Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 Welcome to Ely College Sixth Form Thank you for taking an interest in our Sixth Form.
Students are provided with the opportunity to tailor their choice of programme to tie in with their future aspirations. We are offering a selection of level 3 vocational qualifications, as well as A levels, to give every student the widest possible range of future options; be that university, a career or an apprenticeship.
Our enrichment programme continues to grow and provides students with a variety of volunteering, physical and leadership opportunities. In the past students have had the opportunity to build new classrooms in Kenya, experience Auschwitz and tour New York and Washington DC.
We are a small and friendly sixth form of around 200 students. Whilst many have moved up through Ely College, around 50% of our sixth form students now join us from other schools.
We are very proud of the achievements of our students in recent years. Most of our students have gone on to their first choices of university for further study, or to their chosen places of work, either as apprentices or employees. These achievements are a tribute to their positive approach, aided by good teaching and close pastoral support and monitoring. Above all, every student in our sixth form is treated as an individual and provided with a wide range of opportunities to develop as a well-rounded person.
There is so much going on in the sixth form, it is hard to show it all in a prospectus. Please take a look at our website to get more information about all the courses we offer, come along to our Open Evening, or contact me on 01353 652818 to arrange a visit.
I look forward to welcoming you to our friendly, forward thinking sixth form.
Mark Sirot-Smith Director, Ely College Sixth Form
Welcome to Ely College, an 11-18 Academy located in the beautiful city of Ely.
Ely College has just over 1300 students and are passionate about the serious business of learning and all a very committed staff who share my vision our students are individuals of whom we have the highest of ensuring that every student receives an expectations, which reinforces our culture of hard work and inspiring education which will equip them with personal support making success both expected and natural. Our the skills and knowledge needed to succeed students develop confidence, impeccable behaviour and a deep beyond the classroom. love of learning, accessing a range of academic, social, sporting and cultural opportunities. Each student is challenged and supported to exceed his or her potential and to truly believe that there are no limitations to Our website is regularly updated so please do revisit to keep up- success. We have an unwavering focus on progress, which to- date with what’s happening at Ely College. I do hope that if is underpinned by a strong partnership with parents and the you have not already done so, you will arrange a visit; you will be community ensuring that our students are a credit to the College. warmly welcomed.
In expecting excellence, we ensure that students enjoy school Evelyn Forde in a happy, safe and secure environment. At Ely College we Principal
2 Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 PERSONALIt’s Personal… A big college in a small package!
Ely College Sixth Form offers a wide range of academic and vocational courses in a caring and friendly environment, providing supported pathways to higher education, apprenticeships and work.
We combine the quality and experience you would usually associate with a much larger college, with the individual attention and personalised support you’d expect from a school-based Sixth Form. Our 200 students are treated as individuals, and given the opportunity to develop personally as well as academically.
Standards We offer high standards of teaching and support, and expect high standards of commitment and effort from our students in return.
Commitment We strive to give you everything you need to be a successful Sixth Form student. You will work in a supportive environment, which has an ethos of hard work and commitment. You will have a personal tutor and access to a Student Advisor. We are a thriving and friendly community and we want your time with us to be both enjoyable and successful. All our staff here will be working with you to help you achieve these goals.
Facilities Set in several acres of land, our Sixth Form building houses eight classrooms, IT-rich study facilities, a canteen and social areas. We also have our own dedicated science labs, art and photography studios, media studio, drama studios, music practice rooms, sports hall, fitness studio, tennis courts and all-weather sports pitch. In fact, everything you would expect from a Sixth Form.
Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 3 SuIndividualppo Supportrt…
We all need support if we are to reach our goals. Our students • A constant focus on monitoring progress against national each have a wide-ranging induction programme backed-up by targets, largely led by the students themselves, and backed LIFE & WORK intensive individual support, including: up in regular tutorials and with intensive support available if required • Pastoral support from a friendly and experienced team of tutors, and help with issues such as health concerns, money • Financial support through the 16-19 Bursary Fund for any matters, legal problems and housing from a professional student from a low-income household Student Advisor
• A rich and rewarding programme of careers guidance, work experience and community service
• All students will have the opportunity to access a business mentor for advice and support on future plans
• Through our Future First alumni network students get to meet with former students to discuss routes into different occupations
• Guidance on selecting and applying to university, including online application, HE conferences, mock interviews, visits to university open days, advice on personal statements, finance, the admissions process and so on
4 Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 Ely post-16 LIFEPathways & to WORK Life & Work
Students come to study at Ely College Sixth Form with a complement their Level 3 courses with additional FE study, purpose in mind. Whether you are hoping to use your studies specialising for a future career or preparing for a future here to move directly on to higher education, work or an university application. apprenticeship, our approach will help you build a course An increasing number of our leavers are now undertaking a gap that’s right for you. year before attending university, most of whom spend time Students who leave Ely College Sixth Form are well prepared to working and travelling abroad. take the next steps into adult life, and will have a wide range of options to choose from.
About 55% of our leavers each year decide to go university. Ely College Sixth Form students have recently started degree programmes at a number of universities across the country, including Manchester, Leeds, Kent, UEA, Lincoln and Anglia Ruskin.
For the 30% or so who choose to go into employment or apprenticeships, prospects in the Ely area are currently better than in most of the rest of the UK. In recent years, students from the College have found employment or training with, amongst others, Price Waterhouse, BT, the John Lewis Partnership, Arcadia and ABN AMRO.
Others enrol with other further education colleges - to
Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 5 Pathways on offer Pforathways 2016 Ely College Sixth Form offers a wide range of academic and • have the correct grades to make the entry requirements for vocational courses. Students should choose a mixture of the course they are selecting A level and Level 3 vocational courses if they have the appropriate grades. What courses are there and how do I make my choice? What are the entry requirements? In making your choice you need to make sure that you have the Students wishing to join the Sixth Form should: correct entry grades for the programme you are selecting. Use • have a commitment to study your current estimated grades to determine which courses are • be prepared to play a part in wider aspects of the available to you. college community • have an attendance record of at least 95%
Course Minimum Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at A* - C grade including English & Maths & B or higher in the subject A Level you wish to study
Level 3 Vocational 5 GCSEs at A* – C Grade including at least a C grade for English Language
4 GCSEs at D Grade including English Language and a proven interest in and Level 2 Vocational an aptitude for the subject
Employability & Life Skills Good attendance and a positive work ethic
All courses listed were correct at the time of going to press
6 Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 A level courses AWe offer a rangeLEVELS of A Level qualifications which offer a challenging A Levels are graded as follows and rewarding opportunity to study a range of subjects in depth. Qualification and Grade New UCAS Points
They are aimed at young people aged 16-19 who have achieved A* 56 well at GCSE and are looking to pursue their future studies at A 48 degree level. B 40 You should have a keen interest in the subjects you choose and the C 32 motivation and aptitude for independent learning. D 24 E 16 A level courses Art Biology Chemistry Economics English Literature French Geography German Health and Social Care (double award) History Mathematics Photography Physics Psychology Sociology Spanish
All courses listed were correct at the time of going to press
Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 7 VLevelocational 3 Vocational Courses We offer a range of Level 3 Vocational qualifications which These qualifications are particularly attractive because of their include Cambridge Technicals and BTEC Nationals. real-world relevance and close alignment with industrial practice – Scholarship allowing students to achieve a real understanding of their subject The qualifications are practical, flexible and engaging, and offer in a way that is a true fit with the needs of the workplace and of students an in-depth qualification in a wide range of subjects. university study. They are aimed at young people aged 16 to 19 who have completed Key Stage 4 of their education and want to study in a The Level 3 Vocational Courses we offer are available are more practical, work-related way. Extended Diplomas, equivalent to three A levels.
Level 3 Vocational Qualifications are graded as follows:
A level New UCAS Extended Diploma equivalent points
Distinction*Distinction* Distinction* A*A*A* 168
Distinction*Distinction* Distinction A*A*A 160
Distinction*Distinction Distinction A*AA 152
Distinction Distinction Distinction AAA 144
Distinction Distinction Merit ABB 128
Distinction Merit Merit BBC 112
Merit Merit Merit CCC 96
Merit Merit Pass CDD 80
Merit Pass Pass DDE 64
Pass Pass Pass EEE 48
Level 3 Vocational Courses
Extended Diploma
Applied Science Performing Arts
Business Sport
Media
All courses listed were correct at the time of going to press
8 Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 Norwich City and Ely College Football and Education Shadow ScholarScholarship Programmeship
Since September 2015, Ely College Sixth Form has been the to regular trips to Carrow Park (opposite Carrow Road Stadium) to education provider for the Norwich City Shadow Scholarship compete in an internal Futsal tournament with other Norwich City Programme, giving talented local footballers the opportunity FC programmes. to train and play at a high level whilst continuing with their Scholars will also have the opportunity to gain their coaching education. It is an ideal opportunity for any young player qualifications as part of the course. interested in developing a career in sport and can lead
into professional or semi-professional football, football At the end of the two year programme, all the scholars will take part scholarships abroad, Sports Science courses at university and in exit trials to help players find clubs or attract scholarships in order coaching opportunities through Norwich City’s extensive to continue their football development following the course. coaching system. Entry requirements Our Joint Mission Statement Scholars are required to achieve a minimum of five grade Cs at GCSE, To create a positive, challenging and supportive elite learning including English Language and Maths, and be selected through one environment; which develops creative and independent decision of Norwich City’s playing trials which will take place during the spring makers, on and off the pitch. term (dates and details will appear on the college’s website).
Scholars will study for the Cambridge Technical Level 3 in Sport whilst For more information or to book a trial please contact UEFA B coaches will train the scholars in the Norwich City Way. Pip Davis, Football Development Officer for Cambridgeshire, Each scholar will receive specialist training and have the chance to email [email protected]. represent Norwich City FC in the English Colleges League, in addition
Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 9 Other Courses COEly College offers a rangeUR of other courses to complement SES… Level 3 Other Courses and extend your academic and vocational learning. Qualification and Grade New UCAS Points
Level 3: Extended Project Extended Project
Qualification (EPQ) A* 28 The extended project qualification enables students to A 24 develop their interests in a self-directed project. The EPQ is highly regarded by universities and attracts UCAS points. B 20
C 16 Level 3: The AAT Diploma in Accounting D 12 AAT is the UK`s leading professional body for vocational accountants. Ely College is one of a handful of schools E 8
in the UK accredited to offer this course which is highly AAT Diploma in Accounting 56 sought by employers. The diploma attracts UCAS points and is often studied with the Extended Diploma in Business or A Levels.
Level 2: Professional Cookery City and Guilds Enrichment The professional cookery course is a vocational course for students interested in a career in catering and hospitality.
Level 3: Administration (Business Professional) This qualification is suitable for students interested in a career in office administration. It does not attract UCAS points but is a recognised route into employment.
Employability and Life Skills This course is suitable for students working at Entry Level and Level 1 qualifications. Students should contact Mrs Eileen Mullin for further information; [email protected]
GCSE Mathematics and English Maths and English will be offered at an appropriate level for all students who have not yet achieved at least C grade at GCSE.
All courses listed were correct at the time of going to press
10 Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 Post-16 Enrichment EnrichmEducation does not end in the classroom, which is why we set As a member of the Sixth Form,e you will be challengednt to get aside an afternoon each week for a wide variety of enrichment involved in the life of Ely College more widely too. This could activities, offering all students opportunities to broaden their include organising activities for children with special needs, skills, try out new activities, compete on behalf of the Sixth assisting with displays around the College, representing the Form, or simply unwind. The programme changes termly but College in sporting or academic events, working on the College’s the activities and courses available will include: newspaper, and so on.
• Life Skills programmes such as first aid, self-defence, touch The Sixth Form is expanding its range of international trips, typing, car maintenance, pre-driving theory, beginner’s which currently include a Media Studies visit to New York and Spanish, Community Sports Leaders Award and Microsoft Washington DC, a Performing Arts trip to LA, a Geography field Academy trip to Naples and a volunteering project in Kenya.
• A wide range of both competitive and casual sports, including football, netball, mixed hockey, golf, basketball, tennis, badminton, volleyball, softball, archery and aerobics
• A wide variety of volunteering opportunities, ranging from assisting in schools to tackling environmental problems; from DJing in a youth club to sports coaching or peer group mentoring to prevent alcohol or drug abuse
• Clubs and Societies such as Young Enterprise, Film Club, Art Club, photography and a Debating Society
Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 11 WHATWhat to do NEXT?next?
How do I apply? that you are interested in and enjoy, as these will normally lead you All students must apply using the Cambridge Area Partnership towards a higher education course or career that will suit you. (CAP) On-line Application Process. This can be accessed through all schools within CAP*. Students unable to access this system should Visit us contact the Sixth Form directly on 01353 652818. Prospectuses such as this one can help you in deciding whether a sixth form is right for you, but nothing beats a visit. Come in to see How do I choose my subjects? us for yourself, either for our Open Evening on Wednesday 4th Our website contains information about every course currently on November 2015, during one of our Taster Days, or by calling 01353 offer in the Sixth Form. It details the units you will be studying and 652818 and arranging a visit directly. how they are assessed. We recommend that you choose subjects
*Cambridgeshire Area Partnership Schools include: Bottisham Village College, Ely College, Cottenham Village College, Impington Village College, Soham Village College, St Bede’s Inter-Church School and Witchford Village College.
12 Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 AdmissionsAdmissions numbers The Year 12 cohort is expected to be in the range of 120 to • Students with a sibling at the College at the time of 170 students, and the minimum number of external applicants admission. to be admitted will be 40. Please note that the availability of • Students in a CAP school. places in certain curriculum subjects may determine if the • Students in a Cambridgeshire school not offering the oversubscription criteria detailed below are applied. courses requested.
Entry to the College will not be determined by a formal • Students in any school without a Sixth Form. interview, but an informal guidance meeting will be held to • Students in any school not offering the courses requested. advise students on appropriate course selection. Oversubscription in a Category A written reference will be sought from your current school as Priority will be given to students living nearest to the College, to the suitability of the course and level being considered. as measured by a straight line. The distance, for admission Oversubscription purposes, is measured using the straight line distance from the centre point of the home to the main student entrance to the The revised School Admissions Code allows the opportunity for College. These distances can be produced by the LA Admissions over admission if the demand for available courses can be met, Team for the College. the College reserves the right to apply the admission criteria below where the permitted flexibility is likely to prejudice the For families who live outside the area covered by the using a efficiency and effectiveness of the College’s provision. combination of local maps and on-line resources.
Students with a statement of special educational needs that Parents and students have a right to appeal against any decision names the college will be admitted. refusing a Sixth Form place in a school with a Sixth Form. The admission criteria to be used in the case of Appeals must be heard by an independent panel within 40 oversubscription are as follows: school days of the appeal being lodged. • Students looked after by a local authority under the provision of the Children’s Act 1989.
Disclaimer: The information in this prospectus is believed to be accurate at the time of going to press. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that courses are offered as set out in the prospectus or web-site, it may be necessary to vary them at short notice. Ely College Sixth Form reserves the right not to run programmes which are not viable.
Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 13 STUDENTS…
A message from the The Sixth Form Council
A MESSAGEIn the future we want to continue to improve the atmosphere At Ely we feel that Sixth Form is about having a good time as
well as studying. Our Sixth Form Council is here to voice your and physical environment of the Sixth Form and will be looking
opinions and make things happen for all students. towards our fellow students for ideas and inspiration.
We will of course continue to organise events such as the Leavers’ This year, in addition to refurbishing the common room, we Ball and the Freshers’ Party but we are always looking for new have raised hundreds of pounds for charity through a variety of council members to help us develop new ideas for the students here. events including ‘Wear it Pink’ for Breast Cancer Awareness and
‘Christmas Jumper Day’ for Save the Children. Our sixth form is what we make it, so let’s make it the best we can.
14 Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 STUDENTS…Meet our students Grace Knight Sonny Smith Media student Applied Science student Staying on at Ely College was The Applied Science course the logical choice for me. I was suits my way of learning and WHERE?comfortable here, got on well gives me the chance to test with the teachers and really out hypotheses and sharpen liked how the Media course my lab skills. It has involved a was structured. I have loved lot of work but I do feel well the course and now know prepared for my next step that I want to pursue a career which is to work in a research within the media industry. science lab.
Brandon Phillips Stefania Ciobanu Business student International student I started A levels at another I moved from Italy in 2014 and college but didn’t do as well applied to Ely because they I should have, so decided to were willing to offer me the make a fresh start at Ely College chance to study Business with only my Italian qualifications. Sixth Form. I am doing the I want to study International Level 3 Business course and Business at a British university A level Maths. I think working next year, so this course is ideal in a smaller environment has for me as it covers such a broad really helped me; the teachers range of topics. I have been have not let me coast and I’m well supported and found it confident that I will do well. really easy to make friends here.
Jack Loveday Sport student I have known for a long time that I want go to uni and then become a PE teacher. I wanted to do the Level 3 Sport course and chose Ely because I liked the smaller class sizes and the personal approach of the teachers. I’ve had to work really hard but it is exactly what I want to do, and I know that I will be well supported in achieving my goals.
Sixth form prospectus 2016/17 15 Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH Telephone: (01353) 667 763 (Main school) | (01353) 652 818 (Sixth Form) (01353) 664 853 (Community Office) Email: [email protected] | www.elycollege.com