PERSONNEL Head of Sixth Form Mr N Renton 01423 535235

Student Support Manager Dr P James 01423 535233

Student Support Manager Mrs Atherton 01423 535234

Student Adviser Mrs S Garnett 01423 535224

Senior Admin Officer Mrs F Hernandez 01423 535235

Admin Officer/Attendance Officer Mrs T Reed 01423 535236

Admin Officer Mrs R Harriss 01423 535235

Data Manager Mr D Tinker 01423 535224

EPQ Co-coordinator 01423 525224

Examinations Office 01423 535228

We welcome contact from parents/carers and consider a mutually supportive relationship crucial to a

students’ academic and personal development. Please use the telephone numbers above to direct your call.

For general queries, please email sixthform@harrogategrammar.co.uk

For attendance queries, please email Mrs Reed on tar@harrogategrammar.co.uk

You may also email your son/daughter’s Student Support Manager directly:

Dr James— pej@harrogategrammar.co.uk

Mrs Atherton - hja@harrogategrammar.co.uk

You may also email Mr Renton directly on nxr@harrogategrammar.co.uk

Mrs A Tunstall, Shine Careers Adviser, from Aspire-i Ltd will be available every Tuesday in Sixth Form by

appointment for careers advice.

SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE The Student Support Manager or Form Tutor will usually be a student’s first point of contact. The Student

Support Manager and Form Tutor are an essential resource in developing the student’s general skills and in

monitoring progress.

THE ACADEMIC DAY

GENERAL INFORMATION

Sixth Form Handbook

8.50am-9.00am COMPULSORY REGISTRATION

9.00am-9.55am PERIOD 1

9.55am-10.50am PERIOD 2

10.50am-11.10am BREAK

11.10am-12.00pm PERIOD 3

12.00pm-12.55pm PERIOD 4

12.55pm-1.45pm LUNCH

1.45pm-2.35pm PERIOD 5

2.35pm-3.30pm PERIOD 6

Successful Harrogate Grammar Sixth Form Students:

• Take an active part in lessons.

• Read around and ahead of the classes to make the most of lessons.

• Seek advice on their own initiative.

• Constantly review their learning.

• Subscribe to subject journals and actively use their own resources e.g. revision guides.

• Use the media (papers, internet etc) to keep abreast of current affairs related to their courses.

• Complete revision notes, glossaries of key terms, flash cards etc throughout the year.

• Use practice exercises, mock exams etc to test thoroughly their learning and assessment performance.

• Plan their learning programmes, revision etc.

• Make good use of study time and facilities.

• Have a home study environment that is comfortable and free from distraction.

• Are focussed on success and enjoy doing well.

• Work well with others both in lessons and in outside study.

• Understand and use school support mechanisms when necessary.

• Have positive relationships with staff.

• Enjoy school and have a sense of shared values with the school.

• Conform to school expectations.

• Have a clear idea of future pathways.

• Are punctual to school and to lessons.

• Have a very high attendance rate, attend all lessons and have no unauthorised absences.

• Complete work to deadlines, including internal deadlines.

• Make careful use of marking and feedback to improve their performance.

• Have a clear idea of their current level of performance and how to reach the next level.

• Take part in out of school academic activities e.g. conferences, lectures and debates.

• Take an active part in wider school life; sport, drama, roles of responsibilities etc.

• Are careful to achieve a lifestyle balance of study and other activities.

• Keep themselves healthy.

SIXTH FORM EXPECTATIONS

Sixth Form Handbook

STUDENT & PARENT/CARER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF STUDENT

LEARNING AGREEMENT

As published below in this Handbook, the Learning Agreement identifies our duties and the expectations of you as a member of the Sixth Form. We require confirmation that you have read and agreed to the conditions outlined below by signing and returning the acknowledgement slip at the bottom of the Learning Agreement, which is distributed with this Handbook. This must be returned before Friday 11 September 2015. You are expected to:

• Make the most of every lesson through preparation, participation and consolidation.

• Make full use of Private Study, contributing towards 16 hours of independent study per week.

• Complete all work to the required standard by the required deadline by using your time, in school and at home, effectively and to a level commensurate with your ability.

• Ensure that all work submitted is entirely your own.

• Accept responsibility for your own learning with the support of your teachers, including adhering to Harrogate Grammar School iPads for Learning Agreement found on the school website.

• Maintain high levels of attendance (over 95%) and attend all lessons punctually, including Private Study and Guidance.

• Adhere to the Dress Code and wear student ID lanyard at all times.

• Remain on the school premises other than at break and lunchtime.

• Act as a positive role model for younger students and behave in a manner which befits a Sixth Form student.

• Get involved in extra-curricular activities/leadership programmes to improve your key skills.

• Respect the individual rights of all members of the school community and be involved in activities within the community.

• Accept that you will be asked to leave the Sixth Form if the above conditions are not met. Under this agreement Harrogate Grammar School Sixth Form will endeavour to provide:

• A programme of courses that are delivered by suitably qualified and effective members of staff using appropriate facilities and resources.

• Regular assessment and feedback on how to develop your work.

• A friendly, caring, supportive environment.

• A member of the Sixth Form Team who monitors your progress, provides guidance and assistance in setting targets for improvement.

• The provision of structured guidance and structured time for private study.

• Support in developing good study skills.

• Support for any special needs you may have.

• The opportunity to take part in extra curricular activities.

• The opportunity to undertake work experience.

• A UCAS/careers programme for your progression beyond the Sixth Form.

• The opportunity at least once a year for your parents/carers to come to school with you to discuss your progress.

• Progress and Attitude to Learning reports four times per academic year.

SIXTH FORM EXPECTATIONS

Sixth Form Handbook

PROCEDURES & CONDITIONS

ATTENDANCE Mrs Reed 01423 535236 email: tar@harrogategrammar.co.uk

Students are required to be in the school building throughout the school day, except at break and

lunchtimes or for organised activities e.g. sporting activities and field trips. Year 13 students may apply for

home study in September of Year 13.

• Students must register in person with his/her tutor at 8.50am each day. Attendance will also be

electronically recorded at every lesson.

• If any lessons are missed you will be expected to attend a supervised session to be arranged by

members of the Sixth Form Team. This may take place after school.

• A central Record of Attendance is kept for every student in the Sixth Form.

• Emails are sent to parents/carers on a daily basis if lessons are missed.

• An attendance check will be made fortnightly and any student whose attendance falls below 95%

will result in their parent/carer being contacted.

• If a student has a genuine reason for absence parents/carers must inform the Attendance Officer

between 8.30am - 8.50am by email, tar@harrogategrammar.co.uk, or telephone for each day of

absence. Any unexplained absence will generate an email home.

• Students may be asked to provide medical evidence in certain circumstances.

• Non emergency dental/doctors appointments and driving lessons should not be arranged during

the school day.

• Students who have been absent must ensure that all missed work is followed up in liaison with

subject teachers.

• Research shows that attendance below 85% equates to a drop in achievement of 1 grade.

HOLIDAYS Students must not arrange holidays during term time. Such absences will be treated as Unauthorised and,

depending on the degree of subject content missed, may call into question the student’s entry for

examinations and jeopardise his/her place on courses.

It is important to note that most references for employers/Higher Education require data about

attendance and punctuality. It is therefore essential to maintain an excellent attendance record that we may

refer to upon requests for a reference from an employer.

UNIVERSITY OPEN DAY VISITS

Students are permitted to attend 4 university open day visits. Permission must be requested by your

parent/carer by email to tar@harrogategrammar.co.uk.

Sixth Form Handbook

PROCEDURES & CONDITIONS

DRESS CODE

Sixth Form Students are required to dress smartly, and our expectations reflect those that

employers have of their staff in most business environments. As the most senior

students in the school, we insist on high standards of appearance and for students to be

easily recognised within, and beyond, our school community.

For clarification the following items are not allowed:

Hoodies, leather, cargo pants or denim including jean-style trousers, see-through linen

trousers, leggings, shorts, cut-off trousers, skater skirts, stretchy short skirts, polo shirts,

polo-necked jumpers, designer logos, trainers, casual ‘deck’ shoes, flip flops,

“Ugg-style” boots, visible tattoos, lip, nose and tongue piercings.

Hair must be of a natural hair colour. One piercing per ear is allowed and no ‘stretchers’.

Outdoor coats, jackets and scarves should not be worn in the school building.

If a student’s appearance is not acceptable, he/she will be given the option to

change into spare business dress or to go home to change.

SIXTH FORM BOYS

SIXTH FORM GIRLS

Dark tailored suit or dark tailored jacket/trousers.

Dark tailored skirt, trousers or dress with a jacket. Skirts/dresses must be tailored and of an appropriate business style and length.

Buttoned shirt with collar: long or short sleeved. Top buttons must be fastened and shirt tucked into trousers. Tie, worn at an appropriate length.

Top or blouse which must not be low-cut or reveal midriff.

Plain non-patterned jumper or cardigan may be worn, but cannot replace the jacket.

Plain non-patterned jumper or cardigan may be worn, but cannot replace the jacket.

Shoes must be smart in leather or leather-like material. They can be slip-ons or laced up shoes.

Shoes or boots must be smart in leather or leather-like material.

Student ID on Sixth Form Lanyard.

Sixth Form Handbook

STUDENTS/VISITORS

It is a safeguarding requirement for all Sixth Form students to visibly wear their student ID lanyard. This

is essential as Sixth Form students do not wear a school uniform and need to be recognisable to main

school students and staff. Sixth Form Students should only enter and exit Sixth Form via Sixth Form

Reception with their lanyards which operates the keypad. All students will be issued with their own

student ID lanyard and will be responsible for its safe keeping. Replacement ID will incur a charge of

£5.00. For safeguarding and security reasons, students must not bring external visitors onto the school

site.

The school’s Child Protection policy is available on the school website via

http://www.harrogategrammar.co.uk/school/school-policies/

MOBILE TELEPHONES/PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Mobile phones must be silenced during lessons and not used in the main school. Mobile phones may be

used to play music in study areas within the Sixth Form as long as noise does not disturb others. The use

of these devices is not permitted within lessons and in any part of main school. Harrogate Grammar will

not be responsible for the loss or damage to any personal equipment.

iPADS FOR LEARNING

All students are required to have an iPad ready to use in all lessons. It is the students responsibility to

ensure that the iPad is fully charged and has the recommended Apps available for use. The student

planner will work via the iPad and teachers will set home learning via the Firefly Virtual Learning

Environment. All students must comply with the iPad Responsible Use Agreement and iPads must be

attached to the school’s device management system.

VEHICLES

Students should consider carefully whether they should bring a car to school. The school car park is for

Permit Holders only and the school cannot allow student vehicles on the site. Students who break this

rule will receive a parking sticker on their windscreen and be expected to payback wasted staff time to the

school community. For safety reasons, no vehicles should enter the school car park to drop off or pick up

students. Parking in residential streets is subject to major restrictions and the school accepts no

responsibility for these vehicles. Police and Parking Attendants regularly monitor the local area and will

issue fines for illegal parking. If students live within walking distance to school, for reasons of safety,

sustainability and health, they should leave their cars at home. Students can see the streets where parking

is not permitted, as verified by the Police, on the main entrance doors of Sixth Form.

SMOKING

The school buildings, grounds, and all nearby residential streets are strictly no smoking (including vaping) areas for all students at all times.

DRUGS/ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

It is the school’s policy to inform the Police in cases involving the sale or consumption of drugs/alcohol

within the school grounds. In addition, students must not enter licensed premises during the school day.

Drugs/alcohol must not be brought onto the school site under any circumstances.

PROCEDURES & CONDITIONS

Sixth Form Handbook

PHOTOCOPYING CREDITS Each student is provided with initial printing credits. Students who go beyond their credit must pay for their own additional copying.

CYBER BULLYING We operate ZERO TOLERANCE of misuse of public networking sites that cause distress, exclusion or upset to others.

COMPUTING CODE OF CONDUCT Students must not:

• Reveal their passwords to others.

• Consume food or drink in computing areas.

• Engaging in any act of plagiarism.

• Attempt to download or install any software on the school computers.

• Tamper with any computer hardware or software, or attempt to access unauthorised areas of the system.

• Send inappropriate messages across the network.

• Use the network for profit-making activities.

• Retrieve or send material which would be in breach of copyright law.

• Use disrespectful language about any other member of the school community. Good Practice: Make sure all coursework is ‘backed up’ on a network drive, or stored in the cloud. Any infringements of this code could lead to students being asked to pay for damage and being banned from the facilities.

PLAGIARISM Plagiarism is copying other people’s work and passing it off as your own, this includes downloading and submitting work taken from the Internet. Other common forms of plagiarism would be using quotations without attributing their source or passing off the ideas of others as if they are your own. Plagiarism does not have to be word for word theft of material but a "close imitation" of another’s work. Plagiarism within externally assessed coursework, controlled tasks, portfolios or exams may result in automatic disqualification.

THE STUDY CENTRE & LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE High standards of behaviour are expected in the Study Centre and Learning Resource Centre at all times. Students should use all facilities sensibly and respect other users.

G2 & THE GATE We are very fortunate to have such excellent facilities available to our students. It is essential that the public areas are well respected and kept tidy by all. Students are not allowed to eat in classrooms and are expected to tidy away rubbish and plates in The Gate/G2. INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE Swearing and offensive language is not acceptable in any working environment. Students who are caught using offensive language will be directed to help the catering staff tidy G2 at the end of lunch.

PROCEDURES & CONDITIONS

Sixth Form Handbook

Student progress will be monitored very carefully in the Sixth Form to ensure all students achieve their

very best.

Monitoring will be ongoing with students, subject teachers, tutors and the Sixth Form Leadership Team all

fully involved and informed. Students will discuss their progress with Teachers, Tutor/and or Student

Support Manager on a regular basis. We expect students to take responsibility for reflecting on their own

performance, evaluation and setting targets for improvement.

In addition to this, there are four student reports, including Progress and Attitude to Learning Grades

published to parents/carers throughout the academic year where overall performance will be assessed.

If a student is having difficulty in any of his/her studies, or problems with time management, he/she is

advised to discuss this at the earliest opportunity with a member of staff. This may a subject teacher, one

of the Student Support Managers or another member of the Sixth Form Leadership Team.

If a student’s attitude to learning or progress is unsatisfactory in any subject, contact will be made with

home and a support strategy will be put in place.

High levels of effort and an excellent work ethic will be rewarded via email and praise points rewarded.

Working as a team

We encourage every student to work to the best of his/her ability and aim high academically. We also

emphasise the importance of building key skills to support progression to Higher Education, training or a

chosen career. Close liaison between Faculties, the Sixth Form Team, student and home can trigger

tailored support. Intervention managed by the Sixth Form Team will be communicated to home and

regular contact is encouraged in the form of meetings, phone calls and email. Please contact the Student

Support Manager with any queries straight away, however small , so that we can prevent small issues

becoming bigger problems.

MONITORING PROGRESS

Sixth Form Handbook

CHANGES OF COURSE

It is strongly recommended that changes of course are discussed and implemented prior to the start of

term in September. Changes after this will only be considered in weeks 2 and 3 of the term. Students

wishing to change must first discuss this with the staff whose subject they intend to change from and to.

Agreement must be made with these staff, and a form collected from the Sixth Form Office. This must

be signed by the relevant staff and parent/carer, then returned to the Dr James or Mrs Atherton as soon

as possible for a re-issued timetable. Any change is subject to the completion of bridging materials,

subject blocking and class size.

It is important to note that students must complete a full programme of study amounting to a minimum

of 540 hours per year across the subjects set out within your Sixth Form timetable. All students are

expected to study 4 courses in Year 12.

COMMUNICATION

The Sixth Form Team will convey information such as examination dates, school trips etc to students via the following:

• email correspondence. Students are responsible for checking their email on a daily basis. Students will be issued with a school email address and will be expected to use this.

• regular compulsory assemblies and daily registration.

• notice boards and the digital screen in The Gate.

• email correspondence and letters to parents/carers. The school website also has up-to-date information regarding important dates throughout the academic year.

16 - 19 BURSARIES

If at anytime during the Sixth Form you are suffering financial hardship, please speak to Mrs Reed to

discuss the possibility of applying for an appropriate bursary.

PRIVATE STUDY

Students should complete a minimum of 16 hours of independent study per week in order to

achieve their academic potential. Private Study is silent, supervised study in the Sixth Form Study Area or

the Learning Resource Centre. This allocated time contributes to the minimum expectation of 16 hours.

Students may use the Sixth Form Study Centre beyond 3.30pm as long as a member of staff is present in

the Sixth Form area.

PART-TIME WORK

This should be kept to a minimum, and should never exceed 7 hours per week. If students exceed this

limit they are likely to put their results in jeopardy. The Sixth Form programme is very busy and students

will soon find themselves fully occupied and struggling with deadlines should they fail to devote the

appropriate time to their studies.

LIFE AS A SIXTH FORM STUDENT

Sixth Form Handbook

EXAMINATIONS

All students will be issued with guidance regarding examination procedures and an individual candidate

timetable will be emailed to each student. The school pays all examination entry fees, with the exception

of re-sits. Any query relating to examinations should be directed to the Examinations Office, who may be

contacted on 01423 535228 or exams@harrogategrammar.co.uk.

HIGHER EDUCATION

A formal programme will start with a Higher Education evening for students and parents/carers given by

university admissions staff, followed by an outline of the UCAS procedure during Guidance in the first

week of the Summer Term. We support students in planning and preparation for University Open days,

allowing up to four days to attend Open days if required.

At certain points during the Summer term, the normal Year 12 timetable is suspended to allow students to

follow a series of activities aimed at the transition from Sixth Form to University and Careers. Students

will register with UCAS and begin completing the online application form. They will be advised about

entering subject details and, specifically, about drafting their Personal Statements. Careers information will

be available for all students whether they intend to go to university or not. This is complemented by mock

interviews and careers advice delivered by representatives from several national/local firms. In addition,

there are talks from University Admissions personnel and visits to a number of universities. There are

further support activities throughout the year such as alternatives to Higher Education, studying abroad,

Package talks and student finance information. All students are invited to attend the annual Careers Fair in

November where there are representatives from over 50 leading local and national employers.

In addition, we expect all sixth form students to undertake a week of Internship during the Summer term.

This provides valuable experience for those planning employment after Sixth Form. We also know that

universities are seeking increased employer engagement from applicants; therefore as well as enhancing

employability skills students can draw on this valuable experience when applying to university.

For students aspiring to Oxbridge, or other leading universities, a programme tailored for preparation to

such institutions runs throughout the year. This includes information and guidance sessions from

Oxbridge staff, the opportunity to apply for Summer and Easter residentials, open day visits, interview

preparation and mock academic interviews.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITES

Applications to become Prefects will be invited during the first half-term, and students are encouraged to

apply for this post. In December of Year 12, the Senior Prefect Team and Student Leaders’ Team will be

appointed from the Prefect body. Selection is made on the basis of a survey of staff support, and a letter

of application. In the second half of the summer term, Head Boy, Head Girl and Deputies will be

selected on the basis of a letter of application, staff survey, a forum with the student body and an

interview with the Headteacher and the Head of Sixth Form. The Senior Prefect Team along with the

Sixth Form Leadership Team form an executive body and regular meetings will be held throughout the

academic year.

LIFE AS A SIXTH FORM STUDENT

Sixth Form Handbook

RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT

Staff will recognise the achievement of individual students in terms of their personal success and through

the contributions students make to the life of the school and the wider community. This information is

recorded centrally. Gift vouchers are rewarded to students with multiple praise points and parents/carers

are notified of this achievement.

Praise points can be awarded for:

• Progress and effort.

• 100% attendance.

• Outstanding work.

• Contribution to extra curricular activities and events.

• Work with Learning Support.

• Contribution to Charities.

• Working with students in Main School.

• Acting as leaders.

• Taking on additional responsibilities.

• Helpfulness and goodwill.

Staff may record concerns about students on a database which then triggers a staged response of

intervention.

REFERRALS

Serious issues of behaviour and misdemeanour will require the involvement of the parent/carer. A

meeting will be arranged with the Sixth Form Team and student before the student can continue with the

programme of courses being followed. Further misdemeanours will jeopardise a student’s ability to

continue with a particular course, or to remain in the Sixth Form.

STUDENT ONLINE PLANNERS

All students will be expected to keep their online planners up-to-date.

POSITIVE ACHIEVEMENT

Sixth Form Handbook

PROVISIONAL DATES

Sixth Form Handbook

PARENTS FORUM Wednesday 23 September

Opportunity to meet the Sixth Form Team

PARENTS

CONSULTATION

Provisional: Tuesday 29 September

PROGESS &

ATTITUDE GRADES

Friday 23 October

PROGRESS &

ATTITUDE GRADES

Friday 18 December

MOCK EXAMS Monday 25 January - Friday 5 February

PARENTS

CONSULTATION

Provisional: Tuesday 1 March

STUDENT FINANCE

EVENING

Wednesday 24 February

EXAMINATION ADVISORY EVENING

Wednesday 9 March

PROGRESS & ATTITUDE GRADES

Thursday 15 April

STUDY LEAVE Friday 27 May

SUMMER A LEVELS EXAMINATIONS

Provisional A2 dates: Wednesday 8 June –Friday 24 June

RESULTS DAY A Level: Thursday 11 August:

Yr13 at 9.00am & Yr12 at 10.00am

YEAR 13 PROVISIONAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

2015—2016

PROVISIONAL DATES

Sixth Form Handbook

PARENTS FORUM Wednesday 16 September

Opportunity to meet the Sixth Form Team

PROGESS &

ATTITUDE GRADES

Friday 23 October

PARENT

CONSULTATIONS

Provisional: Tuesday 24 November

PROGRESS &

ATTITUDE GRADES

Friday 18 December

MOCK EXAMS Monday 25 January - Friday 5 February

PROGRESS &

ATTITUDE GRADES

Friday 26 February

ADVISORY

EVENING

Wednesday 9 March

HE EVENING Wednesday 20 April

STUDY

LEAVE

Year 12: Provisional date: Friday 13 May

Year 12: Provisional date: Return Monday 13 June

SUMMER A LEVELS EXAMINATIONS

Provisional AS dates: Monday 16 May - Friday 10 June

PROGRESS & ATTITUDE GRADES

Friday 8 July

INTERNSHIP Monday 18 - 22 July

RESULTS DAY A Level: Thursday 11 August:

Yr13 at 9.00am & Yr12 at 10.00am

YEAR 12 PROVISIONAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

2015—2016

01423 535235 sixthform@harrogategrammar.co.uk www.harrogategrammar.co.uk

Harrogate Grammar School

Arthurs Avenue, Harrogate HG2 0DZ

Tel: 01423 535235 sixth-

form@harrogategrammar.co.uk