Sixth Form Handbook 2023-24

Page 19

Welcome to Sixth Form.

A handbook about day-to-day life and what to expect.

Sixth Form Handbook 2023 – 24
A warm welcome 02 Role of a Sixth Former 03 Good communication between school & home 04 Role of the tutor 05 Head of Sixth Form 05 Academic provision & the timetable 06 Special Educational Needs & Disability 08 The Trinity Diploma 09 Trinity Diploma course overview 12 Sixth Form personal development 14 Opportunities outside the classroom 15 Employment 15 Attendance 16 Dress & appearance 17 Property 18 Whole school rules 18 Driving to school 18 Sixth Form awards commendations 19 Detentions & sanctions 19 Careers & higher education 20 Sixth Form timeline 23
In this handbook

This handbook will help both students and parents to understand the day-to-day life, opportunities and responsibilities a Sixth Former will meet at Trinity. We hope it will provide you with useful information to help us, together, support and guide you through these two important years and in your preparations for the next step after Trinity.

Trinity School Sixth Form Handbook 2023 – 24 01

A warm welcome

At Trinity, your Sixth Form experience should be your most enjoyable time at school. You are able to explore the subjects that most interest you within a vibrant, friendly and purposeful learning environment.

Our Sixth Form is an inspiring and diverse community with many co-curricular options, as well as our enriching Diploma programme. We believe this is central to a rounded and balanced education.

Trinity Sixth Form offers many opportunities for students to stretch and challenge themselves, and to develop wider intellectual and cultural interests within a stimulating and nurturing environment. As Sixth Formers, students will be viewed as ambassadors of the school and are encouraged to develop qualities of leadership and initiative as well as to embrace our clubs and societies, plays and concerts and teams and expeditions.

Our Sixth Form is a happy environment with a wonderfully supportive staff. It is our confident belief that you will leave Trinity after two enjoyable and challenging years, well prepared for life beyond, having made enduring friendships here.

02

Role of a Sixth Former

One of the most important aspects of the Sixth Form at Trinity is the gradual transition towards greater independence and adulthood.

The most successful Sixth Formers will:

– take primary responsibility for their learning

– develop effective working relationships with their tutor and teachers

– engage in open and honest communication with their tutor, teachers and family

– organise themselves efficiently, to allow time for work, leisure, social and other activities

– volunteer for co-curricular activities both in and out of school

Trinity School Sixth Form Handbook 2023 – 24 03

Good communication between school & home

We encourage close communication and prefer to involve the Sixth Former in most conversations and emails between the school and parents. The school diary and supporting information, including contact details for staff, dates for society meetings and events are available on the school website via the following link: (trinity-school.org)

Letters are generally emailed to parents via My School Portal where parents will find they have access to their own inbox, so may wish to check this regularly.

Your tutor will be the first point of contact between school and home. You can contact tutors by telephone or email, using the following format: ‘tutor initials’@trinity.croydon.sch.uk’

A grade report will be sent home each half term and there is at least one Parents’ Evening (the school diary will have the details) and a full written report each year. You can see an overview of the year at the back of this booklet. There is a strong pastoral support network at Trinity, led by Mr Pietersen (Head of Sixth Form) and Miss Sara Ward, Deputy Head (Pastoral). In addition to the tutors and wider Sixth Form team, Trinity has nurses with mental health training, a school counsellor, an academic mentor and we collaborate with a clinical psychologist who regularly visits the school.

Should you wish to speak to a member of the Sixth Form Team, they are:

Head of Sixth Form: Mr Jed Pietersen jep@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

Deputy Head of Sixth Form: Miss Victoria Boorman vjb@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

Head of Upper Sixth: Miss Georgie Webber gew@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

Head of Lower Sixth: Mr Sam Hodge smh@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

Head of Futures: Mr Mark Aldridge mia@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

Assistant Head of Futures (Head of Diploma): Mr Jack Paterson jap@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

Head of EPQ/SFP; Equality and Inclusion Lead (Academic Projects): Mrs Sam Cater sic@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

Sixth Form Registrar: Mrs Louise Weeks-Greener lwg@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

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Role of the tutor

The Sixth Form is organised into tutor groups. Each tutor group consists of about 12 Sixth Formers with girls and boys allocated to different groups. While co-education is a central part of the Trinity Sixth Form experience, we find that having single-sex tutor groups offers some important benefits to our students, many of whom are coming from single-sex environments, whether at Trinity or elsewhere.

In some ways the Sixth Form tutor has a similar role to that of a tutor in the younger years but there are different emphases and the relationship between tutor and tutee tends to be more collaborative. The role of the tutor involves:

Head of Sixth Form

– Day to day administration such as registration, recording absences and distributing notices

– Advice and support with work habits and academic or pastoral guidance

Advice on decisions about work/ apprenticeship/higher education choices, and the completion of the UCAS application. The tutor will involve other members of the Sixth Form team in this as required

– Production of the UCAS reference, alongside the Head of Futures and Head of Sixth Form

Mr Jed Pietersen leads the Sixth Form team and has overall responsibility for Sixth Form Admissions. He is also the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at Trinity.

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Academic provision & the timetable

Lower Sixth

Sixth Formers take four subjects in the Lower Sixth involving eight periods per week per subject. Linguists will have extra conversation classes, and students studying Art, Photography and Design Technology are expected to spend a proportion of their private study time working on their projects in the relevant department area. We believe that starting with four A Levels enables students to maintain breadth and ensure that they make the right choices. The majority of our Sixth Formers elect to drop one of their A Levels during or by the end of their first year, although some students will continue with four subjects throughout.

All Sixth Formers have two periods of enrichment each week, as part of our Diploma Programme, and two periods of Games (on Wednesday afternoons) leaving four private study periods per week for most Sixth Formers to pursue their independent learning. Private study periods enable students to develop sound working habits and learn to manage their time wisely. In the Lower Sixth, private study periods should be spent in the Sixth Form Centre study areas, or (with relevant staff permission) in the departmental study areas or the main library. If we believe a Lower Sixth Former is underachieving then we may place them on supervised private study, which requires them to spend their private study periods under the supervision of a member of staff.

Dropping an A Level subject

Sixth Formers, after consultation with the Head of Sixth Form or Deputy Head of Sixth Form, may select to drop one of their A Level subjects in December or after the February half term, although many continue with the fourth subject until after the end of year exams in June and some continue with four A Level subjects all the way through. The decision to drop from four A Levels to three A Levels is taken on an individual basis and reflects the interests and ambitions of that student. We are unlikely to permit subject drops outside of the prescribed dropping windows during the academic year. Sixth Formers must achieve at least a grade C in their exams at the end of the Lower Sixth to guarantee continuing with the subject into the Upper Sixth. All decisions around A Level subjects are taken with great care and after thoughtful discussions about future pathways.

Where Sixth Formers require extra support for special educational needs, this is provided in school through our Learning Support professionals as well as through our Clinical Psychologist, if required.

Upper Sixth

Most Sixth Formers take three A levels in the Upper Sixth, as this is generally what universities require and it gives the best chance of achieving the highest grades. Most Upper Sixth Formers, therefore, have an extra eight periods per week for independent study. Some do keep all four subjects and do not gain extra free periods.

Upper Sixth Formers are free to use private study periods as they wish, unless they fall behind with work or its quality is poor, in which case they will also be required to register for supervised private study.

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Independent learning

Success at A Level and at university involves a capacity for independent learning. We encourage Sixth Formers to enjoy learning for its own sake. We strive to achieve a balance between providing sufficient support to ensure academic success and developing the independence to enable them to be able to succeed in Higher Education and at work. Sixth Formers can organise their progress towards deadlines using the task list on Teams.

Homework

Sixth Form homework is set very differently from GCSE. It can range from a short reading homework as preparation for next lesson, to a week-long essay assignment. In each subject the minimum requirement for work outside the classroom will be approximately three to four hours per week in the Lower Sixth.

Unlike GCSE there is never a case of no work to do! Even taking into account private study periods, Sixth Formers should be averaging around two hours work per night during the week.

In addition to formal homework, they will need to:

organise notes or folders

– go over classwork to ensure it is understood

– correct and consolidate both classwork and previous homework – read around the subject. This is especially important for successful application to top universities

plan when work will be done in order to meet deadlines

All Sixth Formers will have their own preferences regarding when, where and how they work. However, we advise that you should not be working late into the night and not in the hour before sleeping. Equally, a Sixth Former who claims he or she gets all their work done at school and does not need to work at home is almost always not working hard enough.

The school provides all Sixth Formers with their own iPAD pro, which they should bring to school for use in all lessons and study periods. There is also access to a range of computer facilities in school which are available for use. As most students will hand-write their examination papers, it is expected that you will produce some written homework or class assignments by hand rather than on a device.

Supervised Private Study

In the Lower Sixth, most students will have 4 free periods which they may spend relaxing or studying. If a student requests to drop an A Level subject early in the Lower Sixth, they will likely be given Supervised Private Study periods in place of those lessons. This means they will study in a designated space which is monitored by a teacher.

The Sixth Form Team also run Supervised Private Study sessions after school from 4.00pm – 5.30pm Monday to Thursday each week. These periods are designed to provide a quiet space for students to get on with their studies or homework. Everyone is welcome at these sessions. When there are concerns about an individual’s academic performance, they may be asked to attend these after school sessions on certain days to encourage better work habits.

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Special Educational Needs & Disability

For all new Sixth Form students, we run a screening assessment to look for any possible difficulties with processing speed, reading or writing. This takes place early in the academic year and may involve further assessment in some circumstances. Existing Trinity students will already have been screened. The information gathered provides our Head of Learning Support, Mrs McDonald, with useful information and standardised scores which can form the basis of further investigation, if needed. The assessment in itself does not diagnose learning difficulties and is solely a snapshot that can provoke further discussion.

The Learning Support Department contacts all students new to Trinity with a SEND condition to ensure appropriate provision continues and an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) is drawn up. The IEP of those already at Trinity will continue unless new information is provided to Learning Support.

Access arrangements (including extra time and typing) may be possible if certain criteria stipulated by JCQ (Joint Council of Qualifications) are met. This almost always involves a ‘history of need’ of at least a term and evidence of two cognitive deficiencies across the whole curriculum. It is possible for an access arrangement to be lost if it is not used by the student, or the SEND condition is not exhibited in their lessons.

Any concerns regarding a potential SEND condition should be addressed to the Tutor in the first instance. The Tutor will ask all classroom teachers to build a picture of need across all subjects. After this point, the Head of Learning Support will suggest diagnostic assessments and produce an IEP (Individualised Education Plan).

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The Trinity Diploma

Through the Trinity Diploma, we encourage Sixth Formers to think beyond the curriculum and to engage critically with the world around them. We encourage self-motivation and independent thinking, enabling them to take responsibility for their wider development. This programme is timetabled for two periods each week throughout the Sixth Form. The Diploma consists of:

Trinity Diploma

Encouraging independent thinking

Leadership and community

Critical analysis skills

Extended academic project

Personal development

Enrichment

Academic projects

All Sixth Formers undertake some further independent study in their area of interest. Students apply to undertake either an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or a Sixth Form Project (SFP). This is designed to give students the opportunity to explore an area of interest by producing a developed, research-led, independent piece of work. This will enable all to explore an area of current and future interest as well to develop knowledge and evidence for a university application, personal statement, interview or apprenticeship application. Research

and project proposal skills, as well as time management and planning, are taught early on in the Diploma to enable students to put forward their project proposals in the Autumn Term before realising their plans in the Spring Term. Support is available from a supervisor and Diploma teachers. The culmination of these projects is in the Summer Term of Lower Sixth, when all Sixth Formers present and explain their work to an invited audience. There is also an EPQ presentation evening in the Autumn Term which all may attend.

Trinity School Sixth Form Handbook 2023 – 24 09

What is an Extended Project Qualification?

This is a research-based project involving an extended piece of writing, a reflective log and a final presentation. This is a more demanding qualification in terms of research and time commitment

– There are two types of project: a 5000-word report or an artefact with a shorter report

The EPQ is examined by the exam board AQA. It is worth the equivalent of half an A Level in terms of UCAS points. It forms part of a student’s exam components on a UCAS application and carries a predicted grade

– The EPQ is assessed according to an AQA mark scheme and each student is assigned an EPQ supervisor, who will provide further support and guidance for their project alongside the teaching led by the Diploma teacher

– There is a limited cohort size for the EPQ (normally around 60) and therefore we require students to apply by submitting a research proposal in the second half of the Autumn Term

What is a Sixth Form Project?

– This is a research-based project involving planning, a piece of writing and a final presentation

– The Sixth Form Project is assessed internally with skills sessions taught by the Diploma teacher. The best projects are awarded a distinction

– The skills sessions are the same as those delivered for the EPQ

– The Sixth Form Project is referenced in the school’s reference for UCAS as evidence of independent study and academic ability (as well as proof of the suitability of the student for undergraduate study) but it does not carry a predicted grade

– The Sixth Form Project is equally academic but does not require the detailed reflective journey of the EPQ

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Enrichment and electives

Critical thinking, research and study skills are key to A level success and beyond. Our timetabled Diploma lessons help students to hone these skills. All students undertake one four-week elective in the Spring Term of the Lower Sixth and two six-week electives in the Autumn Term of the Upper Sixth. We offer a wide choice of academic electives through which Sixth Formers can extend their subject interests. Recent elective courses have included: History of Art, Global Politics, Philosophy and Ethics, Physics and Space, Mathematical Modelling, An Introduction to Seismology, Psychology, Life on Earth and many more. Please see the Diploma course overview for further examples.

Critical analysis

Critical thinking and cogent lines of argument are key to A level success and beyond. Our Diploma teaching focuses on source analysis, note taking and evaluation as well as writing a thesis and structuring and drafting an essay.

Leadership and community

We aim to foster confident individuals, prepared for the world with leadership and teamwork skills, as well as a strong sense of citizenship and social enterprise. Many of our students volunteer for our mentor programme, through which they are trained and take on a role of mentor to some of our younger pupils. In addition, all Sixth Formers volunteer to work with local charities and organisations in both our Lower and Upper Sixth years, thereby learning important life skills and the value of service.

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Trinity Diploma course overview

We review our Diploma programme each year in response to student feedback and developments in the wider world in order to offer the most relevant provision, and to best equip them with the skills that will help them to succeed beyond Trinity. The overview for the 2023-24 academic year is as follows:

Lower Sixth personal development

Online reputation management

Party culture

Alcohol & drugs awareness

Employability & skills analysis

Mental health awareness

Relationships & sex education

Revision skills

Public speaking workshop

Self-reflection workshop

Global issues

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Academic projects

Exploring ideas & critical thinking

Project planning & time management

Evaluating sources & research

Reference & note-taking

Plagiarism & originality

Planning & structuring a draft

Reflection & redrafting a report

Presentation planning & delivery

Community

Volunteering

Careers & higher education

Mentoring & coaching

Leadership workshop

Entrepreneurial skills

School Leadership opportunities

Upper Sixth personal development

Stress management

Study skills

Preparing for university

Wellbeing & mental health

University finance

Self-reflection & aspiration

Self-defence

Networking

Safe travel

Enrichment & extension electives

Examples:

Anatomy of motion

Classical Greek

Debating

Critical approaches to film

Gender, power & identity across time

Economic geographies of food & fashion

Introduction to seismology

Mathematical modelling

Philosophy of visual language

Physics plus

Political theory

Presocratic philosophy

Psychology: mental illness

Smart investing for your future

Ethics

The evolution of buildings & structures

Competitive UCAS applications including Oxbridge and MDV preparation

Overseas university guidance & Apprenticeship guidance

One-to-one support for all future pathways

Art colleges & conservatoires (portfolios)

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Personal development

Further details of our personal development Programme underpins school life. The emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health of our Sixth Formers is of primary importance and we aim to build resilience and offer methods to alleviate stress as well as to prepare all for the world beyond. There is a strong network of pastoral support at Trinity made up of tutors, Heads of Year, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Head of Sixth Form, nurses with mental health training, counsellor and the Deputy Head of Pastoral. Further details on our Personal Development provision can be read later in this handbook.

Our programme of Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) is delivered through a combination of Diploma lessons, guest speakers, field days, tutor periods and our Sixth Form assemblies. We recognise the importance of our students’ spiritual, moral, social and social development (SMSC). Here is an example of the some of sessions that we deliver with our students’ personal development in mind, over the course of two years.

Trinity School Sixth Form Handbook 2023 – 24 13

Sixth Form personal development

Careers & future pathways

Higher Education Week

Personal statements

UCAS applications

Employability

Skills analysis

University wellbeing

Admissions test training

Interview training

Student finance

Apprenticeships

Health & wellbeing

Student welfare scheme

Drugs and alcohol awareness

Party culture

Online reputation management

Mental health awareness

Stress management

Self-defence

Healthy mindset

Healthy eating

Global & community engagement

Societal issues

Community volunteering placements for all

Mentoring

Global debates

Conversation starters

Inter-year sports

Trini-university challenge

Leadership & responsibility

Leadership day workshop

Public speaking workshop

Presentational skills

Prefect training

Mentor training

Sixth Form Council

EDI Committee

Study skills

Revision skills

Time management

Research and planning

Structuring a project

Research

Critical analysis

Moral & social values

Black History Month

Tolerance

Mutual respect

Rule of law

Equality, diversity and inclusivity

Bias & unconscious bias

Democracy

Relationships & sex education

Body image

Media representation

Consent and coercion

Contraception and STIs

Equality and sexism

Self-awareness & reflection

Aspirations and goals

Making targets

Success and individuality

Exam reflection

Coaching workshop

One-to-one mentoring

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Opportunities outside the classroom

To make the most of the Sixth Form at Trinity, we encourage all students to get involved with the many clubs, societies, music, drama and other opportunities available in school (such as participating in the Sixth Form Council). You may choose to participate, to lead sessions or to guide and mentor younger students. There is something for everyone. A full list of societies is in the school diary and we would encourage you to explore the options. Pre-university preparation sessions are also offered later in the Lower Sixth year and through the Autumn Term of the Upper Sixth. We encourage all to attend these sessions to support a UCAS application to a top university.

We also encourage activities outside school as long as they do not clash with school commitments (e.g. sports matches) or take such a lot of time that academic work suffers.

Employment

Research has shown that part-time employment, when kept to a few hours per week, can in fact improve the academic performance of Sixth Formers. However, it can become detrimental when it impinges on time that should be spent on academic work or causes additional stress or tiredness. Much depends on individual circumstances such as work ethic, ability and other commitments; however, one day at the weekend may be appropriate provided the above conditions are met. We would strongly discourage evening jobs during the school week, and certainly in the run up to exams. Ideally, paid work should not continue after Easter in either the Lower or Upper Sixth.

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Attendance

All Sixth Formers must ensure that they are on-site by 8.15am and that they have registered with their tutors at 8.30am. They must attend all school and Sixth Form assemblies. Late arrival is not permitted, even if the Sixth Former has free periods at the start of the day. These are the more detailed arrangements for when and how Sixth Formers can be absent from school, other than for illness:

– The Sixth Form Centre is open from 7.30am until 5.30pm (sometimes later if there is an after-school event)

– Sixth Formers must attend all timetabled sessions including Games and the Diploma programme and supervised private study (if relevant). They must arrive on time with necessary materials

Sixth Formers requesting time off school for a day visit or interview for higher education, sponsorship or permanent employment, should complete an absence request on My School Portal which will be considered and approved by the Head of Year. A relevant exeat form may be required in order to inform teachers of the lessons that will be missed

Sixth Formers requesting time off for specialist medical or dental appointments or a driving test should complete an absence request on My School Portal which the tutor will consider and approve. Please note, routine medical and dental appointments and driving lessons must be arranged outside school hours

Except at lunchtime/breaktime (see below), Lower Sixth Formers should not leave school before 3.45pm, even if they have free periods at the end of a day. Upper Sixth Formers may go home after lunchtime registration, provided they have no afternoon lessons or afterschool commitments. They must follow proper registration and signing out procedures. If a Sixth Former is on ‘supervised private study’ as a result of underperformance, the option of leaving early will be temporarily withdrawn until effort improves

Break and lunch times

– Sixth Formers have the privilege of being allowed to leave the school at break time and/ or lunchtime in order to have a short walk or to visit the shops across the road. They must not bring fast food onto the school site. They must not use cars, public transport or enter licensed premises when leaving the school for these purposes. We advise them to remain in groups when leaving the school. This privilege can be withdrawn if it is abused, for example by the Sixth Former returning to school late for lessons or registration

– Sixth Formers who leave or return to school premises during the school day (except at break or lunch or at the end of the day) must sign out and in at the school office

All other requests for a leave of absence from school for more than one day (other than university interviews) must be made to the Senior Deputy Head by parents in writing, well in advance of the event, explaining the exceptional circumstances.

For all absences, it is up to the Sixth Former to ensure that they find out any assignments set in their absence and catch up on any missed work.

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Dress & appearance

Details of our uniform code are available in the school diary and on our website. We expect students to take pride in their appearance and to be clean and tidy: as such, uniform should be worn at all times and in the correct manner, including to and from school and when representing the School, unless specific relaxations are in place.

The school is proud of its diversity, and the individuality of each member of its community: whilst there is inevitably a sense of ‘uniformity’ about uniform, we strive to provide an inclusive and collaborative environment for all students. Any parent or student who is unsure about the suitability of particular items of clothing, or who would like to discuss reasonable adjustments to this uniform code, is advised to discuss this with the Head of Sixth Form, prior to it being worn. In matters of Sixth Form dress and appearance, the final arbiter of what is acceptable is the Head of Sixth Form, and ultimately the Senior Deputy Head.

Sixth Form uniform

The overall effect of Sixth Form clothing should be one of smartness and appropriateness within a formal context. Sixth Form students should wear smart, formal clothing comprising::

– A tailored, formal suit: either a trouser suit or a matching jacket and skirt (skirt lengths should be just above the knee or lower than the knee); a discreet belt, through belt loops, may be worn, if required.

– Either a formal shirt and tie, or a collared blouse (light in colour).

– Formal and flat black, dark navy or dark brown polishable shoes.

Where necessary, in cold weather:

– Overcoats (dark in colour), with no slogans, may be worn. If worn in the day coats should be removed before entering classrooms for lessons, or for assemblies.

– A fine knit, plain, smart jumper or cardigan may be worn over, but not instead of, a shirt and under, but not instead of, a jacket. Hooded tops, tracksuit tops or sweatshirt tops are not permitted. Jumpers should not have large logos or slogans.

Hair, facial hair and piercings should be appropriate in a formal setting, and safe for all school activities. Notably:

Hair should be smart, neat, off the face, of a natural colour and tied back for activities such as Games, Science, Art and DT.

– Discreet make-up and jewellery may be worn, although jewellery should be removed for PE lessons/ sports events. Tattoos must not be visible, and facial piercings should not be worn in school.

Facial hair is permitted in the Sixth Form but should be short and well maintained.

Trinity specified kit must be worn for games afternoons and sports events.

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Property

Adjacent to the Sixth Form Centre is a large cloakroom for Sixth Formers to store their bags and coats. The cloakroom also has charging lockers for devices, and the Sixth Form Centre is equipped with multiple charging points. Students must ensure that devices are never left unattended, and are stored securely when not in use.

Mobile phones must be switched off during assemblies and lesson times and not used in school corridors.

All valuable property, including phones, bank cards, cash and other electronic devices must be secured in lockers or handed to staff at the start of games lessons, matches or training sessions.

Trinity accepts no responsibility for loss of personal property and students who bring their own personal electronic devices into school do so at their own risk. Valuables, including mobile phones, should be covered by parents’ household insurance or by a specific insurance policy for that item.

Whole school rules

The school rules apply to Sixth Formers. They are set out in the school diary.

Driving to school

Sixth Formers may not drive onto the school site unless permission has been given in advance from the Head of Year for a particular reason (e.g. some bulky equipment for a project). Sixth Formers may not park on the school site or on the Sandilands site. They should park in local roads and must be mindful of the need to observe the Highway Code and all legal requirements. They must show proper regard for the interests of the local residents. Sixth Formers may not use their car during lunch or break time but can do so to drive to school activities (e.g. Games lessons at Sandilands on a Wednesday afternoon, or sports fixtures during and outside of normal school time).

We strongly advise that Sixth Formers should not drive other pupils without the written permission of both their own parent and the parent of their passenger. Equally, they should not accept lifts from others without this prior permission. We would also recommend that they check their insurance policies carefully, as some insurers will not accept giving lifts to other students to or from a school related activity as ‘SDP’.

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Sixth Form awards commendations

Sixth Formers may receive an Academic Commendation for exceptional effort or achievement and a General Commendation for other outstanding behaviour or commitment. Academic Prizes are awarded at the end of each year, as well as Scholar’s Ties and Scholar’s Badges for excellent Lower Sixth exam results. Society Ties and School Colours are awarded for outstanding contributions to running societies and for major contributions to school teams in the Sixth Form.

Detentions & sanctions

The school’s Behaviour and Sanctions Policy can be found on the website. There is a Sixth Form detention which usually runs on a Friday from 4.00pm - 6.00pm. A letter will be sent home from the teacher concerned. Detentions are also issued by the Heads of Year or Sixth Form Team for inappropriate behaviour.

If three Friday Detentions are given in one year, a Sixth Former is likely to receive a Saturday Detention which will take place from 9.30am-11.30am on a Saturday morning. A letter will be sent home and we will phone the parents. Depending on the circumstances the Sixth Former may also be placed on supervised private study.

Saturday Detentions are also given for other serious breaches of discipline such as being absent from a lesson or study period without permission.

A Report Card is an alternative sanction that may be used in the Sixth Form. This may require the Sixth Former to remain on the school site at all times during the school day, losing the privilege of being able to leave the school site. Report Cards may also require the student to check in with a member of staff at certain times and are only used for a defined period.

A Sixth Form Community is a sanction issued which can be issued by a member of the Sixth Form Team for poor behaviour or behaviour that does not promote a positive community atmosphere. This usually takes place on a Friday at 4.00pm for about 20 minutes and involves undertaking a job within the Sixth Form Centre.

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Careers & higher education

Trinity students take many different directions after completion of A-levels. Advice and support are available on all of these from the Careers Department, Sixth Form Team and relevant subject specialists. Sixth Formers usually start with Unifrog (a web-based platform covering university selection at home and overseas, apprenticeships and careers choices) and the materials on the Careers and Universities pages of Ludus, in particular the ‘Careers & Universities’ pages. These pages are also accessible to parents.

We run assemblies and Higher Education sessions throughout the Lower Sixth including a Higher Education week in June. We also deliver an Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Overseas University evening in January, alongside a General UCAS Information Evening also in January, which all parents may attend.

Degree and Higher apprenticeships are increasing in number and reputation and are worth exploring for students who are ready to join the world of work. Entry to many university courses and apprenticeship schemes is very competitive, so we help Sixth Formers to identify their strengths, improve their experience and develop their work-ready skills. They can work with the Careers Department staff to develop a strong CV, arrange interview practice and gain confidence in networking.

We encourage Sixth Formers to be pro-active in their research, as the choice of their post-A level pathway is a very individual one, and the entry requirements for courses and apprenticeships change every year. Some may be excited by the opportunity to study abroad (either as a placement within a UK based course, or in substitution for a UK university application). Others may want to take a Gap year before progressing to work or university. Experience overseas often results in improved success in later job applications and Gap year students usually find it easier to manage the challenges of independence and self-directed learning at university. There are many companies that help to structure “organised Gap year schemes” and details of these, along with other options, are available from the Careers Department and listed on the Gap year Ludus page. Please contact Mr Mark Aldridge (mia@ trinity.croydon.sch.uk), Head of Futures, if you would like further guidance.

For Sixth Formers who want to build their knowledge of particular industries and careers before making their choice, we promote work experience schemes, insight days, residential courses and taster sessions offered by employers and universities. Details are circulated to students via Unifrog emails (roughly fortnightly). Parents can access these via their child in Unifrog.

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How parents can help

Take a keen, supportive and unbiased interest in your child’s views

– Encourage realistic ambition

– Promote open minded thinking: some Sixth Formers need encouragement to think more broadly about the possible options

– Help them to network – talking to other parents, family friends and fellow employees at your workplace are all good ways for your child to find out more about particular industries and what employers look for. They can then use their time in Sixth Form to build a suitable portfolio of skills

Plan with your child to visit 5-7 universities, particularly during holidays; they should be encouraged to make the arrangements themselves. Students may attend two open days in term time, others must be in holidays or at weekends; www.opendays.com is a good source of information. Please help us to ensure that students follow the correct procedure, completing an Exeat Form for term time visits

Trinity School Sixth Form Handbook 2023 – 24 21

Staff providing support for higher education and careers issues

Mr Pietersen, Head of Sixth Form, alongside Mr Paterson, Assistant Head of Futures, oversee and co-ordinate Oxbridge applications. jep@trinity.croydon.sch.uk / jap@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

Mr Aldridge, Head of Futures, can advise on all UCAS application questions and UK university courses and requirements. mia@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

The Head of Futures, Mr Aldridge, in conjunction with the Head of Careers, Mrs HarveyShipp, advise on work experience, apprenticeships, overseas university choices, Gap years, sponsorship, student finance and UK university options.

Subject Specialists / Heads of Department can provide subject-specific guidance, and advise on academic suitability for certain courses, as well as provide a view on career prospects beyond university.

Tutors can help in many ways, from discussing aspirations to helping in planning visits; students should keep their tutor well informed about their thoughts and progress.

22

Sixth Form timeline

Lower Sixth Event

Lower Sixth Parents and Tutors Welcome Evening

Parents’ Evening

Sixth Form Project proposals & EPQ applications First A Level subject drop window

UCAS, Oxbridge, MDVs and Overseas University Information Evenings

Progress Tests

Second A Level subject drop window

Written report Sixth Form Project deadline

first draft deadline

of year examinations

Higher Education Week EPQ presentation evening UCAS grades

(week before half term)

(after half term)

Date
September
November
December
January
February
March EPQ
May
June
End
June Trinity School Sixth Form Handbook 2023 – 24 23

Upper Sixth Event Date

Resit exams

Tutors’ and Parents’ Evening

UCAS applications submitted

Written reports

Before the start of term

September

December

University interviews & university offers received Nov-March (most likely)

Mock examinations

Parents’ Evening

Further mock examinations

University offers accepted / declined Student finance deadlines

A Level examinations start and study leave Graduation Evening

Leavers’ Ball

Post results advisory service

March

April INSET day

April-May

May onwards

June

August

24
Telephone 020 8656 9541 Web trinity-school.org

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