SIXTH FORM
CONSORTIUM
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE TOGETHER
WELCOME A MESSAGE FROM
THE SENIOR LEADERS HARRIS ACADEMY CHAFFORD HUNDRED OPENED ITS SIXTH FORM IN 2011. It has developed into a thriving and nurturing academic community, from which many young people have progressed to a range of universities and employment opportunities. It is our desire to offer this experience to more young people in Thurrock. To this end, we will work in collaboration with Harris Academy Ockendon and Harris Academy Riverside, who moved into their new building in September, located on London Road in Purfleet. All three Schools will offer the challenge and support needed to ensure that all students are encouraged to achieve exceptional academic standards in a lively and stimulating environment.
Mrs N Graham Executive Principal Harris Academy Chafford Hundred Harris Academy Rainham Harris Academy Riverside
Mr A Betts Principal Harris Academy Riverside
Mr G McMillan Executive Principal Harris Academy Ockendon
Ms J Rainey Principal Harris Academy Ockendon
A MESSAGE FROM
THE HEAD OF SIXTH FORM AT HARRIS ACADEMY CHAFFORD HUNDRED
IF YOU CHOOSE TO BE PART OF OUR SIXTH FORM WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO ENABLE YOU TO ACHIEVE YOUR POTENTIAL, IN WHATEVER FIELD THAT MIGHT BE. We firmly believe that the Sixth Form is a stepping stone to higher education or employment and as such, we encourage students to develop the skills needed to be successful in a more independent environment. We offer a wide selection of A Level and vocational BTEC courses. We are justifiably proud of the academic progress our students make, with many of them achieving better results than predicted by their GCSE grades. Students are supported in this by teaching and learning that is stimulating and of a consistently high quality, as well as by the academic and pastoral support of a team of experienced personal tutors, who give one-to-one guidance.
Our Sixth Form is about more than academic success. We truly believe our students are capable of great things: from whole school fund-raising to supporting students in the lower school. Mr T Beal Assistant Principal: Achievement Director of Sixth Form
THE SIXTH FORM OFFERS AN EXCITING AND VARIED CURRICULUM AS WELL AS OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP PERSONALLY.
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HARRIS ACADEMY RIVERSIDE AT OUR RIVERSIDE CAMPUS, SPECIALISING IN THE SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS, WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS ON PATHWAYS TO CAREERS INCLUDING MEDICINE, ENGINEERING AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. Situated in our new building in Purfleet with state of the art labs and equipment our sixth form students can expect high standards of teaching and learning from staff who are passionate about their subject, enrichment activities targeted at their chosen pathway and a vast array of additional activities to broaden their horizons.
As an academy we also place great emphasis on equipping our students with the life skills they will need to succeed. Preparation, challenge and perseverance are at the heart of what we do and this is no different in the sixth form. In addition to academic success students at Harris Academy Riverside believe in kindness, compassion and inspiring others. The sixth form offers students the opportunity to give back to their community by taking part in outreach projects and charitable endeavours as well as supporting younger students in the lower academy.
HARRIS ACADEMY OCKENDON HAOC SIXTH FORM IS A VIBRANT, INNOVATIVE AND INSPIRING EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS.
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Our motto ‘Enjoy being the best you can be’ continues from the Academy into the Sixth Form. For us, being the best is neither a destination nor a moment in time, but it is a journey towards a consistent pattern of behaviour and attitudes that result in constant progress and achievement. HAOC Sixth Form is known for its dedication to excellence, but more importantly, to students. Our commitment to our students’ success is combined with exceptional support and guidance; we draw out individual talents and celebrate personal achievements at every opportunity.
We pride ourselves on enabling our students to explore interests beyond the classroom, develop a social conscience and create opportunities that enable them to have a broad understanding of the world. Our sixth form staff are experts and focus on how students can be challenged and supported to achieve the very best they can academically, and to help them develop the transferable skills needed to build successful futures. We aim for excellence and expect our students and their families to do the same. We are renowned for being a welcoming, ambitious and creative place to learn, where our students’ development and wellbeing matters. We are very pleased that you are considering taking the next step in your educational career with us.
TUTOR TEAM A SIXTH FORM IS A BUSY PLACE, CONSISTING OF LESSONS, PEOPLE, ACTIVITIES, COURSEWORK, EXAMS AND SOCIAL EVENTS. The Tutor’s job is to focus on the individual in the middle of all this and aim for a situation where each student is not only coping, but thriving. Tutors meet students on a regular basis and in a variety of contexts, with particular emphasis on one to one sessions. Primarily they address two areas: academic progress and providing appropriate information, advice and guidance as part of an engaging tutorial programme. Academic tutoring prioritises subject targets and how to reach them via study skills, revision strategies and the organisation of independent learning. As you move through the Sixth Form, the tutor’s focus will increasingly be on your progression plans and they will help you think through all the options, whether that is applying to university or higher education, organising a gap year or looking for a job.
Tutors also act as a link between you and your subject teachers. Subject staff will contact them if they have any concerns about your effort or progress. They act as a first point of contact for you or your parents, when you have questions or concerns and will always do what they can to offer advice or support. The ultimate aim is to make sure the grades you receive at the end enable you to progress onto your chosen pathway. Universities will look for evidence of the following: past achievement and current activities; relevant curriculum enrichment and related skills such as work experience and / or voluntary work. They will also want to know about any personal qualities which will benefit you at university, such as skills, aptitude, enthusiasm, as well as what you can bring to the university in terms of extra-curricular activities and interests. Any supplementary information about qualifications and study which has not already been described in your Personal Statement will be provided by your tutor. Universities want to know our views on your potential for academic success in higher education and why we feel the course you have chosen is suited to you.
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WORKING AS A CONSORTIUM
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BEING PART OF THE HARRIS FEDERATION BRINGS US NUMEROUS BENEFITS, INCLUDING ACCESS TO EXCELLENT TRAINING FOR STAFF, SPECIALIST CAREERS ADVISORS AND OUTSTANDING CONTACTS WITH UNIVERSITIES THROUGH THE HARRIS EXPERIENCE ADVANCED. From September 2019, this collaboration is extending locally, as we join forces with the newly- formed Harris Academy Riverside in Purfleet and Harris Academy Ockendon.
THE RIVERSIDE CAMPUS The new site offers state of the art science labs in a brand-new building. Specialist staff, many trained by Harris Academy Chafford Hundred, will deliver Maths and Science based subjects to our students hoping to follow an engineering, medical or related pathway.
THE OCKENDON CAMPUS This new addition to the Sixth Form offers state of the art facilities and a range of Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas. These are taught by experienced staff who can support and advise students regarding their next steps as they progress through Years 12 and 13.
THREE SITES, ONE EXPERIENCE The sixth form offers a single admissions procedure. Following a successful application, all students will be offered a place at the site that best suits their chosen subjects. At Harris Chafford Hundred, Harris Riverside and Harris Ockendon, all students will enjoy access to pastoral support, careers advice, trips and enrichment activities. All three sites will share a common ethos and will have high expectations of all students.
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ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME IN THE SIXTH FORM THERE WILL BE OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER LIFE OF THE SCHOOL. AS AMBASSADORS YOU WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN A CHOICE OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES. In school this might involve joining the Sixth Form Reading Group, Debating Society or Philanthropic society. Furthermore, you may volunteer to tutor younger students. Students in Years 12 and 13 are encouraged to attend 3 university Open Days over the 2 years and a range of guest speakers are invited in to talk about careers and the university application process.
Expressive Arts play a very important role in the school. There are a number of opportunities to contribute to the many events and school musicals staged every year. If you prefer to work behind the scenes or in sound and lighting, you can take this on as a responsibility or work within our Expressive Arts club.
SPORT
WORK EXPERIENCE
We offer a wide range of opportunities to take part in both competitive and social sports and the gym is open to Sixth Form students before and after school.
All students will be encouraged to complete one of the following at the end of Year 12;
TRIPS International trips are planned in a variety of courses; such as Art, Geography, History and Modern Foreign Languages. A range of other learning experiences take place, in keeping with individual subjects.
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EXPRESSIVE ARTS
• A focused internship • Research-based enquiry • Academic experience This enables students to acquire new skills whilst enhancing their applications.
THE ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME AIMS TO HEIGHTEN AND ENCOURAGE THE ASPIRATIONS OF STUDENTS.
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HOW DO I APPLY? SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER Read this prospectus.
NOVEMBER Attend our Open Evening and events as advertised on the Sixth Form links on the school websites.
DECEMBER Complete an application through the school website. Applications for the Football Academy can also be accessed via the school website. Once your application has been received, you will be assessed against our admissions criteria. Successful candidates will be required to attend a meeting with one of the Sixth Form team. Where appropriate you may be asked to attend football trials, or provide Art/ Design portfolios. You will then be made a conditional offer based upon meeting our admissions criteria.
Should you have any further enquiries please contact the Sixth Form Team: Sixthformadmissions@harrischaffordhundred.org.uk
HARRIS ACADEMY CHAFFORD HUNDRED SIXTH FORM CONSORTIUM WILL OFFER A VARIETY OF COURSES TO STUDY. THE TYPE OF COURSE YOU CHOOSE WILL BE DEPENDENT UPON YOUR INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS.
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INTRODUCTION TO COURSES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS To take A Levels, pupils should have an average GCSE grade of 5.5 (as measured by attainment 8), including a Grade 5 in English and Maths. There are individual requirements for each subject and a 6 in the subject being taken is often preferred. Some subjects have enhanced entry requirements, for example:
Biology: a Grade 7 is required in Biology at GCSE as well as a Grade 6 in Maths and the other sciences (if taken separately) Chemistry: a Grade 7 is required in Chemistry GCSE as well as a Grade 6 in Maths and the other sciences (if taken separately) Physics: a Grade 7 grade is required in Physics GCSE as well as a Grade 7 in Maths and a Grade 6 in the other sciences (if taken separately) Maths: a Grade 7 is required at GCSE Economics: a Grade 6 in English and a 5 in Maths is required at GCSE
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To study BTEC, pupils should have an average GCSE grade of 4 (as measured by attainment 8), including a Grade 4 in English and Maths. The type of course you choose will be dependent upon your individual strengths. The combination of subjects should link to your interests and aptitudes plus your intention in terms of progression to higher education or employment.
LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA (BTEC) These are offered in specialist areas and have been designed to develop broad skills and deep knowledge. Level 3 Extended Diplomas are equivalent to 3 A Levels. They are studied over two years.
The agreed combination of subjects will be determined by your predicted grades and your learning preferences, particularly with regard to coursework and examination performance.
The Extended Diploma helps to develop work related skills in a creative and enjoyable way. It will appeal to students who like practical subjects, problem-solving and applying what they learn to real-life situations.
A LEVELS
SMALL GROUP TUITION MATHS
GCE A Level courses are studied over two years. Formal examinations will take place at the end of Year 13. Progress towards final examinations is monitored closely throughout the year via assessment weeks and a formal end of year assessment in July of Year 12. This will not contribute to the final A Level grade.
For students who have not achieved a Grade 4 or above in Maths, Harris Academy Chafford Hundred is committed to providing small group tuition to ensure success. This will be on a small group basis and is in recognition of the fact that Post-16 and employment chances are severely reduced without achievement in Mathematics.
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FAQS Q: HOW DO I CHOOSE MY SUBJECTS FOR THE SIXTH FORM?
Q: WHICH SUBJECTS ARE THE BEST PREPARATION FOR UNIVERSITY?
A: You will be studying a much narrower range of subjects than in the past and spending more time on each of them, so it certainly makes sense to choose subjects you know you enjoy! Equally, your results in these subjects will be your passport to a career or Higher Education, so they should also be subjects in which you can reasonably expect to achieve good results. If you have clear future intentions for university and beyond, check if you should take certain subjects at A Level. If you are not sure what you want to do beyond the Sixth Form, it’s best to choose a range of subjects that keep your options open but do remember Universities will tend to prefer subjects that link together. Take advice as widely as possible when making your choices.
A: We believe that all the Level 3 subjects offered at the Sixth Form have good academic credentials and are suitable for study by Sixth Formers intending to enter Higher Education. Some HE courses have specific subject requirements, very many do not. Students who are concerned whether their A Level subjects are appropriate preparation for their intended course of study at university should consult the website of the university concerned or look at the entry profiles for courses featured on UCAS Course Search. The prestigious Russell Group of universities favour what they call the “facilitating subjects.” These are: English, Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History and MFL, so ambitious students should consider taking two of these.
Q: SHOULD I DO 3 OR 4 FULL A LEVELS?
Q: DO UNIVERSITIES VIEW BTEC QUALIFICATIONS AND A LEVELS AS EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS?
A: Universities require 3 strong A Levels. With this in mind the vast majority of our students choose to focus on 3 A Levels. Particularly strong applicants with a passion for Mathematics may wish to choose Further Maths as a fourth option and for those wishing to explore Maths beyond GCSE in an applied context we offer an AS in Core Maths, which can be sat over the full two years. It is important not to under-estimate the potential demands of any four-subject course of study, and to take advice as widely as possible. Taking four full Advanced Levels generally does not enhance your chances of obtaining a university place and may, in fact, result in you being made a more demanding offer.
A: It’s always advisable to check the entry requirements of the universities and courses in which you are interested. However, Level 3 BTEC qualifications are the equivalent of A levels. The Level 3 Extended BTEC Diploma is equal to 3 A levels, with a Distinction * grade being the equivalent of an A grade at A level. The advantage of a Level 3 Extended BTEC Diploma is that it enables students to specialise in a subject they are passionate about. In addition, BTEC students are often better prepared in terms of the independent study that’s required at degree level, due to the portfolio-based nature of BTEC courses. The time management and self-organisation you’ll pick up on a BTEC course can also give you an added edge. Q: WILL I HAVE THE SAME TEACHERS IN BOTH YEARS IN THE SIXTH FORM?
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A: Continuity of teaching cannot be guaranteed, as we will need to make some rearrangements to teaching groups in the light of choices for Year 13, but we will do our best to provide continuity for as many students as possible.
PART OF THE SUCCESSFUL HARRIS FEDERATION THE HARRIS FEDERATION IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT CHARITY WITH NEARLY 50 ACADEMIES IN LONDON AND ESSEX. 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. The Federation regularly tops academic studies and national league tables measuring performance. Almost all Harris secondary academies are judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Harris secondary academies are known for combining traditional standards of manners, discipline and uniform with the best of modern teaching and technology. There are around four applications from parents for every place available.
In the most recent national league tables, the Harris Federation was the top performing large academy trust for: • The academic progress of students; • The progress of disadvantaged students; • The proportion of students gaining the prestigious English Baccalaureate. At the time this prospectus was sent to press, there were an incredible 51 sixth formers at the Harris Federation holding offers for Oxford and Cambridge. In addition to running schools, the Harris Federation provides high quality training and professional development for teachers throughout this part of England. Follow @HarrisFed on Twitter to stay updated.
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SIXTH FORM
CONSORTIUM Mayflower Road, Chafford Hundred RM16 6SA T. 01375 484580  Email. sixthformadmissions@harrischaffordhundred.org.uk www.harrischaffordhundred.org.uk @hachchafford6