Les Mis Production, 2022
QPCS Sixth Form Prospectus 2022
Contents Headteacher’s Welcome 2 Sixth Form Team 4 Results and Progression 6 Student Support 8 Enrichment and Personal Development
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Facilities 12 Courses Offered 13 How to Apply 14 Minimum Entry Requirements
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Headteacher Ms Enright ‘Teachers have helped and supported me from Year 7 to Year 13. They have made the transition into GCSEs and A-Levels easier for me. They are always there if I need help. QPCS has helped me develop into a more mature student and better person.’ Mario, Senior Student leader 2
What does QPCS Sixth Form offer you? Most importantly, we recruit and retain top quality A level and BTEC teachers. QPCS teachers love their subjects, and they love to share their extensive academic knowledge with you. Our teachers make sure you have the inside track on how to ace exams and selection processes for competitive university courses and degree apprenticeships. QPCS teachers are well-connected with universities - from Imperial College to the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama - and these connections open doors to your best future. Our teachers are appreciated by their former students, our alumni. Our alumni give up their time and expertise to speak to QPCS sixth formers, and they also offer placements and visits to help you discover who you want to be. Secondly, you have support and space to flourish at QPCS. You study your subjects in small and personalised classes. Every morning you have quality time with your tutor group who have linked subject interests and a form tutor who is skilled in pastoral and academic support. Finally: our school is at the heart of our fantastic community. All our students and staff are community-minded. This means that our high quality super-curricular programme benefits from a wealth of community partners and connections. I hope you enjoy reading this prospectus about QPCS, a centre of academic excellence at the heart of our community. I wish students every success with this important choice for their best future.
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Introduction to the Sixth Form Team
Paul Drummond
Julia Hollingworth
Gabrielle McGladrigan
Chloe Kelly
Deputy Headteacher, Sixth Form line manager
Assistant Headteacher Sixth Form
Deputy Head of Sixth Form
Sixth Form Student Support Officer
"The environment amongst the sixth form team has always been supportive and helpful, with constant opportunities being presented to us including enrichment, talks, university visits and company placements." Fatima, Student Governor 4
Thank you for considering taking up a place with us at Queens Park Community School Sixth Form. We are proud to have a sixth form where our students achieve academic excellence, enjoy learning and develop both collectively and as individuals. With over 200 students in our sixth form, we offer an extensive and exciting range of Advanced Level courses, including 23 A Level subjects, as well as Level 3 BTEC in Business. At QPCS, students achieve excellent results and make above expected progress on their courses. However, we recognise that education is not solely based on achieving those academic qualifications, but also about becoming a confident and happy young adult. We offer high quality pastoral care, careers guidance, and Higher Education support so that our students are fully informed of the wealth of opportunities open to them in the wider world. We help them explore different paths, whether that is going to university, embarking on a Degree Apprenticeship, taking a gap year, or moving into the world of work.
This high quality teaching and excellent pastoral support that leads QPCS sixth form students to make sustained progress. The impressive exam results achieved by our students over the past few years are the result of continued effort and commitment. Our students have successfully achieved places at the most competitive universities including Oxbridge, Imperial College , LSE, Manchester, Bristol, leading Art schools and Degree Apprenticeship programmes. Students at QPCS are proud of their school and we are proud of the young adults they become. We have an inclusive ethos, recognising and celebrating diversity whilst coming together as one community. Students are encouraged to be fully involved in the life of the sixth form, either as Student Leaders, Antibullying Ambassadors or taking part in our various extra curricular opportunities; including Sports Teams, School Production, Choir, Neurodiversity Club, and the Feminist and LGBTQ+ socieities. Each year we enrol increasing numbers of students from schools across North West London and beyond, and we warmly welcome all applications. The application form can be found on our website at http://www.qpcs.brent.sch.uk/. I hope this prospectus will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your future academic studies. We look forward to welcoming you to our sixth form.
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Results / Progression QPCS is very proud of their students’ achievements. We are a comprehensive school which achieves positive value added scores for our students.
A level Results - Overall Grades
2019
2020*
2021*
2022
A* - A
21.4%
35.8%
41.5%
37.5%
A* - B
53%
70.9%
75%
66%
A* - E
99.6%
100%
100%
98%
* Teacher assessed grades due to the cancellation of Public Examinations
BTEC Results 2022 We were delighted with our BTEC grades with all students attaining D*D*D* - MMM. This year’s BTEC students have progressed to a range of competetive undergraduate courses including Economics at City University, Accountancy and Management at Queen Mary London, Accountancy and Finance at SOAS and Applied Psychology at Leicester.
Destinations Last year, every student who graduated from QPCS Sixth Form has progressed to study at university, degree-apprenticeships or on to fulltime employment. With more than 95% of our Year 13 Leavers taking up places at university in 2022 or planning to do so following a gap year, they are now studying at 40 different universities. Four students successfully gained a place to study at Oxbridge. Almost half are studying at Russell Group universities, with the two most popular universities being Manchester and Queen Mary London. Students go on to study a vast array of subjects including: Medicine, Engineering, Law, Economics, Computer Science, History, Literature, Modern Languages, Drama and Architecture.
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Student Support We aim to provide excellent support to our students, whatever their needs.
Pastoral Support
Higher Education Support
We understand that Sixth Form can be a stressful time for many, which is why we aim to provide our students with the very best pastoral support.
We aim to support each and every student in making the right decisions for their future. All students receive individuals support and guidance through our extensive University and Degree Apprenticeship programme.
· Safeguarding team · Experienced Sixth Form Tutors team with small tutor groups · Mentors · Access to an on site student counsellor · LGBTQ+ Society
Academic Support Providing our students with the very best academic support is our highest priority. Students are provided with many opportunities to set them on the right path for each individual learner.
Educational Visits Our various departments organise many residential and day trips to support the Advanced Level courses eg Spanish exchange, Cern (Hadron Collider), Music Trip – a one-week trip to a European City, South African partnership school trip, Theatre/ Museum Visits, Geography and Biology field trips.
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· Trips to a range of universities in and outside of London · Apprenticeship and University Careers Fairs · 1:1 personal statement guidance · Talks from our prestigious Alumni · Meetings with the school’s Careers Officer
Oxbridge/Medicine In addition to providing general support to all students, Oxbridge and Medicine applicants are provided with additional support by our highly qualified teaching staff: · Tailored support through the application process from the beginning of Year 12 · Coaching from our current Oxbridge/ Medical alumni · Overnight trips to Jesus College Cambridge · Interview preparation with mock interviews and feedback · Coaching for admissions tests
‘QPCS has a great support system, all of my teachers did their best to help me whenever I needed.’ Rowan , Senior Student Leader
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Enrichment and Personal Development We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities which aim to develop our students’ transferable skills, knowledge and understanding beyond the classroom.
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Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education Our students participate in weekly PSHE sessions led by their form tutors, where they study the statutory Key Stage 5 PSHE National Curriculum, covering the three core themes: Health and Well Being, Sex and Relationships,Living in the Wider World. Enrichment Activities All students participate in a weekly enrichment programme,where students can choose from a wide range of activities including; computer engineering, book club, photography, gardening, mindfulness, first aid, sport, as well as volunteering to support students at our local primary school or students with specific learning needs. Extended Project Qualification We offer students the opportunity to complete the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification ( EPQ) whereby students lead their own projects. They get the chance to plan and carry out research on a topic that they have chosen and isn’t covered by their other qualifications. Young Enterprise Students are encouraged to participate in the Young Enterprise programme which involves them working in a team to develop their own business idea. This provides our students with hands-on employability, enterprise and financial skills. We have also organised trips to the London Stock Exchange where our students could ring the bell to ‘Open the market’. Charity At QPCS we always encourage our students to give back. Our students are involved in a range of charitable opportunities including organising events to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support and working with the First Give Foundation Charity. Culture We regularly organise trips to see plays, lectures, museums and exhibitions to enable our students to appreciate the rich, cultural setting in the London area. Creative Arts Our annual school production provides opportunities for students to not only perform, but help backstage. Students also perform at the school’s impressive music concerts to share their musical talents with friends and family. The school offers students the chance to complete the Arts Award, to inspire students to grow their arts and leadership talents. Sport We offer students access to a range of facilities for sports including; table tennis, basketball, netball and tennis. We boast a very competitive sixth form football team who regularly compete in the Brent league. Wel also have an annual Ski Trip for students across the school.
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Facilities At QPCS we are fortunate to have many excellent facilities available for sixth form students to use. The school has many different spaces for students to engage in sports activities including extensive playing fields, Multi Use Game Areas, basketball courts, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, table tennis tables and a brand new state of the art 3G Astroturf pitch will be in place for September 2023. For students interested in music, QPCS has a vast array of resources and access to musical instrument lessons with our peripatetic music teachers. We also have a new recording studio for sixth form students to produce their own music. Other sixth form facilities include dark room; ample IT rooms, a drama studio, a media suite, library, common room, study room and café area.
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Courses Offered QPCS has a dedicated team of highly qualified sixth form teachers who are exceptionally experienced in delivering outstanding lessons and preparing students for public examinations. We offer a range of two year linear A level courses which are examined at the end of the second year. Students can choose three or four subjects to study.
Maths & Computing
Science
English & Media
Humanities
Computer Science
Biology
English Literature
Geography
Mathematics Further Mathematics
Chemistry Physics
History
Media
Philosophy
Social Sciences
Business
Modern Languages
Creative Arts
Psychology
Business
French
Art & Design
Sociology
Economics
Spanish
Photography
Politics
Music
Criminology*
Drama & Theatre
*Please note: Criminology is a WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma ( equivalent to 1 A level ). We also offer the BTEC Extended National Diploma in Business which is equivalent to 3 A Levels.This course has both examination and coursework components. The school will endeavour to timetable subjects to allow for all students chosen combinations. In the case of any timetable clashes, we will discuss the alternative options with any student involved. Please note that subjects may not run if there is not a suitable level of demand. Once enrolled, students will also have the option to study for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is an A-level standard standalone qualification designed to extend and develop students’ abilities beyond the A-level syllabus and prepare them for university or their future career. An EPQ is equivalent to an AS Level qualification and is recognised by universities and employers. GCSE Mathematics and English Language Any student who has not attained at least a Grade 4 in either GCSE Mathematics or English Language will be enrolled into resit classes.
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How to apply Internal Applicants (QPCS Year 11 students)
Year 11 students will all receive a link to an online Internal Sixth Form Application Form on Thursday 10th November 2022. Internal Application Form deadline: Friday 20th January 2023 Every QPCS Year 11 student who applies to the sixth form will have a follow-up one-to-one interview in February 2023 to discuss their sixth form application. Conditional offers will be made at the end of March 2023.
External Applicants Please complete the online External Sixth Form Application Form (link on the school website) External Application Forms will be available from Thursday 10th November 2022. External Application Form deadline: Friday 10th February 2023 On receipt of external applications, academic references are sought by the school from the applicant’s current school. External applicants will be contacted in the Spring Term regarding their application, to arrange an interview with a member of the Sixth Form Leadership Team. Interviews will take place from Monday 27th February 2023 Conditional offers will be made at the end of March 2023.
The deadline for accepting conditional offers is Friday 28th April 2023. All students who accept their conditional offer will be invited to attend a Sixth Form Progression Day in June 2023. GCSE Results Day and Sixth Form Enrolment Thursday 25th August 2022. Please email sixthformadmissions @qpcs.brent.sch.uk if you have any queries or call the school on 020 8438 1700 and ask to speak to the Assistant Headteacher, Sixth Form, Miss Julia Hollingworth.
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Minimum Entry Requirements for Sixth Form Courses 2023 •
To study A levels at QPCS you have to achieve at least six GCSE grades 5 - 9. Please see specific subject entry criteria in the table below.
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To study the BTEC Business National Extended Diploma you have to achieve at least five GCSE grades 4 and above.
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To enrol into the QPCS Sixth Form you must have achieved at least GCSE Grade 4 in either Mathematics or English Language.
Course
Art and Design
Biology
Business BTEC Business National Extended Diploma (Level 3)
Chemistry
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Entry Requirements
Grade 5 in Art and Grade 4 English Language Grade 7 in the Biology Combined Science papers or Grade 7 in Separate Science Biology and Grade 6 in Maths Grade 5 in Business Studies or 5 in a humanities subject, if you haven’t studied Business, and Grade 5 in English and Maths Grade 4 in English or Mathematics, plus four other grade 4’s or above, including Grade 4 in Business or another humanities subject, if you haven’t studied Business, Grade 7 in the Chemistry Combined Science papers or Grade 7 in Separate Science Chemistry and Grade 6 in Maths
Course
Entry Requirements
History
Grade 6 in History or another humanities subject if you haven’t studied History
Mathematics
Grade 7 in Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Grade 8 in Mathematics
Media
Grade 5 in Media and / or Grade 5 in English Language
Music
Grade 6 in Music and Grade 5 in standard performance
Computer Science
Grade 7 in Maths, and Grade 6 in Computer Science if studied.
Philosophy
Grade 6 in English Language and Grade 6 in a humanities subject
Criminology (Level 3 Diploma)
Grade 5 in a Humanities subject and Grade 5 in English Language
Photography
Grade 5 in Art, DT or Media GCSE, and Grade 4 in English Language
Drama and Theatre
Grade 5 in Drama, or successful participation in productions or at KS3, and Grade 5 in English Language
Physics
Grade 7 in the Physics Combined Science papers or a Grade 7 in Separate Science Physics and Grade 7 in Maths
Economics
Grade 6 in Mathematics and Grade 5 in English
Politics
Grade 6 in a Humanities subject and Grade 6 in English Language,
English Literature
Grade 6 in English Literature and/or English Language
Psychology
French
Grade 6 in French, and Grade 5 in English Language
Sociology
Geography
Grade 6 in Geography, or another humanities or science subject, if you haven’t studied Geography
Spanish
Grade 6 in English Language, Grade 5 in Maths and Grade 6 in a Science subject Grade 5 in Sociology, or another humanities subject if you haven’t studied Sociology; and Grade 5 in English Language Grade 6 in Spanish, and Grade 5 in English Language
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Aylestone Avenue NW6 7BQ www.qpcs.brent.sch.uk
QPCS @QPCSsixthform @QPCS_sixthform
