PHHS-Y13 Handbook

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PRINCE HENRY’S HIGH SCHOOL

HANDBOOK YEAR 13

2014 2015 For Students and their Parents/ Guardians

Year 13 Handbook 2014-15

Dear Parent(s), This booklet has been compiled in an attempt to keep parents fully informed about life and expectations in the Year 13 in the hope that we can work together to achieve success for your son/daughter in this final year. It may be useful to refer to it at various stages of the year and to add key dates to your own diaries. If however you have any queries or concerns at any stage during the year please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,

Mr W. McGarvey Head of Sixth Form

Mr J. Martin Head of Year 13

Dear Student Life in Year 13 is noticeably different from Year 12; there is still the pressure of external examinations, and the added drama of UCAS and other applications makes this an intense year. However, with common sense, hard work and determination you can make it a richly rewarding and enjoyable one at the same time. We have the same high expectations of you as ever with regard to uniform, attendance and punctuality to lessons; we will still send you home to change if your uniform is inappropriate, and we will closely monitor your attendance at tutor times and all lessons.

This is one of the most crucial years of your school life, so we would like to end with two pieces of advice learned from many years of experience. Firstly, use your Form Tutors, subject teachers and the Sixth Form team as a resource to help you during the year. Don’t suffer alone or in silence. Secondly, remember this obvious but golden rule: you will only get out of Year 13 what you are prepared to put in. Learn from the comments we have included from past students on how to get the best out of your time in Year 13.

Yours sincerely,

Mr W. McGarvey Head of Sixth Form

Mr J Martin Head of Year 13

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Year 13 Handbook 2014-15

THE SIXTH FORM TEAM

The Sixth Form team is made up of:

Mr W McGarvey Head of Sixth Form wm@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk

Mrs C Webb Head of Year 12 cew@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk

Mr J Martin Head of Year 13 jpm@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk

Mrs N Tranter Sixth Form Administrator ntranter@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk

Mrs R Johnson Sixth Form Attendance Officer rjohnson@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk

We are here to look after students’ welfare, answer questions and make sure that the next two years of each students’ life are as happy and productive as possible.

Every student will be in one of 10 tutor groups. Each tutor group is led by a tutor who will be the first port of call for students if they have any worries or concerns.

In the Sixth Form office we operate an open door policy where students can always ask call in for help and advice. Mr Martin and Mr McGarvey are available to help with any academic pastoral or academic questions or concerns that students or parents may have.

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Year 13 Handbook 2014-15

THE SCHOOL DAY Please note new timings 9.05 am

Registration : Tutor Period or Assembly

9.25 am

Period 1

10.25 am

Period 2

11.30 am

Break

11.45 am

Period 3

12.45 pm

Lunchtime

1.30 pm

Period 4

2.30 pm

Period 5

3.35 pm

End of school

3.40 pm

Buses leave

We expect Sixth Form pupils to arrive promptly at registration and lessons, including Private Study lessons. Persistent lateness will result in detention on Wednesday afternoons. Pupils should also make sure that they do not arrive at their lessons eating and drinking.

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Year 13 Handbook 2014-15

SIXTH FORM PROCEDURES Registration: Students are registered in each individual lesson as well as in their tutor groups at 9.05 a.m. If a student fails to attend a timetabled lesson they will be expected to bring in a note explaining the absence, parents will be informed by text if notes are outstanding or if there are concerns about patterns of absence developing.

All absences and non-attendance of lessons will be checked daily.

Late procedure: pupils who arrive late for school should, immediately on arrival, sign in at the Sixth Form Office with a note explaining the reason for their lateness.

Sixth form absence procedure: in all cases of absence due to illness parents should phone Mrs Johnson on 01386 765588 and choose the Sixth Form option or email rjohnson@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk. This needs to happen on the first day of absence between 8.00am and 1.00pm, and on any subsequent days. A further letter may also be required.

Requests for leave of absence: absence from lessons causes loss of continuity which can lead to problems and should therefore be kept to an absolute minimum.

Wherever possible, medical appointments should not be made in school time. Where unavoidable, school must be informed in advance (details as above for all 6th form absences) or by presenting a copy of the appointment slip to Mrs Johnson. Subject teachers must be informed, and you should attend for part of the lesson if timings allow. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with any work missed and if an absence is known about in advance they should see their teachers to collect work.

Students must ensure that they sign out / back in at the Sixth Form office.

Family holidays should not be taken in term time and requests for such holidays will not be authorised. Requests for other absences such as for sporting competitions or music exams should be made in advance via Mrs Johnson in the Sixth Form office, if necessary such requests can be discussed with the relevant Head of Year.

Driving lessons and tests: students must not miss academic lessons or timetabled private study periods to take driving lessons; however, lessons may be taken during a free period. We understand that there is little control over a test date, but would ask for a letter from a parent confirming the date and time of test.

Open day visits: students are encouraged to visit universities but should try to limit their visits to 2 days out of school during the academic year. Any additional visits should be made at the weekend. There are forms in the Sixth Form office which should be filled in and returned to Mrs Johnson. Every effort must be made to catch up on work, and students must inform teachers that they will be absent.

Signing in and out during the day Going off-site: Sixth Formers are allowed out of school at break and lunchtime, on Wednesday afternoons and during their free lesson, provided that they sign out officially and that they do not behave in such a way as may bring discredit on the school. Students should sign in and out in the signing out books which are kept in the main office and Sixth Form common room If students feel unwell during the day they should report to their subject teacher, explaining why they are unable to come to the lesson and then find a member of the Sixth Form team before signing out at the Sixth Form office. On no account should students go home without informing anyone.

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Year 13 Handbook 2014-15

COURSES IN THE UPPER SIXTH 1. AS and A2 Levels The A2 courses started in June and July of Year 12 and will continue throughout Year 13. Some students may wish to continue with four subjects to A2 level whilst most will continue with three; additionally it is possible to start new subjects at AS level.

Whichever route students opt for they should discuss the alternatives with Mr McGarvey or Mr Martin.

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General Studies

Most students will have taken AS General Studies in Year 12 which is a useful extra qualification. A2 General Studies is NOT compulsory but may be offered to any student who wishes to take it, after consultation with Mr Martin or Mr McGarvey. There will be no formal teaching for the course but revision materials will be available.

“Teaching is more informal and teachers are always available to help you. work can be stressful if you don’t keep on top of it. ”

The

John Geeson

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Form Period - (9.05 - 9.25 am)

Much of the form time this year will be spent giving advice and help with applications for Higher Education and/or employment. Each Sixth Form Tutor will be writing references for members of their tutor group and helping them to prepare the Personal Statement for their UCAS form. The system of progress checks and monitoring of student progress continues through regular discussions with the Form Tutor.

THROUGH FORM TIME, FORM TUTORS NEED BUILD UP A RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR TUTEES TO ENABLE THEM TO WRITE A DETAILED REFERENCE AND THIS IS ACHIEVED THROUGH FULL ATTENDANCE AT TUTOR TIME. FORM TIME IS COMPULSORY AND MOST IMPORTANT IF STUDENTS ARE TO RECEIVE ALL OF THE SUPPORT NECESSARY IN THEIR FINAL YEAR.

4. Private Study Students will continue to have supervised Private Study lessons when they will be registered and expected to work in the PRH. However in order to prepare them for Higher Education they will also have more unsupervised time. Our expectation is that students will choose to use much of this time for studying in the Sixth Form Private Study Room or the LRC and for continuing with practical coursework in departments. It is to be hoped that students will organise their free time effectively and keep up with their studies – in some cases we will intervene and give students more supervised study.

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Year 13 Handbook 2014-15

UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE APPLICATIONS UCAS 2nd September 2014 - 12th January 2015 - UCAS Application Period – see appendix for full list of dates.

EARLY APPLICATION IS AN ADVANTAGE 13th October 2013

School deadline for ALL applications for Medicine, Dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science and all applications which include Oxford and/or Cambridge University.

(N.B. If you need to take an admissions test such as the HAT/LNAT/BMAT/UKCAT you must register yourself as soon as possible for UKCAT and organise yourself to sit it. (well in advance of th 15 October) BMAT, HAT etc. need to be arranged with Mrs Wall the examinations officer ASAP at the beginning of September.

24th October 2015

School advisory deadline – it is an advantage to have completed your application before half term.

15th January 2015

Last date for RECEIPT of applications by UCAS – they will need to th have been completed by students by Friday 11 so that staff can complete the references .

UCAS say the following: “Institutions are urged to give equal consideration to all applications received by UCAS up to and including the closing date of 15th January, irrespective of the date of submission. HOWEVER it would be unrealistic to guarantee such equal treatment in all cases. Occasionally it may be necessary for admission tutors to adjust their admissions policy in the light of the number and quality of applications received both of which may fluctuate from year to year. Institutions make every effort to avoid this and to minimise any adverse effects.”

In our opinion early application has FOUR major advantages:•

It may give a better chance of an offer.

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It leaves students free to concentrate on their studies during this vital term.

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Offers may be received earlier which prove highly motivating for many students.

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Students know what they have to aim for.

“Make sure you visit lots of universities because it is such a big decision” A very useful guide to download is available on UCAS at:http://www.ucas.com//sites/default/files/ucas-parent-guide-2015entry_3.pdf

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Year 13 Handbook 2014-15

A Level Results Thursday August 13th 2015 (provisional) –

Do not book

holidays for the results period as it is essential students are present to sort out university details or to go through clearing should that be necessary (see letter from UCAS).

SUMMER HOLIDAYS : NOTICE TO PARENTS AND APPLICANTS As you start to consider booking your summer holidays for 2015, please take account of the arrangements your son or daughter will have to make in preparation for entry to higher education.

The conditional offers made by the UCAS institutions guarantee a place if the applicant’s summer examinations results, usually GCE A/AS levels, match or exceed the requirements of the offer; their offer is confirmed. A majority of those entering higher education are successful in achieving these results.

Conditional offers may also be confirmed if the applicants’ results do not quite meet the conditions of their offers. A significant number however, about one third of those holding conditional offers prior to sitting their examinations, will not have their place confirmed and must compete for a few remaining vacant places through the Clearing scheme which operates in late August and September, immediately prior to the start of the academic year.

It is essential that all applicants taking A levels (or at the very least someone who can act in their stead) are available during the whole of the period following the publication of the A level results in order to consult schools, careers offices or others and to deal with the institutions through Clearing. An absence on holiday at this time may lose applicants their place towards which they have worked for such a long time. Even those applicants with an early confirmation of a place are advised to be on hand during September in order to deal with the necessary paperwork and final arrangements for grants and accommodation.

GCE A level results will be published on or about Thursday 13th August 2015. UCAS institutions will complete their consideration of those results by Friday 21st August 2015, and those receiving confirmed offers at this stage will be required to send their acceptance to the institution within seven days of dispatch of the offer. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the offer. This Clearing scheme will start in the last week of August.

Can I appeal to you to ensure that, if at all possible, your son or daughter is available from 13th August onwards. I hope there will be no problems but with so much at stake I am sure you would agree that it would be wise to take sensible precautions to safeguard the future of the child’s education.

Mr J Martin Head of Year 13

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Year 13 Handbook 2014-15

UCAS - the simple truth Use the UCAS handbook, the UCAS website and the relevant prospectuses to help you to choose a course. You should also use the careers material in the Learning Resource Centre and your tutors as an extra resource to help you with all aspects of the application process.

The Year 13 Tutor programme during morning registration is specifically dedicated to helping you with your applications. Your punctual and regular attendance is therefore essential.

The earlier that you make your application the more chance you have of securing your first choice of course. The October deadline exists for good reason: in November and December the number of UCAS applications increases dramatically (see below). This is a very big queue to be stuck at the back of. The graph below shows just how applications increase and why early application is advisable.

Some university courses offer sponsorship or a reduced level of fees. Details of these are usually announced in assemblies (another very good reason to be present at assembly) or are available from the Sixth Form office.

The role of your teachers and especially your form tutors is central to your application since they have to write the reference that supports it. To enable them to do this properly you need to make sure that you give them enough time and notice. Keep them in touch with what you are doing by showing them practice UCAS forms and draft personal statements so that they can use their expertise to help you.

The earlier that you apply the more quickly you will receive offers of places. Most students find this a great motivator since it gives them a goal to aim for. Over the past few years many universities have made quick offers to students who apply early.

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Year 13 Handbook 2014-15

EMPLOYMENT Not all students apply for university, some will wish to find employment or Apprenticeships others will be unsure and be applying for both leaving a final decision until August. Careers advice about employment, how to write letters of application, how to write a CV and interview techniques take place throughout the year during form period. The majority of vacancies are not advertised until February/March. This information will be passed to students during form time and in Assemblies so it is obviously vital that students are present.

IMPORTANT DATES End of Module/Unit Examinations

Examinations take place in May and June for AS and A2, the A2 exams are usually slightly later during these months. Student will also do mock exams in all their AS and A2 subjects in January. The results of these exams will be used for aiding teachers with their intervention strategies and in making decisions about the final exams in the summer. Thus students will need to be revising over the Christmas holiday period.

Start of Term Whole school photograph Oxbridge/Medicine/Veterinary/Dentist deadline Open Evening (school shuts at 1.00pm) Teacher Education Day Half Term Year 13 Applied Science Assessment day Year 13 Biology ISA Year 13 Parents’ Evening Teacher Education Day Christmas Concert Term Ends (school shuts 1.00pm) Term Starts A2 Mock Exams start Year 13 Drama Practical Teacher Education Day Half Term Year 13 Biology ISA Term Ends Term Starts Year 13 Parents Evening Bank Holiday Year 13 Art Exam Year 13 Study starts at 1pm Half Term Speech Day End of Term AS/A2 results published Consultation Days

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02.9.14 26.09.14 15.10.14 23.10.14 24.10.14 27.10 –31.10.14 5.11.14 26.11.14 27.11.14 01.12.14 18.12.14 19.12.14 05.1.15 05.1.15 05.2.15 13.2.15 16 – 20.2.15 18.3.15 27.3.15 13.4.15 16.4.15 4.5.15 11.5.15 22.5.15 25.5. – 29.5.15 3.7.15 17.7.15 13.8.15 13-14.8.15

Year 13 Handbook 2014-15

Coursework Dates Many A2 subjects have coursework as part of their assessment method. Students should check with departments for precise details and dates. Students may find that they have two or more courseworks due at approximately the same time as dates are set by the exam board. IT IS THEREFORE VITAL THAT STUDENTS GET ON WITH COURSEWORK AS SOON AS IT IS SET AND NOT LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE

PAID EMPLOYMENT There is strong evidence from National Research about the adverse effects of paid employment upon AS and A level performance. Our own research tends to indicated that on average 8 - 10 hours per week does not have a significant affect upon performance. Above this, though, students achieve grades well below what might have been expected.

“Year 13 is really hard work but it is worth every minute of it!”

“Life in the Upper Sixth is what you make it! It is full of ups and downs, but there are many more ups than downs”

USE OF PERSONAL ICT DEVICES Sixth Form students are allowed to bring their mobile phones into school but should only use them in the designated Sixth Form areas – Sixth Form Common Room and Private Study areas. Students using phones around the school site will have them confiscated and they will be given to Mr McGarvey or Mr Martin for collection at the end of the day by the student.

Students can also bring other ICT equipment into school to help with their studying but do so at their own risk; the school holds no responsibility for the safe keeping or functionality of such devices. Students must not use any ICT devices in lessons unless it is being used as part of the lesson or with the express permission of the supervising teacher.

Devices with a compatible Wi-Fi connection may connect to the school’s wireless network to access the internet. This connection must run through the school’s proxy and is monitored. Students can log into the school system by inserting their email address. All students are required to adhere to the school’s acceptable use policy which they signed upon arrival at school.

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Year 13 Handbook 2014-15

APPEARANCE All pupils must conform to the Sixth Form Dress Code which sets the tone for the rest of the school in terms of appearance: Year 12 and 13 students’ dress should be smart and appropriate to their position as role models for those in lower years. The Sixth Form uniform differs from that of lower school and is designed to ensure that students are sensibly dressed in a way which does not distract from their studies.

Parents are respectfully requested to encourage students to conform to the school’s regulations over jewellery, hair styles, facial hair, tattoos and jackets.

Staff do not want to be involved in arguments with Sixth Formers about what is or is not acceptable, and if a member of the Sixth Form team deems an item of clothing or an aspect of appearance unsuitable or inappropriate, their decision is final.

DRIVING Students wishing to bring a car on to the school premises must acquire a parking permit from Mrs Tranter in the Sixth Form Office that must be displayed in their car windscreen when parking in school. The school needs to keep a note of all student vehicle registration numbers and we ask students to notify us of any changes that occur so that a new permit can be given. Please ensure that the students’ insurance covers any passengers your son / daughter may be transporting in their car.

Some young people have plenty of confidence in their own driving ability without perhaps being aware how easily a young child can step out from between parked cars in Victoria Avenue. We would therefore ask that students drive well below the speed limit when approaching and leaving school. Rapid and aggressive acceleration, even when within the speed limit, must be avoided. Unfortunately every year a handful of students are involved in crashes whilst driving to and from school so we would be grateful for parental support in encouraging students to drive with considerable care at all times, including the car parks where accidents have also occurred. It is a privilege for students to be allowed to bring their cars onto the school site and this privilege will be withdrawn if students are perceived to be driving too fast or in a manner which could cause an accident.

It would help our relationship with local residents if students could please park in the school car parks. There is no law preventing students from using the surrounding roads but it is easy to understand how local residents might feel if they are unable to park outside their own properties because our students have been too lazy to use the car parking which is provided on the school site. Students coming to school by car must respect the requirements that the school has of them and park responsibly in one of the designated car parks. Students must not park on any part of the school fields, on the grass verges or on any access roads. When driving on the school site students must exercise extreme care and caution.

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