6th Form Newsletter Summer Half-Term 2013

Summer Half-term Newsletter May 2013 Headteacher’s Message As always, the first half of the summer term has been characterised by the intensity of the work done by KS4 and Sixth Form students and staff to prepare for exams and assessments. All of those who have worked hard to make sure that the final results are as good as they can be deserve recognition for their efforts. I know that many families have also played their part – encouraging, supporting, and perhaps nagging students towards the finishing line. In the exams that have already taken place students have been purposeful and focused, which is an encouraging sign. I hope that we can all continue to support the students to remain strong and consistent in their efforts. For many of them, the half -term week will be a crucial opportunity to revise and prepare, and I hope that families will encourage good sleep patterns, healthy eating, and the creation of a working environment without distractions –

together, all of these things can make a huge As many of you who have visited the school recently difference. will have seen, the extension to the Greer Centre, designed to house our expanding Sixth Form next This half-term has also seen exciting cultural and year, is rapidly taking shape. I am delighted that the sporting developments for many Acton High project is going well, and am confident that we will students. I was particularly pleased to see the have our new and improved Sixth Form Centre ready wonderful opportunities created by the language to welcome students in September 2013. exchange. The large group of visiting students, from Germany, Spain, France and Iceland, brought with ~ Dr Andy Sievewright them a range of experiences and ideas that will have influenced many of our students, and will, I hope, Headteacher have given them the impetus to explore these countries and their cultures further. Our sporting students have performed superbly this half-term, with many of our football and athletics teams doing particularly well – I was delighted to see students in Years 7, 9 and 10 triumphing in Borough competitions.

Welcome Welcome back to all of Acton High School’s Year 12 parents and guardians. The last half-term has all been geared towards the exam period which began on May 13th and will carry on until June 10th. Students have been working well and many have attended extra sessions put on by teachers over the weekends and after school. We hope that the students’ and teachers’ hard work is rewarded

when the results come out on August 15th.

Students will be expected back on June 10th to start the A2 part of the course and they will revert back to their normal timetables. This period will also be spent focusing on University applications and the work experience period which begins on July 15th. Those students who are retaking GCSEs this year will leave the school at the end of their

exam period. We are currently in the process of organising a leaving assembly for these students so that the rest of the year group and teachers can wish them well. Finally we are pleased to announce that the 6th Form extension is on track for the new academic year starting in September 2013. Please see the design for the block below.

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Acton High School Newsletter

Year 12 Summer Half-Term Newsletter

6th Form Contacts Excellent 6th Form Attendance Tutors: 12A – Mr Ford 12C – Mr Lingard 12H – Mr Jarvis 12N – Dr John 12O – Ms Johnstone 12T – Ms Sharpe 6th Form PSA – Mr Cudmore Head of 6th Form – Mr Mothada

Usually attendance is mentioned in a negative manner but the attendance figures this year have been excellent for Year 12, and they would rate extremely highly compared to the rest of the borough. A big congratulation to all of those students who have attended regularly this year. The current average is around 94-95%.

Summer School Applications A number of Year 12 students have been busy enhancing their chances of getting a place at a top university by applying for places on university summer schools and workshops for over the summer break. Summer schools/workshops are a good way of improving a student’s UCAS application while also giving a student a helpful insight into university life. David McInnes (12N) has been accepted onto the prestigious Uniq Oxford Summer School and the UCL Summer Challenge. Liam Oktay (12T) has been accepted onto several Imperial University workshops and a UCL summer school. Several other students have applied to various universities and are waiting to hear back. We recommend all students do some research and look to apply to a university they think they would like to study at in the future.

6th Form Telephone no.: 0203 110 2490 Email address: 6thform@actonhigh.ealing.sch.uk

Spotlight on...

Work Experience Week Between the 15th and 19th July, all Level 3 students will be expected to undertake some form of work experience to enhance their job prospects and Higher Education applications. For those students who feel they will be working at the end of their studies in 2014 it is critical that they can show evidence of work experience on their CV to help secure a job in tough economic circumstances. It is also significant for those students who are hoping to go to university in 2014. A potential medic will benefit from experience in a hospital, a budding historian’s application will be improved by experience in an archive or a museum and a prospective media student would gain an advantage by securing work experience at the BBC or Sky etc. Students are expected to organise the placements by themselves as we promote independence and attempt to give students an insight into the job market. However, students are encouraged to seek the advice and assistance of the Work Related Learning and Broadening Horizons Officer Rebecca Jones who is on hand to help secure opportunities.

Already students have secured places in hospitals, at the BBC and at a computer gaming shop. We suggest that all students focus on this as soon as their exams have finished (for most this will be at the end of May or very early June).

Bournemouth University, founded in 1992, has rapidly developed into a top 60 University. In 2007, a survey found Bournemouth to be the happiest place to be in the UK with 82% of residents saying they were happy with their life.

The University has eight halls of residents where the majority of the 17 thousand undergraduate students live, and a lively student union which is known for its nightlife. Bournemouth University specialises in Media, Tourism and Health The AS Government & Politics class visited and Social Care degrees while still the Houses of Parliament at the end of offering the ‘standard’ subjects. April in what was an eye opening experience for the students. During the Popular course grade requirements: afternoon (which was organised through Advertising BA – 300 UTP* local MP Angie Bray) the students visited Media Production BA – 300 UTP/ both the House of Commons and the Distinction in L3 BTEC House of Lords. The students finished in a Tourism Management 260 – UTP Select Committee room and held a debate on whether select committees are a useful *UTP – Ucas Tariff Points method of holding the Government to account (see picture). Perhaps the first step towards a career in politics...

Key Year 12 Dates:

Trip to Parliament

AS Level Exam Period: 13th May – 10th June GCSE Exam Period: 13th May – 24th June Work Experience week: 15th July 2013 – 19th July Last day of term: 19th July

Head Boy and Girl Kept Busy Mohamed Al-Maliki (see right) and Lauren Gay have been kept busy in their roles of Head Boy and Girl. Mohamed can be seen speaking to teachers from a range of schools at a Computing CPD held by Mr Mothada and Acton High School.

Lauren and Mohamed were also on the interview panel for a new Assistant Head at the school, and both were complimented on their approach. Mohamed and Lauren, as well as assistant Head Boy and Girl (Ioana Dascalu and Sam Baxter) continue to be great ambassadors for the Sixth Form and wider school.