sixth form prospectus...make your sixth form years an excellent academic and social experience. you...

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

DEAR STUDENT“Thank you very much for your interest in Sixth Form life at TCA. As you prepare for your Year 11 GCSE examinations you should also be thinking about the next step in your academic career. Whether or not you are considering university, high quality apprenticeships or further training there are many good reasons for joining the Sixth Form at TCA. Last year we had our best ever set of A Level results for those students who stayed with us through years 12 and 13. I know that this improving trend will continue.

Ultimately the subject choices you make must be right for you and your career aspirations. As you begin to consider which subjects you may wish to study, it is very

important that you seek advice from a variety of different sources available to you in school and through our many links with external companies.

We will expect anyone joining the Sixth Form at TCA to work hard, dress in a business-like manner and be punctual. We expect you to take full advantage of the support offered by our dedicated and experienced staff. We also hope you will take advantage of our varied extra-curricular activities. We will provide you with everything you need to make your Sixth Form years an excellent academic and social experience. You just need to supply the motivation and commitment.

The prospectus also includes the views of existing students about their time in Years 12 and 13, which I hope you find useful. I hope you will be joining us in September and I look forward to welcoming you to our Sixth Form.”

Anne Hill Principal

WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE CONSIDERING UNIVERSITY, APPRENTICESHIPS OR FURTHER TRAINING THERE ARE MANY GOOD REASONS FOR JOINING THE SIXTH FORM AT TCA.

2 • Thomas Clarkson Academy Sixth Form

OUR SIXTH FORMThe aim of the Sixth Form is to help you to gain the qualifications needed for your future learning and career.

Our pledge is that each and every student who studies here will leave us with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in their next step in life. Whether it is academic or vocational qualifications for entry into university or the world of work, we will provide the best possible education.

In order to achieve this we will offer you a wide range of courses to choose from. We provide a variety of A Level

courses as well as Level 3 BTEC qualifications and have an expert team of teaching staff who provide first class tuition.

Our A Level track record is impressive. Following our best set of results in the summer of 2016 all of our students progressed to higher education, or a high quality apprenticeship. We expect from you, hard work, dedication and commitment to your future. There will be

an emphasis on managed independent working and you will be expected to put in additional hours of study to achieve the best results possible.

Your progress will be supported by teaching staff and your own personal tutor. This will enable you to develop both your academic abilities and the skills you will require for either further study or employment.

Our Sixth Form students are also eligible for an NUS extra card which entitles them to great savings across a range of brands. For the cost of just £12 per year our students can buy items at a reduced price.

www.thomasclarksonacademy.org • 3

STUDYBeing a member of Thomas Clarkson Academy Sixth Form is a privilege. You will study in a first class, modern learning environment with an area dedicated solely for Sixth Form students, complete with computers and quiet study space.

All lessons will take place in specialist learning suites tailored to meet the needs of all courses with access to the latest technologies and equipment.

In line with our whole academy philosophy, we expect our Sixth Form students to have

a business-like attitude and appearance. As part of this you will attend each day, for the full day, using any free periods to carry out independent study.

You will also be part of one of the academy’s three learning communities,

be a member of a tutor group and expected to set a good example to younger students; acting as a role model and mentor.



A LEVEL

ArchaeologyArtBiologyBusiness StudiesChemistryEconomicsEnglish LanguageEnvironmental ScienceFrenchFurther MathematicsGeographyHistoryITMathematicsMediaMusicPhilosophy & EthicsPhysical EducationPhysicsProduct DesignPsychologySociologySpanishTextiles

BTEC LEVEL 3

Creative MediaConstructionHair & BeautyHealth & Social CarePerforming ArtsPhysical EducationTravel & Tourism

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

5 A*-C GCSEs including Maths and English (B grade in chosen Level 3 subjects). Students who do not achieve an A*-C in English Language or Maths but achieve 5 other A*-Cs may be accepted but will re-sit Maths or English during Year 12.

Please note that the final courses that we run may be different to those listed. This will be due to whether the course is viable.

COURSESPost-16 education is a crucial stage in your learning and we will give you thorough guidance to ensure you choose the right courses in line with your career aspirations.

Throughout the year TCA will be hosting two open taster evenings. This will give you the opportunity to experience typical lessons and make an informed choice of which subjects to select.

ENRICHMENTAt TCA we understand that universities and employers look for more than excellent academic success. Our students are given opportunities to develop essential skills outside the classroom.

We have developed an extensive Session 5 enrichment programme that will open up a wide range of different experiences to you. It is important that you take as much as you can from this programme, as it will help you to develop new skills and manage the transition between school life and early adulthood. Within our specifically designed Session 5 programme, you will take part in and lead a variety of different sessions to build skills such as teamwork and communication.

At TCA we strive to make our students stand out. We pledge to give our students something more

in their preparation for higher education or employment. Using the new inspirational PiXL Edge framework our students develop and gain accreditation and acknowledgement for personal attributes essential for employability and life. University applicants are experiencing huge success as a result of following the PiXL Edge framework.

There are also opportunities to take part in the running of the academy. The Head Boy and Head Girl are selected from the Sixth Form and we also have Sixth Form prefects who play an important role in the school.


DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD

Our established Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is popular with our Sixth Form students and gives

further opportunities to create an impressive CV.

A DofE award is a great way to demonstrate to universities and the workplace that you have the skills of self motivation, problem solving and team work that are so highly valued.

Additional CEIAG support includes a highly suc-cessful Mock Interview Day led by senior execu-tives from recognised national companies as well as organised high quality work experience.

Additional CEIAG support includes a highly successful Mock Interview Day led by senior executives from recognised national companies as well as organised high quality work experience.


HEAR WHAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE TO SAYYear 13 student James Elbury is studying A Level Business, BTEC Sport and the Extended Project Qualification. He plans to study Business at university.

He said: “You are really supported with your studies as a Sixth Form student. Teachers are always happy to give you extra help and the level of teaching is really good. At the same time you have a lot more responsibility for yourself and can manage your own study. We are given guidance on how to do this, which should hopefully help us as we move on to university.

“As part of the course you are aware of what you need to achieve and so everyone knows what they have to do.

“It is also a really friendly Sixth Form as everybody tends to get along and socialise. I help out with the Year 7 football Session 5 group which has given me some new skills. We are also signed up for PiXL 6 which gives us a series of tasks to boost our CV and is well respected by universities.”

Year 13 student Georgia Ward is studying A Level Maths, BTEC Travel and Tourism and BTEC Sport. She is interested in Sport Science and hopes to study the subject at university.

She said: “The first thing that I would say about the Sixth Form is that there is a good working atmosphere and a culture of hard work. We have a dedicated study area just for Sixth Formers which we all use, and any free periods are spent doing our studies – which means that you have free time in the evenings.

“The support from staff is excellent and you feel that you can always go to them if you are struggling with something and they will set you extra work if you have completed everything.

“The careers advice (CEIAG) that we receive is also fantastic. I have had help with making my course choices and have discussed my options for university. You are made aware of the need to think about the future and there are organised trips to university open days which helps. I feel really supported and well informed in this area.

“All Sixth Formers are also encouraged to help out with younger students and I assist in the Session 5 netball sessions.”


James Elbury & Georgia Ward Year 13

LIFE BEYOND SIXTH FORMTCA will guide you through the crucial decisions and options facing students through their Sixth Form education. We ensure you have developed all the necessary skills, achieved the required grades and developed the knowledge to excel on your chosen path.

All students have access to a specialist careers adviser to support you in making your Post-18/19 decisions. The CEIAG team will work closely with the Sixth Form staff to assist you through applications, personal statements and the UCAS process.

With frequent off-site visits to career fairs, university campuses, skills shows as well as regular guest speakers from a number of organisations, we provide you with a range of experiences to inform your decisions.


ALUMNIOur alumni talk about their experience of TCA Sixth Form

Jack Fowler is in his first year studying Computing and Information Systems at University Centre Peterborough.

He said: “One thing which I have enjoyed about TCA was the guidance and support I received. Every step that I took was always a new step to something positive, especially the support relating to university applications. I wouldn’t have achieved what I have if it wasn’t for TCA, helping me to build the bridges which I needed. Teachers put the time and effort in often staying late after school just to help me, always demonstrating a positive attitude and belief in my aspirations.

“TCA is a safe and friendly learning environment. The after school sessions were brilliant, where we had the opportunity to mix with peers as well as younger students helping to lead sessions. This greatly helped me build confidence and leadership skills. TCA was overall a great bridge in building my success.”

Amber King is in her first year studying Business with Management at Northumbria University.

She said: “At TCA the advice and guidance from CEIAG was extremely helpful when applying to university. As an individual, one-to-one meetings were set up to offer specific, individual support with our choices, courses, applications and personal statements. We received guidance throughout our whole application process.

“All of the subject teachers at TCA, as well as the Head of Sixth Form, will go to great lengths to ensure you are progressing in your subjects and meeting targets. Additional study periods are put in place by staff and students to ensure you are on track to succeed in your studies and to meet the university/apprenticeship entry requirements.”

Hannah Loughlin is a second year student at Bangor University and is studying Chemistry.

She said: “My advice to students who are thinking about Sixth Form is to choose subjects that you have an interest in and then work hard, be organised and try your best.

“You are given lots of support by all staff and I really appreciated the help that was there for me.

“In Year 13 I was elected as Head Girl and the experience really taught me a lot of new skills as I was involved in meetings with the Senior Leadership Team and also chaired the Junior Leadership Team meetings. I also took part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and this was a really great experience that I would recommend to others.”


JOIN US. HOW TO APPLY.Applications to our Sixth Form can be found on the Sixth Form section of our website www.thomasclarksonacademy.org

To speak to the Head of Sixth Form please call 01945 585237 or email [email protected]


Corporation Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 2SE

www.thomasclarksonacademy.org01945 585237

sixth form prospectus...make your sixth form years an excellent academic and social experience. you...

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