WIA Sixth Form alternative prospectus

OUR TRIPS

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EVENTS

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TOP TIPS

WINTERBOURNE SIXTH FORM

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PROM

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LEAVERS

Introduction: Designed by students, this prospectus gives an honest insight into Sixth Form life at TRFWIA. From top tips and revision, to leavers and moving on, this alternative prospectus has all you need to know about the ins and outs of being a Sixth Former at TRFWIA. Sixth Form is such a fantastic experience, not only socially. The education you receive will open so many doors for you in the future, whichever path you choose to follow. The best piece of advice is to make the most of it!

Sixth Form is a once in a lifetime experience, preparing you for the future in the best way possible. two

Welcome to Six

th Form !

Joining the Sixth Form At our Sixth Form we gel with students new and old. Here’s Zoe’s experience, an external student that joined us at WIA. When it came to Sixth Form I knew I wanted a change and to meet new people. One of the first places I visited was WIA, initially it was daunting but there was a guide waiting for us to take us to the classes we needed. I got the opportunity to talk to a few teachers in all the lessons which was great as I could really get a feel for what the lesson itself would be like. One thing that stood out the most at WIA was that there were such small classes for Sixth Form!

Meet some of our Sixth Form Reps...

I loved the more relaxed atmosphere that was created by the students as it gave it a place I felt like I could study by myself if I needed to, but also still structured so that no-one was just sitting around doing nothing. Also the fact that when I was starting the new building would be ready which meant completely new resources which I thought would be good for me and my sciences.

My first day at WIA was more about everyone adjusting to being in Sixth Form rather than jumping into learning straight away. This was great for me as I think it gave me a real chance to start to meet people and make friends, which was surprisingly easy, and within a month I felt completely settled in. I am closer to all my teachers at WIA because of the ‘private school’ like small classes, so I feel much more comfortable to ask questions and for help to any of the staff, even ones that don’t teach me, as they all are more than happy to help us.

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: k c a P r e t r a t s m r o f h t x i S

? minuscule bag to one Mary for Sixth Fornem ur d e yo e e ad n gr I up o d to y t ar a ss h ce W e in the past and it’s now The days of tiny books ar Poppins would be proud of. shoulder bag if you yle st rpe op sh a or k ac -p ck tchel bag. Go for either a ba sa xy po at th et rg Fo : s g Ba weight of four folders. want to survive the crushing commend you pick up re we s, et ck po r ze bla ty us tr t being able to rely on your ou ith W : y r a n io t Sta is may include: a pencil case. Contents of th find around the house As many biros as you can Highlighters galore to graffiti in textbooks Pencils for rough work and that graffiti ly) A rubber to then get rid of nerds (we’re just jealous real ic em ad ac e os th of e on e A ruler if you’r h Form, so it’s crucial to u xt Si in s ok bo te no th wi d lie y kind of A4 pad that yo ers: You won’t be supp Books and Folthdem to last you the year. Ring-binders are best, or ndans to work best, and if you’re stock up on as many of . When it comes to folders, one for each subject te can easily rip pages frompaperwork consider investing in an extra large one. taking a subject hefty in reet, consider meal st h hig e th om fr g yin bu e u’re spending, and if you’rop and student deals in the local take-aways). yo at wh et dg bu to ry T : y Mone discount in CoS NU om fr self to one portion of % ur (5 yo ts it un lim co d dis an t d en en ud sp st u d yo an at deals ur pockets, keep track of wh yo in les ho ing rn bu oid av o T chips a day. four

Our work

FUSION magazine is a unique attribute to our Sixth Form. It’s written by students, for students. The magazine is a chance for students to showcase their artistic and literal skills.

The magazine is available via the school website and in print, and is a current, modern expression of student talent, a real way for WIA students to communicate their journalistic skills. FUSION provides students and staff with an up-to-date source for all the latest news and events in the Sixth Form.

Writing for the magazine looks fantastic in interview situations, as it displays creativity, commitment and the ability to work towards a deadline; all attributes that Universities and employers are looking for. FUSION is the first of its kind in the academies, created by students, discussing subjects aimed at primarily students and provides a platform to showcase the abilities of creative writers. five

Friendship people you’ve never really One of the best things about being in Sixth Form is the opportunity to meet and speak topeople within them a lot had a conversation with before. Classes are smaller in sixth form so you get to know the better and form lots of new friendships. whether they’re in Having free periods between lessons means that you have a chance to socialise with everyonnewhere is a very one of your lessons or not. We have a Sixth Form common room with our very own canteewith eventsthere the Academy is friendly atmosphere. We have a Sixth Form Facebook page to keep everyone up to date new events to take part in running and our Sixth Form Student Learning Team are always coming up with exciting such as dodgeball and paintballing. that are struggling There’s a real community feel in the Sixth Form as Year 13’s volunteer to give any Year 12’sthat much easier when with a subject a bit of help and advice. This helps make the step from GCSE’s to A levels you can talk to someone that’s already taken that step.

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Heads and Deputies We want to create that bond between Year 12 and Year 13, this will create more freedom between the year groups, so that the Sixth Form won’t be so divided. The Head Boy and Head Girl aim to ensure that their aim is to ensure that everybody can get the most out of their time here. If you have questions about the Academy, Sixth Form, organisations or any new ideas, they’re the ones you can talk to. Feel free to find them and ask them any questions, they are always up for a chat!

I love the Sixth Form. It’s a perfect blend of academic and social importance.

Chris - Head boy (left) The Sixth Form is a preparation for exams and higher education for the future.

Joe – Community Committee

The Sixth Form is a great place to both extend your horizons while making new friends.

Patrick – Charity Committee I like the fact that we are given so many opportunities, both academic and social, to get to know our peers. The friendships I have made during Sixth Form have definitely made my educational experiences more enjoyable.

Beth – Teaching and learning Committee seven

Sixth form area Sixth form Area: The Sixth Form provides both students and teachers with the best facilities so that we

can work in a safe and comfortable environment.

The computer room: A place for students to do research and work hard. The computers and printers

makes it easy to do homework and revision.

the common room: A place to hang out with friends. When students have a “free� period we can come

here to do our work. During break and lunch times, this is the place to hang out and just chill with friends.

the sixth form cafe: This is only available to Sixth Form students, so it is just for us! Choose from a

range of healthy snacks and sandwiches and do some work whilst eating the food in the common room.

advanced technologies: The new finger print scanner makes it

easy for students to pay for food. To get food from the Sixth Form cafĂŠ, you no longer struggle to find change, instead your finger print is used to purchase food.

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Sixth Form Trips

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Events Sixth Form can be tough. Whether you’re struggling to balance school work with life at home or waking up in a sweat thinking about completing coursework deadlines, Sixth Form parties give you the chance to forget your worries for one night (literally) and provide you with photos that will keep you entertained for a very long time.

Previous parties have included a gore-inspiring Halloween celebration, a festive Christmas social and an eye-ruining eighties extravaganza. With music playing on into the early hours and the opportunity to meet new people, these events are definitely ones to remember.

Getting involved in one of the many fundraising events can also be a fun way to balance classwork and doing something great for the community.

With each new term comes a new chance to let your hair down and with a fresh pair of Head students guaranteed to bring original themes in the future, these events are sure to be a hit for years to come.

Prom and Leavers: After two years of continuous study and hard work, you are finally free. WIA certainly gives you the send off you deserve. A luxurious venue is chosen for year 13 prom, allowing students to truly let their hair down, relax, and forget all about exams. A three course meal and plenty of dancing is certainly an obligation that these events hold, but most importantly prom is a chance to reminisce over the memories created in Sixth Form, and cherish those who have made it such a lovely experience.

Before prom, though, is the infamous dress up day. Choose any outfit you want, whether that is extreme or casual, you will see just about everything that day. After the day is over, you will look back at those photos of you with a gorilla and Voldemort, creating a havoc and finally, expressing your freedom. Enjoy it!

Top Tips You definitely need to stay organised in Sixth Form otherwise you might just go crazy. I would recommend having a diary that you can write plenty of notes in. You will get given a planner by the Academy to write homework in which is a helpful way to keep track of all your work and when it’s due.

BEFORE STARTING SIXTH FORM:

1. Talk to current sixth formers and teachers to find out more about the subjects you want to take 2. Find out which subjects involve coursework and what the exams consist of for that subject 3. Choose subjects that interest you and you find enjoyable 4. Look at what qualifications the career you are thinking of pursuing requires When in sixth form:

1. Stay on top of your work 2. Use free periods wisely 3. Create a syllabus checklist for topics within your subjects to help organise your revision 4. Start revision when you actually planned to and not months later 5. Ensure you eat and drink enough during the day to keep your concentration and energy levels up 6. Use a separate folder or folder dividers to separate your work into different subjects

Moving on from sixth form: As daunting as the future may seem, TRFWIA Sixth Form really does prepare you for life after education. They support your choices, whether that is to join University, complete an apprenticeship or plunge straight into the job market.

There are plenty of staff around to lend a helping hand, with weekly assemblies from the Head of Sixth Form and Careers Adviser to give you an idea of the endless possibilities that post Sixth Form offers students like you.

Of course, you still have a couple of years before making these kinds of decisions, but preparing early is a good way to start. The Sixth Form ensures that students meet deadlines set by UCAS but do not rush the process, understanding that these are big choices, and set about helping students through this process, finding the career that’s right for you.

Our Sixth Form don’t pressure you into one certain career path. Students here are diverse and charismatic, all intending to peruse different careers, and taking different steps to get into that position. This wide variety of choices is identified by the Winterbourne Sixth Form and they will take every measure to ensure you leave herewith your head firmly on your shoulders and a big grin on your face.

WIA Sixth form Centre Tel: 01454 252051 Email: sixthform@trfa.org.uk www.facebook.com/RidingsSixthForm High Street, Winterbourne, Bristol BS36 1JL Tel: 01454 252000

2015

pace - working with schools initiative The Winterbourne International Academy Sixth Form Centre Alternative Prospectus was written and designed by the following students Rachel Hickey, Chloe Yuen, Holly Sawyer, Tilly Brogan, Elliana Saladino

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