St Augustine's Sixth Form Prospectus - 2011

St Augustine’s Catholic College Technology and Sports Specialist Status

Sixth Form Prospectus

tel: 01225 350001 www.st-augustines.wilts.sch.uk

“Luceat Lux Vestra” “Let Your Light Shine” - Matthew 5:16

www.st-augustines.wilts.sch.uk tel: 01225 350001

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In this Prospectus

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Welcome

Spiritual Life at St Augustine’s

Chaplaincy

Pastoral Life Transition between GCSE and Sixth Form and Induction Sixth Form Life

Social Life

Specialist School Life Academic Life Life beyond the Classroom

Life Post-18

“It has been wonderful to be part of such a friendly, welcoming college where there's a real sense of community. The staff are incredibly supportive, always going the extra mile to ensure that you achieve your potential. I was given excellent opportunities to develop many skills, including leadership and problem-solving, and the extra-curricular activities available helped me grow in self-confidence. I enjoyed sixth form at St Augustine's immensely. The memories of my time at St Augustine's will always be very special.”

—Louise Jones, Former Head Girl


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St Augustine’s Sixth Form is a Christian community and this informs our values and approach to the development of each and every individual. We define success in the broadest and most inclusive way; our motto ‘luceat lux vestra’ encourages all students, regardless of their background or ability, to undertake responsibility and make a positive contribution to the college and the wider community. Positive affirmation of achievement is the crux of our ethos and the gifts and talents of each individual are celebrated through a range of curricular and extra-curricular activities. We have a very strong community, reliant upon mutual support and

respect, which, unashamedly, seeks the highest standards of excellence. The College aims to provide a vibrant 21st century learning environment which nurtures academic achievement and prepares students with the necessary skills for post-18 careers and higher education. In return we expect our students to conduct themselves in a professional, mature and studious manner in order to project their prestigious status within the college. Whilst this prospectus is designed to give you an overview of what St Augustine’s can offer, you should read this prospectus alongside the main school

prospectus, the AS & A2 Synopsis booklet, admissions criteria and entry requirements. Your choice of study is of prime importance and will impact upon your future aspirations. It is crucial that you make a well informed decision so that you are prepared for life as a St Augustine’s Sixth Former and for life beyond the college. We encourage you to visit the college, meet the teachers and, more importantly, speak to the current sixth form students. Sarah Large Head of Sixth Form

Welcome to St Augustine’s Catholic College

- Sixth Form

“An extremely strong,

thoughtful, caring ethos

permeates the school...older

students support younger

ones and provide exemplary

role models”

—Ofsted, 2007

Dear Student Welcome to St Augustine’s Sixth Form. Whether you choose to continue your college life from Year 11 or make a fresh start from another institution we hope that the Catholic ethos, academic and pastoral life of this College will meet your needs and help you fulfil your post 18 ambitions. In 2011 67% of grades were A*-B and 88% of grades were A*-C making us one of the top Catholic comprehensive schools in the country. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the work ethic of our dedicated staff and committed sixth form students. Life as a Sixth Former is exciting, demanding and challenging. We provide an environment where we strive for excellence with our primary aim being to develop the academic, social and spiritual needs of the individual. As a sixth form student you will be expected to embrace the various opportunities on offer, take an active role in the community and support the spiritual ethos of the College. Our lower school pupils regard members of the Sixth Form as role models, young adults whom they will aspire to emulate. This is central in our College where the sixth form student is deemed to be someone who can lead, encourage, direct and inspire the younger members of our school community. If you choose St Augustine’s Sixth Form you will be supported by an outstanding pastoral team who will invest their time, energy and experience into shaping your future. J Alsop Head Teacher

“Let your light shine to all people...” —Matthew 5:16


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Spiritual Life at St Augustine’s

Our high standard of worship, spiritual, moral development, in association with De La Salle and maintained links with the Clifton Diocese, permeates throughout the whole college. Our Catholic, Christian and ecumenical values are at the heart of our Sixth Form. Sixth form spiritual life includes:

A lay chaplain

Weekly spiritual

reflections in the chapel

Prayer and reflection on

sixth form retreats

A PSHE/Pastoral

programme which explores moral, social and spiritual issues

Student led assemblies

and involvement in masses/collective acts of worship

Local parish priests

leading sixth form assemblies and whole school masses on feast days

Sixth form charity

committee, fundraising for local, national and international charities

Compulsory RE lessons

‘Leaders to Come’

conference

Prayers and reflection

throughout the day; in tutor sessions and at the start of each lesson

“The retreat days, organised by the Chaplain, give sixth form

students the opportunity to escape the stress of work and exams,

providing time to reflect on life and relax. They are some of the best

days in the school calendar.”

—Emma Chappell, Former Deputy Head Girl

Voluntary gap year at

Kintbury and other

missions in the UK or

abroad

Students are expected to

attend morning registration,

weekly assemblies and

whole school masses.

“Even though I am not a Catholic I still feel I really benefit

from the spiritual ethos of the sixth form.

We are all part of the same fantastic community, whatever

our beliefs.”

—Victoria Ayris, Former Student


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“A chaplain’s biggest gift to their community is simply to be present and listen, which is why I’m so often found in the chaplaincy drinking tea and chatting! My aim is to be available and approachable for all members of the sixth form offering honesty, compassion and a listening ear to all who want it whilst challenging all to respond more faithfully and openly to the Gospel message to live a life of love and service.”

—Faith Wheat, Chaplain

Chaplaincy

“Make hospitality your special care”

—Romans 12:13

St Augustine’s employs a full time lay chaplain. Dedicated to all members of the College community, the Chaplaincy aims to be a place of welcome and hospitality for all. Students are encouraged to share both the joys and sorrows of life in a caring, n on - judgem enta l an d supportive environment. The Chaplain exists to offer whatever support and friendship is required, whether that be spiritual, emotional, relational or just a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit!


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“In the sixth form, the tutor programme in particular is exemplary

and students are fully involved in setting targets and monitoring

their own progress.”

—James Sage, Ofsted 2007

“Extra time is given... to students to enable them to achieve

their potential.”

—James Sage, Ofsted 2007

Pastoral Life

We work hard to ensure our

students feel supported,

cared for and valued. The

welfare of the sixth form

students is overseen by the

form tutor who, in

collaboration with the

student via PDPs and tutor

sessions, monitor their

general academic progress,

health and well-being. Each

morning students register

with their tutors who deliver

a pastoral programme

covering topics from

independent study skills to

social awareness. Students

also have one lesson of PSHE

per fortnight with the Head

of Sixth Form and at times,

external speakers, during

which they are given

information on post-18

options and health related

issues. In addition, we offer

a confidential counselling

service for students in need

of extended support. Great

emphasis is placed upon the

communication and co-

operation between home and

school; we believe that

together we can achieve the

very best for our students.


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Choosing the most suitable sixth form courses begins at GCSE, with over 21 ‘A’ level subjects on offer; internal and external students are encouraged to make a well informed decision, aided by teachers and parents, and should apply themselves to the following programme: September-January-

interviews with Connexions Advisor &/or Careers Advisor

October- post-16 career and option day

October -Sixth Form Open Evening

November- Mock GCSE examinations

December- External taster day

February- final decisions for options

July- internal and external

students to attend an induction day

August- on results day students should reflect on selected subjects and make necessary adjustments to their curriculum and, if necessary, to their post-18 choices

September- attend Sixth Form induction. This day enables students to make a successful transition to the study skills required for AS and A2 and to the challenges, changes and responsibility of sixth form life.

September- Further

induction takes place

within departments and

in tutor/PSHE lessons

“The induction days, for

internal and external

students gave us the

opportunity to sample sixth

form lessons, meet new

friends and have fun.

The day also made us

appreciate that success at A-

level requires determination,

independence and self

belief.”

—Nathalie Corless and

Eleanor Jones, Former

Students

Transition between GCSE and

Sixth Form and Induction

“The introduction of the AQA Baccalaureate is an exciting addition to the sixth form curriculum, a positive development for the future of

post-16 education.”

—Joe Alsop, Associate Headteacher


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St Augustine’s has clear

expectations for its sixth

form students. Our high

expectations regarding

attendance, punctuality,

uniform, appearance,

conduct and academic

procedures are outlined in

the Sixth Form Handbook. In

return, St Augustine’s offers

highly experienced,

dedicated staff, excellent

facilities and a magnificent

community where all

students are valued and

given the opportunity to

flourish. We are constantly

seeking the face of Christ

and our positive referral

system ensures that all

achievements are recognised

and celebrated within the

community.

The students have access to

a study room, ICT facilities,

careers suite, college library

and superb PE facilities.

They are expected to

maintain the high standards

of their environment which

helps them to become

responsible, reliable

individuals.

Sixth Form Life “In the Sixth Form, the best teaching is effectively focused on supporting individual needs and is also challenging and exciting.” —-James Sage, Ofsted 2007

“St Augustine’s Sixth Form provides a

vibrant and dynamic learning environment,

which allow students to seize opportuni-

ties, recognise their potential and flourish.”

—Stephen Draper, Former Deputy Head

Boy


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The Sixth Form Social

Committee arranges an array

of social and fundraising

events for the Sixth Form

and lower school students.

The annual Sixth Form

Leavers’ Ball is a highlight of

the year, but other events

such as a trip to Thorpe Park

are also highly beneficial to

sustaining and developing

the sixth form community

spirit. Balancing social

activities with academic

work develops the skills of

time management and self-

discipline; invaluable skills

for life beyond sixth form.

Social Life

“The whole of year 12 had an amazing time at Thorpe Park; it was enormous fun and strengthened our bond as a year group”. —Ruth Butler, Former Head Girl

“The Leavers’ Ball, at Priston Mill, Bath, was a wonderful occasion. Celebrating the end of our sixth form journey with our friends, teaching staff, form tutors, chaplain and head teacher was a memorable event.”

— Owain Coleman, Former Student


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Specialist School Life

Since 1998 St Augustine’s

has been a Specialist

Technology college and in

2006 was awarded with

Sports specialism. In 2009 St

Augustine’s Design and

Technology department

represented the South West

of England at the

international conference of

the Design and Technology

Association for the advanced

manufacturing techniques

taught at A Level. In

addition, former students at

undergraduate level often

return to St Augustine's to

use the outstanding design

and technology facilities.

Sixth form students form a

prestigious Sports Council

and take leading roles in co-

ordinating PE events such as

the Annual Sports Awards

Evening . This, alongside

Community Sports

Leadership Award, fosters

skills in communication,

team-work, self-confidence

and community spirit.

Students have access to the

gym and recreation facilities,

timetabled once a week.

There are teams in a number

of sports including rugby,

netball and football.

Students also give freely of

their time to help support

lower school sports teams.

“With the constant support and guidance of staff, I found I could do much more than I had

thought myself capable of, simply because their belief in my abilities made me a more

confident person.”

—Tanya Stockting, Former Student


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Academic Life

We encourage self- assessment and independent learning. Every student is given a Student Attainment and Target Tracker which allows them to monitor their own progress against their target grades and take ownership of their learning. In addition, teacher assessment and feedback is rigorous. This is shared with parents via interim progress reports, formal written reports and parent consultation evenings. Whenever there are areas of concerns, these are shared with students and, where appropriate, parents. Subsequently, plans are made to address the issue. In this way, students and parents are encouraged to engage in the learning

journey; mutual efforts also foster strategies for sustained improvement. At the start of the year

students are given an

independent study timetable

on which they are expected

to allocate a minimum of 4

hours per week per subject

and undertake serious wider

reading. There is a central

college library, with an

excellent range of facilities

and resources, for sixth

form private study. The use

of the common room is

available for one period per

week, lunchtimes, break

times, before and after

school. All students are

required to purchase a Sixth

Form Diary in which they

can record homework,

information, deadlines and

targets.

“I have felt privileged to encounter many things that are easily taken for granted. Dedicated and supportive teaching staff, constantly updated facilities and resources and such a feeling of community amongst students, teachers and departments have certainly made my experiences at St Augustine's enjoyable and unforgettable.”

—Michelle Kaczmarek,

Former Student

We aim to offer a broad, balanced and flexible 21st century curriculum and pride ourselves on our technological and superbly resourced environment which enables excellent teaching and a platform for our learners to thrive. Our subject choice has been further enhanced with the introduction of the AQA Baccalaureate, AS Critical Thinking and the Extended Project Qualification. Our other subjects are:

Art & Design Biology

Chemistry Design Technology

Economics & BS English Language/Literature

English Literature French

Geography Health & Social Care

History ICT

Mathematics Media Studies

Music PE

Physics Psychology

Spanish Theatre Studies

Theology

At St Augustine’s we strive

for academic excellence and

we work hard to preserve

our reputation as an

outstanding college. Our

courses, whilst academic,

combined with our extensive

extra-curricular programme

aim to equip our students

with the necessary skills to

excel in a 21st century

society. Our results are

excellent and we are

oversubscribed annually; our

staff, under the direction of

the La Sallian philosophy,

accept that teaching is a gift

and grace of God. Staff

invest time, energy and

enthusiasm into their

teaching and expect the

same of our learners.

A2 Results 2011

67% A*- B grades

88% A*- C grades


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Being a sixth former at St Augustine’s is about developing skills and qualities in leadership, self-reliance and independence. All students will be given an opportunity to be monitors, prefects, day captains, social committee members and Sixth Form leaders all of whom are managed by the head boy/girl who have whole school responsibilities. The newly established Young Chambers involves many sixth form students, working closely with staff, to coordinate whole College and community events using student voice to enhance the College and local community. In addition, Sixth Formers are expected to play a lead role in organising and running clubs and activities for lower school and immerse themselves in other roles such as subject prefects and participate in our in-class support scheme. Likewise, there are many extra-curricular activities and events which will extend and enrich, academically and socially, the life of the student.

These, to name a few, include:

Art Trips CSLA

Duke of Edinburgh Award History trip to New York

Inter-form competitions and a multitude of sporting

clubs Leaders to Come

Model United Nations Ten Tors

Theatre Trips Young Engineering Scheme

Young Enterprise Young Musician of the Year

Life beyond the Classroom

“All teachers pay close attention to developing rounded individuals and ensuring that students participate fully in the life of the school” —James Sage, Ofsted 2007


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applicants. The Sixth Form at St

Augustine’s should equip

students with a rich mixture

of experiences which in turn

will prepare them for an

adult life of service to

others. In addition their time

at the college should bridge

We aim to help our students to realise their ambitions for higher education and employment. There is excellent careers guidance which will enable students to make the right choices for their chosen career path. We also have an extensive application programme for university and Oxbridge

Life Post-18

“St Augustine's provided me with the skills needed to face life after school and to go out and make something of myself. I will really miss being a part of such a warm and loving

environment but shall always know that the 2 years I had there were the best school years of my life."

—Bethany Gibbons, Former Student

“The advice I received , post results, from Careers and

Connexions was excellent. It motivated me to work

towards my goals beyond A-levels”

—Thomas Keen, Former

Student

the nexus between college

and the world of work or

university. Throughout their

time in our care they will be

given ample opportunity to

‘let their light shine to all

people’ and we hope that

they leave the college having

fulfilled their full potential.

St Augustine’s Catholic College

Wingfield Road Trowbridge Wiltshire BA14 9EN

Tel: 01225 350001 Fax: 01225 350002 Email: [email protected] Web: www.st-augustines.wilts.sch.uk

Please read this prospectus alongside the following documents which can be accessed via the school website: www.st-augustines.wilts.sch.uk

Admissions Policy 2012 Entry requirements 2012 Examination results: Summer 2011 Transport information Subject Synopsis Booklet Sixth Form Handbook Post 16 Learning agreement Application form for External Students

Head Teacher: Mr J C Alsop Head of Sixth Form: Mrs S Large

http://www.st-augustines.wilts.sch.uk/

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St Augustine's Sixth Form Prospectus - 2011

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