Sixth Form Prospectus by Schudio

Holy Family Catholic High School

Sixth Form Prospectus

Welcome to Sixth Form

We are extremely proud of our Sixth Form and the contribution that our Sixth Formers make to the life of the school.

There are many courses to study including A Levels, Applied Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A Levels) and resit GCSEs. Holy Family has a history of excellent Sixth Form provision and support to prepare you for the next stage of your life. We are consistently one of the top performing Sixth Forms in Sefton in terms of our academic performance and the destinations of our students.

We pride ourselves on our excellent programme of support, advice and guidance to help steer you through the many choices and opportunities you will have. There are plenty of people on hand to support you in making the right decisions for your future.

We will offer you a great Sixth Form experience and aim to provide you with the highest quality education and support to ensure you have the best life chances possible.

All Sixth Form teachers have a pastoral responsibility. However, there are teachers who have specific responsibility in this area:

• Your Form Tutor

• Your Head of Sixth Form (Mrs Beddow)

• Your Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Mrs Critchley)

• Your Sixth Form Student Services Co-ordinator (Mrs Becky Bell)

• A member of the Senior Leadership Team (Mr Symes)

Your Head of Sixth Form has overall responsibility for the discipline, attendance, liaison with parents and general practical matters regarding Sixth Form students.

Supporting the Head of Sixth Form are your Form Tutors, an Assistant Head of Sixth Form and Headteacher.

The aim of the pastoral system is to ensure that you are challenged, supported, happy and secure within Sixth Form.

Why Our Sixth Form?

So Why Holy Family?

Great Exam Results

• Our Sixth Form has a reputation for academic excellence.

• Students have gone on to follow university courses from Medicine to Engineering and from Modern Languages to International Economics.

• We also have a strong tradition of Oxbridge entry.

• 80% of students choose to go to university, and 90% of them go to their first choice university.

Fantastic Support & Guidance

• There is a great working atmosphere in the Sixth Form.

• The Sixth Form Centre at Holy Family includes a large communal area and study rooms set aside for private study.

• Lessons are taught in the subject areas around the school.

• There are over 50 PCs for private study.

• You will have an individually designed study programme.

• Your progress is monitored and reported every term.

• Our mentoring system is designed to support and challenge you.

• You have access to a dedicated team of staff who will support you in a variety of ways; from securing training/work placements, help with study and revision skills, UCAS and employment advice, and emotional and wellbeing issues.

• We are committed to maintaining a community where the rights of all individuals are respected.

Enrichment

• Our personal development programme equips you for the wider world. You will study subjects such as personal finance, first aid, how to look after your mental health, relationships, sexual health and politics. Our aim is to ensure our students can leave to go to university or into the world of work, having the skills and personal traits needed to make a success of their lives.

• We provide a wide range of trips and visits, and all subjects will have a link with universities and industry. We also offer cultural trips abroad and have visited Berlin, Barcelona and Krakow in recent years. This is an opportunity to see another city and broaden your horizons, whilst making memories and new friendships.

• There is something for everyone and we are always listening to your feedback on what we can offer to improve your enrichment curriculum.

Other

enrichment opportunities include:

• Volunteering Scheme

• Student Leadership Team

• Access to university visits and workshops

• Trips, visits and holidays

• Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme

• Work Placements and visits

• Next Step and Careers programme

• Wellbeing programme

• Charity and community projects

Our Courses

 Biology

 Chemistry

 Computer Science

 Drama and Theatre

 English Literature

 French

 History

 Mathematics

 Media Studies

 Physical Education

 Physics

 Spanish

 Applied Business

 Applied Criminology

 Applied Forensic Science

 Applied Health & Social Care

 Applied ICT

 Applied Medical Science

Grading

A Levels are graded from A*– E. Applied Level 3 courses are graded Pass (grade E), Merit, (grade C), Distinction (grade A) and Distinction* (grade A*). These grades are assigned points by UCAS and universities will sometimes express their offer in terms of points rather than grades.

Entry Requirements

A level study (3 A Levels) – at least five GCSEs at grade 5 and above. It is also desirable that you have achieved at least a grade 6 in the A level subject you wish to study (some may require a grade 7). You will need at least a grade 5 in your English and Maths GCSE to study a full A level programme.

Combined Study (combination of A level and Applied Level 3) –at least five GCSEs at grade 4 and above. It is also desirable that you have achieved at least a grade 6 in the A level subject you wish to study (some may require a grade 7), and at least a grade 4 or a pass at Level 2 in the applied course you wish to study (if you studied it in Year 11).

Applied Study (Applied Level 3 courses) – at least four GCSEs at grade 4 and above.

 Applied Sport & Physical Activity

 GCSE English (If Grade 4 is not achieved)

 GCSE Mathematics (If Grade 4 is not achieved)

Your future …preparing you for Higher Education and Employment

The vast majority of our students go on to Higher Education (University) and a lot of time is spent ensuring that you receive the right advice about what courses are available. Some go on to gain Advanced Apprenticeships with well known local, national and international companies. We ensure that each student is seen individually before decisions are made about courseapplications and university.

We offer many opportunities for students to develop their academic skills and prepare for life after Sixth Form. We do this through offering university visits, workshops with outside agencies, guest speakers, careers days, mock interviews, work experiences and many more.

Every year, over 90% of our students gain their first choice university and having a vast amount of extra-curricular activities to talk about both in their personal statement and at interview is essential.

Sixth Form leaders are effective in providing careers advice information, education and guidance to support students in moving on to aspirational destinations. Almost all move on to relevant courses or employment, including at Russell group and Oxbridge universities.

Careers support is provided by a team of tutors who are led by Mrs Critchley, your Assistant Head of Sixth Form. In addition, our specialist Careers Advisor (Mrs Jones) works with every Sixth Form student and will help you with UCAS forms and employment opportunities in preparation for the next stage of your life.

We will support you toform definite career choices by researching a wide range of career options and help you develop the skills of self presentation, self-appraisal and personal planning (for the completion of applications to Higher Education, Further Education and employment).

In particular you will be involved in the following activities:

• Attending University Open Days.

• Work placements and visits.

• Preparation for Advanced Apprenticeships and employment opportunities.

• Seminars with University Schools’ Liaison Officers prior to considering your UCAS application.

• Preparation for UCAS applications and Oxbridge, Medicine and Law entry exams.

• Support in applying for scholarships from universities.

Students from other schools

We welcome applications from students from other high schools and you will be made to feel very welcome by both staff and students. Please talk to staff at the Open Evening. If you wish to discuss your choice of subjects in more detail or visit the Sixth Form during the day then please contact school and we will arrange this for you. (email 6thform@holyfamilyhighschool.co.uk).

The Sixth Form is well led and is growing in popularity. The curriculum which is offered represents a good balance between academic and vocational courses.