Year 12 Information Evening for Parents

1. The Clarendon Academy Aspire to Excellence Year 12 Information Evening for Parents Wednesday 1st October 2014 Head of Sixth Form : Mr Witham

2. The Clarendon Academy Sixth Form results: Achievement at AS Level Aspire to Excellence • A – B % has increased from 14% in 2008 to 32% in 2014 • A – C % has increased from 33% in 2008 to just under 60% in 2014 • However there are a number of students who do not fulfil their potential at AS. (The national pass rate for AS level is 83%) • How do we ensure, working together, that your son/daughter achieves their potential in the Sixth Form?

3. The Clarendon Academy A2 Results Aspire to Excellence • A2 Results 2014 • Rise in A*-A% compared to 2013 • A*-B grade was above 42% for the 5th Consecutive year. • We maintained our pass rate of 98%, whilst the national pass rate fell. • All students in Year 13 achieved the grades needed to undertake their place at University, and many are now studying at the top Russell Group Universities.

4. The Clarendon Academy Overview of the next two years Aspire to Excellence September 2014 Commencement of AS /BTecs October 2014 Internal tests and progress report January 2015 AS Trial examinations February 2015 Academic Board (follow up fortnightly meetings) March 2015 Parents’ evening May/June 2015 AS examinations July 2015 Commence University application process August 2015 AS results are published September 2015 A2 courses (choose 3 courses) are finalised Sept–November 2015 Finalise University applications (or alternatives) January 2016 A2 Trial examinations May/June 2016 A2 examinations August 2016 A2 results are published

5. The Clarendon Academy Course Structures Aspire to Excellence Year 12 Typically 4 AS levels. 2 or 3 units of assessment in each subject(may include coursework and practical units) or National Diploma Btec (equivalent to 3 A levels) or A combination of AS levels and Btec qualifications Year 13 Typically 3 subjects taken into A2, again with 2 or 3 units in each subject or Completion of Btec qualifications Final A level grade based on the sum of the AS and A2 results with each year counting for 50%

6. The Clarendon Academy Why is this year so important? Aspire to Excellence • AS courses lay the foundation for A2 results • Progression to A2 dependent on achievement at AS: students with a “U” grade will not progress to A2. • All AS grades will be on university applications (UCAS) • This year provides the evidence for predicted grades for UCAS • University offers are dependent on AS grades & predicted grades • Final Btec grades will be dependent on successful completion of units of work in year 12. Missed deadlines will result in fails.

7. The Clarendon Academy GCSE and AS level study: what is the difference? Aspire to Excellence • Independent learning is the basis of post 16 study. • Productive private study in school and at home • Course content much deeper and more intellectually demanding • Success demands consistent effort through the year • Cannot recover lost ground in final few weeks before examinations • Revision needs to be an on-going process.

8. Ability v attitude7 = All As 6 = All Bs 5 = All Cs

9. Where can Year 12 study? AG1: A very low noise, supervised Study room AG3: A silent, supervised Sixth Form library The Library: A silent, supervised whole school library Sixth Form work room: An unsupervised room where students can discuss work and undertake group work. The Bistro: Our new café provides a place to complete work in a fantastic setting.

10. Expectations: How should the students be effectively learning independently? • Additional reading - texts, journals, newspapers • Re-writing of class notes • Adding to class notes from different texts and internet sources • Attending surgeries or revision sessions • Undertaking examination questions / essay writing • Re-drafting of homework following feedback • Self testing , internet revision sites, peer support A shift away from the phrase “I haven’t got anything to do”

11. The Clarendon Academy An example Aspire to Excellence

12. How much should they be working? Four AS courses 16 -20 hours of teaching per week Three AS courses 13- 15 hours Three AS + one GCSE 19 hours Extended Project AS 1 hour per week In addition : Community Action MIN 1 hour per fortnight Private Study MIN 4/5 hours per week during school day Extend 7 hours per week Independent study 3 to 5 hours per subject per week

13. The Clarendon Academy Expectations: Attendance Aspire to Excellence • “I haven’t got a lesson, I don’t have to go in”….. • All students should have an attendance of 97%+ • Year 12 students must be on site between 08:45 and 3:00pm • They must register at the 6th Form desk if they do not have a lesson either periods 1 and 5. • If attendance falls below 92% a letter will be sent home. A School Attendance meeting will be held if it has not improved within 2 weeks with a set of targets which will be reviewed fortnightly.

14. Using Data in the 6th Form • Many Sixth Form centres track progress by judging a student’s progress against what would be expected to be their minimum performance. They are set minimum performance grades. • However the students at the Academy are set target grades. These are aspirational grades, but are not limiting. They are set for A2 grades but remain unchanged throughout their studies. • The regular reporting system will recognise and praise the students making progress at, or above, their expected performance. • It will identify students that are under-performing and take action to help them improve.

15. How will you know how they are progressing? Continuous assessment by subject staff based on specific pieces of work. (If you have concerns contact subject staff) A formal assessment in October – results posted home. 5 Progress reports in October, December, January, March and July which are posted home, including one written report. Formal trial exams in January – Results posted home. Further mock exams in March. Academic Board in February for those students who under-achieved in Mock exams.

16. Beyond the curriculum • Additional extra- curricular activities • First Aid Training , Duke of Edinburgh, 6th Form Rugby • Extended Project, Community Action, Mentoring, Supporting younger students in class Extra Curricular weekly programme:

17. Leadership opportunities Senior Prefect roles Social committee roles Running societies and clubs Working with younger students

18. The Clarendon Academy How can you best support your son/daughter with their 6th Form studies? Aspire to Excellence • Discuss their studies, and support them with independent study. • Support us with ensuring they meet our expectations • Contact subject teachers or relevant staff if you have concerns, or want a progress update. • Limit paid work outside of school A strong work ethic, in and out of lessons, coupled with outstanding attendance will lead to a successful year.

19. Communication Winston Witham (Head of Sixth Form) wjw@clarendonacademy.com Andy Ridyard (Assistant Head of Sixth Form) adr@clarendonacademy.com Fiona Jesson (6th Form Admin Assistant) fjj@clarendonacademy.com Lynn Wheeler (Exams Officer) lxw@clarendonacademy.com Diane Merchant (Attendance Officer) djm@clarendonacademy.com Polly Wiggins (Careers advisor) polly.wiggins@gmail.com Julie Thomas (UCAS and post 18 options) jat@clarendonacademy.com

20. Careers Information and Guidance

21. The Clarendon Academy What do we offer ? Aspire to Excellence • Within the Academy in Year 12 : • A comprehensive programme delivered through assemblies and workshop activities throughout Year 12 and 13 …………..goal setting, employability skills, career planning etc • Clarendon Academy “Next Step” Careers Conference in June 2015 • Oxbridge / Russell Group Programme starting in January 2015. Mentoring from Oxford University • Career appointments with our careers advisor Polly Wiggins. Every Wednesday . Access to comprehensive careers website

22. The Clarendon Academy What do we offer ? Aspire to Excellence In partnership with other providers / events • Bath University “taster days “ in a variety of subjects, starting with Computer science in October. Chemistry, Sport and Social Sciences to follow • Access to Higher Education Conferences organised by UCAS and Wiltshire College (over 50 Universities represented) April 2015 • “On Track” mentoring programme through our partnership with Bath University. September 2014 to April 2015 • Career Mentoring via local companies for students interested in careers centred on Business , Finance and Engineering. • Information on Summer schools , eg Bath Spa, Bath University, Bristol University, Southampton University

23. The Clarendon Academy UCAS Aspire to Excellence UCAS Guidance • Clarendon has provided a highly effective programme for many years. • In general, approx 70% of Year 13 apply to University ( this year 85% have started applications) This year, all students wishing to take up a place in September 2104 were successful. • The programme will start in Term 3 for those students we feel should be aiming for The Russell Group Universities or Oxbridge ( based on GSCE scores and A level potential) • Individual support with the whole application process including : writing personal statements, interview skills and student finance • Parent and Student presentations on Student Finance in May for Year 12 and March for Yr 13

24. The Clarendon Academy Work Experience Aspire to Excellence • Post 18, Universities and employers are less interested in the tradition two week Year 10 “work experience” and may expect more recent and relevant placements • Highly recommended for careers in : • Medicine / Health / Veterinary science • Engineering • Teaching / Child Care / Social Work • Level 3 Apprenticeships • Can be a full week or individual work shadow days with different companies

25. Queries and Questions How can we support parents / carers ? • jat@clarendonacademy.com • wjw@clarendonacademy.com • polly.wiggins@gmail.com