Sixth form Guide

Two Year A Levels

These require 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9.

Additional subject specific requirements:

• To study A level Maths you will need a minimum of grade 7 in GCSE Maths.
• To study A level Further Maths you will need a minimum of grade 8 in GCSE Maths.
• To study A level Sciences you will need a minimum of 2 x grade 6s in GCSE Science, plus a grade 6 in Maths

In A Level syllabi the norm is two units of study in each year. In some subjects with practical units these are shown as a third unit. There are no longer AS examinations, although all students will sit mock examinations.

All A level students follow an enrichment course consisting of a range of courses along with PSHCE, private study and Maths/English GCSE resits if required. 

The range of subjects offered at A level are:

PARENT, GUARDIAN AND CARER GUIDE 2023

As a parent, guardian, or someone with caring responsibilities, you’re likely to be one of the most important and trusted sources of information and advice to your child. With that in mind, UCAS has produced this guide. It’s designed to give you the tools to guide and support a young person applying to study at university or college in 2023, through their decision-making and the UCAS application process.

If you have any questions, find out how to get in touch at ucas.com/contact-us.

UCAS 2024 parent guide

VOCATIONAL COURSES

We offer the BTEC Diploma in: Business Studies, Engineering, and Science.

All are the equivalent of 3 levels in terms of their UCAS points, timetable hours and level of work required. These subjects require a minimum of minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9, preferably including a grade 4/5/6 in English and Maths. The Extended Diploma course is most of a timetable; there is room for GCSE resits in Maths and English if required.

Timetable

The timetable will consist of:

• Lessons in your chosen subjects
• A number of individual study periods
• Home study: You are expected to complete 5 hours of study for each A/S or A level subject you have chosen; or 15 hours a week for your BTEC or Applied courses

Assemblies and Tutor Periods

• Assemblies will be held, bi-weekly, as per the rota
• Your attendance is compulsory. Important information will be shared with you
• Tutor periods and PHSCE will allow you to work on your general education and application to university / Apprenteships as appropriate
• You will have the opportunity to become a Prefect and a Subject Ambassador

Attendance and Punctuality

• You must attend all your lessons
• You must attend all your individual study times
• You must attend assemblies
• You must arrive on time to all of these
• You are allowed to leave the site at lunch time as long as you arrive on time to school in the morning
• You must not bring take away food onto the school site
• Your behaviour out of school should be polite and considerate of others. Do not congregate in large groups or drop litter
• Your parents will be contacted if you miss lessons without a medical reason
• Poor attendance will result in you being asked to leave the Sixth Form and study at another institution

Dress Code

Sixth formers are role models for the rest of the school and need to be smartly presented at all times. Identity cards should be visible at all times.

Boys

• A suit or
• Smart trousers
• Shirt and tie
• Suit jacket or blazer
• Shoes

Girls

• A suit or
• Smart trousers, knee length skirt or knee length dress
• Collared shirt or blouse
• Suit jacket or blazer
• Shoes

Jackets may be removed in warm conditions. Jewellery and make-up should be business-like. Clothing must be such that students can be facially identified as Warren students.

The following items are banned:

• Denim jeans and jackets
• Casual trousers – combats, track suits, leggings, jeans style trousers
• Sports wear
• Casual tops –track suit, hoodies, round neck jumpers for boys, low cut tops for girls, T Shirts
• Shorts – only full length trousers may be worn
• Very short skirts, revealing clothing
• Trainers
• Patterns or shapes cut into student’s hair
• Logos
• Visible tattoos
• Caps

The decision on appropriate dress belongs to the school and that decision is final.

Enrichment Programme

Education is about much more than just your chosen subjects. It is preparation for a successful life. Opportunities will be provided to enable you to:

• Develop your ability to work and learn independently
• Take responsibility and provide leadership
• Develop your ability to work effectively with others
• Contribute to your local community
• Develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of issues and subjects not directly offered in your subjects
• Add qualifications
• Develop your physical skills

There are a range of opportunities for example:

• Mentoring in younger students in the school and in Warren Juniors
• Teaching Assistant training
• Literacy Leaders Award
• Sports Leaders Award
• Financial Management
• New York Trip amongst other cultural visits
• Oxbridge programme – two year Teach First mentoring programme
• Warwick university mentoring
• Kings College London Programme
• Pathways advice and programmes including medicine/veterinary science and dentistry
• Coaching for interviews
• Becoming a Prefect and/or Subject Ambassador

Study Time

There are times in the week when you are not in a timetabled lesson. Making effective use of this time is an important life skill.

The times for study are the same as a timetabled lesson.

Study includes the following activities:

• Revision of notes from previous lessons
• Essay and coursework writing
• Research (book and internet) of a subject
• Reading a novel or quality newspaper
• Reading articles and magazines/gazettes linked to your subject area e.g.
  • The Economist; New Scientist; New Horizons
• Essay planning
• Any advice given by your teachers
• Future Learn courses

Vulnerable Students

All students who have been in receipt of Free School Meals or who have been in receipt of the discretionary bursary last year, with no changed circumstances are entitled to apply for the discretionary bursary. Other students, who are not or have not been in receipt of Free School Meals in the last 6 years , but who are experiencing hardship related to the costs of study are also entitled to apply.

Please see the bursary policy below:

The Warren Sixth Form Bursary Strategy in Line with The Loxford Trust Policy

Bursary Application Form

Until otherwise advised payment will be made at £10.00 – this could change after final numbers are considered.

There is an increased amount for any students who are in care.

• All students require a bank statement in their own name
• All bursary payments are dependent on students’ conforming to all school rules
• Student’s whose attendance is 85% or below, per week, are not eligible
• All students eligible for bursary in year 12 will be eligible in year 13
• Bursary will be paid half termly by cheque in arrears – calculated on a weekly basis based on 85% + attendance and/or evidenced need
• Consideration will be given to low income students who do not meet the FSM criteria but can evidence hardship with proof of parental income. Access to the discretionary bursary pool holding will be considered on an individual basis

Stress and Anxiety

Sixth Form can be a stressful time, with workload and deadline pressures never seeming to go away

Students’ emotional wellbeing is of great concern to us. Staff are available at all times during the school day to talk to students. We also have on site counsellors available if required. There is no stigma attached to asking for help – whatever the concern.

Remember your Form Tutor is;

• A parent in school
• An academic mentor
• A supporter and advocate
• A UCAS guide and referee
• Your first point of call- Academic and pastoral

We are certain that The Warren Sixth Form provides an exciting environment in which you can flourish.
If you have any queries about post-16 opportunities at the school then please do not hesitate to contact us. office@thewarrenschool.net