Post 16 Options Booklet 2020
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Contents Page Page No Post-16 Education – What are my options? 3 Options after GCSEs 4 How do I pay for Post-16 education and training? 5 School Sixth Forms 6 School Sixth Forms in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and East Dorset 7 Colleges & Training Providers 8 Smaller Training Providers 9 Maths & English resits – What are the rules? 9 What are T Levels? 10 Apprenticeships and Traineeships 11 Apprenticeship Providers – Local Colleges who offer Apprenticeships 12 Apprenticeship Providers - Local Training Providers who offer Apprenticeships 13 Apprenticeship Checklist 14 Applying for Post-16 Options – How does it work? 15 Preparing Your Safety Net 15 Entry Requirements – What do I need to get in? 16 Qualification Levels Guide – GCSE to Degree Level 17 How do I make my final decision about Post-16? 18 Useful Websites - Want to get prepared over the summer holidays? 19 2 Post-16 Education – What are my options? Since 2013, the Raising of the Participation Age law has stated that young people must be in some form of ‘education or training’ until they are 18. This can include: Full-Time Study – this could be a qualification taken at a school sixth form, college or training provider, totalling 540 hours of learning time per year, or around 18 hours per week. Apprenticeships – this involves working for an employer while studying for a qualification as part of your training. Usually, work makes up 80% of an apprenticeship and at least 20% (or one day a week) should be dedicated to studying. Traineeships – this is an option for students who would like to do an apprenticeship but may not have the experience, skills or qualifications to do so yet. Traineeships can last up to six months and involve a work placement, Maths and English qualifications and support with finding an apprenticeship. Part-Time Study with Employment or Volunteering – this could be working in a full-time job (classed as any work that takes place over more than two months and is over 20 hours per week) or volunteering (again, over 20 hours per week) while studying part-time at a college or training provider (totalling 280 hours of learning per year). 3 If you are unsure of what options are available to you in the local area, or what is best for you, watch this video that discusses the positives of various learning choices. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5X4BsYg8Ck&feature=youtu.be 4 How do I pay for Post-16 education and training? Education and training in the UK are free for young people until they turn 19. In addition, there is a 16-19 Bursary Fund to help students from low income families pay for things like transport, food and stationery, which can be accessed at any sixth form, college or training provider you attend after Year 11 - www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund If you receive financial benefits from the government, such as Tax Credits or Child Benefit, it is important that you are aware of how these can be affected once your child leaves school. If your child is in full-time education, such as sixth form or college, your benefits will remain the same but if your child progresses into paid employment or an apprenticeship, they will no longer be considered your dependant and your benefits for them will stop. More information can be found via the Gingerbread website: https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/information/benefits-tax-credits-and-universal- credit/money-when-your-child-turns-16/ Many organisations also have their own financial support for students, so check first! http://www.parentalguidance.org.uk/help-information https://www.gov.uk/know-when-you-can-leave-school 5 School Sixth Forms School sixth forms typically focus on A-Level (Advanced Level) qualifications – two-year courses that end in an overall examination and a grade from A*-E, with a similar structure to GCSEs but looking at the subject in a lot more depth. Students can study: Traditional A-Levels – Subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, Geography, History, Languages, Religious Education, Music, Art Alternative A-Levels – Subjects like Photography, Law, Sociology, Psychology, Business Studies, Film Studies, Media Studies, Economics, Politics, Sports Science BTEC Level 2 & Level 3 Diplomas – Some school sixth form colleges offer Level 3 BTEC qualifications that can be taken alongside A-Levels or Level 2 BTEC qualifications that can be taken alongside Maths and English GCSE resits. These are usually made up of a number of separate modules and include practical assessments and coursework, as well as exams. Subjects can include Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Travel and Tourism and Engineering. Students studying A-Levels usually select three or four subjects (depending on their GCSE grades) that they want to study at sixth form and if they study four, can choose to drop one subject after their first year of sixth form. Students can also choose to study a one-year AS Level qualification, which is worth 40% of an A-Level. Sixth forms may also offer something called the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), an independent project that can provide students with UCAS points to put towards university. Entry Requirements – Most school sixth form usually ask students to have 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above but make sure that you do your research, as some courses, such as A-Level Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry, require students to achieve a Grade 6 at GCSE in order to demonstrate their deeper understanding of the subject. 6 Director of USF Mr. Walter It is our pleasure and privilege to work with you to help REACH your goal! Being a part of United Sixth Form brings with it a whole new range of opportunities and challenges. We have high expectations of you and in return we offer teaching of the highest quality, excellent facilities, a caring and supportive environment as well a comprehensive range of social and enrichment activities. You have a responsibility to work hard, both in lessons and in your own study time and to take an active part in the United Sixth Form community. As well as academically, we aim to help you develop self-confidence and Head of USF independence so that you can approach your learning with vigour and enthusiasm whilst with us and later in life. Sixth Form Study is Ms. Little undoubtedly one of the most challenging and rewarding academic experiences, and demands resilience, commitment, and determination. We encourage students to work with the United Sixth Form team, including tutors, external agencies, teachers, and our Head of Careers to help you reach your full potential. We want you to be aspirational, to aim for the highest possible outcomes and we will be there to support you along the way. We want to encourage you to be the best that you can be - so be ambitious, be aspirational, fulfil your dreams and prepare for a wonderful future. REACH VALUES United Sixth Form follows REACH Values Visit our website: • Respect – for ourselves and others in all that we do. unitedsixthform.org.uk • Enthusiasm – to seek opportunity, find what is good and pursue talents and interests. Apply online • Ambition – to achieve the best for ourselves and others. Unitedsixthform.applic • Creativity and confidence – to imagine possibilities and aa.com have the courage to take risks. • Hard work and determination – to overcome obstacles Follow us on to reach success Twitter: @unitedsixth Follow us on Instagram: @unitedsixthfrom 7 Our Curriculum USF offers a range of A Level subjects and BTEC Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. September 2021 Entry Requirements (Grade 4+ in Subject English & Maths plus) A level Art Grade 6 in Art A level Art & Photography Grade 6 in Art A level Biology A 7-6 in Combined Science or 7 in GCSE Biology and Grade 6 in Mathematics A level Business Grade 6 in Business Studies or GCSE English Language and Mathematics A level Chemistry A 7-6 in Combined Science or 7 in GCSE Chemistry and Grade 6 in Mathematics A level Computer Science Grade 6 in Mathematics A level Dance Grade 6 in Dance A Level Economics Grade 6 in Mathematics and English Language A level English Language Grade 6 in English Language and English Literature A level English Literature Grade 6 in English Language and English Literature A level French Grade 6 in French A level Geography Grade 6 in Geography A level History Grade 6 in History A level Mathematics Grade 7 in Mathematics A level Further Mathematics Grade 8 in Mathematics A level Media Grade 6 in Media or GCSE English A level Music Grade 6 in Music A Level Physical Education Grade 6 in Science and English A level Physics A 7-6 in Combined Science or 7 in Physics and Grade 7 in Mathematics A level Politics Grade 6 in English Language A level Product Design Grade 6 in Product Design A level Psychology Grade 6 in Psychology or a Grade 6 in English, Mathematics and Science A level Religious Studies (Ethics) Grade 6 in Religious Studies or English A level Sociology Grade 6 in English or Sociology A level Textile Design Grade 6 in Textiles BTEC L3 National Foundation Diploma in Grade 6 in Business Studies or 6 in Mathematics and Enterprise & Entrepreneurship English Language 8 Exciting opportunities at USF What can USF offer you? • Work Experience • Oxbridge Programme • Business Contacts • Student Ambassadors • Student Council • Journalism and Social Media • University Links and opportunities to network • Academic competitions • TEFL Qualification • USF Societies • Guest speakers • Local charity events and fundraisers • Academic Trips • Duke of Edinburgh Award • EOY Trip to London • Alumni Network