Brine Leas Sixth Form

Brine Leas Sixth Form An Academy Believe, Learn, Succeed

Welcome

from Andrew Cliffe Brine Leas is an 11-19 school, but BL6 is a stand alone entity with its own unique way of functioning that offers a wide range of courses and opportunities for enrichment to students. It has become the preferred destination of choice for over 260 students from schools across South Cheshire and Shropshire which gives a rich diverse feel to life at BL6.

Please come to look around and talk to both staff and students to see if this is the place where you will maximise your potential.

Andrew Cliffe (Headteacher) 2

“BL6 has made me feel welcome.”

A.J. (2011)

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“We work very hard but in a relaxing environment.”

B.C. (2014)

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A Letter

from the Director of Sixth Form - Sarah O’Neill Progressing into Post-16 study marks the start of a new chapter in your lives, enabling you to select subjects that you find exciting and engaging which may also influence your future studies and career pathways.

At BL6 the welfare and happiness of every student is paramount.

Innovative and engaging lessons are central to our values and we have an enviable examination record. Our guidance and support are considered exemplary to ensure that you have a positive and engaging experience.

High standards underpin all aspects of life to ensure you have the best possible choices after BL6. There are no limits to your potential and we look forward to working with you to achieve your aspirations.

Sarah O’Neill (Director of Sixth Form) 5

Why BL6?

A wide range of academic choice

Links with Higher Education

BL6 offers a wide range of subjects and, with an average class size of 13, there is more individual teaching and support.

We have links with a range of Universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Lancaster, Leicester, Staffordshire and Hope. All students have the opportunity to make visits and are given support with UCAS applications.

Experienced, specialised and committed staff All our teachers have developed expertise in teaching their courses. We aim for continuity of teaching, our staff provide numerous subject clinics and revision sessions when required.

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Interested students are encouraged to apply to the Pembroke North Programme, offered by Oxford University and will receive individual support from our specialised Oxbridge and Early Entry Co-ordinator.

Independence

Facilities

BL6 is separate from the main Brine Leas School building and has its own specialist facilities. A wide range of enrichment opportunities are afforded; some supporting younger pupils.

The BL6 Student Union has a major say in the running of the Sixth Form and its elected officials organise charity and social events.

BL6 has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. There are comfortable study areas, with over 100 work stations for private study, in addition to specialist teaching rooms; Language and Science Laboratories, Library, Music and Media Suites, Technology Work Shops, Art Studio and a Gym. The Coffee Shop is open all day and provides drinks, snacks and meals.

Support There is an excellent support system. Small tutor groups, which meet daily, enable strong rapports to be established, ensuring personalised references for applications to higher education, apprenticeships or employment. Tutors will monitor progress and additional guidance is provided by our Student Services Team which includes a BL6 Learning Mentor, a Special Educational Needs Team, a Careers Advisor and Counsellor.

Keeping Parents informed During the first half term, there will be an evening to give you and your parents the opportunity to discuss your transition from GCSE to A Levels with tutors. There are regular short progress reports in addition to a more detailed written report and a parents’ evening is held before the summer exams when tutors are available to discuss progress and give guidance for success.

Financial Assistance BL6 funds Student Union membership for all students and, for eligible students, there are two specific forms of financial assistance: the BL6 16-19 Bursary andBL6 Travel Fund.

“Thank you so much for the financial help, I can’t describe how grateful I am and what an impact it has had.”

P.M. (2014)

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What will I Study?

The majority of students study 3 A Level subjects.

In addition, students will select a further qualification. We offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Cambridge Pre-U and STEP Mathematics to students to enrich their learning. These qualifications will give additional UCAS points and validate your ability to work independently and demonstrate interest in a particular field.

Maximising opportunities: The BL6 Platinum and Diamond Programme Our individually tailored programmes offer students extended academic and enrichment programmes to ensure a greater chance in securing a place at one of the top universities or with a prestigious employer/apprenticeship provider. Over a third of our students have progressed to one of the Russell Group Universities, including Oxbridge 8

and Cambridge and have been successful in securing apprenticeships and employment with globally recognised companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, BBC, AstraZeneca and Barclays.

The BL6 Platinum and Diamond Programmes are designed to encourage BL6 students to achieve more than the vast majority of students nationally in post-16 education by undertaking appropriate courses and devoting a significant amount of time to community and voluntary work.

PLATINUM PROGRAMME

DIAMOND PROGRAMME

3 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications

4 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications

PLUS ONE OR MORE OF:

PLUS ONE OR MORE OF:

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Extended Project Qualification

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Extended Project Qualification

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STEP Mathematics for Further Mathematicians

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STEP Mathematics for Further Mathematicians

AND ONE OR MORE OF:

AND ONE OR MORE OF:

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Duke of Edinburgh (Silver or Gold Award)

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Duke of Edinburgh (Silver or Gold Award)

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50 hours work experience

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100 hours work experience

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“I have been far more successful than I ever thought I would be” 10

M.R. (2013)

Courses offered at BL6 A-LEVEL COURSES Due to the current reform to A Levels, courses will be reviewed and are subject to a minimum number of students. 

Art

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Government and Politics

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Music

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Biology

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History

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Physics

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Business Studies

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Information Communication Technology

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Physical Education

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Chemistry

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French

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Product Design (3-D Design)

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Drama and Theatre Studies

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German

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Psychology

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Economics

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Spanish

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Religion and Ethics

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Electronics

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Law

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Sociology

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English Language

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Applied Mathematics

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Textile Design

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English Literature

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Further Mathematics

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Geography

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Media Studies

LEVEL 3 VOCATIONAL COURSES These courses are a good preparation for the world of work; they also carry UCAS points and enable progression to Higher Education. 

BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering

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BTEC Photography

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BTEC National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts

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BTEC Diploma in Music Level 3

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BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Sport Level 3

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Enrichment at BL6 Enrichment activities are encouraged in order to develop personal skills; we recommend at least one hour each week.

These activities help to develop time management, the ability to work with others and to problem solve. There are many enrichment opportunities on offer at BL6.

Lit Buddies (supporting literacy and reading of students in Brine Leas School) 

Sum Buddies (supporting numeracy of students in Brine Leas School) 

Sport Buddies (supporting younger students in PE lessons) 

Duke of Edinburgh Awards (Bronze, Silver and Gold)

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Debating Society

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Nursery and Primary School Volunteering

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Subject Societies

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Student Union (including organising charity and social events) 

Sports team participation

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Basic Introduction to First Aid Qualification

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Food Hygiene Qualification

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World Challenge

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Work Experience

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The future beyond BL6 At BL6 we ensure the support, guidance and advice you receive is right for you. The majority of students progress to higher education; a third going to one of the Russell Group Universities (the top 24 universities in the country).

An increasing number of students have attained highly sought after apprenticeships in well-known companies, including Bentley, Rolls Royce, the BBC and Astrazeneca.

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Higher Education In preparation for University students undertake a wide range of enriching events which include:

Specialised support will be provided for aspiring applicants to Oxford or Cambridge Universities and for those who are interested in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science via the BL6 Baccalaureate Programme. Our experienced co-ordinator will:

University visits and open days

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Workshops on choosing a higher education institute, writing personal statements, making the transition from A Levels and BTECs to university 

Attending the UCAS convention

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Specialised UCAS support from our specially trained team

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Interview preparation

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Higher Education event

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Student Finance and budgeting event

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Access to higher education

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Academic enrichment opportunities through the EPQ Critical Thinking AS and Wider Key Skills qualifications

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“I have really enjoyed my time at BL6, making new friends with people from other schools” T.N.G. (2012)

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Track and monitor your progress and enrichment from as early as Year 9 

Provide opportunities to visit Oxford and/or Cambridge Universities 

Support applications to a number of summer schools and other university academic opportunities including the Sutton Trust Summer Schools programme, Oxford University’s UNIQ programme as well as their Pembroke North Programme

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Organisation of a trip to an Oxbridge admissions conference 

Interview preparation for tailored mock interviews with an external provider who will give personalised feedback 

Preparation for entrance examinations, such as the BMAT for Medicine and various Oxbridge exams 

Co-ordinate a programme of lectures and tutorials with an exciting range of visiting speakers from Oxford and Cambridge Universities as well as the medical professions 

Provide one to one support with work experience and other extra-curricular activities 

Direct support with writing personal statements

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“I have been both challenged and supported through my time with BL6�

S.P. (2012) 16

Apprenticeships and World of Work With rising costs of higher education and the improved alternatives, a growing number of students have secured highly sought after apprenticeships or employment. As part of our careers support we offer: Help with CV writing

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Mock interview experience

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Independent advice and guidance from our careers advisor 

Advice on budgeting and finance

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Guest speakers from a variety of fields to share their experiences 

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Entry Requirements The demands of courses at BL6 are notably higher than those for GCSE and it is our experience that students who do not meet the criteria will find the AS courses difficult and are likely to struggle with their studies. As a result the minimum entrance requirements for BL6 are:

5 or more A*- C GCSE grades (full course)

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Mathematics AND English Language GCSE at grade C or above ď Ž

You may be able to study an A Level subject you did not take at GCSE. When a subject has been previously studied, there are minimum entry requirements for particular AS subjects as specified within our course guide.

If you do not achieve the minimum grade in English and/or Mathematics your enrolment to BL6 will be considered on an individual basis. You will have to re-sit these courses, with additional tuition and support, as a prerequisite to entering the Sixth Form.

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Application Process 1. Carefully look at all the courses available; read the course guides and select courses that interest you.

Speak to subject specialists at one of our open events.

2. Complete the application form, available from BL6 or www.brineleas.co.uk.

4. Receive a conditional offer letter.

5. Come along to our subject taster sessions to confirm your choices.

6. After GCSE results, attend a second advice and guidance session to enrol and to confirm your subject choices.

3. Attend an informal independent advice and guidance meeting to discuss your chosen studies, extra-curricular interests and your future plans.

“There is always someone there that I can talk to.�

S.R. (2011)

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Director of Sixth Form: Mrs Sarah O’Neill Headteacher: Mr Andrew Cliffe Audlem Road, Nantwich Cheshire CW5 7DY Tel. 01270 621612 Fax. 01270 610373 Email. admin@bl6.org.uk

Produced by the Design Office

www.brineleas.co.uk/BL6