Sixth Form Prospectus
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Guidance and supportThe student-tutor relationship is a vital part of sixth form life. At St. Alban's there is a strong guidance and support system where students are encouraged to discuss any problems, whether academic, or social, with their tutors.
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The Head of Sixth Form and the sixth form Student Support Manager, are based in the Sixth Form Centre with a team of friendly and approachable tutors who will get to know you well. Shared facilities and small tutor groups help enhance student-teacher relationships as we strive for high academic and personal standards. The presence of the school chaplain is of special value at this level.
16-19 BursarySince September 2011 a new government system of financial support for sixth form students has been introduced. This is intended to taregt students who are most in need of support through their post 16 education. Please contact the school for further details. |
How to apply:All applications for the sixth form need to be received by February 2012. You can print the application form from the website or request a paper copy from the school office. Click here for application form
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Open Events 2011/12Contact the school for opportunities to talk to subject staff. Next event 10th January 2012
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At the beginning of your course you will be assigned a personal tutor who will monitor your academic progress and guide you through your applications for a place in higher education or employment. Tutor groups of 15-20 students will meet daily and a period will be set aside each week for individual student/tutor consultations.
On at least two occasions each term you will have an extended discussion with your tutor to review progress in each of your subjects, and a more formal review of your progress will take place once each term. This should enable you to recognise your own strengths and to devise strategies to overcome any difficulties at an early stage. A summary of your progress in each subject will be issued termly in addition to your annual school report.
Entry requirements
The entry requirement for Advanced level study in Year 12 is:
an average of a grade C or above at GCSE
Individual subject requirements will be found within their course details.
The entry requirement for A2 study in Year 13 is a pass in the subject studied at AS level.
The entry requirement for the Consolidation Course in Year 12 is at least 3 C grades at GCSE
Accomodation and Facilities
The accommodation comprises a sixth form teaching block with eight classrooms, a students' study zone, careers library, private study areas and resource areas equipped with study spaces and I.T access. There is also a science and technology building and the school's existing accommodation has been remodelled extensively to the benefit of students in all year groups. Up to date IT facilities are a particular feature of the new facilities and are available to all sixth form students.
Attendance
Sixth form students are expected to be present and on time for all registration and timetabled lessons, activities and other responsibilities. A system of signing out and back in operates to allow students to leave the premises during lunch break without seeking permission. At other times the Head of Sixth Form or another member of the Senior Management Team may give you permission to leave during the school day for an agreed specific purpose.
Careers Guidance
Careers guidance is a particularly important part of the preparation that St. Alban's Sixth Form will give students for later life. There will be a lot of emphasis on careers education within the tutorial programme. Small tutorial groups give good opportunities for students to discuss career plans with their personal tutors. The Sixth Form Tutors will work closely with you individually to provide you with up to date information that you will need.
You will also be given information on open days at universities and colleges plus details of local careers conventions. The school will organise visits to selected open days and careers presentations, especially towards the end of Year 12. Throughout your time in the sixth form you will also benefit from the school's extensive links with local industry and commerce. These will enable you to take part in a variety of work related activities including job shadowing and work based projects. You will meet with the Careers Officer and also have access throughout the year to excellent careers reference material in the Library and in the Careers Library situated in the Sixth Form Centre. Having made a decision on your post-sixth form destination, you will be guided carefully in the completion of your UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) forms,other college and job applications plus your curriculum vitae. Support will be given throughout this application period and advisers will be on hand after public examination results are published in August.
Private Study
As a sixth form student you will find that you have some times in the school week when you are not required to attend lessons or tutorials. In these private study periods you will be increasingly responsible for yourself but we will help you with this, especially in year 12. The time should be used for preparing and completing assignments, research, reading, collating notes or revising work studied recently in class. You will be expected to show a self-disciplined approach to this work. Private study does not replace homework but is an important addition and support to it.
The Library, private study area and sixth form resource areas are venues for private study. Your tutor and subject teachers will help you to improve your study skills to assist you in using your study time effectively. The librarian and technicians will help you make the best use of printed and technical resources for your study. As you progress through the sixth form you will become increasingly responsible for your own work and study. This is essential for your examination success and for any further study you may undertake upon leaving St. Alban's. It is also important to success in adult working life.
Sport, Leisure and Community Service
All sixth form students at St. Alban's will be given the opportunity to participate in sports activities and/or work in the community. A variety of sport and leisure activities are available both on and off site. This includes competitive fixtures against other sixth forms. There is also a Community Sports Leadership course available.
There is also a wide range of opportunities to undertake some form of community service, including work with the elderly, the young, the disabled and the under-privileged. It will also be possible for sixth form students to help younger pupils in the school and work alongside staff in lessons and extra-curricular activities. You will be encouraged to arrange your own placements. Not only will this be of help to others, but you also will find this type of experience extremely valuable.