Prospectus Aquinas 2018 2019 by Aquinas College

ASPIRE TO BE MORE

P ROSPE C TUS

18-19

DANNY PEARSON P R IN C I PA L

Welcome! In our prospectus we give you a flavour of the type of college Aquinas is and of all the wonderful opportunities we have for you.

As a college, we are committed to caring for each and every individual student. You will find Aquinas a supportive yet challenging environment.

Of course, all we can do here is offer a snapshot of life at Aquinas. We have tried to capture something of this on the following pages.

We have the highest expectations of all who study and work here. We set rigorous standards of work and aim for outstanding achievement. We believe that each student deserves the very best possible support to reach his or her full potential. Our primary aim is to care for students, that excellent exam results follow is of no surprise.

Becoming an Aquinas student is much more than simply choosing your next educational establishment. It is becoming a member of our wider Catholic community and, as with most things in life, the more you put in the more you get out. Use this prospectus together with our website to find out how you can be involved during your two years here.

You are probably facing some difficult decisions about what and where to study. If you are prepared to work hard, aim high and â&#x20AC;&#x153;aspire to be moreâ&#x20AC;? then Aquinas is the place for you.

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2018

We will visit schools where we will show a presentation about Aquinas College and answer any questions you may have.

We will be hosting our Open Events on Saturday 30th September, Wednesday 11th October and Thursday 2nd November. Find out about courses on offer, meet staff, current students and look around our state-of-theart building and fantastic facilities. Apply online at www.aquinas.ac.uk

One-to-one advice and guidance to help us get to know you a little better and to help you choose an appropriate study programme.

Check your email; category 2 students will receive the outcome of their interview.

Good luck in your GCSE examinations, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry about your place at Aquinas, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secure.

We will advise you on what is expected from you in order to secure a place on those courses.

Come to our Welcome Day, try out the subjects that you have considered studying. You could even try something different that may have sparked your interest. We look forwarding to welcoming Parents to the Information Evening. Check your email; we will be sending you your enrolment appointment.

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2017

All applications must be submitted by our 30 November deadline.

Check your email; all applicants will hear from us by 20th December.

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C A R E E R S

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M A R C H J U N E 2018

Check your email; we will be inviting prospective students to attend our Welcome Days - this is your opportunity to find out about the college and the subjects that you might choose. We will also be inviting parents to an Information Evening.

Exams are over you can relax now, research courses and consider what you want to study.

A U G U S T 2018

Collect your GCSE results and enrol. We look forward to welcoming you to Aquinas.

TTHHEE RRI IGGHHTT CCHHOOI ICCEE W H I C H

C OU R S E S

S H O U L D

C H OOS E ?

You should choose courses that you will enjoy and ones for which you meet the subject entrance criteria. You should investigate which career path you would like to follow. You should read through all the subject information on our website before making your subject choices.

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Most combinations will work well. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decided on a definite career path try not to pick subjects that are too similar. For example, it is better to choose a broad range of subjects rather than all sciences or all arts.

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T H IN K !

Before you choose what to study ask yourself: what am I good at? What do I enjoy doing? What do I want to do when I leave? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be shy - talk to friends, family, other students and teachers. Do some research, come to our Open Events and talk to us.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE Making the right subject choices is vital for your future. Getting good grades in good qualifications is essential to progress on to apprenticeships, employment and university.

A- L E V E L S A Levels are now linear which means that they are two-year courses with all of the exams at the end of the second year. In some linear subjects, there is a small amount of coursework and in many there is no coursework at all.

A D VA N C E D L E V E L S T U D Y P R OG R A M M E S Study programmes are designed to suit an individual studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interests, aptitudes and career aspirations. Some students will choose 3 A Level courses and others will choose a combination of A Levels and vocational courses. Study programmes are two years long and students will leave the college with 3 A Levels or equivalent. Students can progress to university, apprenticeships and employment following either of these routes.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE V OC AT I ON A L

C OU R SE S

These are equivalent to A-Levels and consist of:

*BTECs *Certificates *CTECs

Vocational Courses have the same equivalence of A-Level. These courses are assessed mainly by coursework rather than exam. The assessment for these courses takes place throughout the twoyear period of study, so you may sit exams and submit coursework in both the first and second year. The results of these assessments count towards your final mark.

S T R E TC H A N D C H A L L E N G E As part of the Stretch and Challenge Programme, students may be able to add an AS qualification in French or Philosophy over two years to their study programme to prepare them for Oxbridge or Russell Group applications.

L E V E L

P R OG R A M M E

We offer a range of GCSE qualifications and Level 2 BTEC courses, including resits in Maths and English if required.

F OU N D AT ION L E V E L C OU R S E S We offer a small number of entry level courses:

Foundation English Foundation Maths

C OR E

S T U D IE S

All students at Aquinas follow Core Studies consisting of three elements: Tutor Group, Ethics and Enrichment.

E T H I C S Our course identifies and promotes exploration of and reflection upon questions which have ultimate meaning and significance. Students are encouraged to develop skills of critical enquiry and analysis. The programme centres on core ideas central to religion, philosophy, faith, trust, belief, values and needs. It is seen as an open-ended search for truth which respects the freedom and dignity of each student. Ethics is compulsory for every Aquinas student.

T UTOR

G R O U P

When you start at Aquinas you will become a member of a tutor group, this is an important part of the guidance and support system. The tutor group meets every day. The Group Tutor will be each student’s first point of contact and provides support with any difficulties encountered on a day-to-day basis. In tutor groups the students will work through the College’s 10:10 programme. The 10:10 Programme concentrates on your personal, social and career development. At regular intervals, one-toone discussions take place with the Group Tutor. These cover, in detail, the progress made in every area of college life. This discussion is a two-way process; students are required to take an active part in reviewing their work, setting specific targets to be achieved during the next assessment period, as well as recording their involvement in college life.

E N R I C H M E N T At Aquinas we run a full programme of activities which offer students really exciting and diverse experiences. Some are short 6-week courses and others are full year programmes. This year activities included:

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IN V OLV E D !

Why get involved? Enhance your time at Aquinas. Make your personal statement, apprenticeship or job application stand out from the rest. Use your time productively; learn a new skill and meet new people.

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GROUP TUTORS ALWAYS AT HAND TO HELP

SPORTING OPP OR T U N IT IE S

At Aquinas you can get involved in a number of recreational sport and competitive sport activities. We have a tradition of successful football, netball and basketball teams which compete at both regional and national level in British College and North West leagues. There are also opportunities for talented students to compete in individual sports such badminton, cross country, golf, male and female 5-a-side football, netball, swimming, tabletennis, tennis and trampolining. If you love sport and physical activity and are keen to play for fun, fitness and make new friends then you can come and sign up for any number of recreational activities. Fun sessions in badminton, trampolining, table tennis, badminton, basketball, 5-a-side football and fitness sessions in the gym can be carried out in your spare time, if you wish.

A R T S

C U LT U R E

An inspiring programme of activities will enable you undertake recreational, artistic and creative activities to develop knowledge and skills.

C H A L L E N G E

Y O U R SE L F

We want you to have access to services and initiatives that will boost your chances after Aquinas. On offer is a wide range of careers-related opportunities through work experience or volunteering activities. We also provide application and interview support for medical pathways, teaching or Oxbridge.

T R IP S There are other leadership and coaching opportunities if you would like to develop in this area with opportunities to obtain a basketball refereeing qualification, FA Level 1 coaching qualification and a generic level 1 leadership qualification. All of this would be achieved through the new leadership academy being organised and delivered by our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;College Sport Makerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

We firmly believe in the value of learning outside of the classroom and we organise a wide range of trips and visits, locally, nationally and internationally. These may be to support studies or simply to broaden minds. Last year alone over 150 trips took place from local visits to Stockport Magistrates Court to travelling to India to work with street and slum children of Mumbai. As you can imagine, every trip is highly sought-after and our students always have a fantastic experience, creating memories and making friends.

SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS

S U P P OR T TO H E L P Y OU S U C C E E D

T H E

Student support services at Aquinas;

The Centre is over three levels and provides a ‘one-stop-shop’ to support our students’ learning and information needs in and outside of timetabled classes. Well-qualified and experienced teams work together in the Centre providing a comprehensive range of resources, support, information and guidance services for students and their learning needs.

• • •

Comprehensive Well established Highly regarded by students, parents and Ofsted

Students are encouraged to approach any member of staff if difficulties or problems arise. A referral system is in place to enable students to access support from the Learning Support Team and our counsellor. A dedicated Student Information desk and reception area keep you up-to-date with the everyday activity of the College, as do our television bulletin board screens.

E QU A L IT Y

D IV E R S IT Y

L E A R N IN G

C E N T R E

Students have access to: • Careers advisers and an information library • Student information services for timetables, bursary requests, travel enquiries etc. • Study support and additional learning support

Aquinas College is committed to creating an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities to all. We embrace diversity and encourage respect and consideration at all times.

• Technology with an IT drop-in area and a wireless network to access their own devices or college devices

Aquinas offers a wrap-around framework of support to help you whenever you might need it either personally or academically. This approach is highly regarded by students, parents and Ofsted. We want to help you to succeed and to support you with your plans for the future.

• Library services

• Electronic information databases and e-journals

• Printed resources, including year-long loans for some departmental collections • A range of study environments, silent, group and quiet study areas • Audio-visual materials and kit

M A N Y ST U D E N T S U P P OR T SE R V IC E S C A N B E LOC AT E D IN ON E E A S Y TO A C C E S S A R E A; T H E L E A R N I N G C E N T R E.

• Printing, scanning and photocopying facilities • A stationery shop

T H E R E IS A LWAY S S OM E ON E T H E R E W H O C A N H E L P Y OU.

OUR COMMUNITY & WELLBEING A D D IT I ON A L L E A R N IN G S U P P OR T N E E D S Our Learning Support Team is made up of specialist Learning Support Tutors and Assistants who enable students with specific needs to succeed. The team offers assessment of learning needs, leading to individual support sessions, further assessment and/or exam access arrangements.

C OU N S E L LO R If you need to talk about anything that may be affecting your life or studies you can access our college counsellor. We recognise the importance of supporting your mental health and well-being as we can all experience times of stress or emotional difficulties.

B U R S A R Y

C H A P L A I N C Y The Chaplaincy is at the heart of the College and exists for students with or without faith. It may be that you just need some quiet time, a chance to chat through an issue or perhaps someone to listen to you. The beautiful Chapel is available during the week for mass, prayers or just as a calm, reflective space.

The college has a Bursary fund to assist students who experience financial difficulty to continue with their education. The funds are intended to help towards travel cost to College and resources required for your courses.

S T U D E N T IN F OR M ATI ON H E L P D E S K Think of us as a ‘first-stop shop’ - we have friendly staff trained to deal with a wide range of enquiries and provide key information and help on many college services. If we can’t answer your question, we’ll contact colleagues to get the answer or direct you elsewhere, if need be.

C A R E E R S – S U P P OR T IN G Y OU R F U T U R E Helping you to make the right decisions post-Aquinas is a key focus for college and our approach has received external accreditation. Progression options have become more challenging and as a result, impartial, high quality Careers Guidance is critical in helping you make the right choices. The Aquinas Careers team assists all students to develop their career management skills to support their career aspirations. Our dedicated Careers service is based permanently in college, and the staff are professionally qualified to the highest standard providing impartial information, advice and guidance. The team organises a broad range of Career activities, for example, specific programmes such as our ‘Tomorrow’s Teachers’ programme and the ‘Employer Mentoring Programme’ and we host major careers events including our very popular After Aquinas Event.

S T U D E N T

C OU N C I L

The Student Council at Aquinas becomes bigger and better every year. The Council is made up of students from both years. Meetings are held weekly and all are encouraged to participate. Our main aim is to represent students and enhance the quality of college life. We try to ensure that studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opinions are considered in the day-today administration and future plans of Aquinas. This is achieved through Student

Council members being represented on a variety of staff groups, for example, Equality & Diversity, Healthy College amongst others. The Council President and Vice President are also college governors and work closely with the Principal. Throughout the year, the Council liaises with students to gain feedback and elicit opinions. The Student Council also helps students to enjoy their time at Aquinas College and organises a range of events/activities throughout the year, including the Talent Show and the Leaversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ball.

Y OU R

V O IC E

Throughout the academic year we invite students to complete feedback surveys or to participate in focus groups as we believe we can only develop with your input and support. We encourage all students to share in the development of the College and we welcome feedback and engagement in activities.

S T U D E N T A M B A S S A D OR S All students can engage in College life and this is an excellent way to do so. If you want to help out at college events, represent college or perhaps you enjoy using IT and want to help others, then volunteer to become an ambassador or an e-ambassador.

RESULTS AND DESTINATIONS E X A M IN AT ION

R E S U LT S

Aquinas is well known for the individual care, guidance and support of each student as well as the highest standards of academic work. Our philosophy is based on the values contained in the Gospel, specifically those of freedom, justice and love. Aquinas College educates young people who wish to share in our ethos and success. Since league tables were introduced Aquinas College has been consistently ranked in the top 20. Unlike most other colleges that feature in this list Aquinas is not academically selective. Danny Pearson, Principal, explains, “At Aquinas our basic aim is to care for students and provide an excellent learning environment in which all students can excell.” Almost 40% of our students accepted places at Russell Group universities last year and we have a Stretch and Challenge programme for our most able students as well as a highly praised Learning Support Department for those with difficulties and disabilities. At Aquinas each individual matters - we don’t do ‘one size fits all’ and we always strive to ‘go the extra mile’. Our students continue to secure places at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Students who express an interest in applying receive particular help with the applications process. All our students, whatever their destination after Aquinas, receive excellent advice, guidance and support from the beginning. In addition to Group and Senior Tutors, the college has two specialist Careers Advisers who are available throughout the year.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

S T U D E N T

8 . 1 1

1 0 . 5 0

Run to catch the bus, there are plenty of Aquinas students on my route, there’s always someone to chat to.

I meet my friends at the coffee shop for break. It’s a mix of people from my old school and others I met on the India trip. Twice a week we meet for Student Council where we organise events including Aquinas Day, Take Me Out and the Leaver’s Ball.

9 . 0 0

First period is tutorial, where we learn about universities, enrichment and study skills. Afterwards, we have a short weekly assembly. Today it’s a talk from an ex-student about her experiences on a higher apprenticeship. It’s really useful to hear ex-student’s stories.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

1 1 . 15

Now off to daily registration where I meet up with my group tutor and all students in my tutor group. We catch up on college daily/weekly events. Our group tutor is always availbale to discuss any problems that we might be having.

S T U D E N T

1 1 . 2 5

Single period Psychology, one of my favourite subjects, gets me thinking for the day!

1 4 . 10

Next lesson is Maths, so up the stairs to the second floor. More revision for my up-andcoming exam.

1 2 . 2 0

I have two study periods now. I meet friends who also 12.20 have free time and we head over to the canteen and grab a sandwich, then to the Learning Centre. It’s a great environment to be able to study on your own or as a group. As my Maths exam is coming up I’m going to concentrate on that today.

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I have a part-time job at a local restaurant but I’ve got the night off tonight, a well-earned break. Straight after I do an hour and a half’s work to complete my Psychology essay.

THE APPLICATION P R OC E S S

Come to one of our Open Events, see what courses we have on offer, visit departments, and talk to us. If you think Aquinas is the place for you, apply on-line via our website: www.aquinas.ac.uk When should I apply? From our first Open Evening on Saturday 30 September and before the deadline of Thursday 30 November. What do I fill in? We have an online application form where we will ask you for your address and contact details; which subjects you are thinking of studying; why you want to study at Aquinas, leisure interests and any medical/learning support issues. Who can apply? Students from local secondary schools or further afield, whether Catholic or non-Catholic. In other words, all who are interested. We are always prepared to give special consideration to students with particular needs. This includes looked after children who will also be given priority. Details at; www.aquinas.ac.uk/ Admissions

W H AT

H A P P E N S

N E X T ?

Applicants in category 1 whose applications are received by the 30 November deadline will be offered a place and will receive an email inviting them to attend a one-to-one advice and guidance session.

Applicants in category 2 whose applications are received by the 30 November deadline will be assessed taking into account their school reference. Since it is not possible to offer a place to every category 2 applicant the quality of the application is important. Following application, category 2 applicants who are selected for further consideration will receive an email inviting them to come for an interview. All applicants will hear from us by 19 December. One-to-one advice and guidance sessions and interviews will take place in January/February 2017. After all the interviews have been completed, category 2 applicants will be notified of the outcome via email. Prospective students are then invited to one of our Welcome Days at the end of June or beginning of July. Enrolment will be on Tuesday 28 August or Wednesday 29 August 2018.

What happens to my place if I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pass all my GCSEs? We offer a place to each student as an individual, not subject to certain GCSE results. Each subject at Aquinas has subject entry criteria. These are available on our website and you should check them whilst considering your subject choices. Concentrate on gaining the best grades you can in Year 11 - the better you do in your GCSEs the more choice of courses at Aquinas will be available to you. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do so well in your GCSEs we will work with you to find appropriate courses (this may involve re-sitting some GCSEs).

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C ON TA C T

A QU I N A S

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N A N G R E AV E

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S TOC K P OR T, C H E S H I R E

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@ A QU IN A S U K / A Q U I N A S C OL L E G E U K