Prospectus 2016-17

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North Kesteven School and Sir Robert Pattinson Academy have worked together for the mutual benefit of our students for more than twenty years. We are an experienced, successful and dynamic institution, which achieves excellent results in a vast array of courses. We know that we can offer you a fantastic post-16 education experience which will enable you to progress academically, while developing essential life skills and increasing your employment prospects by accessing our wide variety of enrichment opportunities. If you have any questions about our sixth form and courses, please do not hesitate to contact us and don’t forget to come to our Open Evening on Thursday 19th November 2015.

Welcome to North Hykeham Joint Sixth Form (NHJSF)

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In the North Hykeham Joint Sixth Form, students can access courses across both sites (North Kesteven School and Sir Robert Pattinson Academy). In this prospectus the courses are organised by curriculum areas with a coding to show you, at a glance, whether they are academic or vocational. There is also an alphabetical list of subjects. You will find a QR code which will take you to the relevant page on our website for more detailed information. Use this booklet to see the courses we have on offer and then visit our website for more details and to choose your options online. Once you have indicated which courses you are interested in, a meeting will be arranged with a senior member of staff in which you will receive guidance about the best package for your individual needs, to enable you to progress in your education.

Find out more

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AREyou going to

achieve Grade B or above?

You should research your career path in order to help you with your course choices. If you have concerns over exam stress you should consider combining academic and vocational courses.

Planning your Route

AREyou going to achieve the equivalent of 5

A*-C in your GCSEs?

YES

LOOKat our LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME

of A level courses

LOOKat our LEVEL 3

PROGRAMME of both A level and vocational courses

LOOKat our LEVEL 3

PROGRAMME of vocational courses

NO

LOOKat our LEVEL 2 PROGRAMME

YES

MIX

NO

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LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME(A minimum of three Level 3 courses)The courses for the Level 3 programme can be found on our website. Both A Level and vocational courses are available.

These are two year courses. You must have a minimum of five A*- C grades at GCSE in order to start this programme. Entry requirements for the Level 3 Programme are generally a B at GCSE or a Merit in a similar Level 2 vocational course. You will then need to meet the individual entry requirements for each course; you will find these on the course information webpage for each subject area. Successful completion of the Level 3 Programme can lead to university, an apprenticeship or employment. Most universities will accept both A Level and Level 3 vocational qualifications and your research should highlight the best courses for you to take.

LEVEL 2 PROGRAMMEThis programme incorporates Level 2 courses with enrichment and work experience. Further information about the available courses can be found on our website. The Level 2 GCSE and vocational courses are for one year only. Successful completion of the Level 2 programme could give access to a higher level programme after the first year. These options will be discussed with you prior to starting on the programme.

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Course AreasThe courses we offer are divided into 4 curriculum areas:

Arts Fine Art

Art & Design

Photography

Drama & Theatre Studies

Dance

Performing Arts: Dance

Performing Arts: Drama

Performing Arts: Music Performing

Performing Arts: Music Technology

Performing Arts: Drama & Musical Theatre

Media Studies

Creative Media

Music

Social Enterprise Psychology

Health & Social Care

Health & Social Care

Philosophy & Ethics

Sociology

Business Studies

Business

Economics

Finance (Cert)

Government & Politics

Travel & Tourism

Sport

Physical Education

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The final course offer is dependent on take-up and staffing.

Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) Information & Communication Technology

Information Technology

Mathematics

Further Mathematics

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Applied Science

Engineering

Product Design

Language & Humanities English Language

English Literature

English Language & Literature

History

Geography

French

Italian

German

Russian

Spanish

Applied/Vocational

Academic

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The final course offer is dependent on take-up and staffing.

Course ListApplied Science

Art & Design

Biology

Business

Business Studies

Chemistry

Creative Media

Dance

Drama & Theatre Studies

Economics

Engineering

English Language

English Language & Literature

English Literature

Finance (Cert)

Fine Art

French

Further Mathematics

Geography

German

Government & Politics

Health & Social Care

History

Information & Communication Technology

Information Technology

Italian

Mathematics

Media Studies

Music

Performing Arts: Dance

Performing Arts: Drama

Performing Arts: Drama & Musical Theatre

Performing Arts: Music Performing

Performing Arts: Music Technology

Philosophy & Ethics

Photography

Physical Education

Physics

Product Design

Psychology

Russian

Sociology

Spanish

Sport

Travel & Tourism

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Not Just a Sixth Form

“NHJSF has allowed me to discover my next steps”

“Teachers are always encouraging and supportive. They always motivate us to do better”

“NHJSF gives great support for students when they need it. Makes it a great place to learn!”

“It’s helped me gain independence and confidence in my work, in a great atmosphere”

“NHJSF gives young adults the support and guidance that we need whilst also giving us freedom as independent learners. It’s fab”

“NHJSF is fun but hard work as well”

“NHJSF has helped me build in confidence with all the support and help from staff”

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I’m not sure I’m ready for sixth form?

Our experienced support team will help you with the transition.

How much work will I be expected to do outside the classroom?

In order to maximise your chance of success on all your courses, we advise that you spend the same amount of time in private study as you do in the classroom.

What is expected of me outside the lessons?

You will be allocated specific personal study periods during the school timetable so you can complete some of your private study at this time. You will also be able to take part in some of our enrichment and/or complementary activities.

What if I don’t like my course choices?

Attending our induction days in July is essential as it allows you to get a real taste for your courses. It is possible to change your courses up to the first 2-3 weeks after the start of the academic year. After this date, there is usually too much work to catch up. Every request is dealt with on an individual basis by our experienced support team.

I don’t know what I want to do as a career.

We provide information, advice & guidance (IAG) about future study and careers throughout your time in NHJSF. Due to changes in the way Level 3 subjects are being assessed from 2016, you will be choosing courses that you will be happy to study for two years. You must play to your strengths.

Why North Hykeham Joint Sixth Form is the right choice for me

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I’ve nothing interesting to put on my CV or university personal statement.

After a year with us, you will have had many opportunities to take part in things that can be used both on a CV and a personal statement.

What if I’m struggling in a subject?

We have well-qualified teachers and academic tutors who will help you by monitoring your progress. It is a two-way process; you must remember to communicate with them as they may not realise how much you are struggling unless you tell them. If necessary, we may provide you with a mentor to help you through a difficult area of your course.

If I don’t pass GCSE Maths and/or English will I have to do them in sixth form?

No matter where you decide to continue your education or apprenticeship post-16, there is a legal requirement to try to get you to achieve grade C or above in both English & Maths.

How many courses do I have to take?

We will guide you depending on your ability and your goals. Most students on our Level 3 programme take 3 two-year courses; and then pick up an enrichment course as well as one of our complementary activities. It is possible to take 4 two-year courses but you need to be aware that the changes to the qualifications in 2016 mean that this option has become much harder.

Will I be able to do work experience?

Yes! Work experience is a recognised part of your sixth form programme. We have a dedicated week for each year group when you are encouraged to find a work placement in the area that you want to go into. Some students also take the opportunity to complete a longer placement. Our team includes people that will help you obtain this, but you must be prepared to do your own research.

I’ve got an idea to improve sixth form, what do I do?

We have a strong student leadership team on each site and the leaders (Head Boys/Girls) are elected by sixth form students & staff. The teams meet weekly on their own site and have a joint meeting with the heads of sixth form every month. At these meetings, students are able to put forward requests for changes and the arguments behind them. We like our students to have an input and will consider all requests with an open mind. The student leadership teams from both schools that make up NHJSF work closely together and student suggestions have been implemented in the past year.

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Since the Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) in 2013, the government now requires all young people under the age of 18 to be in some form of education or training. We recognise that not all students are ready for the Level 3 courses when they leave Year 11, and our Level 2 programme, together with work experience and the enrichment and complementary activities, are designed with this in mind. The examined courses in our Level 2 Programme are vocational courses,

in subject areas which will help to build your confidence as you move into post-16 education.

The subjects offered are:• Business• ICT• Media• Leisure & Tourism• Public Services• Work Skills

Level 2 Programme

Workskills

“I have enjoyed Work Skills so far as it shows a person how to find a job with their skills-set”

What our current Level 2 students have to say about their courses:

Media

“I really enjoy Media – if you have a great interest in films or TV and how they are created and marketed then it’s a great opportunity for you”

Public Services

“I like Public Services because it focuses on the things I want to do when I’m older...you don’t just talk about the organisations like the Police or the RAF you talk about the health and careers aspects as well”

ICT

“I like Level 2 ICT as it gives me the knowledge to use later on in life in the workplace”

Business

“I enjoy Business because it is fun and enjoyable and you learn how businesses work”

Leisure & Tourism

“Leisure & Tourism is good because you look at the local area as well as other countries, and that might help me get a job”

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It is equally important that we prepare you for life beyond 6th form. For this reason, our Level 3 courses sit alongside a programme of work experience and additional activities so that we can create a package for you which fits your individual needs.

ENGLISH AND MATHS RESITIf you did not achieve a grade C in your English or Maths GCSE then it is a legal requirement that you have to resit the exam. This applies to all students regardless of the level of courses they are taking.

ENRICHMENT COURSESIn the NHJSF we want to give all of our students the opportunity to become well rounded individuals, with a breadth of experience which goes beyond their academic studies. We offer one-year enrichment courses on both sites which extend the curriculum beyond the exam subjects and we encourage as many students as possible to sign up for one of the activities. If you do take up this option, you will attend timetabled sessions run by NHJSF staff and your achievements will be recognised by an award or certificate at the end of the year.

Our current Enrichment courses include: • Arts Award• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)• Dance Leadership Award• Duke of Edinburgh Award• Finance Award• Music Exams• Sports Leadership Award• Pre-Teaching Award

The Level 2 courses may also be used as an enrichment activity if you are taking a Level 3 package and would like to add another subject.

The enrichment courses are reviewed annually and are offered subject to staff availability.

COMPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIESIn addition to the enrichment courses there are many complementary activities which we encourage our students to become involved in. Some of these activities are led by staff but many are organised and run by the students themselves.

Our current complementary activities include: • Art in the Community• Charity Fundraising• Debating Society• Extra-curricular Dance, Drama & Music• Individual Music Lessons• Lesson support• Lincoln Young Journalist Academy (LYJA)• Mentoring• Student Leadership Team• Student Marketing Team• Rooted in Reading• World Challenge

The complementary activities are reviewed annually and are offered subject to staff availability.

Further information about all of these courses can be found on the NHJSF website.

NHJSF prepares students for life

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All students are given the opportunity to have work experience and there are specific blocks of time set aside for this. In addition some students may take up the option of an extended placement. This has proved particularly suitable for some students who already have a clear idea of the career path they want to follow. Work experience is arranged through the careers guidance team on the home site of each student.

Work Experience

At NHJSF we provide information, advice and guidance to our students throughout the year, to ensure that they can make informed choices about their next steps. Each student has an academic tutor who sees them every morning – the tutor is their first point of contact on their home site, offering them academic and pastoral support, and liaising with subject tutors and the sixth form team. We have very experienced careers guidance teams on both sites. Students can request an interview with a careers adviser in school at any time, and we organise sessions where outside speakers come in to talk to the students about subjects such as volunteering, and the National Citizenship Service.

We run fortnightly, timetabled sessions for all our students, in which they carry out activities which allow them to reflect on their subject progress and their health & wellbeing,

as well as raising their awareness of current national and world issues. In addition to the information given in these sessions, we run a conference where outside professionals come into the sixth form to give our students the most up to date information about apprenticeships, applying for university, and applying for jobs. We also hold information evenings throughout the year for students and parents; the dates of these are published on the website. For students who are considering further study at university, we have a lead advisor on each site, who ensures that the academic tutors and subject staff are giving the most up to date advice to our students, as they prepare their UCAS applications. The lead advisor gives additional assistance to any student who requires it, and provides specialist guidance to students applying to Oxbridge and CUKAS.

Information, Advice & Guidance

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Some students come to us with a very clear idea of the route they want to take to get them to the next stage in their education or career, others are still exploring what they want to do in the future, and need to keep their options open. The NHJSF offers you a very broad curriculum choice, made possible by the partnership between the two schools, and this gives you the opportunity to create your own pathway, choosing from our wide range of A level and vocational courses. Here are some examples of the typical pathways taken by our students:

ACADEMICMany students will choose to take 3 A levels and go on to university. The changes to A levels and vocational qualifications in 2016 mean that these are now two year courses, with final exams at the end of the course. Last year many of our students achieved the top grades, and were successful in gaining university places to study both traditional subjects, such as maths, science, English, languages, humanities & social sciences; and more modern subjects such as; business, graphic design, engineering, media & sport. Some students choose to study at our local university in Lincoln, others have gone further afield, including many to Russell Group universities, such as: Durham, Leeds, Birmingham, Nottingham & Sheffield. In the last two years 5 NHJSF students have taken up places at Oxbridge.

CREATIVEOur highly respected, and successful art & design and performing arts courses, enable students to succeed at a high level, whilst experiencing professional standard teaching. (Our A level drama course has been rated

3rd out of all schools nationally). In the last few years our students have gained places at university, and at specialist dance drama & music colleges, such as: RADA, Birmingham Conservatoire, Trinity Laban and East 15. Our art & design & textiles students have been successful in securing places to study at art college and university. Not all students who take a visual arts or performing arts course want a career in the sector; some will choose to combine one of these creative courses with other subjects, to give breadth to their choice.

BUSINESS AND FINANCEOur proven track record in our academic and vocational business courses means that more students than ever are choosing to take up these options. From September 2016 we are offering our students the ability to combine business and finance courses to make up a full package. This can take them on to further study at university or to an apprenticeship in the business sector. Students who enjoy studying business have also combined it with sport or performing arts to create a pathway for employment or further study in one of the rapidly growing leisure industries.

FLEXIBLESome students will excel in different areas at Level 3 and do not have a clear idea of the pathway they want to take when they come to us. Our broad range of courses allows students mix different disciplines and academic and vocational courses so they can keep their options open for longer. Our experienced teams of interviewers at NHJSF are here to guide you.

The Right Pathway for You

Sir RobertPattinson AcademyT: 01522 882020E: sixthform@srpa.co.ukW: www.srpa.co.uk

NorthKesteven SchoolT: 01522 881010 / 01522 881405 (sixth form)E: sixthform@

nkschool.lincs.sch.ukW: www.nkschool.co.uk

@NHJSF

www.nhjsf.co.uk

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