Welcome to The Somervale Sixth Form Choosing the right place to study at Post-16 level is crucial in providing you with both the qualifications you need and the support and guidance to succeed either in university applications or entering the world of employment.
Why Somervale? At Somervale we can offer you individual care and attention, small class sizes and a wide range of courses to ensure you have the maximum opportunity to succeed. We have a strong history of sending students to some of the best universities in the country and place a high value on developing your attributes and skills outside the classroom. We are highly respected for our Sixth Form community and environmental work which gives you the chance to show you stand out from the crowd.
If you complete your studies with us you will be given a personal tutor who will offer you academic guidance throughout Year 12, Year 13 and the university application process. Our Federation with Norton Hill School also allows us to offer a huge range of courses, taught by knowledgeable subject specialists.
Sixth Form Study As a Sixth Form student you take on much more responsibility for your own learning and will choose a small number of subjects, which really interest you, to study in detail. That doesn’t mean we leave you to your own devices! Your subject teachers will provide close support to develop your skills both as a learner and as an individual. You can also expect far more small group and individual attention both in and outside of lessons.
A small, friendly Sixth Form... 1 The Next Step
Experience and Opportunities Somervale Sixth Form is more than just study. Students have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of visits and activities within many subjects as well as visits to universities such as Bath Spa University. Sixth Form students can also get involved with the Sixth Form Committee and organise the Year 13 Ball and many charity events in which everyone wants to get involved. You will also have the opportunity in the Summer term of Year 12 to complete an Extended Project which is equivalent to an AS level. This allows you to produce an in-depth analysis of an area that particularly interests or inspires you. It will allow you to develop the independent learning and research skills that Higher Education institutions and employers desire.
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Facilities Somervale offers a wide variety of facilities for Sixth Form students. There has been major investment in the school this year. During the summer there has been major building work which has provided the school with: •
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new media facilities with an ICT suite, tv studio, a radio station, an Apple Mac suite and several new classrooms a new extended Library with Sixth Form study area refurbished dining facilities with wi-fi refurbished Hall with new sound and light systems and a new stage new cycle sheds a brand new ICT network
The Federation Somervale School is part of the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership with Norton Hill School. Both schools are separate and have their own identity but are led by the same Headteacher, Mr Beaven. For Sixth Form students the Federation offers great opportunities to take courses at either of the school sites as part of their Sixth Form choices. This year we are pleased to offer a wider range of courses. There are those offered at Somervale School and those that are offered at Norton Hill School. Please see our Course Outline Booklet for further details of all the courses on offer from September 2011.
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Sixth Form Curriculum: Course Summary Advanced Level AS
Advanced Level A2
These take one year and continue your academic study after GCSE’s. The standard is between GCSE and traditional A’ levels. Some subjects cover a vocational area rather than a subject.
Study for these begins at the end of Year 12 after AS and continues into your second year in the Sixth Form. They are equivalent to the traditional A’ level standard and join with the AS results to determine the final A’ level grade needed to enter Higher Education.
You can choose to continue subjects you have enjoyed at GCSE or take new courses. You will normally need at least Grade C or above at GCSE in the subjects you hope to continue studying.
BTEC Nationals These are the “real world” equivalents of A’ levels. These level 3 qualifications are the most popular vocational qualification in UK Further Education, recognised and respected world-wide and are valued by universities as well as employers. They enable you to go on to study for an Honours degree.
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GCSE English Language and Maths Retake classes are available for students who need to improve their grade for these subjects.
Introduction to A’ Levels Stage One – Year 12 AS Levels (Year 12) Students in Year 12 study Advanced Subsidiary courses (AS levels). The standard of the course is between GCSE and the old Advanced level. Each AS course contains two or three modules. Usually you take exams in June. In a few subjects you take one module exam in January and further modules in June.
Applied AS Level (Year 12) In some AS levels there is a vocational area of study rather than a subject. These encourage students to investigate work-related interests. About two thirds of a course is assessed by coursework.
Stage Two – Year 13 A2 Levels (Year 13)
AS Critical Thinking
At the end of Year 12 you may extend your AS subjects by taking A2 courses. These are at a higher level than AS level. Students study a further two or three modules with exams in June or sometimes in January and June. You will be awarded a final Advanced level Grade (A* to E) based on your combined marks in the A2 and AS exams.
You can choose this course as part of your curriculum in Year 13. You develop skills in evaluating and constructing arguments, and develop your logical thinking. It supports other subjects and is valued by all universities because the course develops skills essential for study at a higher level.
Grades A* to E are all pass grades Note: The A* grade has been introduced by the Government to reward students who gain 90% or more in an A’ level
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Course Guidelines We usually expect students aiming to take AS to have at least Grade C at GCSE in the subjects they are hoping to study but preferably a Grade B. Detailed course requirements can be found in the Somervale Sixth Form Course Guide.
Your Study Programme Study is divided into 60 periods each fortnight. Your programme will be made up of a combination of the courses you have chosen, together with private study periods. The tutorial programme is part of the Core Activities that all students participate in. This comprises of: • tutor • tutor lesson • assembly • community service
Year 12
Year 12 & 13 Courses
Year 13
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AS 10 Periods per subject per fortnight
BTEC National 10 periods per subject per fortnight
A2 10 Periods per subject per fortnight
BTEC National 10 periods per subject per fortnight
Students choose to continue up to 3, or perhaps 4, of the AS subjects studied in Year 12 to full A’ level standard (A2)
Can be combined with AS and/or A2 levels
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Choosing Your Courses: The Process Stage 1 Read this Prospectus and the Course Information Booklet carefully, then come to the Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 10 November. Talk to staff about their subjects and find out what interests you and is appropriate to your needs.
Stage 2 Talk with as many people as possible. You may want to approach: • • • • • •
your parents your tutor your subject teachers Sixth Form students Connexions Head of Sixth Form - Mr Ambrose
Stage 3 Select your course(s). Fill in your application form with your tutor group and hand it in by Monday 29 November. The deadline for external candidates is also Monday 29 November. All external students will be interviewed. All Somervale School students will be seen by one of our Sixth Form Transition Team to ensure their choices are suitable for their career aspirations.
Stage 4 After the results of your GCSE examination you will be able to discuss any concerns or changes you might wish to make with Mr Ambrose.
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Courses on Offer for September 2011 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Applied Science Art & Design Biology Business (BTEC National) Business Studies Business and Personal Finance (BTEC National) Chemistry Creative Media Production (BTEC National) Critical Thinking (only available in Year 13) Design Crafts (BTEC National) Drama and Theatre Studies English Language English Literature Environmental Studies Extended Project (EPQ) Fashion and Clothing (BTEC National) Geography Hospitality (BTEC National) Graphics
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
History ICT IT (BTEC National) Mathematics Further Mathematics Modern Languages: French/German/ Spanish Music Music Performance (BTEC National) Music Technology Physical Education Philosophy & Ethics Photography Physics Politics Psychology Public Services: Outdoor Leadership (BTEC National) Sociology Sport (BTEC National)
Your Tutor and Other Support The Tutor
Development of Learning Skills
Your tutor is central to your progress in the Sixth Form. Your tutor will be the person on the staff who knows your needs and aspirations well and who is best placed to guide, inform and support your academic progress.
Supported study sessions should take up two-thirds of your private study periods and will allow you to work in the quiet atmosphere of the Library.
Your tutor: • is the first point of contact between teachers, students and parents • ensures that you make progress and succeed • helps you to overcome any difficulties or problems • organises tutor sessions and writes student references • administers University and College Admission Service (UCAS) procedures.
Career Guidance In the Sixth Form you will be offered a full programme of Career and Higher Education guidance including: • • • • •
a range of activities in tutor periods to help with your career choice opportunities for work experience visits to universities and colleges individual interviews with “Connexions” (the careers guidance service) a preparation programme to assist those planning to apply for Oxbridge, Medicine or other competitive courses at university.
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Sixth Form Council The Sixth Form Council gives students the opportunity to share their views and help to shape the running of various aspects of school life. The council organise social events, charity fund-raising and attend to various other issues and developments, representing each and every member of the Sixth Form community. Members of the council are elected annually, with two representatives from each tutor group, and are responsible for ensuring that the views of their fellow students are voiced to ensure that the Sixth Form have a forum to communicate with staff and the Leadership team.
school’s mentoring programme, and share ideas regarding all elements of school life. The Charities Committee organise a variety of fund-raising events, from cake sales to Fancy Dress competitions. Some of their ventures may be limited to the Sixth Form, but some will invariably include the whole school.
At Somervale we have been recognised for our excellence in giving opportunities for ‘Student Voice’, and so our students are experienced in communicating their thoughts through the appropriate channels to make a genuine contribution to the running of the school throughout their school lives.
The Sixth Form Prom is invariably a special event, commemorating the culmination of seven successful years of education at Somervale, and marking the departure to universities around the country for the vast majority of pupils. It is always well-attended by staff, but is completely organised by the Prom committee, who take sole responsibility for organising the Prom, including completing all bookings, working on menus and decorative schemes and dealing with all finances.
One of the most significant changes that come with entering the Sixth Form would be the change in relationships between staff and students. These positive relationships provide students with a strong platform to be able to communicate with staff openly and honestly.
Taking part in the Sixth Form council gives students opportunities to have a hand in the running of their school, but also provides them with the chance to take on leadership roles and develop the skills that will undoubtedly aid them both at university, and in the world of work beyond.
The Sixth Form Council also oversee several committees each year, including a Charities committee, a Prom Committee, contribute to the
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Applicants from Other Schools All application forms should be sent to us by Monday 29 November at the latest. We will send you an acknowledgement as soon as we receive your application form. You will be invited to Somervale Sixth Form for an interview. After the interview we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know the result. We would hope to offer you a place in the Sixth Form. When the GCSE exam results are issued we will send you a letter with details of the beginning of term arrangements. Late applications will be considered, however priority will be given to applications made before the deadline. Application forms are available from the school. For an application form, please contact the school.
Visiting the School If you would like to visit the Sixth Form and meet some of the staff and students, or if you have any questions relating to the information in this prospectus please contact Mrs Crane, the Head’s PA, on 01761 414276 or email headspa@somervaleschool.com
Allowances: Educational Maintenance Allowance The EMA is a means tested weekly payment of up to £30 paid to young people who stay in education after the statutory school leaving age. Students who live in a household with an annual income of £30,000* and less are eligible for this allowance. (*2007 figures).
The next step in education... 11 The Next Step
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Proven Success Results and Destinations In 2010 the school performed well at both GCSE and A’ level. In 2010, students at Somervale received their A’ level results which showed a significant improvement on the previous year. With a pass rate of over 98% and nearly 20% of all grades at A* or A, Somervale school has had an exceptional year, with nearly all students attaining a place at university.
Outcomes This year students have left to study a range of courses in Higher Education, as well as to start jobs with training. They include among many others: • • • • • •
University of Oxford, Music University College Marjons (Plymouth), Early Years University of Oxford,Business Management & Geography University of Winchester, History & Theology and Religious Studies University of Glamorgan, Graphic Communication University of Exeter, Exercise & Sports Science
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University of Glamorgan, Drama (Theatre & Media) BUWE, Accounting & Finance University of Plymouth, Marine Biology University of Plymouth, Occupational Therapy BUWE, Equine Science University of Southampton, Economics & Management Sciences University of Coventry, Advertising & Media University of Bedford, Disability Studies University of Newport, Advertising Design University of Reading, Law with Legal Studies in Europe University of Plymouth, Computing University of Glamorgan, Sports Development University of Glamorgan, Psychology University of Portsmouth, Sport & Exercise Science University of Bath Spa, Education BUWE, English BUWE, Drama & English University of Gloucester, Sports (Coaching) BUWE, Midwifery
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Somervale School is situated on the B&NES border to the south-west of Midsomer Norton and Radstock (approx 10 miles from Bath and 12 miles from Bristol).
Redfield Road, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2JD Telephone: 01761 414276 | Fax: 01761 410613 | Email: headspa@somervaleschool.com www.somervaleschool.com Headteacher: Peter Beaven B.A., M.B.A.