St joseph’s rc high school

1. St joseph’s rc high school YEAR 12 LEARNING PATHWAYS EVENING WELCOME ‘Serving God through learning together’

2. The purpose of this evening is: To find out about the Learning Pathways available to you in the Sixth Form To talk to course leaders about specific subjects To get a ‘flavour’ of what our Sixth Form is like and what we can offer alongside the formal learning opportunities

3. Sixth Form Entitlement Formal Learning Pathways that match ALL abilities and aspirations Personal support to assist with the fulfillment of goals An opportunity to take an active role in the Catholic life of the school Non-formal experiences that broaden academic and social horizons

4. The Current Position 300+ students in the Sixth Form In 2014: 54% of A level pupils achieved A* to B grades 75% of A level pupils achieved A* to C grades 100% of A level pupils achieved the Level 3 threshold 100% BTEC and WBQ pass rate 22 post 16 subject areas offered at St Joseph’s Successful applications to top universities including Oxbridge All students who wished to attend university successfully placed

5. Entry Requirements Level 3 (A Level) Level 2 Threshold – 5 A*-C grades Level 2 (Ex. Cert) Level 1 Threshold – D&E grades

6. Entry Requirements Good attendance and punctuality Good behaviour record Some desirable requirements for certain subjects Support and guidance throughout All students interviewed before Easter English and Maths GCSE resit

7. Collaboration Wider choice of subjects for students Experience of collaboration. Information evening 10th February, Christchurch Centre, 4-7pm 30+ AS courses on offer 10+ BTEC/Extended Certificate courses on offer

8. Registration Early September Students express an interest in a subject with HOD Pathways form checked and students re-interviewed Some may be asked to make alternative choices

9. Courses for September 2015 • Post 16 National WBQ: • 1 year course L2 • Alongside WJEC Extended Certificate • Advanced WBQ: • 2 year course L3 • Alongside A level subjects • Grades A* - C www.welshbaccalaureate.org.uk

11. Courses for September 2015 Level 2 course: WJEC Extended Certificate in both Retail and Tourism Length – One Year Entry Requirements: D & E grades at GCSE Equivalent to 4 GCSE grades A* - C Successful completion CAN allow for progression onto AS level courses

12. AS Courses for September 2015 22 Level 3 AS courses at St Joseph’s 30+ in collaboration Distinct qualification in Wales 40% or 50% of full A level in Wales Level 3 students will be expected to pursue a minimum of 3 AS courses

13. Reformed Qualifications All AS (yr12) and A levels (yr13)changing over next 3 years Some with effect from September 2015 AS 40% A level 60%. List in prospectus Currently 50/50 Students need to be aware of weightings of modules

14. Factors to Consider Some university courses will have specific requirements Results, enjoyment and interest in a subject Probability of success in a subject Your ability to cope with demanding workload AS is far more challenging than GCSE

15. Progression to Higher Education and Careers 85-90% of students progress Open days and guest speakers Applications to Summer Schools/Additional courses Advice on applying and ‘getting the offers’ from an experienced and dedicated team of tutors UCAS evening for parents Career advice on jobs, courses and work experience

16. Student Perception • The transition between Year 11 and Sixth Form is difficult. • Sixth Form is challenging but is worth it in the end. • The work is harder and there is more of it, but if you use your free lessons wisely it is manageable.

17. Sixth Form has provided us with many opportunities. • Range of resources available to help us with our learning. • Many chances to get involved in charity work and extra circular activities.

18. Non-Formal OpportunitiesDeveloping the Whole Person Reading and Number Buddies Bar Mock Trial UN Debate Young Enterprise Scheme Engineering Scheme Educational trips Range of Sports Teams Music and Drama Rotary Youth Leadership Award Charity Events

19. Catholicity Faith and Spirituality General Religious Education Religious Assemblies Masses and Liturgies Catenian Interviews Charity Work and Fundraising

20. Pastoral Care Second to none! Individual help from form tutors Individual interviews and mentoring Target setting and reviews Study skills Careers, higher education and UCAS advice Induction

21. Sixth Form Facilities Refurbished Sixth Form Study Area Designated Sixth Form ICT terminals Sixth Form Common Room and Kitchen area State of the art facilities across the school

22. What do we expect? Hard work and resilience Students who won’t give up at the first hurdle Excellent attendance and punctuality A commitment to all aspects of school life A commitment to the Christian life of the school Students who enjoy being part of school life!

23. What should a Student do next? Talk to subject teachers Talk to the Head of Sixth Form—Interview Bring Pathways form to Interview for discussion Provisional choices Work hard—University admissions tutors expect excellent GCSE grades

24. FINALLY! Which ever pathway you choose GOOD LUCK TO ALL YEAR 11 STUDENTS We look forward to seeing you in September! ‘Serving God through learning together’