1. POST-16 COURSES EVENING Wednesday 11 th November 2015

2. Post-16 Courses for 2016 Ms Rutherford – Headteacher Mr Butler – Head of Sixth Form Miss Williamson – Y12&13 Achievement Leader Sarah Hartley – Head Girl Oliver Moloney – Head Boy James Mortimer – New 6 th form student

3. Format of the evening Presentation Life in the Sixth Form Sixth Form Curriculum & Entry Criteria Maximising achievement The application process Opportunities to visit departments and meet students

4. Why choose to study at King Edward VI Sixth Form? Strong Sixth form community Opportunity to develop leadership skills especially through house system. Chance to be involved in the wider community Medical research project Opportunity to take part in plays, musicals, sporting activities, trips, debating, DoE etc. Sarah Hartley – Head Girl Oliver Moloney – Head Boy James Mortimer – New 6 th form student

5. Why choose to study at King Edward VI Sixth Form? 1 st in Staffordshire for 2011-2014 with the highest average points score per candidate 78% of applicants went to their first choice of university

6. Why choose to study at King Edward VI Sixth Form? 2015 at King Edward VI School : Over 99% overall pass rate 23.5% of entries at Grade A*/A grades 52% of entries at Grade A*/A or B 77% of entries at Grade A*-C

7. Why choose to study at King Edward VI Sixth Form? High expectations  A number of Oxbridge students over the last few years  In 2015 33% of university applicants went to Russell Group universities  71% of students went directly to university  15% Gap year & 2015 UCAS applications  86% of students going to university in total  14% direct employment, apprenticeships, further education

8. Why choose to study at King Edward VI Sixth Form? Breadth of subjects available 29 Advanced Level subjects (plus more locally) Range of courses available to meet all abilities and talents Competition of high calibre students to stretch students, maximising potential Strong specialist teaching staff

9. Lichfield & Burntwood opportunities By working together we can: Offer a wider subject choice. e.g. Media Studies, Photography, Engineering Ensure course availability Investigate opportunities to resolve clashes All courses will run subject to viable numbers. Where the numbers of applicants for a course are low, the school may work in partnership with another school/other schools in the district to maintain the offer.

10. What’s new for A-levels? PHASE 1 In 2015, the following A-levels became two-year courses: Art & Design, Business, Economics, English Literature, English Language, History, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology and Sociology PHASE 2 In 2016, the following subjects will also become two-year courses: French, Geography, German, Music, Physical Education, Religious studies

11. How does that change courses? In 2016, only A-level courses in Accounting, Product Design, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Applied Science will have an AS examination at the end of Year 12 which will count as 50% of the A-level grade. In 2017, all these subjects will also convert to two- year courses

12. Changes to other courses Applied A-levels are being phased out Health & Social Care will be offered as a Level 3 BTEC course. This still contains a required examination component but ensures that this highly successful course can continue to be a highly practical vocational course. BTEC Sport Level 3 (double option) will continue to be offered and will contain a required examination component Offering BTEC level 3 Performing Arts this year instead of the revised A Level in Theatre Studies ICT Cambridge Technicals are being updated in line with new government requirements

13. Two year A-levels The new AS levels are equivalent to 40% of a full-A level AS content is similar but different methods of assessment Longer-term focus for A-level requires different skills and emphasis

14. A two year programme 3 course programme for most students (A-levels, BTEC, Cambridge Technical) Option to discuss 4 courses for students with a grade A average at GCSE level High achievement in 3 courses to access university places and opportunities beyond school

15. Entry criteria Moving towards ‘Attainment 8’ average points score of at least 5.0 (C). To calculate the points score: Assign each GCSE/Level 2 equivalent qualification a score from 1 (G) to 8 (A*), Double the scores for English Language and Mathematics, Add the scores for the best 6 other grades and Divide the total by ten. A*8BTEC Distinction* A7BTEC Distinction B6NVQ/ ITQ Certificate BTEC Merit C5BTEC Level 2 Pass D4 E3 F2 G1

16. Examples The student above has an ‘Attainment 8’ score of 5.0 and would therefore take a 3 course programme in the Sixth Form. He/She would still be restricted in courses they would be eligible to start. Requirement to re-sit GCSE Mathematics in order to achieve at least a ‘C’ grade.

17. Examples The student above has an ‘Attainment 8’ score of 6.1 and would take a 3 course programme in the Sixth Form.Most courses are accessible based on current entry criteria.

18. Examples The student above has an ‘Attainment 8’ score of 7.0 and would be able to discuss taking a 4 course programme in the Sixth Form.

19. Entry requirements In addition to basic requirements, e.g. BB in two sciences for Biology, Chemistry & Physics BB in English Language & Literature for both courses BB in science, B in English, C in maths for Psychology Recommend at least a B at GCSE in the subject you’re taking See page 20 & individual subject pages

20. Personal Development Programme For all students: Tutor programme Curriculum Enhancement Days General Studies Additional options: Personal Development Programme Young Enterprise Extended project Qualification Support for university applications & careers

21. Independent study Transition sessions to help students develop skills of independent study Emphasis on developing skills for lifelong learning Classwork and homework is just the beginning

22. Tracking achievement Department tracking Postcard system enhances communication with home Monitoring through: Staff feedback Termly reports End of year examinations

23. Progression into Year 13 Clear policy for progression into Year 13 High levels of attendance Following the Code of Conduct Department tracking Termly reports Year 12 examinations

24. Making the next step Support throughout Year 12 and Year 13 Pastoral programme Curriculum Enhancement Days Visiting speakers Returning students Additional opportunities such as Young Enterprise, Debating Society, Ashmole Society

25. Support and Guidance Tutor Bob Keen, Careers Advisor Subject staff University visits Experienced and skilled team of tutors for UCAS and other higher level applications Additional support for Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Law including mock interviews Sixth Form administrator Resources in LRC and Common Room

26. Application Process Find out about courses in options week Wed 4 th - Wednesday 11 th November Year 12 Courses Evening Wednesday 11th November Individual meetings with Form Tutors Application deadline: Mon 7th December 2015 Individual interviews with Senior Staff for all applicants in January and February Final option blocks issued in February Confirmation letter by the beginning of April

27. Post-16 Courses King Edward VI School Talk to students Talk to staff Look forward to receiving your application Find out more….