Sixth Form Prospectus

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St Augustine’s Catholic College Technology and Sports Specialist Status

Sixth Form Prospectus

“Luceat Lux Vestra” “Let Your Light Shine” - Matthew 5:16

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Welcome

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Spiritual Life at St Augustine‟s

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Chaplaincy

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Pastoral Life

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Transition between GCSE and Sixth Form and Induction

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Sixth Form Life

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Social Life

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Specialist School Life

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Academic Life

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Life beyond the Classroom

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Life Post-18

In this Prospectus “It has been wonderful to be part of such a friendly, welcoming college where there's a real sense of community. The staff are incredibly supportive, always going the extra mile to ensure that you achieve your potential. I was given excellent opportunities to develop many skills, including leadership and problem-solving, and the extra-curricular activities available helped me grow in self-confidence. I enjoyed sixth form at St Augustine's immensely. The memories of my time at St Augustine's will always be very special.”

—Louise Jones, Former Head Girl

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Dear Student “An extremely strong, thoughtful, caring ethos permeates the school...older students support younger ones and provide exemplary role models” —Ofsted, 2007

Welcome to St Augustine‟s Sixth Form. Whether you choose to continue your college life from Year 11 or make a fresh start from another institution we hope that the Catholic ethos, academic and pastoral life of this College will meet your needs and help you fulfil your post 18 ambitions.

In 2010 St Augustine‟s recorded its best ever Value Added results at A Level, showing that our students make excellent progress whatever their starting point. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the work ethic of our dedicated staff and committed sixth form students. Life as a Sixth Former is exciting, demanding and challenging. We provide an environment where we strive for excellence with our primary aim being to develop the academic, social and spiritual needs of the individual. As a sixth form student you will be expected to embrace the various opportunities on offer, take an active role in the community and support the spiritual ethos of the College.

Our lower school pupils regard members of the Sixth Form as role models, young adults whom they will aspire to emulate. This is central in our College where the sixth form student is deemed to be someone who can lead, encourage, direct and inspire the younger members of our school community.

If you choose St Augustine‟s Sixth Form you will be supported by an outstanding pastoral team who will invest their time, energy and experience into shaping your future.

J Alsop Acting Head teacher

Welcome to St Augustine‟s Catholic College - Sixth Form St Augustine‟s Sixth Form is a Christian community and this informs our values and approach to the development of each and every individual. We define success in the broadest and most inclusive way; our motto „luceat lux vestra‟ encourages all students, regardless of their background or ability, to undertake responsibility and make a positive contribution to the college and the wider community.

Positive affirmation of achievement is the crux of our ethos and the gifts and talents of each individual are celebrated through a range of curricular and extra-curricular activities. We have a very strong community, reliant upon mutual support and

respect, which, unashamedly, seeks the highest standards of excellence. The College aims to provide a vibrant 21st century learning environment which nurtures academic achievement and prepares students with the necessary skills for post-18 careers and higher education.

In return we expect our students to conduct themselves in a professional, mature and studious manner in order to project their prestigious status within the college.

prospectus, the AS & A2 Synopsis booklet, admissions criteria and entry requirements. Your choice of study is of prime importance and will impact upon your future aspirations. It is crucial that you make a well informed decision so that you are prepared for life as a St Augustine‟s Sixth Former and for life beyond the college.

We encourage you to visit the college, meet the teachers and, more importantly, speak to the current sixth form students.

Whilst this prospectus is designed to give you an overview of what St Augustine‟s can offer, you should read this prospectus alongside the main school

—Kim Porter, Head of Sixth Form

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“Let your light shine to all people...”

—Matthew 5:16

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“The retreat days, organised by Michael Thorp, give sixth form students the opportunity to escape the stress of work and exams, providing time to reflect on life and relax. They are some of the best days in the school calendar.”

—Emma Chappell, Deputy Head Girl

Spiritual Life at St Augustine‟s

“Even though I am not a Catholic I still feel I really benefit from the spiritual ethos of the sixth form.

We are all part of the same fantastic community, whatever our beliefs.”

—Victoria Ayris, Current Student

Our high standard of worship, spiritual, moral development, in association with De La Salle and maintained links with the Clifton Diocese, permeates throughout the whole college.

Our Catholic, Christian and ecumenical values are at the heart of our Sixth Form. Sixth form spiritual life includes:

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A lay sixth form chaplain

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Weekly spiritual reflections in the chapel

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Prayer and reflection on sixth form retreats

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A PSHE/Pastoral programme which explores moral, social and spiritual issues

 Voluntary gap year at

Student led assemblies and involvement in masses/collective acts of worship

Kintbury and other missions in the UK or abroad

Local parish priests leading sixth form assemblies and whole school masses on feast days

Students are expected to attend morning registration, weekly assemblies and whole school masses.

Sixth form charity committee, fundraising for local, national and international charities Compulsory RE lessons „Leaders to Come‟ conference Prayers and reflection throughout the day; in tutor sessions and at the start of each lesson

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Chaplaincy “God loves a cheerful giver” —St Paul

“The Chaplaincy exists primarily, but not exclusively, for sixth form students. It is entirely inclusive, any member of the college community is welcome at any time. It is a place of prayer and support and a centre where anyone can focus and re-focus upon the love of Christ who is central to all aspects of our work in the Catholic School.”

—Michael Thorp, Chaplain

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.”

—Proverbs 3: 5-6

The Sixth Form is very fortunate to have a lay chaplain, Michael Thorp, who works three days a week providing outstanding pastoral care for the students whilst also contributing to the development of their adult spiritual life.

The lay chaplain offers students the opportunity to discuss situations or problems of any nature that have been a source of disquiet in their lives. However, students are welcome to drop in to the chaplain‟s office at any time simply for tea, coffee, biscuits and a chat. Michael provides weekly reflections, spiritual retreats, organises Ten Tors and plays an active part in every aspect of sixth form life.

“The Retreat Day with Michael Thorp was really relaxing and gave me a great new view of religion.”

—Anon, Student

“With the daily pressures of being a young adult in the 21st century the need for a comforting , friendly and approachable chaplain is essential. With his invaluable advice and unique personality Michael Thorp provides this in abundance.”

—Joseph Burrows, Head Boy

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Pastoral Life

“In the sixth form, the tutor programme in particular is exemplary and students are fully involved in setting targets and monitoring their own progress.”

—James Sage, Ofsted 2007

We work hard to ensure our students feel supported, cared for and valued. The welfare of the sixth form students is overseen by the form tutor who, in collaboration with the student via PDPs and tutor sessions, monitor their general academic progress, health and well-being. Each morning students register with their tutors who deliver a pastoral programme covering topics from independent study skills to social awareness. Students also have one lesson of PSHE per fortnight with the Head/ Deputy of Sixth Form and at times, external speakers, during which they are given

information on post-18 options and health related issues. In addition, we offer a confidential counselling service for students in need of extended support. Great emphasis is placed upon the communication and cooperation between home and school; we believe that together we can achieve the very best for our students.

“Extra time is given... to students to enable them to achieve their potential.”

—James Sage, Ofsted 2007

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“The introduction of the AQA Baccalaureate is an exciting addition to the sixth form curriculum, a positive development for the future of post-16 education.”

—Joe Alsop, Associate Headteacher

Transition between GCSE and Sixth Form and Induction

Choosing the most suitable sixth form courses begins at GCSE, with over 21 „A‟ level subjects on offer; internal and external students are encouraged to make a well informed decision, aided by teachers and parents, and should apply themselves to the following programme: September-Januaryinterviews with Connexions Advisor &/or Careers Advisor October- post-16 career and option day October -Sixth Form Open Evening October-internal taster day November- Mock GCSE examinations December- External taster day February- final decisions for options

“The induction days, for internal and external students gave us the opportunity to sample sixth form lessons, meet new friends and have fun. The Learning Performance day made us appreciate that success at A-level requires determination, independence and self belief.”

—Nathalie Corless and Eleanor Jones, Current Students

July- internal and external students to attend an induction day August- on results day students should reflect on selected subjects and make necessary adjustments to their curriculum and, if necessary, to their post18 choices September- attend Sixth Form induction. This day enables students to make a successful transition to the study skills required for AS and A2 and to the challenges, changes and responsibility of sixth form life.

September- Further induction takes place within departments and in tutor/PSHE lessons

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Sixth Form Life

“In the Sixth Form, the best teaching is effectively focused on supporting individual needs and is also challenging and exciting.”

—-James Sage, Ofsted 2007

St Augustine‟s has clear expectations for its sixth form students. Our high expectations regarding attendance, punctuality, uniform, appearance, conduct and academic procedures are outlined in the Sixth Form Handbook. In return, St Augustine‟s offers highly experienced, dedicated staff, excellent facilities and a magnificent community where all students are valued and given the opportunity to flourish. We are constantly seeking the face of Christ and our positive referral system ensures that all achievements are recognised and celebrated within the

“St Augustine‟s Sixth Form provides a vibrant and dynamic learning environment, which allow students to seize opportunities, recognise their potential and flourish.”

—Stephen Draper, Deputy Head Boy

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community.

The students have access to a well resourced and beautifully maintained common room, ICT, technology facilities, careers suite, college library and superb PE facilities. They are expected to maintain the high standards of their environment which helps them to become responsible, reliable individuals.

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The Sixth Form Social Committee arranges an array of social and fundraising events for the Sixth Form and lower school students.

The annual Sixth Form Leaver‟s Ball is a highlight of the year, but other events such as a trip to Thorpe Park are also highly beneficial to

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Social Life

sustaining and developing the sixth form community spirit.

Balancing social activities with academic work develops the skills of time management and selfdiscipline; invaluable skills for life beyond sixth form.

“The Leaver‟s Ball, at Priston Mill, Bath, was a wonderful occasion. Celebrating the end of our sixth form journey with our friends, teaching staff, form tutors, chaplain and head teacher was a memorable event.”

“The whole of year 12 had an amazing time at Thorpe Park; it was enormous fun and strengthened our bond as a year group”.

— Owain Coleman, Former Student

—Ruth Butler, Head Girl

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Specialist School Life

Since 1998 St Augustine‟s has been a Specialist Technology college and in 2006 was awarded with Sports specialism. In 2009 St Augustine‟s Design and Technology department represented the South West of England at the international conference of

the Design and Technology Association for the advanced manufacturing techniques taught at A Level. In addition, former students at undergraduate level often return to St Augustine's to use the outstanding design and technology facilities. sixth form students form a

prestigious Sports Council and take leading roles in coordinating PE events and showcasing work across the curriculum. This, alongside Community Sports Leadership Award, fosters skills in communication, team-work, self-confidence and community spirit.

“With the staff‟s constant support and guidance, I found I could do much more than I had thought myself capable of, simply because their belief in my abilities made me a more confident person.”

—Tanya Stockting, Former Student

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Students have access to the gym and recreation facilities, timetabled once a week.

There are sports teams in a number of specialisms including rugby, netball and football. Students also give freely of their time to help support lower school sports teams.

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Academic Life

We aim to offer a broad, balanced and flexible 21st century curriculum and pride ourselves on our technological and superbly resourced environment which enables excellent teaching and a platform for our learners to thrive. Our subject choice has been further enhanced with the introduction of the AQA Baccalaureate, AS Critical Thinking and the Extended Project Qualification. Our other subjects are: Art & Design Biology Chemistry Dance Design Technology Economics & BS English Language/Literature English Literature French Geography History ICT Mathematics Media Studies Music PE Physics Psychology Spanish Theatre Studies Theology At St Augustine‟s we strive for academic excellence and we work hard to preserve our reputation as an outstanding college. Our courses, whilst academic, combined with our extensive extra-curricular programme aim to equip our students with the necessary skills to excel in a 21st century society. Our results are

excellent and we are oversubscribed annually; our staff, under the direction of the La Sallian philosophy, accept that teaching is a gift and grace of God. Staff invest time, energy and enthusiasm into their teaching and expect the same of our learners.

journey; mutual efforts also foster strategies for sustained improvement.

At the start of the year students are given an independent study timetable on which they are expected to allocate a minimum of 4 hours per week per subject and undertake serious wider

“I have felt privileged to encounter many things that are easily taken for granted. Dedicated and supportive teaching staff, constantly updated facilities and resources and such a feeling of community amongst students, teachers and departments have certainly made my experiences at St Augustine's enjoyable and unforgettable.”

—Michelle Kaczmarek, Former Student

We encourage selfassessment and independent learning. Every student is given a Student Attainment and Target Tracker which allows them to monitor their own progress against their target grades and take ownership of their learning.

In addition, teacher assessment and feedback is rigorous. This is shared with parents via interim progress reports, formal written reports and parent consultation evenings.

Whenever there are areas of concerns, these are shared with students and, where appropriate, parents.

Subsequently, plans are made to address the issue.

In this way, students and parents are encouraged to engage in the learning

reading. There is a central college library, with an excellent range of facilities and resources, for sixth form private study. The use of the common room is available for one period per week, lunchtimes, break times, before and after school.

All students are required to purchase a Sixth Form Diary in which they can record homework, information, deadlines and targets.

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A2 Results 2009 75% A-B grades

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“All teachers pay close attention to developing rounded individuals and ensuring that students participate fully in the life of the school” —James Sage, Ofsted 2007

Life beyond the Classroom “The Watersports Trip had a really positive impact on our community; it strengthened friendship; fostered teamwork and raised self-esteem.”

—Michael Chisnall, Former Student

Being a sixth former at St Augustine‟s is about developing skills and qualities in leadership, selfreliance and independence.

All students will be given an opportunity to be monitors, prefects, day captains, social committee members and Sixth Form leaders all of whom are managed by the head boy/girl who have whole school responsibilities. The newly established Young Chambers involves many sixth form students, working closely with staff, to coordinate whole College and community events using student voice to enhance the College and local community.

In addition, Sixth Formers are expected to play a lead role in organising and running clubs and activities for lower school and immerse themselves in other roles such as subject prefects and participate in our in-class support scheme. Likewise, there are many extracurricular activities and events which will extend and enrich, academically and socially, the life of the student.

These, to include:

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few,

Annual water sports trip to the South of France Art Trips CSLA Duke of Edinburgh Award History trip to New York Inter-form competitions and a multitude of sporting clubs Leaders to Come Model United Nations Ten Tors Theatre Trips Young Engineering Scheme Young Enterprise Young Musician of the Year

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Life Post-18

We aim to help our students to realise their ambitions for higher education and employment.

There is excellent careers guidance which will enable students to make the right choices for their chosen career path. We also have an extensive application programme for university and Oxbridge

applicants.

The Sixth Form at St Augustine‟s should equip students with a rich mixture of experiences which in turn will prepare them for an adult life of service to others. In addition their time at the college should bridge

the nexus between college and the world of work or university. Throughout their time in our care they will be given ample opportunity to „let their light shine to all people‟ and we hope that they leave the college having fulfilled their full potential.

“St Augustine's provided me with the skills needed to face life after school and to go out and make something of myself. I will really miss being a part of such a warm and loving environment but shall always know that the 2 years I had there were the best school years of my life."

—Bethany Gibbons, Former Student

“The advice I received , post results, from Careers and Connexions was excellent. It motivated me to work towards my goals beyond Alevels” —Thomas Keen, Current Student

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St Augustine’s Catholic College Wingfield Road Trowbridge Wiltshire BA14 9EN

Tel: 01225 350001 Fax: 01225 350002 Email: admin@st-augustines.wilts.sch.uk Web: www.st-augustines.wilts.sch.uk

Headmaster: Mr J C Alsop Head of Sixth Form: Mrs C Braham

Please read this prospectus alongside the following documents which can be accessed via the school website: www.st-augustines.wilts.sch.uk

Admissions Policy 2011 Entry requirements 2011 Examination results: Summer 2010 Transport information Subject Synopsis Booklet Sixth Form Handbook Post 16 Learning agreement Application form for External Students