An Academy of the

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS 2015

2 3

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADS

Dear Prospective Student,

Thank you for showing an interest in our Sixth Form. We are guided by the simple notion of

ensuring academic excellence - providing the best personal opportunities possible and

offering the highest levels of care for all our students, but also finding time to make sure

we enjoy ourselves.

With 400 students, we are large enough to provide the broadest of opportunities, yet

small enough to know all of our students well.

We believe we have something special here that offers outstanding Sixth Form education, a judgement that was confirmed by Ofsted

inspectors in March of last year. Do please come and test this judgement

for yourself at our open evening on Thursday 6th November.

We look forward to meeting you then.

PHILLIP EVANS | HEAD OF SCHOOL LORNA CONROY | HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

The new Sixth Form isoutstanding. In a short time, it has become firmly established. Ofsted 2013

Phillip Evans and Lorna Conroy

5

Comberton Sixth Form students have exclusive use of state-of-the-art facilities built at a cost of £10 million, ensuring one of the best equipped Sixth Forms in the country.

THE COMBERTONSIXTH FORMEXPERIENCE

“Being a Comberton student you are known to the Sixth Form staff as an individual and not just

someone else in the crowd. The class sizes make it easier to get to know people quickly and the

wide range of teaching methods means that lessons are fun as well as interesting.”

LILY FREEMAN (ST BEDE’S INTER-CHURCH SCHOOL, CAMBRIDGE)

“The combination of a state-of-the-art building, which has a real contemporary feel to it, and the

devoted, conscientious and excellent teaching has made my CSF experience so enjoyable.”

ANEESH SHARMA (COMBERTON VILLAGE COLLEGE)

“Such a positive and happy environment where, with the full support of all of my teachers, I have

really been able to flourish.” MEGHAN PEMBERTON

(DAME ALICE HARPUR SCHOOL, BEDFORD)

THE STUDENTS’ VIEWOUTSTANDING FACILITIES

• Specialist teaching rooms equipped with high-specification furniture and the latest ICT provision

• A 180-seat lecture theatre with high-specification projection equipment

• An exclusive independent study area equipped with the latest technology

• Sixth Form staff base from which additional study support can be accessed

• A modern, dedicated Sixth Form library and resource centre

• Cutting-edge ICT facilities

• 24-hour access to online learning materials

• A modern internet café with wi-fi access

• Wi-fi learning zones throughout

• Specialist Performing Arts centre for Music, Art and Drama

• Dark room, digital editing suite and sound-recording studio

• Fully equipped specialist A-level Science laboratories

• State-of-the-art Sports Science laboratory with the latest performance analysis equipment

• A double-court-sized, fully equipped gymnasium

• A fitness suite

• A specialist design studio

4

6 7

CREATING YOUR STUDY PROGRAMME

We offer a wide range of courses and opportunities, giving you the freedom and

flexibility to build an individualised study programme that reflects your priorities and ensuring that you maximise your Sixth Form

experience and realise your ambitions.

Naturally, your A-level or BTEC courses will sit at the heart of your study programme, which is then enhanced by a range of additional courses

and activities designed to meet your individual needs and provide opportunities for academic

challenge, breadth of study and personal development.

For elite athletes, our Sports Academies offer the unique possibility to combine academic and sporting programmes in a way that balances

top-quality education with outstanding coaching and training opportunities.

For further information on all our courses – and details about the individual programme elements – please refer to our course brochure located on

the website www.combertonsixthform.org

A-LEVELSArt and DesignBiologyBusiness StudiesChemistryComputingCreative Writing Critical ThinkingDance Drama and Theatre StudiesEconomicsEnglish LanguageEnglish LiteratureFilm StudiesFrenchFurther MathsGeneral StudiesGeographyGermanGovernment and PoliticsHistoryMathsMusicMusic TechnologyPhilosophy & EthicsPhotographyPhysical Education

PhysicsProduct Design (Graphics)Psychology SociologySpanish

BTEC NATIONAL LEVEL 3 COURSESIN:BusinessScienceSport

PRE-UGlobal Perspectives and Independent Research

SPORTS ACADEMIESGolfRugbySquash

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITEwww.combertonsixthform.org

Your Subject ChoicesADDITIONAL

STUDIESGeneral StudiesCritical Thinking

ONE-TO-ONE ACADEMIC TUTORIALS

STEP ANDAEA MATHS

QUANTITATIVEMETHODS

EXTENDEDPROJECT

QUALIFICATION(EPQ)

SUPPORTEDSTUDY

AQA BACCALAUREATE

SPORTS ACADEMIES

CAMBRIDGEPRE-U

AS-LEVELSA-LEVELS

BTEC LEVEL 3

9

Our Sixth Form seeks to provide appropriate courses and routes for committed students seeking to engage in higher-level study.

COURSE ENTRYREQUIREMENTS

OPEN EVENING Thursday 6th November

DECEMBER Application made through your

school or college

FRIDAY 30TH JANUARY Deadline for application

EASTER Conditional offers issued

MAY Information pack issued to all

successful applicants with course details and induction information

AUGUST Contact the college with your

GCSE results

Two-day post-results surgery with the Head and Deputy Head of Sixth

Form to resolve any problems

SEPTEMBER Two-day induction followed by

commencement of courses

APPLICATION PROCESS

We will need to be convinced that you are serious about wishing to pursue higher-level study and are committed to working appropriately. You will need to have the following minimum GCSE or equivalent qualifications for our different courses:

AS AND A-LEVELS

• A minimum of 5 B grades at GCSE (with at least C grades in English and Maths)

• Minimum of B grades in subjects to be studied at AS or A-level

• Minimum of grade A at GCSE is required for Maths

• Minimum of grade A at GCSE is required for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or GCSE grade AA in Core and Additional Science) and at least a B in Maths

• Minimum of grade B in GCSE Maths is required for Computing

• Students wishing to study AS or A-level Photography require a minimum of a B grade in GCSE Art or the production of an approved portfolio

BTEC

• A minimum of 5 C grades at GCSE, including English and Maths. If a Level 2 BTEC forms part of the offer a Merit or Distinction will be required. Students who have studied GCSE PE require a minimum of a C grade

PRE-U

• A minimum of 5 A/A* grades at GCSE

SPORTS ACADEMIES

• Standard minimum course entry requirements (see above) plus excellence in chosen sport

AQA BACCALAUREATE

• Standard minimum course entry requirements (see above)

Please note that vocational qualifications are the equivalent of one GCSE and a maximum of two will be considered

ADMISSIONS POLICY

We will look at the following factors carefully when considering your application:

• Your suitability for the course of study

• Your school or college report / record of achievement

• Your estimated or actual examination grades

• Your ability to contribute to the life of the Sixth Form

• The recommendation of your previous school or college

• The availability of places on the course of your choice

• Any recognised medical or special needs you may have. In the case of over-subscription, priority will be given to students who have a statement of special educational need which names Comberton Sixth Form

CRITERIA used in the case of oversubscription of first choice applicants are as follows:

1 Students in Care, also known as Looked After Children (LAC) and children who were looked after but ceased to be so by reason of adoption, a residence order or special guardianship order.

2 Students with a sibling at Comberton Village College at the time of admission.

3 Students who attend Cambridge Area Partnership (CAP) schools or who currently live with their parent(s) or carer(s) in the Local Authority defined areas served by these schools.

4 Students who make an application from outside the CAP.

Entry to Comberton Sixth Form will not be by formal interview, but an informal guidance meeting will be held to advise students on appropriate course selection and expectations.

We aim to interview all appropriate first-choice applicants who meet the admissions criteria.

Second-choice applicants will be interviewed depending on the availability of suitable courses and, in the event of over-subscription in a particular area, the criteria above will be applied.

For further information and details relating to the admissions policy, please see the Comberton Sixth Form website.

20142015

8

10 11

SUPPORTING YOU TO SUCCEED

SIXTH FORM LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Head and Deputy Heads of Sixth Form and our Post-16 Manager will be on hand to ensure the level of support you need is available whenever you need it.

ACADEMIC TUTOR TEAM

When you join us you will have your own academic tutor who will have dedicated time to get to know and to support you during your time at Comberton and also to prepare you for your next step. You will have regular and formalised one-to-one meetings with your tutor to discuss your progress, help solve any problems that arise and agree targets. Your tutor will work closely with you, your subject teachers and, if appropriate, the Student Support Team. This ensures that they have a thorough understanding of all your needs and can offer you the best advice to help you to achieve the highest possible levels of success in all areas of Sixth Form life.

STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM

The Sixth Form is fortunate in having a dedicated team of Teaching Assistants. The Support Team also includes experienced counsellors and youth workers who will liaise closely with the Sixth Form leadership team and your academic tutor, as well as accessing help from a range of outside agencies. This ensures that you can receive all the specialist support

you may need during the important Sixth Form years.

STUDENT GUIDANCE TEAM

Further guidance will be readily available from a variety of other professionals including the Careers and Higher Education Adviser, the Librarian, Learning Resource Manager, Connexions and the College Nurse.

APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY

Our aim is that you will leave us as a mature adult, ready to make the most of all the opportunities that come your way. The large majority of our students will continue on to higher education. We will help you at every stage of the UCAS process from arranging visits to universities, selecting courses and writing personal statements. We will also support, with interview practice, all university entry processes, including Oxbridge and medical courses.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

If you choose to enter the world of work after your time at Comberton Sixth Form we will provide you with the information, support and guidance you need. One-to-one careers guidance interviews and informal drop-in sessions are available as well as opportunities for work experience. Our links with local employers and businesses ensure we are in the best position to support you.

PRIVATE STUDY

We are fortunate in being able to offer 400 private study spaces for our students from 8am to 6pm every day, thereby guaranteeing a study space for all students at any time.

INDEPENDENT STUDY CENTRE

Our purpose-built independent study centre is spacious, light and airy, the perfect environment to engage in private study throughout the day. As with all spaces, wi-fi access is available at all times with software that allows students to access email, the internet and learning networks using their own electronic devices. In addition, we have easy access to stand-alone PCs as well as portable netbooks.

LIBRARY AND RESOURCE CENTRE

Also open from 8am to 6pm daily, the LRC is permanently staffed by two librarians who

are always happy to help and guide students with their research and private study. The large, modern stock of books, newspapers and periodicals, electronic subscriptions, DVDs and CDs allows the fullest access to the widest possible range of resources. The availability of 50 ready-access PCs and 60 individual netbooks allows ready availability for our students at all times.

STUDY SKILLS SUPPORT

Our dedicated study skills team are on hand to provide tailored support in analysing individual students’ needs and providing study planning. They also offer diagnosis and assessment for students with particular learning difficulties.

Both group and individual support is offered, covering a variety of needs including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia.

The transition from school to Sixth Form and beyond is an exciting time and one which brings many challenges. We will support and guide you every step of the way to bridge the divide between school, university and employment.

Becoming a more autonomous and self-reliant learner is of vital importance for any successful Sixth Form student: skills that are essential for the next steps in life, be it higher education or employment. To help develop these skills, advice and support is offered to students from the outset, starting with the induction programme then featuring in tutor group sessions throughout the two years. In addition, further guidance is readily at hand along with access to resources and facilities that are second to none.

13

TRIPS ANDENRICHMENT

Not only do we believe in providing a first-class academic experience, we also offer numerous opportunities for you to develop your personal

and social skills through an extensive range of enrichment opportunities. Whether it be rugby, debating or rock climbing you are sure to find

something that interests you.

You will also have the option to take on extra responsibility through the Student Leadership programme: this could include being on the Sixth

Form Student Council, running Sixth Form social events, peer mentoring, or coordinating charity work.

Students at the Sixth Form will have access to the state-of-the-art sporting facilities available on site and beyond, allowing the opportunity to take

part in a wide range of competitive and social sporting activities.

We also offer a range of residential and day trips designed to enhance both academic learning and social or sporting development. These

include the Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition to Switzerland, visits to our partner institutions in Mozambique and South Africa, and a ski trip to the

USA, alongside numerous local and international subject-based trips.

There is an extensive programme of social events organised by the student leaders. This includes the Sixth Form Ball, charity events, band evenings, barbecues, quiz night and film nights as well as a variety of

drama and music productions.

LIFE OUTSIDE LESSONS

12

15

A-LEVEL RESULTS 2014

In both the Upper and LowerSixth, progress is strong as a result ofexcellent teaching. Ofsted 2013

SUBJECT TOTAL SITTING % A* - C %A*-E

Art & Design 6 100% 100%

Biology 22 82% 95%

Business Studies 19 89% 100%

Chemistry 20 85% 100%

Computing 1 100% 100%

Drama & Theatre Studies 10 100% 100%

Economics 15 93% 100%

English Language 18 94% 100%

English Literature 13 100% 100%

Film Studies 5 100% 100%

French 2 100% 100%

Geography 22 86% 100%

German 2 100% 100%

Global Perspectives Pre-U 7 100% 100%

Government & Politics 7 86% 100%

History 19 95% 100%

Human Biology 4 50% 100%

Mathematics - Further 11 91% 100%

Mathematics - Mechanics 13 85% 100%

Mathematics - Statistics 26 92% 100%

Music 3 67% 100%

Music Technology 3 100% 100%

Photography 12 100% 100%

Physical Education 8 63% 100%

Physics 20 90% 100%

Product Design 4 100% 100%

Psychology 26 85% 100%

Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics) 18 78% 100%

Spanish 8 100% 100%

Total 344 89% 100%

Level 3 BTEC Results

SUBJECT DISTINCTION * DISTINCTION MERIT PASS

Sport 39% 39% 11% 11%

Business 28% 21% 31% 21%

14

Comberton Sixth FormWest Street, CombertonCambridge CB23 7DU

T 01223 265470

www.combertonsixthform.orgenquiries@combertonsixthform.org

Open Evening6th November6.30 – 9.00pm