prospectus - monmouth comprehensive...

Prospectus

Learning to Lead our Lives • Dysgu Trwy Arwain

2015-2016

Monmouth Comprehensive School Sixth Form

Check www.monmouthcomprehensive.org.uk for the latest information

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Dear Parents and Students

The Sixth Form at Monmouth Comprehensive School is a stimulating and purposeful environment where all students are challenged to achieve their very best. From the team building Induction Day through to Results Day, each student follows his or her personal pathway to success and fulfilment.

The curriculum is structured to allow clear progression, accreditation, considerable personal choice and flexibility. At the core of our programme for every student is the Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma. The Baccalaureate offers a wide and diverse programme of study that develops independent learning skills required for further education and the work place. The Baccalaureate motivates students to pursue personal enthusiasms and interest so that they have the opportunity to have the breadth, depth and creativity to their learning while at the same time maintaining a focus on the essential skills of literacy and numeracy.

At our Sixth Form, realistic and appropriate course choice at the outset is seen as vital to maximising success. Each student’s requirements are assessed individually and progress throughout the Sixth Form is carefully monitored and reported to parents each term. Contact with parents is given a high priority.

Through the Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma, a comprehensive programme of tutorial interviews and guidance events exist to assist and support students as they proceed to University, training or the workplace. Personal development and high quality advice and guidance are of major importance to the School, as are complementary activities to broaden students’ educational experience. The Sixth Form may utilise an extended timetable to accommodate the range of courses and to maximise choice.

Members of the Sixth Form provide a lead in the following areas:

• in the School Council• in supporting younger students• in working for local, national and international concerns• in many other extra-curricular areas

This work is highly valued in the School. The Sixth Form aims to provide students with the variety of experiences and opportunities to enable each individual to develop the confidence, self-discipline and working habits needed for democratic citizenship and to maximise success in their future.

This prospectus will help you to decide whether Monmouth Comprehensive School Sixth Form is the right place for you. I look forward to working with you.

Yours sincerely

V Davies, Headteacher

Welcome to Monmouth Comprehensive SchoolCroeso i Ysgol Gyfun Trefynwy


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Sixth Form Core Programme Rhaglen Graidd y Chweched Dosbarth

At the core of our programme

for every student is the Welsh

Baccalaureate Diploma.

“It is always encouraging to hear

how widely valued and respected

the Welsh Baccalaureate has

become. It gives learners an

added dimension, adds breadth

to their learning and offers the

skills which both employers and

universities are looking for.”

Carwyn Jones AM First Minister of Wales

The Baccalaureate offers a wide and diverse programme of study that develops independent learning skills required for further education and the work place.

The majority of students will select 3 advanced courses to study alongside the Welsh Baccalaureate. We understand that because of their pathways aspirations, some students will wish to study 4 advanced courses plus WBQ and these students will be supported during their transition process.

The Integrated Curriculum in the Sixth Form is constructed around a series of ‘challenges’ through which students develop a range of transferable study skills required to be successful in Further and Higher Education and the world of work. The ‘dissertation style’ Individual Project enables students to extend their skills beyond A Levels and BTEC Diplomas.

The Sixth Form provides a wide range of subjects at AS and A Level and BTEC Qualifications in Engineering, Business, Sports Science and Health and Social Care (equivalent to 1, 2 or 3 A levels).


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Entry to our Sixth Form is based

on a student’s ambition to achieve

further qualifications at a higher

level of learning. Success at this

level depends on effort, motivation

and self-discipline. Students have

study periods and will require the

maturity to use these wisely. The

development of independent study

skills is vital to success. Students

are supported in developing these

skills through the Integrated

Curriculum and the Sixth Form

Programme.

PROGRESS AND TARGET SETTINGWe look closely at every student’s potential and set expectations high. GCSE results are used to help students set targets and their progress is monitored termly, so that students and parents know accurately what progress is being achieved. This feedback acts as an important motivator: students work very hard and results are often higher than the initial targets.

KNOWING AND SUPPORTING EVERY STUDENTIn the Sixth Form students are encouraged to take more responsibility for their own progress. They are supported and monitored through individual interviews with their tutors. These are structured to generate termly reports to parents. Students are helped to manage their learning through close liaison with their Form Tutors

and the Sixth Form Progress Leader. All staff, particularly Form Tutors, support students if they are feeling unhappy and through periods of stress. We have medical support on site throughout the school day. We also have a school counsellor and can arrange for meetings and help from agencies outside the school.

HELP WITH CHOICESImportant choices are made when entering the Sixth Form so it is vital that students are given clear guidance and support to ensure that they maximise their potential. We achieve this during Year 11 by introducing potential Sixth-Formers to the courses provided during the tutorial periods. We involve parents through a Pre-Sixth Open Evening in February, and students are invited to individual Next Step interviews, some with senior staff in March. New students from other schools who are considering joining us are invited in to meet teaching staff and discuss course choices.

Caroline DeanSixth Form Progress Leader

Diane ChambersSixth Form Secretary

Dave Egan Pathways and Welsh Baccalaureate Co-ordinator

Towards Independent Learning Tuag at Ddysgu Annibynnol

Ben Green More Able and Talented Co-ordinator

Sarah Jenkins Literacy Co-ordinator


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PROGRESSING ONWARDS FROM SIXTH FORMAt Monmouth Comprehensive School, all students are supported in learning to lead their lives. Nowhere is this more important than in the provision the School makes for supporting students in their progress onwards from the Sixth Form. The School provides:

• Opportunities for relevant Work Experience both within subjects, the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification and as part of students’ overall career guidance package.

• A Careers and Higher Education Fair held at the School with over one hundred career professionals and Higher Education establishments.

• Higher Education support to ensure students understand how to research and apply to University.

• Pathways Interviews between parents, form tutors and students to discuss post-Sixth Form plans and set targets.

• Mock interviews for those needing University interviews.

• Support for those students entering the workplace after the Sixth Form to ensure students have the research and application skills to gain appropriate employment.

• A Resource Centre where students can find brochures, prospectuses, computers and other resources to help them choose any appropriate post-16 pathway.

• Access to the school’s Careers Advisor on request.


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School Productions• Players

• Lighting Team

• Stage Management Team

• Wardrobe Team

• Sound/Music team

Sixth Formers can take the opportunity to broaden their experience and develop new skillsMae myfyrwyr chweched dosbarth yn gallu cymryd y cyfle i ehangu eu profiad a datblygu sgiliau newydd

Leadership• Sixth Form Induction

• Sixth Form Council

• Better Learning Partnership

• Production and Function Assistants

• Sports Coaching

• Captaining Teams

• Chairing Meetings

• Sports Helpers

• Representing subjects/school at Open Evenings

• Sixth Form Social Committee

• Peer Counselling

• Events Team

• Editorial Team

Sports• Rugby, Football, Hockey, Cricket, Netball and Tennis Teams

• Badminton

• Basketball

• Squash

• Cross Fit

• Dance

• Gymnastics

• Swimming

• Rowing

• Boat Club

• Cross-country

• Athletics

• Trampolining

• Mountain Biking

• Sporting Academies (Fencing, Tae Kwon Do, Boxing, Equine, Squash, Streetdance, Waterpolo, Zumba)


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Service• Fund-raising

• Community work

• Additional Needs

• Primary School

• Nursery School

• Nursing Homes

• Charity Committee

• Better Learning Partnership

• Peer Mentoring

Enrichment• Work Experience

• University Taster Courses

• Careers Fair

• University Open Days

• Departmental Field Trips

• Overseas Trips

• Skills Enhancement

• World Challenge expedition

• Duke of Edinburgh Award

• Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW)

Culture & Development• Creative Writing

• Debating Club

• Media Club

• Orchestra/Ensembles

• Choir/Glee Club

• Theatre Trips

• Gallery Trips

• Museum Visits

• Lectures

• Chess Club

• School Magazine

• Workshops

• Music Theory

• Journalism and Media Club

• Film Club


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How do I choose?If you have a particular career or University course in mind, you should ensure you are taking suitable subjects for it. Otherwise, it is sensible to choose your subjects according to your strengths and your enjoyment of them. You will be spending a great deal of time on each subject (4-5 hours of lessons each week) and it will be easier to maintain motivation throughout the course if you are really interested in the area you are studying.

Who will help?Talking to teachers and students on the Pre-Sixth Evening is highly recommended. When trying to make choices, even provisionally, students and parents should not be afraid to seek advice by contacting the Sixth Form Progress Leader. You should also carefully examine the relevant sections in the Course Descriptions on the enclosed cd.

When do I have to decide?We would like a provisional indication of choices from our list of courses by 26 February to help curriculum planning. Forms are available from the website or the Sixth Form Office. Based on this information, the exact combinations of subjects we can offer (Block Choices Form) will be available from 13 March. Final decisions do not have to be made until Registration Day in August when GCSE results are available. Senior staff members are always available on the day and by appointment at other times.

University entry requirementsAll suitably qualified students will find a place at university, but institutions and courses offered vary enormously in popularity, style and quality. The more popular the course and the university, the higher the UCAS points score will be required for entry. Entry to the top academic universities is very competitive and, for the first time, students will be working not just to achieve a set standard, but with all others in the whole of their age group, in both state and private schools, for very sought-after places. UCAS point scores are indicated on the following table. There is no upper limit on points and universities may require not only a total point score, but a particular score in a specific subject.

BTEC National Courses, the Welsh Baccalaureate and AS and A level courses have UCAS points for university entrance, and it is quite acceptable to mix the different types of course.

Pathways in the Sixth FormMost students will select 3 advanced courses to study alongside the Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma.

AS and A2 LevelsEach two-year A level course is split as follows:

AS level• 2 units in 1 year• examined after 1 year• 40% of the A level

A2 level• 2 AS units (as indicated above)• 2 further A2 units taken Year 13,

60% of the A level

It is increasingly common, and indeed welcomed by many university admissions tutors, for students to choose combinations of subjects that show a breadth of interest,

such as Humanities with Science, or Languages with Science.

Sixth Form Programme 2015-2016 Rhaglen y Chweched Dosbarth


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WBQAdvanced Welsh Baccalaureate QualificationThe Welsh Baccalaureate provides learners with a rounded educational experience. It enriches and incorporates existing qualifications and develops the skills learners need for university, employment and life.

• The qualification will be supported by four hours of Integrated Curriculum learning time per fortnight

• Much of the evidence and skills will be developed from your chosen course options and aspects of ‘Sixth Form Life’.

• Students will receive mentoring, support and guidance from their WBQ/Form Tutor

• Many of the components provide students with integral experiences that are utilised when making university applications

• The qualification is graded A*- E at A Level

The core of the Welsh Baccalaureate will have a clear focus on developing the following skills:

LiteracyNumeracyDigital LiteracyCritical Thinking and Problem SolvingPlanning and OrganisationCreativity and InnovationPersonal Effectiveness

These skills will be developed, applied and assessed through the completion of four ‘Challenges’:

Individual Project (50%)Enterprise and Employability (20%)Community (15%)Global Citizenship (15%)

UCAS Point Scores – A Level *

Grades Essential Skills Points

AS Level Points

A2 Level Points

A* 70 140A 60 120B 50 100C 40 80D 30 60E 20 40Level 2 10 Level 3 20 Level 4 30

*UCAS A Level tariff under review in England and Wales

UCAS Point Scores – BTEC National

Grade Tariff pointsExtended

DiplomaDiploma Subsidiary

Diploma

DDD 360

DDM 320DMM 280MMM DD 240MMP DM 200MPP MM 160PPP MP D 120

PP M 80P 40

“We have for some years been strongly of the view that for A Level

students AS Levels taken at the end of Year 12 are of significant

educational benefit. We remain in favour of the retention of the current

link between AS and A2’s.”

Director of Admissions Cambridge University

BTEC National Combinations and AS/A2 LevelsStudents may also consider combining BTEC National qualifications with each other, or with A Levels. For example:

BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering plusBTEC National Subsidiary Diploma in Business plusA Level Design Technology


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Full and Varied Curriculum Cwricwlwm llawn ac amrywiol

Art and Design

Biology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Dance

Design and Technology – Product Design

Drama and Theatre Studies

Economics

English Language

English Literature

French

Geography

German

History

Information and Communication Technology

Law

Mathematics

Further Mathematics

Music

Music Technology

Physical Education

Physics

Psychology

Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics)

Spanish

Welsh

‘AS’ and ‘A’ Levels

Vocational Qualifications

Business Studies

Engineering

Health and Social Care

Sports Science

Other Qualifications

Welsh Baccalaureate

GCSE Maths and English

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Full details of all available courses can be found on the enclosed compact disc. Please note all course information may be subject to change; course availability is subject to student numbers. Please check our website for all up to date information and amendments to the prospectus.

A*-B A*-C A*-E

Grades A* – B 59%

Grades A* – C 80%

Grades A* – E 99%

‘A’ LevelResults 2014

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

The Sixth Form may utilise an extended timetable to accommodate the range of courses and to maximise choice. Please refer to the prospectus cd, Section 4 Further Information, ‘The School Day’.


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SPRING TERM

Issue of Sixth Form ProspectusWednesday 14 January 2015Year 11 class discussion of possible choices with Senior Staff in Form Periods.

Pre-Sixth EveningWednesday 04 February 2015Senior Staff outline the ethos and curriculum of the Sixth Form. Staff and students from each course will be available for further discussion in all subject areas. Students talk about their experiences of the Sixth Form.

Individual MeetingsThursday 19 March 2015Each student, together with their parents, is invited to have an individual meeting at school. The purpose is to review progress towards GCSE, to offer advice and to review options for the future.

SUMMER TERM

Study Leave Friday 22 May 2015After this date, Year 11 students only attend school to sit their examinations.

GCSE Results and Sixth Form Registration DayThursday 20 August 2015Prospective Sixth Form students are required to either confirm their provisional choices or discuss their results with the available staff advisors. Discussions with Senior Staff members by appointment may be available if required.

AUTUMN TERMSTART OF YEAR 12

Course RegistrationWednesday 02 September 2015Please note that this is an ‘Inset Day’ and therefore no school transport will be available. We use this day (AFTERNOON ONLY) in order that all Subject Leaders and Form Tutors are available to meet with each new Year 12 student and complete the necessary administrative tasks without other teaching commitments or loss of lesson time.

Sixth Form InductionThursday 03 September 2015This is a fun, team-building day and is not only an introduction to our ‘Learning to Lead

Our Lives’ programme for Sixth Form, but an excellent opportunity for students to mix with staff and fellow students in a less formal environment.

Courses StartFriday 04 September 2015Our normal Sixth Form timetable commences for Year 12 students.

Other Qualifications

Diary of Events Dyddiadur o Ddigwyddiadau


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SCHOOL LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCE CENTREThe School Library and Information Resource Centre is open throughout the day and available for all students at breaktime, lunchtime and after school. It closes at 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 4 pm on Friday. Sixth Form students can work in this area at any time and have 18 computers and 20 laptops for their exclusive use.

COMPUTERS AND E-LEARNINGIn our information-orientated age, competence in the use of IT and learning is increasingly important. The school is equipped with a wireless network to support students in their use of IT to develop learning when and where they require it.

The school’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and website provide a portal between the school and home. Students will be able to access resources on the VLE to support them in their learning.

Dedicated Sixth Form IT learning spaces are provided in the School Resource Centre, Sixth Form Area and Sixth Form Study Rooms, located in the Phoenix Block.

General Information Gwybodaeth gyffredinol


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SPORTThe School aims to promote a healthy, active lifestyle and encourage lifelong participation. The School promotes a ‘Sport for All’ ethos and works hard to keep up with present trends. There are many sporting activities available. These include rugby, soccer, cricket, hockey, basketball, netball, dance, swimming, cross-country, athletics, table tennis, trampolining, badminton, tennis, squash, rowing, canoeing, sailing, volleyball and golf. The School supports teams of all ages. The School also encourages the pursuit of excellence offering competitive fixtures. Students representing the School are expected to act in a sporting manner at all times, thereby bringing credit to themselves and their teams. Students are promoted in their pursuit of prestigious sporting honours and over seventy present students have represented the County or Area.

Students have full use of the sporting facilities and Sixth Form students may become Leisure Centre members allowing access to all classes and facilities, including the fitness suite, during holidays and weekends.

Many students work toward the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and related residential weeks are organised at appropriate centres.


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TERM DATES 2015 – 2016

AUTUMN TERM 2015

Commence Tuesday 01 September

Half Term Monday to Friday

26 October – 30 October

Finish Friday 18 December

SPRING TERM 2016

Commence Monday 04 January


15 February – 19 February

Finish Thursday 24 March

SUMMER TERM 2016

Commence Monday 11 April


30 May – 03 June

Finish Wednesday 20 July

The school will close for Teacher In-Service Training days.

The dates of closure have yet to be confirmed.

SIXTH FORM UNIFORM POLICY 2015 – 2016

COMPULSORY WEAR

BOYS

Plain Black Trousers Tailored type. Available from Trutex Catalogue or elsewhere.

White Formal Shirt Available from Trutex Catalogue or elsewhere.

To be worn with Sixth Form Tie.

Sixth Form Tie Available only from Ross Labels.

Shoes Plain Black. No ‘Trainer type’ wear.

GIRLS

Plain Black Trousers Tailored type. Available from Trutex Catalogue or elsewhere.

Plain Black Skirt Available from Trutex Catalogue or elsewhere. If purchased elsewhere, style as per skirts available in Trutex Catalogue.

No stretch material for skirts that allows the skirt to rise above the knee.

No denim, no combats.

White Fitted Blouse Long-sleeved Revered Collar complete with School Crest. Available only from Ross Labels.

Tights Natural or black. No patterned tights..

Shoes Plain Black. Maximum Heel 6cms. v No ‘Trainer type’ wear.

General Information Gwybodaeth gyffredinol


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To Ross(M50)

A40 River W

ye

River M

onnow

New Dixton Road

A40

To Newport(M4)

T U N N E L

To Rockfield

To Hereford

MONMOUTHCOMPREHENSIVESCHOOL

Link Road

Wonastow Road

Monnow Street

Priory Street

Glendow

er Street

Redb

rook

Roa

dN

orth

Par

ade

Roc

kfie

ld R

oad

Old Dixton Rd

St. James St

St. James Sq

Almshouse St

A4136A466

B4233

B4293

A466

WyebridgeSt

Mon

k St

From the M4 motorway, Jnc 24, (Coldra Roundabout)From the M4 Coldra Roundabout at Newport, take the A449 to Monmouth. Continue through tunnels and turn left at the traffic signals into Wyebridge Street. At the top of the street turn right at the Queens Head and proceed to St James Square roundabout. Take the 2nd exit signposted Leisure Centre and carry on down this road. The School is located past the entrance to the Monmouth Leisure Centre. Please note that there is no on-site parking available for visitors.

From RossFollow the A40 from Ross to Monmouth to the Dixton Roundabout, taking the 3rd exit signposted Monmouth. Continue along road to traffic signals and turn left at traffic signals. Follow road to St James Square roundabout and take 1st exit signposted Leisure Centre. The School is located past the entrance to the Monmouth Leisure Centre. Please note that there is no on-site parking available for visitors.

Old Dixton RoadMonmouthMonmouthshire NP25 3YT Telephone: 01600 775177Fax: 01600 775151

[email protected]

www.monmouthcomprehensive.org.uk

prospectus - monmouth comprehensive...

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