WALES HIGH SCHOOL

LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM

PARENT INFORMATION 2015

CONTENTS PAGE

• Induction Days 24th-25th June 2015 1

• Information 2

• Timings of the School Day 3

• Curriculum Changes (A-Levels) 4

• Year 12 Option Blocks 5

• Sixth Form Uniform 6

• Sixth Form Charter 7

• Independent Study Facilities 8

• Student Support 9

• Super Learning Days 10

• Other Opportunities 11

• 16-19 Bursary Guidelines 12

• School Meals Cashless System 13

• Travel to School 14

• Subject linked Residential Visits 15

• Online Payments 16

• Attitude to Learning (ATL) 1

1

INDUCTION DAYS 24th – 25th June 2015

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INFORMATION

KEY DATES

Induction Taster days: 24th and 25th June 2015 GCSE Results Day: 20th August 2015 Course interviews for option choices: 2nd – 4th September 2015

Courses start: 7th September 2015

SIXTH FORM TEAM Miss H Ludlam - Assistant Headteacher – Sixth Form Mr A McNulty - Director of Lower Sixth Form Mrs C Adams - Director of Upper Sixth Form

Mrs J Cole - Oxbridge Co-ordinator Mrs N Lockyer - Vocational Co-ordinator Mrs C Flintoft-Howe - Russell Group Co-ordinator Mrs T McNulty - SEN Support Mrs L Sarginson - Sixth Form Student Support Assistant

Mrs Z Joynes - Sixth Form Student Support Assistant Miss J Senior - Sixth Form Student Support Assistant

SIXTH FORM TUTORS 12.1 Dr L Bouskill 12.6 Mrs D Ladds 12.2 Mr M Joab 12.7 Mr C Brailsford 12.3 Miss E Aldsworth 12.8 Mr D Murray 12.4 Mrs M Marks/Mrs S Norris 12.9 Miss E Hartley 12.5 Mr R Napier 12.10 Miss E Hancock

SCHOOL CONTACT Wales High School Tel: 01909 771291 Storth Lane Kiveton Park Website: www.waleshigh.com Sheffield S26 5QQ E-mail: info@waleshigh.com

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TIMINGS OF THE

SCHOOL DAY The day is divided into five one-hour teaching periods, three in the morning and two in the afternoon.

Students to be on site 08.30am

Warning Bell – signal to go to tutor base

8.35am

Registration 08.40am – 09.00am

Period 1 09.00am – 10.00am

Period 2 10.05am – 11.05am

BREAK

Warning Bell – signal to go to Period 3 rooms

11.20am

Period 3 11.25am – 12.25pm

LUNCH

Warning Bell – signal to go to tutor base

1.15pm

Registration 1.20pm – 1.30pm

Period 4 1.30pm – 2.30pm

Period 5 2.35pm – 3.35pm

All students will attend an Information Meeting and registration in the Common Room one morning per week between 8.40am and 9.00am

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CURRICULUM CHANGES (A-LEVELS) From September 2015 some A-level subjects are changing to follow a linear system. A linear system is where the examinations for the subject are taken at the end of 2 years. There will be an AS component to the linear A-levels and students will sit these exams at the end of their first year. This will give students an AS-level examination grade and results will determine whether they can continue into the second year of the course. The AS-level marks do not count towards their overall A2 (A-level) grade. Some subjects are modular courses. This means that students sit the AS-level examinations at the end of their first year and these marks will count towards their final A2 grade. Again, the results gained in these examinations will determine whether the student continues with the course. With modular subjects there will be re-sit opportunities at AS-level available in the second year of the course. These re-sits can improve their final A2 grade. The table below outlines the A-level subjects at Wales High School following a linear course: (All other A-levels will be modular)

Linear courses from September 2015: Art Biology Business Chemistry Computer Studies Economics English Language and Literature English Literature History Photography Physics Psychology Sociology Textiles

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YEAR 12 OPTION BLOCKS

AS SUBJECTS

BLOCK A BLOCK B BLOCK C BLOCK D BLOCK E ACCOUNTANCY ART CHEMISTRY ENGLISH LANG/LIT GEOGRAPHY MATHEMATICS MUSIC SOCIOLOGY SPANISH

BUSINESS STUDIES FOOD STUDIES GEOLOGY HISTORY MATHEMATICS PHYSICS PHOTOGRAPHY SPORTS STUDIES

BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY COMPUTER STUDIES ENGLISH LANG/LIT FRENCH ICT PSYCHOLOGY THEATRE STUDIES

ECONOMICS ETHICS HISTORY MATHEMATICS MEDIA STUDIES

BIOLOGY ENGLISH LIT FURTHER MATHS GEOGRAPHY PRODUCT DESIGN PSYCHOLOGY PHOTOGRAPHY TEXTILES

APPLIED A LEVEL AND LEVEL 3 COURSES (S = Single Option / D = Double Option)

BLOCK A BLOCK B BLOCK C BLOCK D BLOCK E HEALTH & S C (1) MEDICAL SCI (S&D) SPORT (S& D)

PUBLIC SERVS (S&D)

HEALTH & S C (2) ICT (S) MEDICAL SCI (D) SPORT (D)

BUSINESS (D) HEALTH & S C (2) PUBLIC SERVS (D)

BUSINESS (S&D) CHILD CARE (S) ENGINEERING (S) HEALTH & S C (1) MUSIC TECH (S)

NB: If you opt to take a double subject then this will take up 2 option blocks (the single and the double option). If choosing Health & Social Care, which is a Double Option subject, you must choose one Option 1 and one Option 2 as identified in the blocks above. For example, if choosing Health & SC (1) from either Block A or Block E then you must also choose Health & SC (2) from either Block C or Block D.

VOCATIONAL COURSES LEVEL 2 OR 3 – FULL TIME BLOCK A BLOCK B BLOCK C BLOCK D BLOCK E

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING BUSINESS

LEVEL 3 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 2

ACROSS ALL BLOCKS ACROSS ALL BLOCKS ACROSS ALL BLOCKS ACROSS ALL BLOCKS

LEVEL 2 AND GCSE RESIT COURSES

BLOCK A BLOCK B BLOCK C BLOCK D BLOCK E ENGLISH RESIT MATHS RESIT

ENGLISH RESIT MATHS RESIT

ENGLISH RESIT MATHS RESIT

ENGLISH RESIT MATHS RESIT

ENGLISH RESIT MATHS RESIT SPORTS LEADERS

NB: Courses are subject to change depending upon the uptake by students.

• If you do not achieve at least a grade C in English Language and/or Mathematics at GCSE, then you are required to resit these subjects. This will be your priority over the other courses that you have chosen to study in Year 12 and Year 13.

• We as a school are investigating offering a suite of qualifications at Level 2 for the students who have not successfully gained 5 A* - C at GCSE Level.

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SIXTH FORM UNIFORM

“Wales High School has always set a high standard in its Dress Code. The Sixth Form is no exception to this and we expect all students to

maintain this practice through their own high standard of appearance.”

ALL SIXTH FORM STUDENTS • Business style uniform is expected at all times • The Sixth Form enamel badge must be worn at all times • Moderate, discreet jewellery and make-up are allowed, as are badges of responsibility • Earrings are allowed, but no other visible facial or body piercings • Outdoor garments such as coats, scarves or hats etc. should not be worn around school • All items of clothing should be plain, without logos

GIRLS • White blouse or shirt. An optional black or white vest can be worn underneath where

appropriate • Black skirt of a suitable length (not more than 10 cm above the knee) or black tailored trousers

(no denim or trousers that resemble jeans) • Optional plain black business style dress of suitable length (not more than 10 cm above the

knee) • Optional extras such as cardigans or jumpers must be plain black or grey • Optional black or grey business style suit • Optional Sixth Form tie • Optional plain black or tan coloured tights may be worn, but leggings are not school uniform • Black shoes or boots (no high or stiletto heels, trainers or casual shoes)

BOYS • Fitted buttoned black blazer with black business style trousers (no denim or trousers that

resemble jeans) • Black or grey business style suit • White collared shirt (no sports shirts) • Sixth Form tie • Black shoes or boots (no trainers, casual shoes or work boots) • Optional black or grey plain jumper

Any student arriving at school without their correct uniform should expect to be sent home to change into their correct uniform.

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SIXTH FORM CHARTER

This agreement is an individual student charter. It is intended to encourage you to fulfil your role as one of the leading students at Wales High School and to

help you realise your full potential within the Sixth Form. Please read it carefully, sign it and remember it.

THE SCHOOL WILL: • Work to create and maintain a stimulating and challenging environment, with high quality teaching, in an

atmosphere of tolerance free from any form of prejudice. • Ensure that students play a full part in school life and recognise that there is order and a sense of

purpose in our school, through maintaining and promoting a safe and caring ethos based on mutual respect between all the members of the school community.

• Actively seek student opinion and listen to their point of view. • Work to and exceed if possible the National Standard for student information, Advice and Guidance. • Provide a balanced curriculum and broad range of opportunity, in an attempt to meet, wherever possible,

the individual needs of the student. • Set, mark and monitor frequent and challenging homework and provide facilities for students to complete

homework or coursework in the school. • Celebrate students’ efforts, successes and achievements. • Discuss with students and send home regular assessment reports and hold Progress Evenings, where

progress will be discussed. • Be welcoming at all times and offer opportunities for parents to become involved in school.

AS A STUDENT I WILL: • Register promptly and remain on site each morning, unless permission to be off site has been given by

the Director of Upper Sixth. • Maintain all the School’s agreement for the Sixth Form student regarding behaviour and uniform. • Maintain an excellent attendance record in line with the school targets. • Arrive on site every morning by 8.30 am. • Attend and be punctual to all timetabled lessons and Briefing/Information Meetings. • Study to the best of my ability and always take pride in my work at school and at home. • Take increased responsibility for my own learning and behaviour, including attending Private Study

sessions. • Hand in work and assignments on time and to an appropriately high standard. • Be polite and helpful to other students, setting a good example by my words and actions. • Play my part in keeping the Sixth Form facilities free from litter or graffiti. • In no way abuse the provision of computer and internet facilities. • Behave in a responsible manner on my journeys to and from school (and when officially allowed off site)

and report ‘bus’ incidents. • Maintain high standards of behaviour when officially off the school premises. • Prove responsible and reliable as a Sixth Form Student and support staff in the maintenance of good

order amongst the younger pupils.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY FACILITIES

Study Room • Computer and internet availability • Professional working environment • Student Support Assistant available

Silent Study Room • Area to work silently • Computer and internet availability

Library • Computer & internet availability • Quiet area

Common Room • Place to work • Place to relax • Place to socialise • Wi-fi access • Vending Machine • Satellite TV

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STUDENT SUPPORT

• Student Support Assistants – Attendance/punctuality (text service), subject, pastoral and personal advice and guidance.

• Three Assessment Points – Aspirational target grades; Current

performance grades; Most Likely Grades for each subject. Reports sent to parents. • Three Attitude to Learning Grade Points given by subjects

at the same time as Assessment Point grades (1* - Outstanding Student, 2 – Good Student, 3 – Some Concerns, 4 – Major Concerns). Reports sent to parents.

• Two Progress Evenings – Opportunities for you and your son/daughter to

discuss their progress and performance with all subject staff. • Tracking and monitoring of performance by departments and by the Sixth

form management team throughout the year. • Mentoring and Intervention takes place constantly as and when

necessary to support the students to achieve at their best.

• Study weeks take place during February half-term, Easter break and Spring Bank half-term and students have the option of attending.

• Trained and Experienced staff in place to work with all student cohorts:

Oxbridge - Mrs Cole High achievers (A* - B cohort) - Mrs Flintoft-Howe Vocational learners - Mrs Lockyer SEN - Mrs T McNulty

• Careers Advice – Sixth Form Careers Personnel, School Careers Department, Connexions.

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SUPER LEARNING DAYS

There are five collapsed timetable days throughout the school year. This is an important opportunity for students to enhance their interpersonal and study skills and to prepare them for the rigours of their studies. Activities on these days aim to help our students to develop into well-rounded individuals with a wealth of skills to equip them for their future beyond the Sixth Form. Some of the opportunities include team building, CV writing, UCAS and personal statements, interview techniques, study skills, effective revision, stress management, university visits, visiting speakers and many more …..

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OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

• Peer Mentoring

• Reading Partners

• Duke of Edinburgh

• Linacre Institute

• Professional Interview Evening

• RAG challenge

• Subject Mentors

• House Events

• School Teams

• Explore Events (reduced University offers)

• Fieldwork opportunities

• International Ventures

• Sixth Form Committee

• Subject Trips

• Headteacher’s Rugby Sixth Form Challenge

• Voluntary overseas work

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16-19 BURSARY GUIDELINES

What Is The 16-19 Bursary Fund? The fund is made available from the government through its funding body – Education Funding Agency (EFA) for 16-19 year olds - to provide assistance to students whose access to, or completion of, education is inhibited by financial constraints or barriers. Who Is Eligible For 16-19 Bursary Funding? Students following Academy funded full time courses, who are 16 years and over and satisfy one or more of the following criteria:-

• Students aged at least 16 and under 19 years of age on 31/08/15 who are in care, are leaving care, are in direct receipt of Income Support or are disabled and in receipt of Disability Living Allowance

• Students who are economically or socially disadvantaged and at risk of not taking up or continuing in their education. This group includes students with physical or other disabilities, medical conditions and/or learning difficulties

• Students who have been in care, on probation, are young parents or are otherwise considered at risk • Asylum seekers • Refugees (who will have access to 16-19 Bursary Funding if they are in receipt of supportive evidence

from DWP) • Lone parents

Who Is Not Eligible For 16-19 Bursary Funding?

• Students under 16 years of age or over 19 years of age • Students who do not meet the residency qualifications

How Does The Academy Assess Applications & Allocate 16-19 Bursary Funding? The 16-19 Bursary Fund is a limited fund and the Academy will prioritise allocation. There will be 3 priority groups, categorised as high, medium and low. For those students eligible for the high priority group, the school will apply to the EFA to receive their entitlement. Medium and low priority groups are allocated from the 16-19 bursary funding received by the school. Assessment is made of students individual financial requirements and awards are made based on need for sixth form clothing, travel, school meals, UCAS applicants and mandatory school trips. Any other request for funds is assessed individually. Payments are made “in kind” and/ or paid in four to five instalments across the academic year. Students aged under 19 and who fall into one of the following categories:

• currently in care (as defined by social services) • leaving or have recently left care • in receipt of Income Support or Universal Credit in their own RIGHT • disabled and receive Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Disability Allowance (DLA) in their

own right

VULNERABLE Bursary - HIGH priority group. £1,200 guaranteed bursary paid in kind and/or in monetary payments paid in four to five instalments in the year

Students who fall into either of the following categories:

• Are currently on the free school meals register or have members of the same household in receipt of free school meals

• Have a gross annual household income of below £17,000 including all Tax Credits and/or are in receipt of means tested benefits (income support, housing benefit etc.)

• Have a gross annual household income less than £25,000 including all Tax Credits. Support for the Low priority group will be dependent upon availability of funds and can only be assessed after the needs of High and Medium Priority Groups have been met.

What Support is Available? Clothing – Applicants to provide a reasonable assessment of clothing needs in order for them to adhere to the Sixth form dress policy. Payment will be made in two instalments. The second payment is dependent on the presentation of valid receipts of how the first instalment was used. Travel – If students use public transport then a travel bursary can be awarded. Applicants will need to provide proof of cost of travel. Free Meals – These are available automatically to all students on the free school meals register. Other bursary applicants can apply for free meals from the school dining hall. Meals will be credited to the students catering card rather than given as cash. UCAS – Bursary students UCAS applications will be paid for by the school along with cost of travel to universities. If already known, applicants should state whether they plan to submit an UCAS application. School Visits – Some school visits for academic courses may be subsidised by the Bursary fund. Separate notification will be given to students where relevant. Other – Any other requests for funds can be assessed separately. These can include specific books, course materials or any item not fitting into the categories above. Equipment such as laptops may be available for any bursary student to take out on loan. These equipment items will need returning at the end of any agreed loan period. If funding levels allow, then top up amounts will be paid to bursary students in addition to the specific items awarded. The school will retain an element of funding for emergency use. When and How To Apply Pick up an application form from the Sixth form team who can also provide you with any advice or assistance you may need. The application forms will be available on GCSE results day and from Miss J Senior or Mrs L Sarginson thereafter. The application form will tell you what evidence you will be required to submit. Complete the form and return as soon as possible along with the required evidence. We will write to you as soon as possible to let you know if your application has been successful.

DISCRETIONARY Bursary - MEDIUM priority group. Payment in kind and/or in monetary payments paid in four to five instalments in the year

DISCRETIONARY Bursary - LOW priority group. Payment in kind and/or in monetary payments paid in four to five instalments in the year

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SCHOOL MEALS CASHLESS SYSTEM

ABM Catering provides the catering service for students at Wales High School and a cashless system is currently in place. There are several service points at which students may purchase food all operating on the cashless system enabling a quick service, whilst allowing individual choices to be made.

What is a Cashless System? It is a computerised system for student recognition through a special card. The system recognises each individual student, holding their individual cash balances, recording cash spent and cash received.

How are students recognised by the system? Each student will be issued with their own personal card, which when used, will enter them into the system program and identify them by a unique number and their photograph.

How is the card used to obtain a school meal? The card is handed to the service assistant who swipes the card through a card reader and gives it back to the student. A display will show the students name, class and current cash balance held within the system. The selected food items will be entered into the system from an itemised keyboard while the amount spent will be deducted and the new cash balance will show on the display.

How is money entered into the system? (a) By ’online’ payments using the Tucasi online payment system. Parents simply log-on via the school

website and select ‘ABM Catering’, add funds to the basket and checkout as you would on any other internet site. The following day, the school receives an automatic update of all payments that have been made. Parents can also see on line items their child has purchased from the school dining hall. See Online Payments for more information about using Tucasi.

(b) By ‘Coin’ into an automatic cash revaluation terminal located in the school which is set to accept £2 - £1 – 50p – 20p – 10p coins. (1p – 2- 5p coins, cannot be used.

(c) By ‘£20, £10 or£5 note’ via the Catering Office, placed in an envelope marked with the students name and given to the Catering Office.

(d) By ‘Cheque’ payment made to ABM Catering Ltd, marked with the student’s name on the reverse, via the Catering Office to cover any period or a fixed monetary amount of your own choice.

How does the revaluation station work? Firstly, the student swipes the card through the card reader mounted on the Revaluation Station, which will display the students name and current cash balance held within the system. The second stage coins are inserted into the slot. Press the red button to tell the system that the transaction is completed.

The revaluation stations will be open from 8-30 am until 2-00 pm every day and students may add credit to their cards at any time as long as they are not late for lessons

How will the student be able to check what current cash balance is held in the system at any one time? By using the Revaluation station. Swipe the card to display the current cash balance. There is no need to deposit any money, just press the red button to finish.

If we pay for a set number of school meals, can it be spent in one day? No, a daily spend limit of £10.00 will be set for all students and no food above that limit can be bought. On request, an individual student limit of your choice may also be set.

What if the student does not hold a sufficient cash balance one day to pay for a school lunch? No student is refused a school lunch because they have not brought their lunch money to school with them. The school will allow for the student to loan money for one day and the student should speak with their Head of Year. However, the student would be expected to bring the money with them the next day to repay the loan.

Free School Meal Eligibility The system works exactly the same for all students whether they pay or have a free school meal. All students are issued with a card that is used in exactly the same way. The amount allocated for the free school meal will be automatically credited to individual accounts daily and will be accessible at lunch time.

Any under spend or missed lunch will be identified by the system and will be deduced the same day so that students do not build up a credit of un-used spend.

Students can add extra cash to his or her balance in the system by using the revaluation stations, to enable a greater daily spend on the school lunch than allocated by their free meal allowance.

What if the student forgets to bring the swipe card to school or the card is lost? Is the money also lost? No, unlike some card systems, no money is lost. The cards issued have no personal information on them and no cash value is held on the card, only encoded information. When a card is reported to be lost a new card with new information is allocated and the old card is immediately rendered null and void. When the new card is used it will identify the student and show the cash balance held in the system. i.e.: as with the student’s old card. (Please note that replacement cards are charged at £2.50 each).

How can I know how much school meals cost? All pricing of food and drinks on offer are on the school website in the Parents section and under Catering. Currently the meal of the day including a pudding is £2.15.

What if a student has a food allergy? Should the student have a specific food allergy, or be a diagnosed diabetic, this medical information can be coded into the system, preventing foods with allergy ingredients from being served to a particular student, by automatically locking out relevant buttons on the keyboard.

Will students have problems in using this system? Some students may find it difficult to control their accounts for the first couple of weeks, but because of a daily spend limit, most learn this important life skill very quickly and will enjoy being in control of their account.

Will we be able to have any information on how the system is being used? Reports can be obtained from the system giving comprehensive information on all aspects of use for each individual student as well as each day’s service. These reports can be for a specific day or between any dates you wish, they will be dated and timed to the minute, and can be obtained from the online payments system or Catering Office: (a) To show every item of food served and the total cost of each serving; (b) Individual payments made direct to the school by cheque or cash and manually entered into the

system; (c) Each payment made by cash at the Revaluation station by the student. Guidance Notes for using the Revaluation stations:

1. Press the red button (to close the previous users account) 2. Insert your card into the slot (any way round) 3. Observe your card details and cash balance on the screen 4. Insert money 5. Remove your card 6. Press the Red button

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TRAVEL TO SCHOOL

Students are expected to make their own way to and from school. School bus timetables are available to view on the school website, www.waleshigh.com, under the section Parents, Bus Timetable. It is useful to check the website regularly as the timetable may vary on occasions, such as due to roadworks and the bus company may need to re-route the service. Please note that the school buses are operated by Brightbus (MASS Engineering), arranged by RMBC, not Wales High School. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the smooth operation of the service, there may be occasions where you wish to discuss an issue such as lost property etc. and Brightbus can be contacted on 01909 550480 or via email vicki.thornton-mass@live.co.uk 16-18 Student Pass All students in full time education aged between 16 -18 who live in South Yorkshire are entitled to apply for a Travel Bus Pass which allows them to claim the discretionary fare on buses, trams or trains in South Yorkshire. Currently, the pass is issued free of charge. For more information on how to apply, visit any Travel South Yorkshire information centre or go to; www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/16to18studentpass

SUBJECT LINKED RESIDENTIAL VISITS

There are a number of residential visits which students need to attend to complete their work in subjects such as English, Geography, Geology, Biology and History. Whilst the cost of these visits are kept to an absolute minimum, voluntary contributions are requested, without which the school would not be able to offer enhanced learning opportunities linked to a number of subjects. Please speak with curriculum leaders about both the requirement to attend and the anticipated cost to students for these residential activities.

ONLINE PAYMENTS

Wales High School online payment system allows you to make payments to us using the Internet for items such as uniform, visits, camps, revision guides etc. If you haven’t already created an account, please contact the Finance Office who will explain this simple process and issue the online link code needed to view student information.

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ATTITUDE TO LEARNING (ATL)

At Wales we monitor our students carefully to ensure they are making good progress and approaching their studies in a positive manner. Three times during the year, students receive Assessment Point data which shows the grade they are currently achieving as well as their anticipated end of year grade. Alongside this students are awarded an Attitude to Learning (ATL) grade. Details on how this is awarded are given below:

Grade 1* Outstanding Student

• Highly motivated • Highly organised • Works independently • Actively engages in learning • Home learning/coursework is completed promptly and to an appropriate level • Attendance and punctuality are outstanding

Grade 2 Good Student • Motivated • Organised • Can work independently • Engages in learning • Home learning/coursework is usually completed promptly and to an appropriate level • Attendance and punctuality are good

Grade 3 Some Concerns

• Can lack motivation • Struggles with some organisational skills • Needs to work more independently • Not always engaged in learning • A number of home learning/coursework deadlines have been missed and at times work produced is

not at an appropriate level • Attendance and punctuality are some cause for concern

Grade 4 Major Concerns

• Can lack motivation • Struggles with some organisational skills • Needs to work more independently • Not always engaged in learning • A number of home learning/coursework deadlines have been missed and at times work produced is

not at an appropriate level • Attendance and punctuality are some cause for concern

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