Bsp 6thstudentguide feb14

student guide

th Form

The 6th Form

6th Form Student Guide

Introduction to Sixth Form Life The Sixth Form, the final years of study at school, is a vital, essential and exciting component of The British School of Paris. It is perfectly suited for students from all previous academic backgrounds who are committed, self-motivated, have a sense of purpose and a determination to succeed. The purpose of this guide is to explain how Sixth Form life differs from that in the other parts of the School.

The Sixth Form offers you the opportunity to maximise your potential academically, in co-curricular activities, socially and personally.

You are encouraged to be self disciplined and to take responsibility for your own learning, while being fully supported in this important transition between school and your next step.

On joining the Sixth Form you will move from being a pupil to becoming a student: you will be treated as a young adult with more freedom and responsibilities. The information in this guide is designed to help you succeed in your studies and benefit from the many opportunities which await you in the Sixth Form.

The Sixth Form team: Heads of Years, dedicated Tutors, Head of Careers, Head of Foundation Year and Study Coordinator are there to encourage success and provide the best environment for you to strive for academic excellence, whilst at the same time preparing you for the independence of the world outside school.

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Philosophy and

Our Sixth Form mission statement encapsulates our aims and contains the following elements: To enable students to achieve their full academic potential Experience shows that the single most important factor in Sixth Form aspirations are excellent examination results and so we strive to ensure that each individual student achieves the best possible grades he/she is capable of attaining.

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To promote independent learning When you arrive in the Sixth Form you may have had very little experience of organising extended pieces of work over longer periods of time for yourself. When you leave school you will have to be able to do this unfailingly and so enabling you to organise, manage, work effectively and meet deadlines is critical.

6th Form Student Guide

Objectives

To encourage social responsibility

To ensure a happy environment

As Sixth Form students you are approaching adulthood and it is very important that you realise the value of being socially aware citizens, ones who are valuable to society and fully aware of the implications of actions taken.

You cannot learn if you are not happy and we feel it our duty to make sure the Sixth Form is a happy, healthy environment where the above aims can be fully met.

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Effective learning and an enthusiastic approach to study are pre-requisites for academic success.

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6th Form Student Guide

How to be a successful Sixth Form student Our A Level Curriculum

Advanced Level is divided into two equal parts, most containing two modules, with all students taking Advanced Subsidiary (AS) examinations in the Summer term of Year 12 and continuing with Advanced Level (A2) examinations in Year 13. Most students take four subjects at AS and continue with three of those four for A2. AS results are of critical importance since they add to your GCSE grades as concrete evidence of ability for university application. They also have a significant bearing on your eventual A Level grade and effectively determine your range of university choices.

Our Foundation Year Curriculum

We offer a Year 12 Foundation programme to students aiming for 5 GCSE passes. This could lead to vocational courses or be a preparation for a further two year Sixth Form programme at the BSP.

Time Management

In the Sixth Form you will discover that the number of commitments you have will multiply. In addition to your heavy academic workload, you may also find yourself involved in sport, drama, music, in prefect duties, being a House Captain and in a variety of other activities. You could also expect there to be an extension of your social life. All of these will make significant demands on your time.

From the start of Year 12 you should establish your priorities, as you cannot do everything well and academic study must always take precedence.

Balancing academic, co-curricular and social activities can be a challenge. Effective organisation with the support of the Sixth Form Team, will prove invaluable.

the Sixth Form Team will work hard to help you master these techniques. An essential part of Sixth Form life is coming prepared to class; this means the ability to apply your knowledge/learning. The faster you develop good study habits, the more effectively you will learn, the more enjoyable your courses will become and the better your final grades will be.

Private Study

It is important that students who are mature, responsible and considerate should be allowed certain privileges and encouraged to take responsibility for their own study programme. We want you to use the Sixth Form as an opportunity to move from the more formal lower school regime to the freedom and responsibility of the post school environment as smoothly as possible. On joining the Sixth Form you change from being a pupil to a student in more than name only.

As a Sixth Form student you will have periods of noncontact time available for private study. During these times you will be increasingly responsible for your own learning and helped to develop independent thinking and self discipline where necessary. Study periods should be used effectively for preparing reports and essays, reading, research, completing coursework and preparing for tests and examinations. You will certainly not make the best use of your study time if you view it as “free time” or “time off”.

Pace yourself—sensible planning is essential.

Do not leave assignments until the night before; work is set well in advance so that you can plan ahead and manage your tasks. Set yourself targets that are challenging but attainable; develop a routine that allows you to meet them.

Academic Work

As a student you should be thinking about your subjects outside lessons as a part of your independent learning. In the Sixth Form, work in class with your teachers is the minimum required and must be developed in your own non-contact time. You must read around the subject, pursue individual research and continually review all the work you are studying.

Keeping a balance between all subjects is key.

Effective learning and an enthusiastic approach to study are pre-requisites for academic success. Many of these learning skills will be unfamiliar to you but

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Study Facilities To support you in your studies there are a number of facilities available to the Sixth Form. There is a fully equipped library, computer areas with preferential access for the Sixth Form, a Sixth Form Study Room and a Common Room.

The Library is open from 8:30am to 5:30pm each day of the week and Sixth Form students have access to this area during non-contact periods. The library is primarily used to support curriculum studies and reading for pleasure, containing books, journals and magazines. The Librarian is at your disposal to help with your individual needs. Each member of the Sixth Form has his/her own individual iPad allowing him/her access to a range of software designed to provide full support for researching and presenting coursework tasks and homework.

The Study Room offers students a quiet and comfortable place to work and to hold Sixth Form meetings. The centre is also equipped with computers providing internet access. It is solely for the Sixth Form and is managed by the Study Coordinator who is there to assist you with study skills and time management.

The Common Room is a dedicated space for the sole use of Sixth Form students. It is a space for you to relax and socialise between classes and study. The Common Room is furnished with sofas, tea and coffee making facilities as well as a television which screens news channels.

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Student Profile Michaela G F “The transfer from GCSE to A Level is tough but the support from teachers and other students make it easier.�

6th Form Student Guide

Study Skills The Sixth Form study skills programme supports you in your transition to the Sixth Form and beyond. The Study Coordinator is on hand to provide individual support for students who feel they would like more personalised guidance on improving their study techniques.

The programme begins with the VAK questionnaire which we use to help you to determine your preferred learning style: visual, aural or kinaesthetic. Knowing your preferred learning style then enables you to take in information and revise for exams effectively and in a way which is tailor-made to your way of learning. The programme also covers time management, planning and revision.

The programme covers advice on: • time management and motivation • memory improvement techniques • reading for different purposes • effective note taking • revision

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The Sixth Form Team The Sixth Form team is here to encourage and provide the best environment for you to strive for academic excellence, whilst at the same time preparing you for the independence of university life and the world outside school.

Heads of Year 12 and 13:

Co-ordinate the work of the Year, liaise with Pastoral and Academic sections of school and arbitrate over decisions that tutors cannot easily manage. They also ensure that the mission statements are being met.

Monitoring student progress, raising standards among the under-achievers and extending the gifted are essential elements best managed by the Heads of Year.

Finally, the Heads of Year manage potential areas of difficulty such as the transition from Key Stage 4 and the move from Year 12 to Year 13, along with new admissions and, if deemed necessary, suspensions and expulsions, in full co-operation with the Head of Pastoral Care.

Head of Careers:

Manages careers guidance for all tertiary institutions and moving on to a career. He is available by appointment for individual advice and manages general guidance within the PSHE programme.

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Tutors:

Are experts in post-16 education and are able to guide students through the new demands that they meet in the Sixth Form. Tutors monitor progress and set targets, offer guidance and help students achieve a sensible balance between study requirements and other demands. Tutors register students in the morning and are the first port of call for students’ needs.

Study Coordinator:

Is responsible for all matters concerning the effective operation of the Study Room. The Coordinator provides 1-1 study guidance and support, manages students’ individual study patterns and offers full support with study skills.

Foundation Year Coordinator:

Oversees all of the academic needs of the Foundation Year students.

6th Form Student Guide

University Applications and Careers Student Profile

The aim of a Careers Programme is to give you as students in Years 12 and 13 the skills to make informed choices, manage your progression through learning and help prepare you for working life.

Chloe Z “There are lots of great opportunities in the 6th form to help prepare for our future.�

The vast majority of our students move on to Higher Education, or some form of Further Education, before progressing on to a career. Most of our students go to the U.K and Ireland, but students also move on to a wide range of international locations: France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, U.S.A., Canada, Africa, Australia and Asia.

We pride ourselves on the fact that our students make informed decisions concerning their future choices and, as you can see, our students are very successful in obtaining a place at their first choice university. In addition, the universities which accept our students belong to the top echelon of the universities in their respective countries.

Distribution of Student Destinations; Year 13 Students from the BSP

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Today graduate employers look at the university from where the applicant has graduated, as well as the quality and content of the degree. The extensive coverage in the British and International press that is given to examining the worthiness of different degree courses, means that the universities themselves are being continually assessed on the quality and suitability of the Higher Education that they provide.

In order to help you with your decisions and to guide you through the whole decision making process, the Sixth Form Tutors, the Heads of Year the Study Coordinator and the Head of Careers will work with you throughout your Sixth Form. In addition, our school uses the services offered by The Independent Schools Careers Organisation (ISCO Futurewise).

Year 10 and 11 students at the BSP sit the Morrisby Test and the Futurewise Questionnaire. We feel that these give both you and your parents an idea of your ability, interests and possible career options. Year 12 students who are new to the school will also take these tests so that they are in line with the other students in their year. Representatives of the ISCO Futurewise organisation liaise with the Head of Careers and visit the school on a regular basis.

We offer many Careers Events which we hope will help you with your decisions, in addition to a series of relevant Careers talks throughout the year.

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University Applications and Careers Year 12

Year 13

Events held during the Autumn Term

Events held during the Autumn Term

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Year 1 course – ‘Introduction to Sixth Form’. This takes place just before the start of the Autumn Term ISCO Futurewise Careers Progress Tests for new Year 12 students Helping suitable students with Headstart Applications PSHE careers programme begins.

Events held during the Spring Term

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• • • •

ISCO Futurewise Careers Progress Interviews The University Road Show. A Group of Representatives from British Universities visit our school. This takes place just before or after the Easter Break Visits from representatives from other universities Launch of ‘Post 18 Choices’ Programme for students Information evening for parents Foundation Year students support for future choices

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Work Experience. This is held in the last weeks of term. You are required to organise your own experience (essential for University Applicants).

Our school helps with the relevant paper work.

In some cases we can help with contacts. You are encouraged to get as much work experience as possible. In fact medical related subjects require at least two work experiences. Our School Insurance covers all work experience ‘What’s Next’ Course – You are taken through the UCAS application procedure which is online and is called APPLY. During a two day course students actually start the whole application process.

This is held during the last week of term and will include careers advice and guidance A visit to a typical good quality British university for the whole year group.

University interview training UCAS Clinics held during PSHE lessons.

Final university applications submitted (by 15 Oct Oxbridge and Medical) University Admissions Tests (early November)

Events held during the Spring Term

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Careers interviews. Update of students university applications (Final applications deadline 15 Jan) Mock interviews, before each actual interview.

Events held during the Summer Term

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Events held during the Summer Term

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Year 13 Course – ‘Expanding Horizons’. This takes place just before the start of the Autumn Term.

This programme continues to develop students’ university applications

Your Final Choice- advice and reassurance What to do when the exam results come out The Clearing Process/Adjustment Process Continued consultation re: University/Career choice.

Results Day August Holidays

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Senior members of staff are available until all outstanding university problems are resolved.

It is also worth noting that we will continue to offer support to ex-students, until they have finally secured a career or higher education position that meets their requirements and expectations.

Visits to Oxford and Cambridge are encouraged for suitable applicants

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6th Form Student Guide

Choosing your Academic Programme You are about to embark on the most exciting stage of your school career. As you approach the end of compulsory education, you will need to think carefully about the subjects you wish to study in the Sixth Form.

The Advanced Level programme we offer leads to university entrance worldwide. The courses are all designed for specialists, and are therefore excellent preparation for the rigorous demands of top-class universities.

At The British School of Paris we are extremely proud of the academic successes of our students. For several years we have had a strong pass rate at Advanced Level, with up to 75% of students receiving grades A and B. Our results compare favourably with schools recognised for their excellence in the UK and are a tribute to students who have often moved many times in their educational career.

Our Foundation Year programme is also very successful.

We also offer support and extension possibilities.

Extension opportunities include the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de la Langue Française) in French, DELE (Diploma de Español Lengua Extranjera) in Spanish, and EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).

For those not contemplating moving directly to an A Level programme we offer a one year Foundation Programme. This could lead to vocational courses or be a preparation for a two year Sixth Form programme at the BSP. We have offered a variety of courses:

• Music • Art and Design • Travel and Tourism • Psychology • Creative Digital Media Production • Business

We are proud to be able to offer a large variety of subjects to Advanced Level: • Art and Design • Biology • Chemistry • Design and Technology • Drama and Theatre Studies • Economics and Business • English Literature • French • Geography • German • Government and Politics • History • History of Art • Information and Communication Technology • Mathematics and Further Mathematics • Music • Photography • Physical Education • Physics • Spanish

Student Profile Noah V “There is a big change moving from GCSE to A-Level, you are given access to great resources and feel a real sense of independence and freedom to organise your work in a way that suits you best.”

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Sixth Form Community and Responsibility Life in the Sixth Form is not just about academic programmes and success.

Sixth Formers play a crucial role within our school community and have the opportunity to contribute to school life in a variety of ways. Becoming an active and responsible member of the school community helps our students to grow and provides an excellent experience which can serve them well in later life. Making the most of opportunities in the Sixth Form is now seen as an essential part of a successful university application.

Prefects

Students are invited to apply to become school, library and bus prefects. Prefects assist in the smooth running of the school day. School prefects assist tutor groups lower down the school and can be turned to by younger pupils for advice. Library prefects help younger pupils in the library during break times.

Bus prefects are responsible for the care of pupils on their bus during the journey to and from school.

The Head Boy and Head Girl are key figures within the school, they help to organise Sixth Form life for their fellow students and have weekly meetings with the Headmaster and Head of Pastoral Care to discuss Sixth Form matters. The Head Boy and Head Girl manage the Prefect Body which is divided into 5 sub groups:

• House Captains

The House Captain’s role within the School is to organise and run events in which the whole school can participate. The House Captains liaise with all members of Staff, other committee members and pupils to ensure that the activities run smoothly, holding weekly meetings in the run-up to specific events.

• Committees, Charity and Events

The Charity Committee organises fund raising events such as the talent show or Jeans for Genes Day, enabling students to become more socially aware and raising money for a variety of charities.

Sixth formers on the events committee organise social events for their fellow students to mark different occasions throughout the year: Halloween Party, Annual Talent Show and often a formal Sixth Form Ball.

• Academic Prefects

Students are given the opportunity to mentor other students in the senior school. This brings great benefit to both sets of students: one receiving guidance whilst the other improves his/ her skills in communication and empathy.

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• Induction Prefects

These students help to settle our new pupils; helping them understand school procedures and answering their questions about school life.

• eLearning Prefects

eLearning Prefects are available in the library every day to help solve iPad/Frog and printing card problems. They also support new pupils with their iPads and e-learning initiatives in school.

Junior school helpers

Students may also volunteer to help in classrooms at the Junior School, either with pupils on a one-to-one basis or with group activities according to the class teacher’s requirements.

6th Form Student Guide

Co-curricular Activities and Facilities You can enjoy a wide variety of lunchtime and afterschool extra-curricular activities at The British School of Paris. The programme varies from term to term, but typically includes the following:

General Model United Nations Debating Club Eco-Schools International Award Young Economist Maths Competition Training Senior Drama Production French Drama Club

Sports

Available through the school include: Climbing Club Cross Country Football Hockey Netball Rugby Volleyball

Music

We offer a chance to listen to inspiring speakers from our community. Recent topics have included the automobile industry, the banking crisis, life in Paris under President Hollande, the role of the SOE in the Second World War.

The lively Music department provides the following: Choir, Flute choir, Guitar Club, Orchestra and peripatetic lessons for you to pursue your individual musical speciality. In addition the ABRSM and Rock School exams are available, these exams, from Grade 6 upwards, carry UCAS points which may be used towards university entrance.

PE

Library

Speakers Programme

You have access to a sports hall, a multi-purpose floodlit playing area, a climbing wall and a fully equipped fitness suite at school, an athletics track at Croissy stadium, two football pitches and a swimming pool and golf course at Croissy.

In addition we have access to grass pitches for rugby, access to a local rowing club on the River Seine and our cricket team use the facilities at Thoiry Cricket Club.

This is open to anyone daily at the following times: Mon - Thurs 8:30 am - 5:30 pm and Fri 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.

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B O D Y

A N D

M I N D

The British School of Paris 38 quai de l’Ecluse 78290 Croissy sur Seine Tel: +33 (0)1 34 80 45 94 Fax: +33 (0)1 39 76 32 21 Website www.britishschool.fr Email ssc@britishschool.fr

February 2014

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