Getting Ready for College - #LongRoadLife Applicant Newsletter - August Edition

AUGUST EDITION: VOL. 8

#LongRoadLife LONG ROAD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE APPLICANT NEWSLETTER

GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME Hello, from Long Road!

The wait is almost over, GCSE Results Day is just around the corner and its nearly time for you to make your final decision about your next steps - eeek so exciting!!

We know you're probably feeling a little nervous about what happens next (moving up to sixth form is a big deal!) so we've put together this special edition of #LongRoadLife to help you, as the name suggests, get ready for college!

We wish you the best of luck for GCSE results day and hope to see you soon as a new member of the Long Road family!

Best wishes, Long Road

GCSE RESULTS DAY ENROLMENT DISCUSSIONS KEY DATES TRAVELLING TO COLLEGE WHAT WE WISH WE KNEW BEFORE STARTING COLLEGE

SAY HELLO It's not long now until we welcome you on campus, but until then come and say hello to us online!

Long Road Sixth Form College

@LR6FC

@lr6fc

PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME I am really pleased that you are considering joining Long Road Sixth Form College. We are a friendly, inclusive college, and we will welcome you to our community from the moment you make an application to study with us.

We understand that the move from school can sometimes feel a little daunting, especially given the pandemic disruption that we have all faced over the last few years. That’s why we make sure you have individual support to ensure a smooth transition, and throughout your time with us. At Long Road, you’ll learn in a mature, university style setting (no bells or uniforms), on our lovely campus. we will help you gain the skills and confidence to thrive here, and for the future.

We are experts in 16-19 education.

As all our Ofsted

inspections have highlighted, Long Road has a long and proud history of supporting students to achieve their very best. Our students are successful because our teachers are truly committed subject specialists, we recognise every student is unique and provide the support that’s right for you.

All too soon you’ll be thinking of your next move, and we will help you with that too; we will enable you to see all the many different pathways you could take. We don’t assume one route is right for everyone. We want you to leave Long Road proud of what you have contributed and achieved; ready to do more.

Our goal is your success.

My very best wishes, Yolanda

YOUR APPLICATION TIMELINE Your application timeline will help you keep track of where you are in the admissions process and keep you informed of what happens next.

Look for the arrow location to see where we are in the process!

OCTOBER 2021 Applications Open

10 & 11 FEBRUARY AND 7 MARCH 2022 Guidance Meetings & Conditional Offer Discuss your options with an experienced member of staff. You'll receive a formal offer via your Long Road Online Services account shortly after your Guidance Meeting.

JANUARY 2022 Applications Close.

Applications made after the deadline may be placed on a waiting list

7 & 8 JULY 2022 Auditions, Welcome Days & Summer Work

25 AUGUST 2022 GCSE Results Day Good luck! We're keeping our fingers crossed for you

31 AUGUST & 1 SEPTEMBER 2022 New Student Enrolment Welcome to the Long Road family!

Spend the day as a Long Road student; try out your subjects & get a taste of Long Road life. Summer work will be available online & must be completed for your first lesson at college. Auditions for Performing Arts subjects will also be held during Welcome Days

12 SEPTEMBER 2022 Start of Academic Year 2022/2023 Time to start your Long Road life!

WE'RE HERE TO HELP Our friendly Admissions Team are here to support and guide you through every stage of your Long Road application.

We are extremely busy during GCSE results period. Please do not worry if we cannot answer your call/email immediately. We promise to get back to you asap. admissions@longroad.ac.uk

01223 63 1125

GCSE RESULTS DAY GCSE results day is fast approaching! The deadline for submitting your results to us, online, is 1pm Friday 26th August.

It is important to upload your results to us as soon as possible after you receive them on Thursday 25th August, as this will help with the enrolment process. If this is not done it may cause delays or mean that we are not able to enrol you.

Once you have submitted your results and have been issued with an Enrolment Offer you must accept this offer via your MyLongRoad application as soon as you receive it.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? Step 1: You will need to submit your grades to us online. Click here to submit your GCSE results (you will need your standard MyLongRoad username and password to log in – Don’t forget to press “Submit and Log Off”!)

Step 2: You will also need to fill in some additional information, please do this at the same time as uploading your grades. Click here to visit the additional information page (you will need your standard MyLongRoad username and password to log in) If the form is not completed and your exam results not entered this will delay the enrolment process for you.

ENROLMENT OFFERS Once your exam results have been submitted the college can start the enrolment process for you. If you meet the entry requirements for your courses, you will be sent an Enrolment Offer which you will need to accept to ensure a place with us at Long Road, you can do this by logging into your MyLongRoad application and clicking Accept.

If you wish to withdraw your application, then you can click on Withdraw Application. If you change your mind, your application will be placed on a waiting list.

If you've been given an Enrolment Offer but would like to change course(s) then you will be able to request an enrolment meeting with a

friendly member of our team, where your options will be discussed. You can do this by logging in to your MyLongRoad account and clicking on the Request a Telephone Meeting button.

If you have not met the requirements of your offer, then please do not worry, you will automatically be invited to an enrolment meeting. We will look to provide you with an alternate study programme wherever possible. Whatever happens, we’re here to support you and will discuss the many options we have for you at your enrolment appointment.

Enrolment Advice and Guidance Meetings will be held on 31st August and 1st September via telephone.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP If you are experiencing any issues with accessing your MyLongRoad account, please contact our IT Support Department by emailing itsupport@longroad.ac.uk We are extremely busy during GCSE results period. Please do not worry if they cannot answer your email immediately. We promise to get back to you asap.

KEY INFO Enrolment meetings are held via telephone only.

Please do not come into college for your meeting.

You will not be given a specific meeting time, but will be allotted either an AM or PM slot.

AM slot = 9am - 12pm PM slot = 1pm - 4pm Please make sure you are available for the 3-hour enrolment meeting time slot.

ENROLMENT MEETINGS What happens during my Enrolment Advice and Guidance Meeting?

The college will not be holding any of these discussions on campus, but instead they will be held over the phone, using the mobile number we have on record for you.

You will receive an email notifying you of an update to your account. Once you login you will see the date and time of your enrolment meeting. It will list a date followed by either one of these times: 9am or 1pm.

Please note that these times reflect AM and PM time slots rather than actual times.

So, for example: If you have been sent an invitation for 31st August at 09:00 AM then this means that a member of the team will ring you on 31st August at some time in the AM time slot between 9am and 12pm.

Please make sure you are available for this 3-hour window.

If you have been sent an invitation for 31st August at 13:00 PM then this means that a member of the team will ring you on 31st August at some time in the PM time slot between 1pm and 4pm.

Please make sure you are available for this 3-hour window.

KEEPING IN TOUCH Your application to Long Road is now reaching the point of Enrolment, meaning it is more important than ever that we have the correct contact details for you.

You can check what mobile phone number we have by logging on to MyLongRoad, choosing Personal Details from the top menu, then choosing Contact. The mobile number we have on file will be shown in the Mobile phone number box – if it’s wrong, just change it there and click the Save button.

Changes may take up to an hour to be reflected in our Onboarding system. Mobile numbers must be in this format: 07123456789 or +447123456789 with no spaces, no brackets or other punctuation.

Please make sure that you have provided us with details for both your Emergency Contacts (we require two emergency contacts for you and you may only have completed details for one of them). Make sure to add telephone and email address details for both Emergency Contacts.

It is worth you checking that all your personal information has been entered correctly and is up to date. If you have used a school email address you will need to change this to a personal email address.

The login screen can be found by clicking here. You will need your standard username and password to login.

CONTACT DETAILS Your secondary school email address will soon be expired. If you have used a school email address you will need to change this to a personal email address.

Please ensure we have your own personal email address and mobile number on record.

Parent / Carer email addresses and mobile numbers can be recorded under your Emergency Contacts.

TERM DATES & ATTENDANCE Good attendance is the single biggest factor determining success and we will follow up poor attendance.

Parents will be sent a weekly automated email showing attendance for the previous week.

Make sure you note down the key term dates for the upcoming year as the college will not authorise any holidays taken during term time.

KEY DATES KEY ADMISSIONS DATES 1pm, 26 August 2022 = Deadline for uploading GCSE results 31 August - 1 September 2022 = New student enrolment 7 - 8 September 2022 = New student orientation AUTUMN TERM 12 September 2022 = First day of term 24 - 28 October 2022 = Half term 16 December 2022 = Last day of term 21 December 2022 - 2 January 2023 = Christmas Holidays SPRING TERM 3 January 2023 = First day of term 13 - 17 February 2023 = Half term 31 March 2023 = Last day of term 3 - 14 April 2023 = Easter Holidays SUMMER TERM 17 April 2023 = Start of term 29 May - 2 June 2023 = Half term 14 July 2023 = End of term 17 July - 28 August 2023 = Summer Holidays

KEY MESSAGES TO APPLICANTS Check your emails regularly for communication from our Admissions Team

Summer work is now available to download from our website!

Click here to get started.

If you have any questions before joining us in September please email admissions@longroad.ac.uk

GETTING SIXTH FORM STARTED: SUMMER WORK One of the most important activities to help prepare you for your studies as a Long Road student is completing the summer work tasks set for you by our Course Team Leaders.

These activities aren’t here to trip you up or catch you out, they’re designed to give you an extra taste of what you will be learning during your time at Long Road, and we hope you have fun completing them!

If you do find that you have some questions then please don’t hesitate in contacting your Course Team Leader, you can find their contact details by clicking here.

All Summer Work should be completed and ready to hand in during your first lesson at Long Road.

Please click here to visit our website and download all of your summer work activities.

TRAVELLING TO COLLEGE Travelling by Rail Cambridge Railway Station is approximately 1.5 miles away. The College runs its own shuttle bus from Cambridge Railway station throughout the College day.

Students who travel by rail may be able to receive discounted travel by visiting: www.16-17saver.co.uk (Not valid after your 18th birthday) www.greatnorthernrail.com/tickets/discounts-andrailcards/student-connect https://public.greenrailtravel.co.uk/scholars.html

Travelling by Bus The nearby Cambridge Biomedical Campus is served well by the local bus companies, the Addenbrooke's Hospital bus station is a 10 minute walk from the College. There are stops for the Guided Busway which runs from Huntingdon and Royston to Cambridge close to the College entrance.

Students who travel by bus may be able to receive discounted travel by clicking here.

Walking/Cycling Many students either walk or cycle to the College from the surrounding area or the railway station.

Travelling by Car There is no student parking at the College or in the surrounding areas.

COST OF TRAVEL TOO MUCH? If you require assistance with this cost of transport, then help maybe available through either your local County Council or the College’s 16-18 discretionary bursary.

If you have any queries then please do not hesitate to contact us E-mail: finance@longroad.ac.uk Telephone: 01223 63 1141 or 01223 63 1142

Get your summer work done in good time, so you feel prepared.

Use your free periods and doing little bits of it often.

Of course, if the work does get too much, you can always ask for a small extension to get it done; lots of the teachers prefer that you get it done well a few days later than not finish it at all within a tighter deadline.

WHAT WE WISH WE KNEW BEFORE STARTING COLLEGE ARTCILE BY STUDENT ELLEN FISHER Some of our students and teachers have offered their advice and help to guide you through your first steps at college. These are things they wish they knew before they started...

Don’t let the work build up!

Lots of our students suggested this. You can get quite a lot of work per week at college, and it can feel like it builds up quite quickly, especially if you don’t keep on top of it.

If the work does get too much, you can always ask for a small deadline extension; lots of teachers prefer that you get it done well a few days later than not finish it at all within a tighter deadline.

Some ways to keep on top of it might be: Buying a planner to organise your time.

Getting your summer work done in good time, so you feel prepared.

Using your free periods and doing little bits of it often.

Working with your friends in your class to share ideas and help each other.

Take your teacher’s advice! They know the course best and can really help you. Don’t be scared to ask questions you can always ask after your class if you don’t feel ready to talk in lessons.

WHAT WE WISH WE KNEW BEFORE STARTING COLLEGE Get prepared with the equipment you need!

Don’t buy too much! Start with just paper, ring binders, pens and the suggested text books. Your teachers will tell you what else on your first day so you still have time to get everything. Make sure you have a bag big enough for everything, and one that you can carry around easily.

Look at your transport options!

The Long Road website can be a good place to start with this, because often public transport to and from college can get a little pricey! Transport costs may also be covered by bursaries for certain students. Check with the college if you’re eligible to access these funds.

Some advice for transport: Looking on a company’s website to see if they have student prices.

Buy weekly, monthly or termly tickets to save a bit of money for the same amount of journeys.

Test out your journey before your first day. Most are fairly straight forward, but it just takes off one worry from your first day, and try to test it at the time you will be on the day.

Buses and trains can be packed at peak times! Try to get the earlier bus or train, it may take less time when it’s quieter but everyone is rushing around to get to college most days!

Test out your journey before your first day. Most are fairly straight forward, but it just takes off one worry from your first day, and try to test it at the time you will be on the day.

Buses and trains can be packed at peak times! Try to get the earlier bus or train, it may take less time when it’s quieter

It can seem really daunting coming to a college as there are lots of new people. Try to remember that everyone is in the same position.

The best way to find your people is to be yourself.

Try to branch out and say hi to anyone who looks a little lonely.

Everyone feels anxious about starting sixth form, whether they look it or not. Try to remember that you’re not alone. And remember to smile, even if you don’t feel like it.

WHAT WE WISH WE KNEW BEFORE STARTING COLLEGE Meeting new people isn’t as bad as you think!

It can seem really daunting coming to a college as there are lots of new people. Try to remember that everyone is in the same position.

Some ways to make new friends could be: Talk to everyone. Yes, everyone. Even asking how someone’s day is can help.

Talk to people in your classes, you all take the same subject so start from there.

Be you! There are so many people in college, there will be people you get on well with and people you don’t. The best way to find your people is to be yourself.

Don’t worry about groups changing or leaving a group. You will likely have lots of different friends because you won’t all have the same timetable. Try to branch out and say hi to anyone who looks a little lonely.

Everyone feels anxious about starting sixth form, whether they look it or not.

Try to remember that you’re not alone. And remember to smile, even if you don’t feel like it.

Make use of the support available College and life in general isn’t always easy. Asking for a bit of extra support, whatever it is, is always okay. If you’re not sure where to get help,

WHAT WE WISH WE KNEW BEFORE STARTING COLLEGE speak to your progress coach, they will know where to go or email help@longroad.ac.uk.

Remember it’s always okay to take a break or need some extra help, prioritise yourself.

Here are some ways you can get help if you need it: Academic support: Your teachers, your progress coach, head of departments.

Mental health support: ALWAYS put your mental health first. You can email wellbeing@longroad.ac.uk or counsellors@longroad.ac.uk if you need support, or speak to your progress coach or teachers.

Home/social and friends support: Progress coaches can help, or the emails for mental health support.

College is very important but it’s also important to look after yourself too. Make sure you talk to someone if you need support, Long Road has a great support system, and it’s always good to make use of it.

Remember it’s always okay to take a break or need some extra help, prioritise yourself.

College is very important but it’s also important to look after yourself too.

Make sure you talk to someone if you need support, Long Road has a great support system, and it’s always good to make use of it.

If you’re not sure where to get help, speak to your Progress Coach or email help@longroad.ac.uk

BUT WHAT DO I WEAR?!

Basically, whatever you like! (within reason - your new PJs might be super comfy but they're not really appropriate for college) Our student generally wear casual clothing jeans, jumpers, t-shirts, dresses. Wear something that you feel comfortable in.

No more school uniform yay!

WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR FIRST DAY Does anyone else love stationary shopping?!

First day nerves can get the better of us all! To help you feel at ease we've put together a checklist of the essentials you'll need for your first day of college.

Pencil case with pens (lots of pens!) pencils, highlighters. Depending on your subjects you may also need mathematical equipment.

Top Tip - buy a clear pencil case that you will also be able to use in your exams!

An A4 folder for each of your subjects.

Top Tip - buy some colourful folder dividers so you can separate modules within your subject folders!

A pad of A4 paper / A4 notebook / laptop to take notes in class.

A diary to keep track of your timetable, assignment deadlines and all the exciting extra-curricular activities you'll be taking part in.

Your face mask and hand sanitiser Lunch / snacks and a large water bottle filled with water.

Student travel pass / bike lock A smile, positive attitude and enthusiasm to learn!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE STELLAR CLASS OF 2022!

There were huge smiles all round this morning on A Level Results Day celebrated the hard work and success of our wonderful students and staff.

Despite a challenging start to their sixth form education during the pandemic, and facing exams for the first time this summer, our students have achieved extraordinary results across the board with over 50% of all A Level results awarded at the highest grades possible of A* – B! Our BTEC and CTEC Applied students excelled too with sweeping success across all subjects; particularly spectacular grades were achieved in Sport, Health and Social Care, Business and Media with many students

securing places at their first choice university.

We really are in awe of our students today whose outstanding results prove only what we know to be true; that you are an amazing community of young people: creative, determined, thoughtful, intelligent, adaptable, and off to change the world!

Class of 2022, we are so very proud of you and cannot wait to see the great things you go on to do next….

Click here to meet some of the students who came along to our Results Day celebration!

A LEVEL RESULTS DAY 2022 These results highlight not only the adaptability and tenacity of our students, but also of all the dedicated staff at Long Road who have expertly supported them through the uncertainty of the last 2 years.

Yolanda Botham Principal

JENNIFER WOLFE

NATHY BERMAN

CONGRATULATIONS to Jennifer for a truly outstanding set of results with A*’s across the board in Biology, English Language & L:iterature, History and EPQ!! She has now accepted her place to study Anthropology at the University of Kent - rated in the top 10 universities for Anthropology in the UK!

A HUGE congratulations to Long Road Scholar, Nathy, for his fantastic results. with an A* in Biology and A’s in Chemistry and PE, Nathy is soon to travel to Ghana and Tanzania to take part in some humanitarian work before returning to the UK next year with a plan to study Medicine!

“My favourite thing about Long Road is the campus itself. I actually chose Long Road because of how big the campus is and all the green spaces. This year at college i spent time revising outside as I found the environment really calming and helped me focus – I also love the woodland walk!

“My favourite thing about Long Road has been the staff, the friendly atmosphere and welcoming environment and the independence between lesson time.

My teachers have been amazing; they pushed me to be independent and gave me support when needed.

I liked being treated like an adult and calling teachers by their first names!”

My advice to new students starting in September is get organised before you arrive at Long Road by having equipment, folders and an idea of which transport to take into college.

My advice to Year 1 students moving up to Year 2 is brush up on content you learnt in Year 1.

Practice AS-Level papers of your course as these contain the content you learn in an exam style.”

AUGUST EDITION: VOL. 8

#LongRoadLife LONG ROAD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE APPLICANT NEWSLETTER

help@longroad.ac.uk 01223 63 1125 www.longroad.ac.uk Long Road Sixth Form College @LR6FC @lr6fc Long Road Sixth Form College