headteacher: mr edward conway director of sixth form -...

Bringing Christ to All and All to Christ

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St. Michael’s Catholic High School Headteacher: Mr Edward Conway

DIRECTOR OF SIXTH FORM - MISS A T PARROTT

Sixth Form

Student

Handbook

Edited: June 2017


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The purpose of this booklet is to provide you with detailed information about the Sixth Form. It is designed to help

you familiarise yourself with life at St Michael’s before the term begins. It also sets out our expectations of you, as

students, as well as what you can expect from the school.

Contents:

Introduction

Sixth Form Personnel

Where to go for Help

Studying in the Sixth Form

The Sixth Form Curriculum

Key Dates

Pastoral Programme

Making the Most of Your Time

Sixth Form Facilities

Responsibilities

Learning Agreement

Extracurricular Life

CONTACT DETAILS

St Michael’s Catholic High School

High Elms Lane

Garston

Herts WD25 0SS

Tel: 01923 673760

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.stmichaelscatholichighschool.co.uk


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Welcome to the Sixth Form… We hope you will find the Sixth Form to be a friendly and ‘adult’ environment in which you are encouraged to

develop a sense of independence and to take responsibility for your studies. The next two years will be very

important ones in shaping your future career and education, and one of our fundamental aims is to help you decide

what you want to do after ‘A’ levels and then work with you to secure the necessary grades, qualifications, and

experience needed for your chosen objective. The Sixth Form, however, is not just about preparing students for

university. It offers you a chance to start developing the study skills, personal qualities and time management that

you will need in later life. It provides opportunities for you to develop extracurricular and sporting interests, or to

discover new ones. Above all, the Sixth Form is about helping you realise your potential whatever that is. We want

our Sixth Formers to be successful whether this takes the form of university entrance, gaining a college place,

obtaining an apprenticeship or securing full time employment. We also want our Sixth Formers to be considerate

and responsible members of a happy and thriving community.

Your time in the Sixth Form will pass very quickly, and it is important that you adjust to the demands of advanced

level learning as soon as possible. You must realise that learning is not a passive activity in the Sixth Form and you

can’t just expect to turn up to lessons and hope that your teacher will do all the work for you. As you are studying

subjects you have chosen, teachers will expect this to be reflected in your approach to work, which should be both

positive and well organised (i.e. no late or incomplete assignments!). More than at GCSE, you will be expected to

carry out independent study, especially reading around the subject and completing extra exercises. In class,

teachers will expect you to be active and willing to participate in discussions.

For a period of two years in the Sixth Form, you will be given considerable freedom and responsibility, within a

secure framework of support and guidance. You will be able to identify your own interests and strengths and build

upon them by concentrating in depth on the subjects you enjoy. You will receive expert advice when selecting your

subjects, so that you may apply for courses at University and for employment with the right background and

qualifications for the career you have in mind. Your initiatives will be welcomed and you will be recognised as a

leader of the school community, and given opportunities to develop your social and leadership skills. There will be

opportunities to find out more about the vast range of educational and career opportunities open to you, to develop

your vocational skills, and to gain experience of the world of work.

Generally you will be given more freedom and privileges in the Sixth Form. However, these carry responsibilities.

We hope that all Sixth Formers will show an awareness of this in supporting the established structure of school life.

Whatever course you are embarking on, one of the most valuable attributes you can acquire is self-discipline. When

you leave the Sixth Form to enter employment or higher education you will find considerable account is taken of this

maturity. Qualifications alone will not tell anyone if you get on with other people, whether you are reliable and can

work in a team. They will not say whether you are an enthusiastic or lethargic member of society. The best students

in the Sixth Form are not necessarily those who are the cleverest; they are those who realise that full involvement in

every aspect of Sixth Form life will bring their talents to fruition. To a great extent the character of a school depends

on the quality of its Sixth Form, which should take the lead. We hope you will play your full part, achieve success on

your chosen course, and enjoy your time in the Sixth Form.

The Sixth Form is an exciting time, make the most of it.

We encourage all Sixth Formers to seek assistance whenever they need it, and your subject teachers and Form Tutor

will always be happy to provide advice and guidance. Above all you must remember that a key element in a

successful Sixth Form career is openness and honesty; if you are experiencing pastoral or academic difficulties, or are

behind with work deadlines, do not suffer in silence - come and talk to us! Effective communication is key to your

success.


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The Director of Sixth Form - Miss A T Parrott

I am responsible for the day to day running of the Sixth Form. I lead the team of Sixth Form tutors and am on hand

to assist with any problems or queries that you may have. I work with subject staff and tutors to ensure that each

student realises his or her potential. I can be found in my office between 8.15 & 9.00am each morning. Sixth

Formers are always welcome to make appointments for other times or drop in on the off-chance.

Your Form Tutor is the person immediately responsible for overseeing your welfare and general progress over the

two years. Accordingly, it is your Form Tutor to whom you should turn, in the first instance, if you wish to seek

advice, or have a particular requirement or difficulty. Your Form Tutor will help you in the process of learning

independently and will play a crucial part in your Higher Education plans; assisting in the completion of application

forms and compiling your reference.

The Sixth Form Support Officer - Mrs C Inglis

Mrs Inglis works in the Aquinas Centre. She manages the Aquinas Centre, monitors attendance, co-ordinates the

Bursary process, supports the UCAS and admissions process. She is also responsible for Connexions and updates the

Sixth Form Blog.

Director of Sixth Form

Miss A T Parrott ([email protected]) Telephone: 01923 673760

Sixth Form Study Supervisor

Mrs C Inglis ([email protected]) Telephone: 01923 673760

Sixth Form Tutors

Mrs S Power Mr D Larner Ms C Doherty Ms L Bevis

Mr M Clatworthy Mrs M Jones Mrs S Seifert

Mrs V Roe Ms D Roze Miss L Turner

Examinations Officer - Mrs D Avis ([email protected])

Academic

• If the problem is one of organisation of your work, for example, letting things pile up, missing deadlines or not

making efficient use of your study periods, then your Form Tutor is available to help.

• If the problem is of a subject specific nature, lack of understanding of a particular topic or a feeling that you are

being overloaded with conflicting work deadlines, then talk to your subject teachers.

• If you are considering changing courses then you should discuss your plans with your Form Tutor and then with the

Director of Sixth Form. A change of this kind must not be made lightly and you are strongly advised not to change

courses beyond the first 4 weeks of term as too much ground will have to be made up. Only if we are satisfied that

you have thought through all the issues surrounding a change of subject, and discussed them with your

parent(s)/carer(s), will you be allowed to make a subject change. You will need to complete a Course Change Form

which must be completed by your subject teachers, with comments about the proposed change. This needs to be

accompanied by a letter from your parent / carer. It is vital that you complete this form and return it to the Director

of Sixth Form or you will be invoiced for exam entries in that subject.

With regard to any changes to courses later than October Half term you may be liable for the cost of examination

entries.


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MONITORING & MENTORING

Course Support

At St Michael’s, we want every student to achieve their potential, and have access to any necessary support and

guidance. Progress is monitored via Course Reviews and these are sent home to parents. Course Reviews may

indicate that students are not making the desired progress; all students receive next steps advice targets on their

Course Reviews. Course Review intervention meetings may be set up and letters are also sent to parents.

A Levels/BTECs

In Sixth Form you may find the change in approach to study unsettles you. You will certainly need to ORGANISE

YOUR WORK. For example, you must look ahead and not think of set periods of ‘homework’. Staff will expect work

to be completed on time. It should not be left until the last minute, but should be done efficiently during private

study periods in school or at home. Moreover, the work set by the subject teacher is a minimum, and wide

background reading is necessary in every subject. Some people do struggle to adapt to the new demands and you

must ask for help if you are finding it difficult.

If you do experience difficulties, you should immediately seek advice from your subject teacher, your Form Tutor or

the Director of Sixth Form. They are always ready to help. Progress is monitored on a regular basis throughout the

course. Central to monitoring progress and providing direction is the mentoring system and individual action

planning. You are encouraged to consider possible future career paths; researching requirements in terms of

qualifications, skills and experience, and devising strategies to obtain them. We believe that success is achieved by

maintaining a triangular partnership between you, your parents/carers and the school. To this end we are keen to

keep parents/carers informed of your progress through Course Reviews and APR Day. Parents/carers are strongly

encouraged to contact us if they detect any developing problems.

Study Time

The need to organise your work means that you must strike the right balance between your academic work and your

extra-curricular activities. Important though it is to cultivate wide interests and friendships, you must not allow

these interests to undermine your academic progress. Part of the process of adapting to work post -16 is learning to

use private study time. All students should be giving about six hours per subject per a week to their studies at

home. This is of course advisory but if students are aiming for the high grades needed for university entrance today,

this is the minimum level of commitment required. Assignments and set work must be submitted on time and to the

required standard. If on a rare occasion there is a problem with a deadline, you should see the subject teacher

concerned. Since you are studying fewer subjects, you will find that you have non-contact lessons. Unfortunately,

this does not mean that you have nothing to do!

The proper use of private study periods is an essential part of your management of time. It is only too easy to let

these periods drift by without anything positive being achieved. Effective use of study periods within school will free

up more time out of school for other activities, whilst studying in school where you have access to the appropriate

staff, textbooks and facilities makes good sense. The social facilities available should be used before school, at break

or at lunch. The Aquinas Centre must be seen as a quiet working environment!


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Target Setting and Monitoring

At the beginning of the Autumn Term, subject teachers will set an ALPs minimum target grade (based on GCSE

performance). These are recorded and your progress is tracked against this target. These target grades ARE NOT

the same as estimated grades for UCAS applications, which are based on your performance in Year 12. Your

estimated grades will be discussed in the September of Year 13. Your Form Tutor will meet with you regularly to

help you monitor your progress using a tracking sheet. Subject teachers will review your progress regularly. If you

are underachieving, a referral will be made to the Director of Sixth Form and you will be interviewed. You will be

given greater independence for private study if you achieve effort grades of 1 to 1.75, all positives in Course Reviews

and have excellent attendance.

A Level Courses

A reform of the A Level system was completed in 2000. It meant that A levels were ‘unitised’ and you could take

units through the course rather than sitting exams at the end. In 2008, new orders were introduced which reformed

the structure of the AS and A2 courses.

The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is a stand-alone qualification and is valued as a half a full A Level qualification.

Following a further reform in 2008, some A Levels are made up of four units (two in Year 12 and two in Year 13) and

some are made up of six.

UCAS POINTS BTEC SUBSIDIARY DIPLOMA

Grade A2 AS Grade Points

A* 56 - D* 56

A 48 20 D 48

B 40 16 M 32

C 32 12 P 16

D 24 10

E 16 6

Year 12 is therefore a vitally important year and can’t ever be seen as a settling in period. It is incredibly difficult in

Year 13 to make up ground lost in Year 12. Competitive universities only tend to select candidates with top GCSE

grades, and high predicted grades. This is based on work submitted in Year 12 along with your UCAS Indicator

examination results.

As of 2017 subjects are all reformed meaning 100% of the grade is from the A Level examination. Reforms to the A

Level system have meant that all results lie on your performance in formal examinations at the end of a two year

course.

There will also be an increase in the number of universities using their own entrance exams to assess students and

this will assist them when offering places to students.


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Year 13 Autumn Term

1. Higher Education applications are submitted before the deadline in mid November.

2. University interviews begin, and any student called for a university interview will be offered further interview practice within School.

3. Academic progress is reviewed in November. You will receive feedback from this.

Spring Term

Grade Indicator Examinations take place in January. You will receive a Grade Indicators results Certificate.

1. In January there is an APR Day followed by a parents evening later in the term so that you can evaluate your progress with both staff and parents/carers.

2. Your final Course Review is issued prior to Easter.

3. University interviews continue and offers are made through UCAS.

Summer Term

1. Students make final decisions about UCAS offers they are holding.

2. Study leave and public examinations begin in mid May.

Year 12 Year 13

Choices Fayre

Choices confirmation meeting

Introduction to the Sixth Form

Target grades issued

Yr12 parent information evening

September Choices Fayre

Personal Statement writing – final draft

Estimated grades for UCAS

Early application for Oxbridge and medicine, veterinary

science etc.

Academic Monitoring – via Course Review 1

October UCAS preparation and reference writing

Academic monitoring

Follow Up interviews - intervention

Action Planning

November Follow Up interviews - via Course Review

Internal deadline UCAS applications

Admission Tests (BMAT, LNAT etc.)

Interview Practice

Action Planning

Academic Monitoring via Course Review 2

December Preparation for Grade Indicator Exam week

APR Day

Introduction to HE

January Grade Indicator Exams

APR Day

Grade Indicator progress review

Action Planning

HE research

February University interviews & offers


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Parents Evening

HE research

March Parents evening

Student finance

Course Review 3 issued

UCAS convention

HE research

April Course Review 3 issued

Replying to University offers

Student Finance

May A Level Exams begin

University visits

Btec Subject Interviews

UCAS registration day and Personal Statement guidance

Y12 UCAS indicator exams

Y12 parents UCAS evening

Y12 Progress Certificate issued

June – July A Level Exams continue

We see Sixth Form as a stepping stone in the development self-discipline and time management skills. There is

therefore a ‘tiered’ approach with regard to attendance.

You will have one Sixth Form assembly: Yr 12 on Mondays, Yr 13 on Wednesdays, usually held in the Hall.

Assemblies focus on a liturgical theme and are also used for giving information and dealing with administrative

matters. They form a significant part of liturgical life and attendance is compulsory.

Year 12

Registration is not only a legal requirement but also the principal channel through which vital information, ranging

from examination timetables to committee meetings, is disseminated. If your attendance according to the register,

falls below 90% your exam entries will be reviewed and your entrance to year 13 will be placed in question. Your

attendance record will be sent home with your monitoring reports.

Term Arrangements for Registration

Autumn Term 1st half All year 12 students attend morning and afternoon

registration until advised otherwise.

As of Autumn Term 2nd half Students who achieved all positives and an excellent effort

grade in Course Reviews may elect to study at home and

miss one am or one pm session. They should sign in and out

at Student Services.

Year 13

Term Arrangements for Registration

Autumn Term 1st half All Year 13 students attend 4 morning and 4 afternoon

registrations until UCAS Applications have been sent (NB this

is not the same once UCAS forms are completed)


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Autumn Term 2nd half All Year 13 students attend 4 morning and 4 afternoon

registrations until UCAS Applications have been sent (NB this

is not the same as completed

Self-management of time for approved students.

PSHE, assembly on Wednesday PM and Sixth Form games

compulsory

Spring Term 1st half

To

Summer Term 2nd half

Self-Management of time for approved students

PSHE assembly on Wednesday pm and Sixth Form games

compulsory

Self-Management of Time

When UCAS applications are sent (or plans for post Year 13 are confirmed) and if all school commitments have been

met, Year 13 students will begin to manage their own time. This will mean that you must attend all taught lessons

and the Sixth Form assembly on Wednesdays. This is a bare minimum and you are expected to keep in close contact

with your Form Tutor and reply to all correspondence. If this privilege is abused, or academic attainment slips, the

privilege of self-management of time will be removed and you will be registered each morning and afternoon.

Punctuality

School starts at 8.50 am and your Form Tutor will register you at that time. This time is essential as a point of

contact for the Form Tutor and it aids the development of effective organisation and time keeping. If you arrive

after 8.50 am you will be marked late. Any student who accumulates a significant amount of lateness during one

term will be expected to make the time up on APR Day. Your subject teachers will also monitor your attendance and

punctuality. You are expected to be punctual at all times; lateness for no good reason is bad manners. Consistent

lateness is grounds for dismissal in the world of work and so you must get into the habit of being on time.

Consistently poor punctuality will form part of an assessment of your continued membership of the Sixth Form.

Attendance

You are permitted to leave the school site during breaks and lunchtimes. If you do leave the school site, you must

sign out using the electronic registration system at student services.

Your parent(s)/carer(s) must notify Mrs Inglis or your Form Tutor if you anticipate that you will not be in school for

any reason.

This includes the following:

Appointments with a doctor or dentist - we would appreciate it if all such appointments should be made out of

school time where possible.

Requests for absence to attend university Open Days; normally summer term - Yr 12.

If you anticipate being absent, you should let your Form Tutor and subject teachers know as a matter of courtesy.

Poor attendance may be used as grounds for asking you to leave the Sixth Form or not being entered for public

examinations.


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Absence

If your absence is unexpected (eg. through illness) or anticipated (eg driving test), you must contact school via

parentline (01923 670639).

Please make contact each day you are absent with the following information:-

Name

Tutor Group

Reason for absence

When you return you must find out what work you have missed and catch as quickly as possible. “I was away” is no

excuse for not being up to date with set work and class notes.

It is very important that you attend all your timetabled lessons – you will find that there is a great deal to cover at ‘A’

level in a relatively short space of time. If you do miss a lesson without permission, then the teacher will report it to

the Director of Sixth Form and action will follow. An electronic register is taken in every Sixth Form lesson and

attendance is closely monitored.

If you feel unwell during the day then you MUST report to Mrs Inglis – you must not sign out without her permission.

Homework

There is no specific homework timetable in the Sixth Form and the volume of homework and nature of deadlines will

vary from subject to subject. Given the variety of approaches to setting homework between subjects, you will need

to be well organised and plan your time carefully to ensure deadlines are met.

A homework diary is a must – you are expected to record all homework in a diary/planner.

As a general rule you can expect as much as 5 – 6 hours of homework per A Level / BTEC subject per week; this may

also be in the form of revision.

Careers

In the Sixth Form, Connexions builds on the work done during Years 10 and 11 to provide effective guidance. The

Connexions Room and Aquinas Centre are open at all times. The wide range of reference books, prospectuses and

directories found there are supplemented by a range of books and videos. The UCAS website is available on the

School’s network and we can direct you to useful career information websites. PSHE lessons are scheduled in the IT

rooms for this purpose. We also offer mock interviews for Oxbridge, Medical, Vet, Nursing and Teaching students

and any others who require it. Individual guidance is available from the Form Tutor, Director of Sixth Form and

Connexions, as well as many other staff. You can make an appointment to discuss appropriate application strategies

and subject choices if necessary. You are encouraged to make full use of all these resources so that you can make

informed decisions which lead to a successful plan and a fulfilling future.

Opportunities

We receive details of a wide range of opportunities for Sixth Formers; trips, courses, study days, summer schools,

bursaries, GAP year activities etc. These are all posted on the blog or on the Sixth Form plasma screen. Check these

spots regularly to keep informed and to make the most of the opportunities available to you. They will not all be

announced in assemblies / tutor periods so you must ensure that you don’t miss out.

Part-Time Jobs


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Many students decide to take a job at some stage during the two years of the Sixth Form. Having a job brings some

advantages, such as a degree of financial independence, experience of the world of work which may help shape

career decisions, and a new outlook on life. However, a job during term time can create problems and may leave

you with insufficient time for study, or problems in meeting school commitments such as sports fixtures. As a

general rule it is always best to think long-term, and a few extra hours spent earning money stacking supermarket

shelves in term time, may have adverse future consequences if you do not secure the A level grades needed for a

university place. If you find yourself becoming over-committed because of a job on top of your A levels, then discuss

the situation with your Form Tutor, and take advice from your peer group - some of whom may have found

themselves in similar situations.

Aquinas Centre

We have our own Sixth Form Centre . You all have a collective responsibility to ensure that the area is well treated

and that litter is tidied up. It is a place of work with full time teaching classrooms as well as IT study space. Please

remember that the centre is an integral part of the school and your behaviour in and around it should therefore not

be a distraction to the learning going on in lessons around you. This means that you must not use your mobile

phones to make/take calls in the Aquinas Centre. An objective of the Sixth Form is to facilitate the transition

between school and the adult world and, with this in mind, you are given more freedom and there are fewer

regulations. It is hoped that all members of the Sixth Form will recognise that a privilege is being extended to them.

You must reciprocate by behaving with maturity and by setting an example for younger students to follow.

Pastoral Support

There may be times over the next two years when you feel under pressure and stressed. In such situations you are

encouraged to talk to your Form Tutor or the Director of Sixth Form. If you would prefer not to discuss your

problems in a school environment, they can direct you to outside sources of counselling.

Extra-Curricular

It is expected that you will play an important part in school life, for example being involved in leadership roles,

liturgical life, sport and fund raising.

Trips

In the last two years members of the Sixth Form have visited Iceland, Ireland and many other destinations in the UK.

Fundraising

The Sixth Form plays a central role in fundraising both during Lent and on St Michael’s Day.

Community Participation

We actively encourage all students to contribute to the wider life of the school. Some of the ways students can

contribute are mentioned below:

Mentoring

Prefects

Senior Prefects

School Council

Environmental Council


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Sports clubs – working with lower school students

Volunteering in the local community

Fund raising

It is a mistake to think of Sixth Form education in only academic terms. Your social, personal, moral and spiritual

development is also an important part of the education process. You should take every opportunity to develop your

powers of initiative and responsible leadership. The Sixth Form has a vital role to play in the life of the school

community and each sixth form student is expected to participate. This involves doing something for someone else

within the school or wider community e.g. as a buddy / a prefect, using skills and talents in other areas of the school

or giving time to assist others less fortunate than yourselves. The success of many extra-curricular activities depends

on your organisation and enthusiasm. Your support will help the school and also benefit you. The way you conduct

yourself has considerable effect on the ethos of the whole school. Sixth Formers are expected to set an example to

the other students and to abide by the regulations on behaviour and dress. It is important to remember that upon

entering Sixth Form, you will be expected to sign a Contract, and will be bound by school rules. You have made the

choice to enrol in the Sixth Form at St Michaels Catholic High School and every member of staff is committed to

giving you the best possible chance of achieving your best. If, however, you do not wish to comply with our

expectations as laid out in the appendices, you will be asked to continue your education elsewhere. This ensures

that we are able to give those students who do wish to involve themselves fully, the best possible opportunities.

Sixth Form Regulations

We try to keep rules to a minimum, and they are all designed to create an effective and positive learning

environment in the Sixth Form. Many of the rules are just common sense and good manners, whilst others;

pertaining to lateness and registration, are legal requirements.

Sixth Formers are reminded that the use of tobacco is forbidden whilst under school discipline. (This extends to

lunchtimes, the area directly surrounding the school site, ie outside the school gates, and off-site activities). They

should also be familiar with the statements in the school’s Anti-Drugs Policy.

We recognise that many of you have mobile phones for security reasons. However, to avoid unnecessary disruption

you must ensure that mobile phones are switched off during all lessons, assemblies and other formal occasions.

Mobile phones may only be switched on or used to make/take calls in the social area of the Common Room. Making

calls in and around school, lower dining room/corridors is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Phones and other personal

entertainment equipment (ipods, mp3s, etc.) in use in any other location may be confiscated.

Sixth Form Dress Code

Sixth Formers should be smartly dressed and show that they are concerned about their appearance, the impression it creates and the example it gives to younger students. Sixth Form students are role models for younger students. We are trying to promote the idea that students have a small working wardrobe of clothes for school to replace their lower school uniform.

Rule

Students should be dressed:

in business attire

as appropriate for a job interview / as appropriate for a workplace

in full dress code for public examinations Students must remember that they are in a Catholic community, and therefore should dress with dignity, pride and

respect at all times. Students must remember they are dressing for school and not for a social occasion. Students’

mode of dress should NEVER undermine their dignity.


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BOYS

ALLOWED CAN WEAR NOT ALLOWED

A smart shirt with collar and tie A smart jumper / cardigan T shirts (of any description),

Lumberjack style shirts

Black, grey, blue or other subdued

colour, full length trousers or chinos

Jeans including black ones (jeans are

defined as having rivets)

A suit jacket, a plain jumper or

cardigan

Wearing a jumper/suit jacket is

optional

Hoodies including school hoodies, body

warmers or denim jacket

Smart shoes, suitable for school Trainers / plimsolls / “Vans” /

“Converse”

Outdoor coats can be worn to and

from school

Outdoor coats can be worn to and

from school in the event of inclement

weather

Hoodies including school hoodies, body

warmers or denim jacket

Boys are NOT allowed piercings. Outdoor wear such as coats should be removed in lessons.

GIRLS

ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED

A formal smart & modest skirt / dress / trousers/ chinos Excessively short skirts or dresses (skirt or dress length to

be no more than 3 inches above the knee). Backless dresses

or dresses with plunging necklines (no bra straps to be

shown). No leggings or jeans including black ones – jeans

are defined as having rivets.

A smart modest blouse or top (not see through, no bra

straps to be on show and shoulders must be covered as

must midriffs)

Casual T shirts (of any description), Logoed shirts (eg sports

manufacturers, teams, bands etc), Strappy or strapless tops.

Tops with plunging necklines or crop tops.

A plain jumper or cardigan (wearing a jumper is optional) Hoodies including school hoodies, Bodywarmers or denim

jackets.

Smart shoes suitable for school Trainers / plimsolls / “Vans” / “Converse” / backless shoes /

Ugg style boots / Flip flops

Outdoor coats can be worn to and from school & to school

events if weather inclement.

Hoodies including school hoodies, Bodywarmers or denim

jackets.

Outdoor wear such as coats should be removed in lessons. Discrete nose piercings are allowed

Monitoring

In the first instance dress code will be monitored by the Form Tutor, but any member of staff can address students

who fall short of our expectations.

1. A warning will be given by the Form Tutor on the first occasion that mode of dress is not fit for school.

2. Persistent offenders will be referred to Miss Parrott for a second warning.

3. Continual reoffending of dress code will lead to parental contact via letter / phone call home.

No improvement? If necessary, students will be sent home to change in suitable clothing. This is NOT our

preferred option.

If in doubt about an item of clothing you should consult your Form Tutor or Miss Parrott. The final decision on

suitability of dress rests with the Director of Sixth Form. If you are in breach of this dress code, you will be sent

home – if in doubt it is probably unacceptable and inappropriate.


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Summary

The following is a summary of expectations:

100% effort with studies

Adherence to Dress Code

Excellent Attendance and Punctuality

Commitment to Sixth Form Activities

Appendices

HE Timeline document

Sixth Form Contract

The University application process - a guide for parents/carers

Month School Parent/Carer Student

January Y12

APR Day 1 Oxbridge research. Taster courses for a variety of universities are advertised on the blog when we are told about them.

APR Day 1 Keep an eye on the Sixth Form blog for careers and university updates.

APR Day 1 Keep an eye on the Sixth Form blog for careers and university updates.

February Y12

We start talking to students about the application process. Taster courses continue to be advertised on the blog when we are told about them. Summer schools are also advertised on the blog.

Start talking to your son/daughter about what they want to do when they leave school and which subject they would choose if going to university.

Start thinking about what they want to do when they leave school and which subject they would choose if going to university. Apply for taster courses and summer schools. Pay for UCAS convention. Attend UCAS convention preparation session.

Early April Y12

A trip to the UCAS convention – most universities have stands at Olympia and students can pick up prospectuses and ask questions. There are also stands for alternative school leaver opportunities – apprenticeships, employers, gap year opportunities.

Talk to your son/daughter about what they found out at the conference. Start planning a few Open Days you could go to together.

Prepare for UCAS convention by reading information on the blog and watching the video on the UCAS website. Start to consider Open Days.


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April Y12

Open Days are advertised when universities let us know about them (in the Aquinas Centre and on the blog).

Arrange to visit Open Days with your son/daughter.

Students should plan their Open Days carefully. Weekend and half term Open Days should be attended where possible. (Only attend in Y13 as a last resort).

May Y12

Covering Exam questions and technique.

Ensure your son/daughter is completing adequate revision, but not so much that they will be too stressed.

Revision.

June Y12

We talk about completing the UCAS form, writing a personal statement and have apprenticeship talks. We hold a talk for parents on an evening in late June to explain the application process. UCAS registration day. UCAS Indicator exams.

Attend the parents’/carers’ talk June. Visit Open Days with your son/daughter.

1. Full engagement in preparation for UCAS Indicator Exams.

2. UCAS Indicator exam week. 3. Unifrog to research courses. 4. Start writing personal

statement. 5. Students begin to fill in the

application form online.

July Y12

Enrichment programme continues. PSHE sessions/Progress reports in order to enter Year 13.

Read through your son/daughter’s Personal Statement and suggest corrections (subtly!).

Students continue to fill in the application form online.

August Y12

Remind them to work on their Personal Statement.

Final decision to be made on the subject to be studied and university choices. Work on completing the Personal Statement.

September Y13

Oxbridge, Medicine and Dentistry applicants are chased for their Personal Statement.

Check through their Personal Statement and application form.

Students send first draft of Personal Statement to Form Tutor. They make corrections as necessary. Students fill in the application form online if this hasn’t been completed.

October Y13

References are written and the Personal Statement is checked. Improvements to Personal Statment are suggested. The deadline for early entry courses is 15th October.

Check through their Personal Statement and application form

Personal Statement is finalised. Online application is completed. The deadline for early entry course is 15th October.


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November Y13

References and Personal Statement checking continued. Mock interviews arranged if required (usually for Oxbridge, Medical and Dentistry students).

Encourage them to submit their application by the internal November deadline.

Most applications should be submitted by now. Offers start being made to those who have submitted their application. UCAS form must be submitted by Nov. Some students are invited for interview December.

December Y13

Mock interviews arranged if required (usually for Oxbridge, Medical and Dentistry students).

Take your son/daughter to interviews if required.

January Y13

Mock interviews arranged if required (usually for Oxbridge, Medical and Dentistry students).

Take your son/daughter to interviews if required.

Interviews continue.

February Y13

Information given out about how to apply for student finance. School will have organised university speakers about student finance between December – February.

Support your son/daughter with their application for Student Finance. They may need some of your financial details if applying for a grant.

The Student Finance online application can be accessed.

March Y13

Support given to students needing to use Extra (as process accessed by students who have no offers) if required.

Start encouraging them to focus ahead to final A level exams!

Students may continue to receive offers but they should hear from all of their choices by the end of this month.

May Y13

Exam period starts. Ensure your son/daughter is completing adequate revision but not so much that they will be too stressed.

Students need to choose a firm choice (i.e where they really want to go) and an insurance choice (this should have lower grades than the firm) by early May. A Level exams are sat.

June Y13

Exam period continues. Ensure your son/daughter is completing adequate revision but not so much that they will be too stressed.

Last opportunity to make a late application (other than going through clearing). A Level exams are sat.

July Y13

Enjoy the summer.

August Y13

On hand for advice / guidance / support.

Be on hand to support your son/daughter on results day.

Be in school for results day.

October Y13

Head off to University.

Throughout PSHE in Y12 and Y13 we cover university and apprenticeships on a variety of occasions - many speakers visit the school. All students have the option of a connexions appointment - see Mrs Inglis to arrange.


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Useful websites: http://www.opendays.com http://www.ucas.ac.uk/ http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/universities/applying-to-university/ http://www.realuniguide.com/ http://www.university.which.co.uk http://www.whatuni.com http://www.push.co.uk http://www.comparetheuni.com

http://www.opendays.com/

http://www.ucas.ac.uk/

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/universities/applying-to-university/

http://www.realuniguide.com/

http://www.university.which.co.uk/

http://www.whatuni.com/

http://www.push.co.uk/

http://www.comparetheuni.com/


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St Michael’s Catholic High School and Specialist College

SIXTH FORM CONTRACT 2017- 2018

The aim of the Sixth Form Contract is to ensure that you achieve your best in your chosen courses and act as a positive role model at St

Michael’s Catholic High School.

As a member of a class I will:

Take an active and positive role in my learning – including actively seeking to learn independently.

Work hard to achieve at least my ALPs minimum Target Grade.

Attend and be punctual for all my lessons.

Hand in assignments/coursework/homework by deadlines and to the highest possible standard.

Ask staff for help when necessary, in order to gain the maximum benefit from the support available.

Engage in any extra-curricular opportunities to make progress.

Use a planner/diary to record work and prioritise tasks.

As a member of a Tutor Group I will:

Attend and be punctual for Registration and other appointments with my Form Tutor.

Attend all timetabled lessons including Sixth Form games

Attend allocated private study periods.

Attend the weekly Assembly and liturgies.

Ensure that parent/carer calls 01923 670639 if absent from school.

Inform my Form Tutor of any issues affecting my learning and welfare, including change of contact details.

Take an active part in the life of the Sixth Form and the school community.

Sign in and out at Student Services when I go off site.

Not sign out of school “ill” without seeing Mrs Inglis.

As a member of St Michael’s Sixth Form I will:

Behave in a courteous and polite manner towards every person in the school.

Treat all areas of the school with respect.

Follow the Sixth Form dress code at all times – including during exam periods.

Aim for 100% attendance record to registration and lessons.

Ensure that I do not exceed any more than 12 hours paid part-time work and that it doesn’t impact negatively on my studies.

Take responsibility for my actions.

Take a lead in helping the school fulfil the Mission Statement in school and in the wider community.

I understand that failure to adhere to these expectations may

result in some or all of the following:

My Parent(s)/Carer(s) will be contacted.

I may be sent home by the Director of Sixth Form.

My Parent(s)/Carer(s) will be invited in to meet with my Form Tutor / Director of Sixth Form.

I may be placed on report.

Continuous failure to comply with the expectations of Sixth Form my result in my place at St Michael’s Sixth Form being reviewed.

Withdrawal from subjects after October of Yr 12 means I may be liable for any examination entry costs.

To fully support the Sixth Former – parents/carers are expected to:

Call 01923 670639 to notify the office of any absence.

Limit the student’s number of outside work hours to 12.

Attend parents’/carers’ evenings.

Take an interest in and support the student’s learning.

Ensure that attendance is between 90% and 100%.

Ensure that the student attends registration and assemblies.

Ensure that the student leaves home dressed smartly in line with the dress code.

The Schools Part

Your subject teachers will:

Provide you with information about courses.

Mark your work regularly.

Give you feedback on your progress, Inform your Form Tutor/Director of Sixth Form of any concerns.

Contact your parents/carers as required.

Monitor your attendance to their subject.

Welcome your views about their subject.

Your Tutor will:

Monitor your overall progress.

Take the register daily and monitor your attendance to all lessons.

Provide advice and guidance on a range of issues.

Provide enrichment in registration time.

Talk to staff on your behalf.

Guide you with UCAS application and other progression routes.

Contact your parents/carers as required.

Organise interviews with parents/carers as required.

You can expect:

Staff to be polite and treat you courteously.

A study area to assist you with your studies.

Access to a wide range of resources within your courses and the Learning Resource Centre (LRC).

A stimulating working environment.

Advice, guidance and support on a range of issues.

To be consulted on the range of Sixth Form teaching and other issues.

Parents/Carers to be contacted if your attendance falls below acceptable level.

A Sixth Form Council to represent your views and opinions.

Opportunity to be a prefect.

Opportunity to be part of the student leadership group.

Student name: _______________________________

Student signature: _______________________________

Parent signature: _______________________________

headteacher: mr edward conway director of sixth form -...

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