Year 13 Handbook

PRINCE HENRY’S HIGH SCHOOL

HANDBOOK YEAR 13

2018 2019 For Students and their Parents/ Guardians

Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

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,

Mrs C Webb 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 the pressure of external examinations, and the added drama of possible applications for university, apprenticeships or gap year 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. We hope that you enjoy your final year with us.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs C Webb Head of Sixth Form

Mr J Martin Head of Year 13

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Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

THE SIXTH FORM TEAM

The Sixth Form Team works to ensure that you are given all the advice, pastoral care, information and support that you need to successfully navigate your way through Sixth Form and to prepare you for the next step in your life.

The Sixth Form Team is made up of:

Mrs C Webb Head of Sixth Form cew@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk

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

Mrs J Tozer Deputy Head of Sixth Form Year 12 jkt@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk

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

Mrs K Granacki Sixth Form Administrator kgranacki@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk

Mrs A Ridley Private Study Supervisor aridley@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk 3

Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

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

Every student will remain in their tutor group. 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. The tutor will also offer support in making applications through UCAS. In the Sixth Form office we operate an open door policy where students can always call in for help and advice. Mr Martin and Mrs Webb are available to help with any pastoral or academic questions or concerns that students or parents may have.

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Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

SIXTH FORM PROCEDURES 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. It is essential that the students wear uniform appropriately.

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 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 and attend 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 Tranter or Mrs Granacki (Friday only) on 01386 765588 and choose the Sixth Form option or email ntranter@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk. Please inform us on the first day of absence between 8.00am and 12.00am, and on any subsequent days.

The student should bring in a letter on their return to school.

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 Sixth Form absences) or by presenting a copy of the appointment slip to Mrs Tranter. Subject teachers must be informed, and the student 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. We believe that excellent attendance is essential in ensuring that students make good progress, for this reason we do not authorise term-time holidays except in exceptional circumstances.

In references we are asked to comment on students’ commitment to their studies and we believe that attendance is one way of demonstrating this commitment.

For this reason, should students miss school for holidays, extended weekend breaks or other social occasions we may refer it in our references.

Requests for other absences such as for sporting competitions or music exams should be made in advance via Mrs Tranter 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. Most universities now make their open days at a weekend. There are forms in the Sixth Form office which should be filled in and returned to Mrs Tranter. Every effort must be made to catch up on work, and students must inform teachers that they will be absent.

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Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

Signing in and out during the day Going off-site: Year 13 students are allowed out of school at break, lunchtime and during their free lessons, 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 or via the finger print pad in the main foyer.

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.

16-19 Bursary Fund The 16-19 Bursary Fund is paid by the Education Funding Agency (EFA) to Schools and Colleges so that they may provide financial help to students to continue in education. There is a weekly bursary for students whose parents are entitled to certain benefits and for students defined as being in vulnerable groups and once these guaranteed bursaries have been allocated, the remaining funds are used to offer discretionary bursaries to other students in need of financial support. Students may be eligible for a discretionary bursary if they qualify for free school meals, or if their total household income falls below £20,000. The weekly bursary will be paid directly into the student’s own bank account; any student applying for the weekly bursary will need to ensure that they have a suitable bank account.

We understand that sometimes other students also need support to help pay for school visits and other expenses, and if there are funds available after weekly bursaries have been allocated one-off grants can be applied for by students who need help with specific activities. Students or parents are invited to talk to Mrs Webb or their Year Head if they feel that they would be unable to participate in an educational activity without this support; we hope that all students will be able to participate in any activity which is essential for a course or where they will be disadvantaged academically if they do not take part. All information is treated in confidence.

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Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

Year 13 Curriculum 1. A Levels The A level courses that were started in Year 12 will continue through to Year 13.

2. 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 TO 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.

3. Supervised Private Study You will continue to have many lessons which are designated as time for independent learning; some of these will be supervised in our Private Study Room and in some you will decide how to organise your time. In preparation for your life after school, you need to prioritise your time and develop effective independent study habits and we hope that by taking responsibility for planning your study time you will begin to acquire these skills.

You will be given a private study schedule for each of your subjects and this will help you to develop the wider understanding of your work necessary to do well at A Level. There is always background reading, research, reviewing and learning to do even if all work that is to be marked has been completed and handed in. You will receive a private study schedule for each of your subjects detailing the wider activities that you should be undertaking.

In Supervised Private Study Sessions, you should help to ensure that there is a consistently good working atmosphere. To this end we expect you to follow our Private Study Code of Contact: 1. ensure that you have the books and folders that you need for the session 2. work silently and independently 3. only use phones for study purposes!

4. use the private study laptops constructively: no social media or internet surfing 5. put the laptops back on charge at the end of the session 6. return any equipment that you have borrowed.

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Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

Top Tips for effective Private Study ·

· · · · · ·

Have a work planner and decide in advance what you will be doing in each study session, try to develop the habit of organising a list of priorities.

Set a target – decide to read a number of chapters, plan an essay or mind-map a topic.

Don’t always start with your favourite subject.

Work independently and do not allow friends to distract you.

Put away any distractions for the time that you have allotted for study and don’t be tempted to open up any extra tabs if you are researching online.

Tackle one task at a time – stick with it until you finish or can’t go any further.

Use private study time to review notes after each lesson.

4. Enrichment and Guidance Enrichment and Guidance continues in to Year 13 with the focus on preparation for life beyond Prince Henry’s.

A range of speakers have been booked to talk about careers, universities, apprenticeships, money management, staying safe and living well and healthy away from home.

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Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE APPLICATIONS UCAS 5th September 2018 - 15th January 2019 - UCAS Normal Application Period EARLY APPLICATION IS AN ADVANTAGE 15th October 2018

UCAS 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. Each testing group has a slightly different format so it is essential that you check to ensure you can register and sit the appropriate test.

For the UKCAT the latest test date is 4th October 2017. LNAT is different. BMAT, HAT etc. need to be arranged with Mrs Wall the examinations officer ASAP at the beginning of September but you will need to register with the testing board.

25th October 2018

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

15th January 2019

Last date for RECEIPT of applications by UCAS – they will need to have been completed by students by Wednesday 10th January 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.



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



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



Students know what they have to aim for.

https://www.ucas.com/file/77801/download?token=GZu595Es gives a brief guide on how to apply

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Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

A Level Results Thursday August 15th August 2019 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.

The advice from UCAS is that students need to be able to check their application on the website using UCAS Track to confirm that their offer is confirmed this usually happens if the student has achieved the conditions of the offer by matching or exceeding the required GCE A/AS levels. In addition some offers are confirmed even if the student has not met the condition of the offer. However about a third of students holding conditional offers will not have their place and must compete for a few remaining places through Clearing. An absence on holiday may lose applicants a place towards which they have worked for such a long time. In any event students who have places will need to be on hand in September to deal with necessary paperwork and final arrangements for finance and accommodation.

As a school we would therefore appeal to you to ensure that if at all possible, your son or daughter is available from the 15th August.

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.

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. Be selective about who you show your personal statement to, too many may give you conflicting opinions.

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 2018-19

EMPLOYMENT Not all students apply for university some will wish to find employment or Apprenticeships.

The useful websites for apprenticeships are http://worcsapprenticeships.org.uk/ https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch https://www.ucas.com/?tile=tile-556 There is a wide range of apprenticeships for over 1,500 job roles — giving students the opportunity to enter careers in anything from engineering and boat building, to veterinary nursing and accountancy.

An apprenticeship usually takes one to three years to complete, and is usually made up of three parts – all completed on the job, online, or in a classroom.

Depending on skills and qualifications, there are four different levels available: intermediate (Level 2) — generally considered to be the same level as five GCSE passes/standard grades/National 4s and 5s advanced (Level 3) — generally considered to be the same level as two A levels/Highers higher/technical (Levels 4 to 7) — can lead to NVQ Level 4 and above, or a foundation degree degree/graduate-level (Levels 5 to 7) — these are new and enable apprentices to achieve a full bachelor’s or master’s degree as part of their apprenticeship The important thing to remember is that the level applied for may be lower that the qualifications already attained because the apprenticeship is a skill based qualification.

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 and timetabled Enrichment and Guidance sessions. 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. Any Vacancies notified to school will also appear on the careers section on PHHSLive.

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Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

IMPORTANT DATES End of unit Modules, Examinations and Assessment There are level 3 Module exams examinations in January for some courses and ‘A’ level examinations take place in May and June. Students will also do assessments in all subjects in November and in February. 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.

Coursework Dates Some A Level 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 coursework assessments 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 Key Dates:Start of Term Year 13 visit to Nottingham University Year 13 Parents’ Evening Oxbridge/Medicine/Veterinary/Dentist deadline Year 13 Progress Review Open Evening (school shuts at 12.45) Teacher Education Day Half Term Year 13 Mock exams Teacher Education Day Christmas Concert Term Ends (school shuts 1.00pm) Term Starts UCAS Deadline Teacher Education Day Half Term Year 13 Mock exams Year 13 Parents Evening Term ends Term starts Bank Holiday Year 13 Study Leave starts at 12.45pm A level exams begin Speech Day End of Term A level results published Consultation Days

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4.09.18 14.09.18 27.09.18 15.10.18 18.10.18 25.10.18 26.10.18 29.10 –2.11.18 26.11 -30.11.18 3.12.18 20.12.18 21.12.18 07.01.19 15.01.19 15.2.19 18.02 -22.02.19 25.02.-1.03.19 21.03.19 12.04.19 29.04.19 06.05.19 10.05.19 20.05.19 05.07.19 19.07.19 15.08.19 16.08.19

Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

PAID EMPLOYMENT There is strong evidence from National Research about the adverse effects of paid employment upon ‘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. We would ask parents to support our students in ensuring that employers do not put pressure on students to increase their hours above 8-10 hours.

“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 Sixth Form Common Room. Students using phones around the school site will have them confiscated and they will be given to Mrs Webb 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.

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. By choosing PHHS Sixth Form we expect students our students are also choosing to follow the uniform regulations.

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Year 13 Handbook 2018-19

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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