22815_Waingels_P16 Prospectus Update_Web

WAINGELS SIXTH FORM

Better Never Stops

Welcome

“The Sixth Form provision is strong, and students’ progress in academic subjects places the school significantly above average.” Ofsted 2018 Waingels is a growing Sixth Form that welcomes students from our own Year 11 and our wider community alike and we are very proud of what we have to offer. With a competitive and evolving curriculum that aims to support the whole student we provide young people with a strong platform for a great start in life and a launching pad for the future, wherever it may take them. Students receive support and guidance by subject specialists in order to achieve their potential and progress into top quality apprenticeships and university courses. Many choose to go to university: this year included Mathematics at Cambridge, Biological Sciences at Imperial College London, History and Politics at Warwick, Psychology at Loughborough, Genetics at York and Economics and Finance at Bristol. Others have chosen to take up Degree Apprenticeships at companies such as Microsoft and Veolia.

The Sixth Form Centre is a hub of activity and opportunity.

We encourage our students to develop through a wealth of opportunities in our enriched curriculum. These include, independent online courses designed for Waingels students, which will allow them to pursue an interest without the pressure of exams, a skills and enrichment programme in Year 12 and Sport for all, alongside a wide range of A Level and BTEC course options.

We are delighted to add to our extensive Sixth Form Facilities with a supervised Study Library, boasting over 50 computers to support with work outside lessons, alongside our Common Room and Café to enjoy in social times.

We are fortunate to have a fantastic team of dedicated and highly skilled teachers and Sixth Form tutors, ably led by the Director of Sixth Form Studies, the Head of Year 12 and Year 13, supported by a full time School Counsellor and Key Stage 5 Learning Manager. 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 Scheme; to travel the world with Venture Force, who have, in recent years visited Southern Africa, the Amazon basin and 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 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.

These are all two year courses with assessments at the end of the two-year period.

We are excited to be offering opportunities to a diverse range of learners from those aspiring to Oxbridge or other universities; to those turning their hands to apprenticeships with students securing degree apprenticeships with top providers. A Level and BTEC qualifications have changed in recent years. At Waingels, in line with most other educational institutions, we have moved towards a two-year programme of study for all A Level and BTEC courses. 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.

Students can supplement their core programme of study by taking an additional qualification from one of the following:

Our Level 3 pathways include: • Three A Levels.

• Three Level 3 BTECs. • A combination of three A Levels and BTECs.

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

• 1 year AS Courses: Spanish, French, German, Art, Drama, Music, English Language, Physics and Chemistry • 2 year Level 3 Core Maths (equivalent size to AS Level) • Extended Project Qualification (Starting in March of Year 12 to March Year 13) Our core curriculum is supported by the provision of MOOCs, Massive Open Online Courses, meeting the desire of employers and universities to have students who can work independently. We have also devised an enrichment programme that includes the skills needed to be successful in study, a dedicated careers package including a week of work experience, and a focus on having the right mind set for success including key tips to achieve this. At Waingels we also recognise the importance of managing stress. For this reason, Sport, Art and Drama electives have also been a welcome addition to our curriculum.

“ Our Sixth Form has a friendly and relaxed environment with facilities that enable us to learn and grow.” Student

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 reported that they are supported well, especially when planning life after Waingels”

Students will also receive diverse careers support through online tools, the school’s careers advisor and attendance at local careers events.

With over 60% 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. We also support a number of students applying for apprenticeships with interview and application writing workshops and 1-1 support.

Ofsted, 2018 Photo captured by Year 7 student

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From the Head Team Our Sixth Form here at Waingels gives us the opportunity to develop both academically and socially. The teachers support us in a way that utilises our strengths in order to reach our potential inside the classroom, and give us freedom in the form of independent study allowing us to take our education to the next level. This is possible through the large number of resources available to Sixth Formers, such as the newly-renovated university style library that allows for a professional work environment, as well other silent study spaces available throughout our inviting Sixth Form.

During your time in our Sixth Form, you also develop as an influential member of not only Waingels, but also the local community. We are also interested in the social aspect of Sixth Form life, which is supported by events such as icebreakers to provide balance to our studies, as well as uniting the two academic years. The nature of A Level work can allow for collaboration, as often group projects are completed with peers who share similar interests to you. Being part of the Sixth Form means being a role model for the younger years, and there are many opportunities to show your dedication to continue to improve Waingels.

Leadership roles such as running anti-bullying programmes or becoming a social mentor, truly provide you with valuable experiences that set you up for the future, and give a sense of pride, enabling you to see how your influence has made an improvement whether that be to one particular student, or to the school as a whole.

Outside of academia, there are numerous amazing opportunities for anyone to take part in. These include extra qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh award and the Reading Scholars Programme, and can also become more of a personal challenge, such as the Venture Force expeditions to places such as Vietnam, and the residential trip to Swanage.

These types of programmes are found rarely at other Sixth Forms, but here at Waingels we pride ourselves on our individual development and personal progression.

We find that this instils a real sense of community within the Sixth Form, because we all have the same shared goal, and encourage our peers to achieve. The pride shared between students is reflected in not only the outstanding results, but also the attributes we take with us on the next stage of our journey.

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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.’

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 in March of Year 12 have the chance 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 excellent grades over the past three years, reflective of the high quality work produced by these students.

Our students are also offered a host of opportunities to develop independence, through exploring career options, engaging in sport or performance and developing expertise in 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 • Duke of Edinburgh Award

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Facilities and Social Life A Student’s View Our Sixth Form has a friendly and relaxed environment with facilities that enable us to learn and grow. Here, our learning goes beyond the classroom, allowing us to develop our own work ethic and gain the skills to conduct independent study. We have a silent study area within the Sixth Form which has plenty of computer space. It’s great place to go when you need to get your head down and focus! Equally our social areas, like the Common Room, our exclusive Café and meeting rooms are great spaces for group work and conferences and to spend time with friends during social time. There is also a fantastic support network in Sixth Form - any issues can easily be discussed with a Tutor or Head of Year; all the staff are approachable meaning there is never any pressure if you need to ask a question or just need some extra help.

We also have fantastic opportunities in Sixth Form.

Community Service is a chance to get involved with the lower school, such as helping in a lesson or taking part in our ‘Reading Buddies’ and mentoring schemes.

This gives us the chance to be part of our community and make a positive impact on younger students.

We are also well supported in making our next steps, whether it be help with University applications or finding apprenticeships, the Sixth Form staff are always there to support and direct us.

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“ Sixth Form students are active in the life of the school and are good role models for younger pupils�

Ofsted 2018

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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 and other highly ranked universities. A number of students have undergone rigorous application processes to gain apprenticeship places at various prestigious 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 to our annual Presentation Evening to celebrate their success and hear about the next stage of their journey.

Destination

Study

English Literature, Mathematics, Media Studies

Microsoft Higher Apprenticeship

Marketing Communications Manager in the Surface Partner Channel Team

Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics

University of Cambridge

Mathematics

BTEC Applied Science, English Literature, RS: Philosophy & Ethics

University of Winchester

Criminology

Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics & The University of Further Mathematics Sheffield

Medical Genetics

BTEC Sports, Business Studies, Sociology

St Mary’s, Twickenham

Sports Communication and Marketing

Art & Design: Fine Art, English Literature, Psychology

University of Reading

Art

Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Mathematics

Huntswood Apprenticeship

Cyber Security Analyst

BTEC Sports, Business Studies, RS: Philosophy & Ethics

Veolia Degree Apprenticeship

Production Engineer

French, RS: Philosophy & Ethics, Spanish

University of Surrey

Modern Languages

Art & Design: Fine Art, Mathematics, Sociology

University of Brighton

Architecture

English Language, History, Media Studies & Psychology

University of East Anglia

History and Politics

Chemistry, Economics, History & Mathematics

Bath University

Accounting and Finance

WAINGELS SIXTH FORM

WAINGELS

SIXTH FORM

Waingels Road, Woodley, Berkshire RG5 4RF Tel: 0118 969 0336 @WaingelsSF

www.waingels.wokingham.sch.uk