2015-2016 Parents’ Guide

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At The Bedford Sixth Form we know what an important part parents and guardians play in our students’ academic lives. You are there to help guide them in the decisions they make, and support them throughout their studies. This guide has been written to introduce you to The Bedford Sixth Form, to outline how we work and indicate where you can help and encourage your son or daughter during their time with us.

We are the only institution in Bedford solely focused on Sixth Form study. We provide first class tutors, facilities and support, all of which make for a successful student experience. You can find out more from page 4 and don’t miss our list of essential contacts on page 6.

Our beautiful period campus has a long heritage of great education and our current and past students are testament to this. See an overview of our latest results and find out what our students go on to do after sixth form on page 8.

If there is any additional information you would like, you can get in touch with us via phone or email.

I look forward to meeting you soon.

Gail CocozzaHEAD, THE BEDFORD SIXTH FORM

Welcome Applying for a place at The Bedford Sixth Form

There are a few important steps between your son or daughter submitting their application and then joining us the following September. Here we outline the key stages to enable you to keep track of the whole process:

1. Applications must be submitted by 31 May 2015.

2. Your son or daughter will hear from us, usually within five working days, inviting them to attend an interview with one of our team. This is a chance to ask any questions and find out more about their courses and the facilities.

3. Within two weeks of the interview, your son or daughter will hear whether they have been successful. An offer of a place at The Bedford Sixth Form will be subject to them achieving the relevant entry requirements i.e. subject to their GCSE results.

4. They will then be invited to attend our special welcome event on 26 June 2015. This is a great chance to meet fellow students, tutors and get to know the Sixth Form.

5. If results aren’t quite what you expected on GCSE results day, the Sixth Form will be open on the day, 20 August 2015, so you and your son or daughter can talk through their options with a tutor.

6. Finally, at the end of August, your son or daughter will be invited to come into the Sixth Form to review their GCSE results and finalise their place for September.

7. Term starts on 7 September 2015.

Any questions? Call us on 01234 291291

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Any questions? Visit us www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

Term dates for 2015-2016The Bedford Sixth Form’s term dates do not always coincide with local school holidays, so please be aware of the following:

Autumn Term 2015Monday 7 September 2015 – Friday 18 December 2015HALF-TERM: Monday 26 October 2015 – Friday 30 October 2015

Spring Term 2016Monday 4 January 2016 – Thursday 24 March 2016HALF-TERM Monday 15 February 2016 – Friday 19 February 2016

Summer Term 2016Monday 11 April 2016 – Thursday 23 June 2016HALF-TERM Monday 30 May 2016 – Friday 3 June 2016

Taking holidays during term time is not acceptable and students should not arrange for events like driving lessons, appointments or part-time work at any time when they may be required to be in classes, tutorials or study time. See page 4 for lunch and finish times.

Here at The Bedford Sixth Form, we pride ourselves on preparing students for university and work life. We offer our students full support, from UCAS applications to job interview techniques. You can rest assured that our experienced and dedicated team will ensure your child obtains the best possible grades to help them on to their next destination.

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Any questions? Call us on 01234 291291

Life at The Bedford Sixth Form Follow A-Level student Atu through a typical day here at the Sixth Form, as we outline the key things you need to know to support your son or daughter throughout their time here.

A typical day at The Bedford Sixth Form

8.30AM – TRAVELLING TO THE SIXTH FORM I leave home around this time and either walk to the Sixth Form or get a lift in with my dad.

TravelIf you are not local to the Sixth Form, there are many transport options available. 16 local towns and villages are served by the main train line into Bedford and the station is just a ten-minute walk from the Sixth Form. If you’re not near a train station, over 20 bus routes cover Bedford, Luton and the wider local area, terminating just a two-minute walk away from the Sixth Form. There is no parking on site, but there is a safe drop-off area for students getting a lift by car. Find out about our Travel Bursary on page 6.

9.00AM – 10.00AM PERIOD 1My first lesson of the day - Psychology

TimekeepingThere are no bells to inform students of class timings, so they are responsible for their own timekeeping.

10.05AM – 11.05AM PERIOD 2I have a timetabled revision session with Moodle – our virtual learning environment.

Progress during lessonsAside from external exams, students will be regularly assessed through their work, which will be marked against examination board standards and returned with written feedback on strengths, weaknesses and guidance on how to improve. All A-Level and GCSE students will have a mock week where they will be expected to attend all exams. They will also have individual meetings with subject tutors, at least once per term, to discuss progress in light of the formal assessments, and to focus on how standards can be further raised.

11.05AM – 11.25AM MORNING BREAKI get some breakfast from the canteen and find some work to do. There are plenty of places to take a break on campus including the Hub, the Refectory and the Grand Hall.

11.30AM – 12.30PM PERIOD 3I have a free hour so I go to the Learning Resources Centre for some private study.

Guidance on private study Subject tutors will regularly set work for private study, which should be completed in free study periods or at home. Students are expected to spend at least one hour extra for every lesson taught. Students are welcome to study at home, or if they wish to stay on site, they can use the study spaces in the Grand Hall and the Learning Resource Centre. We have many facilities on-site for students to access, such as computers and other e-learning resources.

12.30PM – 1.30PM PERIOD 4My second lesson of the day - English Literature

1.30PM – 2.30PM LUNCH BREAKI stay on site with my friends and we eat in the Refectory. There is plenty of space to sit and chat. I am also on the Student Council, which involves a lunchtime meeting once every two weeks.

School meals Trinity Refectory is our onsite restaurant. Here students can purchase hot and cold meals, along with snacks and beverages, either to eat in or take away. Packed lunches can be consumed in the students’ area called the Hub. Find out about our Meals Bursary on page 6.

2.30PM – 3.30PM PERIOD 5My third lesson of the day – Sociology. This is a double lesson, which means it lasts for two hours.

3.30PM – 4.30PM PERIOD 6 Sociology

4.30PM – END OF THE DAY

Enrichment activities Sixth Form is not just about studying – your son or daughter will have the chance to get involved in lots of events and clubs at lunchtime or the end of the day. The programme changes each year and in the past has included sports including football and dodgeball, photography, debating society and film club. We make sure there are plenty of opportunities for students to enhance the personal statement section of their UCAS application. Your son or daughter may also be interested in becoming a Student Ambassador. Student Ambassadors help out at events and fairs during themed weeks, take tours at Open Days and take part in focus groups to make an impact on how the Sixth Form operates. Some of these roles are paid.

Atu is currently studying A-Levels in English Literature, Psychology and Sociology. She is also a Student Ambassador and sits on the Student Council.

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Any questions? Visit us www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

Parent/tutor communication We are committed to communicating your son or daughter’s progress with you. Part way through the term you will be invited in for a parents’ evening where tutors will be able to discuss your son or daughter’s progress with you. This is both an opportunity to celebrate success and identify any causes for concern. You will also receive regular written reports from subject tutors.

Additional course costs If your son or daughter is aged 16-18 our courses are free for them to study. They will, however, be required to buy course related textbooks and, for a few courses, clothing, specialist equipment and pay towards trips and visits. See page 6 for information on financial support.

Policies We have Anti-bullying, Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity and Student Involvement policies in place to ensure that your son or daughter can study with us in a safe and secure environment. Policies are available to read in full at www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/downloads

Code of conduct The Bedford Sixth Form has a code of conduct, which sets standards of behaviour so that all students know what is expected of them, from respect, attendance and punctuality, to safety, consideration of others and hard work. The code of conduct is printed in our student handbook available at www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/downloads

Dress code There is no uniform for students at The Bedford Sixth Form, however they are expected to be dressed appropriately at all times. Students are asked to not wear anything that may cause offense to others in terms of logos or quotes, or wear anything that exposes too much flesh i.e. the midriff.

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Student Support

Careers Advice Our careers advisers can provide impartial advice and guidanceon everything from education, training and work prospects to support with UCAS applications, CVs and interview preparation.

Contact our Careers Advisers:

01234 291444

Personal Counsellors Our counsellors are available to help if personal difficulties are getting in the way of your son or daughter’s studies. We provide quiet spaces where they can talk through their problems with a counsellor, and work towards making them easier to handle.

Meals bursary Your son or daughter may be able to receive free meals in the campus restaurant if they are aged 16-18, you have a household income of £16,190 or less, and are in receipt of specified benefits. For more info visitwww.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/finance

Other useful contactsReception01234 291291

Student Services01234 291444 or studentservices@bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

Absence Hotline01234 291741

Learning Resources Centre 01234 291230 or learningresources@bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

We have an excellent support network here at The Bedford Sixth Form. Here is an overview of our support staff, what they can help with and how to contact them:

Any questions? Call us on 01234 291291

Additional Support team We understand that learning difficulties such as dyslexia bring their own particular demands when studying. This team can help your son or daughter develop specific skills, provide specialist equipment they may need to complete work, make special arrangements for taking exams, and provide support in accessing facilities.

Contact our Additional Support team:

Nina Sharpe on 01234 291622

Financial Support Courses at The Bedford Sixth Form are free to study for 16-18 year olds, but there may be costs relating to books, trips or specialist equipment. Our student finance team are there to provide practical advice on student bursaries, travel costs, higher education funding, grants and much more. We also have a range of financial support packages available to help with essential costs, as well as bursaries for vulnerable students or those in severe financial hardship.

Contact our Student Finance Adviser: Emma Hearn on 01234 291444

Subject Tutors For help with subject related questions and queries, subject tutors will always be on hand to help. If your son or daughter wishes to meet with them outside of lesson times, appointments should be made in advance.

Travel Bursary Please note that there is no parking available for students at The BedfordSixth Form. There is however, parking available offsite in the town centre – charges may apply. Full-time students may qualify for a travel bursary worth £450 a year to help with the costs of travel. In 2014/2015 the bursary was available if students were:

• aged 16-18• living over three miles away from The Bedford Sixth Form•not eligible for support from their local authority.

For the latest information and up to date terms and conditions for 2015/2016 please visit www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/travel

Personal TutorsAll students benefit from their own personal tutor for ongoing one-to-one support, from regular tutorials to help with personal development, such as producing an individual learning plan tailored to their future aspirations.

Contact:Ros O’Hanlon 01234 291659

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Visit us www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

Qualifications Guide

Changes to A-Levels You may have heard about changes taking place to A-Levels that are due to come into effect in September 2015. Currently, while AS-Levels can be taken as a standalone qualification, they are generally taken as the first part of an A-Level course. AS-Levels are completed at the end of Year 12 (first year of Sixth Form). A2 exams and coursework are then added to an AS-Level at the end of Year 13 (second year of Sixth Form), bringing it up to A-Level standard.

From September 2015, A-Levels will still take two years to complete but will no longer be split into AS and A2-Level. AS-Levels will still be offered as a standalone high quality qualification in their own right, taking one year to complete, but will no longer be a means to progressing up to A-Level standard. Students will sit all exams at the end of their qualification, meaning all external A-Level exams will be held at the end of the second year, but internal practice exams will take place throughout their time here.

On their application form, your son or daughter will have specified what type of qualifications they wish to study at The Bedford Sixth Form and in what subjects.

Extended Diploma UCAS pointsD*D*D* : 420

D*D*D : 400

D*DD : 380

DDD : 360

DDM : 320

DMM : 280

MMM : 240

MMP : 200

MPP : 160

PPP : 120

A-Level UCAS pointsA* : 140

A : 120

B : 100

C : 80

D : 60

E : 40

UCAS points’ tableThe majority of our students move on to university after Sixth Form. Places at university depend on UCAS points being attained. Here is an outline of how many points each grade is worth:

They will study:

•A-Levels OR•A mix of A-Levels and Technical Diplomas OR•One Extended Diploma, which is equivalent to three A-Levels

For their offer to be formalised, students will need to achieve the following GCSE results:

•5 A*-C grades including English and Maths•Grade A*-C or a Level 2 Merit in their chosen subject if they have studied it previously

If your son or daughter does not meet these entry requirements, they can study a selection of GCSE courses on our Level 2 programme in order to gain the qualifications they need to progress on to Level 3. They will need at least three GCSEs at A*-C to enrol on to this programme.

A-Levels and Level 3 Technical Diplomas

•Applied ICT•Applied Law •Applied Science •Art & Design •Biology •Business •Business Studies •Chemistry •Citizenship Studies •Communication & Culture •Dance •Drama & Theatre Studies •Economics •English Language & Literature •English Literature •Film Studies •French •Further Mathematics •Geography •Geology •Government & Politics •Graphic Communication •Graphic Design •Health & Social Care •History • IT• Italian •Law •Mathematics •Philosophy & Ethics •Photography •Physical Education •Physics •Psychology •Sociology •Spanish •Sport• Textiles

Progression Opportunities Over 81% of our students progressed on to University last year. Others went into full-time work or enrolled on to an Apprenticeship. We are here to provide help with interview preparation for jobs and CV writing to enable your son or daughter to pursue the right path for them.

An integral part of university preparation is the UCAS application process and we are here for your son or daughter every step of the way. What the personal tutors ask of their students, however, is that they are organised in terms of completing the application and personal statement on time so that we can ensure that the process is as seamless as possible. Late submissions cause many complications and we would like to avoid jeopardising your son or daughter’s future place at university due to lack of organisation.

The Bedford Sixth FormBromham RoadBedford MK40 2BS

Telephone: 01234 291921info@bedfordsixthform.ac.ukwww.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

A platform for success In 2014, our A-Level students achieved a 96% pass rate and our Extended Diploma students a 99% pass rate.The year before, 81% of our students progressed successfully on to some of the top universities in the country. Here are a few examples:

•Accounting & Finance at University of Cardiff

•Accounting & Finance with a year in Industry at University of Kent

•Biomedical Sciences (Forensic) with Professional Experience at Brunel University

•Communications & Media at University of Leeds

•Computer Science & Mathematics at The University of Manchester

•Ecology & Environmental Biology at University of Leeds

•English Literature at University of Reading

•Graphic Arts at University of Southampton

•Human Physiology at University of Leeds

•Law at Queen Mary University of London

•Policy, Politics & Economics at University of Birmingham

•Politics & Sociology at The University of Manchester

•Politics at Loughborough University

•Psychology at University of Sheffield

•Science with an Integrated Foundation Year at The University of Manchester

•Sociology at London School of Economics

•Veterinary Nursing and Bioveterinary Science at Bristol University

Studying full-time at degree level

In paidemployment

Unemployed and seeking work

Studying full-time

not at degree level 5%

3%

8%

Source: The Bedford Sixth Form Destinations Survey 2013.

81%

3%In unpaid employment

such as internships or

volunteering