The Ursuline Academy Ilford, Sixth Form Prospectus 2023/24

Sixth Form Prospectus

Message from the Headteacher As the proud headteacher of this academically thriving institution, I extend a warm welcome to all prospective students and families considering 6th form at the Ursuline Academy. At our school, we foster a nurturing and inclusive environment, embracing students from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Our commitment to equity ensures that every individual is valued and celebrated.

“We have a dedicated and passionate team of specialist teachers who work tirelessly to provide an excellent education for our students. Our students have consistently achieved great results, and we are proud to say that our sixth formers go on to attend some of the most prestigious universities in the country as well as exciting higher-level apprenticeships” - Headteacher

At Ursuline, we uphold the core value of Serviam, and we are dedicated to nurturing young women who are not just academically driven but also compassionate, forgiving, generous in spirit, and resilient. Our aim is to develop individuals who are not only active participants within our school community but also agents of positive change in the wider world.

By joining our 6th form, students become part of a larger global network of Ursuline schools, united by a shared mission. Our collective focus encompasses academic excellence, service inspired by the teachings of St. Angela Merici, exceptional pastoral care, and the cultivation of young leaders.

Within our 6th form, students will discover a pathway to an excellent education and promising future prospects. Our community is one where students flourish both academically and socially. We are immensely proud of our extensive alumni network, where many former students return to inspire our students. Our alumni have embarked on successful careers spanning the realms of Arts, Law, Medicine, Engineering, Education, and beyond.

Here at Ursuline Academy, we empower our students to set ambitious goals and provide unwavering support as they embark on their journeys towards university courses and higher apprenticeships. Join us, and together, we will help you become the best version of yourself, shaping a bright future full of promise and possibilities.

Fiona Stone BSc (Hons) MA NPQH Headteacher

Our Mission “Act move, believe, strive, hope, cry out to him with all your heart, for without doubt you will see marvellous things…”

– St Angela Merici The Ursuline Academy Ilford is a community of faith, love, kindness and service. Guided by Gospel values and the Holy Spirit we strive to create an inclusive environment where our diverse community of young women can reach their full potential in all their endeavours.

We are inspired by the witness of St Angela and our vibrant community of faith, whose motto ‘SERVIAM’- I will serve, will empower us all to play our full part in society.

To help bring this about Governors, leaders, teaching and support staff commit themselves to: • Recognising the value and God given uniqueness of every student we teach and responding sensitively to their needs and talents • Ensuring equity in all we do and that equality of opportunity is available to all; • Providing opportunities to enable all students to develop and grow intellectually and spiritually • Building a community based on justice, trust, cooperation and courtesy • Inviting parents and carers to play an active role in their daughter’s development, academically, socially, spiritually and morally

“The Ursuline Academy Ilford is a melting pot of different cultures, religions and races, this environment creates a unique and stimulating learning experience. This school has instilled in me the core values and qualities needed to flourish both academically and socially” - Head Girl

What’s special about our 6th form?

There are a several characteristics and qualities that make our sixth form unique and an excellent choice to pursue your studies. Our sixth form is small with less than 200 students across years 12 and 13. This allows us to get to know our students well and provide teaching and support that is tailored towards individual need. Our sixth form is all girls and, therefore, provides a different atmosphere to the majority of mixed sixth forms.

Whilst our sixth formers enjoy a range of freedoms and privileges compared with the lower school, our students still experience a full school day with clear structures and expectations that support them to work hard and achieve their full potential. One such example is the provision of structured study time during the day where students are given guidance on study skills and similar topics as well as having time in a purposeful and quiet environment to develop good study habits of their own.

“Do something, get moving.

Be confident, risk new things, stick with it and then be ready for big surprises” - St Angela

There are extensive opportunities to go beyond the curriculum and take part in enrichment and extracurricular activities and this is something we strongly encourage. Several sixth form students take on leadership roles each year which gives further opportunity for personal development and important experiences as students prepare for the next stage of their educational or career journey.

Our students achieve well and go on to a wide variety of post 18 courses and opportunities with recent examples including; study at elite universities such as Cambridge, studying highly competitive courses such as medicine and entering sought after apprenticeships with well-known finance companies in the city of London.

Curriculum The Sixth Form curriculum is an inclusive and inspiring offer that is accessible for all students, ambitious, provides stretch and challenge and is coherently planned to support students in realising their full potential and in developing their talents.

The UAI Sixth Form offers a broad and rich curriculum with over 20 A level and Level 3 vocational subjects available for study.

This enables our students to choose and experience a tailored curriculum that builds on their talents and strengths. Alongside superb teaching, students will develop transferable skills to support personal progression and pathways to the next stage of their education and to enable them to become a successful adult in working life and modern society through the variety of enrichment opportunities on offer. Sixth Form students are encouraged to join the Head Girl Team; take part in various enrichment sessions and activities; apply to be on the Mentor scheme to support lower school students and even lead and run their own clubs doing something they love.

The UAI Sixth Form offers a diverse, broad and balanced range of subjects of both academic and applied courses at level 3. These courses have been planned and developed to allow all students the opportunity to become experts within the subject and to also develop transferable skills, supporting progression to the next stage of further education and for a successful adult and working life in modern society. The Curriculum has been well designed and developed to prepare all students for higher education or training courses which meet the needs of students and prepare them with the skills required for local employment sectors.

The high quality of teaching in the Sixth Form leads to excellent outcomes for all our students. Lessons are knowledge rich to ensure our students are secure, developing and mastering across their studies. Embedded throughout the Sixth Form curriculum, our expert teachers and leaders personalise learning for each and every student and encourage self-reflection and target setting for maximum progress. Wider reading and research play a vital role in each student’s journey with flipped learning providing the ultimate springboard towards becoming an expert and gaining independence.

“I chose to stay in the sixth form because I felt like the school provided a foundation for me to build on, mentally emotionally and socially. Being treated like an adult has allowed me to grow from a girl to a well-educated and respectful woman” - Year 12 Student

Celebrating Success We take immense pride in the accomplishments of all our students. Throughout our rich history, we have consistently guided young women towards the top universities, where many have studied on the most prestigious courses. In recent times, there has been a growing trend of students gaining access to higher apprenticeships, marking a testament to their determination and potential.

At Ursuline Academy, we stand by our commitment to nurturing success in every student, regardless of their initial starting point.

We are so proud of those who achieve remarkable success in their academic journeys, and we are unwavering in our dedication to support every young woman to reach her fullest potential.

Tailored Support The Ursuline Academy Ilford is committed to ensure the inclusivity and wellbeing of all of our students by providing all the necessary support for young people with SEND. Our students are invited to participate in discussions about their aspirations, their needs, and the support that they require in order to help them meet those aspirations. This support promotes independence and enables our students to make good progress towards their future goals, ensuring they live independent lives as productive members of their community.

The Sixth Form Team in collaboration with the SEND Team will: • Assess all the relevant information from the student, the school and other identified professionals – this is then discussed with student and parents • Develop a support plan with the student which may include assistive technology • Ensure this plan is understood and implemented by all the stakeholders of each individual student’s education particularly subject Teachers • Continue to review the effectiveness of the support plan in the context of the student’s progress and future aspirations, making adaptations where necessary • Review exam access arrangements from key stage 4 and ensure these are carried forward into key stage 5 where appropriate as well as new referrals being considered • Wellbeing support offered to pupils when required including access to the school counsellor

Enrichment We have ambitions for all our students to discover who they can be and experience all and more that life can offer. At UAI 6th Form, enrichment plays a fundamental role in developing each and every young person in our care and we are proud to offer a diverse and varied range of opportunities both within and beyond our Sixth Form.

The Enrichment Programme offers all students in the 6th Form an exciting range of non-examined activities to get involved with, enabling them to develop valuable skills and qualities to help prepare them for the next stage of their lives. The aim is to provide students with a broader experience than just the learning that takes place in the classroom.

All students are encouraged to immerse themselves in a personalised enrichment programme that not only adds depth to their studies but also allows them to flourish.

We are proud that our programme encompasses all areas of our curriculum and some of the courses may lead to an external accreditation. Our enrichment offer includes activities such as: • EPQ - an A-level standard standalone qualification designed to extend and develop abilities beyond the A-level syllabus and prepare for university or future career • Volunteering for Peer Mentors - mentoring younger students • Subject Ambassadors Mentoring – academic peer mentoring to enable students to work collaboratively to achieve success • Sports Ambassadors • Attending a university day at one or more of the Russell Group universities • Attending the annual UCAS Discovery Event in London which provides students with the opportunity to meet over 100 universities, colleges, and apprenticeship employers face-to-face • Mindfulness and wellbeing club

“Leaders have developed an ethos that encourages all to recognise and value individuality” - OFSTED

• NHS cadets • Newsletter • Ted Talks

“I chose not only to stay in a good school that can provide me with all I need to go onto further education but I chose to stay in a community where I know I can reach my fullest potential in an environment where I’m not restricted in any way” - Year 12 Student

Pastoral Care For students to flourish during their time in the sixth form, it is crucial that they are happy, safe and motivated within school.

The Pastoral team within school ensure that this is the case.

All students begin the day by meeting their form tutor and completing registration. This provides an important daily contact and the form tutor’s role is to help students with any issues or concerns they have, pass on important information and ensure a positive start to the day. The form tutor will also deliver our PSHE curriculum once a week and ensure that form time is used productively to help students develop into confident and competent young adults. An initial example is a focus on adapting to sixth form life and developing good study skills and habits. Support with applying to university or other future pathways and preparing to manage personal finances and manage workload and stress are just a few examples of areas where students will receive structured guidance and support.

The team of tutors are led by our Head of Year 12 and Head of Year 13. These colleagues coordinate the pastoral care of all sixth formers. This may include contacting parents and meeting if there are concerns about a student’s progress or their wellbeing. The Head of Year will work with colleagues to closely monitor progress in the sixth form to enable early and pro-active intervention if there are any issues. Where a student has specific needs or differing requirements to help them achieve their full potential, the Head of Year will work closely with our Assistant Headteacher SEND and Inclusion to ensure that a bespoke plan is put in place and enacted.

“We are very pleased and grateful for the care that our daughter receives in school.

She has grown in confidence and enjoys being at Ursuline” - Parent

The pastoral team also monitor attendance closely and will work with students and their parents to support improvement in this crucial area where necessary.

Our safeguarding team, led by the Pastoral Deputy Headteacher will respond rapidly to any concerns surrounding a student’s safety or wellbeing. This may involve working with and referring to outside agencies and we also have the services of a school counsellor where required.

“I left the Academy at the end of Year 11 but came back again soon after because I honestly missed the comfortable feeling I used to get coming into the school community everyday. I feel happy coming to school again and am in the right mindset and environment to learn” - Year 13 Student

Facilities

Study skills

Located in its own block, away from the main school, Hume House provides a calm and exclusive space for our Sixth Form students. There is a dedicated quiet study room together with a more informal café’ area. Both rooms have PCs and a printer for students to use.

Independent Study is important in the Sixth Form and we encourage our students to develop their engagement with their subjects by engaging in and practising a range of different approaches to independent study.

The Café’ is open from 8am each day and serves a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Sixth Form students are also welcomed to use the main Dining Hall where a variety of popular hot dishes, including at least two vegetarian and a halal option, are served each day. A selection of sandwiches, wraps and salads are also available along with a variety of soft drinks.

All Sixth Form students participate in our Study Skills programme on a weekly timetable to develop their independent learning abilities. Sessions are run by an experienced member of staff, aimed at exposing pupils to a range of different approaches to independent study in order to play to their individual strengths.

Note-taking, self-organisation and revision techniques are covered among a range of other topics to facilitate A Level study.

There is also an additional large study room in the main building where students are welcomed to use school laptops with access to the school Wi-Fi.

These provided Study Skills sessions help students to make progress in their subjects and develop ownership over their own learning and future success.

Equity and inclusion At the Ursuline Academy Ilford we value and celebrate the diversity of our school community and are committed to ensuring that we are a fully inclusive organisation that prioritises equity for all. We are determined to ensure that all members of the school community have an equal opportunity to maximise their potential, are valued equally and are treated with respect.

As a faith school, the gospel values of Justice and Integrity are at the heart of our commitment to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work, and provide the foundations for the everyday workings of the school.

Working within a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment, which embraces diversity and promotes respect, helps students fulfil their academic potential and become thinking, questioning and caring members of society.

Message from the Headteacher

Scholarship The Ursuline Academy Ilford provides Academic scholarships to students with outstanding GCSE results. The scholarship is intended to aid our most able students in reaching their full potential.

“We have a dedicated and passionate team of specialist There are two levels of scholarship: teachers who work tirelessly to Scholarship 1 provide anstudents excellent Eligibility – For who enroleducati in the sixth on form to study 3 GCE A’ level subjects and who have achieved 8 or more passes at for our students. Our students GCSE at grade 7 or better including English and Maths. have consistently achieved Scholarship details: • £500 inresults, year 12 which is split overare two payments great and we proudof £250 made to the student’s bank account (the first at Christmas and the tosecond say atthat our sixth formers Easter).

Whilst students can spend the money as they choose, it is intended to support them with their studies gobyon to attend some of the paying for books / equipment or by enabling them to take part inpresti extracurricular activities / university most gious universiti esopen indays / work experience etc. the country as well as exciting • Priority access to trips and events aimed at the most able students (e.g. Oxbridge visits / Russell Group university higher-level apprenti ceships”

As the proud headteacher of this academically thriving institution, I extend a warm welcome to all prospective students and families considering 6th form at the Ursuline Academy. At our school, we foster a nurturing and inclusive environment, embracing students from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Our commitment to equity ensures that every individual is valued and celebrated.

“The level of support and encouragement from staff and students made my decision to return easier - and I don’t At Ursuline, we uphold regret it the at core all”value of Serviam, and we

are dedicated to nurturing young women who are not just academically driven but also compassionate, forgiving, generous in spirit, and resilient. Our aim is to develop individuals who are not only active participants within our school community but also agents of positive change in the wider world.

- Year 13 Student

Mentoring and guidance throughout the sixth form to assist -• Headteacher them with their next steps

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• Tailored support for university admissions tests e.g. UCAT, LNAT, MAT etc.

Fiona Stone BSc (Hons) MA NPQH Headteacher

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Morland Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4JU T: 020 8554 1995 • E: enquiries@uai.org.uk

www.uai.org.uk

Headteacher: Headteacher: Fiona Fiona Stone Stone BSc BSc (Hons) (Hons) MA MA NPQH NPQH