Sixth Form Prospectus 2022-2023

THE SIXTH FORM AT THE SHARED LEARNING TRUST

Welcome to The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form. I am immensely proud to oversee such a vibrant, high quality and innovative Sixth Form where students thrive in both their post 16 studies and in developing as an independent young person. Our joint provision provides a quality experience for all.

At the Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form, we are continuously reviewing and developing our curriculum. Effective advice and guidance. opportunities including unique Football and Cricket Academy pathways, and state of the art facilities all contribute to our exciting offer to you. We are an inclusive Sixth Form where we value each student and ensure they are on the pathway which suits them the best. Our former students’ post-school destinations are a testament to our philosophy, and we work hard to ensure that all students can progress onto their chosen university course, apprenticeship or employment opportunity, giving them the very best start to their adult life. I look forward to welcoming you to our very special Sixth Form.

Mr I Sudbery Vice Principal Strategic Lead Sixth Form

The Shared Learning Trust

"Students in The Sixth Form treat each other with are prepared for their next steps in education in the sixth form achieve well"

We are both delighted to welcome you to our joint provision across The Chalk Hills and The Stockwood Park Academy. Both Academies work closely together to offer a full range of academic and vocational subjects as well as effective pastoral support.

The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form offers a vibrant and inspiring learning environment, where our students enjoy their studies and are fully supported and encouraged. Our number one priority is to ensure that our students fl ourish and have the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to be successful in their future careers and further study. By choosing The Shared Learning Trust as your Sixth Form, you can be confi dent you will have the opportunities, support and encouragement that will enable you to achieve your potential, strive for your best and the belief that you are fully prepared for what lies ahead in whatever fi eld you choose in the future.

We hope you fi nd the information in this booklet useful and look forward to welcoming you to our Sixth Form next September 2023.

Mrs P Vessey Mrs S Ahmed

Assistant Principal (Sixth Form)

The Stockwood Park Academy

Assistant Principal (Sixth Form)

The Chalk Hills Academy

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THE ROUTE TO SIXTH FORM

A major key to your success is the research you conduct and the plans you make over the next few months.

Now is the time for you to start thinking about where you see yourself in two years; this will then guide the choices you make. You will receive advice and support every step of the way, however, only you can make the decisions that are right for you.

DOES OUR SIXTH FORM

• Smaller teaching classes

• Personalised curriculum

• Every student treated like an individual

• Excellent private study facilities

• Leadership development opportunities

• Individualised internal and external support with University and Higher Education applications

• A unique Football Academy pathway delivered in conjunction with Luton Town Football Club

• A unique Cricket Academy pathway delivered with Northampton County Cricket Club

• Links with local and national business, universities and training providers

• First class specialist facilities in science, ICT, media, arts and sports

•

Careers guidance through both internal and external professionals, to help you develop employability skills

• A wide range or exciting enrichment opportunities

• Opportunities to pursue additional academic courses such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Core Maths and Further Maths

Contact us

Email

AUTUMN TERM

THE SHARED LEARNING TRUST SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENINGS

Thursday 20th October The Chalk Hills Academy

Thursday 8th December The Stockwood Park Academy

SPRING TERM

Sixth Form online applications are accessible via The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form Website

Monday 30th January 2023 Sixth Form Application deadline

Interviews will commence from February 2023

Sixth form interviews will be with a member of our sixth form team where we will discuss your application. You will get the most out of these meetings if you have some ideas about what you plan to do after sixth form. We will want to get to know you as much as possible, so be prepared to sell yourself and explain what you can bring to the sixth form, as well as discussing your aspirations beyong school.

SUMMER TERM

May 2023: Conditional Offer

We will write to you to confirm your place at The Sixth Form; however this will be conditional on you achieving certain grades in your GCSEs; including English and maths.

July 2023: Sixth Form Induction (compulsory attendance)

You will learn more about sixth form life and the subjects you will be studying. You will attend taster lessons and have the opportunity to get to know your fellow sixth formers.

“I am proud to be a member of The Shared Learning Trust because it has given me unique opportunities”

Results Day and Sixth Form Enrolment

Thursday 24th August: GCSE Results Day

Sixth Form Enrolment will start from Thursday 24th August

These meetings will be to discuss courses and options for sixth form.

At this point, the waiting is finally over and, all being well, you will achieve the grades you need for us to confirm your sixth form place. However, if you do not get the grades you need for your chosen option, you can arrange a time to meet with us the following day to discuss your options. We will then support you with taking the steps required to secure an appropriate course.

Application Deadline for The Shared Learning

ROUTES THROUGH OUR SIXTH FORM

Academic Option

This option is the ’traditional’ academic route for post-16 qualifi cations. Students on this option should have mainly grades 7-9 at GCSE, including grades 5 or above in English, and grade 6 or above in Maths. It is likely you will be considering university and this option will equip you with the skills and qualifi cations you need to apply for the top universities in the UK.

There needs to be careful consideration of the combination of subjects. You should be considering taking at least 2 ’facilitating’ subjects – these are subjects which are most commonly required as specifi c entry requirements for degree courses. Competitive universities will often prefer students to have studied at least two facilitating subjects for many courses. This is particularly important if you are considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge. Certain university courses such as Medicine will require you to study a very specifi c range of courses, so it is important that you fully understand the requirements. You will have the opportunity to enhance your studies through the extended project qualifi cation (EPQ), leadership development and independent/online learning; in order to give you the best chance of success with your university application.

By choosing facilitating subjects at A Level, you will have a much wider range of options open to you at university, both within the UK and internationally. Russell Group Universities have information here on subject advice - www.russellgroup.ac.uk

Examples of facilitating subjects:

Mathematics

English

Physics

Flexible Option

This pathway gives you greater flexibility yet is still designed to prepare you for university and continuing your education beyond school. It is likely you will have achieved mostly grades 5-7 at GCSE, however, it can also be an ideal pathway if you have a specific interest or talent such as in the arts or technology or if you wish to study a range of different subjects. You may also decide to take a BTEC qualification alongside your A level subjects.

This pathway gives you a wide range of options after completing your post 16 studies and prepares you for your next steps: including university, apprenticeships and employment. You will be encouraged to develop your leadership and employability skills through a wide range of enrichment options including the Vespa well-being programme and Barclays Life Skills.

Professional Option

The professional route is built around BTEC qualifications. The main difference between these and A Level qualifications is that BTECs have a greater level of coursework and are based around units of study.

We offer a range of BTEC options including extended certificates, diplomas and extended diplomas. This pathway gives you access to Higher Education. It is also ideal if you are intending to progress onto an apprenticeship, training programme or directly into employment.

Your GCSE grades will be mainly grades 3-5. A resit programme in maths and/or English will be available. We strongly recommend that you have achieved a grade 4 in English and maths to avoid the need to re-sit these subjects.

You will have a range of opportunities to help you prepare for working life such as careers coaching and work experience opportunities.

“The subjects on offer here are more suited to the career I wish to pursue than what was on offer at my previous school.”

13 student.

FOOTBALL SCHOLARS

Our established Football Academy, offered in conjunction with Luton Town Football Club, will start with pre-season matches in August 2023.

This innovative programme has been designed to support young footballers who have a high level of technical skill and play regularly for an affi liated football team.

Students study for a Level 3 Vocational Qualifi cation in Sport and also have the option to study an additional subject if they wish to widen their further education and employment options. In addition, all Football Scholars receive 6 hours per week of professional coaching from LTFC and there are opportunities to undertake an FA Coaching Qualifi cation or Sports Leaders Award. All our football scholars will represent LTFC in the EFL National Youth Leagues.

Students are expected to play a full and active role in the life of the Academy and will be encouraged to develop their Leadership, Coaching or Offi ciating skills through the various sports activities that take place on site, gaining valuable experience for their future career or application to Higher Education. Scholars will be full-time Shared Learning Trust students who will represent Luton Town Football Club and work exclusively with their UEFA B qualifi ed coaches. All students are expected to follow the high standards set by both The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form and Luton Town Football Club.

Students selected for this option will be through trials and students will also be expected to meet the Sixth Form Academic entry requirements.

Trials for the Football Academy will start in October and November, please see our website for further details.

“An unrivalled opportunity for young players to experience professional coaching and achieve academic excellence”

Our Football Scholars option is designed for talented football players who wish to train with Professional Coaches whilst continuing their studies. Students on this option can study for a Level 3 Diploma in Sport studying units specifi cally designed to support a career in the Sports industry (including Coaching, Physiology and Sport Performance).

Students are able to study the full time Extended Diploma in Sport, or study other Academic or Vocational subjects to widen their options for further study and employment.

All students receive regular coaching with Coaches from Luton Town Football Club and play weekly fi xtures within the EFL Community & Education Football Alliance.

Students studying this option will be selected through trials and will also be expected to meet the Sixth Form Academic entry requirements.

• Full time courses combining daily football training with A Level, BTEC and CTEC Level 3 qualifi cations

• GCSE programmes in mathematics and English

• Competitive fi xtures in the EFL Community and Education Alliance

• Weekly fi xtures representing Luton Town Football Club

• Weekly training sessions led by experienced Luton Town Football Club coaches

• Ofsted rated 'Good' Post - 16 provision with excellent examination results

• Free shuttle service between both academies sites

From September 2023 we are offering the same opportunity to female students wishing to play football alongside their studies. Training and fi xtures will be timetabled around lessons to ensure our scholars’ academic and sporting development are catered for. Trials for our Ladies’ Football Academy will be held separately, please see our website for details.

The Shared Learning Trust Football Academy in partnership with Luton Town Football Club, is the only course of this kind in the area, and even further for female students. If you want to play football at a competitive level, train with UEFA B qualifi ed coaches and study in a well-resourced, £30m Academy then this is the course for you.

CRICKET SCHOLARS

The Luton Steelbacks Cricket Academy is a unique cricket coaching and player development programme that enables students with an interest and aptitude in cricket to experience high quality coaching, alongside their academic programme.

Led by David Ripley, ex Head Coach of Northamptonshire Cricket Club, our programme endeavours to provide players with skills that benefi t them both on and off the fi eld by exposing them to professional players, coaches and industry experts in areas such as fi tness, nutrition and psychology. Sessions will take place at the Northamptonshire County Cricket Club Academy facility as well as local facilities.

With state-of-the-art training and development methods we will be providing the scholars with a range of opportunities:

• Outstanding talent will be provided a pathway to the professional game

• Regular visits to Northamptonshire CCC ground and fi rst class coaching at NCCC High Performance indoor centre

• Partners such as Cricket East will train and qualify the scholars with the activator course year 1 and complete an ECB Level 1 foundation qualifi cation

• Our partners at ECB, Lord's Taverners Wicketz programme, Chance to shine street, MCC Foundation programmes and Link Up STREETS programme will take the scholars into their community and performance programmes to provide career support, work experience, skills development and to sustainably support cricket at a grass root level. (Volunteers will mentor for 40 hours in one academic year)

• Our partners at ECB will support in developing a games programme for the scholars as well as entry to local competitions such as the ECB U19 club T20 competition, the ECB supported College Cricket League and ECB City Cup competition

• Our partners at ICC will support an international tour experience

We take a holistic approach and believe that to become a good player on the fi eld you must also be a good person off the fi eld.

LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

Students find A Levels both challenging and rewarding. They feel that they are treated like adults and value the greater freedom and independence that sixth form brings. They consistently say that whilst teachers are helpful and supportive, students do need to be prepared to work hard! Our new, dedicated sixth form learning centre is particularly well received, and students have found it useful to have their own space, time and resources to work independently.

SIXTH FORM LESSONS

The quality of teaching is a real strength of our sixth form. We offer smaller class sizes compared to other sixth form provisions and encourage a focus on student led learning; meaning that the style of these lessons can be very different to those you may have experienced during Key Stage 3 and 4. Lessons in our sixth form can be seen as a transition between school and university, where you develop the skills you will need for higher learning; whilst still in a supportive environment with teachers who know you very well. Focusing on fewer subjects gives you the opportunity to explore topics in much more detail, developing an in-depth knowledge and fostering your interest in each subject. The quality of teaching can clearly be seen in student outcomes, which improve year on year.

Each of our sites boasts dedicated sixth form study areas which are equipped with laptops and career guidance information.

In addition, students also enjoy the use of first-class facilities in science, media, arts & sport as well as an extensive enrichment programme.

“I enjoy learning at The Shared Learning Trust because it allows me to extend my horizons and develop to the best of my ability.”

GIVE YOURSELF A HEAD START AT THE SHARED LEARNING TRUST SIXTH FORM

ENRICH YOUR LEARNING

TAKE THE LEAD IN LEARNING

Students are given the opportunity for independent silent study with access to laptops and Wi-Fi in our state-of-the-art study room. These sessions are timetabled for students and supervised by teachers, which allows extra learning time along with time for refl ection and to embed knowledge gained from lessons that day. Teachers are available to assist students during this time with any queries they have.

STUDENT COUNCIL

The Shared Learning Trust Sixth Form operates across two sites: The Stockwood Park Academy and The Chalk Hills Academy. Key to our cross-site collaboration is our Sixth Form Student Council. The Student Council consists of one President who is available on both sites, along with our Vice Presidents and student council members; we pride ourselves on the importance of our student voice.

UCAS

UCAS is an independent charity. UCAS process applications to study full-time courses at universities and colleges in the UK, as well as some countries in Europe. UCAS support advisers to help their students make informed choices, by guiding them through the entire higher education application process. UCAS also provides information, advice, and admissions services for UK conservatoires (UCAS Conservatoires), and for taught postgraduate courses (UCAS Postgraduate).

BEYOND SIXTH FORM

Our priority as a sixth form team is to equip you with the skills, knowledge and qualifi cations you need to successfully make the next step in your education or career. Our dedicated careers advisor will meet with you to discuss your options and ensure we fully personalise the support we provide you with. As a sixth form that is growing, we will get to know you well and ensure that the guidance is both individual and directly relevant to your aspirations. We also ensure that all our sixth form students take part in work experience, something that is highly valued by universities and employers.

All students will also take part in 'Employability and Enrichment' activities either through tutor time, discrete lessons, or focused careers days. Through these activities, you will develop confi dence in workplace skills such as communication, IT and enterprise skills.

CAREERS EDUCATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

Having achieved the Quality in Careers Standard award for our Careers Education Information and Guidance programme, we can say with confi dence that we have an award-winning careers guidance programme. Our Sixth Form students have access to in-class and personalised guidance in understanding themselves and their unique skills. They develop key employability competencies in Communication, Independence, Leadership, Resilience, Analysis, Problem Solving and Teamwork for success in future pathways. We are fully committed to meeting every student ‘where they are’ and this is refl ected in our ethos for each student to ‘strive, achieve and believe’ to ensure they can be the best of whatever they choose to be.

To support students in progressing to their chosen careers, we provide support to facilitate a week of work experience for all year 12 students. We also provide a bespoke careers guidance programme facilitated by our careers leader who is passionate about students achieving their very best. Working closely with employers, all students engage in activities across their subject areas that bring them into close contact with the world of work. Through our connection to local and national businesses, students are able to meet a variety of employers to learn fi rst-hand about the qualifi cations, skills and attitudes needed to be successful in a professional environment. Involving employers at the heart of our education enables students to build professional networks and opens doors to potential opportunities.

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APPRENTICESHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT

Although most of our students progress onto university, we appreciate that this is not for everyone. Apprenticeships and school leaver training programmes are now a viable alternative to higher education. In fact, many apprenticeships now offer the option to study part time for a degree, so you get the best of both worlds! During your time in sixth form, you will learn more about apprenticeships and will have the opportunity to visit the Apprenticeships Fair to discuss your options directly with employers.

SUPPORT WITH UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS

Selecting the right university and making your applications takes time and careful research. We will fully support you throughout this process with personal statement workshops, interview preparation and 1:1 tutorials. We are developing strong links with universities - both local and further afi eld - and you will have several opportunities to visit universities to fi nd out about them fi rst hand. We also offer our students 1:1 support through UCAS workshops and arranging for experts to visit and offer specifi c support, from subject specialists to students, regardless of what course or university they are applying for. We will track your progress with your application so that you can be confi dent you are receiving the best possible advice and guidance throughout the process; starting with selecting the right A Level / Level 3 Vocational subjects for your chosen course.

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SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION

SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE

Your tutor will follow you through your two years of the sixth form and will take a holistic view of your education. They will track your progress carefully and will write your reference for any university or job applications. It is, therefore, important that the relationship you build with them is a positive one. During morning tutorial time, you will have the opportunity for class discussions on topics such as current affairs, student fi nance, post-18 options, taking part in Vespa well-being programmes and exam preparation. You will also have regular 1:1 tutorials with your tutor which is a great opportunity to perhaps to talk through a recent report, your university application or to discuss your progress in lessons.

As a school based sixth form, we are much better placed to ensure you have the skills you need for success in the workplace and can personalise these around your needs and aspirations. We encourage all our students to undertake leadership development work - a key skill sought by employers. At The Shared Learning Trust, you will have numerous opportunities to do this, whether it is through our paid employment opportunities, volunteering with clubs or in lessons, organising events or as a senior prefect and a member of the student leadership team.

FORM

AND SUPPORT TEAM

We are fortunate to have a dedicated sixth form leadership team offering a wealth of experience across several key subject areas

Ms S Ahmed Assistant Principal—Sixth Form (The Chalk Hills Academy)

Mrs P Vessey Assistant Principal—Sixth Form (The Stockwood Park Academy)

Mrs S Robotham Head of Sixth Form (The Chalk Hills Academy)

Mr B Verma Head of Sixth Form (The Stockwood Park Academy)

Mr I Sudbery Vice Principal—Achievement & Curriculum

Other staff working closely with sixth form

Ms M Gregory Careers (The Chalk Hills Academy)

Mrs K Ward Careers (The Stockwood Park Academy)

Ms H Elliott Sixth Form Administrator (The Chalk Hills Academy)

Ms S George Sixth Form Administrator (The Stockwood Park Academy)

Ms K Kopelnicki Exams Officer (The Chalk Hills Academy) officer (The Stockwood Park Academy)

“The Sixth Form is a small close knit community and they encourage you to do your best.”

Year

COURSE ENTRANCE CRITERIA

Choosing your sixth form is one of the most important decisions you will make. It will potentially have an impact on the rest of your life, so it is essential that you make this decision for the right reasons!

We always ask our students “Where do you want to be in two years’ time? And where will you have the best chance of making this happen?”

Only you can make success happen, but we are confident that with our teaching expertise, small groups, personalised curriculum, structured careers programme and tutor guidance, you will have all the opportunities and support you need to be successful and make the next steps on your chosen career path at the end of your time with The Shared Learning Trust.

GCSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEVEL COURSES (LEVEL 3)

Subject and qualification Additional criteria if currently studying the subject at

A Level Art & Design (Fine Art)Grade 4 GCSE Art and Design, or related qualification

A Level Art & Design (Photography) Grade 4 GCSE Photography or related qualification

A Level Biology Grade 6 in GCSE combined or separate sciences, we also recommend a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths

A Level Business Grade 4 in GCSE Business or a level 2 Business Studies merit

A Level Chemistry Grade 6 in GCSE combined or separate sciences, we also recommend a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths

A Level Economics Grade 5 in GCSE Maths

this course be studied without studying at

on production of appropriate level portfolio

on production of appropriate level portfolio

A Level English Literature Grade 5 in GCSE English Literature and Language NO

A Level Geography Grade 5 in GCSE Geography, or another Humanities subject

A Level History Grade 5 in GCSE History, or another Humanities subject YES

A Level Law Grade 5 in a GCSE Humanities or Social Science Subject YES

A Level Maths Grade 6* in GCSE Maths (*Grade 7 is recommended for this subject) NO

A Level Accountancy Grade 6 in GCSE Maths YES

A Level Media Studies Grade 5 in GCSE Media, or English YES

A Level Physics Grade 6 in GCSE combined or separate sciences, we also recommend a Grade 6 in Maths

A level Politics Grade 5 in a Humanities subject

A Level Psychology Grade 5 in GCSE Psychology, or Grade 5 in GCSE combined or separate sciences

A Level Religious Studies Grade 5 in GCSE Religious Studies another Humanities subject

A level Sociology Grade 5 in GCSE Sociology or English

A Level French Grade 6 in GCSE French

A Level Spanish Grade 6 in GCSE Spanish

WJEC Applied Criminology Grade 4 in GCSE English Language

GCSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR VOCATIONAL COURSES (LEVEL 3)

Subject and qualification Additional criteria if currently studying the subject at KS4

BTEC Applied Psychology

BTEC Applied Science (Medical / Forensics)

BTEC Business Studies

Grade 4 in GCSE English Language

Grade 4 in GCSE combined science or separate sciences Grade 4 in English Language

Can this course be studied without studying at KS4

must have studied a general science

Grade 3 in GCSE Business or a level

Pass Grade 4 in GCSE English Language

BTEC Health & Social Care Level 2 Pass Health & Social Care GCSE grade 4 in GCSE English Language

BTEC Performing Arts Grade 4 or level

CNAT Sport

pass

Grade 4 in GCSE

equivalent)

CNAT in ICT Grade

BTEC Children’s Play, Learning and Development Level

in GCSE

Pass

GCSE grade

GCSE Dance, Drama

or level

Sport

with evidence of appropriate technical

with evidence of appropriate technical

Health & Social

GCSE English

All our courses are offered in goodwill; however, it is sometimes necessary to remove courses due to low numbers or unexpected staffi ng concerns. It will also not always be possible for students to study their fi rst-choice courses due to timetabling restrictions. Exact options will be confi rmed and discussed with students at interview in March 2023 and during enrolment in August 2023.