Your New College - New College Pontefract

YOUR

NEW COLLEGE

New College Pontefract

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NCPONTEFRACT

CONTENTS 3 WELCOME

18 - 19

4 - 5

KEY STEPS TO ENROLMENT

20 - 21

6 - 7

YOUR SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

22 - 23

YOUR PROGRESS

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8 - 9 10 - 11 12 - 13 14 - 15 16 - 17

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YOUR SUBJECT CHOICES YOUR RESULTS

YOUR WELLBEING AND SUPPORT YOUR ASPIRATIONS

YOUR ENRICHMENT

YOUR TRAVEL OPTIONS

OUR FORMER STUDENTS

24 - 25 WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY FAQS

Your New College

WELCOME Many congratulations on receiving a conditional offer to study at New College Pontefract from September.

Some of you will have been interviewed some time ago in person, but some of you will have been interviewed over the phone due to college closure, so we look forward to meeting you in person soon.

The College has recently been ranked third in the country for Achievement, out of 82 Sixth Form Colleges so you couldn’t be joining us at a better time and we hope that you will find this booklet useful in answering some of the many questions you no doubt have.

See you in September, raring to go with all your Summer work complete!

We will keep you informed of any changes to our arrangements due to COVID-19 via our website and via email. I can assure you that the health and safety of our students and staff is paramount and we will not fully reopen until it is safe to do so.

Vicky Marks Principal

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New College Pontefract

One of my main roles is to ensure that your transition from school to college is as smooth as possible. This can be a daunting time for any young adult and making the decision about where to study post 16, and which courses to choose, are most likely the biggest decisions of your life so far. Once you are at college I want to ensure that you have an amazing experience both inside and outside of the classroom and that we enable you to continue to grow as an individual to leave completely ready for the next journey in your life. I’m a Maths teacher who is not only passionate about my subject but also helping young people to become all they can be. You will see me around the college on a daily basis and I’m really excited about getting to know our next group of Year 12 students.

Neil Mumby Vice Principal (School Liaison, IAG and transition) As Vice Principal my main role is to ensure that you receive the highest quality education during your time at New College. I work closely with teaching staff to ensure that high standards are consistent throughout all subjects and qualifications so that students are able to achieve the best possible outcomes. Part of my role involves checking that students are being provided with all the information, resources and skills that they need to succeed, and also that students are using these tools effectively. You will see me frequently around college and I am very much looking forward to meeting our new year group. I teach Physical Education and I believe that every young person deserves the best education possible to enable them to excel in their chosen futures!

Chelsea Branson Webster Vice Principal (Quality, Standards and Performance)

Sarah Barber Assistant Principal

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James Morris Assistant Principal

Jo Holden Assistant Principal

Lisa Wiles Assistant Principal

Your New College

STEPS TO

ENROLLING

We offer you our very best wishes as you receive your GCSE results under very different circumstances and with some major changes to the usual process. Please try not to worry. We have been assured that the process of awarding grades is as fair as possible and will therefore be used by us in the usual way to enrol you on the right courses.

Here are some key dates for you: GCSE Results Day - Thursday 20 August Enrolment Days Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 August We’ll invite you to attend one of these two dates at a set time.

This is when we review your GCSE results with you and make final decisions about your place at New College Pontefract and the subjects you’ll study with us. It’s extremely important that you let us know if you can’t attend on the day and time of your appointment by emailing studentservices@ncpontefract.ac.uk Start of Teaching Friday 11 September

If any of these arrangements change as a result of government decisions, we’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity.

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New College Pontefract

YOUR SIXTH FORM

COLLEGE

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Your New College

New College Pontefract is an academic sixth form which is different to both a school sixth form and a general further education college. All of our students are aged 16-19 and all of our students are studying academic qualifications, mostly A levels but a good number studying A level equivalent qualifications – applied general qualifications such as BTEC courses. New College is a stepping stone to university, apprenticeships or employment and your experience with us will feel different to Year 11. It’s not just the fact that students don’t wear uniforms and that we don’t have bells. It’s mainly about the adult relationship we develop with our students. We work hard to get the balance right – expecting students to work hard and make good progress, checking carefully that things are going well, but relying on you to use your time and the college facilities effectively as a young adult and as an independent student.

In 2020, New College has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards. ‘Sixth Form College of the Year’ in the TES awards and Team of the Year (SLT) in the Pearson National Teaching Awards.

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New College Pontefract

YOUR SUBJECT

CHOICES

New College is the perfect size for sixth form study – we’re small enough to feel like a community but large enough to offer a huge range of subjects. This means you can genuinely choose the subjects that really interest you, that play to your strengths and that link to your future plans. We can tailor your combination of subjects to you as an individual. Helping you to select the right courses is critically important, which is why your interview and your enrolment meeting after your GCSE results are so important.

Don’t worry if you’ve changed your mind about your subjects, just let us know by emailing studentservices@ncpontefract. ac.uk, or let us know when you enrol. It’s best to let us know as soon as you can though, as subjects do become full.

Summer Independent Learning (SIL) From 22nd May, instructions for completing the SIL for each course is available on our website - ncpontefract.ac.uk/SIL. This work is intended to keep your mind active and to prepare you for the courses that you are studying at college. The work is compulsory and will be either handed in during your first lesson or tested during the first week of term. It’s really important that you put in enough time and effort to get this right – it’s the first impression your teachers will get and it will help you to really decide if you’ve made the right subject choices. Don’t leave it until the last minute, as you will need approximately 12 hours per subject to complete the work.

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Your New College

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New College Pontefract

YOUR

PROGRESS Throughout your time at New College you’ll know exactly how you are progressing.

We use lots of assessment, including traditional exams, but also small, informal knowledge checks during lessons and via your homework (directed independent learning). You’ll be receiving lots of regular feedback, reflecting on the areas you need to target, and addressing any weaknesses really quickly. This helps you to feel confident and in control, and it means you’ll be very well-prepared for your final exams or assignments. After each assessment your teacher will review any extra support you need and agree with you your next steps.

You and your parents/carers can check all of your assessment grades and a summary of agreed support and next steps through Cedar, our online portal. Each student will also have a progress tutor who will have the helicopter view of how you are getting on across all of your subjects.

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Your New College

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New College Pontefract

YOUR

RESULTS We are extremely proud of the results our students achieve at New College Pontefract: • •

• • • • •

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Pass rate for both A-Level and BTEC was 100% last year We are the top provider of post16 education in the region. in the government performance tables for progress in A-Level courses 60% of all A-Level students achieved an A*-B grade Achievement rates are outstanding – we rank 3rd out of 82 sixth form colleges nationally Students are supported to find the right courses and succeed in completing and passing them to very high levels We have been ranked in the top 5 sixth form colleges in the country for achievement for the last 6 years 92% of New College students studying BTEC qualifications achieved distinction or distinction* grades last year, supporting very good progression to university, employment and high quality apprenticeships

Your New College

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New College Pontefract

YOUR

WELLBEING AND SUPPORT New College is a place that embraces and celebrates our differences. We want all of our students to feel happy, valued and wellsupported. Your progress tutor will often be your first port-of-call if you’re finding things tough. They can provide you with individual advice and support or signpost you to other professionals that can also help, such as our team of counsellors or organisations outside of college. We run lots of events and campaigns throughout the year, helping students to stay safe and to make positive decisions that support good physical and mental health. We also have an experienced and committed team supporting students with additional learning needs (SEND) and a dedicated safeguarding team.

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Your New College

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New College Pontefract

YOUR

ASPIRATIONS At New College we provide tailored support for you so that you have the very best chance of progressing from New College to a great university, apprenticeship or job. We’ll ask you to review your career plans at key points, so that we can signpost relevant talks by visiting universities or employers, or we can arrange for you to have a careers interview.

We’ll support you in finding high quality work placements if you have particular careers in mind, such as medicine or teaching, or if you’re studying Applied General courses which include work placements, or if you’re considering work or apprenticeships rather than university. If you’re aiming for the very highest grades you’ll be able to be part of our Excellence Academy, focusing on preparation for applications to Russell Group universities, Oxford and Cambridge, and for very competitive degree courses which have extra hurdles to overcome. We’ll also create opportunities for all students to engage with universities, employers or apprenticeship providers within the courses they are studying.

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Your New College

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New College Pontefract

YOUR

ENRICHMENT

At New College you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of sports, clubs, societies and trips and we expect all students to engage with our enrichment programme. If you’re sporty, you might be interested in the football, rugby, netball or basketball teams, or perhaps our skiing trip to Italy? If you enjoy travel you could take part in World Challenge, fundraising for an expedition to a far-flung part of the world.

We offer Duke of Edinburgh Silver and Gold. You could get involved in our students’ union executive team and stand for election, organising events, raising money for charity, giving a voice to the student body. You could get involved in lunchtime clubs such as the LGBT group, choir, college magazine, or debating group. There are also many opportunities to attend trips, or to join talks by visiting speakers, some of which will be organised within your courses, and some which are open to students across the college. At New College there is lots to get involved in outside of lessons and it’s a great way to make new friends, learn new skills that will be valuable for life, develop confidence and discover hidden talents. If you don’t see anything that interests you, let us know or feel free to run your own club!

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Your New College

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New College Pontefract

YOUR

TRAVEL OPTIONS Transport provision for college includes routes from locations all over the Yorkshire area. This provision is a mixture of either public service buses or one of our twelve private college services. Please see the map for the college service routes.

For more information visit -www. ncpontefract.ac.uk/travel

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Your New College

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New College Pontefract

STUDENT

SUCCESS HANNAH RADDINGS Results Biology - A* Chemistry - A Maths - A High school The King’s School

Now studying at Durham University

HONG JI LIU Results Maths - A* Further Maths - A Computer Science - A Music - A High school Darton College

Now studying at University of Warwick

INDIA MARSHALL Results English Literature - A* Religious Studies - A* Spanish - A* Extended Project Qualification - A* High school Outwood Academy Freeston

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Now studying at Cambridge University

Your New College

Kettlethorpe High School Results Maths - A* Further Maths - A* Physics - A* Computer Science - A Now studying at Cambridge University

SUCCESS

LEWIS BUTLER

LEWIS EADES Results Extended Diploma in Performing Arts - D*D*D* High school Campsmount Academy Now studying at The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts

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New College Pontefract

WHAT OUR

ST UDENTS SAY Aydin Sari

Castleford Academy Subjects Studied at New College History, Law and English Literature What was your experience of New College like?

New College Pontefract has been the perfect environment to foster my academic subjects and prepare me for the future of my studies.

New College is incredibly academically focused, with all of my tutors immediately pushing me to further my knowledge (after my understanding of the courses’ foundational information was clear) to set me up to achieving the highest grades I could.

How did New College prepare you for your next steps?

New College prepared me very well and I am now studying my Bachelors of Law at Durham University. I then plan to do my BPTC. I am an aspiring barrister, politician or perhaps civil servant. I am also considering studying a Masters of Law.

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Your New College

Ruby Jones

The King’s School Subjects Studied at New College Graphic Design, Music and Spanish What was your experience of New College like?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at New College meeting lots of friends who have the same interests as me. I also liked how I gained a sense of independence and confidence which I never had in high school.

How did New College prepare you for your next steps?

My tutor Helen helped me with my UCAS application and advised and helped me when I was struggling to decide whether to go to university or not. I then received an offer from Lincoln University to study Graphic Design in September.

James Donnachie

Kettlethorpe High School Subjects Studied at New College Maths, Economics and History What was your experience of New College like?

The social side of college is fun and the enthusiasm of the teachers makes lessons interesting and challenging. It’s a great learning environment and I could always find support with anything I needed.

How did New College prepare you for your next steps?

New College offered all the information we needed on open days, courses, accommodation, finance, careers, apprenticeships and how to complete our UCAS applications. There were also opportunities to speak to university staff and employers about what we may want to do in the future. I am now studying Civil Engineering at university.

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New College Pontefract

FAQS What if I change my mind about my subject choices?

Not a problem. Just let us know by emailing studentservices@ncpontefract.ac.uk. You can also change subjects when you come to enrol.

Changing subjects will obviously depend on there being space available on the course, and you achieving the subject entry requirements.

What if I don’t get the grades I need?

Don’t panic! We offer a huge number of courses all with different entry requirements, so if things don’t go quite to plan we’ll explore all of the other options that are available to you.

What if I haven’t done the Summer Independent Learning?

The SIL is a requirement for all courses and MUST be completed before the start of term. It will be the basis of your first assessment and it will tell us how committed you are to studying with us. Any incomplete work will be expected to be done within a very short deadline and you will have given a poor first impression.

If I change my mind about courses, what happens to the Summer Independent Learning?

You will need to complete the SIL for the courses that you enrol on before the start of term in September. If you are undecided between 2 courses, we strongly recommend that you complete the work for both courses. This will help you to decide which you prefer and will also mean that you are ready in time for the start of term.

What if I’ve also applied to my school sixth form?

That’s no problem. Remember that you are free to apply to as many places as you like and you don’t have to make your final decision until after your GCSE results, when you officially enrol. At this stage, any places you accept are simply provisional (and you can accept places at more than just one place, for the time being).

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What if I haven’t been to a New College Taster Day? Lots of students will have spent a day with us, but it doesn’t matter if you haven’t. Look out for our Virtual Taster Day that will be appearing on our website soon.

Your New College

OFFICIAL Check out our range of apparel including the official NC hoodie at ncpontefract.ac.uk/nc-official

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NEW COLLEGE PONTEFRACT Park Lane, Pontefract, WF8 4QR Phone: 01977 702139 Email: enquiries@ncpontefract.ac.uk