Post-16 Evening

1. Post-16 Evening Wednesday,12th October 2011

2. Post 16 Education – Your choice

3. Expectations of Sixth Form A combination of all three leads to student success

4. Sixth Form – Ofsted Inspection June 2010 Sixth Form’s overall effectiveness was deemed to be good. • Students in the sixth form make good progress relative to their starting points in all courses offered. • The majority go on to higher education and the number not in education or employment with training is significantly lower than the local average. • Teaching is good, is improving and attainment is rising. • Retention rates are good and students have confidence in the good provision and equality of opportunity they enjoy. • Results in 2011 continued to build on previous success: 98% pass rate at A2 Level; 100% at BTEC / OCR National Level 3 39% of all A2 grades were A*-B Av. Points Score at A2 Level was 262

5. Destinations 2011 Continued success with two students gaining places at Cambridge University: James Colvin – Geography at Emmanuel College Robert Cracknell – Natural Sciences at Churchill College Other destinations for Higher Education included: London School of Economics; Durham; Sheffield; Manchester; Warwick, Southampton and Loughborough Non Higher Education pathways included: Foundation Art Courses; Apprenticeships; Armed Forces Officer Training 98% of our students are known to have progressed onto HE, FE or work-related learning.

6. Entry to Sixth Form and Post 16 Choices The basic entry requirement to the sixth form is 6 A*-C grades at GCCE, including English and Maths. Individual subjects will have their own requirements. You must meet these requirements to take the subject. We do offer the opportunity to re-sit either English Language or Maths GCSE in Year 12. Qualifications available include: • AS and A2 Levels • Applied A Levels • BTEC Award, Certificate and Diploma All courses are Level 3 equivalents i.e. they allow students to progress onto degree level study.

7. AS and A2 Levels 2012 New A Level syllabi have being taught from September 2008 in all subjects. The following changes have been implemented across all subjects and exam boards: • Fewer units of study – the majority of subjects will have 4 units of study. • Fewer structured questions and more open ended essay response questions. • More questions that require a synoptic overview of the course • The introduction of an extended project • The introduction of an A* grade to recognise very high achievement. This can only be gained from A2 modules and requires students to gain 90% or above. • Re-sits are also being monitored much more closely by universities.

8. Process of Application • Complete the application form within the prospectus and return it to Miss Moir at the Thomas Deacon Academy by 7th November 2011. We will accept applications through the CAP system as well. • If you meet the required entry requirements you will be invited to a formal discussion about your choices. • These discussions will take place in Terms 2 and 3. Parents and/or guardians must attend with the student. • Students will be notified by March 2012 if they are to be offered a place for Year 12 in the Thomas Deacon Academy in September 2012. • Sixth Form Induction will take place on 28th-29th June 2012 and all students are expected attend this event. • External students will have the opportunity to attend the Academy for one day and shadow a Year 12 student in the summer term if they wish.

9. Sixth Form Expectation and Privileges • Students are expected to be in school for all timetabled lessons. • Lessons can extend until 5.30pm. • All other lessons are classified as “study periods”. • Students have the option to study at home or in school. This privilege is dependent on students performing to the required academic standards and meeting all deadlines. • Students are role models for the Academy. • All sixth form students are expected to participate in an enrichment programme. • Sixth Form students have access to the Refectory at all times. They also have study space designated for their use only. • Sixth Form students have a Business Wear dress code. • Each college has a Post 16 Student Achievement Leader who is dedicated to supporting the achievement of the sixth form students in their college.

10. Development of the Whole Person

11. The start of the process • Subjects are to be found in their relevant colleges • Subject information is available from the subject areas on the 1st floor. • Enrichment activities can be found in the Study Centre • Staff and students are available to answer your questions • Tour Guides are available if you wish • Higher Education and Careers Advice available in the atrium • Ask questions – this is your chance to find out about your future. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela

12. Enjoy your evening