6th Form Handbook

All Hallows Catholic College

Sixth Form Handbook Academic Year 2025-2026

A place where you succeed...

A small sample of our Sixth Form student des na ons over the past couple of years.

Cambridge University - History, York University - Philosophy, Lancaster University - Physics, Oxford University - History, Liverpool John Moores University - Dance Prac ces, No ngham University - Medical Engineering, Appren ceship - Barclays, Oxford University—Physics, Sheffield University - Biology, Leeds University - Children's Nursing, Newcastle University Biomedical Sciences, Sheffield University - Law & Criminology, Leeds Metropolitan University - Events Management, Leeds University - Philosophy, Ethics and Religion, Fashion Retail Academy, London - Fashion Buying and Range Planning, Leeds Metropolitan University - Sport & Exercise Science, Newcastle University - Civil Engineering, Manchester University - Midwifery, Sheffield University - Mathema cs, Sheffield Hallam University Adult Nursing, Sheffield University - Medicine, York University - Psychology, Harts Accountants Appren ceship 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, No ngham University - Hispanic Studies, Oxford University—Law with German Law, University of Chester - Policing & Criminal Inves ga on, Sheffield University - Sociology, Leeds College of Music - Music Produc on, Aberdeen University - Geography, Leeds University - Linguis c & Phone cs, Durham University Literature & History, Liverpool University - Radiotherapy, Astra Zeneca—Manufacturing appren ceship University of Central Lancashire - Illustra on, No ngham Trent University Media, Leeds University - Psychology, Durham University - Mathema cs, Manchester Metropolitan University - Art, Staffordshire University - Policing & Criminal Inves ga on, Edge Hill University - Compu ng, Bath University - Management, Derby University Interna onal Fashion , York University - Mathema cs, Leeds University - Mathema cs & Music, Sheffield Hallam University - Educa on Studies with Psychology & Counselling, Cardiff University - German & English Literature, Durham University - Physics, Liverpool Hope University - Educa on, Cambridge University - Geography, Leeds Metropolitan University - Psychology, Salford University - Counselling & Psychotherapy, Appren ceship— CBL, Armed Forces, St Mary’s University - Theatre & Performance, Liverpool University— Psychology, Leeds Becke University - Accoun ng, Sheffield Hallam University - Science with Educa on, Appren ceship—AJ Bell, Oxford University—Experimental Psychology.

In the sixth form, teaching is skilfully adapted to the needs of all students. Consequently, students produce work of a high quality. They described exceptional aca-

demic and pastoral support. Ofsted 2024

02

Contents 03 Sixth Form Curriculum 04 Final Op ons Grid

19 Top Tips for Sixth Form Students

05 College / Student Agreement

21 16—19 Bursary Fund

06 Student / College Agreement

23 Term Dates

07 General Rules

24 College Map

08 Monitoring Procedure

25 Contact Informa on

09 Sixth Form Code of Dress

26 Policies

11 College Day

27 Biometrics

12 Tutor Groups and Pastoral Staff

28 Privacy No ce

13 Directed Study Time

29 Governors and Trustees

14 Target Se ng

30 Safeguarding

15 I.C.T. User Agreement

Enclosed Link: Signature Page/GDPR/ Permissions

17 Enrichment: Aspire and Be More

Welcome to All Hallows Catholic College Congratula ons on securing a place to study with us at our Outstanding Sixth Form which is recognised among the top performing Sixth Forms in the North West.

We believe that each student is an individual, is excep onal and needs to be valued. High quality teaching and learning, coupled with excep onal pastoral support, provides the inspira on and mo va on for every young person to realise their aspira ons and ‘SHINE’. Our students truly fulfil their poten al with us, progressing onto pres gious universi es, appren ceships and rewarding careers. Our aim is to provide students with the very best possible educa on, to help them develop new interests and to use whatever talents they have in the service of the College and the wider community.

A team of highly qualified and experienced staff, commi ed to the values of the Sixth Form, offer excellent tui on within a curriculum which is extensive, courses which are demanding and a learning atmosphere which is exci ng. This coupled with the curricular enrichment programme and opportuni es for personal, spiritual and moral development ensures you will experience an educa on which truly prepares you for life beyond All Hallows.

I wish you con nued success in your studies and look forward to working with you on the next stage of your learning journey.

03

Sixth Form Curriculum Congratula ons on securing a place at All Hallows Catholic 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 Catholic College offers a broad curriculum at Key Stage 5, incorpora ng A-levels, BTECs and Diplomas. Your programme of study will be personalised 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 considera on the GCSE’s you are likely to achieve. Students are able to combine A-level and Voca onal qualifica ons. This provides the flexibility for students to adapt their course to suit their future career plans and aspira ons, whether that is: university, appren ceships 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. Please refer to our PROSPECTUS for subject specific grade requirements.

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 con nue to study these subjects as part of their programme of learning.

Students who achieved grade 4 may choose to repeat the examina on.

In addi on to your chosen subjects, all students follow a Core R.E. programme, have the opportunity to engage in sport, volunteer work and a variety of extra-curricular opportuni es throughout the year. Some students will undergo ‘selec on’ for the Macclesfield Football Academy. All students complete one week Work Experience in June.

As part of our Aspire super-curricular program to stretch our most able students, they may also choose to complete the Extended Project Qualifica on (E.P.Q), MOOCs or various ‘challenges’ in the STEM subjects or essay wri ng compe ons. Throughout the Sixth Form you will have many opportuni es to develop leadership skills.

Not only was I taught by teachers who were passionate about their subjects but the Sixth Form also provided opportunities to support my moral, social and cultural development. Being a member of the student leadership team gave me the opportunity to make a difference.’ Student ‘

04 ...Sixth Form Curriculum

03

The Final Op ons Grid

Option A

Option B

Option C

Option D

Option E

Psychology

Mathematics

Mathematics

Art

GCSE Maths

Criminology Level 3

English Literature

Chemistry

Economics

GCSE English

History

Geography

Sociology

Music

Football Academy

Biology

English Language IT: Data Analytics Spanish (AAQ)

Religion, Philosophy, & Ethics

Health & Social Care (AAQ)

German

Criminology Level 3

Business Studies Sport Extended Extended Certifi- Certificate cate

Psychology

Biology

Computing

History

Physics

Chemistry

Further Maths

English Literature

05 ...The Final Op ons Grid September 2023

04

College / Student Agreement Sixth Form studies are both demanding in terms of your me 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 expecta ons. 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 prepara on for further and higher educa on or employment.

·

Provide high quality, specialist teaching.

·

Provide informa on, advice and support to students to help meet their educa onal and employment needs.

·

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

·

Encourage students to make maximum use of their me and develop their me management skills.

·

Monitor and review student performance regularly and set academic targets.

·

Develop a close and mutually suppor ve partnership with parents in the educa onal and personal development of our young people.

Signed: Date : September 2025

06 ...College / Student Agreement

05

Student / College Agreement As a student I will: ·

Respect all members of the College community and posi vely contribute to the College ethos.

·

A end College between 8.50 and 3.15 daily – students who are late twice within a week will be placed in a punctuality deten on the following week.

·

‘Sign In’ at the a endance office if I am unavoidably late to College.

·

‘Sign Out’ with permission from a member of the Sixth Form leadership team, if I need to leave College throughout the day, and provide proof of appointments in advance.

·

Maintain good a endance, the target is 97%, this will enable me to fulfil my academic poten al.

·

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

·

Work to the best of my ability at all mes.

·

Behave in an adult and mature way and be a role model for younger students.

·

Be respec ul of other members of the College and community.

·

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

·

Meet targets set.

·

A end and be punctual for all metabled lessons, form period, directed study periods, assemblies and other collec ve acts of worship. [Any absence must be accounted for].

·

Comply with any extra-curricular demands necessary to the course of study, e.g. a end field studies and engage in Enrichment days/PSHCE/RSE/HE/Appren ceship /Work Experience programme.

·

Meet examina on board requirements.

·

Prepare for Key Assessments and Examina ons thoroughly and engage with support systems from college.

Not engage in outside ac vi es to the detriment of my studies, including excessive paid employment. Students must not exceed 8 hours employment/week.

· ·

Refrain from an -social or illegal behaviour.

·

Refrain from smoking / vaping in College or near the College grounds.

·

Use College equipment and facili es appropriately. Use of College ICT equipment is dependent on students signing the ‘Acceptable Use Policy’.

·

Where student behaviour, a endance, punctuality or academic performance does not meet the necessary standard, a student’s independent study me will be supervised in the Sixth Form Study Room, and may be extended beyond the college day for up to 1 hour and un l the required standards are reached.

07

Signed: ………………………….. Date: ………….

...Student / College Agreement

06

General Rules

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

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 le er or phone call 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 le er.

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. Students are allowed to leave the College site during lunch break. Students have permission to leave College at the end of period 4 if they do not have metabled lessons or a Personal Study period.

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

Valuables and security Please 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 condi ons.

08 ...General Rules

07

The Monitoring Procedure

At All Hallows Sixth Form, we want to help you achieve your best — both in your studies and in how you conduct yourself around college. To do this, we have a clear system in place to support you and monitor your progress. You’ll find all our expecta ons in the Student/ College Agreement (see page 6).

If your work isn’t mee ng your personal target grades because of a lack of effort, missed deadlines, or poor a endance, you may receive a warning to help get you back on track.

If you don’t follow the expecta ons in the College Agreement — for example, by regularly handing in work below your ability, missing important deadlines, skipping lessons without a valid reason, or not following the college dress code — your teacher or tutor will complete a Conduct Referral (CR). This is then followed up by the Head or Deputy Head of Sixth Form.

Your parents/carers will be able to view this informa on through the Parental Gateway. If you don’t complete work, you might also be referred to the study room during your independent study periods to catch up.

To help keep things fair and clear, we have a step-by-step process for managing warnings: · First me (3 CRs): You’ll receive a formal verbal warning from your form tutor, and your home will be contacted. · Second me (6 CRs): You’ll have a verbal warning from the Head or Deputy Head of Sixth Form, and your parents/carers will be asked to a end an online mee ng to talk about what’s going on. · Third me (9 CRs): You’ll be given a wri en warning by the Head or Deputy Head of Sixth Form, and your parents/carers will be invited for a face-to-face mee ng. Together, we’ll create a personal ac on plan to help you improve. · Fourth me (12 CRs): You, your parents/carers, the Principal, and the Head of Sixth Form will meet to talk about whether Sixth Form is s ll the right op on for you, or if alterna ve provision should be considered.

This process covers your work, a endance, and dress code. Any serious incidents of poor behaviour or other serious issues will be handled separately using the College’s main behaviour procedures. In these cases, the Principal will decide what ac on to take — which could include a fixed-term or permanent exclusion.

09 ...The Monitoring Procedure

08

Sixth Form Code of Dress

At All Hallows Catholic College VI Form we expect students to dress in a way that reflects our shared values and ethos. As such students in VI Form will be required to select from the following items in which to dress when a ending Sixth Form.

Standard items – applies to all students ·

Tailored suit jacket with tailored trousers or knee length tailored skirt. Items must be in line with professional dress (i.e. plain or subtle pa ern)

·

Smart blouse or shirt and e (either must be collared, no polo shirts, t-shirts, crop tops, sleeveless tops, vest tops or bodysuits)

·

Formal shoes (no trainers, no sandals, shoes should have a heel of no more than two inches)

Op onal items ·

V neck jumper / waistcoat over shirt and e / blouse (only to be worn with standard items above). (No crew neck jumpers / sweatshirts)

10 ...Sixth Form Code of Dress

09

Accessories Jewellery is permi ed in the Sixth Form . No facial piercing or nose studs are allowed. No more than two earrings in each ear are permi ed and no plugs or bars allowed.

The display of ta oos are not permi ed and should be covered.

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

Mobile phones 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 conven onal style in keeping with the business image, no unnatural hair colour, shaven or carved styles.

All Hallows College proudly adopts the Halo Hair Code ensuring that no student should have to change their natural, protec ve hairstyle.

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

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 un l a parental mee ng can be arranged with the Head or Deputy Head of Sixth Form.

Should there be any dispute the final decision on acceptable dress code will lie with the Head of Sixth Form.

11 ...Sixth Form Code of Dress

10

College Day

Monday - Friday

Time

Dura on (minutes)

Arrival

08:45-08:55

10

Form me/Assembly

08:55-09:15

20

Lesson 1

09:15-10:15

60

Break

10:15-10:35

20

Lesson 2

10:35-11:35

60

Lesson 3

11:35-12:35

60

Lunch

12:35-13:10

35

Lesson 4

13:10-14:10

60

Lesson 5

14:10-15:10

60

Staggered Dismissal

15:10– 15:15

5

Students need to be on the campus by 8.45am at the latest.

Lessons are metabled for 1 hour.

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

A full choice of food and snacks are available in the Sixth Form Centre during both breaks.

Students may choose to leave the campus at Lunch (please see Page 7)

12 ...College Day

11

Tutor Groups and Key Pastoral Staff

Key Pastoral Staff

Head of Sixth Form Mr D Howells d.howells@allhallows.org.uk

Deputy Head of Sixth Form Mr T Parke t.parke@allhallows.org.uk

Sixth Form Academic Mentor Mrs H Gibbons h.gibbons@allhallows.org.uk

You will be placed in a mixed Year 12 & 13 Tutor Group. There are up to ten Tutor Groups in the Sixth Form. Each group is named a er a well-known Catholic Chris an 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 posi vely encouraged to talk to your Tutor, Academic Mentor or Head/Deputy Head of Sixth Form about any concerns you have.

13 ...Tutor Groups and Key Pastoral Staff

12

5 Hours to Success…Directed Study Time 5 hours to success…

In addi on to your subject taught me, we advise that students complete an addi onal 5 hours of study me per subject per week. Students are provided with a booklet called 5 hours to success… which encompasses a range of things that students can do to develop their own learning. It has three stages: Consolidate—Making sure you have gone over your work from that day / week Reac ve—Homework set by teachers Proac ve—Wider research (Read/Watch / Listen on Unifrog) Students’ metables will indicate two hours of ‘Directed Study’ me per week. This me should be used to help you manage your studies but does not replace the need for work to be completed as Homework.

Your a endance is required at ALL ‘Directed Study’ sessions in accordance with the room allocated on your personal metable. It is your responsibility to make sure you arrive with work to complete.

You must nominate me 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.

‘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.’

Denominational inspection

14 ...Directed Study Time

13

Target Se ng 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 GCSE. 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.

Average GCSE Grade

Minimum Target

7.75

A*

7

A

5.2

B

3

C

The work you complete in class and at home will receive either an A Level or BTEC/Diploma grade.

A Level Grades/ BTEC Grades A Level

BTEC / AAQ

UCAS Points

A*

Dis nc on *

56

A

Dis nc on

48

B C

40 Merit

D

32 24

E

Pass

16

U

U

0

15 ...Target Se ng

14

Informa on and Communica on 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, your 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.

16 ...Informa on and Communica on Technology

15

Sixth Form IT Privileges Sixth Form students may use personal mobile devices such as iPads, tablets, laptops and netbooks in the College. Sixth Form may also request the unblocking of a website once it has been verified as a suitable educa onal 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, Instagram, snapchat, TikTok,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 Suspension from use of the College computer rooms Formal College detentions Fixed term suspension or permanent exclusion from College.

All students must read the full policy displayed on our college website before signing the Acceptable Use Policy Statement.

17 ...Informa on and Communica on Technology

16

Enrichment: Aspire and Be More Enrichment Time at All Hallows Sixth Form On Wednesday a ernoons, you’ll have Enrichment me — a chance to take part in different ac vi es, either in college or out in the local community. It’s your opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable experiences, and boost your CV or university applica ons.

What can you do during Enrichment me?

You can choose from a range of ac vi es, including: ·

Sport and Fitness — Join a local gym as a private member or visit Macclesfield Leisure Centre for ac vi es like swimming.

·

Volunteering/Work Experience — Arrange regular unpaid work experience to build skills for the future. This could be at one of our local primary schools, a care home, a charity shop, or somewhere else you’re interested in.

·

Skills-Based Ac vi es — Get involved in things like learning to drive, First Aid courses, the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE), or other similar ac vi es.

·

Online Courses (MOOCs) — Take an online course in a subject you enjoy or one that supports your future plans.

· ·

Aspire Programme — This programme offers extra ac vi es designed to help you prepare for university, appren ceships, or employment. Op ons might include: Extended Project Qualifica on (EPQ)

·

Online courses (MOOCs)

·

The Maths Challenge

·

Language accredita ons

·

And more!

· Be More Programme — Get involved in community projects or volunteering

18 ...Enrichment

17

opportuni es, either in college (like helping on the College Farm) or in the local area. Over the year, you’ll need to complete at least 20 hours of community or voluntary work as part of your Core R.E. programme, linked to Catholic Social Enterprise.

· It’s important that you make the most of this me and don’t just use it for extra college work. These ac vi es are a great way to build skills and experience that will help you stand out when applying for university, appren ceships, or jobs.

If your parents or carers can help arrange opportuni es for you or other Sixth Form students, we’d really appreciate their support too.

A Few Important Things to Know: · These ac vi es won’t be supervised by college staff, so you’ll need to be responsible, organised, and reliable. For example, if you join a gym, make sure you’ve had an induc on and can swim confidently if using the pool. And if you arrange volunteering, it’s important not to let organisa ons down. · · You’ll also take part in Core R.E. lessons every other Thursday. Some of these sessions may involve ac vi es off-site, and again, you’ll be trusted to act responsibly while unsupervised.

1 Before You Start: 2 You’ll need to do the following before you can take part in your chosen Enrichment ac vity: 1. Let the Head or Deputy Head of Sixth Form know what you plan to do — and provide proof (for example, a copy of your gym membership or the contact details of your work experience placement).

2.

3. Complete the Consent Form at the back of your Enrichment informa on booklet.

4.

Important: This is a privilege and a brilliant opportunity — but it can be withdrawn if you misuse the me or fail to keep up with your college work.

19 ...Enrichment

18

Top Tips for Sixth Form Students

1. Stay Organised

Being organised is one of the most important habits for success in Sixth Form. While some people naturally keep on top of everything, most of us need a li le help. You’ll get subjectspecific exercise books for lessons, and it’s a good idea to buy an A4 folder for each subject to store extra notes and reading. This will make revision so much easier later on. Always back up your work on the College system — losing it could mean hours of work wasted and unnecessary stress you don’t need.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Ques ons If you’re stuck, ask! Whether it’s a tricky topic, a confusing assignment, or something you’ve missed — speak to your friends or your teachers. Teachers want to help, and no ques on is a bad ques on. In fact, top students ask lots of them. The more you ask, the more you’ll learn.

3. Choose Subjects You Enjoy Picking your A Level or BTEC subjects is a big decision. Choose subjects you’re interested in and enjoy — you’ll naturally work harder and feel more mo vated. Also, think ahead: some university courses require certain A Level subjects. But if you find yourself dreading a subject you need for a future course, it’s worth reconsidering whether that course is really right for you.

4. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses Everyone works differently. Maybe you’re great at early mornings, or perhaps you focus be er late at night. Learn how you study best and be honest about areas you find difficult. Be open to feedback from teachers and friends, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different study techniques. Play to your strengths — and work on improving your weaknesses un l they become strengths too.

5. Prac se Exam Techniques Your final grades will mostly come from exams, so it’s essen al to get confident with how they work. Get hold of past papers as early as you can and prac se answering them. You’ll do plenty of this in class, but star ng early gives you an edge. Speak to older students too — they o en have useful ps and tricks you might not have thought of.

6. Make Sure Your Work Is Your Own It might be temp ng to copy work from a website, a friend, or even use AI tools like ChatGPT to do it for you. But this isn’t a reflec on of what you can actually do, and it won’t help you in the long run. Your work should show your effort, your understanding, and your voice. Doing it yourself helps you learn and gives you a sense of pride in your achievements.

20 ...Top Tips for Sixth Form Students

19

Useful things to support you: Email—check this regularly as you will hear about lots of opportuni es from your teachers and tutors Sharepoint—Subjects put lots of resources on here for you to use Unifrog—This is where all of your careers and university guidance can be found and logged Physics & Maths Tutor — www.physicsandmathstutor.com Past papers, revision notes, and resources for Science, Maths, and other subjects.

Save My Exams — www.savemyexams.co.uk Revision notes, prac ce ques ons, and exam papers for most A Level subjects (some resources are free, others require a subscrip on).

Quizlet — www.quizlet.com Create and access flashcards and revision games on a huge range of topics.

UCAS — www.ucas.com Essen al for researching university courses, appren ceships, and comple ng your university applica on.

YoungMinds — www.youngminds.org.uk Support for young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

21 ...Top Tips for Sixth Form Students

20

16 to 19 BURSARY FUND 16 to 19 BURSARY FUND - FACTSHEET The 16 to 19 Bursary is available for young people who need some financial support to help them stay in educa on or training a er 16. They can apply to All Hallows for the 16-19 Bursary Fund. The bursary value will vary, depending on student’s individual circumstances and financial need.

WILL I BE ELIGIBLE FOR A BURSARY? YOU MUST BE AGED 16, 17 or 18 on 31st AUGUST 2024 to apply The following students may be eligible for bursary funding Students in care/care leavers Students receiving financial support in their own name Students receiving Universal Credit and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence payments in their own right.

Discre onary Bursary Students who were previously eligible for free school meals Students whose household income falls below £30, 500 Students who may face other barriers to educa on such as their family situa on

WHAT IS IT FOR? The All Hallows Bursary is intended to help towards things such as: Books and equipment for your course Business dress Transport Costs Educa onal trips and visits Interviews and open days Work experience Emergency Accommoda on and meals 22 ...16 to 19 Bursary Fund

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HOW DO I APPLY? Applica on forms are available from the Finance office and the Sixth Form Office. Return the completed form to the Finance Office by 20th September .

For further informa on see 16 to 19 Bursary Fund: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Help and Advice If you have any ques ons please contact Ms North sbm@allhallows.org.uk

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Term Dates

Term Dates Term

College Opens to Students

College Closes to Students

Michaelmas

Tues 2 September 2025 (Years 7 & 12 only)

Fri 24 October 2025

Wed 3 September 2025 (All students in) Christmas

Tues 4 November 2025

Fri 19 December 2025

Epiphany

Mon 5 January 2026

Fri 13 February 2026

Easter

Mon 23 February 2026

Fri 27 March 2026

Whitsun

Mon 13 April 2026

Fri 23 May 2026

Trinity

Mon 1 June 2026

Fri 17 July 2026

Inset Days 2025/2026

Monday 1 September 2025 Monday 3rd November 2025 Friday 28 November 2025 (Disaggregated day-College closed) Friday 26 June 2026 Mon 20 July 2026 Parents and carers should check our website for other key dates throughout the year. We ask that parents and carers do not take students out of College for holidays during term- me. SUCH ABSENCES WILL NOT BE AUTHORISED. 24 ...Term Dates

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College Map

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

Arbor Login Username:…………………………..

Password:……………………………

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

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Policies The following policies are available on the College website www.allhallows.org.uk and are recommended reading: A endance, Behaviour, Homework, Uniform, An Bullying, Rela onship and Sex Educa on, Charging and Remissions, Special Needs, Medicine Advice and Complaints.

In the Event of Emergency Closure EXTREME WEATHER (Snow or Ice) These are the procedures we have in place for extreme weather condi ons. The Principal takes advice from the Facili es Manager following a risk assessment of the site and then makes the decision as to whether or not a closure is 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 prac cal by: Text message/email/the College’s social media pla orms (Instagram and Facebook)

If no announcement is made, then the College is OPEN. Please do not a empt 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 a empt to get to their usual bus stop on me. If the bus fails to turn up, your child should return home a er 30 minutes wai ng me.

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 an‐ nouncements. If the College closes during the normal College day, parents and carers will also be in‐ formed by Text message/email/the College’s social media pla orms (Instagram and Facebook).

If it is necessary to close the College for more than one day parents and carers will be informed, again, through Text message/email/the College’s social media pla orms (Instagram and Facebook).

The College will remain open unless the weather condi ons present an obvious danger to safety.

In periods of adverse weather we ask parents and carers to use their judgement as to the weather condions where you live and, the distance of travel when deciding if your child a ends College each day. If you make the decision to not send your child to College when we are open and buses/cars are s ll running from 27 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. ...Policies & In the Event of Emergency Clo-

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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( *Parent-Pay will be replaced by the one access system ‘Arbor’ from October half term) .

Students and staff use either their biometric print or a 6-digit PIN number to purchase meals in the café or pay using contactless methods or bank card.. This is convenient, safe and fast, helping us to make sure that all students can make the most of their breaks, instead of spending me 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. Por ons are individually priced.

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

Biometrics — Prin ng & Cashless Payments The College uses biometrics for its ‘Follow Me Prin ng’ 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 mathema cal algorithm and then discards the fingerprint. Only the numbers remain and these cannot be reinterpreted back into the fingerprint.

Students can also make contactless payments

Follow Me Prin ng Students and staff use their biometric print or PIN number to collect their prin ng 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 me in the College. We use this system to help monitor and reduce waste prin ng in the College.

Free College Meals If your child is en tled to a free meal, their en tlement will automa cally transfer to this College. Their ParentPay account will be topped up automa cally each day with the FSM en tlement - £2.61at present.

Using biometrics and PINs means that there is greater anonymity for free school meal students 28 ...Governors ...Cashless Catering and Trustees and Parent Pay

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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 Informa on > College Meals > Free School Meals.

How do I get set up for payment?

If you have not received your log in details please contact the Finance Office. We advise that you log on and ac vate 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 me – 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 Parent Pay* (Arbor) for trip payments. We ask all parents to log on to their 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* (Arbor) does not hold any bank details.

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

If you have any problems please contact Finance Office.

Privacy No ce Our Privacy No ce can be viewed by going to the following link: www.allhallows.org.uk

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29 ...Privacy No ...Cashless Catering ce and Parent Pay

Governors and Trustees

Chair of Governors Mrs C Watson Vice-Chair of Governors Mrs A Caine Founda on Governors Mrs A Caine Miss L Alber Mrs C Watson Mrs A Jamieson Ms C Pickles

Mr J Moss Staff Governors Dr G Keogh Mr T Beesley Parent Governors Mrs S Ainscough Mr P Williams Mr D Jackson Principal and Governor Mr T Beesley

Community Governors

CEO Mr M Mountcastle

Trustees Rt Rev. Mark Davies Bishop of Shrewsbury

Diocese of Shrewsbury Colleges Commission Curial Offices,

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Safeguarding Statement All Hallows Catholic College is commi ed to safeguarding and promo ng the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are fully commi ed to ensuring that consistent effec ve 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 Educa on Service contract of employment and sa sfactory DBS checks.

Cause for concern All staff are asked to report any causes for concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead using CPOMS. Any concerns will be shared with parents/carers as early as possible, as more o en than not there are extremely reasonable explana ons 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 M Blades (SLT Lead) Family Support Worker—Mrs C Clements With deputy safeguarding leads as follows: Deputy Principal Mrs M Garvey

Head of Sixth Form / Deputy Head of Sixth Form / Year Learning Leaders The Safeguarding Governor is: Mrs C Watson Our Safeguarding and Child Protec on policies are available on the College website.

AS A NECESSARY PART OF ENROLMENT STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A CONSENT FORM If your form is missing, please contact the College 31 ...Safeguarding Statement

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Welcome to our wonderful Church College, where you will be encouraged to ‘Aspire not to have more, but to be more’.

All Hallows Catholic College Brooklands Avenue Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 8LB

WWW.ALLHALLOWS.ORG.UK

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