Valentines P16 Prospectus

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Valentines High School Post Sixteen Prospectus 2014

POST SIXTEEN

Valentines High School Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex, IG2 6HX Tel: 020 8554 3608 Fax: 020 8518 2621 Email: mail@valentines-sch.org.uk www.valentines-sch.org.uk

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cu Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex, IG2 6HX Tel: 020 8554 3608 Fax: 020 8518 2621 Email: mail@valentines-sch.org.uk www.valentines-sch.org.uk

Valentines High School 2. Application Form AS/A-Level Courses Vocational A Level BTEC Courses GCSE

1. Course Information

Appendices: cut marks

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Contents Introduction – 1 Resources and Activities – 2 : 4 Careers – 5 Responsibilities and Opportunities – 6 : 7

The School Badge

Joining The Sixth Form – 8 : 9

Valentines High School is built on part of the old Valentines Mansion estate. The school badge shows the Valentines grapevine which

Curriculum Guide – 10 : 12

provided a cutting for the grapevine at Hampton Court.

List of Courses – 12

The badge was designed in 1977 by Marion Molloy, Head of Art at Valentines until 1992.

Course Directory & Application Form – Located in Back Pocket

Appendices: 1. Course Information AS/A-Level Courses Vocational A Level BTEC Courses GCSE

2. Application Form

Valentines High School Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex, IG2 6HX Tel: 020 8554 3608 Fax: 020 8518 2621 Email: mail@valentines-sch.org.uk www.valentines-sch.org.uk

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Introduction Welcome to the Sixth Form at Valentines High School. Our Ofsted inspection judged our Sixth Form to be outstanding in all areas and our results have been consistently excellent in recent years. We offer a very wide range of academic and vocational courses. These include A Levels, and BTEC courses. Please look carefully through the curriculum section of this booklet to see for yourself the exceptional opportunities that Valentines can offer you.

The Valentines Sixth Form combines academic success with personal development opportunities. Our A Level pass rate is outstanding, with the vast majority of Sixth Form students progressing to higher education and excellent careers. Our former students are currently taking degrees at a wide variety of prestigious colleges and universities throughout the United Kingdom and abroad. Currently, they can be found at Oxford, Cambridge and London universities as well as a variety of 'red brick' and newer universities across the country.

We have Teaching School status which has given us additional funding to ensure our teaching is of the very highest quality. We have exceptionally good Science and Mathematics facilities and we have been able to provide first class computer facilities and an impressive range of commercial and industrial links to make the curriculum relevant and exciting. It should be noted that our students go on to study all subjects: Sciences, Arts, Humanities and more vocational disciplines such as Accountancy.

Our Sixth Form staff are second to none. They have been selected to teach our most senior students not only because of their thorough subject knowledge and impressive qualifications, but also due to their ability to recognise the talents and aspirations of young people.

Valentines is also a training school meaning that all our highly qualified Post 16 teachers have access to excellent further training.

We wish to encourage the potential of our Sixth Formers; fostering independence, decision-making and leadership skills while providing the best possible student support systems. Sixth Form staff provide advice, monitor progress and provide regular feedback to students and parents. Students are encouraged to take responsibility in that they must reflect upon their own performance and negotiate goals that will lead them to success.

The reputation of Valentines as a centre of excellence is well established and you can be certain that you will be a student in a Sixth Form of the very highest calibre. The award of Leading Edge and National Support School status by the government recognises high quality teaching and very good examination results. Valentines is a 'best value adding' school, and has been placed in the top 10% of Post 16 providers nationally regularly. This is due to the quality of our learning environment, characterised by harmonious relationships and academic focus. Our Sixth Formers have an important role to play in promoting this positive ethos. Not only do they present an important role model to the rest of the school, but they also contribute directly to community and the whole school tutoring system. There is a wide-ranging extra-curricular programme in the Sixth Form ranging from social and sporting events to academic societies. There are also opportunities to take part in the decision-making process in the school. Overall the Sixth Form curriculum provides an ideal preparation to equip students for success in the twenty-first century.

Our Sixth Form is a community, and one which suits students with diverse personalities and ambitions. If you are willing to work hard and take advantage of the many opportunities on offer, we look forward to welcoming you to Valentines for an enjoyable and rewarding Sixth Form experience.

Mrs S V Jones Executive Headteacher

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Valentines High School Post Sixteen

Resources & Activities To be successful, students need around them the fabric and equipment necessary for study. At Valentines we have a continual programme of upgrading facilities and equipment. Our Sixth Form centre provides excellent facilities for our students, in a modern purpose built environment.

The school has a well-stocked library administered by a full-time and fully qualified librarian. The Private Study Area is open to Year 12 and 13 students, including after the school day. The room is well equipped with computers and printers. Students will also find a wide selection of university prospectuses and reference books here to assist in the electronic application to university.

Extra Curricular Activities Extra curricular and House activities are an important part of life at Valentines High School. They provide an opportunity for students to take a break from studies and to develop new interests or continue with something that they have enjoyed in the previous year.

Work Experience Valentines High School has links with business and industry.

Students following vocational courses often complete a full time placement in industry as part of their course. Work experience is encouraged for other Sixth Formers who can negotiate a placement to fit their ambitions and timetable.

“Standards are high and students achieve outstandingly.�

OFSTED 2

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“The Sixth Form is outstanding and reflects the school’s significant investment in its development.”

OFSTED

Social Activities

Duke of Edinburgh

By tradition, the Sixth Form Social Calendar has always been very eventful. The social occasions that are organised throughout the year allow those students who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to enjoy each other's company, to spend time with their peers.

This also gives students joining the school from other schools the opportunity to meet the existing students on a more relaxed social basis. The end of Year 13 is marked by a Leavers’ Ball, a glittering occasion marking the end of school life and the beginning of annual reunions.

At Valentines students have the opportunity to volunteer for the bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. This award develops communication and leadership skills. It is looked on favourably by Universities and employers.

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Valentines High School Post Sixteen

The decision to continue with further education is a commitment to working hard and possibly preparing for university. However, the Sixth Form at Valentines High School is not just about academic learning, but also about broadening the experiences and interests of our pupils.

The Curriculum Enrichment programme gives all Sixth Formers the opportunity to participate in a range of activities as part of their weekly timetable.

Some of the opportunities include:

Sixth Formers who successfully complete the Curriculum Enrichment programme receive certificates for their efforts. These collected experiences and skills will play an important part in forming social awareness and in developing citizenship skills. The opportunities that Valentines High School offers will help prepare pupils for their transition to higher education, the world of work and adult life.

• Taking an active part in school events such as open evenings for parents.

• Working alongside Valentines staff and the lower school students in a range of lessons.

• Helping younger pupils in various before and after school clubs.

• Working with our primary feeder schools.

• Discussion groups and conferences with Redbridge council regarding issues that concern young people.

• Christmas shopping with the disabled and elderly from the local community and the OAP Christmas party.

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“Students appreciate the high quality of teaching and support they receive and welcome the calm learning environment.”

OFSTED

Careers The School's policy of establishing close links between staff, students, parents and the local community is further developed in the Sixth Form.

Partnership In Higher Education There are close links between the school and many Universities. These are made full use of to the benefit of students in their progression to higher education.

All students in the Sixth Form receive Careers Education as part of their PSHE Programme delivered by their Tutor.

Careers’ Consultants work closely with students and staff.

Form Tutors are responsible for small groups of students.

They meet both as groups and on a one-to-one basis. The Tutor monitors the progress of the students and is the first point of contact for advice and support on academic and other issues. Parents’ consultation evenings are used to formalise communication between home and school.

Careers’ Consultants are attached to the school and work with the students to produce action plans for entry into Higher Education or into a particular career.

The PSHE programme also provides help with the preparation of University applications, CVs and the completion of job application forms.

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Valentines High School Post Sixteen

Responsibilities & Opportunities Sixth Form students are both role models for younger pupils and the public face of the School within the local community. Our students are aware of this and have worked with us to produce a number of Codes of Practice that give everyone the opportunity to distinguish themselves as Sixth Form students in a positive and productive manner.

The School's high expectations are reflected in its dress code. Students are expected to dress in a style that would be suitable in a professional office environment.

This enables students to be smart in appearance without having to conform to a uniform.

The Sixth Form Dress Code involves wearing business style clothing Students are expected to dress smartly and modestly.

They will be required to follow the dress code and wear an identification card.

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“Students leave well equipped as citizens, ready to continue their studies and well-prepared for employment.”

OFSTED

Dress Code

Registration

• For boys, smart trousers and suit jacket or blazer worn

The register is taken in lessons, as well as in tutor groups at the start of both morning and afternoon sessions.

with a shirt and tie. For girls, smart trousers or skirt and suit jacket or blazer worn with a blouse.

• Jewellery and make-up should be modest and sensible additions to dress.

• Colour schemes are at the discretion of individual students but it is expected that a sensible approach will be adopted.

• Jeans, leisure wear, trainers and other casual clothing are not permitted.

Lunch time Students are permitted to leave the premises during lunch time. In addition to the Cafeteria, students have access to a Common Room where they can relax in a comfortable environment.

Prefects Many Sixth Form students are elected as Prefects. In addition, there is a Head Boy and Head Girl. Their role is to represent the school community at all official functions, share in the planning and management of the Sixth Form area, oversee and manage the School Prefect Team and provide regular communication links between Sixth Form students, the School community and outside agencies.

They are assisted by two male and two female deputies.

Students can also apply for the positions of Senior House Captain and Student Learning Consultants.

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Valentines High School Post Sixteen

Joining the Sixth Form With this prospectus is an application form. Please complete it and return it to the school office. If you are already here at Valentines your application will be considered by the Sixth Form staff. You may be asked about the subjects which you wish to study, and your longer-term ambitions. Your trial examination results and predicted grades will be consulted, as we will want to make sure that you are applying for appropriate courses. We will also be making sure that you have a back up plan in mind in case your eventual results are not as good as you hope they will be. After this stage your name will be added to the list for each subject.

We see it as our duty to offer existing students a Sixth Form education. But not everyone gets a place. All students must achieve the minimum grade requirements for the courses for which they have applied and, regardless of grades, a small number of people will be rejected if they have a poor record of work and behaviour.

If you are applying from another school you should also submit an application form. Then we will want some information about you: • Please pass the application form on to your referee who will return it to us.

• We will ask about your achievements, your attitude to study and your likely GCSE grades.

• If the references and predicted grades are very good we will make you an offer of a place subject to availability, on condition that you meet our entry requirements.

• You will be invited to visit us to meet Sixth Form staff and students.

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“Students’ personal development is outstanding.”

OFSTED

Studying at Valentines To ensure that every student maintains a good standard of work throughout his or her course we provide a number of support activities.

Private Study Some of every student's time out of lessons is timetabled as Private Study. This is supervised time in the Sixth Form Block when students are expected to quietly get on with work from their courses. Private Study periods help students to get through all the work required at this level.

They help students to organise themselves and make a little space in the evenings for some social life.

Monitoring and Target Setting:

The Tutoring System: Every Sixth Form student will be part of a tutor group with an assigned tutor who has responsibility for overseeing students' progress. Deciding on academic targets, discussing progress and working on applications to university or college are undertaken in conjunction with the tutor.

Personal and Social Education: In the Sixth Form PSHE concentrates mainly on issues of direct relevance to students' work and futures. Time is spent on developing study skills, in working on careers guidance and in preparing students for the move into higher education or into a job.

Every student’s progress is reviewed termly. Students receive termly predicted grades which are compared with their target grades, based on prior achievement. In addition students have a termly meeting with their tutor to discuss progress and to set specific targets for improvement.

These are reviewed regularly. This process ensures that students keep their aims in mind throughout their courses, remain well motivated and retain a sense of realism about their academic performance and possible career.

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Valentines High School Post Sixteen

Curriculum Guide Welcome to the Valentines High School Curriculum Guide. In the following pages you will find information about the courses and programmes of study available at the School. Consider these pages as a starting point in finding out about your future studies. Read all of the information and talk to the Course Leaders. Make your choice from a good knowledge and understanding of what is available. Make sure that you enjoy your life at Valentines High School by selecting courses that appeal to you.

Do I study at Advanced or Intermediate Level?

Advanced Courses: GCE AS/A2 and Advanced Vocational courses are studied by students who have gained good GCSE grades.

AS Level: For entry at AS Level a minimum of 6 A*– C grades in 6 different subjects is required and in addition a minimum of a B grade is required in each subject to be studied (or a related subject if applicable).

Advanced Vocational Courses: A minimum of 5 A*–C grades in 5 different subjects is required for BTEC Level 3 courses.

BTEC Level 2: BTEC Level 2 courses are taken by students who achieve 5 or more D grades in 5 different subjects at GCSE. Many students who do not do as well as they wish at GCSE take a Level 2 course for one year, then progress to an advanced course and higher education.

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“Racial harmony is impressive.”

OFSTED

GCE AS/A2:

BTEC Level 2:

GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is a qualification in its own right, which is taken in Year 12. The AS can also be the first half of a full A Level. Students usually take 3 or 4 AS courses in Year 12 (depending on their GCSE results) and continue with 3 courses in Year 13 to make up the full A Level qualification.

BTEC Level 2’s are one year courses. They are equivalent to four A–C grades at GCSE and may enable students with these qualifications to progress to A Level or Advanced courses.

GCE A2 is the second half of the full A Level course and is considerably harder than AS. An AS course and an A2 course in the same subject form a full A Level qualification.

Advanced Vocational Courses:

Possible Combinations: Possible course combinations are given on the green options block information in the back pocket. There is no one prescribed route through the Sixth Form and it is important to discuss all options with members of staff.

For students who have not achieved a grade C GCSE in English and/or Mathematics, there is a requirement to retake these examinations.

These 2 year full time courses also cover the knowledge, understanding and skills of a particular subject such as Business but in the context of vocational situations. A full Advanced Vocational GCE or BTEC Level 3 is worth 2 A Levels. A single Advanced Vocational GCE or BTEC Level 3 (e.g. ICT) is worth 1 A Level. The main method of assessment for these courses is through coursework assignments. This style of study may suit some students who prefer not to rely on performance in end year examinations.

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Valentines High School Post Sixteen

List of courses at Advanced Level AS/A Level

Vocational A Level

Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Drama and Theatre Studies Economics and Business English Literature French Further Mathematics Geography Government and Politics History ICT Law Mathematics Media Studies Photography Physical Education Physics Product Design (3-D Design) Product Design (Textiles) Psychology Sociology Spanish

ICT

BTEC BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business BTEC First Level 2 Diploma in Business

GCSE English Mathematics

Year 12

Entry to Year 13

• 3 or 4 subjects at AS Level or • 1 BTEC Level 3/Advanced Vocational GCE course (and possibly 1 AS course) or • 1 BTEC Level 2 course

Progression into Year 13 is dependent on good achievement in Year 12. Students are required to gain at least grades DDE at AS. BTEC Level 3/Advanced Vocational students are required to be up to date with their work and have the equivalent of grade DE. All students must have a good record of attendance, punctuality and conduct if they wish to progress to Year 13.

Year 13 • 3 subjects at A2 Level (continued from Year 12) or • 1 BTEC Level 3/Advanced Vocational GCE course (and possibly 1 A2 course continued from Year 12)

Entry to Year 12 Students must • meet the specific entry requirements for their chosen subjects

• be prepared to fulfil our Sixth Form contract

If we do not offer a course you want, please make a note of this on your application form. If there is sufficient demand we may be able to offer other courses.

Completion of Year 12 is dependent on good progress, conduct, attendance and punctuality.

Students who do not fulfil the terms of the home school agreement are unlikely to remain in the Sixth Form.

The school reserves the right not to offer a course at AS/A2 Level where there are 7 or fewer students wishing to take it. In this event every effort will be made to assist students in continuing with alternative courses, although no guarantees can be made.

• be motivated and hard working

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AS resits are now only available in the summer term of Year 13. Students are permitted to re-sit 3 module examinations at their own expense. More than 3 modules may only be re-taken in exceptional circumstances.

Re-sits are not permitted in a subject where an unclassified grade has been achieved.

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Contents Introduction – 1 Resources and Activities – 2 : 4 Careers – 5 Responsibilities and Opportunities – 6 : 7

The School Badge

Joining The Sixth Form – 8 : 9

Valentines High School is built on part of the old Valentines Mansion estate. The school badge shows the Valentines grapevine which

Curriculum Guide – 10 : 12

provided a cutting for the grapevine at Hampton Court.

List of Courses – 12

The badge was designed in 1977 by Marion Molloy, Head of Art at Valentines until 1992.

Course Directory & Application Form – Located in Back Pocket

Valentines High School Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex, IG2 6HX Tel: 020 8554 3608 Fax: 020 8518 2621 Email: mail@valentines-sch.org.uk www.valentines-sch.org.uk

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Valentines High School Post Sixteen Prospectus 2014

Valentines High School Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex, IG2 6HX Tel: 020 8554 3608 Fax: 020 8518 2621 Email: mail@valentines-sch.org.uk www.valentines-sch.org.uk

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cu Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex, IG2 6HX Tel: 020 8554 3608 Fax: 020 8518 2621 Email: mail@valentines-sch.org.uk www.valentines-sch.org.uk

Valentines High School 2. Application Form AS/A-Level Courses Vocational A Level BTEC Courses GCSE

1. Course Information

Appendices: cut marks