Student Handbook 2020-21 Contents Section 1 – General Information 5 Who is who in the KS5 team 6 Sixth Form term dates 7 Map of Academy site 8 Sixth Form tutor groups 9 Frequently asked questions 10 Students new to Astrea Sixth Form St Neots 13 Guidelines for use of Sixth Form Centre zones 14 Attendance 16 Registration 16 Teacher Absence 16 Authorised absences 18 Unexpected absence 19 Unauthorised absence 20 Attendance monitoring and examination entry 20 Part-time work 21 Sixth form absence request form 22 Sixth form guide to using emails 24 Weekly diary 26 What to do when the fire alarm sounds 27 Lost property 28 Dress Code 29 i 16-19 Bursary scheme 31 Parking your car at school 31 Academic expectations 33 Behaviour policy 36 Section 2- Stepping up to the Sixth Form 38 Succeeding in your sixth form studies 39 Student Experience of starting the Sixth Form 41 Student Experience from the end of the journey 42 Making a positive contribution 43 Stepped Interventions 45 Preparing for exams 46 Transition into Year 13 47 Exam Boards and Specifications 48 Section 3 – Post Sixth Form pathways 50 Unifrog 51 Personal Statement writing guide 58 More on UCAS applications 70 Section 4 – Student Wellbeing 72 KS5 courses and stress and anxiety 73 Referral Agencies 75 ii Section 5 – Appendices 78 Doddle 79 Resources Checklist 81 Admissions Policy 84 Academic Expectations Policy 88 Behaviour Policy 93 External student admissions form 96 50Hr Challenge 98 iii Welcome It is my pleasure to welcome you to Astrea Sixth Form St Neots, where I am confident that you will take full advantage of the challenges that await you. Successful Post 16 study demands an independent, diligent and resilient approach so the help and advice in this handbook should be seen as an invaluable reference guide throughout your time with us. If you are unsure about anything in this handbook, or have a question about anything not found here, then please speak to your tutor in the first instance. Best wishes Mark Taylor Director of Astrea Sixth Form St Neots iv Section 1: General Information 5 THE KEY STAGE 5 TEAM Mr M Taylor Director of Astrea Sixth Form St Neots Office S4.7 Mr T Walker Head of Year 13 Office S3.6 Dr D Cullen Head of Year 12 Office S3.7 Mrs J Emanuel KS5 Student Inclusion and Wellbeing Officer Office S3.5 Mrs E Walton KS5 Student Support and Admin Officer Office S3.4 Miss K Bell Most Able Champion F1 Mr M Simpson Sixth Form Transition Office D11 6 TERM DATES Autumn Term 2020 Tuesday 1 September to Friday 18 December 2020 Tuesday 1 September 2020 - Staff Training Day. No Students in school. Wednesday 2 September 2020 - Staff Training Day. No Students in school. Thursday 3 September 2020 - Year 7 only Friday 4 September 2020 - Year 12 and 13 return to school Half term: Monday 24 October to Sunday 01 November 2020 Christmas holiday: Saturday 19 December to Monday 4 January 2021 Spring Term 2021 Tuesday 5 January to Friday 26 March 2021 Tuesday 5 January 2021 - All students in school. Half term: Monday 15 February to Friday 19 February 2021 Summer Term 2021 Monday 12 April to Tuesday 20 July 2021 May Day: Monday 3 May 2021 Half term: Monday 31 May to Friday 4 June 2021 Term ends for students on Friday 16 July 2021 Monday 19 July 2021 - Staff Training Day. No Students in school. Tuesday 20 July 2021 - Staff Training Day. No Students in school. 7 Tennis Map of Academy site N Block (New Build) Astrea Longsands Academy and Courts English (G) Drama Space (G) Fields and fire alarm Astrea Sixth Form St Neots Maths (1) Geography (1) muster point Kings Road Car Park Outdoor Sports F Block gym Business hall Media E Block Art Six Doors KS4 SEN New Social (G, 1, &2) G Block Entrance Gym Sciences & Science D8, D9, Reflection ICT Resources D block Courtyard D10, D11 Room office Stageworks RE (G) Food (1) Richie Old Nursery New H Block MFL Textiles (2) Kitchens Hall Gym Library J Block Hall (G &1) Science History (2) Music Sixth Form fire alarm Admin Staff KS3 muster point C Block Room Technology A11 and Main SLT Entrance offices & Reception G = Ground floor Finance Football Longsands Sports 1 = First floor Pitch Car Park centre 2 = Second floor Astrea Sixth =Main corridors Form: St Neots 8 SIXTH FORM TUTOR GROUPS 2020 - 21 12SWB S Blake J5 12EMS l Murphy J4 12AJH A Hewitt/D Stephenson N17 (J1 temp*) 12CB C Bobbett F34 (J3 temp*) 12KAS K Smith N111 (K1 temp*) 12MDP M Paine N27 (K4 temp*) 12CMC S Sharratt/C Staplehurst N216 (F1 temp*) 12MPS M Simpson D31 (K8 temp*) 13JSS Mrs J Swainston H1 (E31 temp*) 13GES Ms G Sanders E21 13ORW Mr O Willis H32 (C6 temp*) 13PRS Miss P Saklani E1 13CLB Mrs C Beasley N16 (E32 temp*) 13JCP Mrs J Philpott F2 13AAK Mrs A Kay N25 (D23 temp*) 13CJS Miss C Seery D24 * During coronavirus social distancing these tutor rooms will be used. 9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: Where can I find information about St Neots Sixth Form online? A: We have our own website which can be found at astreasixthformstneots.org and there is also a link to the website on the Longsands Academy websites. You can also contact us by email at [email protected]. Q: As I will be studying three or four subjects what happens when I don’t have a lesson? It is really important not to get into the mindset that these are ‘free periods’. Instead you need to think about independent study lessons. You will need to spend a minimum of four hours per week, for each of your subjects, studying outside lessons so developing effective study habits will be essential. An important part of the ‘Stepping Up to the Sixth Programme’ at the beginning of Year 12 will be advising you about how to work independently and to manage your time effectively to achieve success. Q: What is the procedure for absence in the Sixth Form? A: A parent/carer needs to contact us either by phone on 01480 223373 or via our email address [email protected] on the day of absence. If you know that you are going to be absent in advance, for example because you have a dentist appointment or you are going to a University Open Day, you need to complete, in advance, a St Neots Sixth Form Request for Absence form (available from Admin or the Sixth Form Centre). Q: Can I wear what I want in the Sixth Form? A: We are reviewing our dress code at the moment, but, in the meantime, our current dress code expectations can be found in the student handbook or our web-site. You will also be given an identity lanyard and, just like members of Staff, you will be expected to wear it at all times, as it identifies you as an official member of the St. 10 Neots Sixth Form. This is an important part of the Safeguarding policy to ensure the safety of all staff and students on site. Q: Do I need to buy my own text books? What trips will there be for my courses? Most subjects recommend that you purchase your own texts and textbooks so that you can annotate them to help your examination preparation. Also, many departments organise trips, some are essential for the course and some are optional. Included in the student handbook is a ‘text book and trips’ cost sheet. You will be advised at the beginning of the course which texts you need to purchase so there is no need to go out and buy anything now. Financial support is available, such as the 16-19 Bursary, for students whose household income is £20,817 or below as well as those students who have been entitled to Free School Meals. More details about the Bursary are available from Mrs Emanuel. Q: What is St Neots Sixth Form’s advice about part-time work? A: A part-time job can be a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and experience a working environment but it can have an impact on your studies. Research suggests that working more than 8 -10 hours per week can impact your A level and BTEC grades. Part-time work cannot be undertaken during the academic working day. When you join St Neots Sixth Form in September, we will give you more advice and guidance about this topic. Q: Can I use my mobile phone in the sixth form? A: The whole Academy has become a mobile free site. All students, including sixth formers, must not use mobile devices in the main school building at any time. With so many people moving through the corridors, using stairs or waiting outside classrooms, it’s important that everyone is concentrating on where they are going and not distracted by mobile/electronic devices (this includes the use of headphones) You run the risk of confiscation if you don’t follow this guidance. 11 Within the Sixth Form Centre, however, mobile phones/electronic devices may be used appropriately. Several students listen to music with headphones while they work and this is fine. However, other students actually find that their phone is a distraction as they are continually communicating with others or checking for status updates. You will need to consider whether your use of mobile devices supports your learning. Q: If I pass my test, can I bring my car onto site? A: Yes, but you will need to apply for a Driver’s Permit.