Somervale Sixth Form Prospectus 2010-11
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Transcript of Somervale Sixth Form Prospectus 2010-11
A small, friendly Sixth Form...
Welcome to The Somervale Sixth Form
Choosing the right place to study at Post-16 level is
crucial in providing you with both the qualifications
you need and the support and guidance to succeed
either in university applications or entering the world
of employment.
Why Somervale?
At Somervale we can offer you individual care and
attention, small class sizes and a wide range of
courses to ensure you have the maximum opportunity
to succeed. We have a strong history of sending
students to some of the best universities in the
country and place a high value on developing your
attributes and skills outside the classroom. We are
highly respected for our Sixth Form community and
environmental work which gives you the chance to
show you stand out from the crowd.
If you complete your studies with us you will be given
a personal tutor who will offer you academic guidance
throughout Year 12, Year 13 and the university
application process. Our Federation with Norton Hill
School also allows us to offer a huge range of courses,
taught by knowledgeable subject specialists.
Sixth Form Study
As a Sixth Form student you take on much more
responsibility for your own learning and will choose
a small number of subjects, which really interest
you, to study in detail. That doesn’t mean we leave
you to your own devices! Your subject teachers will
provide close support to develop your skills both as a
learner and as an individual. You can also expect far
more small group and individual attention both in and
outside of lessons.
The Next Step1
2Somervale School Sixth Form
Experience and Opportunities
Somervale Sixth Form is more than just study.
Students have the opportunity to take part in a
wide range of visits and activities within many
subjects as well as visits to universities such as
Bath Spa University.
Sixth Form students can also get involved with the
Sixth Form Committee and organise the Year 13 Ball
and many charity events in which everyone wants to
get involved.
You will also have the opportunity in the Summer term
of Year 12 to complete an Extended Project which is
equivalent to an AS level. This allows you to produce
an in-depth analysis of an area that particularly
interests or inspires you. It will allow you to develop
the independent learning and research skills that
Higher Education institutions and employers desire.
Facilities
Somervale offers a wide variety of facilities for Sixth
Form students.
There has been major investment in the school
this year. During the summer there has been major
building work which has provided the school with:
• new media facilities with an ICT suite, tv studio, a radio station, an Apple Mac suite and several new classrooms
• a new extended Library with Sixth Form study area
• refurbished dining facilities with wi-fi• refurbished Hall with new sound and light
systems and a new stage• new cycle sheds• a brand new ICT network
The Next Step3
The Federation
Somervale School is part of the Midsomer Norton
Schools’ Partnership with Norton Hill School. Both
schools are separate and have their own identity but
are led by the same Headteacher, Mr Beaven.
For Sixth Form students the Federation offers great
opportunities to take courses at either of the school
sites as part of their Sixth Form choices.
This year we are pleased to offer a wider range of
courses. There are those offered at Somervale School
and those that are offered at Norton Hill School. Please
see our Course Outline Booklet for further details of all
the courses on offer from September 2011.
New facilities & opportunities...
4Somervale School Sixth Form
Sixth Form Curriculum: Course Summary
Advanced Level AS
These take one year and continue your academic
study after GCSE’s. The standard is between GCSE
and traditional A’ levels. Some subjects cover a
vocational area rather than a subject.
You can choose to continue subjects you have enjoyed
at GCSE or take new courses. You will normally need
at least Grade C or above at GCSE in the subjects you
hope to continue studying.
BTEC Nationals
These are the “real world” equivalents of A’ levels.
These level 3 qualifications are the most popular
vocational qualification in UK Further Education,
recognised and respected world-wide and are valued
by universities as well as employers. They enable you
to go on to study for an Honours degree.
Advanced Level A2Study for these begins at the end of Year 12 after AS
and continues into your second year in the Sixth Form.
They are equivalent to the traditional A’ level standard
and join with the AS results to determine the final
A’ level grade needed to enter Higher Education.
GCSE English Language and Maths
Retake classes are available for students who need to
improve their grade for these subjects.
A wide variety of courses...The Next Step
5
Introduction to A’ Levels
Stage One – Year 12
Stage Two – Year 13
AS Levels (Year 12)
Students in Year 12 study Advanced Subsidiary
courses (AS levels). The standard of the course is
between GCSE and the old Advanced level. Each AS
course contains two or three modules. Usually you
take exams in June. In a few subjects you take one
module exam in January and further modules in June.
Applied AS Level (Year 12)In some AS levels there is a vocational area of study
rather than a subject. These encourage students to
investigate work-related interests. About two thirds of
a course is assessed by coursework.
A2 Levels (Year 13)
At the end of Year 12 you may extend your AS
subjects by taking A2 courses. These are at a higher
level than AS level. Students study a further two
or three modules with exams in June or sometimes
in January and June. You will be awarded a final
Advanced level Grade (A* to E) based on your
combined marks in the A2 and AS exams.
AS Critical Thinking
You can choose this course as part of your curriculum
in Year 13. You develop skills in evaluating and
constructing arguments, and develop your logical
thinking. It supports other subjects and is valued
by all universities because the course develops skills
essential for study at a higher level.
Grades A* to E are all pass gradesNote: The A* grade has been introduced by the Government to reward students who gain 90% or more in an A’ level
6Somervale School Sixth Form
Course Guidelines
We usually expect students aiming to take AS to have
at least Grade C at GCSE in the subjects they are
hoping to study but preferably a Grade B. Detailed
course requirements can be found in the Somervale
Sixth Form Course Guide.
Your Study Programme
Study is divided into 60 periods each fortnight. Your
programme will be made up of a combination of the
courses you have chosen, together with private study
periods.
The tutorial programme is part of the Core Activities
that all students participate in. This comprises of:• tutor• assembly
• tutor lesson• community service
>>
BTEC National10 periods per subject
per fortnight
BTEC National10 periods per subject
per fortnight
Can be combined with AS and/or A2 levels
AS10 Periods per subject
per fortnight
A210 Periods per subject
per fortnight
Students choose to continue up to 3, or perhaps 4, of the AS subjects studied in Year 12 to full A’ level standard (A2)
Year
12
Year
13
Year 12 & 13 Courses
Choosing made easy...The Next Step
7
Choosing Your Courses: The Process
Stage 1
Read this Prospectus and the Course Information
Booklet carefully, then come to the Sixth Form Open
Evening on Wednesday 10 November. Talk to staff
about their subjects and find out what interests you
and is appropriate to your needs.
Stage 2
Talk with as many people as possible. You may want
to approach:
• your parents• your tutor• your subject teachers• Sixth Form students• Connexions• Head of Sixth Form - Mr Ambrose
Stage 3Select your course(s). Fill in your application form
with your tutor group and hand it in by Monday 29
November. The deadline for external candidates is
also Monday 29 November. All external students will
be interviewed.
All Somervale School students will be seen by one of
our Sixth Form Transition Team to ensure their choices
are suitable for their career aspirations.
Stage 4
After the results of your GCSE examination you will
be able to discuss any concerns or changes you might
wish to make with Mr Ambrose.
8Somervale School Sixth Form
Courses on Offer for September 2011
• Applied Science
• Art & Design
• Biology
• Business (BTEC National)
• Business Studies
• Business and Personal Finance
(BTEC National)
• Chemistry
• Creative Media Production
(BTEC National)
• Critical Thinking (only available in Year 13)
• Design Crafts (BTEC National)
• Drama and Theatre Studies
• English Language
• English Literature
• Environmental Studies
• Extended Project (EPQ)
• Fashion and Clothing (BTEC National)
• Geography
• Hospitality (BTEC National)
• Graphics
• History
• ICT
• IT (BTEC National)
• Mathematics
• Further Mathematics
• Modern Languages: French/German/
Spanish
• Music
• Music Performance (BTEC National)
• Music Technology
• Physical Education
• Philosophy & Ethics
• Photography
• Physics
• Politics
• Psychology
• Public Services: Outdoor Leadership
(BTEC National)
• Sociology
• Sport (BTEC National)
>>
Friendly support along the way...The Next Step
9
Your Tutor and Other Support
The Tutor
Your tutor is central to your progress in the Sixth Form.
Your tutor will be the person on the staff who knows
your needs and aspirations well and who is best
placed to guide, inform and support your academic
progress.
Your tutor:• is the first point of contact between teachers,
students and parents• ensures that you make progress and succeed• helps you to overcome any difficulties or problems• organises tutor sessions and writes student
references• administers University and College Admission
Service (UCAS) procedures.
Development of Learning Skills
Supported study sessions should take up two-thirds of
your private study periods and will allow you to work
in the quiet atmosphere of the Library.
Career Guidance
In the Sixth Form you will be offered a full programme
of Career and Higher Education guidance including:
• a range of activities in tutor periods to help with your career choice
• opportunities for work experience• visits to universities and colleges• individual interviews with “Connexions” (the
careers guidance service)• a preparation programme to assist those
planning to apply for Oxbridge, Medicine or other competitive courses at university.
10Somervale School Sixth Form
>> Sixth Form Council
The Sixth Form Council gives students the opportunity
to share their views and help to shape the running of
various aspects of school life. The council organise
social events, charity fund-raising and attend to
various other issues and developments, representing
each and every member of the Sixth Form community.
Members of the council are elected annually, with
two representatives from each tutor group, and are
responsible for ensuring that the views of their fellow
students are voiced to ensure that the Sixth Form
have a forum to communicate with staff and the
Leadership team.
At Somervale we have been recognised for our
excellence in giving opportunities for ‘Student Voice’,
and so our students are experienced in communicating
their thoughts through the appropriate channels to
make a genuine contribution to the running of the
school throughout their school lives.
One of the most significant changes that come with
entering the Sixth Form would be the change in
relationships between staff and students. These
positive relationships provide students with a strong
platform to be able to communicate with staff openly
and honestly.
The Sixth Form Council also oversee several
committees each year, including a Charities
committee, a Prom Committee, contribute to the
school’s mentoring programme, and share ideas
regarding all elements of school life.
The Charities Committee organise a variety of
fund-raising events, from cake sales to Fancy Dress
competitions. Some of their ventures may be limited
to the Sixth Form, but some will invariably include the
whole school.
The Sixth Form Prom is invariably a special event,
commemorating the culmination of seven successful
years of education at Somervale, and marking the
departure to universities around the country for the
vast majority of pupils. It is always well-attended
by staff, but is completely organised by the Prom
committee, who take sole responsibility for organising
the Prom, including completing all bookings, working
on menus and decorative schemes and dealing with
all finances.
Taking part in the Sixth Form council gives students
opportunities to have a hand in the running of their
school, but also provides them with the chance to take
on leadership roles and develop the skills that will
undoubtedly aid them both at university, and in the
world of work beyond.
The next step in education...The Next Step
11
Applicants from Other Schools
All application forms should be sent to us by Monday
29 November at the latest. We will send you
an acknowledgement as soon as we receive your
application form. You will be invited to Somervale
Sixth Form for an interview.
After the interview we will contact you as soon as
possible to let you know the result. We would hope to
offer you a place in the Sixth Form.
When the GCSE exam results are issued we will send
you a letter with details of the beginning of term
arrangements.
Late applications will be considered, however priority
will be given to applications made before the deadline.
Application forms are available from the school. For an
application form, please contact the school.
Visiting the SchoolIf you would like to visit the Sixth Form and meet
some of the staff and students, or if you have any
questions relating to the information in this prospectus
please contact Mrs Crane, the Head’s PA, on 01761
414276 or email [email protected]
Allowances:Educational Maintenance Allowance
The EMA is a means tested weekly payment of up to
£30 paid to young people who stay in education after
the statutory school leaving age. Students who live in
a household with an annual income of £30,000* and
less are eligible for this allowance. (*2007 figures).
12Somervale School Sixth Form
>> Proven Success
Results and Destinations
In 2010 the school performed well at both GCSE
and A’ level.
In 2010, students at Somervale received their A’ level
results which showed a significant improvement on
the previous year. With a pass rate of over 98% and
nearly 20% of all grades at A* or A, Somervale school
has had an exceptional year, with nearly all students
attaining a place at university.
Outcomes
This year students have left to study a range of
courses in Higher Education, as well as to start jobs
with training. They include among many others:
• University of Oxford, Music • University College Marjons (Plymouth), Early
Years• University of Oxford,Business Management
& Geography• University of Winchester, History & Theology and
Religious Studies• University of Glamorgan, Graphic Communication• University of Exeter, Exercise & Sports Science
• University of Glamorgan, Drama (Theatre & Media)
• BUWE, Accounting & Finance• University of Plymouth, Marine Biology• University of Plymouth, Occupational Therapy• BUWE, Equine Science• University of Southampton, Economics &
Management Sciences• University of Coventry, Advertising & Media• University of Bedford, Disability Studies• University of Newport, Advertising Design• University of Reading, Law with Legal Studies
in Europe• University of Plymouth, Computing• University of Glamorgan, Sports Development• University of Glamorgan, Psychology• University of Portsmouth, Sport & Exercise
Science• University of Bath Spa, Education• BUWE, English• BUWE, Drama & English• University of Gloucester, Sports (Coaching)• BUWE, Midwifery
Paulton
Timsbury
Radstock
PeasdownSt. John
ChewtonMendip
Wellow
Farmborough
Chilcompton Emborough
Farrington Gurney
Hallatrow
High Littleton Clutton
Temple Cloud
Chelwood
Radford
Kilmersdon
Stratton-on-the-Fosse
Coleford
Holcombe
Binegar
Oakhill
Nettlebridge
Camerton
MIDSOMER NORTON
Stoke St.Michael
Gurney Slade
Fro
m B
ATH
From BRISTO
L
Fro
m W
ELLS
Fro
m
SHEP
TON
M
ALL
ET
From Farrington Gurney
From Clapton
From WELLSFrom SHEPTON MALLET
From Hallatrow
From Timsbury
From Radford
From Camerton
From BATH
From Haydon
NORTH ROAD
PHYLLIS HILL
WEST ROAD
HIGH STREET
MONGER LANE
SILVER STREET
CHARLTON ROAD
FOSSEWAY
RADSTOCK ROAD
SOMERVALE ROAD
WELLS HILL
WELTON ROAD
COOMBEND
CLANDOWN
MALLARDS HILL
NORTHMEAD ROAD
CLAPTON ROAD
CHILCOMPTON ROAD
REDFIELD ROAD
CHURCH LANE
WINTERFIELD ROAD
HAM LANE
From Clapton
A362A367
B3355
A367
B3355
B3355
SOMERVALESCHOOL
Somervale School is situated on the B&NES border to the south-west of Midsomer Norton and Radstock (approx 10 miles from Bath and 12 miles from Bristol).
Redfi eld Road, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2JDTelephone: 01761 414276 | Fax: 01761 410613 | Email: [email protected]
www.somervaleschool.com
Headteacher: Peter Beaven B.A., M.B.A.