POOL HAYES ARTS AND COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Sixth FormProspectus

I am very proud of our Sixth Form and I am fully committed to ensuring that our students get the best pos-sible Post 16 experience, so that they are prepared and ready for the exciting future that awaits them. Many exciting changes have taken place in the Sixth Form this year, including brand new, purpose built facilities, new curriculum and a full aspirations programme. I am delighted that you are interested in our Sixth Form and I hope that this prospectus will give you an insight into what we have to offer.

I look forward to meeting you.

Natalie DaleAssistant Headteacher – Post 16

Pool Hayes Sixth Form is a friendly and secure learning environment offering a place to study, which is chal-lenging and supportive. The Sixth Form offers a range of opportunities, particularly focusing on what comes after Sixth Form and preparing students for university, apprenticeships or work by organising different events with careers advisors, University Ambassadors and much more. The teachers and staff are very supportive and are experienced and professional, allowing you to develop your own methods for learning as well as of-fering their guidance and support ensuring students reach their full potential.

As members of the Sixth Form we can honestly say that we have enjoyed studying at Pool Hayes. The Sixth Form staff continually helps us to achieve our best, whilst keeping us informed of our progress and support-ing us not just academically but also in pastoral matters.

On behalf of us and the rest of the students at Pool Hayes Sixth Form we would encourage you to study with us. You won’t regret the choice.

Mitchell Griffiths and Emily MalkinHead Boy and Head Girl

OPPORTUNITIESSIXTH FORM CURRICULUM

All students have to take three subjects that they will continue with across their two years with us. We run two course types – Level 3 BTEC subjects and A-Level subjects. In order to study in our Sixth Form, students will need to achieve at least 5 A*-C’s to be able to study on the BTEC route and, for the A-Level route, they must achieve a minimum of a grade B in the subject they wish to study.

As well as their chosen options, all students have a timetabled recreation period each week with a choice of activity. They may wish to take part in a variety of sporting options, dance, Young Enterprise, Accelerated Reader Mentoring or volunteer as a classroom assistant. Many students take the opportunity to engage in extra curricular activities either in or out of school.

ASPIRATIONS AND FUTURES WEEK

All students will be given personal mentoring sessions throughout their time in the Sixth Form and one of the areas of focus will be careers. Our academic mentor will discuss future options with students and help to support them in arranging a relevant, career focused work placement in Year 12, as part of our Futures Week. During this time, students will experience a range of career workshops, and Higher Education advice before they embark on their placement. We then provide a follow up day after the placement where students will be taken through guided action planning and next steps to ensure that they are set up to achieve their career goal. Throughout the year, there will be a range of P6 sessions focused on Study Skills, University speakers, seminars from professionals as well as a range of career relevant trips and experiences.

CAREERS/UCAS ADVICE

All students take part in a Higher Education/Careers conference as part of Futures week and have access to expert advice on careers and university applications, including OXBRIDGE. A Connexions advisor is available for careers advice and placements, and the Sixth Form tutors are highly experienced in giving advice about university applications. Students have the opportunity to attend University Open Days and we have Uni-versity Ambassadors regularly coming into school to discuss University life. We also have several talks from Student Finance. We are proud to say that over 70% of students go on to Higher Education, and 100% of students go on to HE, Apprenticeships and jobs.

CHARITY WORK

Charity work and volunteering is something that the Sixth Form are keen to become involved with. Each year, students elect a charity that we fundraise for. Our students meet with the charity that they are working with and we invite them into school to talk to our students and discuss the impact of their fundraising.

LEADERSHIP ROLES

We aim to provide a wide range of leadership roles for our students to take on in the Sixth Form, to help build wider experience and skills. We elect a Head Boy and Head Girl, as well as a Deputy each year and these students represent the Sixth Form at a range of events. They also represent the Sixth Form at School Council. We also have opportunities such as Charity Reps, Fundraising Reps and RAPS Ambassadors, as well as Form Reps. Student voice is something that is encouraged and taken very seriously in the Sixth Form.

INFORMATIONEQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Pool Hayes is committed to an equal opportunities policy. Every effort will be made to fulfil the needs and aspirations of all intending students. Education and training opportunities and the meeting of personal needs will be provided on the basis of equal opportunity for all. Everybody is somebody within the Sixth Form.

CONTRACT AND EXPECTATIONS

Being a student at Pool Hayes Sixth Form is also about making a commitment to sharing our values and expec-tations. It is essential that students achieve excellence in their studies and fulfil their academic potential.

We therefore expect that, by taking a place in the Sixth Form, students and parents agree to fulfil and cooper-ate with the following conditions:

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Attendance in the Sixth Form is full time. Students are expected to attend every day and arrive on time. At-tend all timetabled lessons, as well as registration. Appointments such as doctors/dentists/driving lessons should be arranged outside of school time. Holidays during term time are not permitted. If students are late, they will have to stay back at the end of the day.

If students are absent due to illness, they are expected to catch up on all missed work. Attendance levels below 95% seriously damage both a student’s exam results but also their future life and career chances. Em-ployers want students who are literate and numerate - but first they want workers who actually turn up! If we have concerns about attendance, we will arrange parental meetings. If improvements are not made, Sixth Form places will be withdrawn.

STANDARDS

In the Sixth Form, we expect very high standards of conduct. This is because students are role models to the rest of the school, setting an example for other pupils, and also represent the Sixth Form to the wider com-munity.

• Students are expected to respect staff and other students in both attitude and language used. Bad language in the study area will not be tolerated.

• The study area, common room and school property must be treated with respect. Students must adhere to the rules of the study area at all times.

• Smoking is banned anywhere on site and around the school gates.

• Ensure that part time work is kept to a minimum (no more than 10 hours per week) and ensure that it does not affect studies.

• Please note that students will be required to attend after school study sessions until 4.30pm in the case of missed deadlines or falling behind on studies.

• You will be expected to follow the smart dress code at all times.

INFORMATIONACADEMIC AND STANDARDS

Meeting coursework deadlines is crucial for success. Missing deadlines means that you get behind on your studies, causing a build-up of work. This will have a negative impact upon achievement. It is important that we work with students to ensure that this situation is prevented.

If a deadline is missed, students will be expected to attend an after school study session until 4.30pm to com-plete the work. Attendance to these study sessions is expected until the work is completed. If this becomes a persistent issue, parents will be contacted and will be required to attend a meeting to discuss progress.

We are committed to ensuring you achieve your full academic potential. Therefore, the after school study sessions are a way for us to support and help students to get back on track.

We recognise that some of our students require extra time to gain their English/Maths GCSEs. Students who have not achieved a grade C in either or both English and Maths at GCSE will continue to study these subjects in the Sixth Form and retake examinations.

TUTOR TIME

All Sixth Form students are part of a tutor group, and will follow a programme of study where various topics including study skills, stress and time management, and revision skills are addressed, along with health and well-being sessions. As part of the whole school RAPs, students take part in presentations aimed at raising aspirations. Tutors have great experience with the University application process and have 1:1 sessions with students in order to give information, advice and guidance.

APPLICATION PROCESSAPPLICATIONS

All applicants must be 16 years old or over when the course starts. Application forms are available from the school. It is hoped to interview all prospective students and after the interview the student may be offered a place as long as:

• He/she can satisfy the centres that they are able to benefit from a period of continued study.• He/she meets any entry requirements for the course they wish to take.• The course chosen has sufficient numbers of students to allow the course to run.

IMPORTANT DATES

Autumn Term (Year 11) – Application forms returned by Friday 12th December 2014 Spring Term (Year 11) - Interviews with SLT and Post-16 staff

Summer Term (Year 11) - Induction programme (after GCSE examinations)

August - Examination results

A LEVEL SUBJECTS

Biology, Chemistry, English Language and Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music/Music Tech-nology, Philosophy and Ethics, Physics, Sociology and Spanish.

BTEC SUBJECTS

Art, Business, Creative Technology, Health and Social Care, ICT, Performing Arts, Applied Science, Sport.

Note – a minimum number of students are required for any subject to run.

A LEVELENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATUREEntry Qualifications: 5A*-C including GCSE Grade B and above in English.

Brief course content: During the two years you will study Language Production, Speech and Representation, Text Analysis and Adaption as well as producing an extended piece of course work comparing and analysing two texts. You will also study two literature texts for examination; one open book and one closed book.

Progression: English is accepted for further study in English, Media, Journalism, Creative Writing as well as other areas such as law busi-ness management and so forth.

Staff to contact – Mrs Asbury

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including Grade B in History and a grade C or above in English.

Brief course content: You will study varied topics in modern history including 20th Century Germany, Tudor England, Russia 1855 – 1964, as well as the USA and Vietnam 1945-1975.

Progression: History is an ideal grounding for vari-ous careers including journalism, law, business, me-dia, education, government and politics.

Staff to contact – Mr Hatfield

HISTORY

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including higher Level GCSE Grade B or above

Brief course content: Over the two year period you will study 6 modules; four Pure Maths, one Statistics and one Mechanics. There is one piece of coursework. The Pure Maths modules will build on the algebra and trigonometry studied at GCSE (Grade A and A*).

Progression: A level is accepted for courses in economics, accountancy, banking, engineering, but is also a widely regarded A level in its own right.

Staff to contact –Mrs Smith

MATHS

A LEVELGEOGRAPHY

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including a Grade B in Geography.

Brief course content: The AS course covers Rivers, floods, population change, cold environments andenergy issues. Students will develop a range of skills through fieldwork activities.

The A2 course involves the study of plate tectonics, world cities and ecosystems. Geographical skills are also examined.

Progression: Geography is a sound basis for various careers including tourism, environmental management, journalism, estate management, education and social work.

Staff to contact – Ms Sheridan/Mrs Harris

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including a Grade B in English Language. GCSE Religious Studies is not required to study this course.

Brief course content: Philosophy is a study of the skills involved when investigating arguments and ethics looks at the “right and wrong” “good and bad” issues that affect society today.

Progression: This is an excellent foundation for anybody who is keen to study humanities based subjects at university such as Law, English, etc.

Staff to contact – Mr Smith, Miss Agha.

PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS

SOCIOLOGYEntry Qualifications: 5A* - C including a Grade B in English.

Brief course content: If you want to know what makes society tick then Sociology is for you. Ob-serve the impact of areas such as the family, crime, and religion on people today. Does today’s society work or should it change?

Progression: Journalism, media, social work, educa-tion, personnel management, business, government and politics.

Staff to contact – Mr Hatfield

A LEVELPHYSICS

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including Science GCSE Grade B in Triple Science or a Grade BB in Double Sci-ence. You must also have studied Higher Level GCSE Mathematics.

Brief course content: Over the two years you will study Mechanics, Electrons Waves and Photons, the New-tonian world, Fields Particles and Frontiers of Physics, with two practical assessments, one in year 12 and one in year 13.

Progression: An A level in Physics allows progression to higher education in Physics or Engineering; can help with other careers such as forensic science etc. or in employment where a knowledge of Physics would be useful.

Staff to contact – Mr Francis

BIOLOGY

Brief course contentIn the first year there are 2 units:1. Cells, Exchange and Transport.2. Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health.

CHEMISTRYEntry Qualifications: 5A*-C including Science GCSE Grade B in Triple Science or grade BB in Double Science. If you have not studied Higher Level GCSE Mathematics, you should discuss this with the staff below before applying.

Brief course content: You will study atomic structure, energy changes, carbon chemistry and selected groups from the Periodic Table. You will also experience the three main branches of the subject: Physical, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry.

Progression: Chemistry is highly sought after by universities and em-ployers. Not only is it central to many scientific careers, but the ana-lytical thinking you will develop is applicable to careers as diverse as law, accountancy and journalism.

Staff to contact – Mrs B Bains / Mr A Jones

In the second year units include:1. Communication, Homeostasis and Energy.2. Control, Genomes and Environment.

Practical skills are assessed in both years.

Progression: A level is required for many biological and medical courses at university, and is also valued for many other courses (including non scientific).

Staff to contact – Mr M Brown / Mrs P Sanders

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including Science GCSE Grade B in Triple Science or Grade BB in Double Science.

A LEVELWhy choose A Level Music? Students will develop performance skills (solo and ensemble), compose music and learn about harmony (the basics at AS and stylistic studies at A2). They will build up their aural and analytical skills by studying selections from the ‘New Anthology of Music’ and wider listening.

Flexibility The full GCE course (AS plus A2) is excellent preparation for higher education courses in music, but is equally valuable for non-specialists as a second or third area of study. The AS units alone can offer a broad and sat-isfying experience for those who want to conclude their musical studies at this point.

The Anthology The anthology remains the basis of historical and analytical study. Works are now grouped into three areas of study: instrumental music, vocal music and applied music.

Students will have opportunities to:Perform music and have free instrumental lessons within the departmentCompose music in a variety of styles and for different Medias Develop an understanding of the History of Music through the study of set works.Develop an understanding of Music Theory with a range of tasks. Entry Requirement:5A*-C including a Grade B in Music.You do have to play a musical instrument or be a singer.Some knowledge of Cubase would be advantageous although not essential.

Progression to higher education (HE) and a career:There are many important opportunities in higher education and many career possibilities for those proficient in music. A level in Music is widely accepted by Universities offering degree level courses and our EdExcel Music GCE will continue to provide valuable experience and preparation for students aiming for HE in the subject. Music careers could include work such as: • Performing in Orchestras, Chamber Groups, Choirs , Pop/ Rock and Jazz Bands• Composing for a variety of roles and medias; TV, Film, Theatre, Dance and Advertisements. • Arranging music • Pit musician • Session musician• Sound engineering• Record producing • Teaching in the classroom and instrumental teaching

Staff to Contact – Mr P Hickman

Please note - only one advanced level Music course will run and the decision on this will be made according to demand.

MUSIC

A LEVELMUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Why choose A Level Music Technology?Music technology plays a key role in music across the world. This qualification (the only Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced level GCE in Music Technology) is designed to open up a range of exciting and useful tasks to students and to encourage them to learn about all aspects of the subject. Students, including those who do not play a traditional instrument, are encouraged to explore their musical-ity and create original materials using technology. This Qualification has an emphasis on practical tasks.

Students will have opportunities to: • Sequence MIDI• Record audio• Record live instruments• Produce CDs• Compose using music technology.

Entry Requirement:5A*-C including a Grade B in Music.You do not have to play a musical instrument.This is a course for music technology students - wishing to gain skills and knowledge relating to the art of sequencing and recording music. Some knowledge of Cubase would be advantageous although not essential.

Progression to Higher Education (HE) and a career:There are many important opportunities in higher education, and many career possibilities for those profi-cient in handling music technology. GCE in Music Technology has been widely accepted by Universities offering degree level courses and this Music Technology Advanced GCE will continue to provide valuable experience and preparation for students aiming for HE in the subject. Music technology careers could include work such as: • Sound engineering • Record producing • Composing for a variety of Roles and Medias: Film, TV, Theatre, Dance and Advertising • Rehearsal Studios• Live Sound (PA Systems) for Rock and Pop venues, Theatres, Concert Halls, Festivals & Clubs• Teaching in the classroom or for external organisations

Staff to contact – Mr Hickman

Please note - only one advanced level Music course will run and the decision on this will be made according to demand.

A LEVEL

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including a Grade B in Spanish.

Brief course content: You will extend your linguistic skills developed at GCSE through the study of the con-temporary culture and society of Spain and Spanish-speaking countries. Topics in the first year include Me-dia, Popular culture, Healthy living/Lifestyle and Family/ Relationships. In the second year of the course you will go on to look at Multicultural Society, the Environment and Contemporary Social Issues.

Progression: Studying Spanish beyond GCSE level will enable you to gain:• A lasting appreciation of language and learning• The ability to comprehend Spanish in a wide range of contexts• The ability to communicate readily in Spanish for a variety of purposes• A useful knowledge of, and insights into, past and contemporary Spanish-speaking culture• Valuable skills for foreign travel, further education and employment.

Spanish is widely regarded as a “facilitating” subject which would bring advantages when applying for a uni-versity place across a wide range of degree courses.

You can combine Spanish with almost any other subject as part of your University course. Taking a degree which involves languages will open up a wealth of opportunities in your life at university and in the world of work.

Staff to contact – Mrs Brazier

SPANISH

!

BTECART AND DESIGN

Entry qualifications: 5A*-C including a Grade C or above in an Art or Technology subject.

Brief course content: You will study 2D and 3D vi-sual communication, explore and develop Art and Design ideas, life drawing classes, visiting degree shows, produce an Art and design outcome, as well as the possible options of textiles, multimedia, 3D crafts and others.

Progression: Level 4 or 5 qualification at further or higher education establishment.

Staff to contact –Miss Kew and Miss Degg

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including GCSE Drama at Grade C or above and English Grade C or above.

Diploma: 2 A level equivalentSubsidiary Diploma: 1 A level equivalent

Brief course content: The BTEC Performing Arts course is per-fect for students who enjoy both acting and production of per-formance. The course is based around practical activities sup-ported by an ongoing actors’ log. It allows you to experience a wide range of performance techniques, develop creativity, work as part of a team and share ideas and opinions. You will develop your practical ability, as well as your critical and evalu-ative skills throughout the course.

Over the course you will take part in devising, TIE performanc-es, script work, contemporary and historical performance and you will be creating work throughout the course to perform to an audience. The course is assessed through both practical and written work. It is 100% coursework.

Progression: The BTEC National award is recognised and

PERFORMING ARTS

accepted by universities for courses in all aspects of the Performing Arts and would be welcomed by employ-ers in the arts field. Many of our past students have gone on to University both locally and away from home to study Drama.

Staff to contact – Mr Monksfield

BTECCREATIVE TECHNOLOGYEntry Qualification: 5A*-C including BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Creative Media Production.

Brief course content: The course is highly practical with cross curricular aspects. In this subject, pupils will be taught how to be creative, versatile and inde-pendent and expressing these in their own personal and unique style, resulting in acquiring the knowl-edge of how to follow a creative process fully devel-oping your own ideas to a successful end product.Pupils will be studying aspects of the media indus-try and working with industry professionals. Assess-ment is 100% coursework covering a range of units including: !Core Units: Production Techniques, Communication skills for Creative Media Production, Research Tech-niques for the Creative Media Industry.

Optional Units: Film & Video Editing techniques, Music Video Production, Advertisement Production for Television, Stop Motion Animation, Promotional DVD and Indents.

Progression: The Media industry is one which is very broad, in doing this course pupils will be opening door to many career opportunities in a range of media sectors.

Staff to contact – Mr Ahmed

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including BTEC Level 2 at Distinction or Higher or GCSE PE Grade C.

Brief course content: Subsidiary Diploma The course is entirely coursework based. Over two years students will study seven units, some of which in-clude Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, Fitness Testing and Current Issues in Sport.There will be practical elements within the course, with units based around playing, coaching, leadership and fitness aspects being covered. Ideal for pupils wishing to follow on from a Level 2 Btec course in Sport. The course is equivalent to one A Level.

DiplomaThe course is entirely coursework based. Over the two years, students will study thirteen units, some of which include Sports Nutrition, Sports Injuries and Fitness training & Programming as well as units also covered in the Subsidiary Diploma. There will be a practical element of the course. The course is ideal for students wish-ing to follow on from a Level 2 Btec course in Sport.The Diploma in Sport is equivalent to two A’ Levels.

Progression: The course leads well into public services, physiotherapy, teaching and sports sciences at uni-versity. It is an excellent course for those looking to gain “on the job” training as a means of following a career in the leisure / sports industries.Staff to contact - Mrs James / Mrs Sira / Mr Harris / Miss Sarginson

SPORT

BTECEntry Qualifications: 5A*-C including English.

Subsidiary Diploma 60 Credits (Single): 1 A level equivalentDiploma 120 Credits (Double): 2 A level equivalents

Brief Course Content: These are two year qualifica-tions giving you a solid foundation in the Health and Social Care sector, enabling you to develop essential skills required for gaining employment security, ca-reer progression or progressing to further qualifica-tions.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including Science GCSE Grade CC or at least a pass at OCR National Level 2 / Btec Science.

Brief course content: Btec Science has three core units covering the fundamentals of Science and practical skills. Depending on the optional units studied, you will be able to tailor your qualification to, for example Applied Biology, Forensic Science or Environmental Science.

Progression: The BTEC Nationals in Applied Science have been developed to provide a route to employment in the science industry or within organisations that use Science. These can include roles such as quality con-trol technician/analyst, hospital medical physics technician, research laboratory work for a scientific maga-zine or journal.

Staff to contact – Mrs D Livesey / Mrs A Poole

APPLIED SCIENCE

The BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care provide you with a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification for entry into employment in the health and social care sector as well as progression routes to higher education. Skills for Care and Development

The course aims to: • Gain knowledge and understanding of the health and social care sector • Develop a range of skills and techniques essential for success in working life, such as effective communica-tion with colleagues and other health professionals as well clients from all age ranges and backgrounds • Develop an understanding of personal and professional development • Develop an understanding of sociological and psychological perspectives of health and social care

Progression:Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social CareUniversity undergraduate degree in a related field such as: nursing, social work, health and childhood stud-ies. Employment opportunities within the Health and Social Care industry

Staff to Contact – Mrs Robbins

BTECSubsidiary Diploma: 1 A LevelDiploma: 2 A Levels

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including a minimum Merit in Comput-ing/ICT. Brief Course content: Give learners the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essen-tial for successful performance in working life. Students will gain various knowledge about topics such as communication, hardware, software, networking and programming. These skills are gained through a selection from 43 units covering vast amounts of topics.

Progression: Give full-time learners the opportunity to enter em-ployment in the IT sector or to progress to vocational qualifications such as the EdExcel BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing and Sys-tems Development or move onto University to study a degree in ICT/Computer Science.

Staff to contact – Mr McKenzie / Miss Kaur / Mr Franklin

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Entry Qualifications: 5A*-C including a minimum Merit in Business. Brief course content: This is an assignment based qualification over two years, in the same style of the BTEC qualifications in Years 10 and 11. During this time you will study how businesses start, grow and sometimes fail. You will examine how marketing, human resources and strategy play an important role in this progres-sion.

There are two options with this course:• Core option which is equivalent to one A Level.• Second option which increases this to two A Levels. With the second option we are able to study more units, including Event Management and Retail Business.

Progression: This is a good general qualification although particularly suited towards those seeking degrees or careers in general business management, accountancy, banking and economics. BTEC qualifications have been accepted by Universities for over 30 years and are well established within the world of work.

Past students have used this qualification successfully for places at universities, Higher Level Apprenticeships and careers in accountancy and banking, to name a couple.

Staff to contact – Mr Costello or Mrs Kaur

BUSINESS

STUDENT COMMENTSPool Hayes Sixth Form is a warm and friendly environment, fitting for a Sixth Form student. It’s a brilliant opportunity to improve independence and self-belief. - Marcus

Pool Hayes Sixth Form is great and enjoyable place to study. It has improved vastly with more facilities. I highly recommend this Sixth Form within the area. - Kirsty

Sixth Form is a great experience that offers a safe and friendly environment as well as friend-ships, educational value and fun rewards and events. Staff are caring and always help you achieve your full potential whilst smiling and laughing as well. We have great resources and are assisted towards our aspirations. - Bethany

Sixth Form is a good opportunity to find out what we want to do for the rest of our lives. I feel Pool Hayes Sixth Form is ideal for this critical stage and it is recognised that the staff invest a lot of time into making sure we gain the best opportunities and achievements. - Amy

I feel that Sixth Form is a great opportunity to undergo higher education in a supportive en-vironment where you are free to participate in independent learning where the teachers are always happy to help. - Laura

The Sixth Form is a friendly, welcoming environment that welcomes everyone. I feel it has really improved since last year and builds our confidence. - Emma

NOTES

NOTES