Sixth Form Parents Guide

For the latest college news and to find out more about our courses visit our website:reading-college.ac.uk

reading-college.ac.uk/parentsguide reading-college.ac.uk

Kings Road Reading RG1 4HJ

Website: reading-college.ac.uk

Course enquiries: 0800 371 434 e-mail: [email protected] College is a limited company registered in England and Wales Registered address: Kings Road Reading RG1 4HJ Registered company no.: 07253475VAT no.: 991 293 095 Registered charity no.: 1137003

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reading-college.ac.uk/parentsguide reading-college.ac.uk

Course enquiries: 0800 371 434 e-mail: [email protected] College is a limited company registered in England and Wales Registered address: Kings Road Reading RG1 4HJ Registered company no.: 07253475VAT no.: 991 293 095 Registered charity no.: 1137003

Parents Guide2011


reading-college.ac.uk/parentsguide reading-college.ac.uk/courseinfo

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Welcomemessage from Lesley Donoghue

Parents play a key role in helping their children make important decisions about their lives. This guide is designed to help you assist your children in making a properly informed choice about their future.

The Sixth Form Academy provides a broad range of subjects, which exceeds other providers in the area. There are 20 subjects at A level, a Level 2 Science qualification and Modern Foreign Languages. We have a large team of highly qualified and experienced subject specialists working in excellent subject dedicated base rooms. The team are highly committed to the success of the individual learner.

We look forward to working with you in support of your child’s needs and in motivating them to succeed.

Lesley DonoghuePrincipal

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Why choose us?



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There are five reasons to choose the Sixth Form Academy:

• Wide choice of subjects and courses • Experienced and dedicated staff • Valuing each individual student • Rising pass rates and high grade passes • Good value-added performance.

SafeguardingWe take the safety of our students extremely seriously and it is imperative that all students feel safe and secure on campus. As part of our Safeguarding policy, all staff have a current Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check and have recently completed a Safeguarding qualification. Safeguarding is also covered in tutorials where topics relating to personal safety and anti-bullying are covered.

Pass ratesThe Sixth Form Academy is increasingly proud of the examination results its students achieve. This reflects the substantial effort and commitment of both staff and students.

The A level pass rate for 2010 was 98%, with 30% high grade A/B passes. The AS level pass rate for 2010 was 84%, with 23% high grade A/B passes. The new A* grade was introduced in August 2010 and 11 A* grades for A level were achieved last year.

Value AddedSimply looking at results league tables gives little idea of the personal achievement of each student and the quality of the teaching they have received. A value added measure of how much progress each student makes is therefore one of the best ways to judge our performance. The Sixth Form Academy is assessed on this each year by external organisations and given a ‘value added’ score.

For the majority of students, a good starting point is their GCSE results. These are converted into a points score and then compared to their AS and A level results at the end of their studies, using the same point system. The progress made is judged by the relationship between these two scores. If their AS or A level results score is better than expected from their GCSE score, ‘value’ has been added to the student.

Value added analysis is conducted by an independent, nationally recognised organisation, The Advanced Level Information System (ALIS).

For 2009-10, the ALIS survey indicates a positive institutional value added score. This means that Reading College students achieve better results than predicted based on their GCSE grades.



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Learner VoiceThe learner voice is critical to improving the quality of provision and in shaping the curriculum offer. There are several different ways in which we gather the views of learners:

• Student satisfaction surveys • Student Representative Forum feedback • Student focus groups • Students Union • Suggestion box • As part of the observation of learning and

teaching process.

Student Representative CouncilThere is a Student Representative Council which helps to represent students’ views, support individual students and arrange social events for Sixth Form Academy students.

Student SatisfactionEvery year the Sixth Form Academy submits students’ results and feedback to an external organisation known as A level Information Systems (ALIS) for analysis. As part of the process students complete questionnaires which ask for their views on a wide range of topics relating to their learning experience.


Individual student feedback on specific questions is as follows:How do you feel about having decided to do the course(s) you are now completing?

• I am pleased that I have made the correct choices that fit in with my career

• I feel I chose the right courses for me as I gained good grades and have been accepted into universities

• I feel satisfied that I have acquired the knowledge and this course has prepared me for my future

• It was one of the best things I have done.

How do you now feel about having decided to do the course(s) at the Sixth Form Academy?

• A good choice• I am happy I chose the Sixth Form Academy as

it has made me realise my potential and what I could achieve

• I am very pleased as the teachers have been very good

• I love it here, it has made learning easier.

What, if anything, would you praise about the Sixth Form Academy?

• Well rounded inspiring teachers• Dedication of the teachers• Good level of teaching• The teaching is excellent and teaches students

about independent study.


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The overall feedback from the survey is in-line with or above the benchmark. It shows that:• 82% of students like being treated as an adult• 78% of students felt that the atmosphere is good

for students• 77% of students liked their classes• 82% of students were aspiring to go to university

after A levels• 75% of students were satisfied or very satisfied with

pastoral and counselling support they received• 73% were satisfied or very satisfied that they

understood the demands of the course.



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Student Case Studies: A word from our students

Amy Wales Amy moved into Reading at the start of her AS levels and chose to come to the Sixth Form Academy because she liked the range of courses it offers and its location - she wanted to be close to the town centre. Amy had spoken to some previous Sixth Form Academy students who spoke highly of their experiences and the support they had received.

Amy is interested in Law and is studying AS levels in Law, English, Philosophy and History. She enjoys all her subjects and has been impressed by how knowledgeable the subject specialists are.

She has really appreciated the support she has received from her teachers and tutor, saying ‘There’s always someone who can help. Even if my tutor isn’t available someone is always there to offer me some help or advice’.

Amy is looking forward to continuing her studies to A2 next year. She is hoping to become involved as a student mentor to help support new students who are coming to the college. She is also hoping to take the AQA Baccalaureate alongside her A levels.

Amy has done really well in her studies and hopes to get A grades. She plans to go on to study Law at Oxford or Reading after completing her A2s.

Amy Wales



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Raul Vidler Raul decided to leave his school environment when he was offered the opportunity to study at the college and retake his Maths GCSEs along with his A levels. He feels that this definitely worked out for the best: ‘If I’d stayed in school, I wouldn’t have met the people I’ve got to know now and I wouldn’t have had this experience’.

Raul has really enjoyed his AS levels in English, Business Studies and History and intends to continue on to A2 level. He’s felt really well supported, especially by his personal tutor. He has also enjoyed the opportunities for activities outside his lessons such as theatre trips to London.

After finishing his studies Raul would eventually like to work in journalism and to prepare for this he’s considering either History or English at degree level. Before continuing to university he’s planning a year of travelling in Australia.

Raul Vidler



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Kavitha Elanganathan

Kavitha was studying in Newcastle before relocating to Reading. She decided to come to the college rather than a school Sixth Form because she wanted an atmosphere where she could be more independent and be treated in a more adult way.

Initially Kavitha found the change from a school environment a bit intimidating but she soon found that the support was in place to help her and began to really enjoy the experience: ‘Just enjoy yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help! It ’s really half way to being at university; you can be independent and you have to take responsibility for your own work, but the help is there when you need it. It gives you a real head start going into university or the workplace’.

Kavitha has embraced the opportunities at the college and decided to become a student mentor to support other new students who might have had similar fears to her own. She has also found the confidence to take on some volunteering opportunities with Royal Berkshire Hospital and the British Red Cross.

Next year, Kavitha will be continuing with her A2s with us. After this she would like to go into medical research or practice and is planning to study Biomedical Sciences at university. She has received lots of help and advice in making her career choices.

Student Case Studies: A word from our students

Kavitha Elanganathan



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Anastasija BogatirjovaAnastasija came to Reading from Latvia to study her AS levels after it was recommended to her by a friend. She really liked the choice of subjects that was offered: ‘I was able to choose all the subjects that I really love. When I came to the enrolment day I met my tutor and she helped me to decide what to take.’ She is now taking AS levels in Geography, Sociology and Drama and is hoping to take one of these subjects at degree level after completing her A2s. Although English is not her first language Anastasija has passed her functional skills exam and is taking GCSE English alongside her A levels.

Anastasija loves the friendly atmosphere at Reading College and has met lots of new people from her own home country and from other countries.

She has really appreciated the support from the teachers: ‘The teachers all really know their subjects.’ She has also enjoyed the opportunity for educational visits and is hoping to visit Venice next year as part of her drama course.

Anastasija says she would recommend the A level courses here to anyone and she has already recommended them to her sister who will be joining Anastasija here next year.

Anastasija Bogatirjova



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Our commitment to our students’ success



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Quality of teaching and learningAll the Sixth Form Academy staff are qualified teachers with a first degree in their teaching subject; many staff also hold a further postgraduate qualification in their subject area. All of our staff are therefore subject specialists with several years of experience in preparing students for AS and A level public exams. Many staff also work as examiners for the major exam boards, and are therefore in an ideal position to prepare students for coursework and examination success.

Our internal quality system includes the observation and grading of a range of lessons. The feedback from these observations show that the percentage of lessons that are graded ‘good’ or better is substantially above benchmark for the sector.

Target settingIn order to help students fulfil their academic potential, we have a target setting process, which all students participate in. At the start of the course, all students are set initial target AS level grades based on their GCSE results.

Following on from this initial target setting process, students have individual discussions with subject lecturers about how they can improve their current and target grades. The target setting reviews take place in November and March each year, and feedback is provided at Parents’ Evenings.

Individual learning plansAs a result of the target setting process, students agree specific actions with their subject lecturers about how to improve their grades. The Personal Tutor then meets the student and an individual learning plan is written. The plan is reviewed during the year at one-to-one tutorial meetings between the student and the tutor.

eTrackereTracker is a web-based individual learning plan (ILP) application, which enables teachers to track students’ performance against targets set. It also has an E-Tutorial function built in, to carry out target setting, performance review and many other things related to the student personalised learning plan.

The whole system forms a very detailed ILP in electronic form and provides the student with an individual view so that they can interact with and follow their own performance.

Being web-based, it can easily be accessed by students (and their parents) from outside. The screenshot below shows what an individual student’s page looks like.



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Personal TutorsWithin the Sixth Form Academy, there is a small team of experienced, well-trained staff who look after the pastoral needs of the students, including:

• Monitoring attendance• Monitoring current and target grades• Delivering careers education• Supporting students with the university

applications process• Delivering Study Skills• Raising awareness of key issues via national

awareness weeks• Safeguarding• Raising awareness of Every Learner Matters themes.*

*These themes are:• Staying safe• Being healthy• Enjoying and achieving• Making a positive contribution• Economic wellbeing.

At the start of their course, students are allocated a Personal Tutor and attend both group and individual tutorials.

There is an information evening early in the autumn term. Parents are invited to meet their son or daughter’s personal tutor and find out more about academic and pastoral support.

At the end of the first year, all Sixth Form Academy students have a ‘Next Step’ interview with their personal tutor, to help them review their progress in the current year and plan their studies for the second year.



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Parents/Guardians are involved at every stage of the process where students are under the age of 18.

For students who have lost focus and motivation, this process often helps get them get back on track in order to successfully complete their qualifications.

Subject-specific Workshops Many subjects offer additional workshops to help students with particular topics, coursework or simply to catch up on material that they may have missed. They are open to all, but are compulsory for students who are in danger of not achieving their potential.

Revision workshops are also offered prior to exams in January and June, and catch-up sessions are run during each half term week and at the end of the autumn and spring term.

Work Experience and E-Mentoring OpportunitiesWhere possible, work experience and E-Mentoring opportunities are set up for students at half terms during the year. This experience helps students develop their confidence, focus and motivation.

Students have been involved in work experience with the British Red Cross and Royal Berkshire Hospital. E-Mentoring has been set up with Reading and Oxford Universities.

Student Volunteering Our Youth Co-ordinator can set individual students up with voluntary work through vinvolved.

The type of volunteering opportunities may include the following:

• Student mentoring• Participation in local projects within Reading• Acting as a Student Representative for the Sixth

Form Academy.

Each year we nominate students who have completed an exceptional amount of volunteering for the Princess Diana Volunteering Awards.

In 2010 two students Kavitha Elanganathan and Sandhya Bhattarai were nominated for this award in the category of Substantial Contribution to the Community for 16 to 18 year olds. Both students were successful and achieved the award. Part of the prize was a visit to Princess Diana’s family home, Althorp Estate in August 2010.

Student Support Clinic Students’ attendance and academic achievement are monitored closely by the Specialist Personal Tutors. Where a student’s progress is cause for concern, they are asked to attend an interview with one of the Sixth Form Management Team. Students with low attendance and/or poor academic progress are then asked to sign a contract of improvement with clear actions. A review date is set with the student, at which point a decision is made about whether they may remain on the course.



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Enrichment Enrichment activities are additional to the main curriculum, although some are attached to particular subjects. They enable students to develop their academic and social skills, and become more confident and self-assured. Subject related enrichment can also lead to a passion for the subject and a desire to study it in Higher Education. Some enrichment activities lead to an additional qualification, some are to broaden the student experience and some are just for fun!

Trips and visits• Archaeology summer school at Silchester (Aimhigher)• Art galleries• Museums• Revision Days in Law, Philosophy, Chemistry,

English Language• Law Courts• Berlin for History• Venice for Drama and Theatre Studies• Theatre trips to a range of productions, including

those for set texts• Reading University• Imperial War Museum• Didcot Power Station• BBC productions for Media Studies• Biology residential field trip• Business Challenge Day at Kaplan Accounting• Science visits to local employers eg AWE,

Johnson Matthey• Kew Records Office • Geography field trip• Athens for Philosophy



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Visiting speakers and Competitions• KPMG• Prof. Kevin Warwick, University of Reading (Robotics)• Local Businesses• Local Magistrate• Paramedic• Blood transfusion nurses• Make your Mark business challenge

Lessons finish early on a Wednesday afternoon, allowing students to participate in a range of enrichment activities.

These include:

• Sport activities e.g. football, running, table tennis and wall climbing

• Drama productions• Rag week, raising money for charity• Debating Society• Film Club• Psychology Club • Multi Faith Group

Additional qualificationsExtended Project Qualification (EPQ) This qualification may be offered to students to allow them to demonstrate their skills in research, analysis and evaluation. It is designed to broaden the student’s range of skills and subject knowledge.

Examples of project titles include:

• Stem cells • Ethnicity and education• Impact of HIV in different countries• Japanese Empire during World War Two• Nuclear Energy• Conformity in the 21st century

Work PlacementsWe will help students to arrange work placements where appropriate. This is particularly important for students who want to apply to Higher Education in the areas of medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, architecture and teaching.



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Level 2 studentsGCSE Results Advice DaysWhatever your son’s or daughter’s results, our Advice Days at the end of August provide immediate, up-to-date information on Level 3 courses, along with impartial support from our Careers Team. No booking is required, just turn up on the day.

Level 3 studentsHE 4 METhis is an Aim Higher sponsored day, designed to introduce students to Higher Education. An orientation day takes place at the University of Reading early in the spring term.

HE Conference at University of ReadingThis is an important introduction for students in their first year at the Sixth Form Academy to the possibilities offered by Higher Education and also Gap Year options. Students can find out about the range of universities nationally and the courses they offer and choose to attend three subject related talks.

Events

We also offer our students a range of events to support them – be it in their current study or to make informed choices about their future.



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• Up-to-date information on student loans and grants• Guidance on completing the application form for

student loans and grants• Up-to-date information on repaying loans• Guidance on living within a budget• Student banking.

A level Results Advice DaysWhatever your son’s or daughter’s results, our Advice Days in late August provide immediate, up-to-date information on full-time, part-time and degree level courses. No booking is required, just turn up on the day.

Oxbridge Preparation ProgrammeIn the autumn term, AS Level students with a very strong GCSE profile are identified and invited in to individual appointments to discuss if applying to Oxford or Cambridge might be an option they wish to consider. If they are interested, the students then have a programme of activities planned which will help them when applying to the Oxbridge universities. These activities include visiting the subject open days, having a one-to-one appointment with a member of staff from Oxford University, taking part in an E-Mentoring scheme and a summer school. Each student will also have an individual plan that will help them develop their extra curricular activities, work experience, voluntary work, etc.

University Open DaysWe offer trips to visit many local university open days during the summer term of the first year, such as University of Reading, University of Birmingham, Roehampton University, Royal Holloway, Surrey and Oxford Brookes Universities. These visits provide students with a feel for the university life and also information about courses the university has to offer.

UCAS ApplyThrough the tutorial programme, students are given a presentation on UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions System) at the end of June, before the summer break. This includes how to apply online, writing a personal statement and the key dates in the application process.



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FacilitiesArts and Design studios and workshopsThe college has specialist art and design studios as well as purpose-built workshops for its creative arts courses. Students from the Sixth Form Academy are taught in these areas for Art and Design and Photography.

Digital Media CentreThere is a Mac Suite within the Digital Media Centre, offering specialist IT facilities for Art-related subjects such as Media Studies and Photography.

Food CourtHot and cold food is available throughout the day from the food outlets and hot meals are available daily at lunchtimes. There are also vending machines for snacks and hot and cold drinks.

Information Technology Resources (IT)Internet and email facilities are available and free to all enrolled students, with over 500 PCs across the IT suites. Every classroom has a dedicated PC, SMART board and ceiling-mounted digital projector. Informal on-campus cyber cafés also provide open access to computers.



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LibraryThe libraries provide access to the services, facilities and information resources your son or daughter will need to complete their studies. In addition to books, newspapers, magazines and CDs, videos and DVDs, the libraries offer study space for individual or small group work and access to computer facilities including e-mail, online databases and other electronic resources. A computer booking system allows students to reserve a computer in the library up to seven days in advance. Scanning, printing and photocopying facilities are also available.

Library Services staff will help students find the information they are looking for – whether it is on the internet, in journals, or in one of the 64,000 books in stock. They offer support and training in the use of databases and electronic resources, as well as help with referencing and avoiding plagiarism. All registered students are entitled to borrow and there is usually at least one copy of each recommended course text in stock, often more. Additional Learning Support is also on hand.

Science LaboratoriesThere is a dedicated science laboratory for each science subject and they are fully equipped to a high standard. The curriculum includes a lot of practical work and these rooms are suitable for both theory and experimental course work.



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ServicesCareers AdviceOur Careers Advisers work alongside Personal Advisers from Connexions Berkshire to help students develop and achieve their career aims. The Sixth Form Academy tutorial programme has elements dedicated to career planning, allowing students to explore the full range of opportunities available to them. In addition to this, students can refer themselves at any stage of their academic study for expert one-to-one advice from the team of professionally qualified advisers.



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Speakers are regularly invited to the college to talk about employment opportunities, Higher Education study and gap year activities. All students have the opportunity to attend the annual Connexions Berkshire/UCAS Higher Education conference to support their decision making for university entrance.

Careers Advisers are always present at the major events in the academic calendar, including enrolment, parents’ evenings and at examination results. A full results support service is offered by the advisers to ensure our students are best placed to take maximum advantage of the opportunities available.

All of this activity is supported by a comprehensive Careers Library, which students can access in the Student Information Services centre.

Counselling ServicesThe counselling team based in Reading provides individual support for students who may require help to deal with difficult choices or problems in their personal life. They offer a professional and caring service in a safe and confidential environment.

They also provide group support in personal development and stress management.

Support for StudentsWe offer specialised help and support for students with specific learning difficulties (eg dyslexia) and disabilities such as deafness and/or visual impairments.

Support for students with disabilitiesWe are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities are treated fairly within a supportive teaching and learning environment and will make reasonable adjustments for you wherever possible.

If you have a disability and would like to discuss any support or adaptations you require, call the Disability Team on 0118 967 5436 or e-mail: [email protected].

Deaf students can contact the Communication Support Unit on 0118 967 5077 (voice/text).

All students with disabilities are encouraged to make an appointment before the start of their course so that the necessary arrangements to meet your needs can be put in place.

These could include:

• Specialist equipment• Materials adaptation• Special exam arrangements• Additional learning support• Communication Support Workers for deaf students



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Equality and DiversityThe college exists to serve the needs of all members of the local community. We believe that all people are of equal worth, regardless of disability, background, ethnic origin, culture, marital status, gender, sexual orientation or age.

Equality and diversity is actively promoted through cross campus awareness campaigns and tutorial activities.

Financial helpMany students are eligible for financial support while studying, depending on their level of study and household income.

Learner Support FundThis is a discretionary fund to provide financial help to students whose extreme financial difficulties might affect their chances of completing their course. It aims to help cover all or part of the costs associated with:

• Accommodation• Books and equipment• Subsistence• Travel

The funds are disbursed on a need basis and how much students receive depends on their circumstances and fund availability.

Care to LearnYoung parents under the age of 19 who start a Further Education course can get help from this fund. The government will pay to help cover the costs of childcare and any additional travel costs this might cause.

Students can get more information on any of these funding schemes during the enrolment process, or if you’d like advice in the meantime, please contact one of our advisors on 0800 371 434.



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A word from one of our parents...Jane Drain, parent of A level student Siobhan Drain

‘The Sixth Form Academy was there for my daughter when

she needed direction. Having found that her GCSE grades

did not allow her to progress to AS levels at school, we had

reached a brick wall. Reading College broke down that

wall and opened up a new world of opportunities. College

seemed a very big step, going from the “security blanket”

that school gave, but the staff were very helpful.

They listened to my daughter and were able to guide her

towards a future career.

I have always been happy in the knowledge that as a parent

I could ring and talk to the head of Sixth Form Academy with

any worries, and our meetings have always motivated my

daughter towards her next goal. She chose a GCSE pathway

and went on to gain further AS level qualifications. She is now

finishing A level and has chosen to apply for a Foundation Art

and Design Diploma course at Reading College.’

‘I have watched my daughter grow and mature with

gleaming confidence into a young woman who is enjoying

her studies at the Sixth Form Academy.’

Jane Drain

Links with parentsWe encourage regular contact with parents, from the initial applications interview through to successful course completion. We recognise that working in partnership with parents to support the individual student is critical to their success on the course.

Sixth Form Information EveningThere is an initial evening in October when parents can find out how their son or daughter will be supported through their studies in the Sixth Form and how to contact us. There will also be an opportunity to meet their son or daughter’s Personal Tutor on the course.

Parents’ EveningsThere are two parents’ evenings in the year, when parents are invited in to discuss their son or daughter’s individual progress and the outcomes of the latest target setting activity with the whole teaching team

Regular Parent ContactParents are encouraged to contact their son or daughter’s Personal Tutor regularly throughout the year, either via e-mail, phone, in writing or an individual appointment.

Regular E-NewsletterA newsletter is produced and sent to parents and students in order to update them on key dates, forthcoming events and latest news. It is also available on the Reading College website.

E-TrackerUsing their son or daughter’s log-in, parents can view the student’s e-tracker record of attendance and progress.


reading-college.ac.uk reading-college.ac.uk/courseinfo

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Come and see us There are a number of key events that take place throughout the year to help young people and their parents find out more about our study programmes, the qualifications students can take and the further study or career options students can look forward to on completion.

Open Evenings are held three times a year in November, February and May, where you can:

• Get information and advice on all courses• Tour the college• Visit our Sixth Form Academy and discover the

wide range of A levels on offer• Discover more about vocational qualifications

such as NVQs, Diplomas and Apprenticeships• See what part-time courses are available to

support your career• Talk to subject specialists and personal tutors.

Pre-induction Days are also known as ‘Taster Days’, where students who have applied to join the Sixth Form Academy are invited to spend a day and get a flavour of life with us. They will be able to take part in a range of subject activities and talk to our friendly and professional tutors. The event does require booking – please call us on 0118 967 5265 for further information.

Parents’ Information Evenings are held twice every year. They offer a great opportunity for parents of students who have applied to come in and find out about College. You can also meet the tutors who will be teaching your son or daughter.

For more information and exact dates of our open events, please call 0800 371 434 or visit: reading-college.ac.uk.

November

Steps to the Sixth Form Academy

March

July

January

May

September

December

April

August

February

JuneAccept the offer!

November - February

• Attend Open Evening

• Collect full-time prospectus,

Sixth Form Academy

information pack, Parent’s

Guide, Results and

Destinations brochure

• Complete application form

June• Attend Pre-Induction Day

with new students

• Collect detailed subject

information and overviews

January - May• Attend individual interview

• Collect full Sixth Form

Academy information pack

• Receive an offer of a place

August - September

• Enrol

• Collect course handbooks

and study diary

• Collect and confirm timetable

• Start new course at the

Sixth Form Academy

• Attend Pre-Induction Day

with new students


reading-college.ac.uk reading-college.ac.uk/courseinfo

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Qualifications explainedLevel 2 qualifications

GCSEGCSE English and Maths are one year courses which can be studied alongside a fulltime Level 3 qualification.

BTEC First Diploma This is a one year course in Applied Science.

Level 3 qualifications

A level Since September 2000, the A level qualification now comes in two parts:

The AS level The first year is a qualification called the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) level. Students must complete two units or modules in order to gain the AS level qualification. The AS level is a recognised qualification in its own right and provides half the UCAS points of a full A level.

The A2 level The second year, known as the A2 year, combines with the AS level to give the whole A level. Students must complete a further two units or modules in this second year. The AS units and A2 units count equally towards the whole A level qualification.

The A2 level is more difficult than the AS level, both in terms of depth and the evaluative and analytical skills required to study at this level. This means that students who might find the A level too difficult may still be able to achieve an AS level qualification.

AS/A2 level components

Typical pattern of study

AS passes are grade A to E, U grade is a fail (ungraded)

A level passes are graded from A* to E; U grade is a fail (ungraded).

For students to progress from AS to A2 level in the Sixth Form Academy, they will need to gain a minimum of a D grade at AS level.

AS level (year 1) Unit 1 + Unit 2 + Practical element (where applicable)

A2 Level A level (year 2) Unit 5 + Unit 6 + Practical element (where applicable)

AS level (year 1) 4 AS level subjects

A2 Level (year 2) 3 A2 level subjects

Total qualifications achieved 3 A levels1 AS level

A level+ =



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AQA BaccBroader StudyAS level in Critical Thinking to develop analytical thinking and learning skills.

Enrichment ActivitiesFormal recognition of non-academic pursuits for example voluntary work or part-time work that develop valuable skills and qualities, such as initiative, teamwork and leadership.

Extended ProjectDevelopment of independent learning, self-management and research ability through completion of an extended project.

Depth of Study Any three A level subjects, to provide in-depth, academic study and to test knowledge, understanding and application.

How is the Bacc Awarded?The AQA Bacc is awarded with a Pass, Merit or Distinction; the level is determined by each student’s A level and Extended Project grades as below.

AQA Bacc AwardDepth of study - three A levels, Extended Project Qualification, Enrichment activities, AS level Critical Thinking

PassE or above

MeritC or above

DistinctionA or above

AQA BaccalaureateThe AQA ‘Bacc’ is an overarching qualification that builds on the recognised qualification of A levels by adding breadth of study and allows students to capture the educational benefits of extra-curricular activities. The aim is to differentiate them from others when applying for university (it ’s already highly valued by most particularly the high status ones), and employment.



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Progression onto UniversityIn 2010, 108 students in their second year of study at the Sixth Form Academy applied for and gained university places. This means that, in 2010, 79% of the students who applied to university were successful in gaining a place.

The most popular university courses applied for in 2010 were Business and Accounting related courses, Psychology, Law and Media and Film Studies related degree courses. For A level Art students, the most popular course for progression was the Foundation Diploma Art course at Reading College. The most popular universities applied for were Kings College London, University College London (UCL), Oxford Brookes, University of Reading and Bournemouth University.

In 2011, over 120 students have been applying to a wide range of Higher Education courses at institutions across the country. This will represent a 10% increase in students progressing onto university compared to last year.

Progression into EmploymentEach year, a small number of students apply to continue their education or training by joining companies that train students in employment. Examples of employers who offer traineeship include Kaplan Financial, KPMG and John Lewis.

In 2010, one of our A level Accounting students won the Kaplan Financial Scholarship which will fund her through the professional accounting qualifications to Chartered Accountant level.

The subjects currently offered by the Sixth Form Academy include:

Level 2 courses

GCSE English & MathematicsApplied Science Diploma

Level 3 coursesAS and A2 levelsAccountingArt and Design – UnendorsedBiologyBusiness StudiesChemistryCritical Thinking (AS only) Drama and Theatre StudiesEnglish Language and LiteratureFurther MathematicsGeographyHistoryInformation and Communication TechnologyLawMathematicsMedia StudiesPhilosophyPhotographyPhysicsPsychologySociology



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TravelThe college has a car park for use by students however car parking is limited and spaces cannot always be guaranteed.

We operate a Green Transport policy and actively promote alternative modes of transport such as subsidised bus schemes, car sharing and the use of cycles. If your son or daughter chooses to cycle, ample cycle racks are available.

We have negotiated a preferential rate for students on weekly travel tickets on buses during term-time (including evenings and weekends) on presentation of their college student ID card.

Special car parking spaces and access is provided for people with disabilities.

The college is accessible directly from the A4 or from the town centre. Junctions 10, 11 and 12 of the M4 motorway are within easy reach. For full directions please visit www.reading-collge.ac.uk

If you are travelling by rail, alight at Reading Station. Our Kings Road site is a 15 minute walk.

Alternatively, you can catch the number 17 bus from close to Reading Library in the town centre, which stops outside the Kings Road site.


Reading College Campus, Kings Road

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Reading College Campus, Kings Road

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Documents

Sixth Form Parents Guide