Wixams Academy Sixth Form 2022/23 Prospectus

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS 2022/23

CONTENTS 3

Welcome to our Academy

5

About Us

6 Subjects and Entry Requirements 8

Facilities

9

Student Support

10 Engaging in Sixth Form Life 12 Our Location 13 How to Apply 14 Financial Support

2 | Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

WELCOME TO OUR ACADEMY Dear Parents, Carers and future students, Since the Academy opened in 2017, it has gone from strength to strength, building a strong reputation for academic excellence and personal development. We are proud to continue this tradition when we welcome our first Sixth Form students in September 2022.

Our Sixth Form provides a broad curriculum offer, excellent teaching by approachable staff and dedicated study and social areas, all of which contribute to our culture of ambition and success for all. Personal development is equally important for us, so we provide a wide range of opportunities outside the curriculum for students to gain valuable experience, confidence and skills to prepare for life after Sixth Form.

Choosing the right Sixth Form is one of the most important decisions in a student’s educational journey. Our relatively small size gives us a highly ‘personalised feel’, coupled with the historic chance to help shape a brand new Sixth Form as ‘founding’ members, this provides a truly unique opportunity. Students will be supported and guided throughout their time at Sixth Form and when planning their next steps, be this university, gap year, or the world of work.

We would be delighted if you embark on this journey in our new Sixth Form.

Paul Spyropoulos Principal

Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk | 3

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4 | Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

BEDFORD COLLEGE ACADEMIES TRUST (BCAT) Wixams Academy forms part of Bedford College Academies Trust (BCAT).

BCAT was created to deliver high quality education and skills to meet the needs of the communities it serves. The Trust believes the region deserves outstanding schools and its commitment to Bedfordshire means that all of its resources are focused on driving forward education standards for the local community.

Find out more about Bedford College Academies Trust here: www.bctrust.ac.uk

ACADEMY VISION Our vision is to provide all of our students with a first-class education comparable with the very best schools nationally. We also aim to develop those skills and qualities in our students’ character which, hand-in-hand with exam qualifications, will deliver success and resilience in later life.

When our students leave us, they will be fully qualified, motivated and personally equipped to succeed in life and contribute to a rapidly changing world.

ACADEMY VALUES •

Determination - having the grit and resolve to never give up

•

Respect - treating everyone as an equal

•

Responsibility - owning our behaviour and actions

•

Community - contributing to the Academy and wider community

•

Honesty - being true to each other and ourselves

•

Compassion - showing empathy for others

Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk | 5

SUBJECTS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You will be expected to choose three A-Level or BTEC subjects that are taken over a two-year full-time programme of study. There is the option to take a fourth subject but this will be discussed with you at a later stage.

Students must bear in mind that both A-Levels and BTECs/Diplomas are all two-year courses and as such involve a full commitment over the whole course. It is expected that students will successfully complete Year 12 in order to progress on to Year 13.

These courses are for students who have: Achieved a grade 4 in English Language and Maths and a minimum of three other GCSEs (or Level 2 qualifications) at grade 4 or above. OR Achieved a grade 4 English Language and a minimum of five other GCSEs (or Level 2 qualifications) at grade 4 or above. Students who have not achieved a grade 4 in Maths will be required to retake GCSE Maths in Year 12.

Some subjects also have specific entry requirements due to the nature of the course.

SUBJECTS

Additional Entry Requirements

GCE Art, Craft and Design (Fine Art)

GCSE Art at grade 4 or above. Students who have not studied Art for 12 months or more will need to complete a portfolio of tasks which will be independently assessed.

GCE Biology

GCSE Maths at grade 5 or above. GCSE Combined Sciences or Biology at grade 6 or above. English Language or Literature at grade 5 or above.

Business Diploma (Level 3)

No additional entry requirements.

GCE Chemistry

GCSE Maths at grade 5 or above. GCSE Combined Sciences or Chemistry at grade 6 or above. English Language or Literature at grade 5 or above.

GCE Computer Science

GCSE Combined or Single Science at grade 6 or above AND GCSE Maths at grade 6 or above OR GCSE Computing at grade 5 or above.

GCE English Literature

Both GCSE English Language and Literature at grade 6 or above.

GCE French

GCSE French at grade 6 or above.

GCE Further Mathematics

GCSE Maths at grade 8 or above.

GCE Geography

GCSE History or Geography at 4 or above. English Language or Literature and Maths at grade 5 or above.

Health and Social Care Extended Certificate (Cambridge Technical - Level 3)

GCSE Science at grade 3 or above.

GCE History

GCSE History or Geography at grade 4 or above. English Language or Literature at grade 5 or above.

6 | Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

SUBJECTS

Additional Entry Requirements

GCE Mathematics

GCSE Maths at grade 7 or above.

GCE Physical Education

GCSE PE at grade 5 or above OR GCSE Dance at grade 5 or above.

Students who have not studied one of these subjects will be independently assessed.

GCE Physics

GCSE Maths at grade 6 or above. Combined Science GCSE Combined Sciences or GCSE Physics at grade 6 or above. English Language or Literature at grade 5 or above.

GCE Product Design

GCSE Design Technology or GCSE Art & Design at grade 4 or above.

Students who have not studied one of these subjects for 12 months or more will need to complete a portfolio of tasks which will be independently assessed.

GCE Psychology

GCSE Maths at Grade 4 and GCSE Science or Biology at grade 5 or above. English Language or Literature at grade 5 or above.

GCE Sociology

No additional entry requirements.

GCE Spanish

GCSE Spanish at grade 6 or above.

Courses to run with sufficient applications

Additional Entry Requirements

GCE Criminology

No additional entry requirements.

GCE Dance

GCSE Dance at grade 4 or above OR appropriate relevant experience in Dance which will be assessed by audition where necessary.

GCE Drama

GCSE Drama at grade 4 or above OR appropriate relevant experience in Drama which will be assessed by audition where necessary.

Food Science & Nutrition Diploma (Level 3)

GCSE Combined or Single Science at grade 4.

GCE Law

No additional entry requirements.

GCE Media Studies

No additional entry requirements.

GCE Music

GCSE Music at grade 4 or above and instrument or singing lessons at grade 4 or above.

Performing Arts Diploma (Level 3)

This course will run if there are insufficient numbers to offer separate Dance, Drama and Music. GCSE Drama, Dance and Music at grade 4 or above OR appropriate relevant performance experience assessed by audition where necessary.

GCE Politics

No additional entry requirements.

GCE Religious Studies

GCSE Religious Studies at grade 4 or above and English Language or Literature at grade 5 or above OR History or Geography GCSE at grade 5 or above.

Additional Year 12 options

Additional Entry Requirements

All students will choose Core Level 3 Maths OR an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) OR Duke of Edinburgh Award (Silver) in Year 12

To study Core Level 3 Maths, GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above is required. There are no additional entry requirements for Extended Project Qualifications or the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk | 7

A GROWING ACADEMY WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES Our vibrant Academy provides students with an inspirational learning environment to stimulate minds and fire the imagination.

Students enjoy the use of: • Specialist science laboratories • Large open plan library • Music room and recording studio • Sports hall • Multi-use games areas

SIXTH FORM STUDY CENTRE This large room near the common room is a dedicated study space for our Sixth Form students. It will have computing and printing facilities and work spaces for students to continue their studies.

Both the common room and study centre are dedicated Sixth Form spaces and will be open until 5.30pm every evening.

• High-tech computing labs

SIXTH FORM LAPTOP

• Playing fields

All students are given a laptop when they join Wixams Academy to enhance their study and research capabilities. Current students will have their laptops renewed.

• Creative design studio • Performing arts studio …and much, much more.

COMMON ROOM The Sixth Form common room is a large space that sits at the top of the Academy. Full length windows give views across the Bedfordshire countryside and provide a bright and airy space. There is a kitchen at one end of the common room for students to use and our first cohort of sixth formers can help us choose sofas and furniture for the space.

VIRTUAL CAMPUS TOUR Scan the QR code to take a look at our virtual campus tour.

8 | Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

SCAN ME Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

STUDENT SUPPORT SIXTH FORM INDUCTION

PASTORAL CARE

The Sixth Form Induction is held late in the summer, immediately after GCSE exams, and offers a very helpful introduction to life at the Sixth Form. You will experience sample lessons in your chosen subjects, together with activities designed to encourage all students to feel part of the Wixams’ community.

Wixams Academy is well known for its dedicated and experienced pastoral and learning support teams and counsellors. This support is there to assist, guide and encourage students throughout their time with us.

TUTORING Each student has a personal tutor. Students will get together for tutor time and an assembly each week. In addition to this, each student will receive an Academic Mentoring session every fortnight with their personal tutor, for a one-to-one meeting to discuss work, applying for university and other important topics.

Tel: 01234 608950

NEXT STEPS Led by our in-house careers specialist, you will receive the very highest standard of advice and guidance when applying to university, further studies or the world of work. University visits and speakers from academia and the world of work are designed to help these areas come to life and open up aspirational opportunities for all.

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk | 9

ENGAGING IN SIXTH FORM LIFE Academic achievement is of paramount importance but students enhance their intellectual and social development by participating in the many extra-curricular opportunities that are offered in drama, music, sport and community involvement.

SPORTS Wixams Academy sports teams already have an awesome reputation. The excellent coaching by our highly successful PE department has led to numerous District and County Champions within the Academy.

Whether you want to play competitively or to keep fit and make friends, there are many sporting clubs and opportunities for you.

ACADEMY LEADERSHIP Opportunities will exist to join the Academy Junior Leadership Team, the Prefect Team and ultimately to lead the student body as Head Girl and Head Boy. These positions are invaluable for the Academy, but also provide excellent experience for applications to UCAS and beyond.

VOLUNTEERING AND COMMUNITY WORK Mentoring and coaching of younger students at the Academy is highly effective in helping them academically and personally. These opportunities for Sixth Form students require great responsibility but are also enormously rewarding and can develop essential interpersonal skills for life.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD The Academy became an officially registered Duke of Edinburgh centre in 2020 and we haven’t looked back since then. Our first Bronze cohort completed their expedition in September 2021 and we have another 140 students who have taken up this life changing and highly respected programme. Sixth Form students will be able to embark on to the Silver Award in Year 12 and, if successful, the Gold Award in Year 13.

10 | Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk | 11

OUR LOCATION Our Academy is positioned in the heart of the growing and vibrant Wixams community.

Sitting within large grounds, close to the town centre, we offer an excellent secondary education to children from Wixams, Wilstead, Bedford and the surrounding areas.

TRANSPORT Wixams is situated on the A6 with easy road access to Bedford and the surrounding areas.

We encourage our students to walk or ride bicycles to the Academy with wide walkways and cycle paths leading up to the Academy and plenty of safe cycle storage.

BEDFORD A421

ACADEMY BUS SERVICE

Kempston

Barton’s Coaches provides a dedicated bus service for the Academy which covers the following areas: Route 1: Queens Park > Great Denham > Kempston > Elstow (Abbey Fields) > Elstow (High Street) > Elstow (Lynn Close) > Wixams Route 2: : London Road (Stagecoach Garage) > London Road (Vets4Pets) > Harrowden Road > Shortstown > Cotton End > Wilstead > Wixams

A421

Route 3: Marston Moretaine > Stewartby > Stewartby (Montgomery Close) > Stewartby (Village Hall) > Houghton Conquest > Wixams

Shortstown

Wixams Marston Moretaine

Houghton Conquest

Wilstead

A6

Route 4: Wixams 4 > Green Lake Rise > Ampthill Road To keep up to date with the latest transport information for Wixams Academy, please visit www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

Green Lane, Wixams, Bedfordshire MK42 6BA 12 | Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

HOW TO APPLY Applications are welcome from all students in the area. Students should check they will meet our entry requirements prior to applying.

The application form is available on our website at www.wixamsacademy.co.uk/about-us/sixth-form or a paper copy may be collected from the Academy office.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE The closing date for applications is Friday 1 April 2022, but we encourage applications to be returned by Friday 14 January 2022, so we can begin to plan teaching groups accordingly.

Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk | 13

FINANCIAL SUPPORT The 16-19 Bursary fund is designed to help support young people who face the greatest barriers to continuing in education or training post 16. The fund has two elements: bursaries for vulnerable young persons (Nominated Bursary) and discretionary bursaries for young people facing financial barriers to participation (Discretionary Bursary).

Bursary funds are used to help pay for the costs related to participation in full-time education, such as the costs of transport, meals, books and equipment and trips.

For more details please check your eligibility here: www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund/eligibility If you think you may be eligible, you can pick up an application form from the Academy office.

14 | Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

Tel: 01234 608950

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk | 15

Tel: 01234 608950 Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk Website: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest Wixams Academy information wixamsacademy wixamsacademy

Green Lane, Wixams, Bedfordshire MK42 6BA