6th

Form Handbook 2014-15

This is your guide to 6th form life at Beaconsfield High School.

It was complied with the help of current 6th formers, (some of whom were new to 6th

form), and aims to present you with what you need to know at the start of Year 12 to

get the most out of your 6th form experience.

The guide is split into sections:

- what to expect in the first few weeks

- aspects of 6th Form life

We hope this guide will be a useful supportive tool for your time at Beaconsfield High

School.

Section 1 - Transition to 6th

form

At the moment, you are probably feeling unsure about what to expect in the 6th form.

Many students worry that they will be under a lot of pressure and the work may be

too challenging. Don’t worry! The step up from GCSEs to AS Levels is manageable.

It may take a little while to adapt, but if you persevere, work hard, plan, don’t get

behind with work and make the most of your study periods, you will soon find you are

coping with the workload. The important thing is to ask for support if you feel that you

are not coping.

What do I need to get for 6th form

Before you arrive:

A large lever arch file and your own supply of paper

One folder for each subject to be kept at home

Lots of pens (especially black – needed for exams)

Highlighters

When you are at school:

Buy a student planner from the 6th form office

Printer credits - you will receive an initial quantity of credits, but if you need more,

you can buy them from the ICT office which is located on the first floor of the

Technology block, or via scopay.

Money for food from the cafeteria - we run a fingerprint recognition system for food

and we will sign you up to this so you can put cash on your account initially then use

scopay to keep your account topped up.

Tutor Groups

There are 14 tutor groups and your 6th form tutor group will include both Year 12 and

Year 13 students. This is called ‘vertical tutoring’ and is arranged deliberately so that

you have older students to speak to, to go to for advice and help both on life in the

6th form and beyond. If you are joining us in the 6th form, you can speak to Year 13s

in your group who may have been in the same position last year, and who can help

you through the transition period of coming into a new school. Check the student

bulletin and form folder each day for information. All information given out must be

dealt with promptly.

I need help – where do I go????? Subject Teachers If you are having trouble with a particular subject, talk to your teachers. They may not realise you have a problem, but will be able to give you ideas to help you with their subject. Do not wait until a hand-in deadline has passed to ask for help. Form Tutors Form Tutors are the first people you or your parents should speak to if there are problems. You will be in the same form for Year 12 & Year 13. Your tutor is the person who will write your university reference and as such will meet with you individually to discuss your progress in each subject. Get to know your tutor and make sure that your tutor knows you. Head of Year 12 Dr Boxall is your Head of Year. She will be able to help you with any of your problems and her office overlooks the 6th form social area. Head of Year 13 / 6th form office Mrs Hall is Head of Year, Head of 6th form and also looks after the administration for the 6th form with Mrs Byng. The 6th form office is opposite K5. School Counsellor Mrs Ingram is our school counsellor and is there to help you with any issues you may have concerning your organisation or with other sensitive or personal issues where you need a trained counsellor to help. Mrs Ingram can be accessed directly from her VLE link. Her office is on the bottom corridor of the main building. Matron We have two Matrons who job share, and they can be found in their office at the bottom of the Tower Block. REMEMBER IT IS NOT AN ADMISSION OF FAILURE TO ASK FOR HELP BUT A MATURE APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU CANNOT COPE ALONE. It shows that you have realised that you need extra support and as you can see, there are lots of ways you can get that support. Always try to fix a problem by asking for help as early as possible.

The day to day stuff:

School Day

Registration is at 8.50 prompt, so be in your registration base by 8.45

Period 1: 9.10 -10.10

Period 2: 10.10 -11.10

Break: 11.10 -11.30

Period 3: 11.30 - 12.30

Period 4: 12.30 - 13.30

Lunch: 13.30 - 14.30

Period 5: 14.30 -15.30

School ends at at 15.30

We have a 2 week timetable. The bulletin will tell you which week it is.

Week A

House Assembly – Friday in fixed locations

Year 12 & 13 Assembly – Thursday in Main Hall

Week B

Year 12 Assembly – Monday in Cafeteria

Year 13 Assembly – Friday in Cafeteria

Assembly This will be held twice a week - once in the Main Hall with Years 12 and 13 and once

with your year group in the cafeteria. It is important that students gather together to

receive information, consider important issues and feel part of the whole community.

Attendance is compulsory

6th FORM UNIFORM

Winter/Spring term Plain or patterned top Black or navy business skirt (more skirt than thigh)

Black or navy dress (small pattern permitted) Black or navy Business trousers (no patch pockets) Shoes, boots or sandals* Tights (not brightly coloured) Jacket (optional except for formal occasions) Jumper/cardigan (no sweatshirts) Summer term (after Easter) The black skirt or trousers may be replaced with: Patterned/floral/coloured business length skirt Or similar business length dress Trousers with small pattern – may be ¾ length or capri style. Hair must be of a natural colour, makeup suitable for daytime and students can wear up to 2 earrings in each ear; an unobtrusive nose stud is permitted. NOT ACCEPTABLE: Tops with words/logos or pictures Hoodies or any tops with a hood Spaghetti strap dresses or tops (straps must be wide enough to cover bra straps) Racing back T shirts Tops showing midriff or cleavage Leggings Skin tight trousers Jeans or denim of any sort Body con skirts (or skirts that are T-shirt material) Shorts Ugg-style slouchy/ furry/ Doc Marten style boots Trainers, including Converse/ Vans styles, and canvas shoes Flip flops High heels Tongue or facial piercings

Any students wearing items deemed by staff to be non-acceptable will be given a verbal warning which will be recorded & monitored on SIMS. Persistent breaking of the dress code will result in a formal lunchtime detention, followed by after school detention. (See the Behaviour for Learning Guidelines.) *Covered shoes (not sandals or flipflops) should be worn for all practical work (Science and Tech) and low heels (2 inch max) for labs) “Dress down Friday” for the 6th Form will take place once a month - dates will be published and displayed at the start of the school year. Lunch Hour You are allowed to leave school in year 12 but ONLY in the lunch hour. If you leave the school premises during lunch time, you must sign the In/Out book held in the entrance to K Block.

Cafeteria You have access to the canteen from 08.30. There is a breakfast menu available from 8.30 -10.30, during which hot drinks and pastries are served. After that food is available at break time and lunch time. Payment is through a thumb print recognition system. You will be registered for this on your first day. Money can be topped up to your account by the cash machine in student reception, or from home via scopay. Please ask Mrs Hall for details. Fire Assembly point On hearing the fire alarm all students must evacuate the building in a calm, quiet and sensible manner and line up alphabetically in form groups, and in silence. The assembly point is on the grass opposite the Tower Block. You must find your tutor, who will take the register. The signing In/Out book is provided for your safety and informs us of who is on the premises in the event of a fire. Please ensure that you use it correctly. Punctuality We place great emphasis on punctuality. Late arrival for lessons is discourteous and disrupts the learning for all in the class. Employees in successful businesses are expected to be on time; the same applies to you. As a 6th Form student, you will be made accountable for your conduct and your punctuality. Attendance Full attendance is essential and expected. The day starts with compulsory registration at 08.50. If you arrive after this time you will be marked ‘late’ or ‘absent’. A register will be taken in every lesson and we will contact absentees if the subject teacher feels it is appropriate. Regular attendance reports will give your attendance percentage and a minimum of 90% is required to remain on the course and to be entered for the examination. Prolonged absence due to circumstances beyond

your control may require you to retake the year. Parents & guardians can see a student’s attendance online at all times. Holidays Holidays must not be taken in school time. They really do disrupt the continuity of study essential for success. Poor attendance may affect your progression to Year 13 and Heads of Department may withdraw you from examinations if they feel that your attendance levels are unacceptable. Leave of absence forms must be completed two weeks in advance for legitimate requests for absence from school. Illness If you are absent, your parent or guardian must notify school before 08.45. Please telephone the 6th Form Office on 01494 673043 ext 223 and leave a message on the voice mail. The answer machine is always on and messages may be left at any time before 08.45. For each subsequent day of your absence, school must again be notified before 08.45. Absence notes are not required if this procedure is followed. All 6th form students who are feeling ill during the school day, should go to Matron, who will decide whether or not they should be sent home. If they are to be sent home, they will be given a red slip and will need to sign out of school at the 6th form office.

Text messaging If an absence call is not received or a leave of absence form has not been completed for the day of student absence, a text message will be sent to the mobile of the person who is classified Priority 1 on the student details, requesting that they call school to confirm the student’s absence. Unexplained absences will be checked by your Form Tutor, and Parents/Guardians will be asked to provide a letter to cover these times. Medical appointments Students should not book appointments when they will miss lessons but, if this is unavoidable, they will need to provide parental consent (email/call) and sign out at the 6th Form Office. If the absence is likely to be of half a day or more students must complete a Leave of Absence form from the 6th Form Office University Open Days/Work Experience You will be encouraged to find out about university courses and visit universities. Try to attend those arranged for Saturdays or during holiday times. You may have up to 5 days Leave of Absence inclusive across Years 12 & 13 for university visits and work experience days. This does not include post-offer university visits. If you have to miss school, please complete a university Leave of Absence form available from the 6th Form Office. Role and responsibilities Role Model As a 6th Former, you are very much looked up to by younger students. You must therefore set the standards for those who will be looking to you as role models. These are examples of things which you must NOT do:

Swear or otherwise behave inappropriately

Smoke anywhere near school premises

Sunbathe at school

Dress inappropriately

Sleep in the 6th form area/use the 6th Form social areas inappropriately

Leave the school premises without permission Teacher Absence If teachers are ill or away on INSET you will be expected to go to your normal room where work will have been set for you. If you cannot find any work, it is your responsibility to find work from another member of staff of the relevant department. It is important that you discuss problems caused by staff absence with your Form Tutor, Mrs Hall or Dr Boxall. Teachers will expect set work to be done by the following lesson. Please register your attendance at the lesson with Mrs Hall. Work – Paid Employment We understand the need to earn money to support your demanding social lives. However, this desire for money now, must not impinge on your studies and therefore, the possibility of achieving your academic potential later on. We would recommend that paid employment takes up no more than eight hours per week. If you fall behind in your studies, or you have unauthorised absences you may be expected to attend detentions, including a Saturday, irrespective of work commitments - therefore avoid this situation. Parents and Guardians Education is a three-way partnership between students, teachers and parents. Parents want to know how you are progressing. Don’t forget: they are supporting you and you have a responsibility to inform them of your progress. So do we. Your parents will be able to see your bi-termly grades online Parents will be invited to a ‘Welcome to Year 12’ evening in the autumn term to inform them about the expectations of the 6th Form, and a ‘Planning my future Information’ evening in the spring term, as well as a Year 12 Parents’ evening to discuss your academic progress and further discussions with your tutor in the summer term. You are encouraged to attend parents’ evenings wherever possible. Leave of Absence Forms Yellow Leave of Absence forms are available from the 6th form office and cover absence such as driving tests, external examinations etc, They do not cover holidays. Blue Leave of Absence forms are available for university visits.

Driving Lessons These must be arranged outside of school hours. You will be permitted to take both the theory and practical driving tests within school time if absolutely necessary. In this instance you must complete a leave of absence with at least two weeks’ notice. It is not acceptable to call the 6th form office and inform school of your absence on the day of your test.

Parking Permits When you have passed your test you will be most welcome to drive to school; however, car parking space is limited on site. There are a limited number of ‘6th form student permits’ available and you must speak to Mrs

Hall if you would like one. These are available to students who bring at least one or more other students into school. Permit holders may only park in designated areas. Other students’ cars must not be parked in the school car parks without permission. It is possible to park on some neighbouring roads, however, please make sure you park sensibly. Do not upset our neighbours by blocking driveways, spending time playing loud music or dropping litter. Cars should park at least one metre away from driveways and students must be respectful of the householder at all times. We will contact the parents of any student found to be parking in places which cause problems for the local residents. Please ensure you give the 6th Form Office full details of your car registration, colour, make and model as soon as you begin to drive to school. Please let Mrs Hall know of any car parking incidents involving local residents. Studying in the 6th form

Academic success for the vast majority is only achieved by hard work making full use of the resources available to them. Within the 6th Form Centre these resources include: Your subject Teachers Please value them, talk to them, discuss your problems, use their

experience, always work with them and have a positive working relationship with them. Learning Resource Centre

6th Form students are welcome to study in the LRC in their private study time. A 6th Form reference library is available for you to supplement your textbooks. Appropriate periodicals, CD-ROMs etc, are also available for background research. Mrs Harris will help you find resource materials if you ask. Please return books to where you

found them and ensure that the library is a place for silent study. There is a specific 6th form study area - please make use of it during your study periods! It is open all day and is specifically for you. Schemes of work/syllabuses Teachers will issue these to you where appropriate so that you can follow your progress and plan your revision. Study Skills One of the hardest aspects of transition from GCSE to A levels is the very different ways in which you should undertake your studies. You will be given time and support to develop these skills.

Academic success revolves to a great extent around your ability to manage your time. The great temptation after GCSEs is to relax a little because the threat of exams has again faded into the distance. This is not wise. Consistent application to your studies is essential for success. Spend time on background reading, allow time for completing your essays and find time to discuss your progress with your teachers. Learn from your mistakes and build upon your successes. Year 12 PSHCE sessions will include effective study techniques and time management skills to help you with this. Plan your time to fit social, sporting activities, music, work and travel, around your studies but not at their expense. The 6th form area can be used for study during lesson times and is equipped with WiFi. Please see Mrs Harris or the ICT team for information. Computers The computers based in the K block are for the use of all members of the community. Make sure you are considerate and take your turn at busy times and ensure they are not damaged in any way or tampered with. You must not eat or drink in the computing area. Games and senseless surfing are not permitted. Please tidy up and recycle the waste paper found by the printer. Course Changes Students wishing to change courses in September must complete an ‘Application to Change AS Course’ form. Please make sure you discuss your plans with your subject teachers, form tutors, Mrs Hall, Dr Boxall and your parents. It is not permitted to give up one subject and start another without spending time discussing all the ‘knock-on’ effects with all concerned. You must obtain the form from Mrs Hall. The deadline for course changes is Friday 12 September 2014. Coursework and deadlines Please make sure you know all your Department coursework deadlines. Deadlines are immovable without exceptional, mitigating circumstances; for example, delay due to illness must be accompanied by a Doctor’s note. Failure to meet a deadline will result in zero marks being awarded. Employers and Admission Tutors in Higher Education are keen to know how well you manage your time to meet deadlines. Teachers will set realistic deadlines for essays and coursework. They may not, however, know your individual circumstances. If you have problems, discuss them in advance. Do not simply suffer in silence and get stressed or ignore them. Learning to manage your time effectively is a valuable skill and teachers will not tolerate students who simply ‘turn up’ without completed work having failed to discuss the issue beforehand. Planned work for the next lesson

6th form students are expected to organise their own time both in and out of school to ensure that all work and wider reading is completed. Year 12 students are expected to do a minimum of 4 hours of work per subject, outside of lesson time; Year 13 students are expected to do at least 5 hours of work per subject outside of lesson time. (These minimum study hours may not be enough for some students, especially until they become familiar with the different approaches to 6th Form study)

Examinations Attending the course is not the only thing you have to do to be entered in the final examination. Examinations are expensive and we will not waste public money if, in the opinion of the subject teachers, you have not made the required effort to be entered and will, therefore, probably fail. It is your responsibility to ensure your examination entries are correct. Early in the term you will be given an exam entry statement and it is vital you check this and advise Mrs Garcia (Exams Officer) of any errors or amendments required. We hope that you will be pleased with your examination results at the end of the year. However, please note that if you decide to request a re-mark, grades can go down as well as up! Applications for re-marks must be made in writing and you will be required to pay for the re-mark when you complete the enquiry application form. It is important to realise that Universities are informed directly of all exams taken by their potential students including resits. Universities are not impressed by students who take a large number of AS / A2 resits. To take a resit is a very important decision and one that should be taken on advice from the appropriate Department. In effect, resits should only be taken if there is overwhelming evidence that there will be the distinct possibility of an improvement in the module mark. No more than 2 resits should be taken in one session. Should you decide to re-take one of your modules, you should apply to Mrs Garcia well in advance of the closing date: early March for the summer session. Exact dates will be published at school. No request will be accepted after these dates except in extreme circumstances. A fee is payable for all resits and you may also be required to pay a contribution towards invigilation expenses. Please note that once a resit application is submitted, you will be expected to attend the examination; withdrawal from the exam is not an option. If you do not attend, the exam board will issue you with a “0” for that module. The exam board sets strict deadlines for enquires about results. It is crucial that you meet the internal deadlines which you are given by Mrs Garcia to ensure the school is able to adhere to the exam board deadline or your qualification may be adversely affected. All examinations, both external and internal, must be taken very seriously and you should ensure you are familiar with all exam rules and regulations and abide by them. It is particularly important when you are taking an exam that you arrive at school before 9am/1.30pm. If your exam is scheduled for a later start time, you are required to be under supervision and you should report to the LRC as soon as you arrive. Subject teachers will give specific advice on examination technique. If you qualify for special access arrangements eg use of word processor, extra time, rest breaks or specific equipment, you must arrange this directly with the Learning Support Department at the beginning of the academic year.

Results Please find out from Mrs Garcia or Mrs Hall when your AS/A2 results day will be in August. It is vital that you are present to receive these results to ensure progression into Year 13. Do not book any holidays for this time. Any student not achieving at least 3 D grades will not have automatic entry to year 13 and will have to be present to make an appeal. Also any student receiving an E grade in any subject will not have automatic entry to continue the course to A2 and will need to be present to decide a course of action. Similarly, do ensure you will also be present the following year to receive your A2 grades as any contact with universities can only be made by the student concerned. Mobile Phones Please ensure phones are switched off in lessons and in the LRC. Mobile phones must not be taken into exams. Please complete the form in the tutor folder advising Mrs Hall of your mobile phone number. Study periods Study periods are those periods at school where you do not have a timetabled lesson. You are expected to use these periods to work on AS/A2 subject work, on research and future plans, and on any other school based activities. Study in the 6th form requires commitment, time management and self-discipline. The effectiveness of your private study will be reflected in being able to keep to deadlines and also being able to find time for all the other important things in life – socialising, sports, travel, paid employment etc. The challenge is to find the balance. The LRC is an ideal location to study, both during and after school hours, and students may also undertake private study in the 6th form area or the “hot desk” areas in the K Block Please have consideration for your fellow students who wish to study quietly and save your conversations for break and lunch time. Some departments may have resource areas where you will be welcome to study. There may also be some vacant classrooms suitable for private study. Please ask at the 6th form office

PSHCE This takes place during one lesson per week and will include a large variety of essential activities including units on study skills, charity work, preparation for university, short courses on health topics, current affairs, study/library skills, and careers. Visits from outside speakers are frequently arranged. These may be University representatives and some of our ex-students. Attendance is compulsory and a register will be taken. Planning your future

Careers Advice Careers information will be displayed on the appropriate notice boards and in the Careers Library in the LRC and will be accessible at all times. Please ensure you leave it as you like to find it, (ie tidy), and do not remove any Higher Education prospectuses. Your own copy can be easily obtained. The course “Planning my future” is available on the VLE and contains lots of useful information about university applications and other paths you may take after leaving school.

Community Service There are several reasons for becoming involved with the community.

a) wishing to put something back into a community that has supported you for five years.

b) having an interest in a career within the caring professions; c) wanting to build up information to feature on your UCAS personal statement;

d) generally enjoy helping others. Community Service may take many forms. It may include working with the Learning Support Department, supporting younger students who have specific learning difficulties in-class support helping teachers focus attention on specific pupils or helping to coach groups in, for example, PE lessons. A ‘Buddy System’ is also available on a case by case basis for those younger students who feel they need extra support from an older, more experienced student. Please see or email the Student Welfare Prefect for details. Charity work Charity work in general is a wonderful opportunity to widen our support to other communities, ranging from local organisations to international appeals. The community involvement will be regularly monitored and recorded on your reports. We would also encourage you to get involved with voluntary work in the local community, eg schools, playgroups etc. Work Experience This is an important part of your educational experience. Many universities require you to have completed a programme in a related work area, eg hospital or school. We ask you to complete this in holiday times so as not to disrupt your studies, or you may use up to 2 of your study periods per week. Please see Mrs Hall for details. You must take care to ensure you are fully insured by the employer. Extra-curricular Activities Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme This very well respected scheme is offered to 6th Form students at Beaconsfield High School and is co-ordinated by Mrs Sanders. The scheme gives opportunities to develop many skills and to experience camping and exploring in the British mountains. There are four sections at three levels: gold, silver and bronze. 6th Form students are welcome to start at any level but the length of time required to complete the course lengthens correspondingly when comparing bronze with silver or gold. Those who have started the award in Years 10/11 are encouraged to continue. Employers and universities favour students who show the qualities required in achieving this award. Involvement in school life There are many areas where you can make a difference in the 6th form. We encourage you to become involved with the many activities to make the most of your time in the 6th form. The more you put in the more you will get out. Remember, these activities can be ideal for you to mention on your university application or CV.

The following is a list of some examples of areas where you can help.

Prefects

Form Committees/Representatives/Student Council

Head of Houses/Years

Focus

Charity fundraising

School Prom

Buddy System

Student Welfare Mentors

School Open Evenings Prefects Prefects are key members of our community. To be elected as a prefect is an honour. It however brings with it considerable responsibilities and demands a high level of commitment. It is, however, very rewarding and will be very valuable to you in terms of completing the section “positions of responsibility” on any reference. The process of election happens in the spring term and office runs for one year. A list of current prefects is available on the VLE. As well as the prefect team, there are other prefect positions available in school. You may wish to become a subject or a PR prefect, or a form prefect. Details of all prefect roles will be available when the process is advertised. Progression into Year 13 Post AS Exams Once you finish your AS exams, you will return to school to follow a programme of A2 subject induction sessions in all four of your AS subjects and you will be set assignments to be completed by the end of the summer term. Your attendance is required in all subjects and any work set needs to be completed to an acceptable standard in order to ensure progression from AS to A2. Entry to Year 13 Our policy is that you normally need to have achieved a minimum of 3 grade Ds at AS in order to continue to study these subjects at A2. However, every student’s individual situation is looked into very carefully, and where there may be reasons for not achieving the grades of which you are capable, eg illness or other problems during Year 12, special consideration can be given. In cases of serious underachievement, you may appeal by letter to the Governors’ Appeals Panel outlining your situation and asking for the opportunity to return to school in Year 13. This panel sits to consider individual appeals immediately after the AS grades are awarded.

UCAS (University and Colleges Admission Service) This is the organisation that co-ordinates the entry processes to Higher Education. The whole process will be explained to you in Year 12 during PSHCE lessons and to your parents during the Planning my Future Information evening in April/May. It is essential that you have clear, realistic goals and aim for the best university course possible. Please help yourself to become informed: use the careers library regularly and the UCAS website. This advice also applies if you choose to enter the world of work directly from school. Finally………. Whilst your time in our 6th Form is likely to consist of very hard work, especially as you get used to the demands of A-level study, it is also a time of great opportunity for you. Our advice is: ask when you are unsure about anything – but especially if work is getting on top of you -, take the opportunities as they are presented to you and, put as much effort into your 6th Form experience as you possibly can. The 6th Form is your transition to work or further study; you can learn some extremely useful transferable skills if you put in the time and effort. Don’t waste this experience.