2015 Entry

Welcome to Aquinas CollegeWelcome! In our prospectus we give you a flavour of the type of college Aquinas is and all the wonderful opportunities we have for you. Of course, all we can do here is offer a snapshot of life at Aquinas. We have tried to capture something of this on the following pages.

Becoming an Aquinas student is much more than simply choosing your next educational establishment. It is becoming a member of our wider Catholic community and, as with most things in life, the more you put in the more you get out. Use this prospectus together with our website to find out more about Aquinas.

As a college we are committed to caring for each individual student. You will find Aquinas a supportive yet challenging environment. We have the highest expectations of all who study and work here. We set rigorous standards of work and achievement and believe that each student deserves the very best possible support to reach his or her full potential. Our primary aim is to care for students, that excellent exam results follow is of no surprise.

You are probably facing some challenging decisions about what and where to study. If you are prepared to work hard, aim high and “aspire to be more” then Aquinas is the place for you.

Danny PearsonPrincipal

Contents

Application and Admissions 2–5

Curriculum and Courses 6–13

Support, Enrichment, Events and Community 14–23

Sport, Universities and Destinations 24–28

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Aspire not to have more, but to be more. Oscar Romero

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Applying to Aquinas College

Open EveningsWednesday 1 October and Thursday 9 October 2014

How do I apply to Aquinas?Come to one of our Open Evenings, come and see what courses we have on offer, visit departments, and talk to us. If you think Aquinas is the place for you, apply on-line via our website www.aquinas.ac.uk

When should I apply?From our first Open Evening on Wednesday 1 October and before the deadline of Sunday 30 November

What do I fill in?The application will ask you for your address and contact details, what subjects you are thinking of studying, why you want to study at Aquinas, leisure interests and any medical/learning support issues.

Who can apply?Students from local secondary schools or further field, whether Catholic or non-Catholic, in other words all who are interested.

Details at www.aquinas.ac.uk/Admissions

What happens next?You will see from the application form that you fit in to one of five categories. Applicants in categories 1, 2, 3, and 4 whose applications are received by the Sunday 30 November deadline will be considered first.

Applications from category 5 students who have submitted their application forms by Sunday 30 November will then be considered taking into account their school reference. Applicants who are to receive further consideration will receive a letter by Saturday 20 December 2014 inviting them to come for an interview.

All prospective students who are to be offered a place will be interviewed in January/February 2015.

Students are then invited to one of our Welcome Days at the end of June or beginning of July.

Enrolment will be on Tuesday 25 August or Wednesday 26 August 2015.

Should you have any questions, please contact our Admissions Team at admissions@aquinas.ac.uk or 0161 419 3605.

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Admissions Calendar 2014–15

September Prospectuses are available We visit secondary schools to talk about Aquinas You will also be able to meet us at Careers and Options Evenings

October Come to one of our Open Evenings on Wednesday 1 October or Thursday 9 October 2014 from 6.30pm. Find out about courses on offer, meet staff, current students and look around our state of the art building and fantastic facilities Complete an application on-line via our website www.aquinas.ac.uk from Wednesday 1 October

November Applications must be submitted by Sunday 30 November 2014

December Applicants who are to receive further consideration will receive a letter by Saturday 20 December 2014 inviting them to come for an interview

January/February Interview. We will help you choose an appropriate course and you will receive advice and guidance from Aquinas staff We will decide on the offer of place

April Invitation to our Welcome Day Confirm offer of a place

May Good luck with your GCSE examinations

June| Exams are over – you can now relax, research courses and consider what to study |

July Come to one of our Welcome Days Parents invited to an Information Evening

August Collect your GCSE results Enrol at Aquinas

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We were all made to feel very welcome when we started in September. Student

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Choosing the right course

Stop and think!Before you choose what to study ask yourself: what are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What do you want to do when you leave? Don’t be shy – talk to friends, family, other students and teachers. Do some research, come to our Open Evenings and talk to us.

Which courses should I choose?You should choose courses that you will enjoy and ones where you meet the subject entrance criteria.

How will I choose my subjects?You should investigate which career path you would like to follow before choosing your subjects. You should read through all the subject information on our website before making your subject choices.

Which subjects go best together?Try not to pick subjects that are too similar, for example do not pick all sciences or all arts subjects. Try to choose a broad range of subjects.

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I enjoy coming to Aquinas, there is a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Student

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Courses to suit youCurriculum 2015A-Levels are changing. From September 2015 there will be two types of A-Level:• Linear A-Levels • Modular A-Levels

There are also vocational courses you can opt for. These are equivalent to A-Levels:• BTECs • CTECs• Certificates • Applied Courses

Most students will choose a combination of linear, modular and vocational courses. Students can progress onto university, apprenticeships and employment following any of these routes.

Linear A-LevelsLinear A-Levels are two-year courses where you will sit all the exams at the end of the second year. In some linear subjects there is a small amount of coursework, but in many others there is no coursework at all. Linear A-Levels are almost certainly harder than Modular A-Levels and Vocational Courses. Students need to have proved in their GCSEs qualifications that they can achieve the higher grades before it makes sense to enrol students for these courses (see website for further details on entrance requirements).

Modular A-LevelsModular A-Levels are split into two one-year courses. In the first year you will complete the AS Level. This is worth 50% of the A-Level. You will sit exams at the end of the first year and may have to complete some coursework. In the second year you will complete the A2 which is also worth 50% of the A-Level. Again, you complete exams and coursework during the second year. The AS-Level and the A2-Level combine to make up the Modular A-Level.

Vocational CoursesVocational Courses have the same equivalence as both types of A-Level. These courses are assessed mainly by coursework rather than exam. The assessment for these courses takes place throughout the two-year period of study, so you may sit exams and submit coursework in both the first and second year. The results of these assessments count towards your final mark.

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Choosing the right subjectsMaking the right subject choices is vital for your future. Getting good grades in good qualifications is essential to progress onto, apprenticeships, employment and university. The majority of Aquinas students feel that A-Level or Vocational Courses offer the best preparation for apprenticeships, employment and university.Most students will study three courses. In some cases, it might be appropriate for you to study four courses.

At Aquinas we ask students to consider the likely chance of success on their chosen courses. We have lots of alternatives built into our curriculum. For example you might consider doing BTEC IT rather than Computer Science, or Applied Business rather than Business Studies.

You should consider in each subject whether you would prefer to be assessed at the end of two years (Linear A-Levels), or throughout the two years (Modular A-Levels), or largely by coursework (Vocational Courses).

Linear A-Levels are harder than Modular A-Levels and Vocational Courses; therefore you will need to achieve excellent GCSE grades before you can enrol onto Linear A-Levels (see website for further details on entrance requirements).

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Courses to suit youLevel 3: Linear A-Levels|Art, Craft and Design | Biology | Business | Chemistry || Computer Science | Economics | English Language | English Literature || English Language and Literature | Graphic Communication | History | |Physics | Psychology | Sociology |

Level 3: Modular A-Levels|Accounting | Archaeology | Communication and Culture | Dance || Environmental Studies |Film Studies | French | Geography | Geology || German | Government and Politics |Health and Social Care || Italian | Japanese | Law | Maths | Further Maths | Media Studies || Music | Music Technology | Performance Studies |Philosophy || Physical Education | Product Design 3D (Resistant Materials) ||Product Design 3D (Textiles) | Religious Studies | Spanish |

Level 3: Vocational Courses|BTEC Applied Law | BTEC Applied Science | BTEC IT | BTEC Media | | BTEC Music | BTEC Performing Arts |BTEC Public Services || BTEC Work Skills |CTEC Sport | Certificate in Financial Studies || Applied Business | Applied Leisure Studies |ITQ (Software Skills) |

Level 2: Courses| GCSE English | GCSE Maths | GCSE Science | GCSE Japanese | | GCSE Spanish | CTEC Business | Financial Studies || ITQ (Software Skills) | BTEC Work Skills |

Level 1: CoursesFoundation English | Foundation Maths

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Core StudiesAll students at Aquinas follow Core Studies consisting of three elements:| Enrichment | Ethics | Tutor Group |

EnrichmentThere is more to education at Aquinas than exams! Our Enrichment Programme offers students really exciting and diverse experiences. Students are offered the opportunity to add extra courses to their subject-based timetable in the following areas:

| Arts and Media | Charities | College Teams |Duke of Edinburgh | International Links || Languages | Music | Performance | Social Groups | Sports and Leisure | Voluntary Work |

EthicsOur course identifies and promotes exploration of and reflection upon questions which have ultimate meaning and significance. Students are encouraged to develop skills of critical enquiry and analysis. The programme centres on core ideas central to Religion and Philosophy — faith, trust, belief, values and needs. It is seen as an open-ended search for truth which respects the freedom and dignity of each student. Ethics is compulsory for every Aquinas student.

Tutor GroupEach student is a member of a tutor group, an important part of the guidance and support system at Aquinas. The group tutor is each student’s first point of contact and provides support with any difficulties encountered on a day-to-day basis. The programme concentrates on each student’s personal, social and career development. At regular intervals, one-to-one discussions take place with the group tutor. These cover, in detail, the progress made in every area of College life. This discussion is a two-way process; students are required to take an active part in reviewing their work, setting specific targets to be achieved during the next assessment period, as well as recording their involvement in College life.

Courses

Please Remember• We offer a place to each student as an individual, not subject to certain GCSE results.

• Each subject at Aquinas has subject entry criteria. These are available on our website and you should check them whilst considering your subject choices.

• Concentrate on gaining the best grades you can in Year 11 – the better you do in your GCSEs the more choices of courses at Aquinas will be available to you. If you don’t do so well in your GCSEs we will work with you to find appropriate courses (this may involve re-sitting some GCSEs).

• We are here to help with individual problems and will listen carefully to your requests. We do not want you to start on the wrong course and end up feeling frustrated or that you have wasted your time above all, we want you to succeed.

• You do not have to decide on the subjects you are to study until the end of August when you enrol.

• We will spend as long as it takes to help you choose the right subjects for you.

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I have been pleased with my time at College, both socially and academically. Student

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Support for students

Student support services at Aquinas are:• Comprehensive• Well established• Highly regarded by students, parents and Ofsted

Our tutorial programme gives you the best possible support during your time here. You can expect:

• Your performance to be closely monitored• Regular meetings with your tutor to discuss progress• Targets to be set and reviewed each term• To discuss future plans in individual and group sessions

Students are encouraged to approach any member of staff if difficulties or problems arise. A referral system is in place to enable students to access support from the Learning Support Team and our Counsellor. A dedicated Student Information desk and reception area keep you up to date with the everyday activity of the College, as does our daily television ‘bulletin board’.

My teachers have been great and I enjoy lessons. Student

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Enrichment programme

The Enrichment Programme is the extra-curricular activities we offer at Aquinas. They occur at various times and you can enrol for any options that appeal to you that do not clash with your main subject timetable. We want you to have fun, get involved, learn new skills, make new friends and represent College.

Here are some of the things you can get involved in:

|Astronomy | Charities | Chinese and Japanese for beginners |College Musical | Cooking Club | | Debating Society | Duke of Edinburgh’s Award* | Orchestra | Play for a College Team – Football, Netball, Rugby | |Scripture |Sport & Leisure | Trips and Visits |Voluntary Work... and many more!

*Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DoE)The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a programme of activities designed by individual students and carried out in their free time. At Aquinas we now offer all three levels – Bronze, Silver and for those who have completed Silver, Gold. The award includes physical and skills sections, volunteering and an expedition, with an additional residential at Gold level. At College we provide training for the expedition and give guidance on suitable activities. Students meet for one hour every week and need to be able to join us for some practice walks which are at weekends. Those who complete the training will be eligible to join one of our expedition teams in the summer.

I feel that the college is run amazingly well and is very well looked after. Student

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International visits and exchangesOur Languages Department encourages students to take part in the exchanges they offer. These include France and Germany. Students studying Japanese also have the opportunity to visit Japan. The College also run exchange visits to Romania and Italy.

Each year students travel to India to work with street and slum children. This is part of the College charity – Aquinas India Project, which raises a considerable amount of money for the charity, Prem Dan (Hindi for ‘Gift of Love’).

We also raise funds for international and local charities such as CAFOD, British Red Cross, St Ann’s Hospice, Francis House, Teenage Cancer Trust and the Wellspring.

Performing Arts students have the opportunity to go on trips to theatre dance and music performances in Manchester and beyond. There is an extensive schedule of performances in the College theatre throughout the year with a musical at Christmas and a Shakespeare production at Easter. There is also a performing arts tour to Europe each year.

The Media department organise a visit to New York each year. The History department takes students to Poland each February to visit Auschwitz and Krakow. And finally the Environmental Science department organise a conservation expedition to such exotic locations as The Philippines, Costa Rica, Tobago, Ecuador and Zanzibar.

Enrichment programme

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I gained an understanding of a new culture and a very different way of life. This has helped me to appreciate things I took for granted and didn’t regard as anything special. Student

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Events and trips

International visits and exchangesAquinas students have the opportunity to get involved in International visits, events and activities throughout the year. There are too many to mention but here are some that students have enjoyed:

| Art Department to national events | Band Showcase Night || Business Studies department to Paris | Dance Performance at The Plaza || Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme | Environmental conservations trips eg. Zanzibar | French exchange | German exchange | Politics department trip to New York | India Trip to Mumbai | Italian exchange | Law department visit to Royal Court of Justice & Manchester Crown Court | Leavers’ Ball || Plaza Dance Performance | Performing Art Department to Paris || Romanian exchange | Talent Show |

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Aquinas is an overall amazing college. Student

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CommunityThe ChaplaincyOur lay chaplain, provides support to anyone who wants to talk and provides a listening ear on anything and everything. He is available most of the time so students can drop in or they can make an appointment to see him. His office is next to the Chapel at the main entrance of the College and his door is always open.

Mass is celebrated weekly and each day begins with prayers and Eucharistic Adoration. The Chapel is available to students of any faith (or none) for individual/group prayer and reflection at anytime.

Aquinas Student CouncilThe Student Council at Aquinas becomes bigger and better every year. The Council is made up of students from both years. Meetings are held weekly and all are encouraged to participate.

Our main aim is to represent students and enhance the quality of College life. We try to ensure that students’ opinions are considered in the day-to-day administration and future plans for Aquinas. This is achieved through Student Council members being represented on a variety of staff groups, for example Equality & Diversity, Healthy College and others. The Council President and Vice President are also College Governors and work closely with the Principal. Throughout the year, the Council liaises with students to gain feedback and elicit opinions.

The Student Council also helps students enjoy their time at Aquinas College and organises a range of events/activities throughout the year, including the Talent Show and the Leavers’ Ball.

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The leavers ball was amazing, a great way to send off our time at Aquinas. Student

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Sporting opportunitiesFrom the beginner to the elite performer, it is our aim to give all students equal opportunities to participate in a variety of sporting and physical activities. You will have the opportunity to take part competitively, or just for fun, as part of our enrichment programme. These activities include:

Competitive sportAquinas is not only academically successful and offers many opportunities for enrichment and sport. Two football teams and one netball team compete in weekly fixtures in the North West Colleges League. Our rugby team is in a North West Development League. We are consistently produce excellent football and netball teams. Our football teams always perform well and our success at netball is simply outstanding. Our students currently captain the England U-17 and U-19 teams! In addition individuals and teams are entered into a variety of British Colleges Sport competitions including:| Badminton | Cross country | Golf | Male & Female 5-a-side Football | | Netball | Swimming | Table-tennis | Tennis | Trampolining |

Recreational Sport| Badminton | Basketball | Circuit training | Cricket | Drop-in Fitness Suite | 5-a-side football | Hockey | Netball | Rock Climbing | Rugby | | Running Club | Table tennis | Tennis | Trampolining |

Coaching AwardFA Level 1 Coaching CertificateOur enrichment programme includes the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, as well as volunteering opportunities and overseas trips.

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I really enjoy college and the support I receive is great.

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Results and destinations

Examinations resultsAquinas is well known for the individual care, guidance and support of each student as well as the highest standards of academic work. Our philosophy is based on the values contained in the Gospel, specifically those of freedom, justice and love. Aquinas College educates young people who wish to share in our ethos and success.

Aquinas has been in the top 20 since league tables were introduced. Unlike most other colleges that feature in this list Aquinas is not academically selective. Danny Pearson, Principal, explains “At Aquinas our basic aim is to care for students and provide an excellent learning environment that good examination results follow is no surprise.” Almost 40% of our students accepted places at Russell Group universities last year and we have a Stretch & Challenge programme for our most able students as well as a highly praised Learning Support department for those with difficulties and disabilities. At Aquinas each individual matters - we don’t do ‘one size fits all’ and we always strive to ‘go the extra mile’. Our students continue to secure places at the universities of oxford and Cambridge. Students who express an interest in applying receive particular help with the applications process as well as benefitting from our Stretch & Challenge programme for the academically most able. All our students, whatever their destination after Aquinas, receive excellent advice, guidance and support starting in their first year. In addition to Group and Senior Tutors, the college has two specialist Careers Advisers who are available throughout the year.

Results and

destinations

Aquinas is a fantastic college thatoffers us the best support andhelp all through our time here. Student

Full-time HE572 (68.5%)

Apprenticeship63 (7.5%)

Full-time employment26 (3.1%)

FE Course15 (1.8%)

Unemployed6 (0.7%)

Part-time work12 (1.4%)

Unknown97 (11.6%)

Other44 (5.2%)

Destinations of two years students

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A day in the life of a student

8:11 I catch the bus and there is a two minute walk to College from the bus stop.

8:45 “Thumb in” on time for double chemistry. The labs are brand new, we do practicals about twice a month.

10:40 Swing band is at break on Wednesday. Other break times, I’m usually at the first floor cafe or in Student Council. We’ve organised Open Mic nights, ‘Take me out’, Aquinas Day and taken on students issues.

11:05 Enough time to grab a tea cake from the cafe before assembly.

11:20 After our weekly assembly, we have tutorial with our tutor group. Here we discuss the assembly with our group tutor and learn about a variety of things such as driving, study skills, UCAS etc.

11:50 Twenty five minutes free before next lesson. Get a toastie from the canteen. I made friends in my tutor group in the first few weeks and in the ethics lessons we have together weekly.

12:15 Go to the second floor for biology. I chose chemistry and biology because they overlap in certain areas, and they are studied in much more depth at A Level.

13:40 Biology for me is in a lunch-time block, so we are given twenty five minutes for lunch at the end of the lesson. I go to the first floor cafe to catch up with my friends.

14:05 Further Maths is my final double lesson of the day. Back up to the second floor again.

15:45 Finish for the day. I usually try and catch a lift with a friend to be home at about 4.05pm, if not the bus gets me home around 4:30pm.

The best piece of advice I was given was to make sure you go for every opportunity given to you – get involved with a sport or a club which interests you, and you’ll meet new people quickly and you will love Aquinas. Also, if you get chips from the canteen, ask for the fire cracker sauce, it’s really good.

I have enjoyed my two years at Aquinas and I recommend the college to future students. Student

BeMore

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0161 483 3237 enquiries@aquinas.ac.uk

www.aquinas.ac.uk

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