Waingels Sixth Form
Better Never Stops
Welcome
When OFSTED last visited us in 2013, they said, “The quality of the 6th form is outstanding”. Since then our students have continued to excel. In 2017, our students achieved results that place us in the top 10% of schools in the country for progress and top in Wokingham. At A Level, 81% of grades were at the gold standard of A* – C. Furthermore, the average grade for vocational qualifications is a Distinction. We provide young people with a strong academic platform, which gives them a great start in life and a launching pad for the future, wherever it may take them. Many choose to go to university: this year included Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic at Cambridge, Economics at UCL, Mathematics at Exeter and Birmingham, Politics Philosophy and Economics at Manchester, Psychology at Warwick, Textile Design at Nottingham Trent and Drama at Royal Holloway. Other students have chosen to take up modern apprenticeships with Microsoft and Deloitte. But life in the Sixth Form is not just about results. The Sixth Form Centre is a hub of activity and opportunity. We encourage our students to develop through a wealth of opportunities in our enriched curriculum. These include, but are not limited to, independent online courses designed for Waingels students, which will allow them to pursue an interest without the pressure of exams, a skills and enrichment programme in Year 12 and Sport for all.
We are delighted to add to our extensive Sixth Form Facilities with two silent study rooms to support with work outside lessons, a coffee shop and an increase in ICT facilities. We are fortunate to have a fantastic team of dedicated and highly skilled teachers and Sixth Form tutors, ably led by the Director of Sixth Form studies, and supported by a full time School Counsellor and Administrator. It is the aim of this team to ensure that every student feels supported and challenged on their journey with us, and that they are able to fulfil their potential and thrive. Here at Waingels we are great believers in the maxim “you reap what you sow”. The more you put into Sixth Form life, the more you will get out of it. There is an abundance of opportunity whether it is to develop leadership skills on the School Council or through the Duke of Edinburgh; to travel the world with Venture Force, who have, in recent years visited Southern Africa, the Amazon basin and China and Mongolia; or giving back to the school through Community Service. We have high expectations and set high standards. We expect students to work independently, to meet deadlines and to go the extra mile. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant and friendly Sixth Form Community. Mr T Bartlett Principal
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An Outstanding Curriculum There are a variety of pathways that students can choose from to best suit their interests and style of learning. We are excited to be offering opportunities to a diverse range of learners from those aspiring to Oxbridge and other universities to those turning their hand to apprenticeships. A Level qualifications have changed in recent years, with AS Level becoming a standalone qualification. At Waingels, in line with most other educational institutions, we are moving towards a two-year programme of study. It will be expected that students will carry all of their subjects through to Year 13. Students can design their own course from their chosen subjects, combining BTEC Level 3 and A Level options, which offer a varied approach to learning. Our Level 3 pathways include: • Three A Levels. • Two A Levels and a Level 3 BTEC. • Two Level 3 BTECs and an A level. These are all two year courses with assessments at the end of the two-year period. NB: All BTEC Level 3 courses contain an element of examination.
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Our curriculum is supported by the introduction of MOOCs, Massive Open Online Courses, meeting the desire of employers and universities to have students who can work independently. We have also devised an enrichment programme that includes the skills needed to be successful in study, a dedicated careers package, including a week of work experience, and a focus on having the right mind set for success including key tips to achieve this. At Waingels we also recognise the importance of managing stress. For this reason Sport has also been a welcome addition to our curriculum.
Support and Guidance Our students are closely monitored and supported to ensure that they fulfil their potential. This starts with an interview and induction, and develops through feedback and a relentless focus on learning. Experienced and dedicated tutors provide support for our students throughout their time in the Sixth Form. They will be a parent’s first point of contact. If, at any point a student feels they require additional support we have a School Counselling Service which is accessible through a referral process. Students will also receive diverse careers support through online tools, the school’s careers advisor and attendance at local careers events. With over 80% of students each year applying to university we are well positioned to support students through the application process. This will be done through UCAS and finance talks, personal statement workshops and individual support from tutors.
“ Teachers ask probing questions that extend students’ understanding.” Ofsted, 2013
“ This is the ideal place for you to be successful in the next stage of your education.” Student
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From the Head Team The Sixth Form offers a new and exciting transition into more independent and in-depth education. It gave us a fresh start with lots of incredible experiences. We were given freedom, opportunities and excellent support to enable us to achieve the very best that we can. Our Sixth Form has fantastic facilities, such as silent study rooms to allow students to really knuckle-down, as well as a social cafĂŠ and common room with a balcony. The resources made available to Sixth Form students are extensive and helpful in allowing you to produce high-quality work. Our library and study areas are equipped with many computers and independent study booths to increase focus and remove distractions. There are great opportunities to take on leadership roles in the Sixth Form, which promote confidence and teach valuable and transferable skills. These range from being a Prefect or Reading Buddy to running for a Student Leader or Head Team position. The Student Leaders, such as charity and antibullying leaders, are appointed to lead small teams who make improvements around school. Sixth Form leaders join the entire Student Council for the annual conference in Streatley-upon-Thames to generate new ideas for the upcoming year where the Student Council creates action plans to achieve their goals. These roles can be hugely influential in making changes at Waingels and have really helped shape us into strong, resilient individuals. This is a supportive place where you can expand upon previous skills as well as develop new ones, ones that you may have never previously imagined. There is a real sense of community within the Sixth Form which is reinforced by frequent icebreakers, creating a social aspect within school, providing a balance to our academic studies. There are also ample opportunities such as subject specific trips, trips that support our personal growth such as the Venture Force expedition and the Year 13 trip to Swanage, mentoring programmes such as Reading Scholars, and additional qualifications like the Extended Project Qualification or Duke of Edinburgh. The invaluable skills that each and every student shall develop; both academic and personal, will shape members of Waingels into well-rounded, successful members of society. We know that you will enjoy your experience of Sixth Form as much as we have. The Head Team
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Opportunities Beyond the Curriculum Our students in Waingels’ Sixth Form are part of an exciting and vibrant community. Students are given a variety of opportunities to get involved with both the Sixth Form and the wider school.
Our students are also offered a host of opportunities to develop their independence, explore their career options, engage in sport or performance and develop their expertise in their chosen subjects.
Each student in Year 12 will complete Community Service in an area of their interest as part of their support for the school community. According to our students, ‘Community Service is an integral part of Sixth Form life, and is great to add to your CV and Personal Statement. It broadens your horizons and opens you up to new experiences and opportunities, through taking part in our Reading Buddies Scheme, becoming a Prefect, Academic Mentor, or being on the Anti-Bullying Committee.’
• Work experience
These opportunities include but are not limited to: • Subject specific trips • Reading Scholars Programme • Oxbridge Scholars Programme and application support • Subject master classes at Wellington College • Bar Mock Trial • Debating events • National Citizen Service • Venture Force • Duke of Edinburgh
Extended Project Qualification In Year 12 students are given the opportunity to take the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification. Students who elect to take the course have the chance to complete a project in an area of interest, under the supervision and guidance of mentors. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience the style of learning they will adopt at university and it is looked favourably upon by many universities. We have achieved an ALPS 2 for the past three years, reflective of the high quality work produced by these students.
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Facilities and Social Life A Student’s View The Sixth Form area provides a great atmosphere not only for socialising with friends during social times but encourages a good, independent work ethic during study periods. This helps to develop skills which will be useful later on at university level or in a professional work environment. We have some fantastic kitchen facilities which are available for all of the Sixth Form to use including a microwave, toaster and even a dishwasher for the plates and cutlery. There are plenty of opportunities within the Sixth Form to get involved with student life and have your say. We have a Social Committee who organise and host a variety of social events such as Ice-Breakers that both Year 12 and 13 attend. They are great fun and allow a better connection between the two year groups as well as easing the transition for the Year 12s and creates a community feel that people are proud to be a part of. The Social Committee are involved in planning the Year 13 Prom and yearbook, which is a brilliant way of getting creative as well as balancing your time for studies. The Waingels Interact club is also a vibrant branch of the Rotary Club, supporting local community events and raising money for local charities such as Me2Club.
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“ Waingels provides extensive opportunities for students to work independently and think for themselves.� Ofsted
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Making the Right Choices The table below shows the progression routes of some of our students over the last two years: Sixth Form subjects Applied Science (BTEC), Health and Social Care (BTEC)
The purpose of education is to open doors, and allow our students to pursue passions and interests.
Where could Waingels Sixth Form take you?
It is important that, when making decisions about your Sixth Form courses, you consider a number of things. These may include:
Our students leave Waingels Sixth Form with the skills and attributes to make a success of the next stage of their careers. Our highest performing students progress to Russell Group universities with others opting to study abroad. A number of students have undergone rigorous application processes to gain apprenticeship places at various prestigious companies.
• Your interest in the subject, • The entry requirement of the courses and pathways you may take, • The university or further study you are considering, to ensure you are selecting the best subjects for progression. In making these decisions students should seek advice and guidance from parents, tutors and subject teachers.
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Each year we keep in touch with our alumni, with many coming in to speak to our students or support with our events. We also welcome recent leavers for a Presentation Evening to celebrate their success and learn from them about their next steps.
Destination West London
Study Midwifery
Business Studies (BTEC), English Lancaster Language, RS: Philosophy and Ethics
Management and HR
Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Economics
Bath University
Mathematics
Economics, Mathematics and Psychology
Warwick
Psychology
History, Psychology and RS: Philosophy and Ethics
Portsmouth
Law
French, English Literature, History, EPQ
Queens College, Cambridge
Anglo Saxon, Norse and Celtic
Art and Design: Textiles, BTEC Sport, French
Chicester
Sport Development and Coaching
History, Economics, RS: Philosophy and Ethics, EPQ
Microsoft Apprenticeship
Corporate Affairs
Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics
Kings College
Biomedical Science
Media Studies, Art and Design: Textiles, English Language
Falmouth
Textiles Design
Waingels Sixth Form
Waingels
Sixth Form
Waingels Road, Woodley, Reading RG5 4RF Tel: 0118 969 0336 ï‚™ @WaingelsSF
www.waingels.wokingham.sch.uk