Cottenham Sixth Formwww.cvcweb.net

Introduction

Cottenham Village College Sixth Form will open in September 2011 following a £6.5 million building programme. The new sixth form is a result of the College gaining High Performing Specialist Status in October 2008 and being given permission to expand from an 11- 16 school to an 11-19 school.

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Post 16 provision in the Cambridge area

For many years, provision for students wishing to continue their education beyond the statutory age of 16 years has been successfully provided by sixth form and further education colleges together with schools with existing sixth forms. These institutions provide a comprehensive range of courses, particularly for students studying at GCE Advanced Level and equivalent e.g. International Baccalaureate. In planning our sixth form provision we were mindful that the high quality of such courses attracted most of our year 11 leavers and would continue to do so.We have decided, therefore, that the Village College’s new sixth form will concentrate on providing vocational courses in a number of practical areas, particularly for students who may find much larger institutions too daunting.

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Our courses

In September 2011 Cottenham Village College will offer courses in the following vocational areas:Information and communication technology (ICT)• Media studies• Catering and hospitality• Construction• Sport and leisure• Hair and beautyThese will be offered predominantly at foundation level and level 2 BTEC with opportunities to progress beyond to level 3.A range of academic options at level 2 (GCSE) and above can be provided depending on interest.

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Your programme of study

The exact details of your programme of study will depend on your interests and skills. Typically built around the main areas of vocational provision, we will create a programme of study that helps you to achieve your goals matched to your ability. All students will:• study functional skills in English, maths and IT• develop personal learning and thinking skills• create a personal project on a related topic• engage in work experience• participate in sporting activities• have access to a wide range of extra-curricular activities

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Facilities

The new facilities, currently under construction, will open in spring 2011 ready for the first cohort of sixth form students in September 2011.There are two new buildings: the larger one housing the ICT and media suites, together with a fully functioning training restaurant and kitchen, a hair and beauty salon and study and seminar rooms. This building will also be a base for our 11 to 16 students with language and hearing difficulties.The second building houses facilities for construction trades e.g. brick-laying, plumbing, painting and decorating. Students who successfully enrol on one of our sixth form courses will have the opportunity to use all of the College’s facilities.There are extensive sports facilities which include a sports hall, gymnasium, all-weather floodlit astroturf pitch and a well-stocked library and resource centre.

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WiFi internet access is provided throughout our buildings and we have a large number of well-resourced ICT suites.The Cottenham Village College prospectus has details of the many opportunities available for students.

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Cottenham is just north of Cambridge City Centre. The Citi7 stops at the end of our drive and runs every 10 minutes. We also have a large network of school buses and a fleet of minibuses.For more information about transport options please contact the college.

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M11

A14

A14

A10

Rampton

Histon

LandbeachWaterbeach

Milton

Fen Ditton

Chesterton

Girton

Oakington

Longstanton

Bar Hill

Dry Drayton

Longstanton

Cottenham

Cambridge

B1049

B1050

B1047

Information for new students

We take pride in the excellent relationships built up over many years with schools across the Cambridge area. We will visit your school regularly so that we can meet you, your parents and your teachers to find out more about you and to help you build your personal curriculum programme.

We will run a series of workshops, visits and activities so that you can get to know us better and learn more about your programme and the other opportunities available to you.Most sixth form students will have a full programme of activities lasting all day, five days a week. This might include work experience days, supported private study and other events both at college and elsewhere.Sixth form students do not wear a uniform but should dress appropriately for a working environment. Courses like construction, hair, beauty and catering require specific clothing that is both safe and appropriate for these areas. Uniforms and other special equipment will usually be provided for you although you may need to purchase some items which you will then be able to take with you when you leave.

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Students with learning difficulties

Cottenham Village College has a long tradition of successfully teaching students with special needs. We have a team of well-trained and experienced teachers and teaching assistants who work with groups and individual students, helping them to learn and make good progress through their time in school. From September 2011 this expertise will be made available for our new sixth formers.We particularly welcome students from Cambridge area special schools for whom the blend of vocational courses and further study, within a small school setting, may be attractive and appropriate.

Admission to the sixth form

Admission to Cottenham Village College is not dependent on previous academic success.We do however insist on prospective students having a background of motivation and commitment, together with a recommendation from their school that they would benefit from a sixth form course.In offering a place in the sixth form we will be considering the following factors:• the recommendation you have from your present school or college• your year 11 school or college report• your intention to benefit from the course applied for• a positive attitude and desire to succeed.• the number of places available.

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Cottenham Sixth Form

Cottenham Village College High Street Cottenham Cambridge CB24 8UAPhone: 01954 288 944 Fax: 01954 288 949E-mail: office@cvcweb.net Web: www.cvcweb.net