66Sixth FormProspectus 2016Headteacher:Mr N Dyment BSc, MA Chair of Governors:Mrs J Owens

2016Sixth Form Prospectus

Breck Road, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 3HSTelephone: 0151 631 4401www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/sixthformEmail: sixthformapps@weatherheadhigh.co.ukTwitter: weatherhead6thFacebook: weatherheadsixthform

Secure your place and your Sixth Form success

We welcome all applications

Contents

Welcome to Weatherhead Sixth Form

Introducing Sixth Form

Why choose Weatherhead Sixth Form?

Post 16 Courses at Weatherhead

Pathways to your Future in Weatherhead

Enriching Sixth Form Life

Leadership at Weatherhead

The Scholars’ Programme

Well-being and Socialising in Sixth Form

Future Choices

Success beyond Weatherhead Sixth Form

Entry Requirements

Expectations and Student Agreement

Applying to Weatherhead

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy access Wirral-wide to Weatherhead

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Welcome to Weatherhead Sixth FormI am delighted to present this students’ information booklet which hopefullywill give you insight into the courses and wonderful opportunities available atWeatherhead Sixth Form.

Weatherhead Sixth Form is one of the largest and most successful in theNorth West and our students secure places at top universities throughout thecountry.

Excellence in teaching and support helps all students to succeed and meettheir aspirations.

This Sixth Form is a happy, vibrant place where students enjoy working hard,but also get involved in all types of different activities.

I am very proud of our Sixth Form students and really do believe the teaching,care, guidance and support they receive gives them something very special.

Enjoy reading this booklet and do come and see what we can offer.

Mr. N.R. DymentHeadteacher

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Outstanding leadership from

everyone is at the very heart of

this school’s success.

Ofsted 2012

Introducing Sixth FormWeatherhead Sixth Form is a community of 350 students studying a combination of over 35 courses, both academic and vocational.

The Sixth Form offers you:A curriculum that is created around your option choices

A wide range of academic and vocational courses, which will provide successful routes into university, college or employment

High quality teaching provided by a team of expert Key Stage 5teachers who are committed to your success

Excellent A Level grades - 77% A*- C grades, 43% A* - B grades

Outstanding pastoral support – a team of dedicated form tutors and specialistSixth Form staff ensure that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential

Specialist, award-winning careers advice on higher education, further educationand employment

Continued personal development through a variety of enrichment and leadershipopportunities

A Scholars’ Programme to prepare our most able students for the top universities

Voluntary work placements within the local community with a view to continued personal development

The Sixth Form Team looks forward to assisting you with your course choices andwelcoming you into Sixth Form in September 2016.

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“Weatherhead has given me incredible opportunities, not least the role

as Head Girl. Without the experiences I have had here, I doubt I would

have achieved all that I have.” Alex

Left to right: Miss Smith (Year Leader), Miss Carney (Administrative Officer), Mr Reid (Year Leader), Mrs Lambert (Learning Support Coordinator),Mr Fearnley (Attendance Officer), Mrs Evans (Director of Sixth Form)Mrs Ellis (Administrative Officer)

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Students make outstanding

progress, whatever their

starting point or circumstances,

and the standards they achieve

are significantly above the

national average. Ofsted 2012

Why choose Weatherhead Sixth Form?At Weatherhead our core values centre on providing outstanding levels of teaching, learning and pastoral support. Our students are unique individuals and we provide opportunities for all students toachieve in a positive, inclusive and supportive environment.

State of the art facilities and resources are available to students to enhance educational development. These include:

Internet access for all students and staff

Laptops for Sixth Form use

Sixth Form ICT suite

Dedicated mezzanine level Sixth Form Learning Resource Centre

Two Sixth Form common rooms with wi-fi access

High quality reference materials in each subject

Laser and colour printers, scanners and digital cameras

Video conferencing facilities and interactive classroom facilities

State of the art theatre with high specification sound and lighting and theatre seating for 500.

Music suite with excellent facilities

Modern Science laboratories with expert technical support

Media and Film Studies centre with editing suite

Purpose built business and ICT suiteFully equipped fitness suite with free access for Sixth Form students

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“I want to excel in sport and go to a top sports university and I judged

Weatherhead as the best place to study. Now Deputy Head Boy and national

award-winning” Sports Leader, I feel I have done well here.” Liam 3

MathematicsMedia StudiesMusic - Applied BTEC

Religious Education: Philosophy and EthicsPhysical EducationPhysicsProduct DesignPsychologyScience (Applied)

SociologySpanishSport - Applied BTEC

Textiles

Art BiologyBusiness (Single Award) - Applied BTECBusiness (Double Award) - Applied BTEC

ChemistryChildcare Education (EYE CACHE Diploma)

Computer ScienceDanceDrama and TheatreEnglish LanguageEnglish LiteratureExtended Project Qualification (EPQ)Film StudiesFrenchFurther MathematicsGeographyHealth and Social Care (Single Award) - Applied BTEC

Health and Social Care (Double Award) - Applied BTEC

HistoryICT - Applied BTEC

Level 2 Vocational Courses

Childcare and EducationHair and Beauty

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“Weatherhead has great results, facilities and staff, and I know

that they will get me into the best university for me.” Elle

Post 16 Courses at WeatherheadWe construct the timetable around Year 11 option choices ensuring that we create a bespoke curriculum for you.

Post 16 courses available are:

Level 3 Courses

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Pathways to your Future in Weatherhead

Level 3A Level/BTEC

Level 3 Childcareand Education

Level 2 Childcareand Education

School Year 11

University or Collegeof Higher Education

Post Graduate Studyor Employment

Level 3 Courses or Employment

Employment

Level 2 Hair and Beauty

“I chose Weatherhead because I prefer and benefit from the pastoral support

in Sixth Form that made it easy to transition from my school.” Daniel

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There are many opportunities to enjoy activities beyond academic or vocational study and we encourage all students to participate in cultural visits. We have a partner school in Italy and organise an annual Sixth Formexchange trip. We also offer cultural and subject focused trips to Venice,Berlin and Paris, as well as the World Challenge expedition to Malaysia.

We run Duke of Edinburgh Award for students in Sixth Form wanting to develop leadership skills. Most Sixth Form students take part in WeatherheadVolunteers' Programme, volunteering at local care homes, charities and localschools in the community.

We have a proud Community Arts Programme which involves students inMusic, Literacy, Dance, Drama and theatrical productions. Sixth Formerscontribute to the wider school community by running the in-school radio station and producing video films for our online WTV channel.

We welcome students taking the initiative in other community projects andcharity fundraising, and have excellent links with external agencies for volunteer placements and work experience. We also encourage charity workwith healthcare agencies, such as Age UK, NHS, St. John's Hospice andClaire House, which is especially helpful to those students seeking routesinto healthcare professions.

Enriching Sixth Form Life

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Leadership at WeatherheadWeatherhead is a nationally recognised Leadership school. In 2015 we wereawarded the accolade National Sports Leadership Academy, presented atthe House of Lords. The range of leadership opportunities on offer provideour students with confidence and prepares them to be future leaders, bothat university and in their careers.

The following leadership opportunities are available:

Leadership Ambassador

Student Senior Leadership Team

School Council

Organising Committee

Volunteers Programme

Subject Ambassadors

Subject Peer Mentoring

Literacy Leaders

Reading Buddies

Numeracy Buddies

Arts Ambassadors

Arts Council

Museum Guides: in association with Liverpool Museums

Sports Council

Community Sports Leaders

Sky Living For Sport

Everton Mini Kickers

Dance Leaders

Radio Leaders

Sixth Form Friends

Peer Mentoring

Lunchtime Supervisors

Community Arts Leaders

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Younger students are pleased with the

support offered by sixth form students

who help them with literacy and

numeracy. These sixth formers are

excellent role models. Ofsted 2012

The leadership specialism is at the heart of the

school-there is an excellent focus on

developing students’ personal skills and the

leadership skills. Ofsted 2012

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The Scholars’ ProgrammeThe Scholars’ Programme provides exceptional opportunities and guidance forour gifted and talented Sixth Form students. At Weatherhead we are committedto supporting our students in successfully applying to the most prestigious universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and the Russell Group. The Scholars’Programme aims to inspire our students to achieve their potential and aspire toa bright future. This process includes personalised mentoring and tailoredspeakers and visits.

Benefits of the Scholars’ ProgrammePersonalised support1:1 interviewsPersonalised advice on applications to Russell Group universitiesMock Russell Groups interviewsExternal mentors and alumni networkingUniversity tripsResidential to Oxbridge and Russell Group universitiesExtended Project Qualification (EPQ)Scholars’ lunches and debatesCambridge University linkScholars’ bursary to support wider reading

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Oxbridge Programme 2016/17February 3 day Cambridge University residential visitStudent shadow schemeMarch Oxbridge Student Conference/Roadshow Haydock Park Cambridge

Subject Specific Study Days-fully subsidisedJune Oxford Open Day VisitsJuly Cambridge Open Day VisitsAugust Sutton Trust Summer School week long residential September Mock Oxbridge Interviews/Mentoring

“Of all other schools I saw on the Wirral, Weatherhead

had the best facilities and a real sense of commitment

to my learning.” Connor8

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Well-being and Socialising in Sixth FormA happy, confident student will achieve more and become a successful individual. Alongside academic or vocational study, socialising and new friendships are a key part of Sixth Form life. Students who join us at Sixth Formall comment on the warm welcome and the ease with which they transition intoSixth Form.

Before starting Sixth Form in September 2016 you will have an opportunity toparticipate in taster, orientation and team building days. As a Weatherhead student you will have an opportunity to ‘sign up’ to a form group and, if you arenew to Weatherhead, you will join a form with one of your friends.

At the end of your two years at Weatherhead, the highlight of the social calendar is the Sixth Form Prom; the Year 13 Prom Committee plans this with ourLearning Support Coordinator. Recent successful proms have been held at theLiverpool Hilton Hotel.

Wellbeing and Socialising activities include:

Welcome breakfast ice breaker (for newcomers to Weatherhead)

Team building activities including African dancing, samba drumming, origami, circus skills.

Halloween fancy dress

Pink Day charity fund raising

Yoga

Summer term reward trip

The Sixth Form Prom

Termly social event

Football

It’s a knockout!

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“Weatherhead has a good reputation for amazing grades and for great teachers, and

my sisters loved it here, so I feel very confident.” Katherine

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Future ChoicesWeatherhead enjoys excellent links with universities, professional bodies and industry. We have a specialist careers team focussed on advising all students onthe best routes into higher education and careers, alongside opportunities thatwill benefit their chosen subjects and career university aspirations.Activities and support includes:

Higher Education PreparationPersonal statement and UCAS support session for students and parents

Specialist database tool (Unifrog) which maintains a comprehensive set of theUK’s university courses and pulls together the widest set of data by which tocompare these opportunities.

University trips and residentials

Scholars’ Programme

Medlink and Vetlink

Personal coaching and interview training

Careers Guidance

Work experiences and placements

Personal coaching and interview training, utilising our network of professionalsthrough external networks and alumni programme

Professional speaker programmes

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“Weatherhead made it easy to settle in here and make

new friendships alongside the study.” Chloe 10

Success beyond Weatherhead Sixth FormWeatherhead takes pride in all our students ‘ progression routes. Last year over130 students headed to university, many at Russell Group institution. For many,they were the first generation in their families to study at university.

A sample of destinations includes:

Student Grades Subjects Destination CourseUniversity

Adam Davies A*A*A* Chemistry, Mathematics Durham MathematicsFurther Mathematics

Jade Franks A* A A English Literature, Kings’ College, EnglishEnglish Language, Drama London& Theatre Studies

Molly Brislen A* B C Sociology, History, Spanish Liverpool Law

Emily Thompson A* A A Psychology, Biology, Manchester Child NursingHealth & Social Care

Chloe Rowlands A* A B Psychology, Geography, Liverpool GeographyBiology

Caroline Duncan A* A C Biology, Geography, Gap yearSpanish

Sam Diploma*,AB Music, Philosophy & Ethics, Bath Spa Commercial MusicArt

Grace BBC Biology, Geography, Spanish Liverpool Primary EducationJohn Moores

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Students have also gone directly into employment and apprenticeships in a range ofareas including: childcare, banking, insurance, paramedic training, flight training,community work, and the travel industry.

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At Weatherhead we pride ourselves on the excellent examination resultsachieved by all our students. We achieve this through supporting you throughyour curriculum choices and ensuring that you embark on the correct pathwayfor you.

We consider all applications carefully to ensure that we can offer you the rightcourses for success in your future. We welcome applications from all studentsand, although we do set entry criteria, we will also take your references into account.

We offer various routes across A Level, BTEC and Level 2 vocational courses,which are personalised to ensure the right route for you. Unlike many schoolsand colleges we create our timetable around what you want to study.

If you have any questions about any aspect of what we offer at WeatherheadSixth Form, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Sixth Form Team on0151 631 4401 or email: sixthformapps@weatherheadhigh.co.uk

Entry Requirements

“I have been here since Year 7 and Weatherhead offer great

support and a really fresh take on learning!” Chloe

Level 3 (A Level/BTEC)

Our entry requirements is 5 A*-C, includingMathematics and English Language

Level 2 Vocational

Childcare and Education – we expect a grade D or above

Hair and Beauty – no formal qualificationsare required

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Expectations and Student AgreementIn Sixth Form you will be treated as a young adult and with thiscomes responsibility. You will make the transition into learningand teaching at Key Stage 5 where there is a focus on independent learning, organisational skills and wider reading in your chosen curriculum areas. As you enter Sixth Form youare beginning your preparation for study at university or theworld of employment.

We set high standards for all students to ensure that you reach your full potential.

These standards involve:

Excellent attendance and punctuality with compulsory attendance during form time

Effective use of personal study, devoting fifty minutes outside the classroom forevery 50 minutes spent in lessons (50-4-50 or approximately 5 hours per subjectstudied each week)

Active citizenship and being a role model – as a Sixth Form student pupils in Year 7-11 look up to you and the influence that you set. You will have an opportunity totake on additional responsibilities such as peer mentoring, literacy and numeracybuddies, lunchtime supervision and Organising Committee.

Smart casual dress code is imperative in setting high standards. You are not allowed facial piercing, outrageous hair colours of visible tattoos.

Part – time employment should be carefully managed during your studies in SixthForm: a balance must be created to ensure your success.

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“Having been at Weatherhead since year 7, I knew that the teachers would support and

encourage me to do my best and achieve the best possible grades.” Philippa13

Applying to WeatherheadHow do I apply to the Sixth Form ?

1. Look in the ‘Course Guide 2016’ for details of courses available and entry requirements for specific courses.

2. Choose the course that suits you and fill in the application form. If you haveany queries speak to your form tutor, subject teacher or the Sixth Form team.

3. Your application form must be submitted by Friday 18th December.

4. If you are joining from another school and want further advice, please contact Sixth Form reception and a one to one appointment will be made with a member of the Sixth Form Management Team.

5. Attend Open Evening on 19th November 2015, 2.15pm and find out more about the range and combination of courses available.

6. Sign up for Taster Day session on Thursday 3rd December from 4-6 pm.Register online at www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/sixth

What happens next?

All students who apply will be interviewed on January 20th 2016. If you are successful, you will receive written confirmation of your place.

At interview we will discuss your choices and predicted grades. The interview isintended to ensure that you have made appropriate choices and are fully committed to joining our Sixth Form.

You will need to bring your Year 11 report to the interview and external candidates will require references from your current school. After your examinations there will be further opportunities to discuss your choices andmake final plans for your post 16 study.

The process of creating the timetable begins as soon as the applications havebeen submitted after Friday 18th December. We build the timetable around youroption choices; however, not all students will be able to take all their preferredoptions. If there is a mismatch of more than one of your chosen subjects we willdiscuss this with you. If you change your mind about what you want to do thenyou must contact us as soon as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions What if I cannot afford to stay on in Post 16 education?No one should feel unable to continue learning because of financial difficulty. We are able to offer a post 16 bursary grant to ensure that students are not disadvantaged in their achievement or preparation for university and employment. The bursary is there to help you with transport to school, equipment for learning and university/career requirements. Full details are available on our Sixth Form website or speak to the Sixth Form Team for more information.

What if my grades are not as high as I expected?Do not worry. Contact the Sixth Form as soon as possible after you have receivedyour results and we will arrange to meet with you again to discuss the options thatare available to you.

What if I am not sure what subjects to choose?Refer to our Course Guide to help you identify the different choices available toyou. Consider all the options and bring this document to your interview and we canshape the best course options together with you based on your responses.

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“Weatherhead offered me a good change of environment and the opportunity to

develop many new experiences and friends.” Adam

Easy access Wirral-wide to WeatherheadWeatherhead is easily accessible from most areas of the Wirral.

Special bus routes have been laid on by Weatherhead, in conjunction with Mersey Travel, to facilitate students getting to school.

If you have queries regarding transport to school, please feel free to discuss this with our Sixth Form Team as we are always open to reviewing transport arrangements to support students’ needs.

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66Sixth FormProspectus 2016Headteacher:Mr N Dyment BSc, MA Chair of Governors:Mrs J Owens

2016Sixth Form Prospectus

Breck Road, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 3HSTelephone: 0151 631 4401www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/sixthformEmail: sixthformapps@weatherheadhigh.co.ukTwitter: weatherhead6thFacebook: weatherheadsixthform

Secure your place and your Sixth Form success

We welcome all applications