Waingels Sixth Form Prospectus

Waingels Sixth Form

Founded on Excellence

Welcome

When OFSTED last visited us in 2013, they said, “The quality of the 6th form is outstanding”.

Since then our students have continued to excel.

In 2016 the A Level pass rate was 100% with 81% of these at the gold standard of A* – C. Furthermore, the average grade for vocational qualifications is a Distinction. We provide young people with a solid academic platform which gives them a great start in life and a launching pad for the future, wherever it may take them. Many choose to go to university to a range of destinations. These have included in recent years Maths and Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Oxford, Economics and Maths at Amherst, Dentistry at Plymouth and Medicine at Southampton. Others have chosen instead to take up modern apprenticeships with Microsoft and British Airways.

But life in the Sixth Form is not just about academics. The Sixth Form Centre, which inhabits most of the top floor of our Community Zone is a hub of activity and opportunity.

There are extensive ICT facilities, the library, the common room, and, currently under development, a supervised silent study room, a coffee shop and a social space where students can meet and socialise.

We are fortunate to have a fantastic team of dedicated and highly skilled teachers and Sixth Form tutors, ably led by a Director of Sixth Form studies, and supported

by a full time School Counsellor and Administrator. It is the aim of this team to ensure that every student feels supported and challenged on their journey with us, and that they are able to fulfil their potential and thrive.

Here at Waingels we are great believers in the maxim “you reap what you sow”. The more you put into Sixth Form life, the more you will get out of it. There is an abundance of opportunity whether it is to develop leadership skills on the School Council or through the Duke of Edinburgh; to travel the world with Venture Force, who have, in recent years visited Southern Africa, the Amazon basin and will this year travel to China and Mongolia; or giving back to the school through Community Service.

We have high expectations and set high standards.

We expect students to work independently, to meet deadlines and to go the extra mile. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant and friendly Sixth Form Community.

Mr T Bartlett Principal

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An Outstanding Curriculum There are a variety of pathways that students can choose from to best suit their interests and style of learning.

We are excited to be offering opportunities to a diverse range of learners from those aspiring to Oxbridge and other universities to those turning their hand to apprenticeships. A Level qualifications have changed in recent years, with AS Level becoming a standalone qualification. At Waingels, in line with most other educational institutions, we are moving towards a two-year programme of study.

It will be expected that students will carry all subjects through to Year 13. Students can design their own course from their chosen subjects, combining BTEC Level 3 and A Level options, which offer a varied approach to learning.

Our Level 3 pathways include: • Three A Levels.

• Two A Levels and a Level 3 BTEC.

Support and Guidance Our students are closely monitored and supported to ensure that they fulfil their potential. This starts with an interview and induction, and develops through feedback and a relentless focus on learning. Experienced and dedicated tutors provide support for our students throughout their time in the Sixth Form. They will be a parent’s first point of contact. If, at any point a student feels they require additional support we have a School Counselling Service which is accessible through a referral process.

Students will also receive diverse careers support through online tools, the school’s careers advisor and attendance at local careers events. With over 80% of students each year applying to university we are well positioned to support students through the application process. This will be done through UCAS and finance talks, personal statement workshops and individual support from tutors.

• Two Level 3 BTECs. These are all two year courses with assessments at the end of the two-year period.

NB: All BTEC Level 3 courses contain an element of examination.

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This year, we are also excited to be introducing a one year course which can be a transition course that will prepare students for further Sixth Form Learning or post-16 training.

“ Teachers ask probing questions that extend students’ understanding.”

Ofsted, 2013

“ This is the ideal place for you to be successful in the next stage of your education.” Student

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From the Head Team Transitioning into Sixth Form was an incredibly exciting time for all of us.

We were each searching for a fresh start and soon found that this is exactly what Waingels offered us as young adults. We were given freedom, opportunities and excellent support to provide us with control over our futures. We take advantage of the fantastic facilities dedicated purely to Sixth Formers, including a common room with a balcony and music system for use during social time and a dedicated working area with computers during study periods. Following this, the school has exciting new plans for a private Sixth Form coffee shop and further quiet-study areas.

In the Sixth Form, students are given ample leadership opportunities, and are given the chance to have a say in the running of our school. This has included interviewing our newly appointed Principal and Vice Principal. Other opportunities include being able to take on the role of a House Captain, Prefect, a Social and Academic Mentor or a member of the Social Committee.

The Student Council, led by the Head Team and other Sixth Form leaders, is an influential force within the school and has the power to make real change. After every new election, the Council go to Streatley-upon-Thames to generate new ideas for the upcoming year. The Council’s impact can be seen throughout the school, including making key changes to the school environment, such as plans for a new canteen company and outside shelter as well as the new school uniform implemented in 2016.

Within the Sixth Form, we have all been given countless opportunities to partake in extra-curricular events and school trips that help us engage with, and enjoy, our learning experience. This includes annual trips to places both at home or abroad with Waingels and Venture Force on their annual expedition, mentoring programmes such as Reading Scholars, and additional qualifications like the Extended Project Qualification. There is a sense of community and we are offered countless opportunities for new experiences, whilst being given the chance to develop independence as young adults.

The Head Team

04

Opportunities Beyond the Curriculum Our students in Waingels’ Sixth Form are part of an exciting and vibrant community. Students are given a variety of opportunities to get involved with both the Sixth Form and the wider school.

Each student in Year 12 will complete community service in an area of their interest as part of their support for the school community. According to our students, ‘Community Service is an integral part of Sixth Form life, and is great to add to your CV and Personal Statement. It broadens your horizons and opens you up to new experiences and opportunities, through taking part in our Reading Buddies Scheme, becoming a Prefect, Academic Mentor, or being on the Anti-Bullying Committee.’

Our students are also offered a host of opportunities to develop their independence, explore their career options, engage in sport or performance and develop their expertise in their chosen subjects.

These opportunities include but are not limited to: • Subject specific trips • Work experience • Reading Scholars Programme • Oxbridge Scholars Programme and application support • Subject master classes at Wellington College • Bar Mock Trial • Debating events • National Citizen Service • Venture Force

Extended Project Qualification In Year 12 students are given the opportunity to take the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification. Students who elect to take the course will be given the opportunity to complete a project in an area of interest, under the supervision and guidance of mentors. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience the style of learning they will adopt at university and it is looked favourably upon by many universities. We have achieved 100% A*– B in recent years.

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Facilities and Social Life A Student’s View The Sixth Form area provides a great atmosphere not only for socialising with friends during social times but encourages a good, independent work ethic during study periods. This helps to develop skills which will be useful later on at university level or in a professional work environment. We have some fantastic kitchen facilities which are available for all of the Sixth Form to use including a microwave, toaster and even a dishwasher for the plates and cutlery. We also have a pool table that is available for all to use which is hugely popular during social times.

There are plenty of opportunities within the Sixth Form to get involved with student life and have your say. We have a Social Committee who organise and host a variety of social events such as Ice-Breakers that both Year 12 and 13 attend. They are great fun and allow a better connection between the two year groups as well as easing the transition for the Year 12s and creates a community feel that people are proud to be a part of. The Social Committee are involved in planning the Year 13 Prom and yearbook which is a brilliant way of getting creative as well as balancing your time for studies.

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“ Waingels provides extensive opportunities for students to work independently and think for themselves.�

Ofsted

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Making the Right Choices The table below shows the progression routes of some of our students over the last two years: Sixth Form subjects

The purpose of education is to open doors, and allow our students to pursue passions and interests.

Where could Waingels Sixth Form take you?

It is important that, when making decisions about your Sixth Form courses, you consider a number of things. These may include:

Our students leave Waingels Sixth Form with the skills and attributes to make a success of the next stage of their careers. Our highest performing students progress to Russell Group universities with others opting to study abroad. A number of students have undergone rigorous application processes to gain apprenticeship places at various companies.

• Your interest in the subject, • The entry requirement of the courses and pathways you may take, • The university or further study you are considering, to ensure you are selecting the best subjects for progression.

In making these decisions students should seek advice and guidance from parents, tutors and subject teachers.

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Each year we keep in touch with our alumni, with many coming in to speak to our students or support with our events. We also welcome recent leavers for a Presentation Evening to celebrate their success and learn from them about their next steps.

Destination

Study

English Literature, Philosophy & Ethics and Spanish

Trinity College, Dublin

World Religions, Theology and Classics

BTEC Business and BTEC Health and Social Care

Manchester Linguistics with Metropolitan University Japanese

Biology, Chemistry, Economics and Mathematics

Plymouth University

Dentistry

Biology, Chemistry and History

University of Southampton

Medicine

Further Maths, Mathematics and Physics

University of Surrey

Medical Engineering

Geography, Philosophy & Ethics and Spanish

Microsoft Apprenticeship

CCG Office Category Support Apprenticeship

Economics, Further Maths and History

Oxford University

Philosophy, Politics and Economics

BTEC Applied Science and Sociology

Middlesex University

Biomedical Science with Foundation Year

Business Studies, English Literature Ambleside Centre and Economics

Child Care Apprenticeship

Philosophy & Ethics, Cardiff Metropolitan Physical Education and Psychology University

Sport Management

Waingels Sixth Form

Waingels

Sixth Form

Waingels Road, Woodley, Reading RG5 4RF Tel: 0118 969 0336

www.waingels.wokingham.sch.uk