WELCOME We are delighted that you are interested in joining Charters and hope that this prospectus gives you a flavour of all that we have to offer you over the next two years. We seek to provide an unforgettable Sixth Form experience where you will be encouraged to develop and grow. We firmly believe that life at Charters is more than just an excellent academic experience, but it is through this culture of academic success that you can work towards fulfilling your aspirations and dreams. You will find that we have highly experienced staff who are driven to support all aspects of your development, from providing support on a day to day basis to helping you develop the key attributes required to be successful in life. Our supportive Sixth Form team are there to guide you throughout your studies and are always on hand to help and advise you. We are committed to providing you with an array of social action activities that will enable you to integrate fully into life at Charters. You will develop new skills, make new friends and contribute to an ambitious, caring and vibrant community. I hope that you will choose to join us in September 2019 to continue your educational journey.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Whilst we firmly believe that your education at Charters is more than Academic success we are incredibly proud of the academic achievements of our students. We are regularly in the top 10% of the country for our results and this year was no exception.
Our headline figures
A* - A 33%
A* - B 63%
We have successfully supported students applying to a wide range of universities both here and abroad and are delighted with our 17 successful applications to Oxford and Cambridge Universities over the past 3 years.
CHOOSING COURSES Whatever you decide to do at Charters we strongly believe that these choices must be yours and so would encourage you to consider your responses to the following questions. Which subjects are you passionate about? Is there a particular area that you would like to pursue as a career? What subjects are you successfully studying currently? It is vital that you research carefully before making your choices as you might like to go on to study a course at university where you are required to have specific subject combinations.
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Visit https://www.ucas.com/ and http://russellgroup.ac.uk/ to help you find out more information. For apprenticeships requirements visit https://gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship Speak to our teachers and the student course advisors at our Open Evening. Above all, take your time and make the right choice for you.
OUR COURSES The following courses are being offered for study from September 2019 A LEVEL • Art and Design • French • Photography • Biology • Further Mathematics • Physical Education • Chemistry • Geography • Physics • Computer Science • History • Product Design • Economics • Mathematics • Psychology • English Language and Literature • Media • Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics) • English Literature • Music • Sociology • Film Studies • Music Technology • Spanish • Textiles Level 3 BTEC Level 3 Diploma
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• Business • Food Science and Nutrition • Performing Arts • Sport As you can see we offer a wide variety of courses so it is important that you choose carefully. These courses provide you with the necessary qualifications to go to university, Higher Education at college, a higher apprenticeship or directly into employment. Each subject has its own entry requirements and this information can be found on our website. Please note that we reserve the right to withdraw any subject if there are insufficient numbers selecting the course.
HERE TO HELP YOU SUCCEED At Charters we are committed to supporting you not only in terms of your academic progress but also with regards to your personal wellbeing. Our dedicated pastoral support is extensive and all teaching and support staff in the Sixth Form are here to help you succeed through • Regular contact with your tutor • Dedicated supervised independent study time • Extensive post 18 pathways workshops and extended tutor sessions.
*-B 63% ASPIRING HIGH We want all of our students to aim high and we have extensive independent advice and guidance for you before you leave Charters to start at university or the world of work and apprenticeships. Our most able students who make UCAS applications to the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge, or want to pursue a career in Law, Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science have fortnightly sessions to prepare them for the rigorous application, testing and interview process. Furthermore, we have a Medical Society and regular visits from and to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge as well as close ties with St Mary’s School, Ascot. Our alumni who are currently studying at these universities are regular visitors to the school and are on hand to share their experiences of the whole process. “Over nearly 8 years I’ve had the pleasure of working with Charters students. They have an excellent track record with Oxbridge and other top university applications, and rarely do I come across such bright, committed and intellectually engaged students. The staff and school set up seems to me to be particularly attuned to supporting students through their university applications and to think for themselves. I look forward to the next eight years of encounters with brilliant students and staff at Charters!”
Joe Organ, Schools Officer, Brasenose College, University of Oxford.
Fred Dearling What subjects are your studying? Chemistry, Biology, English Literature. What are your aspirations beyond Charters? I would like to go to The University of Manchester or Newcastle University to study pharmacy. I have chosen this as it leads to a career in healthcare where I can communicate science while also providing support and help to the public. After this, I hope to use my skills learnt at university and become a qualified pharmacist. Why did you want to study at Charters Moving to Charters School was an important decision for me, it gave me far more choice to do the subjects I wanted and therefore allowed me to study English alongside Science, which was not an option at my previous school. The science facilities at Charters are also very sophisticated and makes you feel like a real scientist, preparing you well for the real world of science. What do you enjoy the most about sixth form? The Charters’ Sixth Form has a very friendly and social atmosphere. The environment is perfect to allow you to enjoy yourself during your final years in school, yet also allows you to get the best grades you possibly can. At Sixth Form, I was also encouraged to form real relationships with my teachers which has been very helpful as they have guided me through some of the most academically challenging years I have ever experienced. This has made the sixth form a very enjoyable experience, although the workload is challenging. Most importantly, I have enjoyed the excellent balance between the academic expectations made by teachers and the new freedoms you are given in the Charters Sixth Form. What wider curriculum areas have you enjoyed? One of the extra curricular activities which I have most enjoyed during my time at Charters is STEM Club. Charters School has a strong relationship with Imperial College London who has allowed us to join in with their ground-breaking research on climate change. This opportunity permitted us to present at The Royal Society in summer last year. This experience has developed my communication skills, improved my knowledge of climate change and allowed me to understand how scientific research works in the real world. These skills have been vital for my application to UCAS and will be very useful throughout the interview process. Why should someone consider studying at Charters? It provides students with a happy and friendly environment to study in, alongside fantastic teaching, numerous extra curricular activities and the best opportunity to achieve your future aspirations whatever they may be! What stands Charters Sixth Form apart is it’s safe, accepting and welcoming environment, in which every student can achieve their best.
Angus Joyce What subjects are you studying? Chemistry, History and Maths
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What are your aspirations beyond Charters? I am hoping to study chemistry at university, and then possibly follow up with a career in the pharmaceutical industry after my degree. Why did you want to study at Charters? I had already had a great 5 years within the school, and as the sixth form provided me with great possibilities, it seemed like the best idea to stay in a familiar place, with teachers that I already knew were great. What do you enjoy the most about Sixth Form? I enjoy the independence the sixth form gives you, as I feel it prepares you for university. The free periods in between lessons and the assignment workshops are great places to complete homework or revise for a test. Also, the common room is a good sociable place, which has a good atmosphere throughout the day. What wider curriculum areas have you enjoyed? I was lucky enough to be part of the New Futures trip, where we took SEN students to Tyr Abad, where they developed new skills and had a brilliant trip. It involved fundraising, which was great experience for an amazing cause. Also, I was part of the year 11 mentor scheme, where a number of Sixth Formers provided support for the students prior to their GCSEs. Why should someone consider studying at Charters? Charters is a great place to study, as it offers the support and teaching that a school offers, but also provides the independence for students that a sixth form provides. It is this mix that makes it such a great place to study with lots of study options, as well as opportunities to take part in lots of extracurricular activities.
Jenna Prevost What subjects are you studying? Economics, Geography, Psychology
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What are your aspirations beyond Charters? To study Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at university. To work within politics or business either on a national or local basis once I leave university Why did you want to study at Charters? I chose to continue my education at Charters as it offered a wide range of subjects. I knew that I would be in small class sizes and be treated as an individual not a number. What do you enjoy the most about Sixth Form? I have enjoyed studying all of my subjects, especially the 2 new ones that I haven’t studied before. The study area has really helped me when I have free time to carry on with my work in a focused environment. I have also enjoyed making new friendship groups. What wider curriculum areas have you enjoyed? I was chosen as House Captain and I am also a senior prefect focusing on the wider community – I attend local Council meetings and a Girls Policy Forum in the borough. I enjoy these areas as they also greatly support my studies and future career aspirations. Why should someone consider studying at Charters? The opportunities given at Charters have helped me excel as both a student and a member of the community. Charters School has both great academic and pastoral care, that would enable any individual to succeed after finishing A levels.
Bryoni Clark What subjects are you studying? Geography, Psychology and English Literature What are your aspirations beyond Charters? I aspire to study Geography at University, allowing me to go into Geopolitics. Why did you want to study at Charters? After attending Charters as a secondary school, staying on at the sixth form greatly appealed to me. With friendly pupils, welcoming staff, and an outstanding reputation, I believed Charters Sixth Form would set me up for life beyond school, as well as allowing me to achieve the A levels needed. With a vast range of A level subjects, I knew Charters would be able to elevate my interest in specific subjects and provide further educational development, in preparation for university. What do you enjoy the most about Sixth Form? A major aspect in my enjoyment of Charters are the opportunities offered, including several trips in my subjects, involvement in the local community, and key life skills, such as a week of work experience. All of these experiences have developed my skills, as well as broadening my knowledge on key aspects that can be applied in the future. What wider curriculum areas have you enjoyed? I am a senior prefect and part of the ‘Teaching and Learning’ Student Council, which aids communication between pupils and teachers. As well as this, I was one of five students selected for ‘The New Futures trip’, where we had the opportunity to take children with special educational needs and disabilities, on a residential trip to Wales. This had a huge impact on my development as an individual, as well as improving key communication skills, and making unforgettable memories. Why should someone consider studying at Charters? You are treated like a young adult, with more independence, responsibility and trust. The school offers support when needed, making sure students are their top priority. The Sixth Form aids your development as an individual preparing you for life beyond Charters.
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING All students are placed into a tutor group with an experienced Sixth Form tutor who is often one of their subject teachers too. This allows your tutor to get to know you well, providing you with effective support, advice and encouragement. We want all of our students to reach their full potential and to support this we complete progress reports for all students, in all subjects, three times a year. Any student who is identified as struggling in a particular area will receive extra support and guidance, from both their subject teacher and their tutor. You will enjoy a more interactive relationship with teaching staff who share your commitment to academic achievement. Communication with your parents is equally important and there is an opportunity for parents to meet your tutor at the start of the term to establish links which will be maintained throughout your time in our Sixth Form. There will also be a parents’ evening in Year 12 and Year 13. As all of our subjects are now full two-year courses, we sit mock examinations at the end of Year 12 and again in January of Year 13. This ensures that we have a clear picture of your current progress and can put appropriate support in place. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The 16-19 Bursary Fund is used to support financially disadvantaged young people taking up or continuing in their education or training post-16 and achieving their learning aim(s). The contact at the School for all 16-19 Bursary support/enquiries is the Sixth Form Administrator a.boxall@chartersschool.org.uk. There are two types of Bursary available: Guaranteed Bursary A Guaranteed Bursary is available to all young people who meet the general eligibility criteria as set out in 16- 19 Bursary Fund policy and who have been identified as being most in need, as set out in the policy. Discretionary Bursary A Discretionary Bursary is available to all young people who meet the general and additional eligibility criteria as set out in the policy. The 16 - 19 Bursary Fund policy and application form can be found at http://www.chartersschool.org.uk/Policies
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
At Charters Sixth Form, there are many opportunities to be involved in extra-curricular or social activities. In the last year, our students have had the opportunity to take part in many different trips such as a World Challenge trip to Malawi, a music tour to Barcelona and work experience in France and Spain among others. We also take a group of students with learning difficulties to our outdoor residential centre in Wales which everyone that takes part says is one of the most rewarding trips. Closer to home, we have a Christmas party for local pensioners as well as other outings for students. Last Christmas we visited the markets in Bruges, we have been to the theatre in London as well as holding our own fun sports day. Many subjects run extra-curricular trips in their own subject areas. Our creative arts department is particularly busy, offering the opportunity to perform as part of the orchestra or the various vocal groups. Students make up the Sixth Form social committee and if there is a place you would like to visit, support would be given to help you arrange this.
Exhibiting at the Royal Society MFL Work Experience in France at an an Events Organising Agency
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES We provide opportunities for students in the Sixth Form to represent the school in local and county leagues in a variety of sports. Some Sixth Form students have also gone on to represent the district and county teams in individual sports. Through the Sixth Form Community Service programme many Sixth Form students are involved in volunteering in PE lessons and in lower school sports clubs after school. Students can also act as assistant coaches and officials. Sixth Form students have the opportunity to assist an LTA accredited tennis coach which will provide the evidence for the community service programme and the knowledge required to become an LTA Level 1 Assistant Tennis Coach. Students who take part in this programme can also attend the Charters Tennis Academy sessions. Extracurricular Music is thriving at Charters, with opportunities for all types of musicians. We have a series of instrumental and vocal ensembles that aim to get you involved in active music making, as well as making the most of a range of performance opportunities. Whether you study Music or not, there are plenty of options for you. The Music Department also runs regular trips to see shows, orchestral concerts and other events. We also run a biennial Music Tour, the last of which went to Barcelona. There are also opportunities for Sixth Form students to participate in school productions as either cast or crew; organise, lead and run drama clubs with KS3 students; assist with KS3 House competitions in Drama; and experience the Performing Arts tour to New York or the West End.
Sixth Form Jazz Band
Sixth Form Sound Engineers at School Production
TYR ABAD Every year a group of Sixth Form students from Charters join their peers from Emmbrook and Maiden Erlegh schools as volunteers on the New Futures trip. These Sixth Formers take students from Addington School to Tyr Abad, a fully resourced outdoor education centre, situated on the edge of the Crychan Forest, near the Brecon Beacons. Addington School is a Special School for students with special educational needs and disabilities. It is the role of the sixth form students to lead and make the activities accessible and fun for the students from Addington. New Futures is extremely rewarding as the Sixth Formers really impact on the students from Addington and help them to develop new skills and participate in activities that they will not have done before such as caving, canoeing and gully scrambling.
“New Futures is the most rewarding and eyeopening experience I have been lucky enough to be part of. Working with these determined and inspirational students with special educational needs filled me with gratitude. I learned so much about myself and everyday life and I will carry this with me forever. One of the greatest lessons I learned during that week is to never underestimate the power of a smile. No one understands how amazing this week is until they have had the privilege of going on the trip. It created memories that will last a lifetime and I will never be able to say thank you enough�. Lucy Matthews, Former Charters Sixth Form student
LIFE'S GREAT ADVENTURE
The Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Charters gives you the chance to do something completely new and improve on things you are already doing. It takes you out of your comfort zone and into a place where you’ll push yourself and have amazing new experiences. You’ll build confidence, resilience, skills for work and friendship groups.
Every other year Charters runs a World Challenge expedition for students in Year 11 and the Sixth Form. Countries visited in the past have included Sri Lanka, India and, in the summer of 2017, Malawi. The expedition helps students develop important life skills and many students return from the expedition describing it as a life changing experience.
HAVE YOU GOT THE EDGE? As a school that never stands still and is always looking to improve; we want our students to follow our footsteps and strive to be the best they can be. The Edge programme will allow them to develop and be accredited for five key attributes essential for employability and life. We hope this will encourage them to get involved in as many extracurricular opportunities as possible both in and out of school – some of which they may have never even thought of before now! This can and should continue throughout their school life in to and including the Sixth Form. There are numerous activities in which our young people can be accredited for; from something as simple as supporting PE lessons and afterschool clubs through to organising stalls for the school Summer Fair. Sixth Formers working towards their Graduate and Masters level Edge programmes have taken on such diverse activities as writing a regular blog about their sport to being involved with the National Citizen Service and from doing their Gold DofE to running productions at the local theatre. We want to ensure that your child leaves Charters School not only with the best qualifications possible but with a myriad of personal attributes allowing them to stand out from the crowd and achieve their goals. Competition for University places and employment today is ever increasing and together we can help your child embrace this programme that will undoubtedly give them the Edge. Having the Edge is about getting the Edge. Getting the Edge is about acquiring the characteristics - being inspirational and supporting each other and our staff at Charters School. Getting the Edge requires dedication, hard work and commitment: it certainly won’t happen in a day... • It’s not just one challenge, it’s a constant test of mettle and of spirit • It’s not just our passion, it’s believing that nothing matters more • It’s not just getting better, it’s courage that never knows when it’s beaten • It’s not just the first day, week or month, it’s every day, week and month • It’s not just a child or a class or a school, it’s a better future and a brighter hope Our students are so much more than “just” the certificates of academic achievement that they leave us with. This national programme will encourage and develop these employability and life skills in students.
CHARTERS HOUSE SYSTEM The House system at Charters has been highly successful and unifying over the past number of years. The students are given the chance to work together with a mixture of year groups, participating in numerous activities throughout the school year. Sixth Formers are actively encouraged to take part in the House System by volunteering for the House Charities (Daisy’s Dream, Sebastian Action Trust, SVP and The Jane Metson Foundation) as well as becoming House Captains. The House Captain role is the key to providing a link between staff and the students in the rest of the school. It is an important role which can lead to other roles within the Sixth Form team.
COMMUNITY SERVICE At Charters we expect all students to live out the school motto of ‘Unity, Respect and Excellence’ and our Community Service is one way in which you can do this. Undertaking at least ten hours of voluntary work at school or in the local area is something that all Sixth Form students undertake. The experience not only helps you develop as a well-rounded, impressive young adult but also hugely benefits others within our community.
DESTINATIONS
Aberystwyth Astrophysics The Academy of Contemporary Music - Music Production The Arts University Bournemouth - Animation Production University of Bath - Politics and International Relations University of Bath - Economics (with placement) Bath Spa University - Film, Television and Digital Production University of Birmingham - Economics and Political Science University of Birmingham - BEng Aerospace Engineering University of Birmingham - Biomedical Materials Science University of Birmingham - International Law and Globalisation BIMM Professional Musicianship - Bass, Guitar, Drums or Vocals Bournemouth University - Events Management Bournemouth University - Physiotherapy Bournemouth University - Business Studies Bournemouth University - Sociology and Criminology BPP University - Chiropractic University of Brighton - Primary Mathematics Education with QTS University of Brighton - Sport Business Management Brighton and Sussex - Medical School Medicine University of Bristol - Economics University of Bristol - Mathematics University of Bristol -Law University of Bristol -Economics and Finance University of Bristol - Mathematics and Computer Science University of Bristol - Economics and Econometrics University of Bristol - Economics and Finance University of Bristol - Criminology University of Bristol - Philosophy and Theology University of Bristol - Philosophy University of Bristol - Physiological Science
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DESTINATIONS
University of Bristol - Neuroscience University of Bristol Medicine - MBChB Standard entry (5 years) Bristol University of West of England - Accounting and Finance Bristol University of West of England - Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management Bristol University of West of England - Banking and Finance Bristol University of West of England - Biomedical Science Bristol University of West of England - Politics and International Relations Bristol University of West of England - Business Management with Marketing Bristol University of West of England - Criminology and Law (with Foundation Year) Brunel - Sociology University of Cambridge - Mathematics Cardiff University - French Cardiff University - Nursing (Adult) Durham University - Natural Sciences University of East Anglia - Chemistry with a Foundation Year University of Exeter - Psychology University of Exeter - Anthropology University of Exeter - Business and Management with Industrial Experience University of Exeter - Exercise and Sport Sciences University of Exeter - Flexible Combined Honours with Study Abroad Falmouth - University Television Fashion Retail Academy - Marketing and Communication for Fashion Harper Adams University - Food Technology with Nutrition Imperial College London - Biological Sciences Imperial College London - Mechanical Engineering
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DESTINATIONS
University of Kent - Psychology Lancaster University - Mathematics with Statistics Lancaster University - Film and Creative Writing Lancaster University - Linguistics Lancaster University - Economics University of Leeds - Mechatronics and Robotics University of Leeds - Graphic and Communication Design University of Leeds - Geography University of Leeds - Philosophy and Politics Leeds College of Music - Music (Songwriting) University of Liverpool - Philosophy and Politics Loughborough University - Product Design Engineering Loughborough University - Sport and Exercise Science Loughborough University - Mathematics University of Manchester - Speech and Language Therapy University of Nottingham - Music and Music Technology University of Nottingham - Architecture University of Nottingham - Physiotherapy Nottingham Trent University - Business Management and Accounting and Finance Nottingham Trent University - Fashion Management Nottingham Trent University - Filmmaking Nottingham Trent University - Fashion Design University of Oxford - French and Spanish University of Oxford - Music University of Oxford - Experimental Psychology University of Oxford - Philosophy and Beginners' Italian University of Portsmouth - Law University of Portsmouth - Computer Animation and Visual Effects University of Portsmouth - Engineering and Technology with Foundation Year
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DESTINATIONS
University of Portsmouth - Property Development University of Portsmouth - Sports Management and Development University of Portsmouth - Law Queen Mary University of London - Biomedical Sciences Ravensbourne - Digital Photography Royal Holloway, University of London - Business and Management Royal Holloway, University of London - History, Politics and International Relations Royal Holloway, University of London - Criminology and Sociology University of Sheffield - Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry University of Southampton - Aeronautics and Astronautics University of Southampton - History University of Southampton - Marine Biology with foundation year University of Southampton - Philosophy and Politics University of Southampton -Fashion Marketing with Management Southampton Solent University - Television and Video Production University of St Andrews - French and German (year abroad) St St Marys University Twickenham Sports Management University of Surrey - Business Management (Entrepreneurship) University of Surrey - Registered Nurse Children's Nursing University of Surrey - Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister) University of Surrey - Business Management University of Sussex - Marketing and Management University of Sussex - Computing Sciences (with a foundation year) University of Sussex - Psychology Swansea University - Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry
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YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE How to Apply Online applications for September 2019 will open on Friday 19 October and will close at 9am Friday 7 December 2018. If you wish to apply after this date, please contact Mrs A Boxall, Sixth Form Administrator using the contact details listed below
Call us: 01344 298776 email: a.boxall@chartersschool.org.uk OPEN EVENING Our Open Evening for admission in September 2019 will be held on Thursday 18 October 2018 from 5.30pm.
LOCATION By Road from Bracknell (A329) or Windsor (A322) In Ascot High Street turn into Station Road (A330). Follow the A330 past the Berystede Hotel crossroads on Devenish Road to Charters on the left. The School is in Charters Road about seventy-five yards from the junction. By Road from Virginia Water or Egham Continue along A30 to Sunningdale. Proceed over the level crossing and turn right into Charters Road at the Sunningdale car showrooms. Follow Charters Road until you reach the School on the left.