New College Doncaster
WE’RE A SOCIAL BUNCH
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NCDONCASTER
CONTENTS 3 WELCOME
18 - 19
4 - 5
STEPS TO ENROLLING
20 - 21
6 - 7
YOUR SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
22 - 25
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
26 - 27
FAQs
8 - 9 10 - 11 12 - 13 14 - 15 16 - 17
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YOUR SUBJECT CHOICES YOUR PROGRESS YOUR RESULTS
YOUR WELLBEING AND SUPPORT YOUR ASPIRATIONS
YOUR ENRICHMENT
YOUR TRAVEL OPTIONS
Your New College
We’re delighted that you’ve chosen New College Doncaster. Congratulations if you’ve already received a conditional offer of a place for September. If you’re still awaiting interview, don’t worry – we’ll be in touch about one of our remaining interview evenings. This year we have received a record number of applications, exceeding each of our last four years. With A level results that position the college at the top of the most recent performance tables in Doncaster, and outstanding results in applied general qualifications, New College Doncaster is a centre of excellence for academic 16-19 study. This booklet is designed to share with you further information about our culture and what you can expect when you join us in September. Brendon Fletcher Principal
My role is to ensure that you are well-supported and making excellent progress throughout your New College journey. I want to make sure that your tutorial programme is really valuable to you, that your progress tutors are able to provide you with outstanding personal support and guidance, and that your teachers are able to put effective support in place for you when it’s needed. You will see me a lot around college and I am also a Geography teacher so some of you will also see me in a classroom. I’m really excited about getting to know our next group of Year 12 students. Helen Jackson Vice Principal (Progress, Intervention and Support)
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New College Doncaster
My main role in college is quality and standards, working to ensure that teachers have high expectations of all students, and that they put in place effective support and intervention to help you meet and exceed these expectations. In addition, I also coordinate the college’s careers strategy, working closely with staff to ensure that you are well supported in preparing for your next steps after college, through a range of activities that includes speakers from a range of universities, employers and apprenticeship providers. I am a Chemistry teacher, and look forward to sharing my passion for the sciences with those of you who choose this route at New College. Dan Wood Assistant Principal My role in college is to work closely with teachers to ensure we are continually developing our practice, drawing on the latest research and evidence to ensure we are using methods known to lead to the best results. I will also ensure we are providing students with the study skills you need to thrive during your time at college: strategies for organisation and revision which have proven success. I am an English teacher and feel very fortunate that I will get to share my love of Literature and Language with some of you. Ceri Boyle Assistant Principal
My role in college is to ensure that your wider experiences in college help to support your own personal development. I’m interested in making sure that your courses help to develop your employability skills and your readiness for university or employment, and that you have opportunities to enrich your learning in college. I also manage systems to track student attendance, which is an essential ingredient of success. Student feedback is important, and I am responsible for creating opportunities for you to share your views and comments about your experiences in college. Scott Faulker Assistant Principal
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Your New College
We know you’ll be working hard to achieve the best possible grades in Year 11. We also know that your teachers will be keen to make sure you’re awarded the fairest possible grades, reflecting the skills and knowledge you have developed at school. The conditional offers we make at interview and the grades needed for our courses remain unchanged and your conditional offer will be based on the grades you receive this summer in the normal way. We’ll be looking forward to welcoming you to your Induction Day at college, which is provisionally on 7 July. This is a great opportunity to start settling into college before the summer, to meet your teachers and to find out more about your chosen courses. Your teachers will also provide you with some summer independent learning activities to help you hit the ground running in September.
Here are some key dates for you: GCSE Results Day Thursday 12 August 2021 A-Level Results Day Tuesday 10 August 2021 Enrolment Days under review, given the earlier GCSE results day. We will let students know as soon as possible! We will let you know which date and time to attend for enrolment. This is when we review your GCSE results with you and make final decisions about your place at New College Doncaster and the subjects you’ll study with us. It’s extremely important that you let us know if you can’t attend on the day and time of your appointment by emailing studentservices@ ncdoncaster.ac.uk well in advance of the enrolment day.
If any of these arrangements change as a result of government decisions, we’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity.
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New College Doncaster
YOUR SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
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E
Your New College
New College Doncaster is an academic sixth form which is different to both a school sixth form and a general further education college. All of our students are aged 16-19 and all of our students are studying academic qualifications, mostly A levels but a good number studying A level equivalent qualifications – applied general qualifications such as BTEC courses. New College is a stepping stone to university and your experience with us will feel different to Year 11. It’s not just the fact that students don’t wear uniforms and that we don’t have bells. It’s more about the adult relationship we develop with our students. We are careful to get the balance right – expecting students to work hard and make good progress, checking carefully that things are going well, but trusting you to use your time and the college facilities as a young adult and as an independent student.
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New College Doncaster
New College is the perfect size for sixth form study – we’re small enough to feel like a community but large enough to offer a huge range of subjects. This means you can genuinely choose the subjects that really excite you, that play to your strengths, that link to your future plans. We can tailor your combination of subjects to you as an individual. Helping you to select the right courses is critically important, which is why your interview and your enrolment meeting after your GCSE results are so important. Don’t worry if you’ve changed your mind about your subjects, just let us know by emailing studentservices@ncdoncaster.ac.uk, or let us know when you enrol. It’s best to let us know as soon as you can though, just in case any subjects do become full up.
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Your New College
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New College Doncaster
Throughout your time at New College you’ll know exactly how you are progressing. We use lots of assessment, including traditional exams, but also small, informal knowledge checks during lessons and within your homework (directed independent learning). You’ll be receiving lots of regular feedback, reflecting on the areas you need to target, and addressing any weaknesses really quickly. This helps you to feel confident and in control, and it means you’ll be very well-prepared for your final exams. After each assessment your teacher will review any extra support you need and agree with you your next steps. You and your parents can check all of your assessment grades and a summary of agreed support and next steps through Cedar, our online portal. Each student will also have a progress tutor who will have the helicopter view of how you are getting on across all of your subjects.
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Your New College
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New College Doncaster
We are extremely proud of the results our students achieve at New College Doncaster: •
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We are positioned top of the government performance tables in Doncaster for progress in A level courses. We are the only school or college in Doncaster where A level progress is above average. The average A level grade achieved by New College students is the highest of all state schools and colleges in Doncaster. Achievement rates are outstanding – we rank 4th out of 82 sixth form colleges nationally. Students are supported to find the right courses and succeed in completing and passing them to very high levels. 97% of New College students studying BTEC qualifications achieved distinction or distinction* grades last year, supporting very good progression to university, employment and high quality apprenticeships.
Visit our website to find out more about our results and how we compare both locally and nationally.
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Your New College
YOUR RESULTS
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New College Doncaster
New College is a place which embraces and celebrates our differences. We want all of our students to feel happy, valued and well-supported. Your progress tutor will often be your first port-of-call if you’re finding things tough. They can provide you with individual support or signpost you to other professionals that can also help, such as our team of counsellors or organisations outside of college. We run lots of events and campaigns throughout the year, helping students to stay safe and to make positive decisions which support good physical and mental health. We also have an experienced and committed team supporting students with additional learning needs (SEND) and a dedicated safeguarding team.
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Your New College
YOUR SUPPORT
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New College Doncaster
At New College we provide tailored support for you so that you have the very best chance of progressing from New College to a great university, apprenticeship or job. We’ll ask you to review your career plans at key points, so that we can signpost relevant talks by visiting universities or employers, or arrange a careers interview for you. We’ll support you in finding high quality work placements if you have particular careers in mind, such as medicine or teaching, if you’re studying applied general courses which include work placements, or if you’re considering work or apprenticeships rather than university. We’ll also create opportunities for you to engage with universities, employers or apprenticeship providers within the courses you are studying. If you’re aiming for the very highest grades, then you’ll be able to take part in our Excellence Academy, focusing on preparation for applications to Russell Group universities or competitive degree apprenticeships. We also have an Oxbridge group for those with the desire to study at Oxford or Cambridge, and offer support groups for aspiring doctors, dentists and vets.
In 2020, two of our students progressed to Cambridge to study the following: • History and Politics - Corpus Christi College, Cambridge • Psychological and Behavioural Sciences - Corpus Christi College, Cambridge This year, we have four students currently holding offers to study the following: • French and Beginners’ Italian - St Anne’s College, Oxford • History and Politics - St John’s College, Cambridge • English - Churchill College, Cambridge • Law - Clare College, Cambridge In addition, over the last 3 years, 28 of our students have won places on the prestigious Reach Higher programme offered by the Linacre Institute, which supports students to apply to Oxford, Cambridge and other selective universities.
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Your New College
We will be running an online information evening to provide further information about the Excellence Academy. This will take place on 21st April 6-7pm and you can join by following the QR code below. During this session, we will explain how we support our student who join us with very high prior attainment, covering: • Our teaching for learning principles and practice with academic stretch and challenge as a key principle • How we support students who wish to apply to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities • How we support students who want to study medicine, dentistry and other very competitive courses • The extended project qualification and other enrichment opportunities • How the tutorial system supports Excellence Academy students • The NCLT Baccalaureate • Excellence Academy students’ perspectives • An opportunity to ask any questions you may have. We look forward to engaging with you at this event.
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New College Doncaster
Whilst studying with us here at New College Doncaster, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of exciting enrichment activities, whether this is taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, contributing to our many sporting clubs and societies, or joining the college’s annual ski trip. There are over 60 fun and exciting extra-curricular activities for you to take part in, with many extra announced throughout the academic year. We encourage students to take part in a range of enrichment programmes, some of which run for the full year, and some of which are short 5-week blocks. This gives you lots of flexibility to choose enrichments that suit you best. Enrichments fall into four different areas: • • • •
Health and Wellbeing Leadership and Experiences Super Curricular Activities Clubs and Societies
Each of your subjects will have also developed a comprehensive range of enrichment encounters specific to your studies. These experiences prepare you for the next stage of your career and help to develop well rounded individuals, with a wide variety of skills and experiences to help you stand out from the crowd. Taking part in enrichment activities is a great way to make new friends, learn new skill, develop confidence and potentially uncover hidden talents . For more information about any of our enrichment programmes, please visit http://ncdoncaster.ac.uk. enrichment SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE OUR ENRICHMENT BROCHURE
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Your New College
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New College Doncaster
ROUTE 4 Adwick, Great North Road Woodlands, Windmill Balk Lane Carcroft, Primary School Skellow, Poplar Road Carcroft, High Street Asda Toll Bar, Askern Road Bentley, Chapel Street Scawthorpe, Jossey Lane Scawsby, Barnsley Rd New College
ROUTE 6 Mexborough, bus station Conisborough, Hill Top Road Old Edlington, Crossroads Wadworth, Main St Tickhill, Market Place Harworth, Tickhill Road Bawtry, Main St. New College
Transport provision for college includes routes from locations in South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Lincolnshire. This provision is a mixture of either public service buses or private college services. You can currently get a bus directly to college from any of the locations opposite. www.ncdoncaster.ac.uk/travel
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Your New College
ROUTE 2 Moorends Thorne, Field Road
ROUTE 1 Barnby Dun, Stainforth Rd Kirk Sandall, Brecks Lane Wheatley Hills, Thorne Road Armthorpe, Nutwell Lane New College
Stainforth, East Lane Hatfield, Manor Rd Dunsville, High St Edenthorpe, Hungerhill School Armthorpe, Mill Street New College
ROUTE 3 Crowle, Market Place Belton, Ash Tree Close Epworth, Burnham Rd Haxey, Haxey Lane Westwood Side Blaxton New College
DONCASTER TOWN CENTRE
BUS ROUTE
For more information about travel options and see the latest bus timings, please visit our web
www.ncdoncaster.ac.uk/travel
ROUTE 7
ROUTE 5 Ranby, Old Blyth Road Retford, Market Place Retford Hospital Ranskill Bawtry, Main St.
Gainsborough Beckingham Walkeringham Misterton Gringley on the Hill Everton Bawtry Rossington New College
New College
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New College Doncaster
George Carley
Elizabethan Academy Which courses did you study at New College? A Level English Language and Literature, A Level Government and Politics and A Level Economics What are you doing now and what are your career plans? I am currently a second-year undergraduate BSc Economics student at the University of Leeds, averaging at a solid 2:1. As of July, I will be embarking on a placement in Supply Chain Management with Airbus in Portsmouth, having also had offers from both Toyota and Unipart Rail. After returning from my placement and graduating from university, I hope to continue my journey into the supply chain, using the skills that I developed through college, university and the workplace to further develop my professional capabilities. I also hope to potentially go into financial advisory work at some point in the future. What was it like studying at New College? Being part of the first cohort of students was always going to be a challenge, as the teachers were learning alongside us. But as the construction of the college was completed, it showed that we had a fantastic facility available to us. There were specialist rooms and equipment for all subject areas and the college fostered a sense of inclusivity amongst students. The work was demanding but never overbearing and when the workload seemed difficult to manage or understand there would be teachers on hand to help address your problems. Also, without the college’s extensive range of university talks, I wouldn’t currently be studying at the University of Leeds as they helped to make me aware of the access programmes that were available to me. To summarise, New College Doncaster is a great place for any student to study and if you’re willing to put in the work it will translate to great results by the end of your time there.
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Your New College
Kennedi Robinson
Sir Thomas Wharton Academy Which courses do you study at New College? I am currently studying BTEC Health and Social Care (Double) and A Level Photography What are you doing now and what are your career plans? I am still finalising my career plans; however, I am working closely with my tutor who has helped to offer plenty of guidance and support to assist me in making a final decision which has been a huge help. What is it like studying at New College? Studying at New College is great as the atmosphere is different to any other school I have attended. The teachers make you feel very comfortable and if you are having any issues or doubts, they are there to reassure and help you all the way! My studies have greatly improved since starting at New College Doncaster, as the teachers help to identify areas for development and provide you with guidance and feedback on how to overcome these and achieve the best possible results for you.
Rebecca Liddle Hungerhill School
Which courses do you study at New College? A Level English Language, A Level Geography and A Level Sociology What are you doing now and what are your career plans? At present, I am intending on taking English Language to degree level and potentially looking at going into journalism or another field that will optimise and build on the skills I have learnt over the course of my time at college. What is it like studying at New College? So far, I’ve had a really positive experience at New College Doncaster. The learning environment and social spaces play a massive part in the college being what it is, and the independence we have as students in choosing how to use our time is really beneficial. The fact that we are treated like young adults makes for good classroom environments where the teaching staff really strive to help everyone excel.
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New College Doncaster
Grace Parker
Mcauley Catholic High School Which courses do you study at New College? BTEC Sport (Triple) What are you doing now and what are your career plans? I am currently studying BTEC Sport Triple which means that all my subjects are in sports. My future career plans are to go into sports coaching in gymnastics and hopefully own my own business in the sports industry. What is it like studying at New College? I love studying at New College, it’s really for me. We are provided with plenty of tools to make sure that the workload is manageable and in the subject I study there are lots of practicals which I love because I love sports and they allow me to develop my understanding and passion for the subject.
Emma Adcock
The Hayfield School Which courses do you study at New College? OCR Cambridge Nationals in IT (Level 3), A Level Economics and A Level Business What are you doing now and what are your career plans? I am hoping to go to university to continue my studies and gain a degree. The tutorials we are currently attending as part of our programme are helping us to start preparing for this. What is it like studying at New College? Studying at New College Doncaster lets you take control of your own learning. When studying here you get out what you put in, with hard work being rewarded. The weekly lessons and study periods allow you enough time to do all the learning and also build in time to complete Directed Independent Learning and any revision activities. Effective revision strategies have been instilled from early on to help us retain information for longer. It is a fun and lively environment with quiet places to study or large common areas to spend time working with your friends. You are definitely treated more like an adult in this environment, and I would highly recommend studying at New College Doncaster.
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Your New College
Patrick Cassidy
Ridgewood Academy Which courses do you study at New College? BTEC Public Services (Triple) What are you doing now and what are your career plans? I am currently studying triple Public Services. I hope to use the skills and experiences gained from this course to go into a career in the Police force. What is it like studying at New College? As someone who struggled with the studying at secondary school, my experiences so far at New College Doncaster have been tremendous. Teachers are always readily available to help, and it is so much more of an adult environment where everyone is made to feel so welcome.
Emily Grant
All Saints Academy Which courses do you study at New College? Textile and Fashion Design, Film and TV Production, English Literature What are you doing now and what are your career plans? Right now I’m currently studying English Literature, Textile and Fashion Design and Film and TV Production,. After College I plan on going to university to study either Fashion Journalism or Film Production. What is it like studying at New College? I am really enjoying studying at New College and find the environment and atmosphere in general really nice. The quality of teaching and attention to individuals is noticeable and it’s really easy to speak with teachers whenever you need. Another thing that I personally think is great is the variety of courses so you can pick things you actually enjoy. Although the courses are challenging and require lots of independence, it’s great for self-motivation and building initiative. Something else that I find really useful is the software ‘Cedar’, as you can always check how you are progressing and what you need to improve on. Your teachers can also give you feedback or praise on there which is always nice to know how things are going.
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New College Doncaster
FAQS
What if I change my mind about my subject choices? Not a problem. Just let us know by emailing studentservices@ncdoncaster. ac.uk. You can also change subjects at the induction day in July, or when you come to enrol. Changing subjects will obviously depend on there being space available on the course, and you achieving the subject entry requirements. What if I don’t get the grades I need? Don’t panic! For now, just keep working hard to get the best grades you can. Remember that all of your subjects are important. We offer a huge number of courses all with different entry requirements, so if things don’t go quite to plan we’ll explore all of the other options that are available to you. What if I’ve also applied to my school sixth form? That’s no problem. Remember that you are free to apply to as many places as you like and you don’t have to make your final decision until after your GCSE results, when you officially enrol. At this stage, any places you accept are simply provisional (and you can accept places at more than just one place, for the time being).
What if I haven’t been to a New College Taster Day? Lots of students will have spent a day with us, but it doesn’t matter if you haven’t. If you accept your conditional offer we’ll invite you to spend a day with us in July – your Induction Day – a great chance to get settled in and to find out more about the college before enrolling officially after the summer.
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Your New College
OFFICIAL Check out our range of apparel including the official NC hoodie at ncdoncaster.ac.uk/nc-official
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NEW COLLEGE DONCASTER Hurst Lane, Auckley, Doncaster, DN9 3HG Phone: 01302 976777 Email: info@ncdoncaster.ac.uk