Sixth Form Handbook 2018-2019

Sixth Form Handbook Academic Year 2018—2019 A place where young people are encouraged to ‘Aspire not to have more, but to be more’ within a framework of Catholic Christian teaching and values.

A place where you succeed...

Congratulations to all of the students who left All Hallows in 2016/2017 here is where they went.

Cambridge University - History, York University - Philosophy Lancaster University - Physics, Oxford University - History, Liverpool John Moores University - Dance Practices, Nottingham University - Medical Engineering, Apprenticeship - SKYZAK, Sheffield University - Biology, Leeds University - Children's Nursing, Newcastle University - Biomedical Sciences, Sheffield University - Law & Criminology, Leeds Metropolitan University - Events Management, Liverpool Hope University - Philosophy & Ethics, Fashion Retail Academy, London - Fashion Buying and Range Planning, Leeds Metropolitan University - Sport & Exercise Science, Newcastle University - Civil Engineering, Manchester University Midwifery, Sheffield University - Mathematics, Sheffield Hallam University - Adult Nursing, Manchester University - Medicine, York University - Psychology, Durham University - Liberal Arts, Leeds University - Zoology, Liverpool University - Medicine, Manchester University Physics with Astrophysics, Sheffield Hallam University - Psychology, Sheffield University English Language & Literature, Staffordshire University - Music Technology with Management, Nottingham University - Hispanic Studies, University of Chester - Policing & Criminal Investigation, Sheffield University - Sociology, Leeds College of Music - Music Production, Aberdeen University - Geography, Leeds University - Linguistic & Phonetics, Durham University - Literature & History, Liverpool University - Radiotherapy, Apprentice Accountant Ernst & Young, University of Central Lancashire - Illustration, Nottingham Trent University - Media, Leeds University - Psychology, Durham University - Mathematics, Manchester Metropolitan University - Art, Staffordshire University - Policing & Criminal Investigation, Edge Hill University - Computing, Cardiff University - Education, Bath University - Management, Derby University - International Fashion , York University Mathematics, Leeds University - Mathematics & Music, Sheffield Hallam University Education Studies with Psychology & Counselling, Cardiff University - German & English Literature, Durham University - Physics, Liverpool Hope University - Education, Cambridge University - Geography, Leeds Metropolitan University - Psychology, Salford University Counselling & Psychotherapy, Apprenticeship—CBL, Armed Forces, St Mary’s University Theatre & Performance, Liverpool University—Psychology, Leeds Beckett University Accounting, Sheffield Hallam University - Science with Education, Apprenticeship - Hume Accountants.

‘Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is outstanding. It is an integral part of the culture of the College and plays a major part in students feeling well prepared for the next phase of their education and for life in modern Britain.’

02

OfSTED 2014

Contents 03 Sixth Form Curriculum

19 Top Tips for Sixth Form Students

04 Final Options Grid

21 16—19 Bursary Fund

05 College / Student Agreement

23 Term Dates

06 Student / College Agreement

24 College Map

07 General Rules

25 Contact Information

08 Monitoring Procedure

26 Policies

09 Sixth Form Code of Dress

27 Biometrics

11 College Day

28 Privacy Notice

12 Tutor Groups and Pastoral Staff

29 Governors and Trustees

13 Directed Study Time

30 Safeguarding

14 Target Setting

Enclosed Sheets: Signature Page

15 I.C.T. User Agreement 17 Enrichment

Meet the New Principal.

Mr Tim Beesley, currently Head teacher of St James’ Catholic High School, a very successful 11-16 school in Stockport, has been appointed as our new Principal. He will take up his post for the start of the new academic year on the 1st September 2018.

With a proven track record in school improvement, Mr Beesley is keen to lead our outstanding Catholic College maintaining excellent standards and making a difference in the wider education system, by working closely with the Romero Teaching School Alliance, the Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Academy Trust and the wider community the College serves. There is no doubt that the governors are fully convinced of Mr Beesley’s ability to build on what has been already achieved and take All Hallows from strength to strength.

Mr Beesley said, ‘I am delighted to have been offered the position of Principal at All Hallows, whilst it has been a difficult decision for me to leave my current school, the prospect of leading this outstanding 11-18 Catholic College and Teaching School, is incredibly exciting. I would like to thank the governors and the Trust for the opportunity.'

Sixth Form provision is outstanding. The leadership of the Sixth Form is highly effective and students make excellent progress.’

OfSTED 2014

03

Sixth Form Curriculum Congratulations on securing a place at All Hallows College Sixth Form. We are delighted that you will be studying here and look forward to being able to support you on the next stage of your learning journey.

All Hallows College offers a broad curriculum at Key Stage 5, incorporating A-levels, BTEC’s and Diplomas. Your programme of study will be unique and will depend on your individual needs and interests. As a student you will be given advice and guidance on which is the most appropriate course for you, taking into consideration the GCSE’s you have already achieved.

Students are able to combine A-level and Vocational qualifications. This provides the flexibility for students to adapt their course to suit their future career plans and aspirations, with the majority going on to further study at university and the remainder entering apprenticeships or employment.

Advanced level study is designed to challenge you academically and help you to become a more independent learner, in readiness for the life-long learning challenges presented by modern society. Due to the academic rigour, entry on to these courses requires a minimum of 5 grade 9 to 4’s at GCSE including Maths and/or English minimum grade 4.

Year 12 students will choose to study 3 A level subjects over a 2 year period. Individual subject advice is given to students dependent on the GCSE results achieved.

Students who have not achieved a minimum grade 4 in Maths and English on entry to the Sixth Form will continue to study these subjects as part of their programme of learning.

Students who achieved grade 4 may choose to repeat the examination.

In addition to their chosen subjects, all students follow a General R.E. programme, have the opportunity to engage in sport, volunteer work and a variety of extra-curricular opportunities throughout the year. Some students will also undergo ‘selection’ for the Macclesfield Town Football Academy.

As part of our ‘Able’ student programme students may also choose to complete the Extended Project Qualification. (E.P.Q) All students complete one week Work Experience or four to six week Internships through the ‘Career Ready’ programme.

Students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstandingly well promoted and pervades the life of the College. It is strongly promoted through the curriculum as well as the culture of the College.’ OfSTED 2014 ‘

04 ...Sixth Form Curriculum

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The Final Options Grid for September 2018

Option A English Literature Maths History Sociology ICT Ex Cert Fine Art Art Textiles Mandarin

Option B English Language Chemistry Biology Religion, Phil & Ethics Music Tech Music Business Studies German Psychology

Option C English Literature Geography Biology

Option D Further Maths Spanish History

Maths French Health and Social Care Physics

Psychology Chemistry Sports Ex Science Economics

‘The curriculum is a real strength of the College.

It is designed

to meet the needs of the students, ensure rapid progression and prepare them for the next phase in their education or training.’ OfSTED 2014 05 ...The Final Options Grid September 2018

04

College / Student Agreement Sixth Form studies are both demanding in terms of your time and academically challenging.

Student success depends on a number of factors and with this in mind we have developed a College/Student agreement which sets out our mutual expectations. All students are required to sign the agreement on entry to the Sixth Form.

The College will: 

Value each individual.



Encourage students to set for themselves the highest possible standards of achievement in everything that they do. To value academic excellence and to develop a love of learning whilst at College, and in preparation for further and higher education or employment.



Provide information, advice and support to students to help meet their educational and employment needs.



Provide a range of extra-curricular opportunities and experiences within the Sixth Form and outside College that will enrich the curriculum.



Encourage students to make maximum use of their time and develop their timemanagement skills.



Monitor and review student performance regularly and set academic targets.



Develop a close and mutually supportive partnership with parents in the educational and personal development of our young people.

Signed: Date : 4 September 2018

06 ...College / Student Agreement

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Student / College Agreement As a student I will: 

Respect and positively contribute to the College ethos.



Attend College between 8.45 and 3.30 daily (2.45 Wed) – [students who are late twice within a week will be placed in a punctuality detention the following week].



‘Sign In’ at the attendance office if I am unavoidably late to College



‘Sign Out’ with permission from the Assistant Principal KS5 or Year Leader, if I need to leave College throughout the day.



Maintain good attendance (target 97%).



Wear the code of dress as issued and displayed on the College Website/planner.



Work to the best of my ability at all times.



Behave in an adult and mature way.



Be respectful of other members of the College and community.



Ensure that all work is completed and handed in on time and reflects my target grade.



Meet targets set.



Attend and be punctual for all timetabled lessons, tutor periods, directed study periods, assemblies and other collective acts of worship. [Any absence must be accounted for].



Comply with any extra-curricular demands necessary to the course of study, e.g. attend field studies and engage in Enrichment days/HE/Apprenticeship /Work Experience programme.

Meet examination board requirements.

 

Achieve a satisfactory* standard in Key Assessments and Examinations (*Target grade) [Students will be required to repeat assessments/exams where their result is more than 1 grade below target]. Entry for final examination is dependent on students demonstrating an ability to achieve a successful outcome. Progression from year 12 to 13 is dependent upon your ability to meet your end of course Target grades.  Not engage in outside activities to the detriment of my studies, including excessive paid employment. 

Refrain from anti-social or illegal behaviour.



Refrain from smoking in College or near the College grounds.

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Use College equipment and facilities appropriately.



Where student behaviour, attendance, punctuality or academic performance does not meet the necessary standard, a student’s ‘non lesson time’ will be supervised in the Sixth Form Study Room, and may be extended beyond the college day for up to 1 hour, until the required standards are reached.

Signed: ………………………….. Date: …………. ...Student / College Agreement

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06

General Rules

Holidays Students should not take holidays in term time. Holidays during term time will not be authorised. and may lead to a student being withdrawn from examinations.

Being absent from College If you are going to be absent from College, you must call the office in the morning to inform us that you will not be in.

All absences from College must be covered by a letter from a parent or guardian upon your return.

Any student who accumulates 7 or more days (14 sessions) during an academic year will be asked to provide a medical letter.

Wherever possible appointments, such as doctors and dental, should be made out of College hours.

Leaving the College premises Students should not leave the College premises between lessons or prior to the end of the College day without prior permission being obtained from the Assistant Principal KS5 or Year Leader.

Students are allowed to leave the College site during 2nd Break.

Students do not need to sign out on Wednesday afternoon enrichment days once parental permission has been obtained.

Students will be given leave for a Driving Test but driving lessons must not be taken during lesson or study periods.

Valuables and security Do not bring valuable uninsured items into College. The College cannot be held responsible if they are lost, stolen or damaged.

Bursary Students in receipt of a Bursary should note that it can be withdrawn or reduced for failing to meet these conditions.

08 ...General Rules

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The Monitoring Procedure The above procedure relates to poor work performance, attendance and code of dress only. Incidents relating to bad behavior and other acts of a more serious nature will be dealt with following the College’s normal procedure for dealing with such incidents.

Action that may be taken on such occasions is at the discretion of the Assistant Principal KS5 and the Principal which may result in a fixed term or permanent exclusion.

Poor work performance due to a lack of effort can result in a student receiving a ‘warning’. Poor performance may arise from poor quality work i.e. work which does not reflect your personal target grades , failure to meet deadlines or a lack of attendance.

If a student fails to meet a requirement, i.e. repeatedly hands in work which does not reflect their ability (set by target grades), misses a pre-determined deadline, absents him/herself from lessons without a valid reason or fails to conform to the College code of dress. The subject teacher or tutor will complete an electronic white slip, which will be actioned by the YLL. Parents will have Parents will have access to this information through the parental gateway.

If a student obtains three referrals across their subjects the first warning will be issued.

Subsequent warnings will follow each time a student receives referrals.

Where students are issued with behavior points, their non-teaching time will be supervised in the Sixth Form Study Room.

Students are allowed three warnings. The procedure is outlined below: 1st Occasion Verbal warning issued by Form Tutor. Year Leader and parent(s) will be notified and parental contacted recorded on Sims.

2nd Occasion Verbal warning issued by Year Leader. Parent(s) will be required attend a meeting with Year Leader. The Assistant Principal KS5 will be notified.

3rd Occasion Written warning issued by the Assistant Principal KS5. Copy sent to parents. A parental/student meeting will be required and an individual improvement plan agreed. Student will be required to meet with Assistant Principal KS5 weekly.

4th Occasion Student and parents will be invited to discuss alternative arrangements for Post 16 learning.

09 ...The Monitoring Procedure

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Sixth Form Code of Dress MEN Shirt and tie of own choice, worn with the top button fastened and tie worn to the button.

Suit (business dress style) dark colour.

Optional dark v-neck jumper can be worn under the jacket.

The jacket of the suit should always be available, and worn around the College, permission should not have to be sought to take this off.

Optional waistcoat (dark).

Shoes should be black or brown, suitable for College/ Business dress), no trainers or casual footwear.

WOMEN A smart and appropriate blouse or shirt (short or long sleeved) reflecting that worn in a business environment with a suit.

Suit (business dress style) dark colour.

Trousers should be smart business style, dark colour and not overly baggy or tight fitting.

Skirt, at least knee length, should be pencil or straight cut, dark colour with no indecent splits. Skirts which ‘ride up’ while walking are not appropriate.

The jacket should match the trousers or skirt, be fitted and smart with buttons that can be fastened.

The jacket of the suit should always be available, and worn around the College, permission should not have to be sought to take this off.

Optional dark V-neck jumper can be worn under the suit.

Optional waistcoat (dark).

Shoes should be smart and formal, with no more than a 3 inch heel.

10 ...Sixth Form Code of Dress

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MEN and WOMEN Accessories Jewellery is permitted in the Sixth Form at the discretion of the Year Leader/Assistant Principal KS5.

No facial piercing or nose studs are allowed. No more than two ear rings in each ear are permitted and no plugs or bars allowed.

Tattoos are not permitted.

Baseball caps are not permitted and hats should not be worn in College.

Mobile phones/iPods etc. should not be visible or used outside of the Sixth Form Centre.

Bags Bags can be any choice and any colour but should be suitable for carrying files and books.

Hair Hair should reflect a conventional style in keeping with the business image.

No unnatural hair colour, shaven or carved heads.

Equipment Students will be provided with subject specific exercise books. These must be well presented, available in each lesson and handed in for marking or inspection when requested.

Students will be provided with a planner for the recording of work and assessment/attendance reviews. Homework will also be displayed on ‘Show My Homework’.

Students who fail to conform to the code outlined may be denied access to lessons for the day and will be required to work in the Sixth Form Study Room. Students who repeatedly fail to adopt the dress code will be asked to remain at home until a parental meeting can be arranged with the Year Leader or Assistant Principal KS5.

The behaviour of students is outstanding. They arrive at lessons promptly and get on with their work willingly, demonstrating a thirst for learning.

Expectations of students’ behaviour are high and students rise to these and take responsibility for their behaviour.’

OfSTED 2014 11 ...Sixth Form Code of Dress

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College Day

Mon 1

Tue 1

Wed 1

Thu 1

Fri 1

(Registration)

(Registration)

(Reading)

(Registration)

(Registration)

8.45-9.00am 2

8.45-9.00am 2

8.45-9.30am

8.45-9.00am 2

8.45-9.00am 2

9.00-10.20am

9.00-10.20am

9.00-10.20am

9.00-10.20am

3

3

Break/Lunch 1

3

3

10.20-11.40am

10.20-11.40am

10.50-11.20am

10.20-11.40am

10.20-11.40am

Break/Lunch 1

Break/Lunch 1

3

Break/Lunch 1

Break/Lunch 1

11.40-12.20pm

11.40-12.20pm

11.20-12.40pm

11.40-12.20pm

11.40-12.20pm

4

4

Break/Lunch 2

4

4

12.20-1.40pm

12.20-1.40pm

12.40-1.25pm

12.20-1.40pm

12.20-1.40pm

Break/Lunch 2

Break/Lunch 2

4

Break/Lunch 2

Break/Lunch 2

1.40-2.10pm 5

1.40-2.10pm 5

1.25-2.45pm

1.40-2.10pm 5

1.40-2.10pm 5

2.10-3.30pm

2.10-3.30pm

3.00-4.30pm Staff Training

2.10-3.30pm

2.10-3.30pm

2

Students need to be on the campus by 8.40am at the latest.

Most lessons are timetabled as one hour 20 mins and students move to class during natural breaks.

Printouts of timetables with subjects and rooms are issued in September.

Students copy their personal class timetable into their student planner. They will also receive a homework timetable.

A full choice of food and snacks are available in the Sixth Form Centre during both breaks. Students may choose to leave the campus during Break 2.

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Tutor Groups and Key Pastoral Staff You will be placed in a mixed year 12 & 13 Tutor Group. There are nine tutor groups in the Sixth Form. Each group is named after a well-known Catholic Christian who, as a witness to the Gospel, encourages us in our faith.

Your tutor’s role is to support you at College as both a pastoral and academic mentor.

You are positively encouraged to talk to your Tutor, Academic Mentor or Year Learning Leader about any concerns you have.

Key Pastoral Staff Acting Deputy Headteacher Mrs M A Garvey m.garvey@allhallows.org.uk Head of Sixth Form ic Year 13 Mr D Howells d.howells@allhallows.org.uk

Head of Sixth Form ic Year 12 Mr T Parke t.parke@allhallows.org.uk

Sixth Form Academic Mentor Mrs L Coates l.coates@allhallows.org.uk

My Tutor Group I am in Form VI ……………………………………

My Tutor is:

……………………………………

My Tutor’s e-mail address is: ….……………………………….@allhallows.org.uk ‘Sixth form students have excellent attitudes to learning and make a significant contribution to the life of the College through a range of mentoring and support they give to other students as well as their work in the community.’

- OfSTED 2014 ...Tutor Groups and Key Pastoral Staff

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Directed Study Time In addition to your subject taught time, your timetable will indicate specific hours of ‘Directed Study’ time per week.

Your attendance is required at ALL ‘Directed Study’ sessions in accordance with the room allocated on your personal timetable.

A register will be taken at the start of each session and any unauthorised absence will result in further ‘Directed Study’ being supervised in the Sixth Form study room.

Your subject teachers are required to set work for your completion during these sessions in advance and direct you towards resources.

It is your responsibility to make sure you arrive with work to complete.

You must nominate time for each of your subjects. Students studying the following subjects; Art, Music Technology; ICT; Business Studies or Product Design should nominate one lesson per week in agreement with the subject leader to work in a subject specific room. You will be required to register in your ‘Directed Study’ room first.

Your ‘Directed Study’ room is a quiet working environment, please avoid talking. Personal music players should not be used during ‘Directed Study’ sessions.

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE ARE NOT HOMEWORK SESSIONS AND DO NOT REPLACE THE NEED FOR HOMEWORK AND PERSONAL STUDY. Homework will be set by all subject teachers on a weekly basis. Students should be expected to spend 12—15 hours on homework each week.

‘Sixth Form Students have excellent attitudes to learning and make a significant contribution to the life of the College through a range of mentoring and support they give other students as well as their work in the community.’

OfSTED 2014

14 ...Directed Study Time

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Target Setting Within the first 2 weeks of Year 12 you will be issued with your A Level/BTEC Target Grades.

Target grades are set based on your academic performance at G.C.S.E. These will be used to help to measure your progress towards your final grades at the end of Year 13. This table shows how your grades at GCSE translate.

The work you complete in class and at home will receive either an A Level or BTEC/Diploma grade A Level Grades/ BTEC Grade equivalent A* — Distinction*

A—Distinction

B

C— Merit

D

E— Pass

N

U

15 ...Target Setting

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Information and Communication Technology Before being issued with a user name and password all of our students are required to read and sign the College 'Acceptable Usage Policy' College ICT equipment should only be used for educational purposes directly linked with curriculum courses and other College approved activities, e.g. careers advice or higher education choices.

All users of College ICT equipment, both students and staff, must agree by signing the Acceptable Usage Policy. This is standard practice in any organisation where ICT is used.

Why is there a policy?

Any large computer network is a highly complex system requiring a considerable amount of maintenance. The points below are designed to ensure that the network is always available and working. Users must accept that a network with hundreds of client computers has to have more restrictions than a home computer.

Expectations of users 1. All users of the network (whether using desktop computers, MACs, laptops, iPads or any other College mobile device) are expected to use common sense, to follow the more general College rules and to obey the laws of the United Kingdom.

2. You are responsible for your individual account and must never allow anyone else to use it.

You should never divulge your password to another person. Students will be asked to change their password regularly.

3. You must not download or save large files unless absolutely necessary as this restricts others' use of the network.

4. You should check your e-mail frequently and delete unwanted messages promptly.

Privacy You should expect only limited privacy in the contents of your personal files and e-mail on the College network. As a general rule, keep nothing on the system you would feel uncomfortable justifying in front of any College staff member, you parents or other authority.

All network activity is monitored and logged.

All Internet traffic is monitored and logged.

E-Safety protection software exists on a number of levels to prevent access to inappropriate material Teachers can access your network home area in the same way that they can view your exercise books and files.

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Sixth Form IT Privileges Sixth Form students may connect mobile devices such as iPads, tablets, laptops and netbooks to the college wireless to gain internet access. Sixth Form may also request the unblocking of a website once it has been verified as a suitable educational resource by their teacher.

Specific Unauthorised Activities You must not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data.

You should not attempt to go beyond your authorised access. This includes: attempting to log in through another person's account or sending e-mail while masquerading as another person.

You must not use any facility to participate in any form of cyber-bullying. You must not engage in personal, prejudicial or discriminatory attacks. You should respect the privacy of any message sent to you and not re-send it to others without permission.

The use of social networking sites such as Facebook, Bebo, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube is not permitted.

The use of chat rooms such as MSN, Facebook Messenger etc is not permitted.

You must not use indecent, obscene, offensive or threatening language.

You must not post anything on the Internet which identifies the College with unacceptable opinions or activities, or which would bring the College into disrepute. This includes using computer facilities outside College to publish such opinions.

You must not attempt to access material that is profane or obscene, that advocates illegal acts, violence or discrimination towards other people. If you mistakenly access inappropriate material, you should tell a teacher immediately. This will protect you against the accusation that you have intentionally accessed this material.

You must not plagiarise works that you find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were your own.

You must respect copyright. You must not use the Internet to download illegal software, pirated music or images.

Sanctions for Students All network activity is logged. Depending on the severity of the offence, one or more of the following sanctions maybe applied if a student is found to have broken any of the above rules: a formal warning suspension of e-mail/internet access suspension of computer system account debarment from use of the College computer rooms formal College detentions temporary or permanent exclusion from College.

All students must sign the Acceptable Use Policy Statement.

17 ...Information and Communication Technology

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Enrichment

Wednesday Enrichment Students are allocated ‘Enrichment’ time on alternate Wednesday afternoons.

During enrichment time students may choose to engage in 

Sporting activity as a private member at a gym or on a casual basis at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, e.g. swimming.



Arrange regular non-paid work experience to help further their skills. For example, as a classroom support assistant at one of our feeder primary schools, at a local nursing home or charity shop.

or Engage in a volunteer programme or community project, either in our own College or he local community. For eavample, running our own ‘Market Garden’, volunteering as part of the R.V.S., the National Citizens Service (NCS) or a social enterprise project.

Students will be required to commit to a project for a term and over the year should complete a minimum of 20 hours community or voluntary work as part of your General RE programme on Catholic Social Enterprise.

As this is an opportunity to develop skills that will enable students to compete in the current climate for university or employment, it is important that students both engage in a variety of activities and not simply use the time for college work.

Where parents can help organise such opportunities or provide opportunities for other members of the Sixth Form we would really appreciate it.

It is essential to point out that these projects will not be supervised by members of our College staff and it is therefore important that students organise their activity properly and participate responsibly e.g. that they have been fully inducted as part of their gym membership or can swim unaided if participating. It is also important that students are

18 ...Enrichment

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reliable and do not let down organisations that agree to support them.

Students will participate in the mandatory General R.E. program run by the College each alternate Wednesday. Again some of the activities may require students to leave the college premises unsupervised.

Prior to students starting the enrichment programme all students must: 1.

Advise the Assistant Principal KS5 or Year Learning Leader of the programme they intend to participate in with proof e.g. photocopy of gym membership or in the case of the work experience or community work – contact details of the person with whom this has been organised

2.

Return the attached parental consent form at the back of this information booklet.

Please note that this privilege may be withdrawn from any student who abuses this opportunity or fails to make the required progress in their college studies.

19 ...Enrichment

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Top Tips for Sixth Form Students 1. Keep Organized The key to being a successful student is being organised. Some people are naturally good at staying organised and do not even need a diary or a planner to keep at the top of their game.

Most of us, however, do need to keep some kind of notes on what it is that we are and should be working on. We will provide you with a student planner specifically for your 6th Form studies - that way you can note down all of your classes, all of your assignments, or any other memos, and keep them in a single place. You will always know where to go whenever you are looking for any of your deadlines or exam dates.

It is also useful to separate all your subjects from one another. You will be provided with subject specific exercise books which should be available in all lessons. It would be a good idea to purchase an A4 file to store your extra reading materials, that way it is easy to access any information you might possibly need during or after your classes to complete assignments. It is also useful in the long-run, when you are preparing for exams - you will want to have all of your related information as close together as possible.

You should also buy a USB drive, but do not rely solely on this. All of your work should be backed up on the College system. Losing your USB or it being damaged, can cause you unnecessary stress often resulting in hours of work being lost.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions It is very helpful to ask questions whenever you are stuck on anything. Are you struggling with your assignment? Go ahead and ask your friends about it, they might have very helpful tips on how to carry on with it. Or you can ask your teachers, they are very helpful and will appreciate it if you are interested in their subject enough to try to make your assignments perfect. Remember, there is no such thing as a bad question! And successful A Level students ask a lot of questions!

3. Pick Your Subjects Wisely When it comes to BTEC/A Levels, it is really important to pick your subjects wisely. Not only because certain universities have subject specific requirements. It is also important because your success is in large part determined by how good you are in your subjects and by how much you actually enjoy them. It is important that you pick subjects that you enjoy, because that way you will actually feel happy when you are working on your subject specific work, and you will also feel a lot more motivated in your work. If your chosen university subject has in its requirements a subject that you inherently do not enjoy or are not excited about, you might want to reconsider your university degree choice. This is because your chosen degree is likely to build upon the material in your A Level subjects, and if you do not enjoy those subjects, it is unlikely that you will not enjoy the degree you have chosen.

4. Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Maybe you are very good at waking up early 20 ...Top Tips for Sixth Form Students

19

and revising but you are not so good at staying up at night? Or exactly the other way around? You need to understand yourself and your body in order to be a successful student. You need to know what studying methods are working for you - this will be very individual and it will take a lot of trial and error on your part. Take any feedback you get from your tutors and your friends constructively and work on internalising new ways of working. It is really important to make use of your strengths and try to work on improving your weaknesses and turning them into strengths!

5. Work on Your Exam Technique Ultimately, the most important measure to being a successful A Level student is doing well in exams - this is mostly what you will be graded on and one of the most important factors in being admitted to university. A very important thing is to become familiar with what your exams look like - get your hands on as many past papers as you can and analyse what the questions are like.

You will do a lot of past paper work in your class with your teachers before your exams, but it is good to get a head start on this and start working on your exam technique as soon as possible. Try asking some of the older students for exam technique tips, they often have creative ideas.

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16 to 19 BURSARY FUND From September 2011, young people who need some financial support to help them stay in education or training after 16 can apply to their school, college or training provider for the 1619 Bursary Fund. Any payments will be linked to minimum standards of attendance, behaviour and progress, in line with government guidelines (see THE SMALL PRINT below).

YOU MUST BE AGED 16, 17 or 18 on 31st AUGUST 2018 to apply PRIORITY 1 The following students will be able to apply for a bursary of up to £1200: In care  Care leavers  In receipt of Income Support, or Universal Credit in place of Income Support, in their own right  In receipt of Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit and Disability Living or Personal Independence Payments in their own right PRIORITY 2 Students in receipt of free school meals will receive credit to their lunch account of £2.41 PRIORITY 3 Item Bursary

Transport to/from College using College contract buses Business Dress

Text Books & Equipment Exam Resits Course Trips UCAS University/job interview costs Other

Priority 1 Students Up to £1,200 p.a. payable 4 weekly dependent on attendance & behaviour.

Priority 2 Students £2.41/ day FSM Allowance

Priority 3 Students None

Up to 50% cost of annual bus pass dependFull payment of annual bus pass ing on family income £50 per term towards the cost of Business clothing.

Second & third terms require evidence of purchase and payable at 50% of claim.

50% of cost payable on evidence of receipt. Purchase must be made in academic year of claim and must be essential to course of study. Claim 50% of cost. Resit must be in academic year of claim. Claim capped at £50. £50 towards curriculum trips Full payment of application fee Discretionary – upon application Please ask if you have urgent financial needs connected to your attendance at College or to your course of study.

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HOW DO I APPLY? Collect an application form from the Finance Office or download from the College website.

Return the completed form to the College Finance Office AS SOON AS POSSIBLE For further information see www.direct.gov.uk/16-19bursary

THE SMALL PRINT Bursary payments will be made on a pro rata basis. This will happen every four teaching weeks.

Payments to support additional expenses will be made once approval is given.

Payment is dependent on full attendance, and will be reduced by 20% per week for each day or part day absence. All planned absence must be approved by Mrs Garvey.

Should student behaviour, attitude or attainment fall below what is deemed appropriate, payment may be reduced or withdrawn.

Behaviour is measured against the sixth form published behaviour monitoring policy.

Progress is measured at the end of each assessment window against a student’s target grades issued in September Year 12.

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Term Dates 2017-2018

Term

College Opens to Students

College Closes to Students

4 September 2018 Michaelmas

(Year 7, 12 and 13 I only)

26 October 2018

Christmas

5 November 2018

21 December 2018

Epiphany

7 January 2019

14 February 2019

25 February 2019

5 April 2019

Whitsun

23 April 2019

24 May 2019

Trinity

3 June 2019

19 July 2019

Easter

IN SERVICE TRAINING DAYS (WHEN STUDENTS DO NOT ATTEND) Monday 3 September 2018 Monday 24 December 2018 Friday 15 February 2019 Friday 28 June 2019 Monday 22 July 2019

Parents should check our website for other key dates throughout the year.

Parents should not take students out of College for holidays during term time. SUCH ABSENCES WILL NOT BE AUTHORISED. Any requests for leave of absence due to exceptional circumstances or for qualifying educational activity should be made to Mrs Garvey, Mr Parke or Mr Howells.

The College target for every student is a minimum of 97% attendance.

Please be aware there will also be 3 Parental Consultation Days during the academic year where students may be required to work at home or to take part in activities outside of the College.

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College Map

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‘Student achievement is outstanding.’

OfSTED 2014

‘Not only does the college provide for excellence in academic terms, but it is able to ensure that this excellence includes its provision for the education, welfare and spiritual well-being of students of all ages and needs.’

Diocesan Inspection 2016

Contact and Useful Information All Hallows Catholic College Brooklands Avenue Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 8LB

Parental Gateway Login Username:…………………………..

Password:…………………………… https://portal.allhallows.org.uk

Telephone: 01625 426138 General E-mail: admin@allhallows.org.uk Website: www.allhallows.org.uk# 26 ...Contact/Useful Information

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Policies The following policies are available on the College website www.allhallows.org.uk and are recommended reading: Attendance, Behaviour, Homework, Uniform, Anti Bullying, Charging and Remissions, Special Needs, Medicine Advice and Complaints.

In the Event of Emergency Closure EXTREME WEATHER (Snow I Ice) These are the procedures we have in place for extreme weather conditions. The Principal takes advice from the Director of Operations and then makes the decision as to whether or not a closure if necessary. Every effort will be made to make a decision as early as possible.

A decision to CLOSE will be announced on: All Hallows Website And as soon as it is practical by: Text message Twitter If no announcement is made, then the College is OPEN. Please do not attempt to telephone the College as this will block the telephone lines which will be used for emergencies.

If the College remains open, your child will need to make every attempt to get to their usual bus stop on time. If the bus fails to turn up, your child should return home after 30 minutes waiting time.

In the event of heavy snowfall during the College day, any decision to close early will be announced using the means above. Students are not allowed to use mobile ‘phones whilst in College and we request that you do not rely on individual messages that come to you from any source other than the official announcements. If the College closes during the normal College day, parents will also be informed by text-message.

If it is necessary to close the College for more than one day, parents will be informed, again, through the College website, text message and our Twitter.

Obviously the College will remain open unless the weather conditions present an obvious danger to safety.

In periods of adverse weather we ask parents to use their judgement as to the weather conditions where you live and the distance of travel when deciding if their child attends college each day. If you make the decision to not send your child to College when we are open and buses and cars are still running from your area, the absence may be unauthorised.

Please call college to explain your circumstances, if you will be keeping your child at home, to assist us in ensuring registers are coded correctly.

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Biometrics Across the College Lunch arrangements We are proud to say that All Hallows Catholic College is cashless! We have teamed up with Innovate, our catering partners and ParentPay, to create a cashless restaurant.

Students and staff use either their biometric print or a 6-digit PIN number to purchase meals in the restaurant. This is convenient, safe and fast, helping us to make sure that all students can make the most of their breaks, instead of spending time queuing.

Parents/Carers will top up their child’s ParentPay account through the ParentPay website.

The system is very user friendly and payments sent online are received in College instantly.

We also use the ParentPay website for trip payments (see next page).

Students can purchase a meal which suits their individual requirements. Portions are individually priced and a meal deal may be purchased for £2.25.

Students may bring a packed lunch and dining facilities are made available for them.

All Year 7 to 11 students stay on the College site, without exception, at lunchtimes.

Biometrics — Printing & Cashless Payments The College uses biometrics for its ‘Follow Me Printing’ system and for cashless payments in the College Shop and Restaurant.

Each child will be registered with your consent. If you do not consent to your child’s biometric data being taken, they will be issued with a PIN which they can use to pay.

The system uses an image of the fingerprint to create a mathematical algorithm and then discards the fingerprint. Only the numbers remain and these cannot be reinterpreted back into the fingerprint.

Follow Me Printing Students and staff use their biometric print or PIN number to collect their printing from any of the printers located around the College. It is linked to their computer account and allows them to print anywhere and at any time in the College. We use this system to help monitor and reduce waste printing in the College.

Free College Meals If your child is entitled to a free meal, their entitlement will automatically transfer to this 28 ...Governors ...Cashless Catering and Trustees and Parent Pay

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College. Their ParentPay account will be topped up automatically each day with the FSM entitlement - £2.25 at present.

Using biometrics and PINs means that there is greater anonymity for free school meal students as there are no tokens to collect and they ‘pay’ for their meals in exactly the same way as everybody else.

There is a direct link to apply for free meals on the College website. Go to Parent Information > College Meals > Free School Meals.

How do I get set up for payment?

All Year 7 parents will have received a letter in the post with their login details, to enable them to pay for the Year 6 Liverpool Hope Experience. We advise that you log on and activate your account, so you are comfortable with the system before your child starts school.

Once logged on, you will see a FAQ sheet. If you have any further queries, please call us at any time – staff will be in College over the holidays.

Please note that your child’s account will need to be topped up before they can spend money in the College restaurant.

Trips We also use ParentPay for trip payments. We ask all parents to log on to their ParentPay account, where they can select the trip they want and pay with credit or debit card. The facility is very similar to online shopping – you add the trip to your basket and simply checkout. ParentPay does not hold any bank details.

Online payments are much more convenient and can be done 24/7.

PayPoint If you are unable to pay online, we can offer a PayPoint facility, where the Finance team can print off a trip letter including a barcode to be taken to your local PayPoint shop. Please bear in mind that PayPoint transactions can take up to 48 hours to show on our system.

Privacy Notice Our Privacy Notice can be viewed by going to the following link: http://allhallows.org.uk/data-protection/

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Governors and Trustees Staff Governors Mrs A Heaton Mr T Beesley

Chair of Governors Mrs J Feely Vice-Chair of Governors Mrs A Caine Foundation Governors Mrs J Feely Mrs A Caine Mr J Knight Dr A Davison Miss L Alberti Mrs C Watson

Parent Governors Mrs H Rawlinson Principal and Governor Mr T Beesley Clerk to the Governors Gary Pugh

Community Governors Dr D Roberts Foundation Governors are nominated by Diocese of Shrewsbury Colleges Commission. Parent Governors are elected by ballot and should a vacancy occur parents will be informed.

Trustees: Rt Rev. Mark Davies Bishop of Shrewsbury

Diocese of Shrewsbury Colleges Commission Curial Offices, 2 Park Road South, Prenton, Wirral, CH43 4UX

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Safeguarding Statement All Hallows Catholic College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are fully committed to ensuring that consistent effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support families, children and staff at school. All concerns are passed through the members of staff who are trained as “Designated Safeguarding Lead” in College. All posts are offered subject to agreeing to sign the Catholic Education Service contract of employment and satisfactory DBS checks.

Cause for concern All staff are asked to report any causes for concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead using a written pro-forma. Any concerns will be shared with parents/carers as early as possible, as more often than not there are extremely reasonable explanations for the concern. Concerns may range from children being visibly upset to persistent lateness to children “disclosing” concerns.

The Safeguarding Lead is: Assistant Principal—Mr Blades (SLT Lead) Family Support Worker—Mrs Shatwell (Co-Lead) With deputy safeguarding leads as follows: Assistant Principal Mrs Garvey Assistant Principal Mrs Marshall Year Learning Leaders The Safeguarding Governor is: Dr Roberts Our Safeguarding and Child Protection policies are available on the College web site.

PLEASE FILL IN THE ENCLOSED SIGNATURES PAGE. ONCE COMPLETE PLEASE HAND INTO THE COLLEGE DURING THE PARENTS WELCOME EVENING OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER. If your form is missing, please contact the College 31 ...Safeguarding Statement

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All are welcome at All Hallows Catholic College.

Come in and visit our wonderful Church College.

All Hallows Catholic College Brooklands Avenue Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 8LB www.allhallows.org.uk

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