Post 16

N.B. Deadline date for September 2010 applications is Friday 26th February for BOTH internal and external applicants

Click here for a copy of the internal application form

Click here for a copy of the external application form

The post 16 curriculum is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of talents and abilities but with a clear focus on providing mainly an academic Advanced Level Sixth Form programme. The school appreciates that many of its students in Year 11 will seek to return to the sixth form, based on their confidence in the school staff and the success they have achieved at GCSE. However, for some, entry to A level courses will not be possible or suitable. The school therefore provides some limited non A level options.

Prospectus	Subject Information	External Application Form	Confidential Reference Form	EMA	Admission Procedures

Enrichment and PSHE	Careers Guidance	Facilities and Activities	Behaviour and Attendance	Further Assistance	Complaints Procedure

Higher Education

PROSPECTUS

The Sixth Form Prospectus contains the following information:

The Sixth Form Curriculum
Admission Criteria
Admissions Procedures
Facilities and Activities
Aims of the School
Behaviour & Discipline
School Term Dates
The School Day
Holidays During Term Time
Personal Equipment
Cafeteria System
Sixth Form Activities
Summary of GCE A/AS Level Results
GCE ‘A’ Level Results 2009
Higher Education Entrants 2009

Please click here to view the Prospectus

SUBJECT INFORMATION

The Subject Information Booklet contains details about the following courses:

Applied Art and Design – Double Award
Applied Science – BTEC National Diploma
Art – Fine Art – Advanced Level
Biology – Advanced Level
Business Studies – Advanced Level
Business Studies – BTEC National Diploma
Chemistry – Advanced Level
Critical Thinking – Advanced Level
Drama & Theatre Studies – Advanced Level
Economics – Advanced Level
English Literature – Advanced Level
Further Mathematics – Advanced Level
Geography – Advanced Level
Graphics – Advanced Level
History – Advanced Level
Information Communications Technology– Advanced Level
Mathematics – Advanced Level
Media Studies – Advanced Level
Modern Foreign Languages – Advanced Level
Music – Advanced Level
Art – Digital Photography – Advanced Level
Physical Education – Advanced Level
Physics – Advanced Level
Psychology – Advanced Level
Religious Studies – Advanced Level
Sociology – Advanced Level
Statistics – Advanced Level

Please click here to view the Subject Information Booklet

APPLICATION FORM FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS

Unless you are currently studying at Ashmole School you will need to complete the external application form which is available below.

Please click here for the external application form in pdf format

REFERENCE FORM FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS

Unless you are currently studying at Ashmole School you will also need to complete the confidential reference form which is available below.

Please click here for the confidential reference form in pdf format

EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE (EMA)

What is EMA?
• EMA is a weekly payment of £10, £20 or £30 depending on your household income.
• There are also £100 bonuses if you stick with further education and make good progress.

Household Income Education Maintenance Allowance entitlement

Up to (before tax)

A young person who is under the care of a Local Authority, or living with Foster Parents is entitled to the maximum EMA payment without any income assessment - providing that they enclose a letter from their Local Authority with their Application Form, to confirm this status.

To encourage you to stick with your studying, EMA will also pay bonuses up to a total of £500 if you remain on your course and make good progress with your learning!

You can get an application form by:

• Calling the national EMA help line free on 0800 121 8989 or,

• By visiting the EMA website at www.ema.dfes.gov.uk or,

• Asking at a school or college or,

• Visiting your local Connexions office.



ADMISSION PROCEDURES

Ashmole Students

The following is the programme for applications to the Ashmole Sixth Form for students who are currently members of Year 11.

1. Initial meeting with personal tutor will occur before Christmas exploring progress at GCSE and starting to consider post 16 destinations.
2. During the week beginning Monday 18th January students will receive an Application Form. This should be returned by 26th February.
3. During the Spring Term students will be interviewed by a senior member of staff who will be able to give additional advice.
4. Before GCSE written papers commence, students will be informed whether their application is appropriate.
5. On 31st August 2010, after GCSE results are known, students who have been offered a provisional place must attend enrolment to confirm choices. Decisions will be finalised after this process. It is essential that students attend on this date.

Non-Ashmole Students

1. All applications should be received by Friday 26th February 2010.
2. Successful applicants will be given an offer provisionally subject to exam results. All candidates who are offered places must attend the Enrolment Day, bringing evidence of all qualifications, on 31st August when courses are confirmed.
3. It is acceptable to make an application to the Sixth Form on the Enrolment Day (31st August 2010). Proof of the applicants' qualifications will be required together with their birth certificate and/or passport.
4. Applications received after the enrolment day will be treated as a late application and only considered if the student meets the criteria and that there is a place available.
5. If students are unable to attend on the Enrolment Day due to medical or religious grounds they must contact the school and an alternative date will be arranged.

Only students eligible for LSC funding will be admitted. To be eligible to LSC funding as a pupil in a school sixth form, a young person must:

• Be under 19 years of age at the start of their sixth form programme of study
• Have the right of abode in England (non-European Economic Area [EEA] nationals will generally not be eligible for LSC funding unless accompanying parents with the legal right to reside in the UK ).

What happens if a particular subject becomes full
The school has limited resources. There is therefore a limit on the number of teachers and classrooms available and on the number of subjects and classess offered in the Sixth Form. In addition, there has to be a limit on class size, beyond which larger groups may result in detriment to the examination prospects of the students studying the subject. Ideally, Sixth Form groups should be kept to around 20 students with few reaching 24 students.

If a subject becomes full, every effort will be made by the school to explore with the students ways to resolve the difficulty considering alternative choices. However, if, after that process, the subject remains full, offers of places will be made in order of:-

1. Looked after students
2. Students for whom places on appropriate courses are available
3. GCSE points

Students who have special needs
Year 11 students who have a statutory statement of Special Educational Needs will receive guidance regarding the transition from Year 11 into Post 16 education, arranged by the Head of Learning Support, relying on the services of Y-Gen. A part of that guidance will involve impartial advice, considering the most suitable options for the student to choose Post 16, with these options being those that are most likely to lead to successful employment or continued further/higher education.

Students with a statuory statement of Special Educational Needs may apply to study courses available in the Sixth Form, complying with the entry criteria that are applicable to all students.

Disability/Gender Statement
Ashmole School welcomes applications from students of all abilities, ethnicity and faith. Ashmole is fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and welcomes applications from those with disabilities. We work with parents and carers to meet fully the needs of all students.

Gifted and Talented
Ashmole School provides a number of additional opportunities to 6th Form students who are particularly gifted and talented, and therefore, intend to apply to universities of a more specialised nature. In order to stretch these most able students and to prepare them thoroughly for their future university choices, a wide range of additional activities are provided of which some examples are given below.

•  AS Critical Thinking offered in Year 12 in addition to the 4 subjects studied at AS Level

•  Process for university applications to Oxbridge and Medical Schools start in the final term of Year 12

•  Weekly dedicated sessions after school for Oxbridge applicants

•  Speaker from Oxbridge attends Higher Education evening

•  Cambridge University seminar at Ashmole at the end of Year 12

•  Cambridge Challenge Day for Year 12

•  LSE Choice programme offered to the most able students

•  Weekly “Current Affairs Forum” held after school to discuss the events of the day

•  School and Science Debating Clubs takes place every week and enter national competitions

•  LSE Pathways to Law Programme

•  Careers at the Bar seminar at the Inner Temple

•  Bar National Mock Trial

•  Variety of theatre trips held in the evenings

•  Science Department hosts a series of outside speakers after school from UCL and Imperial College, London

•  PHD graduates from Imperial College talk regarding careers in Science

•  Links with National Institute for Medical Research including students participating in summer research projects funded by Nuffield Bursary

•  Sixth Form Reading Group meets half-termly to discuss a variety of books

Other Subjects

Enrichment and PSHE

While the achievement of academic excellence is at the core of our work, a complete Sixth Form education requires more than this.

The Ashmole Enrichment Programme is designed to give students a wide range of experiences. There is a programme of diverse activities such as the opportunity to achieve the Sports Leaders Qualification; to undertake voluntary work within the community; learning how to develop web pages and developing skills in furniture design.

PSHE work in the Sixth Form builds upon the Years 7 to 11 programme. Careers work emphasises progression either through the development of understanding of UCAS procedures, advice regarding Further Education or opportunities in employment. Students participate in an Interview Skills programme, a Citizenship course and a number of other activities of importance to young people.

University

Careers Guidance and Application to University

The majority of Ashmole students go on to university. To support students the school has a comprehensive programme helping students to prepare their application to university through the UCAS programme. As part of this package students attend the UCAS Higher Education convention.

The school has extensive links with many top universities, including Imperial, LSE and Cambridge colleges, whose admission tutors visit the school to assist students with their applications. In addition, Ashmole has a gifted and talented curriculum where exceptional students are supported with a range of activities including specialist staff assisting students with their application to highly prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge colleges and Imperial.

To complement these schemes students have access to a Connexions Personal Advisor who can offer impartial advice about employment and higher education.

Please find admission criteria details here (PDF file).



ENRICHMENT AND PSHE

While the achievement of academic excellence is at the core of our work, a complete Sixth Form education requires more than this.

The Ashmole Enrichment Programme is designed to give students a wide range of experiences. There is a programme of diverse activities which allow the students to gain additional qualifications, skills, knowledge and understanding. The modules that are currently available for students this academic year are:

• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Sign Language
• Driving Theory
• Sports Leadership Award
• Sports Event Management
• Business Enterprise
• Spinney Conservation Project
• Primary School Science

The programme continues to evolve annually owing to the enthusiasm and success of the students taking part in the various projects.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

Ashmole has a Careers programme, which continues with the work and advice given in Year 11. Members of Staff act as an informed and experienced advisory team for those students aiming for University and Higher Education Institutions. Ashmole School has established a large number of contacts with Universities and employers helping us to provide first rate opportunities for our students in a whole variety of areas. Students also have access to a Connexions Personal Careers advisor as required.

Much time is spent in assisting students prepare their applications for Higher Education. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) procedures often appear forbidding, and students are given considerable support and advice during the admissions process.



FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES AT THE SCHOOL

The school has extensive facilities taking advantage of a £14 million building programme completed in 2004. These facilities include a dedicated suite of Science laboratories, a Technology block, a Performing Arts Centre, Business Studies area and other dedicated areas to subjects such as Languages. Humanities and Mathematics. The school also has a suite of Art rooms including an Art Graphics area and a dedicated set of ICT rooms. Sporting facilities are extensive with a Gym, Sports Hall, Multi-games area (tennis, basketball and netball), an all-weather pitch, and sports fields for rugby, football, cricket and atheletics.
Sixth Form students have access to a large Library and resource area equipped with books and also computer access.
Sixth Formers also enjoy the benefits of a large canteen and refectory and a dedicated Sixth Form Common Room.



BEHAVIOUR AND ATTENDANCE

An aim of the school is to create a friendly environment while insisting on strict standards of behaviour and courtesy. The ethos of the school is founded on the quality of relationships between all who work and learn here. Such relationships are characterised by mutual respect, consideration and common courtesy, irrespective of position, gender, race, disability or culture. We all value the positive atmosphere generated at Ashmole School .

We aim to treat each person as an individual and expect each person to achieve high standards, displaying honesty, integrity and politeness in all situations. The school has a uniform and appearance code and requires students to arrive at school fully prepared for work. While Post 16 students do not wear uniform, students must comply with the published dress and appearance code.

Through good models of adult behaviour, consistent approaches in dealing with students and constant encouragement to develop self esteem, we aim to engender self-discipline and autonomous adherence to high standards by all. Our strong, efficient pastoral system supports the positive working attitudes in the school.

The Head Teacher and school staff implement behaviour and discipline practices which are made explicit to students in their school planners and through assemblies and tutorial programmes. The implementation of these practices will involve both sanctions and rewards. Rewards and sanctions will be implemented consistently whilst recognising that the Head Teacher must have regard to the individual situation and the individual pupil. The Head Teacher will use his professional judgment in the implementation of these practices.

The Governing Body has a firm policy against violence, being in possession of dangerous or offensive weapons, smoking, drugs and solvent abuse. The school openly condemns and will exclude, including permanent exclusion, for such offenses. The school will take action against negative attitudes and values including bad manners, racism, sexism, bullying and anything that goes against the school's aims, code of conduct and rules.

Principles

At Ashmole School we believe that the following behaviour from adults and students will encourage even higher standards of behaviour.

• Punctuality
• Clear, appropriate preparation for lessons
• Clear communication
• Clear guidance on the use of sanctions and praise
• Consistent use of praise and sanctions across all years
• Mutual respect and support
• Listening to and valuing the opinions of others.
• Opportunities for student involvement at all levels
• Adults setting high and appropriate standards in behaviour, dress and expectations

Around the School

• All members of the school community should treat one another with respect.
• Punctuality from all is absolutely necessary
• Courtesy at all times is essential in corridors and at doors

Concerning Work

• Any work produced should always be the best effort possible
• All work produced whether in books, for display or for reference must be treated with respect.

At Ashmole School we value

• Telling the truth
• Keeping promises
• Respecting the rights and property of others
• Acting considerately towards others
• Taking responsibility for one's actions
• Self discipline
• Our own skills and the skills of others and will actively encourage pupils who follow these principles
• Achieving or exceeding your personal best

We reject

• Bullying
• Cruelty/Violence
• Cheating/Deceit
• Defiance/Rudeness
• Disobedience/Irresponsibility
• Vandalism/Graffiti
• Prejudice and discrimination including race, gender and disability
• Dishonesty/Theft
• Substance Misuse
• Illegal Activities
• Disruption of, or damage to, the learning of others

We will take action against students who practise these behaviours including exclusion, particularly where serious breaches occur or misbehaviour is repeated.

Sixth Form students are required to be excellent role models for younger students. Their position as student leaders requires them to adhere firmly to the expectatations of the school. Sixth Form students are therefore required to show high standards of behaviour and a positive attitude at all times.

Dress Code - Post 16

Sixth Form students are to dress in a casual but smart manner. They should remember that:

• Wearing football shirts is not allowed.
• Inappropriate slogans must not be worn on shirts.
• Jeans and other trousers should be smart and without rips.
• Shorts are not appropriate for school.
• Boys' hair should be neat, tidy and of uniform length (i.e. without a "step" or patterns cut in it); not cropped, shaven or dyed. Cult or eccentric styles are not permitted. Clean shaven.
• Girls hair should be neat and tidy, avoiding outrageous or cult styles and obvious colourings.
• Body piercing and tattoos are not acceptable. Apart from the ears, no other visible body piercing is allowed, except one small, discrete nose stud.
• Skirts and tops for female students must be of appropriate length.

Attendance
The most successful students have the best attendance. Regular and punctual attendance is, therefore, essential and required. In cases of an unplanned absence, such as illness, a letter from the student's parent/carer giving the dates of absence and the reason should be brought in by the student on their return. This should be handed by the student to their form tutor. All other absences require a letter in advance seeking permission from the Head Teacher. Parents/carers are asked to telephone the school on the first day of absence before 10.00 am. A note must also be brought in on return. If the school has not heard from a parent/carer, the school will contact home. Students are expected to achieve at least 95% attendance with below 90% being unacceptable as it adversely affects their studies. Students are strongly discouraged from taking holidays in term time. Any holiday request must be made in writing, in advance, to the Head Teacher seeking approval. Students who fail to attend school as required may be taken off roll. Post 16 students are not entitled to be off-site during the school day unless permission has been granted. However Sixth Form students are allowed off-site at lunch time.

FURTHER ASSISTANCE

Ashmole Sixth Form has a reputation for enabling students to achieve excellent examination results and entry in to higher education and employment. We wish to ensure that our students feel secure, successful and find their studies enjoyable and rewarding.
If you require any further information about the Sixth Form, please contact the Admissions Secretary by telephone (020 8361 2703).



COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Complaints are first handled by the teacher or form tutor concerned. If the complainant remains dissatisfied, the matter should be referred to the relevant manager, which is the Head of Faculty or Assistant Head Teacher respectively. It is anticipated that most complaints will have been handled effectively at this stage. When making complaints, the school advises that the complainant should be clear and specific as to what the issue is and provide evidence to support the complaint. Should the complainant wish to take the matter further, the matter must be referred to the Head Teacher. Complaints about the Head Teacher are to be referred to the Chair of Governors by writing to him at the school's address.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Students in Year 13 are given guidance and support in the application process for higher education. The school uses the APPLY system of application to UCAS, allowing students to use the Internet at home and/or school - http://www.ucas.com. In addition students are given information on finance, student loans and fees. Useful websites for this information are:

www.aimhigher.ac.uk/student_finance/index.cfm
www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
www.studentsupportdirect.co.uk