W O O D L A N D S S C H O O LE N H A N C E D BY S P E C I A L I S T T E C H N O L O G Y, M AT H S A N D C O M P U T I N G S TAT U S

2 011 S I X T H F O R M P R O S P E C T U S

The information given in this brochure is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. Any changes will be reported to parents in the school’s newsletter and published on our website. It should not however be assumed that there will not be any changes before, during or after the school year 2011 – 2012.

All images © Woodlands School and Hannah Fox

© Woodlands School

Designed and produced by foxcreate.com

“The thing I really like about being at Woodlands? The way the school has given me the confidence to push myself and go for it!”Andy Kay - Year 12

CONTENTS

Welcome

Introduction

Case Study

Location and Facilities

Entry Requirements

Commitment

CurriculumCoreTeachingStudent Destinations

Dress Code

Case Study

Application Process

WELCOME

I am delighted that you are considering joining the Sixth Form at Woodlands School. During Year 11 you will have to make very important decisions about your future. There is a great variety of courses and institutions available to you, but I believe that the Sixth Form at Woodlands is amongst the best. Part of our success depends upon ensuring you are on the right course before you start. The information contained within this brochure is the first stage of that process.

The Sixth Form at Woodlands will offer you an adult environment where you will be continually encouraged and supported as you maximise your potential. We will have high expectations of you. You will have responsibilities and you will be helped to develop your personal skills and qualities. If you are not yet a member of the school, we would be proud to welcome you to become part of our community. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success for the future.

Mr Alan Brady Headteacher

A good sixth form puts the needs of its students at its heart; this is the ethos of Woodlands Sixth Form. We believe passionately in the development of the whole individual and, as a centre promoting excellence, it is our mission to provide each Sixth Form student with the best opportunities for both their learning and development as a person. We want all our students to reach their potential and become successful and happy individuals. If you choose to make Woodlands Sixth Form your post-16 option, we promise to do our best to provide an environment in which you can thrive and achieve your ambitions and goals.

I hope that you will be encouraged to learn more about us, and will want to share in the opportunities offered by the Sixth Form. We certainly hope you will decide to join us next year for your post-16 journey, and look forward to receiving your application.

Mrs Victoria CrooksHead of Sixth Form

INTRODUCTION

Woodlands School offers a full time, dynamic and forward-thinking Sixth Form.

It is a Sixth Form that is small enough for us to know and help you personally, but large enough to provide a broad range of courses. We will offer you an adult environment where you will be continually encouraged and supported as you maximise your potential. We will have high expectations of you. You will have responsibilities and you will be helped to develop your personal skills and qualities. The Sixth Form has a proven record of examination success and, equally important, of students moving successfully to the next stage of their career.

Each of our students has their own academic interests, their own academic requirements, their own extra-curricular pursuits, their own skills and talents. Woodlands will seek to make the most of these individual attributes; it is our mission to provide the best opportunity for our students to prepare thoroughly for their futures.

“What was the best thing about being at Woodlands? I knew I was getting the best possible opportunities to further my education.”Cara Fox, former Woodlands School and Sixth Form student, and now studying Maths at Sheffield Hallam University.

Why did you do your A Levels at Woodlands?My friends were going, I knew the school and I knew that the quality of teaching is really high so I would be able to make the most of the opportunity.

How was it different?I was treated like an adult and the teachers became more sociable. You were able to lead the learning more yourself. You’re doing subjects you have chosen, so it was more enjoyable as you could really focus. I felt a lot more relaxed than when I was in the lower forms!

What did you find difficult?The level of work is a lot higher but it’s worth it because now I’m at University I’m already able to work at the level they demand. It was definitely good preparation.

What made you choose to go on to University?I wanted to pursue Maths a bit further, and had visited friends from the year above me who were already at University and could see what a good time they were having.

How do you think going to Woodlands prepared you for University?Definitely my work ethic, as I am fully able to cope with the workload at University having tackled A Levels at Woodlands! Also life skills, because at Woodlands it’s a real sense of community and all about making strong supportive friendships, so I felt more able to do that once I got here.

What would you say to anyone thinking of studying at Woodlands? If you want a place where you can work and learn in a friendly and supportive environment, I would definitely recommend Woodlands. I had a fantastic time.

CASE STUDY

LOCATION AND FACILITIES

Our school is named Woodlands for a reason - we are surrounded by trees and green spaces. A high quality learning environment is very important to us, and we strive to maintain our grounds, buildings, and facilities to a high standard.

We have extensive sports fields, a swimming pool and sports hall - all of which we also use to support our partner primary schools and the surrounding community.

Sixth Form students are able to enjoy purpose-built accommodation which is furnished and equipped to a high standard, and have access to their own common room and computer facilities. The learning and social environment that these facilities offer will be enhanced as the school expands.

The Sixth Form curriculum has been enhanced by the achievement of Technology College status. This status allows for the school to provide for exciting developments within the lead subjects of Design and Technology, Science and Mathematics, coupled with developments within ICT, which enhances the delivery of all Sixth Form subjects.

Students sitting A Level examinations during 2010 achieved impressive results:

97.9% of all students achieved A Level passes

7.7% of entries achieved A*grades

46.4% of entries achieved grades A* –B

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The school welcomes applications from students who will achieve 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C in discrete subjects (for example, an ICT GNVQ or qualifications in related subjects such as English Literature and English Language will count as one grade only towards the 5 A*-C) including a C or above in both English Language and Maths. However, students are expected to achieve a grade A or B in those GCSE subjects which they wish to take on to Advanced Level. In exceptional circumstances, the application of the above criteria is at the Head of Sixth Form’s discretion.

The following factors are used when assessing whether the above criteria have been met:

1 Evidence of a sustained and committed approach to study throughout Key Stage 4.

1 Academic Profile to date.

1 Predicted GCSE results.

1 Quality of the student’s Progress File.

1 Pastoral and academic staff recommendations.

1 Attendance/Punctuality record.

1 Performance at interview.

Those students who are to continue into Year 13 will be expected to:

1 Have achieved at least three high E grades in their AS subjects.

1 Be able to continue with at least three subjects to A2.

1 Demonstrate the commitment necessary to study at A2 Level.

Within the Sixth Form contract we at Woodlands offer a number of commitments and aims. In turn, all students have a role to play in the development of the partnership so that Sixth Form opportunities can be developed and extended in order to establish Woodlands as a place of challenge, high expectation and opportunity.

COMMITMENT

School’s CommitmentAt Woodlands School, we are committed to:

1 The promotion of the highest possible standards of achievement and excellence for all students – we maintain high quality educational provision within a challenging but caring and supportive environment

1 Providing a purposeful and supportive working environment

1 Supporting individual progress and the achievement of a high success rate for students in terms of qualifications achieved and opportunities created

1 Providing individual care, support and guidance by an experienced team of personal tutors and subject staff

1 Creating a secure transition for students to move successfully from GCSE to A Level study

Students’ CommitmentIn turn, we expect you to:

1 Take responsibility for your own learning and personal and social development

1 Be committed to your own academic study; working hard, meeting deadlines and ensuring an effective working relationship with your subject teachers

1 Make use of the study facilities when not timetabled for lessons, balancing study with leisure time

1 Achieve excellent attendance and punctuality and follow the dress code

1 Be a role model for all the students attending Woodlands School and make a contribution to the school and wider community

CURRICULUM

Students at Woodlands Sixth Form have the opportunity to study a range of subjects. The A Level is a combination of the AS and A2 qualifications, with each contributing 50% to the overall A Level qualification. Both AS and A2 courses are assessed by written examination, with some subjects having modular examinations in the January as well as the June of both years, whilst practical assessments are also a feature of many qualifications. In addition, from September 2011, we are pleased to be able to offer students the opportunity to study for a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality.

A high priority is also placed on offering students many opportunities to enhance and enrich their education. As well as undertaking AS and A2 Level courses, students are required to participate in a programme of core lessons which take place throughout the week. These are the kind of experiences which encourage personal and social development and forge links with our community, and are particularly important for students as they make application for Higher Education at University or seek employment.

Students commencing their studies at Woodlands Sixth Form will usually undertake the following programmes of study:

Year 12: 4 AS Level subjects + Core Programme or BTEC Level 3 + 2 AS Level subjects + Core Programme

Year 13: 3 A2 Level subjects + Core Programme or BTEC Level 3 + 1 A2 Level subject + Core Programme

When selecting courses, students should take into account the career that they wish to follow, the subjects which they enjoy, the subjects in which they have most confidence and, of course, the subjects in which they are most successful. We advise that students should take great care over the selection of their programme of study because it will become the foundation upon which they will build their Higher Education and future career ambitions.

Students are able to select from the subjects on the next page to develop their programme of study:

“Woodlands has a real sense of community. I genuinely love being here.”Sally Bonsall - Year 12

A Level Courses

Art

Business Studies

Design and Technology – Product Design

Drama and Theatre Studies

English - Language

English - Literature

Languages - French

Languages - German

Geography

Government and Politics

History

ICT

Mathematics

Mathematics – Further Mathematics

Music

Physical Education

Psychology

Religious Studies: Ethics & Philosophy

Science - Biology

Science - Chemistry

Science - Physics

Sociology

AS Only Courses

General Studies

Mathematics – Use of Mathematics

BTEC Course

BTEC Level 3 Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma in Hospitality (This course is equivalent to 2 A Level subjects)

Specific Entry Requirements

GCSE graded A*-B in Art and Design. Students who have not studied Art at GCSE will be required to submit a portfolio of work for consideration.

GCSE graded A*-B in Business GCSE or English Language and Mathematics.

GCSE graded A*-C from higher tier paper in Technology.

GCSE graded A*-C in Drama.

GCSE graded A*-C in English Language.

GCSE graded A*-C in English Literature.

GCSE graded A*-B in French.

GCSE graded A*-B in German.

GCSE graded A*-C in Geography.

GCSE graded A*-B in a Humanities subject or English Language.

GCSE graded A*-C in a Humanities subject or A*-B in English Language

GCSE graded A*-C in ICT or in English Language and Mathematics.

GCSE graded A*-B in Mathematics.

GCSE graded A*-B in Mathematics.

GCSE graded A*-C in Music.

GCSE graded A*-C in PE. Students who have not studied PE at GCSE are required to discuss their suitability with the PE faculty prior to application.

GCSE graded A*-B in English Language and Mathematics/Science.

GCSE graded A*-C in a Humanities subject or A*-B in English Language. Additionally, all internal students must have discussed their entry requirements with the Head of RE.

GCSE graded A*-B in Science subjects/ BB in Double Science and B in Mathematics.

GCSE graded A*-B in Science subjects/ BB in Double Science and B in Mathematics.

GCSE graded A*-B in Science subjects/ BB in Double Science and B in Mathematics.

GCSE graded A*-B in English Language.

Entry Requirements

General Sixth Form Entry Requirements.

GCSE graded A*-C in Mathematics (although a B is recommended).

Entry Requirements

GCSE graded A*-C in Catering or Travel and Tourism or, alternatively, a proven interest in the Hospitality sector.

Core

Tutorial Period: ‘Life Skills’ Tutor Programme comprising 1 hour per week of support including lessons on transition to A Level learning, study skills, exam preparation, citizenship, life skills, next steps and HE applications, guidance and preparation for University and leaving home.

Extra-Curricular Enrichment: Sixth Form students frequently have the opportunity to go on extra-curricular visits and trips to enhance their learning in their subjects. As part of our objective to develop the whole person, students are also expected to become involved in a regular enrichment opportunity for one hour each week. Opportunities include curriculum support, where students work alongside teaching staff in a subject area of their choice to support younger students or an extra-curricular club/ society such as a sports club. Woodlands School also has very established links with local primary schools and runs a weekly ‘Buddy Reading’ programme and a regular ‘Buddy Sport’ and ‘Buddy Science’ programme giving sixth form students the opportunity to work with students from local primary schools. In addition, the school has a Sixth Form Debating Society, Young Enterprise Company and opportunities to get involved with extra-curricular sports and creative arts clubs.

Woodlands School has an impressive record of entry to the most challenging University degree programmes, with a significant number of students progressing to leading Universities to study a wide range of courses from the Arts, Humanities, Business, ICT and Computing, Sciences, Medical disciplines, Sports Sciences, Engineering and Maths. However, we also recognise that University is not always the right choice for every student, and provide personalised guidance and support for students wishing to progress into employment or training, in the form of apprenticeships and combined employment and further education programmes.

Teaching

Each AS course receives four hours per week teaching time, whilst A2 courses receive five hours. This only represents the essential core teaching required for each subject, and all students are expected to build on this through private study, home study and additional tutorial arrangements. It is expected that students will undertake at least one hour of independent study for each hour of teaching they receive per subject per week.

Student Destinations

Being a student at Woodlands Sixth Form provides students with an important bridge on their journey between being a young person and becoming an adult. We recognise that this is a critical time for students making important decisions about their futures post-18, and so provide a structured programme of information, advice and guidance to ensure that they are well equipped to make wise choices, and that their transition from sixth form to Higher Education and employment is successful.

Woodlands Sixth Form dress code is designed to reflect the 'business dress' ethos which is fundamental to the school’s ethos and culture including the notion of standards, quality and responsibility. School dress should be fit for the purpose of study. To this end the Sixth Form dress code is as follows:

MaleDark matching formal suit Formal shirt and tie

FemaleDark matching formal suit (trousers or skirt)Coloured or white blouse/ shirt

For both Males and FemalesDark/outdoor coat (no denim or leather please)Formal shoes (no training shoes or boots please)No visible body piercing except for single ear studsNo extreme hairstyles

DRESS CODE

“What was the best thing about being at Woodlands? They helped me realise that - if you put the work in - you will fulfil your potential.”Sam Bethell, former Woodlands School and Sixth Form student, and now recently graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Music Journalism and Media from University of Huddersfield.

Why did you decide to do your A Levels at Woodlands?I think the deciding factor was the fact that I could do an English Language course which was exactly what I wanted to do. I knew that the staff would be able to point me in the right direction for my career choice of Journalism because they knew what my interests were and what I was capable of.

How was it different?You are working with people who truly want to be there to study. The workload is a lot bigger but you don’t mind that so much when you are doing the subjects you enjoy. The atmosphere is very different – I strengthened my friendships and the social element was really important, particularly to cope with the heavier workload!

What did you find difficult?The most difficult thing was working out what my next step was going to be. I knew I’d put the hours in to come out with good A Levels, I just needed some guidance as to what was my best course of action. The staff were able to support me well as they knew me and my work really well and they encouraged me to go on to do Journalism at University.

How did you feel Woodlands School prepared you for University?Definitely in terms of workload, deadlines, academic expectations - however I still can’t iron a shirt! Being at Woodlands helped me realise that – if you put the work in – you will fulfil your potential.

Quite early on into University it became apparent to me that a lot of people didn’t have the knowledge that a strong work ethic was important – Woodlands definitely spurred me on to be more ambitious than most.

What was University like for you?Huddersfield wasn’t what I had expected – both good and bad. I went there to have the best 3 years of my life, and I did. You learn a lot about yourself at University, how to get on with new people, build relationships and work hard – so the social skills you learn in sixth form are critical for this. It’s all about work/play balance!

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of studying at Woodlands Sixth Form? Have a good look at the courses that are offered and make sure they are what you want to do. Woodlands is a great place to feel that you are not a small fish in a big pond – everyone knows you and supports you – it’s a real sense of community.

CASE STUDY

Should you wish to apply for Sixth Form education at Woodlands please complete an application form and return it to the Head of Sixth Form by 19th November 2010.

Applications will also be accepted via the Routes Ahead website.

You will be contacted regarding your application as soon as the applications have all been processed and considered. Applicants who have met the sixth form entry criteria will be invited for an admissions interview in the Spring term. At this interview applicants will be asked to consider what they can offer the school, as well as what their intentions are once they leave Woodlands.

Offers of a place will be made before the end of the Spring term.

Successful applicants will be invited to an induction day at the end of Year 11 after their GCSE examinations.

Students will be required to formally enrol upon confirmation of their GCSE grades in August.

We look forward to receiving your application.

APPLICATION PROCESS

“It was a natural decision to come to Woodlands School Sixth Form - I feel confident and comfortable with the friends, environment and the community.”John D. Howard - Year 12

W O O D L A N D S S C H O O L

Blenheim Drive, Allestree, Derby DE22 2LW. Telephone: 01332 551921 Fax: 01332 553869

Email: the.office@woodlands.derby.sch.uk or headteacher@woodlands.derby.sch.uk

www.woodlands.derby.sch.uk