SIXTH FORM LIMITLESS AMBITION OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD DISCOVERING CHARACTER PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
OFSTED, JULY 2013 “TEACHERS KNOW THE CAPABILITIES OF THEIR STUDENTS AND THE INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT THEY EACH NEED.”
OFSTED, JULY 2013 “EVERY STUDENT IS KNOWN: HOW WELL THEY ARE DOING, WHAT THEY COULD ATTAIN AND ANY PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MIGHT IMPACT ON THEIR ACHIEVEMENT OR WELL-BEING.”
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INTRODUCTION Thank you for considering Bedford Academy Sixth Form for your A Level or Vocational courses. This is an exciting time to be studying at Bedford Academy; we have an energetic, innovative and forward thinking school community that has high expectations of every student. Bedford Academy consistently supports its Sixth Form students to secure outstanding outcomes. We are particularly proud of our most recent results, securing a 100% pass rate across all subjects for Year 13 and securing “outstanding� A Level student performance. In 2014 over 22% of A Level entries resulted in an A or A* and over 40% in a B grade or better. 96% of students secured 3 A*-E, with more students supported to take up places at University each year. In 2014 students started degree courses at a diverse mix of Universities including Cambridge, Queen Mary and Nottingham.
Our relatively small size enables us to deliver personalised student support. You will be supported by our dedicated Sixth Form tutor team to secure best possible outcomes as well as to develop your character. We will develop your team working, leadership and independent working skills, ensuring you are ready to take the next step in your education or training. All students at Bedford Academy benefit from an extensive range of enrichment activities as well as the highest quality advice and guidance. We are proud to deliver our outstanding curriculum in our unrivalled, brand new, state of the art facilities. Our teachers will ensure you make excellent use of new technologies to support your learning and prepare you for University, training or employment. Alongside higher volumes of teaching time, we will ensure you are inspired to achieve outstanding results. I look forward to welcoming you to our Sixth Form.
C Smith CLAIRE SMITH PRINCIPAL
SIXTH FORM LIMITLESS AMBITION OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD DISCOVERING CHARACTER PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
LIMITLESS AMBITION 2014 EXAM RESULTS 100% Pass Rate for Year 13 across all subjects 22% A*-A across all A Level subjects 40% A*-B across all A Level subjects
SADIAH RAHMAN “AMBITION IS ALL ABOUT BELIEVING IN YOURSELF. I PLAN TO GO TO UNIVERSITY AND BECOME A RELIGIOUS STUDIES TEACHER. DURING MY TIME IN SIXTH FORM I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WORK WITH STUDENTS IN KS3 TO HAVE A TASTER OF HOW TEACHING LIFE IS GOING TO BE AND TO DISCOVER WHICH OF MY STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES I NEED TO WORK ON AND DEVELOP.”
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HIGH ASPIRATIONS Personal Professional Development (PPD) programme specially designed to support students going through the UCAS application process PPD programme also includes sessions led by our careers team on other pathways after Sixth Form, such as Higher Apprenticeships Every student will experience at least one university taster day to support them in making decisions about university Students will have access to our dedicated careers team for drop-ins and one-to-one careers interviews Students will have the opportunity to speak to a range of our Alumni members to ask them specific questions about university life Parent and student talks calendared throughout the year to support UCAS and finance application processes One-to-one meetings with tutors in preparation for UCAS references
AARON WILLIAMS “MY GOAL IS TO BECOME A PE TEACHER. ON THE BACK OF ACHIEVING A DISTINCTION* IN BTEC SPORT LEVEL 2 AND STUDYING LEVEL 3 IN SIXTH FORM, THE ACADEMY HAS GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT IN THE TEACHING OF YEAR 7 AND YEAR 8 AT KS3. THIS HAS ALLOWED ME TO UNDERSTAND THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TEACHERS WORK ON A DAILY BASIS AND TO EXPERIENCE THE STRESSES AND STRAINS THEY FACE FOR MYSELF.”
BEDFORD ACADEMY SIXTH FORM HONOURS PROGRAMME We offer an Honours programme for our high achieving students. This programme is staff-led and gives students the level of support required when making applications to highly competitive universities. The programme builds on a student’s skill set by ensuring they are prepared with the level of experience required for a successful application, as well as ensuring any interviews or entry tests are fully prepared for.
SIXTH FORM LIMITLESS AMBITION OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD DISCOVERING CHARACTER PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
ZAYN SATTAR “IN ADDITION TO MY STUDIES AT BEDFORD ACADEMY SIXTH FORM I HAVE BEEN THE SALES DIRECTOR FOR MY YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME WHICH HELPED DEVELOP MY COMMUNICATION SKILLS. AS A TEAM WE WORKED REALLY WELL TOGETHER AND WON OUR REGIONAL EVENT AT CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY.”
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“I AM ALSO INVOLVED IN THE PEER MENTORING SCHEME WHICH HAS ALLOWED ME TO HELP YOUNGER STUDENTS BE SUCCESSFUL. THIS ACTIVITY HAS ALSO ENABLED ME TO DEVELOP MY EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND BECOME MORE APPROACHABLE.”
OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD Successful young people have well developed leadership skills. At Bedford Academy Sixth Form we ensure that you have lots of opportunities to develop them. Working effectively in teams is an important part of any job or career. Being able to lead others will help separate you from the crowd, to make sure you are first choice in a university or job interview.
YOUNG ENTERPRISE Every Sixth Former has the opportunity to get involved with this team challenge centred around taking your own product to market. You will earn a real profit whilst having loads of fun, learning how businesses operate first hand and developing your self-confidence, initiative and team working skills. Your Young Enterprise team will need a Chief Executive, Finance Director, Marketing Director and lots of other roles to work together to make it a success. Will you be the next Chairperson of the board?
LEADING LEARNING As role models for our younger students you will be given the opportunity to work with them in lessons. You can benefit from a wide range of experience from supporting students in lessons, to planning and delivering your own small group sessions! Leading work with other students will help develop your presentation skills and self-confidence.
LEADING OUR TUTOR PROGRAMME Sixth Form students have their own tutor groups within a Learning Village. As part of your contribution to the Academy you will work to develop and deliver tutor activities to the younger year groups. These are likely to be numeracy or literacy related and will require you to develop exciting and engaging activities from your own ideas. You will be given all the support you need to make sure each activity is a real success.
SIXTH FORM LIMITLESS AMBITION OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD DISCOVERING CHARACTER PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD STEERING TEAMS
LEADING ENRICHMENT
At Bedford Academy we value the contribution that everyone can make and the improvements everyone can suggest. Our students lead Sixth Form improvement themselves through our Steering Teams. Students work together to identify ways to contribute to a wide range of issues including charitable or voluntary work, to the Sixth Form social experience or to embrace diversity in our community. You will have an opportunity not only to get involved, but to lead the work of these teams.
We have an extensive range of enrichment activities happening every evening at Bedford Academy and as a member of our Sixth Form you will be given the opportunity to lead your own enrichment. You will be given the support of working with members of staff to develop your planned sessions and to recruit the students. All we need from you is a passion for your chosen enrichment and the enthusiasm to get others involved!
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SURMA SHAH “SIXTH FORM LIFE AT BEDFORD ACADEMY PROVIDES ME WITH AN OUTSTANDING LEARNING EXPERIENCE, WHICH HELPS TO PREPARE ME FOR FUTURE DEMANDS. TAKING UP THE ROLE OF HEAD GIRL HAS ENABLED ME TO GET INVOLVED IN DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF WHAT THIS SCHOOL HAS TO OFFER, WHILST MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND BUILDING MY CHARACTER IN THE PROCESS.”
PREFECT SYSTEM “THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES, WHICH ARE BENEFICIAL IN BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN THEM. THIS SIXTH FORM IS AN EXCELLENT EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY THAT IS DEDICATED TO ENSURING EVERY STUDENT PROSPERS AS AN INDIVIDUAL.”
At the top of our prefect system is our Head Boy and Head Girl. These leadership roles are crucial in ensuring every Bedford Academy student has a voice and is listened to. They lead the work of the Academy Council, helping to continue to improve the experience of all students studying at Bedford Academy Sixth Form. There are prefects representing every Village, so many opportunities exist for you to get involved in Sixth Form leadership.
SIXTH FORM LIMITLESS AMBITION OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD DISCOVERING CHARACTER PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
WILLIAM DILLING “BEDFORD ACADEMY HAS BEEN FANTASTIC IN PROVIDING ME WITH LOTS OF DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES. EVERY MORNING I HELP YOUNGER CHILDREN TO IMPROVE THEIR READING SKILLS. I GET A REAL SENSE OF SATISFACTION AND ACHIEVEMENT FROM THIS AND IT IS GOOD PREPARATION FOR MY FUTURE CAREER AS A TEACHER.”
“I ALSO LOVE TO HELP OUT AT EVENTS WHERE I CAN TALK TO PARENTS. I GET TO IMPROVE MY CONFIDENCE, COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND TO HELP OTHERS. I’VE ALSO BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE BBC SCHOOL REPORT, USING THE ACADEMY’S MACS AND GREEN SCREEN TO HELP TELL OUR STORY. THE TEACHERS HERE ARE FANTASTIC AND HELPED ME TO DO THINGS I WOULDN’T HAVE DONE OTHERWISE.”
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Character is important to us here at Bedford Academy Sixth Form, therefore we strive to provide our students with the best experiences beyond lessons to allow their confidence, teamwork, determination, enthusiasm and thirst for success to thrive. Here is just a taster of some of the opportunities we encourage all of our Sixth Form students to become involved in...
SPORT We have a dedicated team of Sixth Form Senior Sports Leaders who are responsible for aiding teaching staff in the delivery of sports events and programmes, both inside and outside of the Academy. Many Sixth Form students decide to participate and even assist staff in delivering high quality enrichment to younger students in a range of sporting activities. Some students take advantage of the targeted gym enrichment that is available and use this as an opportunity to develop their understanding of health, fitness and the benefits of exercise. Students are also given the opportunity to assist in Sports Festivals and whole-Academy events such as Sports Relief, fixture involvement and Sports Day.
DISCOVERING CHARACTER CAMP AMERICA Students who are 18+ can work in America for a summer period at a variety of challenging and exciting summer camps. Jobs include direct care counsellors, activity staff, lifeguards and programme specific staff. We work with students who wish to take on this challenge.
RAG (RAISE AND GIVE) A dedicated team that provides fundraising opportunities for Sixth Form students to get involved in.
STUDENT CONFERENCES AND UNIVERSITY TASTERS Within their subjects, students will have the opportunity to attend a range of conferences and subject-specific trips aimed at broadening their knowledge and understanding. Preparation for life after Sixth Form is also a priority for us and therefore a wide range of university-related trips run annually to support students in making their decision about their next steps. We also ensure students gain access to information and learning on other options after Sixth Form so that we can be sure that our students are making an informed decision about what they want to do next.
SIXTH FORM MEDIA TEAM A student-led team that uses traditional and digital media platforms to bring the latest news on our Sixth Form to the whole Bedford Academy community.
MATHS TEAM CHALLENGE An opportunity to develop mathematical dexterity as well as your team working and communication skills.
SIXTH FORM LIMITLESS AMBITION OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD DISCOVERING CHARACTER PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
DISCOVERING CHARACTER SOCIAL AND EXPERIENCE TEAM
MOCK TRIAL ENRICHMENT
A student-led team responsible for planning trips and social events for our Sixth Form students.
An enrichment group led by one of our members of staff who holds a degree in Law. The team works on preparing for prosecution and defence on fictional cases in order for trials to be heard in front of a judging panel of experts.
NCS (NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICE) We provide every Sixth Form student with the opportunity to join the programme. We work closely with NCS to provide up-to-date information on what the programme entails and the fantastic experience it gives our students.
SIXTH FORM DEBATING TEAM Together with the Harpur Trust schools, Bedford Academy regularly competes in parliamentary style debates on a variety of motions, from the world of current affairs to pealing back the celebrity veneer of Hollywood. Have the sciences progressed our society further than the arts? Did Scotland make the right decision to remain part of the union? Are entertainment awards self-indulgent? Does Father Christmas exist? Debating increases social and political awareness whilst providing a platform to speak on matters normally not discussed on a day to day basis. Students also develop in confidence and ability to persuade.
COMMUNITY AND OUTREACH A team which has established and nurtures links between Bedford Academy and a range of community groups on a local, national and international level.
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AKLIMA ISLAM “TEACHERS AT BEDFORD ACADEMY OFFER SO MUCH TO HELP YOU GET INVOLVED. I’VE BEEN THE MARKETING DIRECTOR FOR MY YOUNG ENTERPRISE COMPANY WHICH IS REALLY HELPING ME TO UNDERSTAND HOW A BUSINESS WORKS.”
“IT WAS A REAL HONOUR TO BE ASKED TO CAPTAIN OUR DEBATING TEAM WHICH HAS HELPED DEVELOP MY LEADERSHIP SKILLS. I HAVE RECRUITED A WHOLE TEAM AROUND ME AND HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DECIDING WHO’S GOING TO BE BEST FOR EACH ROLE. I KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO GET INVOLVED IN THESE OPPORTUNITIES AS THEY WILL LOOK GREAT ON MY UCAS FORM.” SIXTH FORM LIMITLESS AMBITION OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD DISCOVERING CHARACTER PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE Sixth Form takes our students on an exciting journey that is designed to meet the needs and expectations of every individual.
STUDENT BURSARY Our students can apply for a bursary at the start of the academic year (based on parental income) to support them in ensuring they have the necessary equipment for life in Sixth Form.
INDEPENDENCE Our Sixth Form students are given a wealth of opportunity to develop their independence, both inside and out of the classroom. Our Sixth Form is steered by our students who are highly motivated to lead in building their Sixth Form community through wide-ranging projects, events, and social activities, as well as taking on responsibilities in supporting our younger students at the Academy. Students are entitled to private study periods, and subject to progress and attendance, are awarded with home study sessions as they move towards the exam season.
WAYNE INSTRELL “BEDFORD ACADEMY HAS HELPED ME DEVELOP MY CHARACTER. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN MANY OPPORTUNITIES DURING MY TIME AT THE ACADEMY INCLUDING BEING A SPORTS LEADER, WHICH HAS HELPED ME TO TAKE UP VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES AT LOCAL SCHOOLS HELPING TO RUN COACHING SESSIONS AND SPORTS DAYS.”
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OUR TUTOR TEAM Our dedicated Sixth Form tutor team are on-hand to support our students throughout their studies. Tutors are a central part to our support system, as they provide the pastoral link that we know our students benefit from. Students use their time with tutors to prepare for the week ahead, as well as participating and leading a wide-range of whole-school and Sixth Form-only initiatives. These include leading and mentoring in intervention sessions with younger students, competing in inter-form challenges in the hope of winning the Sixth Form Achievement League title, and engaging in one-to-one meetings with tutors to support their own academic progress. Tutor time is a busy time with a packed programme designed to support students in their skill development.
“BEING A MENTOR AND PREFECT HAS HELPED ME TO PASS ON MY EXPERIENCE AND GIVE ADVICE TO THE YOUNGER AGE GROUPS WITHIN THE ACADEMY AS WELL BEING ABLE TO ASSIST AT EVENTS SUCH AS OPEN EVENINGS AND TRANSITION DAYS. MY AIM IS TO BECOME A PE TEACHER, INSPIRE YOUNGER STUDENTS AND TO BE AS ENTHUSIASTIC AND PASSIONATE AS THE PE STAFF HAVE BEEN AT THE ACADEMY ABOUT STUDENTS AND SPORT.” SIXTH FORM LIMITLESS AMBITION OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD DISCOVERING CHARACTER PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
ACADEMIC SUPPORT Our priority is to ensure that every student in our Sixth Form succeeds and fulfils their potential. Therefore our academic support is very much a personalised experience which caters for the individual needs of our students. Staff work closely with our students to explore what works well for them in their learning, and we are able to take this and provide the best possible experience to extend learning beyond day-to-day lessons. Such support may include: Tutor mentoring to support organisation and prioritisation of work Trips to conferences to build on learning Wider learning opportunities through other academic trips Academic enrichments during and after school One-to-one mentoring sessions with subject specialists Contact with Alumni students for Q&A sessions Moodle forums to support with private study and extended learning tasks and projects
ROSALBA BIONDO “I JOINED BEDFORD ACADEMY IN YEAR 12 AND HAVE REALLY ENJOYED STUDYING BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY A LEVELS. I WOULD LIKE TO GO ONTO TO STUDY BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES AT UNIVERSITY. I HAVE ALWAYS TRIED MY HARDEST TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND I AM REALLY GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES THE STAFF AT BEDFORD ACADEMY HAVE GIVEN ME.”
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“THEY ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT I WAS GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL, EVEN WHEN MY ENGLISH SKILLS WERE STILL DEVELOPING WHEN I FIRST JOINED THE SCHOOL. I WAS ABLE TO STUDY THE SUBJECTS THAT I WANTED TO DO AND I NOW FEEL MUCH MORE CONFIDENT IN BOTH MY ACADEMIC STUDIES AND AROUND SCHOOL. I HAVE ALSO BEEN A SENIOR PREFECT WHICH HAS HELPED TO DEVELOP MY SELF-CONFIDENCE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS.”
PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE SUPPORT IN ALL AREAS OF SIXTH FORM LIFE We recognise that the transition from GCSE to A Level is huge, and therefore we work closely with our students and staff to ensure that we can make this transition as smooth and rewarding as possible. We offer a mixture of academic and non-academic support through our student-led progress coaching team. Our team are trained and ready for any questions that new students may have, and are here to sign post students who are new to Sixth Form or who are just finding Sixth Form a little tough at times, to all areas of support that may be required. Students also offer a subject specialism which is something that is thought about carefully when we pair our students to progress coaches. Our team offers just that extra bit of support that some of our students want and need.
SIXTH FORM LIMITLESS AMBITION OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD DISCOVERING CHARACTER PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
OFSTED, JULY 2013 “THE EXTENDED CURRICULUM IS VERY IMPRESSIVE, WITH A WIDE RANGE AND VARIETY OF EXTENSION AND ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES PROVIDED EACH DAY, INCLUDING SPORT, MUSIC AND CREATIVE ARTS.”
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OFSTED, JULY 2013 “ASSESSMENT IS USED EXCEPTIONALLY WELL TO DRIVE IMPROVEMENT.”
SIXTH FORM LIMITLESS AMBITION OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD DISCOVERING CHARACTER PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
Bedford Academy Mile Road Bedford MK42 9TR 01234 301500 info@bedfordacademy.co.uk www.bedfordacademy.co.uk