A valued member of the Dear student

“Thank you very much for your interest in Sixth Form life at TCA. As you you to take full advantage of the prepare for your Year 11 GCSE examinations you should also be thinking support offered by our dedicated and about the next step in your academic career. Whether or not you are experienced staff. considering university, high quality apprenticeships or further training there are many good reasons for joining the Sixth Form at TCA. We also hope you will take advantage of our varied extra-curricular activities. We will provide In the summer of 2019, we had another strong set of A Level results for you with everything you need to make your those students who stayed with us through Years 12 and 13 including Sixth Form years an excellent academic and social a record number of students progressing to prestigious Russell Group experience. You just need to supply the motivation universities. I know that this improving trend will continue. and commitment.

Ultimately the subject choices you make must be right for you and This prospectus also includes the views of existing students which your career aspirations. As you begin to consider which subjects you I hope you find useful. 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 I hope you will be joining us in September, and I look forward to many links with external companies. welcoming you to our Sixth Form.”

We will expect anyone joining the Sixth Form at TCA to work Richard Scott hard, dress in a business-like manner and be punctual. We expect Associate Principal

2 • Sixth Form Our Sixth Form The 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 received offers. This included offers from prestigious here will leave us with the tools and knowledge necessary Russell Group universities. Our Sixth Form students are to excel in their next step in life. Whether it is academic or also eligible for an NUS extra We expect from you, hard work, dedication and vocational qualifications for entry into university or the card which entitles them to commitment to your future. There will be an emphasis world of work, we will provide the best possible education. great savings across a range of on managed independent working and you will be brands. For the cost of just £12 In order to achieve this we will offer you a wide range of expected to put in additional hours of study to achieve per year our students can buy courses to choose from. We provide a variety of A Level the best results possible. items at a reduced price. courses as well as Level 3 BTEC qualifications and have an Your progress will be supported by teaching staff expert team of teaching staff who provide first class tuition. and your own personal tutor. This will enable Our A Level track record is impressive. Following you to develop both your academic abilities and another strong set of results in the summer of 2018, the skills you will require for either further study 100% of our students who applied to university or employment.

www.thomasclarksonacademy.org • 3 Study

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

All lessons will take place in specialist full day, using any free periods to learning suites tailored to meet the carry out independent study. needs of all courses with access to the latest technologies and equipment. You will also be part of one of the academy’s three learning In line with our whole academy communities, be a member of a philosophy, we expect our Sixth Form Sixth Form specific tutor group and students to have a business-like expected to set a good example to attitude and appearance. As part of younger students; acting as a role this you will attend each day, for the model and mentor.

4 • Thomas Clarkson Academy Sixth Form Courses

Post-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.

A Level BTEC Level 3 Art Business Biology Food Science & Nutrition Business Studies Health & Social Care Chemistry Performing Arts Computer Science Sport Dance English Language Entry requirements French Those wishing to study at Sixth Further Mathematics Form need to secure five 9-4 grade Geography subjects. Those choosing A Levels History need a grade 6 in selected subjects to study them at A Level (maths, Mathematics physics, chemistry, biology, English). Media A grade 5 is required in all other Music subjects that students wish to study Philosophy & Ethics at A Level. Physics Those opting for BTECs need to Polish secure a grade 4 in their selected Product Design BTEC subjects. Psychology Please note that the final courses that we Sociology run may be different to those listed. This Spanish will be due to whether the course is viable.

www.thomasclarksonacademy.org • 5 Enrichment At 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 our Sixth Formers lead our Student Voice, a school-wide forum which ensures students’ suggestions and comments are fed back to the Academy’s senior leadership team. Work experience All Year 12 students will be provided with a professionally managed 2 week work experience placement. This will be a high quality placement designed specifically to meet the individual’s career aspirations.

6 • Thomas Clarkson Academy Sixth Form Additional CEIAG support includes a highly successful MockAdditional Interview CEIAGDay led support includes a highly success- byful senior Mock executives Interview from Day led by senior executives from recognised national companies asrecognised well as organised national high quality companies as well as organised workhigh experience. quality work experience.

www.thomasclarksonacademy.org • 7 This is what our students say:

Hollie Boddington, Year 13 Isla Clare, Year 13 Ben Carr, Year 13 Teagan Lee, Year 13 Josh Lynn, Year 13 “One of the best things is the “I like that sixth formers have “It’s been a good bridge “There’s more freedom and “The facilities here are independence, but with the their own area but because between school and independence to learn how very good – the sixth form support still there. I’ve had it’s open, you still feel part independence, especially you want to learn. You’re a lot areas are spacious with great support from of the school. The careers if you’re considering higher more responsible for your own modern computers so the Miss Smith (Head of Sixth advice has been really good education. While you get a learning and understanding building itself has a lot Form) and Mrs Read - there have been lots of trips lot done in lesson, there’s still which prepares you for the to offer. We have lots of (Careers Advisor) who talked and careers conventions a lot you need to do yourself future – I feel like I have done a good teachers with unique me through my next steps. where we have met people which is good preparation lot of growing up in the last two teaching styles who make It’s a relaxed atmosphere from different businesses so for university. The teachers years from the autonomy you sure the lessons aren’t here – it’s laid back but we’ve been able to get their are very supportive and you get from sixth form. There’s also boring but are effective.” you’re still encouraged to advice too. We’re treated like can always talk to them. The a sense of community. do your best.” adults here.” trips to universities have “There are lots of resources been useful as they gave me where we can find information the chance to ask about the for our next steps and lots of course I’m hoping to do.” support in terms of making

our choices.”

8 • Thomas Clarkson Academy Sixth Form 2019 Record numbers of students went on to university

RUSSELL GROUP More students than ever secured places at Russell Group universities

Life beyond Sixth Form

TCA 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 With frequent off-site visits to careers adviser to support you in making career fairs, university campuses, your Post-18/19 decisions. The CEIAG team skills shows as well as regular will work closely with the Sixth Form staff to guest speakers from a number of assist you through applications, personal organisations, we provide you with statements and the UCAS process. a range of experiences to inform your decisions. There is also specific support for those wishing to apply to Russell Group universities.

www.thomasclarksonacademy.org • 9 Success stories

Here’s what some of our most successful students are planning next:

Ashleigh Ward Joseph Beresford Aaron Ganger Ashleigh is going on to study maths at the Joseph is going to the University of Leeds Aaron is off to the University of University of Leeds. to study environmental science after Birmingham to read history after being awarded an A* in biology and two achieving an A in history, an A in English He achieved an A*in maths A level and three literature and a B in sociology. A grades in further maths, biology and chemistry. A grades in maths and chemistry. He is hoping to pursue a career in academia. He said: “I felt overwhelmed when I opened On results day, Ashleigh said: “I’m happy with my results – all the hard work has paid off. my results – all the hard work has been worth it. He said: “I’m ecstatic and thrilled with my I want to thank all the teachers who put in results. I’m happy with my maths grade as “I’m looking forward to all the different extra hours to help me and put in the same I found that particularly hard. I revised as opportunities that living in a city will bring.” amount of effort as I did.” much as I could and I’ve had good teachers who have been very supportive.”

10 • Thomas Clarkson Academy Sixth Form 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]

www.thomasclarksonacademy.org • 11 Thomas Clarkson Academy Corporation Road, , A valued member of the PE13 2SE Tel: 01945 585 237 Email: [email protected]