6th Form prospectus

wellington college Sponsor of w e l l i n g to n c o l l e g e ac a d e m y t ru s t

Welcome to our 6th Form “The most-able pupils who have high prior attainment ach achieve well at this school.�

Ofste Ofsted Report 2016

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Provision in the 6th Form meets the requirements of the 16 to 19 study programmes well.

Ofsted Report 2016

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A warm welcome to the Wellington Academy The Wellington Academy has been open since 2009 and is proud of its aspirational and inclusive educational offer. 2015 and 2016 were our best and second best results ever for 6th Form. In addition, our 2016 Ofsted report is further evidence that it has never been a better time to send your child to the school.

However, so much more is possible with our fantastic young people and we are not afraid of pushing the bar even higher for them over the coming years.

The Academy’s location means that service families are a significant element of our catchment and we are proud to be the key point of military/civilian integration in the area. However, we are not solely defined by this and we are proud of our commitment to serving all elements of the community, including the most vulnerable, and our recent vulner track recor record of success in this regard.

Our O vision for education Ou has h been inspired by ha

our sponsor, Wellington College, in that we believe in a strong extra-curricular and pastoral provision to complement academic excellence. We are very fortunate to have recruited talented and well qualified staff who provide both high expectations in the classroom and the pastoral care that allows our students to flourish. Students are encouraged to participate in a rich programme of activities such as our Combined Cadet Force, strong sports teams and vibrant arts enrichment. For our boarding students in particular, such activities continue in the evening and over the weekend and we are very proud of the international and social mix that is able to call the Academy their home from home.

Our facilities and resources are second to none in the area. Come to see us for your self - you will be impressed with what we have to offer and will leave inspired by our vision.

Mike Milner Executive Principal

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Our Sponsor The Wellington Academy is named after our sponsor, Wellington College in Berkshire. The College was founded some 150 years ago as a national memorial to the Duke of Wellington.

Wellington College’s sponsorship is part of their wish to break down the barrier between state and independent education. Students and staff from both the College and Academy benefit from the exchange nge of ideas and shared experiences. Students can also o benefit from opportunities which are open to the College students such as work experience placements. ents.

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The 6th Form team are good at organising and supporting students with their career choices.

Holly Anderson, 6th Form Student

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6th Form is a really happy place to be, the staff and other students are so friendly and helpful. It really helped me settle in as a new student.

Odunayo Omisore, 6th Form Student

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In our most recent survey, 99% of our students agreed that

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The 6th Form team support me and are effective.

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KEY STAFF Camilla Radcliffe Curriculum Director 6th Form David Bissington Progress Leader 6th Form Leigh Mills Achievement Leader 6th Form Shelly Willis Engagement and Development Coordinator 6th Form

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Your path to success At the Wellington Academy, our 6th Form team is committed to ensuring that every student feels part of the community. Our 6th Form is now rated amongst the top 25% of A Level providers in the country and is in better shape than ever. We have a strong academic profile, but if students are to maximise their potential they need to feel safe and secure and also know they are valued. There is a real belief amongst the students that they can excel in their subject areas and there is the aspiration that they can go on to achieve great things with their lives both in the local area and far beyond.

Through a range of factors like the boarding house, our unique link with Wellington College and schemes such as the Momentum Programme, students realise that we live in a global world and want to embrace opportunities to experience life beyond the immediate vicinity.

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Staff are very supportive.

Hannah Washington, 6th Form Student

With excellent results, fantastic facilities and a range of opportunities, we firmly believe the Wellington Academy 6th Form can offer any 6th Form student the chance to really thrive. If you have any questions, or would like to come and have a look round, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Student life in 6th Form As 6th Formers, we sit at the top – both figuratively, as the highest year group, and literally, with the 6th Form area dominating the entirety of the top floor - and enjoy the benefits of our own space to relax or work in, away from the hubbub of everyday school life.

Lessons begin at 8.40, if you have a lesson period 1, and are fun and engaging. Apparently, the school sits within the top 25% of schools nationally for their results, which is not a surprise really, when you experience the level of support offered by the teachers and the support staff. The 6th Form has a tutor system like lower school, and a house system so you still feel part of the school. Actually, many 6th Form students take on leadership roles through the house system which is not only a lot of fun, but looks great on your CV. Along with your normal lessons, you are also timetabled into Study Plus which is a supervised study period in the silent study area. Many students struggle a bit to get the balance right between work and socializing during free time, so the 6th Form team help you to get it right. In the morning there is a 20 minute break where you can either hang out in the 6th Form area or go downstairs into the atrium with the rest of

the school, and the same is true at lunch. The café is open all day, so you can always grab a snack or drink in a free period.

One of the best things about the 6th Form is how they help prepare you for life after school. Everyone takes part in the Senior Diploma which is a series of options designed in conjunction with local businesses to help develop skills and give you experience of working life.

There is also a two week work experience placement at the end of the first year, and at the end of Year 13 some students get to spend two weeks in London working with some of the capital’s top businesses.

Don’t get me wrong, it is amazing that there are opportunities available through the wider Wellington network, like internships at our two sister schools in China, but ultimately, it is the people that make the Wellington Academy 6th Form so special, and it is those memories that I will always treasure.

Kel Alexander, Year 13

What we can offer you There are two defining principles that underpin our curriculum at the Wellington Academy: firstly, effective course combinations leading to employment or further study and, secondly, ensuring that all students have access to courses in which they can succeed.

There are a number of different course types on offer: A Level courses:

these are primarily assessed through examination at the end of two years

Level 3 BTEC courses:

these are modular and are assessed primarily through coursework

Level 2 - 3 Vocational courses:

these combine practical assessment, coursework and short written tests

GCSE Resit courses:

any student without a C grade in GCSE Maths or English will have to retake the course

Pathways Choosing the right course combination is essential if you want to remove any potential barriers to realising your goals in the future. To this end, we have designed a curriculum model that will enable students to avoid potential pitfalls, maximise their chances of success but still have enough flexibility to try something new.

Courses on offer A Levels

Vocational Level 3

Other courses

Art Biology Business Chemistry Digital Photography Economics English Literature Ethics and Philosophy Further Maths Geography History Maths Physics Politics Psychology Sociology Textiles

Applied Law Business Cambridge Technical Diploma Business Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate Child Development BTEC Extended Certificate Construction BTEC Diploma Construction BTEC Subsidiary Diploma Health and Social Care BTEC Diploma Health and Social Care BTEC Subsidiary Diplomaa ICT Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate Performing Arts BTEC Extended Certificate Public Services BTEC Extended Certificate Sport Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate e Sport Cambridge Technical Diploma

GCSE English GCSE Maths Professional Catering Extended Project (AS Level)

Please note that not all courses may run if there are insufficient numbers. Other courses may be available with sufficient demand.

Further opportunities ➤ Work experience ➤ Work placements ➤ Summer intern programme (Stannah, Help for Heroes and Aspire) ➤ Momentum - summer internship with national and international organisations ➤ China internship with 3 different schools in China ➤ Exciting trips - including New York Business Trip and Berlin History story Trip ➤ Senior Wellington Diploma - preparation for life after school and increased employability ➤ Access to our gym ➤ Free parking on-site

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The school has a very inclusive culture.

Pupils are made to feel welcome, valued and safe..

Ofsted Report 2016

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Staff provide excellent advice on how to improve work to achieve higher grades.

Ranjana Magar, 6th Form Student

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Momentum Momentum are a charity set up by two former Wellington College students who provide unique work experience opportunities to students at the Wellington Academy. Students with successful applications complete a two week placement in London with a company in the industry they are aiming to enter. Placements have included Saatchi and Saatchi, The Mirror, The Times and several large investment banks. Around ten Year 13 students are accepted on the programme each year with many students also invited back in following years for further work experience or internships. The programme is now entering its sixth year. For more information visit our website.

China internship We are now in our second year of offering 6 month internships to one of our sister schools in China.

Students have the opportunity to apply to schools in Tianjin or Shanghai where they will work in the classroom, support extra-curriculum activities and have the chance to travel. In the first year of the project four students were successful in their applications and currently we have another seven students completing the programme having finished their studies in the summer.

Summer intern programme and Year 12 work experience

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I really enjoy 6th Form, the teachers are always there to help when I am struggling with an aspect of work and they explain really clearly.

Bradley Botha, 6th Form Student

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The Academy is now in its third year of running the Year 12 work experience programme. Students all complete a compulsory work experience programme at the end of Year 12 with the option to either apply for a position in our partner companies Help for Heroes and Aspire or alternatively seek their own placement in a company of their choice.

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Don’t just take our word for it “

I would describe my time at the Wellington Academy as a stepping stone to another big adventure.

Student went to study BA Graphic Design at University of Derby

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The Wellington Academy seems to be always changing and there are always new things going on. I would describe the Academy as having lots of opportunities.

Student went to study BSc Educational Psychology at Northampton University

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The thing I love most about 6th Form is all the extra opportunities that we are given. I was helped in finding an excellent work experience placement with the Army Air Corp which was really exciting.

Dan McKeown, 6th Form Student

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Success Stories Daniel Dalton (ex Head Boy): Having achieved 100% in his AS Economics, Daniel finished 6th Form in 2014 with A grades in Economics and Maths, and a Distinction* in Business. After completing a year-long Internship with Darwin Investments, he is now reading Accounting and Finance at the University of Bath.

Daniel Reynolds: Achieved A* in Maths and Further Maths and A in Physics enabling him to withdraw from his original University offers and reapply to Cambridge University to read Engineering. Daniel was also successful in gaining a place on the China Internship Programme.

Dylan Cope: Having achieved A* in Maths and Further Maths and a B in Physics, Dylan is now studying Computer Science at the University of Bristol.

Grace Connor: A* in Economics and A in Maths and Business. Along with Alix and Daniel, Grace will also be undertaking the Internship in China this year, before taking up her place at UCL to study Economics and Statistics.

Alix Williams (ex Head Girl): Achieved A* in Politics, Economics and EPQ and A grades in Maths as well as gaining a place on Momentum, and also successfully being offered one of four places on a China Internship, lasting 6 Months. She is going to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at LSE.

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When joining 6th Form as an external candidate I was worried about what to expect.

However I quickly settled in and found the 6th Form team so helpful and supportive.

Isaac Umoren, 6th Form Student

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Natasha Stone: Received offers from each of her 4 university choices to study Nursing, the most competitive course in Higher Education. She was successful in gaining her place and is now studying Nursing at Cardiff University.

2015 also saw the highest number of students within one year group to be offered Unconditional Offers from their first choice University; a huge achievement for Matthew Bates (Head Boy 2015, English Language at University of Birmingham), Olivia Coombes (Music Degree at Liverpool University) and Iona Lewis (English at Falmouth University).

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Community Campus Schools worldwide are asking questions about how education must evolve to match the changing world and the aspirations of young people, their families and communities. Our Academy and campus embody these ideas by feeling less like a school and more like a university or business - as well as being a learning hub for the whole community. The building, designed by award winning architects BDP, reflects the surrounding ng countryside and internally has a beautifully open, light ht feeling that ensures people working together can see e each other and feel connected as part of our learning g community. The building also provides high quality learning and social space for students and doubles ass an excellent community venue for a range of events.

Our facilities include a 300 seat theatre, all-weather 3G pitch, music and technology recording suites, textiles studio, Castledown FM radio media centre, engineering and manufacturing centre, drama and dance studios, boarding house, sports & fitness centre all with FREE on-site parking.

6th Form and beyond Pastoral Care With a dedicated non-teaching engagement and development coordinator, there is always someone around to help. Alongside this, we have an experienced 6th Form leadership team and personal tutors who have responsibility for ensuring that all students are making the necessary progress needed to succeed.

Unique links with Wellington College There is no doubt that our links with Wellington College afford us access to provision that would otherwise be beyond our grasp, and it is right that we ensure as many of our students as possible benefit from this. Over the last few years, we have been able to utilise the experience of 150 years of top quality education to support and develop our own teaching and learning, as well as support applications to top universities. Our students have also joined College students on a number of leadership development courses and mediation training, and we have secured a number of Internships at our sister schools in China, as well as sharing global experiences in Nicaragua and Switzerland.

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The 6th Form team have been really supportive and have guided me towards my future aspirations and career.

Karis Beard, 6th Form Student

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Senior diploma The Senior Diploma builds on the Wellington Diploma launched in Lower School, and has one main objective; to ensure every student has participated in a range of activities that will leave them best placed to embark on their destination of choice. To ensure the integrity of the diploma, local employers have contributed to its development. Through consultation, an essential skills list has been developed that will act as a marking criteria for the evidence required to achieve the diploma; if the student has evidenced all the required skills to an adequate level, they are awarded the Senior Diploma.

Sport There are numerous opportunities to take part in, or lead, sporting activities. We have a whole range of facilities to cater for sports such as netball, football, rugby, basketball and tennis as well as a free weights room and air-conditioned fitness studio.

What’s important to us The 21st Century must undoubtedly be the most exciting era for the human race with rapid and often unpredictable change occurring at exponential speed. Many jobs which exist today did not exist just under a decade ago. We are preparing a generation for which, for the first time, we are unable to make real predications about careers, development and life paths. Our young people will inherit a very different world and it is our job to ensure that when they leave us they are ready to enter this world, and not just survive it but thrive in it.

We must ensure that they have a strong sense of self, are confident and most importantly happy. We must ensure that neither they nor we, set limits on learning, ambition, ability, aspiration and dreams. We must ensure they are highly skilled and educated, having progressed well through school and attained the best qualifications they need to open any door they want to enter into. We must make them truly competitive.

We must ensure they know their worth but also that of others and respect the choices, opinions and values of others.

This is a happy community where everyone is valued and respects each other.

We achieve well, believe in ourselves and have limitless aspirations.

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Boarding Our Benson and Wellesley boarding houses provide superb facilities and care for up to 88 students – 44 girls and 44 boys between the ages of 12 and 18. We are Wiltshire’s only state boarding school and publish separate information about admissions.

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Quality of care and support is outstanding.

Boarding Ofsted Report 2015

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The Academy is a multi-cultural and inclusive environment, where young people’s individuality is celebrated and equality of opportunity is promoted.

Boarding Ofsted Report 2015

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Admissions Admission for 6th Form in 2017 •

Complete and return an application form. Application forms are available from the Wellington Academy website at: www.thewellingtonacademy.org.uk

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Your completed application should be returned to Shelly Willis, Engagement and Development Coordinator for 6th Form.

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You will have an individual course consultation, during which provisional courses will be agreed.

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The offer of the course will be conditional upon you meeting the required entry grades, any subject specific criteria and having a suitable reference from your previous school.

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Your final interview will be held immediately after you have received your GCSE results. This is when your actual offer is negotiated and confirmed.

Finance Tuition is free to all students under 19, although some small charges may be made for trips, materials and workshops.

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My dream is to become a primary school teacher and the 6th Form helped me to find a work placement at Wellington Primary which really aided my UCAS reference.

Ryan Cromie, 6th Form Student

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Transport Students can travel to the Academy on public buses or will be allocated places on school buses where spaces are available. Free transport will be available for students from Pewsey. Wiltshire County Council does not subsidise transport costs for 6th Form students but may provide financial assistance to families in receipt of certain benefits.

Boarding If you are interested in joining one of our boarding houses please complete an application form from our website. The Academy charges only for board/ lodgings. 6th Formers have single en-suite rooms.

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Happiness Achievement Limitless

www.thewellingtonacademy.org.uk The Wellington Academy, Tidworth, Wiltshire, SP11 9RR Tel: 01264 405060 Email: admin@thewellingtonacademy.org.uk

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