Blessed George Napier Catholic School & Sixthform The Sixth Form

Sixth Form Personalities

As you can see from these photos - we seek to develop true individual character at BGN.

History of the Sixth Form - Proud History, Bright Future

Proud history

The history of the BGN Sixth Form goes back to the time of the first Head of the school, Mr George Grimshaw. He saw the need for young people to have the opportunity to continue their studies and develop maturity in a Christian Catholic atmosphere where they had become familiar with learning and the development of social skills.

The Sixth Form was consolidated under Mr Terry O’Flynn, the second Head, and became recognised as the viable and successful Post-16 institution that the Sixth Form is today. In recent times, the Governors have agreed a distinctive admissions policy which encourages students from other schools to join. The Sixth Form continues to grow in popularity as November last year saw a record number of applications
for the Sixth Form.

Bright future

Blessed George Napier Sixth Form does have an excellent reputation within the local community and proven record of exam success. In order to maintain both of these, we have taken additional steps to support our Year 11 students into Year 12. We are very excited about our first FLYING START DAY and the AS PREPARATION CLASSES we have offered prospective students this year and the positive impact they will have on pupil achievement.

Year 12/13 - Safe Drive, Stay Alive - Thurs 17th November 2011

11th October 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

RE: Safe Drive Stay Alive - Thursday 17th November 2011

I write to inform you that Year 12/13 will be attending the Safe Drive Stay Alive presentation at the Kings Centre, Oxford on Thursday 17th November, we will travel by coach and will leave school at 11.30am and should arrive back in school at approximately 3.45pm. It is essential that all students attend this presentation. Students should arrange to eat during break time or alternatively bring a packed lunch to eat during the journey.

The cost of the presentation is �1, please ensure that your child returns this by Monday 24th October together with the reply slip below for the attention of Miss Debbie Roberts.

I have attached a copy of the letter forwarded to us from Thames Valley Police, the organisers of the Safe Drive Stay Alive campaign and I would be grateful if you will take the time to read through this letter as I think you will find the information invaluable at this time in your child’s life.

Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Yours sincerely

Mr Chris Martin
Head of Sixth Form
_____________________________________________________________________________

REPLY SLIP:
RE: Safe Drive Stay Alive - Thursday 17th November 2011

STUDENT NAME____________________________________ TUTOR_____________________

I give permission for my child to attend the above presentation and I enclose �1 cash/chq (please delete as appropriate) in this respect.

Emergency Contact Number_______________________________________________________

Medical Conditions (if applicable)___________________________________________________

Signed____________________________________ (Parent/Guardian) Date________________

Post 16 Opportunities

What make us unique?

Every year, Year 13 students leave here with excellent exam results. Students are attracted from other schools based on the reputation of some departments. Class sizes range from 2-20 students which enables teachers to “provide good individual support during lessons and give appropriate encouragement and guidance” and teachers to “provide good support” (Ofsted, 2006). In addition to this, it is our personal development and holistic approach to the development of pupils which sets us apart.

BODY

We are an established high performing sports college and aim to meet the challenge of creating new opportunities for all 16-19 years olds to participate in three hours each week of sporting activities through their colleges or in local clubs by 2011. There are a wide range of opportunities available such as mixed hockey and football extra-curricular teams, leaders in School Clubs and timetabled Enrichment for all Year 12 students (options have included attending Boxercise classes, using the local Gym, Leadership courses and externally coached basketball sessions).

The student council busy discussing important issues

MIND

There are many opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. Please see the selected slides from “Sixth Form Open Evening” in the ATTACHED DOCUMENTS for more details. Of all listed, our Sixth Form Student Council in particular is a very useful body. Students articulate their thoughts openly, honestly and very well. Students care deeply about the school and those in need and, when empowered, will work hard to make things happen. For example, in 2009, Student Council discussions have directly led to successful fundraising activities (over �900 has been donated to charity).

SPIRIT

We are a Catholic Sixth Form and this is evident in what we do on a daily basis. We do indeed seek to put Jesus Christ at the centre of everything we do. Sixth Form students are constantly challenged to be
Christian role models to the rest of the school. As well as regular prayer and assemblies, students will regularly attend mass. In addition, we offer pupils the chance to go to Soli House at the beginning of Year 12. This is always a special time where friendships are cemented and new ones created but students are given time in their busy lives to reflect what is important to them and how they should live their lives. The highlight of the year for many staff and students is the annual trip to Lourdes. Despite some initial shyness, it is not long before our pupils always show real care, kindness and reverence when working with the sick. All return tired but spiritually refreshed to the extent that students at University and on gap years often accompany the trip time and time again.

Students enjoying themselves and developing spirituality at Soli House

The Sixth Form Contract

We encourage all our Sixth Form Students to take an active and leading role in all aspects of school life. Because of this high profile within the school, and as preparation for what lies beyond in the world of work or Higher Education, high standards of behaviour, appearance, attendance and punctuality are expected. The following conditions are detailed in the contract:

I shall:

Attend school regularly, only being absent for legitimate reasons.
Attend all my lessons when present without exception.
Register both in the morning and afternoon.
Be punctual to all lessons.
Be fully involved in Assemblies and School Masses.
Complete set work on time.
Catch up promptly on any missed work.
Make good use of the time available in school for study.
Dress and behave in a manner appropriate to a member of the Sixth Form.
Bring credit to myself and the school at every opportunity.
Have respect for all other members of the school community.
Strive to be an appropriate model example for the younger students at BGN.
Show leadership in all the sporting and extra-curricular activities entered by the school, supporting social functions and fund raising activities.

Operation Xmas Child - Evesham Dist Centre Thur 24th Nov 2011

1st November 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

I write to advise you that BGN has been invited to send a group of Sixth Form students to the Evesham Distribution Centre of the Samaritans Purse on Thursday 24th November 2011.

Students will have the opportunity to check Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes and assist in loading lorries that are destined for the poorest parts of our world.

We will leave school at 9.30am and return to BGN School at approximately 9.30pm. Tea and coffee will be provided, but students will need to bring a packed lunch and tea with them. We are asking for �10 toward the cost of transport to and from the venue, please return this sum together with the reply slip below and attached completed parental consent form as soon as possible should you wish your son/daughter to attend. Please make cheques payable to BGN School and return in a sealed envelope marked for the attention of Miss Debbie Roberts.

Through their volunteering and concern for others, Sixth Formers can live out their faith.

‘God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others’ (2Cor 9:8)

Yours sincerely

Mrs Roisin Conway
Assistant Subject Leader – RE and Lead Tutor
_____________________________________________________________________________

REPLY SLIP:

Evesham Dist Centre Thursday 24th November 2011

NAME OF STUDENT_________________________________ TUTOR GROUP_____________

I give permission for my son/daughter to attend the above and I enclose �10 cash/cheque (please delete as appropriate) in this respect together with the completed consent form.

Signed______________________________________ (Parent/Guardian) Date_____________

UCAS Evening Tuesday 20th September 2011

UCAS EVENING WEDNESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2011

I am writing to invite you and your child to a Sixth Form Education Evening on Tuesday 20th September 2011. This evening is invaluable for all Year 13 students, but is absolutely essential for those who are considering applying for university. Year 12 students and parents are welcome to come along but this is an integral part of the Sixth Form calendar and will be repeated next year.

The evening will begin at 6.30pm in the new Learning Resource Centre in school and the presentation will last for approximately an hour. David Seaton from Northampton University will lead us through the UCAS application process in detail. Afterwards there will be an opportunity for questions and a Careers Advisor will also be present.

I very much look forward to meeting you.

Yours sincerely

Chris Martin
Head of Sixth Form

Introduction to Sixth Form

INTRODUCTION:

We see Sixth Form students as young adults who can act as role models to younger pupils. Accordingly, we seek to develop each and every student by providing many opportunities for them to be leaders in our school community.

Our provision and policies at Key Stage 5 reflect our belief in young people. For example, we have “put our money where our mouth is” in the facilities we offer our Post-16 students. The common room is relatively new and we have recently invested significantly in new equipment and furniture. The newly built Learning Resource Centre is situated next to the common room and provides perfect opportunity for students to work independently.

Due to the provision, status and opportunities we give our pupils, “students enjoy being in the Sixth Form”(Ofsted, 2006) and all pupils surveyed last year stated that they would advise other students to join.

Excellent facilities on offer - Sixth Form students using the new Learning Resource Centre.

Post-16 Links within Banbury

At present, BGN and Banbury School work together within a Post-16 Timetable Grid under a longstanding co-operative arrangement. There are various advantages to this:

Students may study subjects at other institutions that are not on offer at BGN e.g. AS Sociology, whilst maintaining a pastoral base at BGN.
Where tudents wish to study two subjects from the same option block at BGN, they can take one of the subjects at BGN and the other elsewhere, so maintaining their preferred subject combination.
Students from other institutions can study courses at BGN which are not on offer at those institutions e.g. AS and A2 Chemistry or Music. The Governors welcome applications from these students providing they are prepared to integrate into the Christian ethos of the school.
Students continue to study in a familiar working environment whilst experiencing academic life outside their own institution.

WEEKLY BULLETIN

Dear Students

KEY THEME
“START AS WE MEAN TO GO ON”

TUTOR GROUPS ATTENDANCE %
w/beginning … PUNCTUALITY%
w/beginning …
12 / 13 RS
12 / 13 RC
12 / 13 RW
12 / 13 ME
12 / 13 LC

LOOKING AFTER OUR FACILITIES
COMMON ROOM STUDY AREA
HOW TO TREAT THIS ROOM:
• THIS AREA IS NOW A VERY QUIET PLACE WHERE ONLY SCHOOL WORK IS DONE DURING LESSON TIME
• FOOD AND DRINK ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES, INCLUDING BREAK AND LUNCH
• STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP THIS ROOM VERY CLEAN AND TIDY
WHY?
• YOU ARE VALUED AND IMPORTANT - YOU DESERVE EXCELLENT ICT PROVISION
• EVEN WITH THE BEST WILL, AS HAPPENED IN THIS ROOM PREVIOUSLY, DRINKS WILL BE SPILT AND CRUMBS LEFT. WE ALWAYS STRIVE TO RESPECT OUR ENVIRONMENT BUT THESE COMPUTERS NEED TO BE LOOKED AFTER WELL, PARTICULARLY. AT A TIME OF BUDGET CUTS, WHEN THE SCHOOL HAS DECIDED TO PRIORITISE YOU. QUITE SIMPLY, THESE COMPUTERS CANNOT BE REPLACED IF THEY ARE DAMAGED.

HIGHER EDUCATION APPLICATIONS
UCAS EVENING: 20TH SEPTEMBER 2011 AT 6.30PM
• Letter with details of the HIGHER EDUCATION EVENING will follow this week

ANY YEAR 13 APPLYING FOR OXBRIDGE? MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN TO MR MARTIN ASAP

ALL UCAS APPLICATIONS
• Year 13 pupils should know that their personal statements should be completed by now and on the UCAS website
• Please encourage them to ask staff (perhaps appropriate subject teachers) to look at their statement – 10 DRAFTS IS NORMAL FOR SUCH AN IMPORTANT STATEMENT!

START OF TERM MASS ON TUESDAY
Please start as we mean to go on and ensure that we “wow” the school and set a stunning example in our appearance (smart not smart casual) and attitude

SIXTH FORM ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK
Tuesday as normal

TIMETABLES
You will all receive your own personal timetable asap but in the meantime, your tutors have timetable grids and there is a copy displayed on the noticeboard

ATTENDANCE
There will be prizes available after 4 weeks for individuals and then the tutor group with the best attendance record since the start of the year. REAL INCENTIVES SO GO FOR A 100% RECORD THIS TERM!!!

SOLI HOUSE
• Trip for Year 12 is from Tuesday 27th September to Friday 30th September
• I would urge as many of you as possible to attend – I have never met a pupil who has regretted going!
• Please return a reply slip to Miss Debbie Roberts asap

KITCHEN MONEY AND DAMAGE DEPOSITS
Details will be outlined in a letter this week. All students are to bring their money in asap – it is a condition of your contract

RE-SITS
All re-sit forms must be sent to Kathy Khabiri asap (details on noticeboard in common room)

UCAS APPLICATIONS
• Year 13 pupils should know that their personal statements should be completed by now and on the UCAS website
• Please encourage them to ask staff (perhaps appropriate subject teachers) to look at their statement – 10 DRAFTS IS NORMAL FOR SUCH AN IMPORTANT STATEMENT!
• Letter with details of the HIGHER EDUCATION EVENING will follow this week

RETURN ALL TEXTBOOKS
A polite reminder to all Year 12 and Year 13 students to please return all GCSE or AS textbooks to your teachers – there are a number of teachers waiting on you!

GCSE CERTIFICATES
Any Year 12 students who did not come to BGN in Year 11 must see Mr Martin asap with a copy of their GCSE certificates.

Have a great first full week!

Mr Martin

Bridging the Gap: GCSE to A Level and Beyond

The Sixth Form at BGN seeks to help students acquire knowledge, understanding and skills which will benefit them throughout life, in an environment which has neither the control of the first five years of secondary school nor the complete freedom of the Higher Education Institute.

Central to the Sixth Former’s life is his/her academic study, though the level required at AS and A Level can be a daunting prospect. To help students adapt to the new, raised standards and the different style of teaching and learning, Sixth Form Tutors provide advice, support and stability, guiding students through this period of transition and dealing with any problems that might arise.

Opportunities are provided throughout the two years for students to think about their future after school. A week’s Work Experience is arranged in Lower Sixth and speakers from universities, industry and
Gap Year organisations are invited in to encourage students to consider the options open to them.

Year 13 Results Day/ A2 Course Registration Sept 2011

YEAR 13 STUDENTS

RESULTS DAY

Students are welcome to come into school from 9am on Thursday 18th August to collect their exam results. Please note that I will be available to meet with students and/or parents throughout the day.

A2 COURSE REGISTRATION

All students who wish to start their A2 courses next year will be required to come to school at 6pm on Tuesday 6th September together with their parents for the Induction Evening.

During the Induction Evening, I will outline issues and opportunities particular to Year 13 students. There are a number of subtle changes in policies and procedures that both parents and pupils need to be aware of for the next academic year. This will last approximately 20 minutes.

Subject teachers will then be based in their classrooms and students will be required to go with their parents to register for their A2 courses. This will provide a brief opportunity to discuss last year’s exam performance as well as aspirations for the forthcoming year. Furthermore, where work has been set over the summer, subject teachers will expect students to submit their completed assignments. This will act as an indicator of pupil’s ability to work independently but also their enthusiasm and readiness for A2 courses.

LESSONS BEGIN

Timetabled lessons for all pupils will begin at 8.40am on Wednesday 7th September. Failure to attend the Induction Evening will mean your son and daughter will not be able to begin their studies with the rest of the year group.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

The minimum entry requirement is 5 grades at ‘C’ or above at GCSE level. In addition, we do hope for a GCSE pass at “A” or “B” grade in their chosen AS subjects.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR SIXTH FORM

November: Sixth Form Open Evening / Applications window

December: Taster Day

January: Sixth Form Interview & Conditional letters of acceptance

June: Flying Start Day / AS Preparation Classes

August: GCSE Results Day

September: Induction: Expectations Evening and Course Registration / Begin AS courses

Year 12 Option Blocks - Sept 2011

Dear Parent / Guardian

SIXTH FORM APPLICATIONS SEPTEMBER 2011: UPDATED INFORMATION

Following my letter dated Friday 9th July, I am writing to all students and parents who have applied to come to Blessed George Napier Sixth Form with updated information.

UPDATED OPTION BLOCKS
As you are aware, we first discuss our proposed option blocks for students hoping to join our Sixth Form during their initial interview in January. We do this deliberately to give all the students as much notice as possible and enable them to make an informed choice about their Post 16 provider.

Following the Flying Start Day and AS Preparation Classes, I formally published the timetable and option blocks for next academic year on Friday. I have since received a number of requests from students petitioning me to try and change the blocking to accommodate their wishes.

Our relatively small size has real advantages in terms of creating a real community and family atmosphere amongst our students. Unfortunately, it does restrict the number of subjects we can offer and we have to work closely with a small number of students every year who are keen to come to the Sixth Form, but cannot do their first choice of subjects. After discussion, there have been two small changes to the option blocks from what I published on Friday (please see the attached sheet). This does enable some more students to study their first choice combination of subjects.

It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that in the event of subject clashes, it will no longer be possible for us to move subjects into different blocks. If we had the capacity, of course we would have run more subjects in more blocks to meet the demands of all the pupils who have applied.

I would like to stress that we value each and every student who has applied to us highly and we want to provide a high quality experience for them. If any student has any issues and is very concerned, I would like to invite them to contact me as soon as possible and I am very willing and able to sit down and talk through various options and offer career and Higher Education advice.

REMINDERS
AS Course Registration
All students who wish to be in the Sixth Form next year will be required to come to school at 5pm on Tuesday 6th September together with their parents to register.

School start
Timetabled lessons for all pupils will begin at 8.40am on Wednesday 7th September. Please note that failure to attend the Course Registration Evening will mean your son and daughter will not be able to begin their studies with the rest of the year group.

GOOD LUCK
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please note that I will be available to talk through any issues in person on GCSE Results Day.

May I take this opportunity to wish you and your son or daughter every success in their forthcoming GCSE examinations and a much deserved and enjoyable summer break.

Yours sincerely

Mr Chris Martin
Head of Sixth Form

FINAL OPTION BLOCKS - Year 12 - September 2011

Block A Block B Block C Block D Block E

Eng Lit Phil & Theology Psychology Biology Polish
Drama ICT Maths Gov & Politics Eng Lit
Phil & Theology French Further Maths Eng Lang Geography
Bus Studies Maths PE Product Design Spanish
Chemistry Art Travel & Tourism Textiles Physics
History
Music

*Travel & Tourism will write to all pupils who have indicated that they wish to study Travel and Tourism by the end of next week. Please note it was removed from the timetable in January as early indications were there would be little or no demand. On the 'Flying Start' day, feedback indicated this was not the case.

What Courses do you Offer?

USEFUL DOCUMENTS

Sixth Form Application Form

Sixth Form Pupil Contract

Sixth Form Pupil Handbook

Sixth Form Option Blocks 2009/2010

Selected slides from “Sixth Form Open Evening”

Selected slides from “Sixth Form Expectations Evening”

(the above will be available to download from the website shortly)

CONTACT DETAILS

Please email Mr Chris Martin (Head of Sixth Form): 6thform.bgn@bgn.oxon.sch.uk

What A Levels does BGN offer?

Religious Education is a compulsory part of the curriculum. Consequently all students follow a course leading to the award of the Certificate and Diploma of Catholic Social Teaching and Bioethics, validated by the Oxford Delegation of Examination Awards.

We offer the following courses at both AS and A2 Level:

Art
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Drama
English Literature
English Language
French
Further Mathematics
Government and Politics
Geography
Graphics
History
ICT
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy and Theology
Physical Education
Psychology
Product Design
Spanish
Textiles
Travel and Tourism

In addition, we offer the following vocational courses:

BTech Diploma in Sport

Btech Travel and Tourism

Please see 'Post 16 links withing Banbury' for details on how we may be able to offer students a broader range of subject.

Year 12 Reports - Grade indicator missed off report

The grade indicator for attendance was unfortunately missed off the reports, please find below the details. Many apologies for any inconvenience caused.

1 = outstanding

2 = good

3 = satisfactory

4 = poor

UCAS exam helpline

Please see attached PDF document for more detail on UCAS exam helpline

Sixth Form Bulletin

Dear Students

AFTER TODAY …
* 8 DAYS AT SCHOOL UNTIL EASTER!
* THEN 12 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST AS EXAM!

WEDNESDAY PERIOD 5
• Service of Reconciliation – especially arranged so the content is appropriate to Sixth Form students
• No need to dress smart for the day, but all pupils are to attend except those in Year 13 and have
lessons in Block B

HIGHER EDUCATION TRIP
• All Year 12 will be going to the University of Reading on Tuesday 29th March
• Please note the DEPARTURE TIME OF 8AM

NO ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK
• Due to the above, there will be no assembly this week

SOCIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR (APART FROM THE SIXTH FORM BALL, OF COURSE!):
RACE NIGHT
THURSDAY 7TH APRIL
ALL MONIES RAISED GOING TO THE LOURDES FUND
BE THERE!

WORK EXPERIENCE
• We are now at the stage where those students who wish to have placements outside of Oxfordshire
may be unable to go as there will not be enough time for risk assessments to be carried out.
• Remember work experience is compulsory because it is useful!
• See Miss Hopkinson for work placement forms.

THURSDAY LUNCHTIME: FULL STUDENT COUNCIL MEETING
• 1.30pm
• Sixth Form Common Room Study Area

STUDENT FINANCE INFORMATION: YEAR 13
• Make sure you have read and collected your booklet from your tutor

COMPUTERS – DO NOT LEAVE FOR LONGER THAN 15 MINUTES!
• After 15 minutes, all the computers in the LRC and the study area will automatically switch off to
save energy… you have been warned… PLEASE SAVE WORK!

WELL DONE
• Tony, Natasha, Daniel and Mary-Ann: thank you on behalf of the school for reading and serving as
Eucharistic Minsters at St Johns on Sunday - fantastic role models, all of you!

YEAR 13 SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES
www.scholarship-search.org.uk

Over 500 financial awards available for university based on:
Academic Excellence
Income
Musical Ability
Sporting Ability

Mr Martin and Miss Hopkinson

Sixth Form Bulletin

Dear Student

QUITE A LOT WENT ON LAST WEEK … WELL DONE TO THOSE …
• ART STUDENTS IN PRAGUE!
• STUDENTS WORKING HARD TO SELL VALENTINE CARDS FOR LOURDES!
• OF YOU WHO RAISED OVER �200 FOR LOURDES BY WEARING YOUR PJs FOR THE DAY!!!!!!
• WHO GOT YOUR ROLES IN OLIVER AND ARE ALREADY REHEARSING HARD!
• ALL OF YOU DEBATE CLUB DEVOTEES!

ENRICHMENT

ALL YEAR 12 ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND!
THURSDAY LUNCHTIME: FULL STUDENT COUNCIL MEETING
• 1.30pm in Sixth Form Common Room Study Area
• Please note the different start time

YEAR 12 WORK EXPERIENCE
If you have not returned your form to Miss Hopkinson, please see her asap

Have a great holiday – particularly those of you going skiing!

Mr Martin

6th FORM NEWS BULLETIN

Dear Students,

USE OF COMMON ROOM & LRC
“Be the change you want to be in the world” – if you want a smart, clean and tidy common room and a quiet working LRC, everybody has to take responsibility and treat the environment with respect

SIXTH FORM GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL PHOTOGRAPHS
• Thursday period 2 in the hall
• Please look at your very best!

FRIDAY PERIOD 5 IN THE LRC
• Baroness D'Souza, a peer from the House of Lords, has been invited to speak to you by Mrs Moss
• This is a great opportunity to learn about an interesting person but also about politics in our country – something I know many of you care a lot about!
• At the request of Mrs Weaver, as this is a formal occasion, please dress smartly again

YES, THAT DOES MEAN SMART THREE TIMES THIS WEEK!!!

QUESTIONAIRE LAST WEEK
• Thank you for taking the time to complete the questionnaires in tutor time last week
• Miss Hopkinson kindly collated the data (for your interest, the results are attached)
• The Student Council discussed the details and implications in detail – a representative in your tutor group would be able to report back

STUDENT FINANCE
If you have applied to University for next year, please remember it is your own responsibility to arrange financial support for yourself next year.
Two useful and important websites are;
1) www.studentcalculator.org.uk - a fantastic website that enables any student to see how much financial support they would have access to next year
2) Student Finance England - from 14 February 2011 all students applying for full-time courses in higher education can apply for student finance online at www.direct.gov.uk/student finance

THURSDAY LUNCHTIME: COMMON ROOM STUDY AREA
1) YEAR 12 PUPILS AND MENTORS
 Meeting at 1.25pm
 Mentors and students to attend
 ‘Pop’ and snacks for all

2) STUDENT COUNCIL
• Second meeting of the term
• 1.50pm in Sixth Form Common Room Study Area
• Please note the different start time

SIXTH FORM NETBALL TEAM
• Congratulations to all those who represented us so well against Sibford last week
• Although you lost, I am told you were very impressive in terms of natural talent and ability but also attitude and conduct
• Well done!

SIXTH FORM RUGBY TEAM
Good luck in your matches this week!

SIXTH FORM FOOTBALL TEAM
Not for your dairies - match vs BCC on 9th March

LOURDES
Over 30 have expressed an interest … but not many have returned their reply slips and deposits! Following the meeting with Mrs Weaver last week, please see Mrs Brown asap

WORK EXPERIENCE
If you have not returned your form to Miss Hopkinson, please see her asap

ENRICHMENT
Starts again this week! ALL YEAR 12 ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND

Have a good week!

Mr Martin

6th FORM NEWS BULLETIN

Dear Students,

ATTENDANCE
• Our figures for the first few days back are far from perfect …
• Make sure we strive to maintain the high standards we set ourselves last year
• Remember, there will be another draw for the driving lessons coming up soon … keep up the good work!

** VERY IMPORTANT **
STUDENT FINANCE INFORMATION
• All tutors and pupil have got access to a useful and self explanatory PowerPoint presentation detailing some important regarding student finance (‘common resources’ – ‘6th form’ – ‘HE Finance’)
• This may be a useful tutor time activity/discussion point …
• The key information is;
1) www.studentcalculator.org.uk - a fantastic website that enables any student to see how much financial support they would have access to next year
2) Student Finance England - the launch of the service for academic year 2011/2012 takes place on 14 February 2011- from this date, all students applying for full-time courses in higher education can apply for student finance online at www.direct.gov.uk/student finance
3) Recommendations from the Browne Review state that any student starting HE courses from September 2012 will be charged the new graduate contribution (that is, the higher tuition fees up to �9000)
Please note that even if you have applied this year and you take a gap year and/or defer your entry, you will be charged higher fees by the universities

HEALTH DROP-IN
• As I hope you are aware, Margaret Batsel is our School Nurse
• During Enrichment Week last year, many students said the session she ran with her colleague was really useful
• Every WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME she is in STAFFROOM 2
• She is available for any Sixth Form student to pop in and seeking discreet medical advice on anything such as alcohol, smoking and drugs
• There is no need to make an appointment
• If you have any concerns, please use this fantastic resource

WELL DONE TO 15 YEAR 12 PUPILS AND THEIR MENTORS
• Last Thursday, 14 Year 12 student stayed behind after school until 5pm to reflect on their progress this year and see where they can improve
• If they succeed and get all ‘1’s’ on their next progress report, they have a fantastic reward awaiting them!
• Even more impressively, there were several mentors who attended the sessions and will be supporting the Year 12 pupils
• They were Daniel Browne, Matthew Titman, Lizzie Griffiths, Tony Jones, Ryan Wilson & Tom Leigh – all pupils who now take their studies seriously and are fantastic role models to us all

SOLI HOUSE
• Soli House are now recruiting a new team of volunteers to work as youth retreat leaders during the academic year 2011/2012
• They are looking for enthusiastic and faith-filled young people
• If you are interested, please contact Soli House directly and/or see me for more details

STUDENT COUNCIL
• First meeting of the term this week!
• Thursday 13th January at 2pm in Sixth Form Common Room Study Area
• Please note the start time of 2pm for this week only

WORK EXPERIENCE
• All Year 12 pupils should be aware that the deadline is this week
• Any problems, please see Miss Hopkinson asap

UCAS - DEADLINE; 15TH JANUARY
• If you are applying to University this year, please note the final deadline – this is not internally set but final
• After all the support you have had, if you are one of the handful of outstanding applications, you must see me URGENTLY

CHANGE OF DETAILS
• Every year we have several students miss their offers because they have changed either their phone number or email address and not told UCAS
• It is vital UCAS have the correct contact details

REPLYING TO OFFERS
• If you have received all your offers and have at least one offer, do not rush into making your decisions
• Please ensure you are 100% clear on what constitutes a firm acceptance, insurance acceptance and a decline
• The UCAS website is wonderfuly clear but please do not be afraid to ask for advice

ENRICHMENT
For all Year 12 pupils, please note that Enrichment will not run during the exam period (I am sure you will want to use the time to revise and prepare). The only exception is if you are with Mr Lloyd and doing the CLA.

JANUARY A LEVEL EXAMS - BEST WISHES
• We are all praying that you do yourself justice in the exams you sit

CHANGE OF VENUE
• Please note that the venue for the exams has moved to the St John’s Church in Banbury.
• Several pupils walked down with me last week – it was a nice 12 minute stroll!
• If you don’t know where it is, make sure arrange to walk down with someone who knows where to go – do not leave it until the last minute!

GCE STATEMENTS OF ENTRY AND EXAM TIMETABLE
• Please make sure you have checked and then double-checked when your exams are scheduled

BAD WEATHER
• After the recent spell of cold weather, it is worth reminding you that the Dupuis Centre will be open for A Level exams irrespective of any weather conditions and even if the school is closed to all other pupils. As these are modular exams, any candidates who may be unable to attend due to adverse weather conditions will be entered in June 2010.

BE PREPARED
• For all examinations, make sure you are fully prepared; familiar with the equipment you need but also the rubric of the exam.

REMEMBER THE CONDITIONS OF EXAM LEAVE

A fixed period of study leave is disruptive and not effective exam preparation for the majority of our students.
Our policy will therefore be that pupils attend all lessons and tutor periods throughout the aforementioned exam period.
The only exception will be that when pupils have an exam in afternoon, they will not be required to be in school until PM registration.
Under all circumstances, students are expected to speak to their teachers to ask to be excused from class and collect any material in advance that they may miss.

Have a good week!

Mr Martin

Sixth Form Bulletin

1) LOURDES
Very important meeting at break today (Monday 8th) in C6

Year 12 only
2) HIGHER EDUCATION CONFERENCE
Year 12 should have received information (letter and photocopied booklets) detailing arrangement for the Higher Education Conference. Please return reply slips and money asap.

3) WORK EXPERIENCE
There is still a handful of students who have not finalised their work experience placements. If you have not seen Mrs Garrett, you must do asap.

4) CLA
All pupils in Year 12 must have signed their CLA book so it is to be sent off to the British Sport Trust. If you have not, your name is in on the noticeboard in the common room and you must see Mr Martin asap.

NOTICES FOR THIS WEEK

USE OF THE LRC
The overwhelming majority of the time Sixth Form students are fantastically well behaved in the LRC and you use the space as a quiet working area. However, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all students that under no circumstances should any games or music be played on the computers in there. If somebody is abusing your privileges by doing so, they are running the risk of depriving you and others of a fantastic facility that is critical for exam success. If you are able, please politely ask any individuals to refrain from doing so or discreetly report them to a member of staff. We, as a Sixth Form, have a collective responsibility to each other.

CLOSURE OF THE LRC
I am very sorry to say that on Tuesday and Thursday this week (periods 1-4) that the LRC will be out of bounds for the all Sixth Form students. I have already spoken to the Student Council – many of whom gave passionate pleas and expressed real frustration on your behalf - about the LRC being closed for Sixth Form students and I am working to keep any closures to an absolute minimum. In this case, the Year 10 work experience interviews are taking place in there with many external visitors and it is right that Year 10 have a nice, quiet and private environment like you would have done 2 or 3 years ago. Alternative rooms for your quiet independent study will be listed in the common room on the white board.

SIXTH FORM ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK AND NEXT
Assembly will return to normal this week with both Year 12 and Year 13 together. There is a special guest speaker this week.

SENIOR PREFECTS
Adam Smith and Jack Cato will be speaking in assembly this week about a new system for all Senior Prefects. Please watch this space.

STUDENT COUNCIL
Meeting this Tuesday 1.30pm

MUNGA
Good luck to those students that are going to Kidlington today. I am sure you will have a great time and a full report to follow.

YEAR 12: LAMPERI GROUP
• Didn’t the group get off to a Flying Start last week!?
• Thanks to Mr Wheatley who ran, by all accounts from all the pupils there, a fascinating discovery session at lunch last Tuesday
• A big thanks also to Miss Smith who drove us to Oxford University later that evening to listen to Doreen Lawrence discuss whether ‘Racism has been eliminated in 21st Century Britain’.
• All of our students present showed tremendous respect and intelligence when asking many pertinent questions. Well done!
• They will be another talk before Easter but it will take place in school. As soon as the external speaker is confirmed, I will announce the details.
• For now, this Tuesday at break, Mrs Watts will give you a debate challenge. Make sure you arrive on time!
• Later that day at lunch, Jack Cato and Adam Smith will model a debate and introduce the British Parliamentary System of debating to you all. It will be then for you to prepare for the debate proper next week – how very exciting?!

Have a GREAT week!
Mr Martin