21053 Harris Chobham P16 Prospectus

SIXTH FORM

Chobham Academy is a school with drive and ambition

Since opening in 2013, Chobham Academy has rapidly developed a reputation for educational excellence. Our Sixth Form is popular and vibrant with students successfully achieving entry to Russell Group and other leading universities.

Young people joining Chobham’s Sixth Form will receive an excellent education in stunning surroundings. Our teachers are dedicated and expert. The school environment is designed to allow high level study and all of our subjects are extremely well resourced. Chobham sixth formers can expect to be well taught, challenged and supported throughout their studies. We recognise that the leap from Year 11 to Year 12 can be considerable for many young people. At Chobham, our tutorial and pastoral systems help ensure that students adapt quickly and securely to their post 16 studies.

Alongside academic studies, we take the wider aspects of sixth form life very seriously. Our aim is to help all of our sixth formers become confident young adults equipped with excellent social skills and a sound awareness of the world around them. We will actively seek to develop effective leadership skills in all of our Sixth Form students and our aim is to help young people to build their character and resilience.

Our enrichment programme is wide ranging.

It aims to be stimulating, challenging and enjoyable; giving our students plenty to think about and preparing them to be global citizens of the twenty first century. As part of the enrichment programme, students will meet experts and speakers who will motivate and help prepare them for life beyond school. Trips, clubs, societies and social events also form key parts of our Sixth Form enrichment programme.

We very much hope that you will consider joining us in the Chobham Academy Sixth Form.

We will aim to provide you with a challenging, inspirational and successful two years.

Michael Whitworth Principal

PAGE 1

From the Heads of Sixth Form As a result of excellent teaching, and strong academic and pastoral support, our young people achieve excellent results, irrespective of their differing starting points.

In the four years since Chobham opened, 80% of our Year 13 students have accepted places at university with 18% of them attending Russell Group universities including King’s College London, UCL and LSE, whilst other students have undertaken higher level apprenticeships and have embarked on demanding and prestigious School Leaver Programmes with organisations such as Deloitte and Ernst & Young. All students benefit from small group tutorials with their UCAS mentor and one-to-one meetings with our careers advisor to ensure that they are making the best possible choices for their future. In September 2018, we will be thrilled to launch a suite of vocational qualifications to complement the range of A Level currently on offer which will allow our young people to access an even wider range of career pathways on leaving the Academy.

In addition to securing students’ academic success, we want Chobham Academy Sixth Form to be a community where our young people and their parents feel valued and where their voices are heard.

Academically, Chobham has a great deal to offer. At the heart of our Sixth Form is the belief that all students have the potential to achieve great success and we are proud of our excellent standard of teaching across all subjects.

Our professional, dedicated and hardworking staff, consistently encourage and guide students of all abilities into achieving their very best academically. In turn, we expect the highest levels of effort, commitment and achievement from our students.

In addition to the academic achievements of our students, we place great emphasis on their personal development. Opportunities abound for students to meet new people, build confidence and broaden their experiences. Through a varied and exciting enrichment programme, students are given the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. We offer a wide range of sports clubs in some of the most up to date sports facilities, one of the many benefits of choosing a sixth form that is part of the London Olympic legacy.

Esther Thomson and Philippa Haigh Heads of Sixth Form

PAGE 2

Chobham Academy Sixth Form welcomes students who wish to fulfil their true potential and make the first steps towards a happy and successful adult life.

PAGE 3

At Chobham Academy we are committed to providing all of our Sixth Form students with outstanding provision in the following areas: A consistently high quality of post 16 teaching

A ‘pre university’ atmosphere

Chobham Academy teachers are subject specialists working in a school deemed Outstanding by Ofsted.

We ensure that all of our post 16 teachers are fully up to date with the examination requirements of their subject.

Our broad curriculum ensures we can meet the learning preferences, career and university ambitions of students.

We recognise the importance of using the two years of sixth form to help prepare our students for university and their careers beyond. To this end privileges and responsibilities are balanced so that all students become more able to study independently and more confident in their social skills.

Helping you to achieve all you are capable of

A school sixth form

At Chobham Academy all students are supported in being the best they can be, both in and out of the classroom. Our A Level students make excellent progress, achieving higher grades than those expected of them when they began their courses.

Our Sixth Form gives students plenty of opportunities to demonstrate their independence however we recognise that young people between the ages of 16 and 18 still need support too. Our Sixth Form team will make sure that you take on more responsibility for your own learning gradually as you are ready to do so. You will never be cast adrift or left to study without structure.

Service and Leadership Programme Chobham’s leadership development programme for Sixth Formers helps prepare you for your future career and also provides you with vital skills to help manage your life.

PAGE 4

A broad cultural enrichment programme All students are encouraged to take part in our enrichment programme which includes guest speakers, visits to concerts, galleries, museums and sports. As well as having an interesting and enjoyable time, enrichment helps make you a stronger all round candidate for leading employers and universities. All students are also supported in reading widely around their chosen subjects.

The best guidance for careers and university applications Our record in achieving Russell Group university places for our students is excellent. Chobham staff are expert in helping you through the UCAS process. The general support we offer is supplemented by specialist guidance for those applying to study Law or Medicine and for students applying to Oxbridge.

Life beyond school We organise visits to high profile workplaces and the enrichment programme includes a range of inspiring professional speakers representing professions like Banking, Economics and Journalism.

A dynamic community The Chobham Sixth Form is a diverse community of young people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. A mix of students who studied at Chobham in Year 11 and those who joined us from other schools at the start of Year 12 helps ensure that our Sixth Formers meet new people and make new friendships.

PAGE 5

The Chobham Sixth Form is based upon the belief that all of our students can succeed and that, in partnership, students and the school can help all young people reach their full potential.

PAGE 6

Culture and Ethos We recognise that academic achievement is the most fundamental aspect of any successful sixth form and so we place great emphasis on the quality of post 16 lessons and in supporting students with their private study. We have a dedicated sixth form learning mentor whose role is to support students in their studies.

We also recognise the importance of the wider learning environment. Sixth Formers at Chobham are provided with a high quality Library and plenty of study facilities in our amazing campus. An atmosphere of self-reliance, curiosity and hard work is encouraged. In the Sixth Form we aim to achieve a ‘pre university’ atmosphere. Students are supported in thinking about and planning for their futures beyond school with comprehensive university application and careers support programmes.

It is also important to develop young people’s wider skills and personality during their time in the Sixth Form. All students are expected to engage in sports and exercise and to carry out work in the local community.

The emphasis on good behaviour, responsibility and mutual support between students found lower down the Academy is continues into the Sixth Form. Sixth Formers are encouraged to work with and support younger students in tutorials and, sometimes, in their lessons. There is a Sixth Form Committee which organises charitable events and provides leadership to students throughout the Academy. We also have a Head Boy and Girl who provide exemplary role models within the Academy as well as representing Chobham at parents’ meetings and external functions.

We recognise the importance of high expectations in Sixth Form and expect even better standards than we have elsewhere in the school. Sixth Formers are expected to set an example in their behaviour, manners and through the Sixth Form Dress Code. We believe these expectations make sure that our Sixth Formers set the best example to younger students and also that they learn to conduct themselves in a manner becoming to successful and courteous young adults.

PAGE 7

Partnerships with top Universities, Colleges and Arts Institutions These give our Sixth Formers meaningful opportunities and access to facilities, contacts, experiences and advice that are simply not found elsewhere. We are continuing to build our partnerships all the time, but some of the organisations our Sixth Formers work with include King’s College London, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), Goldsmiths, University of East London and London Southbank University.

Through a partnership with the British Medical Association, Harris students who are interested in medical careers received one-to-one mentoring from junior doctors. We also have links with two Oxbridge colleges who help us run a mentoring scheme for students looking to go to Oxford and Cambridge.

For those interested in the arts we have also developed links with leading theatre companies and arts institutions including the Royal Shakespeare Company and LAMDA.

PAGE 8

Expectations of Sixth Form Students We offer our Sixth Formers great opportunities at Chobham. In return however there are responsibilities and we have expectations which all of our students should meet. These expectations are hopefully not onerous and they help to make Chobham a better place for all members of our community. The standards we expect from our Sixth Form are also good for you as they help prepare you for what will be expected in the workplace and allow you to put something back into our community.

All of our Sixth Formers are role models for younger students in the Academy and all are leaders. Younger students will look up to you and will often take a lead from the way you behave. We expect all Sixth Formers to be polite and well behaved around the Academy. In the Library and other study areas, Sixth Formers are expected to demonstrate good learning habits.

Often, Sixth Formers will find themselves working with younger students (perhaps at a charitable event or school performance). On these occasions the Sixth Formers must always be aware of their responsibility to encourage younger students and to set a positive example.

PAGE 9

Careers Guidance and Mentoring We place great emphasis on supporting and guiding our Sixth Formers as they prepare for successful futures.

We believe the quality of study support and guidance students receive at Chobham sets us apart from other schools and colleges.

Each Sixth Former will have an Academic Tutor who is responsible for a small group of students and is the first point of contact for advice and support on learning and other issues. Mentoring is also provided on an individual basis and there is specialist support with the preparation of university applications, CVs and other processes our students need to follow to secure the next stage of their education and training.

If you are applying for a place at the Chobham Academy Sixth Form and would like advice on course selection, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

PAGE 10

Extracurricular Activities Our broad range of extracurricular activities includes art, drama and debating societies and a range of choirs, bands and orchestras.

Tennis, chess, dance, netball, rugby and trampolining are just some of the sporting activities Sixth Formers are able to try their hand at. Students who want to are also able to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

We want every Sixth Former to have the chance to shine. Whenever there is demand for a new club or activity, we always try to find a way to make it happen.

PAGE 11

Dress Code The Chobham Sixth Form is a professional environment and we expect students to dress accordingly. In our dress code, students come to school in business wear. For boys, this means a suit and tie. For girls, it means smart dress which would be appropriate in a workplace. Feedback from students’ suggests that they enjoy coming to school looking smart and professional.

Is there a course for me?

With a wide range of A Levels and vocational qualifications most young people will find a course they are eligible for at Chobham. We believe our broad and varied curriculum also provides a range of courses to interest and inspire young people.

PAGE 12

How to Apply Students who wish to apply to Chobham Academy Sixth Form should do so via the Academy website. This application form allows the student to choose up to 4 choices of A level and/or BTEC/CTEC combination courses.

All applicants will be interviewed to counsel them on choices of course for careers and likely suitability for courses. This interview and the information collected, other than the home address, will not be used in any way to make decisions about the offer of courses which will be solely by application of the admissions criteria, after taking references from the applicants’ current school including forecasts of grades.

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

Harris Federation Our academy is run by the Harris Federation, a not-forprofit charity with nearly 30 years’ experience of running happy and successful primary and secondary schools in and around London.

The Harris Federation has an exceptional track record with academic progress far greater than the national average.

Every Harris academy so far inspected by Ofsted is rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, with the majority rated ‘outstanding’.

The founder and Chairman of the Harris Federation is Lord Harris of Peckham. His vision of delivering happy and successful education is brought to life by an excellent team of teachers and leaders.

As well as joint working between the teachers at our academies, there are many shared experiences for our students. These include federation-wide sports days at the National Sports Centre; Harris Experience, a unique programme that readies our most able students for life at top universities; and inter-academy events such as oneto-one reading partnerships between our primary and secondary schools, World Maths Day and Debate Mate.

Each summer for sports day, the Harris Federation hires the Crystal Palace Sports Stadium. With well over 10,000 students and staff spectators in attendance, Academies compete in team and individual sports.

You can follow the Harris Federation on Twitter: @HarrisFed.

PAGE 15

Notes

40 Cheering Lane, London E20 1BD T: 020 3747 6060 E: info@chobhamacademy.org.uk www.chobhamacademy.org.uk Twitter: @Chobham6thForm