A-Z Guide by Web Admin

A-Z GUIDE

WELCOME

We bebe very happy herehere and and that you in quickly. This handbook We hope hopethat thatyou youwill will very happy thatsettle you settle in quickly. This hopes to give you the information you need tothat understand how Sixth Form works. handbook hopes to give you thethat information you need to the understand how the However, are However, unsure about anything, then please sixth formif you works. if you are unsure aboutask. anything, then please ask. Everyone ininthe Form will always be willing to help, alongalong with the rest of rest the staff in Everyone theSixth sixth form will always be willing to help, with the of the the school be- afraid staff in the- don’t school don’t to beask! afraid to ask! You andand Blackrod SixthSixth FormForm to have friendly and ‘adult’ You will willfind findthe theRivington Rivington Blackrod to ahave a friendly and ‘adult’ environment ininwhich you areare encouraged to develop a sense of independence and to take environment which you encouraged to develop a sense of independence responsibility for your studies. and to take responsibility for your studies. The next will bebe very important onesones in shaping your future career and education, The nexttwo twoyears years will very important in shaping your future career and and one of our is to help you whatyou you decide want to what do after ‘A’ want levels education, andfundamental one of our aims fundamental aimsdecide is to help you and BTECs, then work with you to secure the necessary qualifications, and to do afterand ‘A’ levels and BTECs, and then work with yougrades, to secure the necessary experience needed for your step. grades, qualifications, andnext experience needed for your next step. The Sixth is more than just just a preparation for university and a career. The SixthForm, Form,however, however, is more than a preparation for university and a It offers It you a chance start developing the study skills, qualities and time career. offers you atochance to start developing the personal study skills, personal qualities management that you willthat needyou in later It provides opportunities you to further for and time management will life. need in later life. It providesforopportunities enhance your extracurricular interests, or to develop new ones. all the Sixth Form is you to further enhance your extracurricular interests, or toAbove develop new ones. about helping you realise your potential whatever that is. We want our Sixth Formers be Above all the Sixth Form is about helping you realise your potential whatever to that successful whether thisFormers will be success universitywhether entrance,this on the field, orinin the is. We want our Sixth to be in successful willsports’ be success arts. university entrance, on the sports’ field, or in the arts.

We also want our Sixth Formers to be considerate and responsible members of a happy and thriving community. We encourage you to seek assistance whenever it is needed, and your subject teachers and tutor will always be pleased to provide advice and guidance. Above all you must remember that a key element in a successful Sixth Form career is openness and honesty; if you are experiencing pastoral or academic difficulties, or are behind with work deadlines, do not suffer in silence; come and talk to us! Learning is not a passive activity in the Sixth Form, and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just expect to turn up at lessons and hope that your teacher will do all the work for you. As you are studying subjects you have chosen, teachers will expect this to be reflected in your approach to work which should be both positive and well organised (i.e. no late or incomplete assignments!). More so than at GCSE, you will be expected to carry out independent study, especially reading around the subject and completing extra exercises, whilst in class teachers will expect you to be active and willing to participate in discussions. The purpose of this booklet is to provide basic yet important information on key aspects of Sixth Form life and should be used as a reference manual. It is constantly being updated and if, over the next two years you have any suggestions for additions or alterations, please feel free to submit them. Paul Canning DIRECTOR OF SIXTH FORM

KEY DATES DATE

ACTIVITY

TERM 1 25th August

GCSE results and enrolment for Sixth Form

1st September

UCAS window opens for Autumn 2017 applications

7th September

Year 12 start (11.30am)

8th September

Year 12 Induction – Edgehill University

13th September

Year 12 Parent Information Evening 7pm – 8.30pm

23rd September

Election of Sixth Form Council

27th September

Year 13 early intervention evening – 4pm – 7pm

18th October

Year 12 early intervention evening – 4pm – 7pm

19th October

Sixth Form Open Evening

24th October

Half term (one week)

2nd November

Auschwitz and Krakow Residential

10th November

UCAS application internal deadline

16th November

Safe Drive Event – Middleton Arena (Year 12’s) – 12.30pm-3.30pm

24th November

Year 12 Question Time Debate

1st December

Year 13 Parents’ Evening

12th December

Art Trip to London

13th December

Year 12 Parents’ Evening

20th December

Class of 2016 Celebration Evening

22nd December

Christmas Holidays (two weeks)

TERM 2 9th January

New term starts

3rd February

Drama and Music London Theatre Visit

13th February

Mock exams week

20th February

Half term (one week)

26th February

Ski Course

3rd March

Year 12 UCAS Convention

8th March

Geography Residential

7th April

New York Trip and Easter Holidays (2 Weeks)

A TERM 3 24th April

New term starts

15th May

AS/A2 Exams

29th May

Half term (one week)

16th June

Year 13 Leavers’ Dinner

3rd July

Year 12 Parliament visit

10th July

Progression days – university and careers planning and visits

17th July

Work experience

21st July

End of term

17th August

BTEC, AS and A level Results Day

ATTENDANCE Form period is compulsory, each morning at 8.45am Poor attendance is the single most common reason for students underachieving or failing to complete their course. Consequently, the Sixth Form demands a high level of attendance from all students. Registers are taken for each timetabled activity and at form period each morning. A student whose attendance is unsatisfactory will be referred to the relevant Head of Department. Please see the Support System section for details. It is Sixth Form policy to share concerns with parents or guardians and seek their help in supporting students who have problems in this area. Applications for Authorised Absence are available from the Sixth Form office and must be completed and returned prior to any absence, except in the case of illness or other unexpected absence. You will need to telephone the sixth form between 8am and 9am on the morning of your first day of such absence, and each subsequent day. This is not only important from the point of view of your studies – it is good preparation for working life, and allows us to write a positive reference when applying for jobs in the future. If you become ill during the day please ensure that you sign out in the sixth form office, and verbally let the administration staff know that you need to leave. You must aim for 100% attendance if you wish to reach your potential. Students who miss lessons may be asked to make this time up at other times during the week, possibly at lunchtime or a time negotiated with the subject teacher.

AROUND Sixth Formers are the senior students in the school. Younger students will look up to you and follow your example. In a very real sense, you are the leaders of the school community. It is important that you act maturely, helping out and showing leadership when required. ASSEMBLIES Assembly is a time when the whole of the Sixth Form are together for material that is relevant solely to them and it is therefore a vital opportunity for me and others to pass on information and resources to do with all manners of aspects of Sixth Form life: advanced notice of events and deadlines; academic and social matters; information about higher education and careers etc. AUTHORISED ABSENCES As previously stated, these must all be organised in advance through the Sixth Form administration office. Some examples of absences which will be authorised: • Observation of a religious holiday. Application must be made in advance. • Sickness. • Driving test. (Driving lessons should not be scheduled for lesson times) • Medical appointments which cannot be made outside lesson time • University Open Day visit or interview. • Job Interview • An emergency situation involving a family member or another person for whom the student has caring responsibilities. Please avoid holidays during term time, and ensure non-emergency medical treatment is booked outside lesson time.

BISTRO The Sixth Form common room bistro will be open from 10am until 2pm, serving a wide range of hot and cold meals. Sixth form students do not need to go to the main dining room to buy food. The bistro will operate a system of finger print recognition cashless payments, which means that you will need to keep your account topped up. There is a paying machine outside E1, and payments can be made on line via SIMS Learning Gateway. There are also two vending machines in the common room, for hot and cold drinks. BURSARY PAYMENTS The Sixth Form is allocated an amount of money known as the 16-19 Bursary. The 1619 Bursary is targeted towards those young people considered most in need of financial support. Those wishing to apply for a bursary must complete an application form and submit it, with the correct supporting evidence. You can apply for a Bursary at any point in the year but those applying early will be given priority. Bursaries can only be made if sufficient funds are available. Further details and an application form are available from the Sixth Form office. BUSES 125 Bolton via Chorley Old Road 516/517 Westhoughton 505 Brazley and Markland Hill 574/575 Bolton via Chorley New Road Minibus Deane Road (mornings only)

C CARE OF THE RIVINGTON AND BLACKROD HIGH SCHOOL SIXTH FORM AND IT’S ENVIRONMENT Rivington is located in one of the most attractive and peaceful parts of the country. The Sixth Form itself is an excellent physical environment. These two factors combined lead to a pleasant atmosphere for the benefit of all students and staff. A good physical environment promotes a positive approach and supports student’s development and success. You are asked to help keep the Sixth Form and its grounds clean and tidy by placing litter in the litterbins provided. Please do not take cups and plates from the Bistro to other parts of the Sixth Form building or carry hot drinks around Sixth Form. COMMON ROOM RULES AS AGREED BY THE SIXTH FORM COUNCIL The common room is a shared facility, belonging to none of us, but “lent” to us. As such, it must be treated with respect. • • • • • • • •

Music may only be played at break and at lunch times. All litter must be put in the bins provided. No ball games are to be played in the common room. Notices are to be attached only to the notice boards. Any accidental damage must be reported immediately Any unreported damage to the fabric of the room or fixtures and fittings will be treated as vandalism and the person or persons responsible will have serious consequences. Lockers are available - students will all be charged a £5 deposit for the use of a locker. Locker keys will be issued by Mrs Hartley who will in return give all students a receipt on the payment of the deposit.

It is YOUR responsibility to keep the common room tidy by: • Cleaning up your own mess • Encouraging others to do the same • Informing the sixth form leadership team of any one mistreating the equipment CAREERS We aim to provide guidance and support whether you choose a higher education or vocational path. The careers section of the E1 resource area is well stocked with university prospectuses and books giving advice on every relevant aspect of the subject, and there is IT provision to allow greater access to information on colleges and courses. careers interviews can be arranged at any time for any member of the Sixth Form.

DRESS CODE The dress code for Sixth Form students was introduced after extensive consultation with students, staff, parents and governors. The code is appreciated by students and the sixth form expects students to adhere to its agreed provisos. The underlying principle is that dress must be appropriate in an 11 – 18 school environment. FREEDOM: to wear non-uniform. RESPONSIBILITIES: to dress in a way that is not out of place in an 11 – 18 school and to dress in a way that is appropriate to a working environment. Some basic principles: • Clothing should be appropriate for work within an organisation which has students aged from 11 to 18 years. • Hats must not be worn in lessons. • Students must not display any visible body piercing with the exception of ear piercing. • Slogans or logos which cause offence must not be worn. • Low cut tops should not be worn. • Very short skirts or revealing low slung trousers must not be worn.

E EMERGENCY SUPPORT Evening and weekend emergency support is available through: Samaritans NHS 111 Connexions Direct Women’s Aid National Helpline Saneline

116 123 (UK) 111 080 800 13219 0808 2000 247 0300 304 7000 (6pm - 11pm)

ENRICHMENT – RIVINGTON PLUS The main purpose of your time in the Sixth Form is to achieve as good a set of A levels and BTECs as possible. Alongside your studies there is a range of opportunities for enrichment, many of which will help to improve your CV and personal statement, and will give you a wider set of skills. These enrichment opportunities will also add greatly to your enjoyment whilst in the Sixth Form. There are no lessons timetabled on a Wednesday afternoon and many enrichment opportunities happen in this slot. Approximately once a month there will be a lecture on a Wednesday afternoon, on a variety of topics across the year, which all students must attend. You are expected to aim for one hundred hours of enrichment during year 12. Early in year 12 there will be enrichment information sessions, at which you will be able to sign up to one or more of these opportunities: • Competitive sports fixtures against other sixth forms in the North West Colleges League – two football teams and a netball team • Badminton, swimming, five a side, gym • Form Buddy/Subject support • Duke of Edinburgh (direct entry Gold - you don’t need to have done D of E before) • Young Enterprise • Drama productions • Reading Programme working with students in main school • Primary school classroom support • Work experience in Residential Care Homes • Lancashire Wildlife Trust programme • International residential trips

ETHOS An ethos of an organisation is to do with its spirit, its character. The ethos amongst Rivington’s Sixth Formers and staff is that everyone can achieve. We believe that with hard work, every student entering the sixth form can go on to great things. We honestly believe that with the right positive attitude, or ‘mindset’, nothing can hold you back. This ethos is summed up very well in a quote from Charles Swindall: “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes. And YOU choose your attitude.”

E EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS As above, the prime reason for being a member of the sixth form is to achieve a good set of A level or BTEC results, in line with or above what might be expected based on the student’s GCSE results. • • • • • • •

Students should keep all work in an appropriate and well organised form, eg in a file, that is available for checking if required. Students are expected to manage their study time. This means making appropriate use of study facilities such as E1 and the library. Homework will be set weekly in most subjects, with longer deadlines in certain areas eg for coursework. Each student will need to spend at least five hours per week per subject studying outside of lesson time. Students have a target grade for each subject. Any assignments that are graded by staff as being below target will need to be re submitted. Students who appear to be heading for a grade that is below target will be put on an additional study support programme. This may involve more regular mentoring appointments, closer scrutiny of work, some or all study periods becoming supervised sessions in E1, alerting parents to the situation and a meeting with parents (see below for details).

EXPECTATIONS OF TEACHERS High quality lessons are the key to students achieving their potential. • • • • • •

Teachers will make a punctual start All lessons will be well planned, with clear learning objectives Lessons should include sufficient variety and pace to engage all students There should be an appropriate degree of differentiation within the lesson Work will be assessed and returned within an appropriate period of time, with appropriate guidance for how improvement can be made Teachers will provide suitable information for parents and students about the progress of the student in relation to their target grade

EXAMS A levels are ‘modular’ i.e. broken down into 4 units – 2 for AS and a further 2 for A2 in which you are examined as you go along. The exam sessions for AS levels (consisting of the first 2 modules of a full A level) are in May/June, with further sessions in May/June the following year for A levels and AS retakes. Some courses also include an element of coursework. If any of you have a query about any aspect of external exams – A levels or GCSE re-takes –see Mr Stanley, the school’s Examination Officer. He will also advise you on how to claim the extra time you have been allocated if you are entitled. Other qualifications such as BTEC Nationals, BTEC Certificates or BTEC Diplomas have no exams. They are assessed entirely on the basis of your coursework.

EXAMINATION FEES You are responsible for ensuring that you are entered for the appropriate examination; your Personal Tutor will give you a ‘Statement of Entry’ for the subjects which you have been entered in so that you can check them. You will be entered free of charge to one sitting of external examinations. If you decide to re-sit any unit exams then you will have to pay approximately £ 11 per unit. Any student who fails to attend without supplying medical evidence will be charged the appropriate entry fee.

FWELCOME - H FREE PERIODS When your timetable has all your lessons entered onto it there will be a number of nontaught periods. Some will require you to study in E1, in others (the majority) will be available for you to choose how you use them. If either or both of these periods come at the end of the day and you have no further school commitments, you may go home early. If you have a free first thing in the morning you cannot come in late - you must always be here for registration at 8.45am GAP YEARS What’s it a gap between? In recent years, large numbers of students have taken a year out between A levels and going to university. They have secured a university place but have opted for ‘deferred entry: for you, that would mean for a new year 12 student, having a place for 2017 but not starting the course until 2018.

We hopeAND that SAFETY you will be very happy here and that you settle in quickly. This HEALTH handbook hopes to give you the information that you need to understand how the The School has a duty to protect you,are andunsure you have a responsibility lookplease after yourselves sixth form works. However, if you about anything, to then ask. and others. Whilst in school, please:

Everyone in the sixthcare form be willing to help, rest ofbe the • Take responsible forwill youralways own health and safety, and along that of with othersthe who may affected by what you do do nottodo. staff in the school - don’t beorafraid ask! • Co-operate with staff on health and safety. • will Correctly useRivington equipmentand provided in accordance with instruction. You find the Blackrod Sixth Form totraining have aor friendly and ‘adult’ • Do not interfere or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.

environment in which you are encouraged to develop a sense of independence and to hear takethe responsibility your for studies. If you alarm, either:for a) listen instruction from the member of staff present or;

b) calmly leave the building following the relevant route. Make your way to the Assembly

Point which located onbe thevery tennis courts. Sixth Formers shouldyour meetfuture in theircareer tutor groups The next twoisyears will important ones in shaping and and line upand alphabetically. education, one of our fundamental aims is to help you decide what you want toAwait do after ‘A’ levels and BTECs, thentowork you to secure necessary further instructions; do notand attempt leavewith the site especially in athe vehicle as this grades, qualifications, experience needed for your nextdo step. may block the route for and the emergency vehicles requiring access; not re-enter the building until told to do so.

The Sixth Form, however, is more than just a preparation for university and a career. It offers you a chance to start developing the study skills, personal qualities and time management that you will need in later life. It provides opportunities for you to further enhance your extracurricular interests, or to develop new ones. Above all the Sixth Form is about helping you realise your potential whatever that is. We want our Sixth Formers to be successful whether this will be success in university entrance, on the sports’ field, or in the arts.

I We also want our Sixth Formers to be considerate and responsible members of a happy and thriving community. We encourage you to seek assistance whenever it is needed, and your subject teachers and tutor will always be pleased to provide advice and guidance. Above all you must remember that a key element in a successful Sixth Form career is openness and honesty; if you are experiencing pastoral or academic difficulties, or are behind with work deadlines, do not suffer in silence; come and talk to us! Learning is not a passive activity in the Sixth Form, and you can’t just expect to turn up at lessons and hope that your teacher will do all the work for you. As you are studying subjects you have chosen, teachers will expect this to be reflected in your approach to work which should be both positive and well organised (i.e. no late or incomplete assignments!). More so than at GCSE, you will be expected to carry out independent study, especially reading around the subject and completing extra exercises, whilst in class teachers will expect you to be active and willing to participate in discussions. The purpose of this booklet is to provide basic yet important information on key aspects of Sixth Form life and should be used as a reference manual. It is constantly being updated and if, over the next two years you have any suggestions for additions or alterations, please feel free to submit them. Paul Canning DIRECTOR OF SIXTH FORM

ID BADGES As in most large organisations, Rivington’s staff and sixth form students are expected to wear an identity badge at all time when in school. INDUCTION There is a big leap between GCSE study in year 11, and A level or BTEC study in year 12. • • • • •

Rivington has an excellent system of support in place to help you make this leap. Year 12 begins with two days of induction that includes a session on study skills with your form tutor and a research session at Liverpool Hope University. Each subject will run an induction period For the first two weeks you will have a study skills book to work through in both form and free periods. At first you will be expected to spend all or most of your free periods in E1 or a POD

WELCOME O

career. offers you a chance startarranged developing the study skills, qualities You areItadvised to make a visitto either by yourself or with Mr personal Canning who and time management that you will need in later life. It provides opportunities for organises ‘taster’ visits in the summer term. You can also attend a conference on Oxbridge entry.enhance To help you achieve the extra breadth which will be expected you to further your extracurricular interests, or to develop new of ones. applicants, you will need some further studyyour in thepotential summer of Year 12, that Above all the Sixth Formtoiscomplete about helping you realise whatever by arrangement with subject teachers, as well as taking on wider reading on yourinown is. We want our Sixth Formers to be successful whether this will be success initiative. university entrance, on the sports’ field, or in the arts.

P We also wantWORK our Sixth Formers to be considerate and responsible members of a happy PART-TIME and thriving community. We encourage you to seek assistance whenever it is needed, and While we areteachers aware ofand the tutor pressures to earn be money and to acknowledge yourand freedom to work your subject will always pleased provide advice guidance. part-time, youmust haveremember a primary responsibility to gainin the best possible qualifications asisa Sixth Above all you that a key element a successful Sixth Form career Form student. Part-timeifwork must not conflict with youror studies. openness and honesty; you are experiencing pastoral academic difficulties, or are behind with work deadlines, do not suffer in silence; come and to us!work out a Before taking on the commitment of part-time work you need totalk carefully timetable which includes study time out of college as well as relaxation time and any extraLearning not a passive activity the Sixth Form, and you can’t just expect turn up curricularisresponsibilities you mayinhave. Recent research shows that 5 hours pertoweek A level grades theteacher extent ofwill one point perfor subject! will to weigh atdamages lessons and hope thatto your doUCAS all the work you. AsYou you arehave studying the financial benefits against the undoubted detrimental on your studies. subjects you have chosen, teachers will expect this to beeffects reflected in your approach to work which should be both positive and well organised (i.e. no late or incomplete We advise you not to do any paid work Monday to Thursday evenings: that way impact on assignments!). More so than at GCSE, you will be expected to carry out independent school work will be minimised. study, especially reading around the subject and completing extra exercises, whilst in class PRIVATEwill STUDY FACILITIES teachers expect you to be active and willing to participate in discussions. Thepurpose ability toofwork is essential toyet success in the Sixth Form. Inon fact The this independently booklet is to provide basic important information key aspects of independent work is what distinguishes Sixth Form study to study lower down in school. Sixth Form life and should be used as a reference manual. It is constantly being updated You will find that the more efficiently you use this time, the better your eventual level of and if, over twowill years you suggestions for additions or alterations, please success willthe benext and you take lesshave workany home. feel free to submit them. There are several areas set aside specifically for independent work, either as an individual or in a group. These are the E1 study resource area, the PODs and the POD IT room. Practical Paul Canning subjects such as IT, Music and Art also provide areas for students to continue with their own work or toOF practise DIRECTOR SIXTHoutside FORM lesson times. The main Library is also an area for silent private study. Its facilities are for the use and benefit of all students and so we ask you to observe “the rules” in order that all can study in peace. This is a good opportunity to train yourself in good study habits! The common room can also be used as an area in which to study, although this area is not maintained as a quiet area and is not, therefore, suitable for all types of study. PLANNERS You will be provided with a free planner at the start of the academic year. The purpose of which is to enable you to work efficiently and effectively by allowing you to record important information such as exam dates, coursework deadlines and your weekly homework assignments. Unlike the lower school your planner will not be checked by your tutor nor will your parents be asked to sign it. PUNCTUALITY High standards of punctuality are expected, as they would be for employment, and all university and employment references will contain details of your attendance and punctuality. If you are persistently late for form you may be put on a student support programme. If you are late for a lesson you should see the teacher at the end of the lesson to explain your late arrival and to ensure that you have been marked present. If you are persistently late for a lesson you will be referred, in the first instance, to the relevant Head of Department.

WELCOME S SIMS LEARNING GATEWAY: YOUR RECORDS The School Information and Management System (SIMS) is the school’s means of record keeping. SIMS stores all the information about you from contact numbers to a photograph. If any details change, such as your address or phone number please let Mrs Witter know. You can access your records from home via the website: https://hslg11.capita-cso.co.uk/schools/rbhs/slg There is also a link on the parents’ page of www.rbhs.co.uk. SIXTH FORM COUNCIL The aim of the Sixth Form Council is to improve Sixth Form provision within the sixth form. This should cover all areas of the Sixth Form life – academic, social, personal, student welfare, the school environment, general school policy. This should involve both problem raising and problem solving. Students are encouraged to be involved in decision making wherever appropriate. This will involve the allocation of Sixth Form funds and also the pursuit of concerns with higher levels of authority. Launch: The school presidents will outline the Sixth Form Council to the new year 12 students: We thatofyou veryCouncil happy here and that you settle in quickly. This • hope the role the will Sixthbe Form handbook hopes to give you the that you need to understand how the • the role and responsibilities of information the form representatives • the ways in which students canare feedunsure in theirabout ideas via form representatives sixth form works. However, if you anything, then please ask. • the election process

Everyone in the sixth form will always be willing to help, along with the rest of the Representation: staff in the school don’tabe afraid to ask! Each form will then- elect representative and a deputy from those students willing to take on the role. The election will be conducted in tutorial time by the Form Tutor.

Thewill firstfind meeting will emphasise processes involved in have agenda setting and You the Rivington and the Blackrod Sixth Form to a friendly andform ‘adult’ representation as follows: environment in which you are encouraged to develop a sense of independence and to takeCAR responsibility STUDENT PARKING for your studies. Unfortunately due towill thebe lackvery of car parking spaces are no spaces available for Sixth The next two years important onesthere in shaping your future career and Form students. on the main road or the road if necessary, but be aware education, andYou onecan of park our fundamental aims is toside help you decide what you want that the farmer needs to get large trucks and tractors past so ensure you are not causing toando after ‘A’ levels and BTECs, and then work with you to secure the necessary obstruction. grades, qualifications, and experience needed for your next step. STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

The however, is morefrom than just forstudents university and a ThisSixth groupForm, is made up of students year 13a- preparation the most senior in the school. career. It offers you a chance to start developing the study skills, personal qualities The students’ leadership team is chaired by two elected presidents – one male, one and time management that you will need in later life. It provides opportunities for female. you to further enhance your extracurricular interests, or to develop new ones. Students this is position the summer term ofyour year 12. It is a leadership role Above all can the apply Sixthfor Form about in helping you realise potential whatever that – a chance to influence all aspects of what happens in the school. They can be a link is.between We want our Sixth Formers to be successful whether this will be success in the sixth form council and both the Head of Sixth Form and the head teacher of the university entrance, on the sports’ field, or in the arts.

S We also want our Sixth Formers beactually considerate members of amanage happy school. But more than that, theyto can take aand lead,responsible make recommendations, and thriving community. We encourage you to seek assistance whenever it is needed, a budget, and get things done. They also exercise a leadership role on the student senate,and your subjectschool teachers and will voice. always be pleased to provide advice and guidance. the whole forum fortutor student Above all you must remember that a key element in a successful Sixth Form career is What are and employers andif universities looking for?pastoral Leaders,or people who difficulties, can make decisions openness honesty; you are experiencing academic or are and influence others. The council and the student leader programme are ways to show that behind with work deadlines, do not suffer in silence; come and talk to us! this is you! Learning is not a passive activity in the Sixth Form, and you can’t just expect to turn up Recent successes: at• lessons and hope your teacher will do dinner all the work for you. As you are studying organisation of that Upper Sixth Form leavers • vending machine in the common subjects you have chosen, teachers willroom expect this to be reflected in your approach catering andboth a new kitchenand in the common room to• work whichfacilities should be positive well organised (i.e. no late or incomplete • additional independent study areas assignments!). More so than at GCSE, you will be expected to carry out independent • access to ICT in the sixth form study, especially reading around the subject and completing extra exercises, whilst in class • student magazine teachers will expect you to be active and willing to participate in discussions. • Old Riv’s afternoon STUDY SKILLS The purpose of this booklet is to provide basic yet important information on key aspects of Sixth Form life and should be used as a reference manual. It is constantly being updated Everyone will tell you what a big difference there is between GCSE and A level, and they are and if, over thejust next years you have any suggestions forofadditions or italterations, right. It is not thetwo more demanding nature of the content the courses; is also in theplease way you are expected to work. feel free to submit them. Five hours study outside lessons per week per subject is a reasonable expectation if you are Paul Canning going to achieve A level and BTEC success. Of course you can ignore this and fritter your time away and OF get SIXTH poor grades DIRECTOR FORMat the end, or even not make it into year 13, but with increasing competition for places at the more prestigious universities, and higher and higher grades being asked of applicants you’d be very unwise to freewheel through the next two years So how do you become successful independent learners and therefore more likely to achieve the higher grades? STUDY SUPPORT There are support systems in pace throughout your time in the sixth form, to help you to get to where you want to be. 1. At the start of the year there are interviews to help you choose the right courses 2. There is a study support programme to help your transition from year 11 to year 12 3. There is form tutor mentoring and an ‘open door’ pastoral support if you feel things aren’t going well 4. We have a detailed university support programme to help you gain a place in higher education 5. If you are not fulfilling your side of our contract for the below reasons, you will find yourself on the compulsory Sixth Form Intervention System: • Lack of class work - this means not completing required tasks during lessons • Lack of homework- missing two consecutive homework • Poor attitude • Poor behaviour (we don’t expect to see any of this)

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underestimate the effort required to bridge this gap. Rivington has a very successful system of student support to help students who, for however short a period of time, find The Sixth Form, however, is more than just a preparation for university and a themselves in this position.

career. It offers you a chance to start developing the study skills, personal qualities and time thatForm you will need in laterdesigned life. It provides opportunities There aremanagement five stages of Sixth student support to help any students whofor are to notfurther fulfilling their potential, to get back on track. The most wordones. here is you enhance your extracurricular interests, or toimportant develop new support. This is not a punishment, or an opportunity to criticize students. It is about Above all the Sixth Form is about helping you realise your potential whatever that each student to be the best they can be. It is very rare for a student to need is.helping We want our Sixth Formers to be successful whether this will be success in stage four, and there have been no students at stage five in the last six years. university entrance, on the sports’ field, or in the arts.

S We also want our Sixth Formers to be considerate and responsible members of a happy and thriving community. We encourage you to seek assistance whenever it is needed, and your subject teachers and tutor will always be pleased to provide advice and guidance. Above all you must remember that a key element in a successful Sixth Form career is openness and honesty; if you are experiencing pastoral or academic difficulties, or are behind with work deadlines, do not suffer in silence; come and talk to us! STAGE 1 - DEPARTMENT ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Learning is not a passive activity in the Sixthwill Form, and you can’t just the expect to turn A range of methods decided by department be used to try to help student to up maythat include anddo anall action plan, for extra lessons to are helpstudying the student atimprove. lessons These and hope yourdiscussion teacher will the work you. As you get backyou on track, a phoneteachers call or in some cases letters to parents. subjects have chosen, will expect this tohome be reflected in your approach to work which should be both positive and well organised (i.e. no late or incomplete STAGE 2 - SIXTH FORM STUDY SUPPORT assignments!). More so than at GCSE, you will be expected to carry out independent study, especially reading around subject and completing extra whilst in class This stage will only be used if the the situation is regarded as serious andexercises, department procedures have notwill worked, oryou if there was a more serious incident. teachers expect to be active and willing to participate in discussions. Thepurpose student’sofForm tutor, or is one the sixth form support team,information will mentoron thekey student The this booklet toof provide basic yet important aspects of and together they will form an action plan, with deadlines to improve. This may involve an Sixth Form life and should be used as a reference manual. It is constantly being updated agreement to spend certain study periods in E1. A key element of the discussion will be and if, over next twoare years have–any suggestions forthe additions or alterations, please finding outthe why things not you working what is the root of problem? feel free to submit them. STAGE 3 - ADDITIONAL SIXTH FORM STUDENT SUPPORT MrsCanning McDonough, Mrs Hartley or Mr Canning will agree a set of actions with the student. Paul A parental interview or phone call will also take place to discuss issues and there will be DIRECTOR OF SIXTH FORM an agreed set of dates, minimum hours spent on supervised study, and other appropriate targets. STAGE 4 - CONTRACT Student referred to Mr Canning who will interview student and parents. Mr Canning will agree a series of conditions which student will have to abide by. Followed up by weekly or twice weekly reviews STAGE 5 - EXCLUSION If students break conditions of contract and the situation is irreversible they will move to this stage. This stage can also be accessed at anytime when a critical incident occurs. Interview with Mr Canning and school Head Teacher.

WELCOME U

We hope that you will be very happy here and that you settle in quickly. This handbook hopes to give you the information that you need to understand how the sixth form works. However, if you are unsure about anything, then please ask. Everyone in the sixth form will always be willing to help, along with the rest of the staff in the school - don’t be afraid to ask! You will find the Rivington and Blackrod Sixth Form to have a friendly and ‘adult’ environment in which you are encouraged to develop a sense of independence and to take responsibility for your studies. The next two years will be very important ones in shaping your future career and education, and one of our fundamental aims is to help you decide what you want to do after ‘A’ levels and BTECs, and then work with you to secure the necessary grades, qualifications, and experience needed for your next step. The Sixth Form, however, is more than just a preparation for university and a UCAS career. It offers you a chance to start developing the study skills, personal qualities and time management will need inall later life. It provides opportunities UCAS is the organisationthat that you manages almost applications to university, with the for exception of a enhance few courses such as foundation art and design. you apply, you you to further your extracurricular interests, or toWhen develop new ones. apply using an on line form on the UCAS website. You apply at the start of year 13. Above all the Sixth Form is about helping you realise your potential whateverBut that the UCAS website, www.ucas.co.uk, contains a lot of information about university that is.you Wecan want our Sixth Formers to be successful whether this will be success in start looking at before then. university entrance, on the sports’ field, or in the arts.

W We also want our Sixth Formers to be considerate and responsible members of a happy and thriving community. We encourage you to seek assistance whenever it is needed, and your subject teachers and tutor will always be pleased to provide advice and guidance. Above all you must remember that a key element in a successful Sixth Form career is openness and honesty; if you are experiencing pastoral or academic difficulties, or are behind with work deadlines, do not suffer in silence; come and talk to us! Learning is not a passive activity in the Sixth Form, and you can’t just expect to turn up at lessons and hope that your teacher will do all the work for you. As you are studying subjects you have chosen, teachers will expect this to be reflected in your approach to work which should be both positive and well organised (i.e. no late or incomplete assignments!). More so than at GCSE, you will be expected to carry out independent study, especially reading around the subject and completing extra exercises, whilst in class teachers will expect you to be active and willing to participate in discussions. WHERE TO GO IF YOU NEED HELP The purpose thisofbooklet to provide yet are important information on key aspects of There are allof sorts peopleisyou can turnbasic to if you experiencing difficulties. Sixth Form life and should be used as a reference manual. It is constantly being updated ACADEMIC and if, over the next two years you have any suggestions for additions or alterations, please • If the problemthem. is one of organisation of your work, for example, letting things pile feel free to submit up, missing deadlines or not making efficient use of your study periods, then your tutor will be able to offer practical help. Your tutor may refer you to Mrs Hartley, Mrs Paul Canning McDonough or Mr Canning • If theOF problem of a subject specific nature, lack of understanding of a particular topic DIRECTOR SIXTH isFORM or a feeling that you are being overloaded with conflicting work deadlines, then talk to your subject teachers and then if necessary to either your form tutor, Mrs McDonough or Mr Canning. • If you are considering changing courses then you should discuss your plans with your tutor and then with Mr Canning. You need to complete a subject change form. Once we are satisfied that you have thought through all the issues surrounding a change of subject, and discussed them with your parents, you will be allowed to make a subject change. All such changes need to be authorised by the Head of Sixth Form and are subject to a supportive parental agreement and sufficient space being available in the relevant sets. • Course changes will not normally be possible after the 30th September MEDICAL / SOCIAL • If you feel unwell during the school day then report to Mrs Witter, and make sure you sign out. Mrs Witter will make any required arrangements should you need to go home or need other help. • There may be times over the next two years when you feel under pressure and stressed. In such situations you are encouraged to talk to your tutor, or failing that the Head of Sixth Form or your year head. • You may prefer to speak to the school counsellor Mrs Heyward • If you would prefer not to discuss your problems in a school environment then you should consider making an appointment with your GP, or using one of the help lines advertised in the Sixth Form area.

Rivington & Blackrod Sixth Form Rivington Lane Rivington Bolton, BL6 7RU

t. 01204 333266 (option 8 or extension 161) f. 01204 333264 e. sixthform@rbhs.co.uk w. rbhs.co.uk @RiviSixthForm