Sixth Form Prospectus 2017-18storage.googleapis.com/prudhoe/2014/06/165995_Prudhoe_6...2017 Sixth Form Prospectus | 5 Why Prudhoe? 6 The right course for you 10 Entry Criteria 12 Individual

Excellence - in all we do -

Sixth Form Prospectus

2017-18

Thank you for your interest in Prudhoe Community High School Sixth Form. You are in the process of making exciting decisions about your future options. Entry into Higher Education or the world of work will be strongly influenced by the decisions you make now; decisions about what to study and where to study.

We understand that students need a lot of support and guidance throughout the whole process. As a Post 16 student you will need to take even greater responsibility for your learning. We have strong systems in place to support the development of independent skills, and we have a commitment to support the academic, personal and social needs of every individual.

At Prudhoe Community High School, we have an impressive record of examination success and this is just one of the reasons that you should consider joining us.

If you would like to find out more about the courses we offer and talk to teachers and current students, please come to our Sixth Form Courses Evening on Thursday 12th January 2017 from 6-8pm.

If you are currently at a different school and would like to receive all future information about applying and enrolling in the Sixth Form, please contact us on 01661 832486 or [email protected]

Welcome

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Kathryn Williams David BlightAssistant Headteacher Head of Sixth FormPost 16 and Enrichment

2017 Sixth Form Prospectus | 3


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I chose to stay at PCHS because I wanted to develop my education and study the range of subjects which I found interesting. One of the

many benefits of staying at Prudhoe is that it is a comfortable environment to learn in. Another

is that the teachers are very welcoming. Drew

Student view

We have acommitment

to supportthe academic,personal and

social needs ofevery individual.


Why Prudhoe? 6The right course for you 10Entry Criteria 12Individual care and support 14Making the Transition 16The next step 18Excellent facilities 20Opportunities to grow 23Joining us... 26Application Process 27

Contents

Pursue your career dream

We recently achieved Stage 2 of the “Inspiring IAG” Award which recognises excellence in Careers Education Information and Guidance and that here at Prudhoe, “there is a strong and total commitment to developing CEIAG. Students are engaged and involved in the process of career decision-making and planning” (Inspiring IAG Stage 2 Report, November 2015).

We are very proud of our Destinations data: on average 60% of our Year 13 cohort apply to University. In 2016, all students took up a place and 92% of them secured their first choice.

Make those leading connections

All students in Year 12 are given the opportunity to undertake a week of Work Experience in business or industry giving them great career connections and prospects for future employment. Previous successful placements have been with organisations such as Ford, John Lewis, Lloyds Bank as well as local university departments and our feeder primary and middle schools allowing students to gain real-world, relevant experience in their chosen sector.

Students looking for careers advice can connect directly with our independent and impartial careers advisor who has relevant experience to deliver one-to-one support in helping them plan their future.

Access a wide-range of diverse courses

We firmly believe that our Sixth Form has a something for everyone. Students are able to pursue courses from a wide-range of A-Levels or Vocational courses or if they prefer, can study a mixture of both.

Why Prudhoe?

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Moving from Year 11 to Year 12 is a big transition. Returning to Prudhoe gave

continuity in my education as teachers, who have known me since Year 9, are able to fully support me in all aspects of school life. I feel that attending a different school would have

disrupted my learning. Emily

Student view

Progress at A and AS level that compares very

favourably with the national picture for attainment and

progress. Vocational and technical results are much

better than average.Ofsted, September 2016

2017 Sixth Form Prospectus | 7Prospectus | 7

Get involved in our fantastic enrichment opportunities

Whilst academic excellence is of great importance to us, at PCHS we want all our Sixth Form students to become well-rounded, confident and articulate individuals ready to take the world of work by storm. To support them to do this, students are able to involve themselves in activities from in-class support to debate club, from volunteer work in South Africa to taking part in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

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Learners themselves express great confidence in the 16 to 19 provision because they like their teachers and fully respect them for having supported them so well in Years 9 to 11.Ofsted, September 2016


Get the right tools to succeed

Brand new library facilities and dedicated Post 16 IT room and study area.

A well led and organised transition programme from Year 11 to Year 12 to support the move towards a more independent learning style.

Tutorial and assembly programme which focuses on employability and personal development skills.

Parent and Student Satisfaction

Our Sixth Form students are overwhelmingly positive about their

experience here at Prudhoe.

In our most recent Year 12 Parent Survey:

100%felt their child is happy in Year 12

felt the Sixth Form is well led and managed

felt the school responds well to any concerns they raise

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The right coursefor you

I tried another 6th form before returning to PCHS. I was there for two weeks before I felt the need to move back to Prudhoe.

The teaching style here is enjoyable and student friendly. This is definitely the best place for me to pursue my education.

Will

Student view

At PCHS, we have an extensive curriculum offering a variety of academic and vocational qualifications to meet the needs of students with a wide range of abilities and interests.

It is important to point out that the courses we offer are in some cases very different to the same subject you may have taken at GCSE Level. You will need to look at subject content information provided by departments at our Post 16 Courses Evening and on our website to check that the course is what you expect. Full details of all courses available can be downloaded from our webiste:

www.pchs.org.uk/year-13/


A-Level SubjectsArt and Design HistoryArt Textiles MathematicsBiology MusicChemistry Further MathematicsDT (Product Design) Philosophy and EthicsEnglish Language PhysicsEnglish Literature SociologyFrench Spanish Geography Physical Education

Vocational SubjectsApplied ScienceCreative and Media Cambridge TechnicalPerforming Arts Cambridge TechnicalBusiness Studies Cambridge TechnicalICT BTECHealth and Social Care BTECEngineering BTECSport Cambridge Technical

We are committed to encouraging learning and progression, so we try to ensure that students joining us at Post 16 are considered on their individual merits, abilities, and potential. At the same time, we want to encourage success and ask students to be realistic in the choices they make. In our discussion with them, all relevant factors relating to their previous and likely attainment are taken into account and advice will be given to each individual about his/her suitability to follow a particular course of study.

To begin an A-Level course in Year 12, you must achieve at least five A*-C grades at GCSE level. From Summer 2017, in English and Mathematics this year, this will translate to a score of 4 or above.

A minimum of grade C is required for all Advanced subjects where they are a continuation from GCSE. In some subjects it may be advised that a higher grade than C is needed. In this case an alternative subject choice will have to be made when the grade requirement is not met.

We strongly recommend that students select three courses. However, if students have achieved a suite of A and A* grades at GCSE, we may consider allowing them to choose four.

Some students may wish to change a subject after starting on an A-Level course; some students may be advised to make a change. It is expected that the majority of subject changes are completed during the first four weeks of Year 12. Changes are then dependent on the availability of a place on the course.

In Year 12 and Year 13 we must also reserve the right to review our course and teaching provision when few students are opting to take or to continue with a subject.

Entry Criteria




Support may take many different forms, they include:

Day-to-day support This includes formal instruction on study skills and time management. The tutorial period acts as a time when students can discuss matters with the Pastoral Tutor.

Health and Welfare advice The school has access to the advice and services of the Educational Psychology service and a School’s Medical Officer. We have a qualified Youth Counsellor to whom referrals can be made via the Head of Sixth Form, the local welfare and guidance agencies.

Learning Support Parents should liaise with the SENDCO to ascertain whether funding is likely to be available for a specific need. The Special Educational Needs (SEND) department offers classroom support in accordance with SEND code of practice (September 2014). As with Lower School pupils, Sixth Form support is reviewed on a regular basis.

Personal, Social and Health Education Prudhoe Community High School pays due regard to the provision of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSCHE) in the Sixth Form. Students are encouraged to take part in a range of tutorial activities dealing with a wide spectrum of issues affecting young adults.

Individual care and supportWe are a very caring and hard-working Sixth Form and pride ourselves on the high quality information and guidance we provide to our students. We set challenging targets of all our students, but we also provide a responsive and effective support network.

As in Lower School, all students who join our Sixth Form are assigned to a Pastoral Tutor. That tutor will act as a first point of contact should problems of an academic or pastoral nature arise.


The Post 16 Bursary

Students who are entering Post 16 education in any institution may be eligible for the Post 16 Bursary which is funded by the government. Its purpose is to help students who need financial

support in meeting the cost of Post 16 education.

You will qualify for funding if you are:

In care, a care leaver, a student in receipt of income support or a student with learning difficulties or disabilities in receipt of both

Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. If so you will qualify for

£1,400 per year from the scheme

OR

In receipt of Free School Meals. If so you will be eligible to receive up to £700 per year from

the scheme. Any funding that is left is used as a Hardship fund for learners. If you have

any questions about the Post 16 Bursary, please do not hesitate to contact us.


Making the TransitionFor students at Prudhoe Community High School, specific information and advice about Post 16 opportunities will become available during the Autumn Term of Year 11.

We have already held our Information Evening for all students considering entry to Year 12 and are due to hold our Post 16 Open Evening in January when students and parents can speak to Subject Leaders about the course content of subjects on offer in Year 12. This is when we will present more fully the opportunities provided at Post 16. Initial subject choices will be made following this. We will provide lesson sampling to help students in their decision making.

All Year 11 students at Prudhoe Community High School will receive personal advice and support, including individual interviews with a senior member of staff, relating to post-16 opportunities and decisions. Final subject choices are made in March, and one-to-one support will remain available to students having difficulty in making decisions.

Students wishing to transfer to Prudhoe Community High School are most welcome to attend our Post 16 Open Evening and are invited to make application to Year 12 during January and February. For all students, the general post-16 entry requirements apply.

The new school’s sport facilities are great for allowing a real variety of sports take place. The Dance studio allows for Drama

and other extra-curricular activities such as Dance at lunchtimes. The new 4G Sports Hall is amazing; it’s so big that we are able to

play netball and basketball indoors. We also have a fully equipped Fitness Suite which is used after school by many students.

Jess

Student view

Good quality advice for careers and application to university ensure that learners are confident about moving to the next stage of education or the world of work.Ofsted, September 2016


In today’s challenging economic climate, we aim to equip our students with the confidence and skills to be competitive in the employment market.

The next step...



Our students have successfully moved on to study a wide range of courses at a variety of universities: Newcastle University Civil Engineering

Oxford University Biological SciencesTeesside University

MidwiferyUniversity of Leeds

SpanishUniversity of Surrey Paramedic PracticeUniversity of York English Language

and LinguisticsUniversity of Northumbria Psychology and Sport Science

The next step...

Higher Education:

We offer a structured programme of support for students applying to university from guidance through the UCAS application process and student finance to university talks, visits and residential Summer Schools. At the end of Year 12, students take part in two-day conference which addresses all of these issues.

We have excellent links with local universities such as Newcastle, Sunderland, Northumbria, Teesside and Durham and our Sixth Form is a partner school for a variety of supported progression and reduced offer schemes. We also offer dedicated advice and support for students considering Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science and Oxbridge applications.

Employment:

At PCHS, we recognise that university is not for everyone. This is why we have a dedicated Careers Advisor who can give advice on apprenticeships and employment opportunities as well as providing help with writing CVs, letters of application and preparation for interviews.

In today’s challenging economic climate, we aim to equip our students with the confidence and skills to be competitive in the employment market.

Many of our students go on the secure apprenticeships with firms such as Sage, SCA and Mercedes Benz which lead onto successful careers.

Excellent facilitiesWe are fortunate enough in our new school build to have state-of-the-art facilities.


Learning Resource Centre Sixth Form students have first claim on the books and study tables within this area. The LRC is constantly growing in book stock and important journals such as E-Magazine (English) and New Scientist are available here. Our LRC manager will go out of her way to support students and help them source relevant study material for their courses. There is a specialised introduction to the library for all Sixth Form students during their Induction day.

Post 16 Study Area A main Sixth Form Study Area is situated adjacent to the LRC. Students are also able to access members of the Sixth Form team whose offices are within close proximity to this area. This also contains a small number of computers.

Post 16 IT Room Sixth Form students are able to use our dedicated post-16 ICT suite in order to conduct research and private study.

Sixth Form Cafeteria Students can use the dining hall and specialised 6th form area throughout the day. Vending machines contain hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks are available all day.

WiFi All Post 16 students have access to school wi-fi. It means that students are encouraged to bring in notebooks or laptops if they wish and to follow our ICT acceptable use policy.

Atmosphere In all areas of the school where Sixth Formers are working, there is a purposeful and vibrant atmosphere.

Excellent facilities


Older pupils and learners on the 16 to 19 study programmes frequently demonstrate exceptional concentration on their work for long periods.Ofsted, September 2016

Individual departments also offer many enrichment opportunities including residential trips at home and abroad.


At Prudhoe, we are fiercely proud of the vast range of activities we offer and the memorable moments that these have given to our students. These activities are critical in allowing students to develop new skills to improve their CVs and enhance their University applications.

In addition to academic progression, we strongly believe in providing young people with personal development opportunities beyond the classroom. We expect our Sixth Form students to act as role models for the young people in lower school and all students will be encouraged to take part in Enrichment activities in order to contribute to the busy wider life of the school.

Our Sixth Form has its own Student Council to ensure that all students have their voices heard during their time here. Many of our students also

apply to become Sixth Form Ambassadors as part of our Student Leadership Programme and are a growing part of the cultural capital of our school. Some Ambassadors are subject mentors, some are peer mentors and some help out with public speaking at Parents’ evenings and Open Evenings.

Individual departments also offer many enrichment opportunities including residential trips at home and abroad and schemes such as the Community Sports Leadership Award.


Opportunities to grow


We welcome any new ideas which students have and always aim to provide students with fresh, current and stimulating learning experiences. This year you could have chosen from:

• Sports Teams• Debate Club• Drama Productions• Edinburgh Fringe

Festival Production• Maths Challenge• Sixth Form and Staff Choir

• Lessons from Auschwitz Visit• South Africa Project

Gateway Visit• Academic Mentoring• Geography Field

Work Residential• University Open Days• School Council

New ideas


Having chosen to study History, English Language and Sports Science in Sixth Form, I anticipated returning to a host of essays and difficult coursework. My first week in Year 12 gave me the window to realise

that the level of dedication from my teachers combined with the small class sizes generate the perfect atmosphere in which to further my studies. Although challenging, lessons at PCHS are incomparable

to anywhere else. Anna

Student view

Our Sixth Form has its own Student Council to ensure that all students have their voices heard during their time here.


We welcome applications from both internal and external students.

If you think Prudhoe Community High School Sixth Form might be the place for you, please come along to our Open Evening, where our students and staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend, please contact school directly to request any further information or arrange a visit.

Joining Us...

Good spiritual, moral, social and cultural development helps to underpin learners’ very positive outlook on life. Ofsted, September 2016


Application ProcessThursday 12 January 2017

Post 16 Open Evening

Monday 27 Feb - Friday 3 March 2017 1:1 Guidance meeting with senior staff

Friday 10 March 2017 Submit options form

May 2017 Provisional Acceptance letters

26 and 27 June 2017 Post 16 Lesson Sampling

Thursday 24 August 2017 GCSE Results Day

Friday 25 August 2017 Sixth Form EnrolmentAs a Sixth Form Ambassador, I have been given the opportunity to

help in various lower school lessons which I find highly rewarding. Assisting the school and its teachers at Open Evenings allows me

to build on a wide range of skills which I know will help me succeed in Further Education. Sixth Form is a vital step in teaching you to become more independent whilst supporting you along the way.

Ellie

Student view

Prudhoe Community High SchoolMoor RoadPrudhoeNorthumberlandNE42 5LJ

T 01661 832486F 01661 832859E [email protected]

www.pchs.org.uk


Documents

Sixth Form Prospectus 2017-18storage.googleapis.com/prudhoe/2014/06/165995_Prudhoe_6...2017 Sixth Form Prospectus | 5 Why Prudhoe? 6 The right course for you 10 Entry Criteria 12 Individual