HIT THE GROUND RUNNING INFORMATION EVENING - WELCOME

THIS EVENING’S TALK What is expected of Post 16 students? How can you support your Post 16 student? What are the opportunities for Post 16 students?

The Post 16 Team Mr Stone – Director of Post 16 Education, Assistant Principal Mr Farmer – Pastoral Leader Mrs Marshall – Pastoral Support Manager Mrs Gray – Administrator Ms Ellerton – UCAS coordinator

WHAT IS DIFFERENT FROM GCSE? Changes to friendship groups, as fewer subjects and new tutor groups. Communication – need to check emails regularly. Demands in/out of lessons (5 hours study periods + 1 hour timetabled Independent Study time.) Increased independence in curriculum – self directed, project work , reading related articles online, in library etc. Split teaching; most subjects will have 2 teachers. No detentions… But still follow up when work is not completed. Deadlines longer term, not just “next lesson.” (Use diaries/ wall planners.)

What does a typical Year 12 week look like? Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 English Language Biology French Study period German 2 3 4 5 What does a typical Year 12 week look like? In addition, all students attend morning tutorial (8.40 – 9.00)

= 40 hours per fortnight in school MANAGING WORKLOAD 36 hours of contact time, over two weeks, for students taking four AS Levels. Four lessons set aside for independent study (one for each subject per fortnight.) = 40 hours per fortnight in school

MANAGING WORKLOAD In addition, the same amount of time (40 hours) should be spent on work outside of the classroom per fortnight. Free periods provide 10 hours of time in school for work per fortnight. That leaves 30 hours per fortnight for homework, or just over two hours per day.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A GREAT STUDENT? Possessing a growth mindset. Being flexible. Having knowledge about academic courses and each syllabus. Using good communication skills. Having good time management skills. Being able to organise yourself. Having a clear sense of your goals. Being independent. Knowing when and how to seek help. Strong commitment to completing your program of study.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE The most successful students don’t just study... Exercise regularly Sleep well Eat well Develop Hobbies/Interests

WHAT ENRICHMENT IS AVAILABLE? EPQ Mrs Whalley Ten Tors Leadership (through CCF) Performing Arts Sport/recreation Mr Carwardine House Leaders Mrs Crawford Duke of Edinburgh Award Mr Norton

Financial independence PART-TIME WORK? Part-time work can be very useful. Employment skills. Financial independence Recommend no more than 8 hours per week.

WHAT ARE THE SCHOOL’S EXPECTATIONS? At least GOOD commitment to learning in all subjects. Need to be self motivated – if not, why not? Always comes back to the key question “Why are we here?” At least 90% attendance across all subjects (and weekly form-time.) Punctuality and attendance in every lesson is monitored closely.

HOW HAVE A LEVEL COURSES CHANGED? Old A Levels AS Levels - taken at the end of Year 12. Students are tested on the content of the Year 12 course. Counts for 50% of A Level. A2 Levels - taken at the end of Year 13. Students are tested on the content of the Year 13 course. Counts for 50% of A Level. New A Levels AS Levels - taken at the end of Year 12. Students are tested on the content of the Year 12 course. A stand-alone qualification. A2 Levels - taken at the end of Year 13. Students are tested on the content of the Year 12 and Year 13 courses. Counts for 100% of A Level.

WHICH A LEVEL COURSES HAVE CHANGED? From September 2015 From September 2016 From September 2017 Art Drama Further Maths Biology Geography ICT Business Studies Modern Foreign Languages Maths Chemistry Music Media Studies English Language P.E. Philosophy English Literature R.S. History Physics Psychology Sociology

PREPARING TO APPLY FOR UNIVERSITY? Year 12 Year 13 Start researching courses and universities Start application - up to 5 choices Attend open days Keep to deadlines Start planning personal statement Attend applicant days Get a summer job or voluntary experience Continue to do your research

What about Careers Advice? Veronica Yeomans Careers Support Manager

HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Ask questions ; be aware of important dates and deadlines; listen. Talk through future plans but don’t worry if your son/daughter is undecided or change their minds. Attend parents’ evenings. Let us know if you have big concerns. Mrs Marshall is a good point of contact!

TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESS 1. Don't attempt to cram all your studying into one session. 2. Plan when you're going to study and study at the same time. 3. Each study time should have a specific goal. 4. Never procrastinate your planned study session. 5. Start with the most difficult subject first. 6. Make sure you're not distracted while you're studying. 7. Use study groups effectively. 8. Review your notes, schoolwork and other class materials over the weekend.

Class Charts - Key Points for DJC Class charts will allow parents and students to track achievement, behaviour, attendance and homework in real time – NB. attendance is not yet real time. Each parent will be given a code in September. This code is used to register an account with classcharts. The information can be accessed via a web browser or via a specific app (IOS/Android) meaning it is easy to keep track of all students. There is also a student app so that they can see their own achievement points and use as an online homework planner. It replaces SLG (if they have older siblings) for the whole school and they may need to bear with us a little in the first few weeks!

Achievement and Behaviour

Homework

Access from the web or dedicated app