A small, friendly Sixth Form...

Welcome to The Somervale Sixth Form

Choosing the right place to study at Post-16 level is

crucial in providing you with both the qualifications

you need and the support and guidance to succeed

either in university applications or entering the world

of employment.

Why Somervale?

At Somervale we can offer you individual care and

attention, small class sizes and a wide range of

courses to ensure you have the maximum opportunity

to succeed. We have a strong history of sending

students to some of the best universities in the

country and place a high value on developing your

attributes and skills outside the classroom. We are

highly respected for our Sixth Form community and

environmental work which gives you the chance to

show you stand out from the crowd.

If you complete your studies with us you will be given

a personal tutor who will offer you academic guidance

throughout Year 12, Year 13 and the university

application process. Our Federation with Norton Hill

School also allows us to offer a huge range of courses,

taught by knowledgeable subject specialists.

Sixth Form Study

As a Sixth Form student you take on much more

responsibility for your own learning and will choose

a small number of subjects, which really interest

you, to study in detail. That doesn’t mean we leave

you to your own devices! Your subject teachers will

provide close support to develop your skills both as a

learner and as an individual. You can also expect far

more small group and individual attention both in and

outside of lessons.

The Next Step1

2Somervale School Sixth Form

Experience and Opportunities

Somervale Sixth Form is more than just study.

Students have the opportunity to take part in a

wide range of visits and activities within many

subjects as well as visits to universities such as

Bath Spa University.

Sixth Form students can also get involved with the

Sixth Form Committee and organise the Year 13 Ball

and many charity events in which everyone wants to

get involved.

You will also have the opportunity in the Summer term

of Year 12 to complete an Extended Project which is

equivalent to an AS level. This allows you to produce

an in-depth analysis of an area that particularly

interests or inspires you. It will allow you to develop

the independent learning and research skills that

Higher Education institutions and employers desire.

Facilities

Somervale offers a wide variety of facilities for Sixth

Form students.

There has been major investment in the school

this year. During the summer there has been major

building work which has provided the school with:

• new media facilities with an ICT suite, tv studio, a radio station, an Apple Mac suite and several new classrooms

• a new extended Library with Sixth Form study area

• refurbished dining facilities with wi-fi• refurbished Hall with new sound and light

systems and a new stage• new cycle sheds• a brand new ICT network

The Next Step3

The Federation

Somervale School is part of the Midsomer Norton

Schools’ Partnership with Norton Hill School. Both

schools are separate and have their own identity but

are led by the same Headteacher, Mr Beaven.

For Sixth Form students the Federation offers great

opportunities to take courses at either of the school

sites as part of their Sixth Form choices.

This year we are pleased to offer a wider range of

courses. There are those offered at Somervale School

and those that are offered at Norton Hill School. Please

see our Course Outline Booklet for further details of all

the courses on offer from September 2011.

New facilities & opportunities...

4Somervale School Sixth Form

Sixth Form Curriculum: Course Summary

Advanced Level AS

These take one year and continue your academic

study after GCSE’s. The standard is between GCSE

and traditional A’ levels. Some subjects cover a

vocational area rather than a subject.

You can choose to continue subjects you have enjoyed

at GCSE or take new courses. You will normally need

at least Grade C or above at GCSE in the subjects you

hope to continue studying.

BTEC Nationals

These are the “real world” equivalents of A’ levels.

These level 3 qualifications are the most popular

vocational qualification in UK Further Education,

recognised and respected world-wide and are valued

by universities as well as employers. They enable you

to go on to study for an Honours degree.

Advanced Level A2Study for these begins at the end of Year 12 after AS

and continues into your second year in the Sixth Form.

They are equivalent to the traditional A’ level standard

and join with the AS results to determine the final

A’ level grade needed to enter Higher Education.

GCSE English Language and Maths

Retake classes are available for students who need to

improve their grade for these subjects.

A wide variety of courses...The Next Step

5

Introduction to A’ Levels

Stage One – Year 12

Stage Two – Year 13

AS Levels (Year 12)

Students in Year 12 study Advanced Subsidiary

courses (AS levels). The standard of the course is

between GCSE and the old Advanced level. Each AS

course contains two or three modules. Usually you

take exams in June. In a few subjects you take one

module exam in January and further modules in June.

Applied AS Level (Year 12)In some AS levels there is a vocational area of study

rather than a subject. These encourage students to

investigate work-related interests. About two thirds of

a course is assessed by coursework.

A2 Levels (Year 13)

At the end of Year 12 you may extend your AS

subjects by taking A2 courses. These are at a higher

level than AS level. Students study a further two

or three modules with exams in June or sometimes

in January and June. You will be awarded a final

Advanced level Grade (A* to E) based on your

combined marks in the A2 and AS exams.

AS Critical Thinking

You can choose this course as part of your curriculum

in Year 13. You develop skills in evaluating and

constructing arguments, and develop your logical

thinking. It supports other subjects and is valued

by all universities because the course develops skills

essential for study at a higher level.

Grades A* to E are all pass gradesNote: The A* grade has been introduced by the Government to reward students who gain 90% or more in an A’ level

6Somervale School Sixth Form

Course Guidelines

We usually expect students aiming to take AS to have

at least Grade C at GCSE in the subjects they are

hoping to study but preferably a Grade B. Detailed

course requirements can be found in the Somervale

Sixth Form Course Guide.

Your Study Programme

Study is divided into 60 periods each fortnight. Your

programme will be made up of a combination of the

courses you have chosen, together with private study

periods.

The tutorial programme is part of the Core Activities

that all students participate in. This comprises of:• tutor• assembly

• tutor lesson• community service

>>

BTEC National10 periods per subject

per fortnight

BTEC National10 periods per subject

per fortnight

Can be combined with AS and/or A2 levels

AS10 Periods per subject

per fortnight

A210 Periods per subject

per fortnight

Students choose to continue up to 3, or perhaps 4, of the AS subjects studied in Year 12 to full A’ level standard (A2)

Year

12

Year

13

Year 12 & 13 Courses

Choosing made easy...The Next Step

7

Choosing Your Courses: The Process

Stage 1

Read this Prospectus and the Course Information

Booklet carefully, then come to the Sixth Form Open

Evening on Wednesday 10 November. Talk to staff

about their subjects and find out what interests you

and is appropriate to your needs.

Stage 2

Talk with as many people as possible. You may want

to approach:

• your parents• your tutor• your subject teachers• Sixth Form students• Connexions• Head of Sixth Form - Mr Ambrose

Stage 3Select your course(s). Fill in your application form

with your tutor group and hand it in by Monday 29

November. The deadline for external candidates is

also Monday 29 November. All external students will

be interviewed.

All Somervale School students will be seen by one of

our Sixth Form Transition Team to ensure their choices

are suitable for their career aspirations.

Stage 4

After the results of your GCSE examination you will

be able to discuss any concerns or changes you might

wish to make with Mr Ambrose.

8Somervale School Sixth Form

Courses on Offer for September 2011

• Applied Science

• Art & Design

• Biology

• Business (BTEC National)

• Business Studies

• Business and Personal Finance

(BTEC National)

• Chemistry

• Creative Media Production

(BTEC National)

• Critical Thinking (only available in Year 13)

• Design Crafts (BTEC National)

• Drama and Theatre Studies

• English Language

• English Literature

• Environmental Studies

• Extended Project (EPQ)

• Fashion and Clothing (BTEC National)

• Geography

• Hospitality (BTEC National)

• Graphics

• History

• ICT

• IT (BTEC National)

• Mathematics

• Further Mathematics

• Modern Languages: French/German/

Spanish

• Music

• Music Performance (BTEC National)

• Music Technology

• Physical Education

• Philosophy & Ethics

• Photography

• Physics

• Politics

• Psychology

• Public Services: Outdoor Leadership

(BTEC National)

• Sociology

• Sport (BTEC National)

>>

Friendly support along the way...The Next Step

9

Your Tutor and Other Support

The Tutor

Your tutor is central to your progress in the Sixth Form.

Your tutor will be the person on the staff who knows

your needs and aspirations well and who is best

placed to guide, inform and support your academic

progress.

Your tutor:• is the first point of contact between teachers,

students and parents• ensures that you make progress and succeed• helps you to overcome any difficulties or problems• organises tutor sessions and writes student

references• administers University and College Admission

Service (UCAS) procedures.

Development of Learning Skills

Supported study sessions should take up two-thirds of

your private study periods and will allow you to work

in the quiet atmosphere of the Library.

Career Guidance

In the Sixth Form you will be offered a full programme

of Career and Higher Education guidance including:

• a range of activities in tutor periods to help with your career choice

• opportunities for work experience• visits to universities and colleges• individual interviews with “Connexions” (the

careers guidance service)• a preparation programme to assist those

planning to apply for Oxbridge, Medicine or other competitive courses at university.

10Somervale School Sixth Form

>> Sixth Form Council

The Sixth Form Council gives students the opportunity

to share their views and help to shape the running of

various aspects of school life. The council organise

social events, charity fund-raising and attend to

various other issues and developments, representing

each and every member of the Sixth Form community.

Members of the council are elected annually, with

two representatives from each tutor group, and are

responsible for ensuring that the views of their fellow

students are voiced to ensure that the Sixth Form

have a forum to communicate with staff and the

Leadership team.

At Somervale we have been recognised for our

excellence in giving opportunities for ‘Student Voice’,

and so our students are experienced in communicating

their thoughts through the appropriate channels to

make a genuine contribution to the running of the

school throughout their school lives.

One of the most significant changes that come with

entering the Sixth Form would be the change in

relationships between staff and students. These

positive relationships provide students with a strong

platform to be able to communicate with staff openly

and honestly.

The Sixth Form Council also oversee several

committees each year, including a Charities

committee, a Prom Committee, contribute to the

school’s mentoring programme, and share ideas

regarding all elements of school life.

The Charities Committee organise a variety of

fund-raising events, from cake sales to Fancy Dress

competitions. Some of their ventures may be limited

to the Sixth Form, but some will invariably include the

whole school.

The Sixth Form Prom is invariably a special event,

commemorating the culmination of seven successful

years of education at Somervale, and marking the

departure to universities around the country for the

vast majority of pupils. It is always well-attended

by staff, but is completely organised by the Prom

committee, who take sole responsibility for organising

the Prom, including completing all bookings, working

on menus and decorative schemes and dealing with

all finances.

Taking part in the Sixth Form council gives students

opportunities to have a hand in the running of their

school, but also provides them with the chance to take

on leadership roles and develop the skills that will

undoubtedly aid them both at university, and in the

world of work beyond.

The next step in education...The Next Step

11

Applicants from Other Schools

All application forms should be sent to us by Monday

29 November at the latest. We will send you

an acknowledgement as soon as we receive your

application form. You will be invited to Somervale

Sixth Form for an interview.

After the interview we will contact you as soon as

possible to let you know the result. We would hope to

offer you a place in the Sixth Form.

When the GCSE exam results are issued we will send

you a letter with details of the beginning of term

arrangements.

Late applications will be considered, however priority

will be given to applications made before the deadline.

Application forms are available from the school. For an

application form, please contact the school.

Visiting the SchoolIf you would like to visit the Sixth Form and meet

some of the staff and students, or if you have any

questions relating to the information in this prospectus

please contact Mrs Crane, the Head’s PA, on 01761

414276 or email headspa@somervaleschool.com

Allowances:Educational Maintenance Allowance

The EMA is a means tested weekly payment of up to

£30 paid to young people who stay in education after

the statutory school leaving age. Students who live in

a household with an annual income of £30,000* and

less are eligible for this allowance. (*2007 figures).

12Somervale School Sixth Form

>> Proven Success

Results and Destinations

In 2010 the school performed well at both GCSE

and A’ level.

In 2010, students at Somervale received their A’ level

results which showed a significant improvement on

the previous year. With a pass rate of over 98% and

nearly 20% of all grades at A* or A, Somervale school

has had an exceptional year, with nearly all students

attaining a place at university.

Outcomes

This year students have left to study a range of

courses in Higher Education, as well as to start jobs

with training. They include among many others:

• University of Oxford, Music • University College Marjons (Plymouth), Early

Years• University of Oxford,Business Management

& Geography• University of Winchester, History & Theology and

Religious Studies• University of Glamorgan, Graphic Communication• University of Exeter, Exercise & Sports Science

• University of Glamorgan, Drama (Theatre & Media)

• BUWE, Accounting & Finance• University of Plymouth, Marine Biology• University of Plymouth, Occupational Therapy• BUWE, Equine Science• University of Southampton, Economics &

Management Sciences• University of Coventry, Advertising & Media• University of Bedford, Disability Studies• University of Newport, Advertising Design• University of Reading, Law with Legal Studies

in Europe• University of Plymouth, Computing• University of Glamorgan, Sports Development• University of Glamorgan, Psychology• University of Portsmouth, Sport & Exercise

Science• University of Bath Spa, Education• BUWE, English• BUWE, Drama & English• University of Gloucester, Sports (Coaching)• BUWE, Midwifery

Paulton

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Radstock

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Farmborough

Chilcompton Emborough

Farrington Gurney

Hallatrow

High Littleton Clutton

Temple Cloud

Chelwood

Radford

Kilmersdon

Stratton-on-the-Fosse

Coleford

Holcombe

Binegar

Oakhill

Nettlebridge

Camerton

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From Haydon

NORTH ROAD

PHYLLIS HILL

WEST ROAD

HIGH STREET

MONGER LANE

SILVER STREET

CHARLTON ROAD

FOSSEWAY

RADSTOCK ROAD

SOMERVALE ROAD

WELLS HILL

WELTON ROAD

COOMBEND

CLANDOWN

MALLARDS HILL

NORTHMEAD ROAD

CLAPTON ROAD

CHILCOMPTON ROAD

REDFIELD ROAD

CHURCH LANE

WINTERFIELD ROAD

HAM LANE

From Clapton

A362A367

B3355

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B3355

SOMERVALESCHOOL

Somervale School is situated on the B&NES border to the south-west of Midsomer Norton and Radstock (approx 10 miles from Bath and 12 miles from Bristol).

Redfi eld Road, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2JDTelephone: 01761 414276 | Fax: 01761 410613 | Email: headspa@somervaleschool.com

www.somervaleschool.com

Headteacher: Peter Beaven B.A., M.B.A.