, through the pre-production, production and post production phases using industry standard approaches. Students will also gain a broader knowledge of the media industry and the roles and careers offered which is beneficial for progression to university courses or employment within the media sector. This course addresses the growing need for media professionals with varied skill sets within the Leeds City Region.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
Lessons focus on the analysis of media texts and production techniques, understanding the way meaning is created. You will also develop the specialist creative skills necessary to create media products.
In Year 12, lessons will mainly focus on the analysis and exploration of existing media texts. Through a mixture of lesson materials, teacher delivery and independent work, you will learn how to deconstruct media texts and apply relevant theory. There will also be some opportunities to develop your creative production skills.
In Year 13, you will select to focus on either film production or magazine production, producing and planning a significant piece of creative work.
What Will I Study?
• Media Representations: An external assessment in which you will analyse a variety of media products. You will explore how meanings are created, how representations are constructed and how audiences interact with products. As preparation for this exam, you will explore media areas such as film, television, magazines, advertising and video games.
• Pre-Production Portfolio: professional planning materials which are required in the creative media industries for your major project.
• Film Production or Magazine Production: You will choose to create your very own major production project, specialising in film or magazine.
• Responding to a Commission: the exam board which will require you to plan and construct materials for a media production in timed conditions.
Entry
- Grade 4 in English Language
- GCSE minimum point score of 3.5
at university, and also prepares students for work in crime-related contexts such as the law, policing and criminal justice.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
In Criminology lessons, students participate in a variety of learning activities as they progress through the course. Lessons include a range of teaching methods to support students in their learning, including independent research and group discussion and tasks. Students learn how the criminal justice system operates and investigate a number of case studies of crimes in society.
For the controlled assessments, students carry out extensive independent research and write a detailed report. This includes planning a campaign to raise awareness of crime in the first year and studying the process of crime investigation from the crime scene to the courtroom in the second year. Students maintain a detailed folder of class resources and notes to prepare them both forms of assessment used in this course – report writing and exams.
In addition, students can benefit from guest speakers who work in the field of crime and criminal justice.
What Will I Study?
• Changing awareness of crime: Types of crime, media and crime, official data on crime, crime prevention and awareness campaigns. (Year 1 Controlled Assessment).
• Criminological theories: Theories of criminality from biology, psychology and sociology. (Year 1 Exam).
• Crime scene to courtroom: The criminal justice system from investigation to verdict, personnel and techniques involved in criminal investigations and courtroom procedures. (Year 2 Controlled Assessment).
• Crime and punishment: Law-making, criminal justice, forms and functions of punishment. (Year 2 Exam).
Entry
- Grade 5 in English Language
- GCSE minimum point score of 4.5
Qualification
A-LEVEL
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Subject Intent
The main focus behind the study of English Language is communication. Students are encouraged to explore how and why we communicate in the world in which we live, and how to express these ideas using their own successful communication skills. The asking of thought-provoking and polemical questions allows students to assess different arguments and to learn the value of their own thinking. Debate is crucial and encourages students to think outside of their own personal circumstances, developing their sense of empathy. Our English Language curriculum has been designed to enable students to understand the relationship between language and society, with a focus on honing their skills to be fully functioning members within that society.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
You can expect English Language lessons to always be lively, engaging and varied. Through the exploration of a range of spoken and written texts, students will develop their appreciation and understanding for the complex issues that underpin communication. There will be opportunities to debate a range of topical issues, such as the relationship between language and gender identity, political correctness and political bias. In addition, students are encouraged to collect their own data for analysis, from motivational speeches and celebrity interviews to editorial features and sports commentaries. Students are also able to demonstrate their more creative side through the coursework, as well as developing their independent working skills through the completion of a Language Investigation. You will also benefit from our close links with universities, as well as a range of enrichment opportunities including taking part in writing competitions and a creative writing club.
What Will I Study?
Through the analysis of a range of texts, data and theories, you will study:
• How language is used to create meanings and representations.
• Language diversity, including an exploration of gender, region, ethnicity and occupation.
• Language change over time.
• Language discourses.
• Child language development.
The course is assessed through the combination of two exam papers and coursework. The coursework requires you to write a 750-word creative text with an accompanying 750-word analytical commentary, as well as a 2000-word investigation in which you explore a language issue of your choosing. This is worth 20% of the qualification.
Entry
material. This helps to prepare students for successfully navigating their way through contemporary society. It enables students to develop a better understanding of the world we live in through the eyes of a wide range of authors, their characters and the contexts within which they write. Understanding of the impact of history, society and culture on literary texts is integral to the course. The studying of texts will also provide students with a sustained and deep understanding of English Literature as a tradition and how it has changed over time, through the exploration of pre-1900 texts, including Shakespeare’s Othello and one post-2000 text. The texts studied encompass drama, prose and poetry. Overall, English Literature provides students with the opportunity to explore current topics, widens their understanding of the world in which they live and provides opportunities to further develop cultural capital.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
You always know when English Literature lessons are happening because our classrooms are filled with enthusiasm and passion for the written word. Students who choose this subject can expect to be encouraged to share their love for literature by exploring a wide range of texts, including prose, poetry and drama. You will engage in spirited discussions, reflecting on a wide range of different perspectives and write thoughtful essays about the writer’s craft, commenting on how ideas can be shaped by the contexts in which they are written. Amongst the many enrichment opportunities that we offer, you can join a book club, attend subject specialist seminars and benefit from our close links to a range of universities, who are able to offer students an invaluable insight into the options available to them after college.
What Will I Study?
You will engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them, including:
• Othello by William Shakespeare.
• A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
• An anthology of modern poetry to compare with unseen poetry.
• A collection of poems by John Keats.
The course is assessed through the combination of three exam papers and coursework. The coursework requires you to write an extended essay of around 2500 words comparing two literary texts of your own choosing.
This is worth 20% of the qualification.
Entry
– Grade 5 in GCSE English Literature
– Grade 5 in GCSE English Language
– GCSE minimum point score of 4.5
A-LEVEL
FINE ART
Subject Intent
Fine Art is offered as a truly creative opportunity for self-expression and growth of confidence. The curriculum provides independence, learning and thinking skills as well as practical elements and professional attitudes.
The Creative Industries are currently one of the fasted growing in the UK and students can expect to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to continue into professions such as illustration, architecture, advertising, set design and fashion.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
You should study this subject if you are creative, curious and brave. The Fine Art A-level allows you the opportunity to explore a wide range of skills and techniques, to break out of your comfort zone and explore new boundaries.
From large scale drawing, mixed media and installation to printmaking, digital image making and photography, you will be encouraged to take risks in your artistic journey.
The Fine Art A-level aims to help you discover your voice as an artist and ask the question: what is art?
What Will I Study?
• A wide range of practical and research skills.
• How to develop genuine and original ideas.
• A wide range of creative practitioners.
• How to analyse art through research and gallery visits to places such as London & Manchester.
• How to present creative and personal sketchbook, portfolio and exhibition work.
• How to prepare yourself for onward study at Foundation and Degree level and the world of work in the creative field.
Entry
– Grade 6 in GCSE Visual Arts subject If a GCSE Visual Art subject has
– Grade 4 in GCSE English Language of 4.0
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
Lessons in Geography are engaging and interactive. We use IT, media, and a range of academic materials to explore and research geographical issues, like climate change.
There are four days of required fieldwork where students conduct data collection tasks, visiting the Holderness coast, exploring the local geography and Drax Power Station. There may be opportunities for voluntary overseas fieldtrips too.
What Will I Study?
Component 1: Physical Geography - 40%
• Hazards.
• Coastal systems and landscapes.
• Water and carbon.
Component 2: Human Geography - 40%
• Changing places.
• Resource security.
• Global systems and governance.
Component 3: NEA – 20%
• An Independent investigation conducted by the student.
Entry
– Grade 6 in GCSE Geography
– Grade 5 in GCSE English Language
– Grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics
– GCSE minimum point score of 5.0
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Subject Intent
Graphic Design gives students the opportunity to develop as creative practitioners and to learn about the breadth of creative opportunities in the design sector.
They develop the necessary practical, professional and personal skills to create a diverse portfolio of work and to flourish as a freelance creative. The Creative Industries are currently one of the fasted growing in the UK and students can expect to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to continue into professions such as marketing and communications, graphic design and illustration, digital and interactive media, or interior and architectural design.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
Graphic Design lessons include a combination of practical workshops, 1:1 tutorials, and independent project work.
In Year 12 the course is structured to develop the fundamentals of Graphic Design, covering a range of traditional skills including drawing, mixed media, and professional digital techniques using industry standard Adobe software. The use of typography is integral, either hand rendered, or computer generated.
In Year 13 you will have more freedom to explore your own design interests and select themes appropriate for your future career aspirations. The Visual and Digital Arts department has professional standard studio spaces with Apple Macs, Adobe Creative Suite software, and Wacom drawing tablets. It also has a wide variety of other arts- based specialist tools and equipment to encourage students to explore multidisciplinary techniques such as photography and printmaking. We operate an ‘open door’ policy to allow students to use the equipment and studio spaces independently outside of their lessons.
What Will I Study?
• Typography and font design.
• Drawing skills (both traditional and digital).
• Colour theory.
• Traditional printing techniques.
• Visual research.
• Adobe Illustrator.
• Adobe Photoshop.
• Contextual skills.
• Infographics.
• Independent working skills.
• Layout and presentation.
• Editorial and branding.
Entry
– Grade 5 in GCSE Visual Arts subject If a GCSE Visual Art subject has not been studied, a portfolio will be
– Grade 4 in GCSE English Language
– GCSE minimum point score of 4.0
EXTENDED CERTIFICATE & DIPLOMA
a more broad and rich experience and provides them with knowledge needed to progress into occupations such as nursing, midwifery, youth work or the care sector.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
This qualification is for you if you are considering a career in nursing, midwifery, care work and social work. The qualification at Diploma and Extended Diploma has 100 hours compulsory work experience to be completed over the two years, allowing you the opportunity to work alongside professionals and help you to develop professional skills. All course pathways have elements of both external and internal assessments that must be completed to achieve the full qualification. The course follows a rich diverse curriculum, including specialist talks from professionals in the field of health and social care and mental health. Students are offered trips and courses to enrich understanding of theory and practice and career pathways, including trips abroad with The Future Sense Foundation and First Aid courses. Lessons in Health and Social Care are engaging, interactive and relevant. Students enjoy the chance to hold debates and have full class discussions, to prepare and deliver presentations and to be able to work as a team. On completion of the course many, of our students apply to HE, higher level apprenticeships, employment or specialist training.
What Will I Study?
Topics to be studied across the suite of courses may include:
• Human lifespan and development.
• Working in Health and Social Care.
• Enquiries into current research in Health and Social Care.
• Principles of safe practice in Health and Social Care.
• Meeting individual care and support needs
• Promoting public health.
• Physiological disorders.
• Psychological perspectives.
*This qualification is currently subject to a process of review and reform by the Department for Education. If there are any changes to this qualification following your interview for a place at the college, we will be in touch to discuss possible alternative, but related, qualifications.
Entry
- Grade 4 in English Language
- GCSE minimum point score of 3.5
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE EXTENDED DIPLOMA
- Grade 4 in any 2 Sciences or 4-4 in Combined Science
HISTORY
Subject Intent
Our History curriculum intends to help students understand the significance of historical events, the role of individuals in history and the nature of change over time. A History A-level will help students gain a deeper understanding of the past through political, social, economic and cultural perspectives. These skills are vital for young people as they start to develop a wider awareness of the political world around them.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
In History we engage learners with sources and text written by historians and use these to interpret events from the past. We use IT quizzes to test student content, whilst prompting students to beat their best score. We promote academic literature which supports student learning and invite guest speakers who are passionate about their subject.
What Will I Study?
Paper 1 - The British Empire, 1857–1967. This unit assesses the rise and fall of the British Empire, allowing students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence.
The following themes are explored:
• Imperial policy.
• Expansion and Contraction of Empire.
• Trade and Commerce.
• Attitudes to Empire.
• Relations with indigenous peoples
Paper 2 - Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953. This unit enables students to study Russia in depth, considering issues of political authority, the power of individuals and the inter-relationship of governmental, economic and social change.
• The end of Tsarism in Russia.
• The establishment of the Communist dictatorship.
• Stalin’s rise to power.
• Stalin’s rule in the 1930s.
• The Great Patriotic War.
The NEA – Tudor Rebellions, 1485-1569. requires students to investigate the Tudor century and assess the causes of rebellions against the five Tudor monarchs. Students will create and develop, through research, their own arguments and present these findings in an extended piece of critical writing.
Entry
– Grade 6 in GCSE History (if studied) – Grade 5 in GCSE English Language
– GCSE minimum point score of 5.0
INTRODUCTORY DIPLOMA
Subject Intent
IT will allow learners to progress through a variety of units that develop in depth theoretical knowledge of digital applications. The course is an ideal stepping stone between education and employment within the IT sector as students have the opportunity to develop practical application of theory that replicates industry standards.
Students will have a strong understanding of how IT supports the function of business and product development whilst meeting the needs of clients and employers alike.
The skills that students develop whilst studying IT prepare them for a range of employment opportunities within the fast growing digital employment market.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
A range of teaching and learning methods are employed on this course, from teacher-led lecture style lessons to paired and group activity work, practical activities and workshop style evidence gathering sessions. Industry standard software, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite, is available as well as specialist virtual box software, and build computers and networking components for the practical work.
What Will I Study?
The course will include:
• Information Technology Systems (exam)
• Creating Systems to Manage Information (set task).
• Cyber Security and Incident Management (set task).
• Social Media in Business (coursework).
• Programming (coursework).
• IT Project Management (coursework).
• Data Modelling (coursework).
• IT Technical Support (coursework).
Entry
- Grade 4 in English Language
- GCSE minimum point score of 3.5
- Technical Introductory Diploma
MATHEMATICS
Subject Intent
Studying A-level Mathematics encourages learners to think and act mathematically, using mathematical skills and forms of communication to analyse situations within mathematics and elsewhere. Mathematics underpins all areas of our lives and studying maths allows students to think logically and break complex problems into smaller steps. The course emphasises how mathematical ideas are interconnected and demonstrates how mathematics can be applied to model situations using algebra and other representations, to help make sense of data, to understand the physical world and to solve problems in a variety of contexts, including social sciences and business. Having the skills from Mathematics makes students employable in virtually all careers as it blends communication and problem solving skills together. It also prepares learners for a wide range of destinations in Higher Education and employment as all of the skills taught in A-level Mathematics are transferable in to Higher Education and the work place.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
Lessons start with retrieval practice: previous topics taught are consolidated using quizzes, skills tests, or exam questions. Exemplar models are worked through in the lesson to introduce new topics. Time is allocated to practising skills and application in problem solving. Students are encouraged to engage in discussion to deepen their knowledge. Mini whiteboards, card matching activities, interactive resources and web sites are used in lessons. Students become proficient in the use of a graphical calculator. Activities such as sketching graphs, solving simultaneous equations, carrying out statistical calculations and much more are performed in lessons on their calculator. Mathematics enrichment is on offer throughout the year. Examples include university trips to Mathematics departments to experience Mathematics lectures and student life; the opportunity to participate in the senior Mathematics challenge and team Mathematics challenge annually; and guest lecturers and speakers are invited into college to give inspiring Mathematics talks.
What Will I Study?
The course will include:
• Proof.
• Algebra and functions.
• Coordinate geometry.
• Sequences and series.
• Trigonometry.
• Exponentials and logarithms.
• Calculus.
• Numerical methods.
• Statistics (including data, probability, binomial and normal distributions, and hypothesis testing).
• Mechanics (including vectors, kinematics, Newton’s laws, and moments).
Entry
– Grade 4 in GCSE English Language
– Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics
– GCSE minimum point score of 5.6
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography lessons vary in teaching and learning methods and include a combination of practical workshops, 1:1 tutorials and independent project work. In Year 12 the course is structured to develop fundamental photographic skills which include; composition, exposure, traditional darkroom procedures, studio lighting techniques and digital editing using Adobe software. Practical work is informed by contextual research and critical analysis of other photographers work and recorded digitally and in physical sketchbooks. Students progressively explore their own independent photographic interests, selecting themes appropriate for their future career aspirations.
The Visual and Digital Arts department boasts professional standard studio spaces with Apple Macs, Adobe Creative Suite software, a darkroom and a photography lighting studio. It also has a wide range of other arts-based specialist tools and equipment to encourage students to explore multidisciplinary techniques. We operate an ‘open door’ policy to allow students to use the equipment and studio spaces independently outside of their lessons.
What Will I Study?
The course will include:
• Composition: How to frame an image and create visually exciting photographs.
• Digital photography: The functions of a digital camera.
• Digital manipulation: Use of Adobe applications to correct and alter images.
• Studio and location photography.
• Darkroom photography: How to use a traditional 35mm film camera and how to develop and print photographs.
• How to present your work creatively in both digital and hand-made sketchbooks.
• How to critique your work and that of others.
• How to best communicate concepts and/or meanings to your viewer.
Entry
– Grade 5 in GCSE Visual Arts subject If a GCSE Visual Art subject has not been studied, a portfolio will be required.
– Grade 4 in GCSE English Language of 4.0
PHYSICS A-LEVEL
Subject Intent
Physics develops key transferrable skills through the study of the universe from the smallest to the largest scales.
Some of the highest skills shortages in Yorkshire are in STEM and our curriculum is designed to develop scientific methodology, awareness of the advances of technology and recognition of the value of Physics in society so that students can go on to enjoy careers in fields such as Engineering (mechanical, structural and civil), geophysics and radiation protection.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
New content is shared in small chunks to support students in their understanding. After the initial explanation, the understanding of the material is then deepened through problem solving, group work and analysing exam questions. Physics is a very hands-on subject so whenever there is opportunity to do so, the learning of new content is supported with demonstrations or practical investigations.
In addition to discovering new material, we will also spend part of our lessons on content that we have already covered. Retrieval practice is the most effective way to ensure that we are prepared for the examination, and this will be a part of every lesson.
What Will I Study?
Year 12
• Waves, including the strange things that happen when waves meet.
• Particles and radiation, including antiparticles, quarks and quantum phenomena.
• Mechanics and materials, including projectile motion and collisions.
• Electricity, including resistivity and superconductivity.
• Practical skills.
Year 13
• Further mechanics, including oscillations and circular motion.
• Thermal physics, including gas laws.
• Fields and their consequences, including electrical fields, capacitors, gravitational fields, orbits, magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction.
• Nuclear physics, our knowledge of the nucleus and its application.
• An optional unit, ‘Turning points in Physics’, which builds on a range of the physics studied in earlier sections.
• Practical skills.
Entry
– Grade 6 in GCSE Physics
course or 6-6 in Combined Science
– Grade 5 in GCSE English Language
– GCSE minimum point score of 5.6
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
Psychology is the scientific study of the brain, mind, and behaviour. The role of biology, upbringing and culture on behaviour will be explored, and you will gain a greater understanding of why people act in the way that they do. Applied Psychology involves using psychology in real-life situations and students will enjoy writing their own psychological reports, based on independent research into mental disorders, and conducting experiments. Applied Psychology is particularly suitable for students who are reasonably confident with exams, but also like to support their learning with coursework research type tasks also. Typical lessons include a range of activities where students work independently and collaboratively with others, completing mini white board tasks, exam questions and quizzes, for example. All lessons involve students being active participants in their learning by taking part in class discussions and sharing thoughts and opinions about topics studied.
What Will I Study?
Year 1
• Psychological approaches and applications to gender, aggression and consumer behaviour. Externally assessed exam.
• Conducting Psychological Research: principles of research, data collection and analysis. Internally assessed written coursework reports.
Year 2
• Health Psychology: stress and addiction theories and treatments. Externally assessed exam.
• Psychopathology: definitions of mental illness, types of disorders and treatments. Internally assessed written coursework reports.
*This qualification is currently subject to a process of review and reform by the Department for Education. If there are any changes to this qualification following your interview for a place at the college, we will be in touch to discuss possible alternative, but related, qualifications.
Entry
- Grade 4 in any two Sciences or 4-4 Combined Science
- Grade 4 in English Language
- Grade 4 in Mathematics
- GCSE minimum point score of 3.5
EXTENDED CERTIFICATE
SCIENCE (APPLIED)
Subject Intent
Applied Science is an Applied General qualification for students who want to continue their science education. The course allows students progression onto science courses in Higher Education and jobs in this sector without achieving an A-level qualification in a science subject. In addition to organisation skills and analytical skills developed in preparation for exams, students will develop skills including how to plan investigations, collecting, analysing, and presenting data and communicating results which support some of the skills students need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment or training. The qualification can be taken as part of a diverse programme, leaving progression options fully open. For example, taken alongside Mathematics, Physics and Design and Technology to progress to engineering related courses. Health and Social Care to progress to nursing or midwifery courses. The optional Unit studied is Chemistry based, this will support students application onto Biomedical Science or Forensic Science courses at University.
What Are Lessons Like In This Subject?
Applied Science lessons include a mixture of both theory and practical methods. The theory lessons present new knowledge in small chunks with a focus on how to apply your knowledge and incorporate retrieval practice using online tools such as Kahoot and Seneca.
For the practical aspects of the course, you will use equipment such as burettes, volumetric flasks and pipettes to make and test your own solutions, colorimeters and different types of chromatography to test the purity of solutions and components such as diodes, thermistors and LDRs to make and test electrical circuits. You will also venture outside to collect biological data to apply statistical tests learnt in the classroom to real-life situations.
What Will I Study?
You will study topics ranging from cells, atomic structure and bonding to waves and communications.
• Practical scientific procedures and techniques: You will study practical techniques ranging from titrations, colorimetry, calorimetry and chromatography.
• Science investigation skills: your scientific skills including recording and interpreting data and analysing and evaluating scientific findings.
• Applied Science: A unit in which you further develop your theory and practical skills.
Entry
- Grade 5 in any two Science or 5-5 Combined Science
- GCSE minimum point score of 4.5
EXTENDED CERTIFICATE & DIPLOMA
In This Subject?
If you have a passion for sport and are potentially considering a career in the sport, health and leisure industries, then this is the course for you. You will study a range of units from anatomy and physiology through to practical sports performance, each one designed to develop new skills and knowledge. Specialising in the study of sport is an option as you can enrol onto the BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport (14 units). Alternatively, you can study sport alongside other subject choices by enrolling onto either the Extended Certificate (equivalent to 1 A-level) or the Diploma (equivalent to 2 A-levels) courses. You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, examinations and controlled assessments. Coursework is assignments on practical tasks based on workplace scenarios. Controlled assessments are again tasks based on workplace settings, but completed in realistic, time-based situations. Examinations are tests on specific course content.
What Will I Study?
You will complete a range of units depending upon which BTEC course you choose to study. The list below are some of the key units on the courses.
• Anatomy and physiology.
• Fitness training and programming for health, sport and wellbeing.
• Professional development in the sports industry.
• Practical sports performance.
• Sports leadership.
• Application of fitness testing.
• Sports psychology.
• Coaching for performance.
• Development and provision of sport and physical activity.
• Investigating business in sport and the active leisure industry.
• Sports injury management.
• Research methods in sport.
• Sports event organisation.
• Rules, regulations and officiating in sport.
Entry
- Grade 4 in PE or merit at BTEC (if studied) - Grade 4 in English Language
LEADERSHIP TEAM
P. Davis
Executive Head
K. Wade
Headteacher
R. Parks
Deputy Head
S. Grenham
Assistant Head
S. Ebbs
Assistant Head
J. Perkins
Assistant Head
