1. Shelley College Key Stage 5 Evening Welcome

2. Objectives of Tonight’s Presentation 1) Outline our ethos and expectations 2) Explain the structure of the Sixth Form courses 3) Give advice on the support systems in place for students 4) Provide information on our monitoring process 5) Outline procedures for absences

3. Ethos and Expectations Work hard to achieve potential Supportive learning environment Contribute to the school community Nurture Independent and self-managed learners

4. fewer units of study fewer structured questions, and more open-ended questions which require extended essay responses more questions which require a synoptic overview of the subject the introduction of an extended project the introduction of a new A* grade which recognises very high achievement. (for A2) www.qca.org.uk Changes from September 2009

5. Unit 1Unit 2 Unit 3Unit 4 = 50% A and Applied A Level Structure AS level A level

6. Curriculum Package In Y12 most students will study 4 AS subjects plus AS General Studies or AS Critical Thinking Most Y13 students will study 4 A2s plus General Studies A2 Less able students will drop one of their AS subjects and just focus on 3 A Levels plus A Level General Studies Each single AS subject has 9 hours of taught lessons over a fortnight with the exception of General Studies that has 2 hours per fortnight. Students complete The Progression Module through the tutorial programme & i-mods as additional work in subject areas Students are also offered a range of enrichment activities. Examples include Duke of Edinburgh Award, Photography, Lower school support, mentoring programmes & Cooking.

7. Applied A level Course Structure Equivalent to an AS/A level 6 units (Art is 12 units and equal to 2 A levels) Usually examination 33% and coursework 66% Applied A Levels in Art, ICT, Science and Business BTEC National in Sport – 2 year course – 100% coursework

8. Structure of courses Half of the course often finished in the first 3 months! June – students start the A levels immediately after AS level exams

9. BTEC First Diploma Course Structure Students follow a combination of : Sport Studies and Travel & Tourism Each full certificate is equivalent to 4 GCSEs Usually examination 33% and coursework 66%

10. Student Support Tutorials Individual tutorials Whole tutor group tutorials Subject teachers Year Office Mentoring Contracts Ancillary staff

11. Study habits – the key to success Well organised Sixth Form study room & library Time management and flexibility Research/Coursework/Essays/Presentations/Art work Suitable work environment at home Approximately 15-20 hours a week of self-study Maximum of 10 hours part time work

12. Reaching Potential The Alps System Potential A level grades calculated on entry Based on GCSE performance National benchmark system Communicated to students and teachers Target setting Used as a basis for judging performance

13. Key Dates 19 th November 2010 Monitoring Home Review Day 26 th Nov 2010 January 2011 – AS exams in a number of subject areas (no study leave) 28 th January 2011 – second set of monitoring results go home 8 th February 2011 - Parents’ Evening 8 th April 2011– third set of monitoring results go home 15 th April 2011 Review Day 20 th May – 13 th June 2011 – Y12 Study leave for AS exams 4 th July 2011 – UCAS Parents Evening 11 th – 15 th July 2011 Work Shadowing Week 18 th Aug 2011 AS Exam results Day

14. Monitoring Monitoring grades Alps Minimum Target Grades (MTG)(this will be shown as 3 grades) Alps Potential Grades (3 grades) Predicted grade in the subject Attitude Independent Learning

15. Rewards Award ceremonies Certificates & Fingerprint credit Bursaries Postcards Tutor phone calls Monitoring Planner Comments Head-teacher’s lunch

16. Absences Request for authorised absence 24 hours in advance Illness – phone in on day of illness by 10.00am and then students can self-sign on their return & bring notes from home Absence monitored If attendance is poor then: Examination fees may be charged Withdrawal from Course/Sixth Form

17. Education Maintenance Allowance Students complete the internal attendance sheet each week Must be handed in by Tuesday 9.00am the following week Bonuses paid if students meet targets January/July Year 12

18. The Student Voice There is a 6 th form committee that meets regularly to make decisions (yr12/yr13) Tutor reps feedback to groups Departments canvass students views ‘Open-door’ policy in the 6 th form office 6th form working party looking at future changes

19. Thank you for coming