Sixth Form ProspectusPost-16 Education from Erith, Trinity & Welling Schools

A2 HISTORYA2 PSYCHOLOGYA2 SOCIOLOGY

I enjoyed my first year of Sixth Form, despite finding the jump between GCSEs and A Levels a challenging one, and this has continued this year. Each of my subjects has proved both interesting but difficult.

Studying Sociology, Psychology and History has equipped me with, and continues to develop, a wide range of academic skills. Discussion plays a key role in A Level studies, and this is an area in which I feel I have developed well. Furthermore, I have enhanced my ability to write detailed and evaluative essays, in which different sides of an argument have been assessed and quality of information analysed.

Through my studies of History I have developed my knowledge of Warfare in Britain and the expansion, and following decline, of the British Empire. My ability to work accurately with sources has also developed throughout my time in the Sixth Form, and I am now in the process of applying to study for a History degree at University. This is a difficult task; however there has been a wide range of support both in tutor time and in workshops and tutorials, all of which have made the process more manageable. The Sixth Form Staff have been extremely helpful in this area and my application is progressing well. Outside of academic studies, there are many different leadership roles students can participate in; allowing them to enhance key skills required for employment and university whilst giving something back to the school community. Since June last year I have undertaken the role of a Senior Prefect, meaning that I have had the opportunity to assist at many different events, help to manage the school council and alongside the rest of the team be a representative of the student voice.

A-Levels were a necessary step for me to pursue my path for the future, and I feel that they have given me an extensive base of knowledge for moving on to Higher Education.

VICTORIAGREENWOOD

...raising achievement. Raising aspirations.

Welcome to Trinity

It is at this time of year, as students are reaching the end of their GCSE courses, that the next stages of education and training are being considered. Here at Trinity, we consider this next phase hugely important to an individual’s development and to their future education and careers. To this end, I would like to warmly welcome you to Trinity Sixth Form and to introduce the programmes that are available for the forthcoming academic year.

The school has spent several years carefully developing and designing the range and levels of courses offered, ensuring that for each and every student a suitable path is available. We continue in this vein as this year we widen the offer of courses for students at Level 2 and Level 3 as well as our involvement with Partnership Sixth.

The new multi-million pound Sixth Form Centre will be completed as this year group enters into the Sixth Form. This additional accomodation will provide dedicated and specialist facilities for those continuing their learning in Years 12 and 13.

At Trinity, it is crucial that students have the opportunity to extend their skills and broaden their horizons. The programmes here in the Sixth Form allow and encourage students to progress into employment, other Further Education courses and University courses at degree level. The relationships that we have already established with

local universities, and that are now being developed, enable students to enter the world of Higher Education – and for significant numbers they will be the first in their families. This is real progress and real opportunity.

Every area of the Sixth Form was inspected by Ofsted in 2011 and from teaching through to care, we are rightly proud of the many aspects of provision which are associated with excellent comments:

“As a consequence of good teaching, they achieve well in their learning overall…” (Ofsted 2011)

“A good curriculum has been developed…” (Ofsted 2011)

“The relevance and success of the curriculum in meeting the differing needs of students is demonstrated by the data from last year…” (Ofsted 2011)

“…high levels of support and guidance offered prior to transition…” (Ofsted 2011)

The procedure to join our Sixth Form is a staged and monitored process where each applicant is given considered information, advice and guidance by experienced staff. Places are offered in accordance with the criteria set for each level of course.

Those students who study in Trinity Sixth Form are a fundamental part of the whole school community. We expect them to fully embrace the values embedded in the Trinity School Code and engage with the Christian ethos of the school: two components essential to the life of Trinity as a Church of England school.

Whatever path or course that you decide to pursue in the future, on behalf of all those involved here at Trinity School and its Sixth Form, I wish you every success.

Ian CollinsHead Teacher

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

We are delighted to welcome all prospective sixth form students to Trinity School, which has a wide range of facilities and excellent teaching and support staff. Trinity School offers a positive environment for your learning experience.

Being a student at Trinity School means gaining a wider understanding of your chosen subjects, furthering your education and developing a wide range of skills such as organisation and independence. The education you receive is tailored to suit you, with smaller classes leading to a better relationship between the student and teacher. A newfound respect is established as you are recognised as a young adult.

However, moving into the sixth form comes with high expectations and increased responsibilities. You are in control of your time management, making sure deadlines are met and targets are achieved. Independent learning is key in making your time at Trinity a success and, although supported by teachers, you are expected to push yourself to do the best that you can.

Students are able the make use of our state of the art Sixth Form facilities, including a dedicated study room and social space, an exclusive ICT suite where computers are readily available and specialist teaching rooms. This makes the Sixth Form experience at Trinity even more exciting, and equips students with all of the resources and tools they could possible need to achieve deserved success. Trinity Sixth Form offers you the opportunity to be part of a wider community, a supporting network of peers, teachers and pastoral team. Trinity’s Christian ethos makes your learning experience unique and will enrich your time at the school.

Students are able to use dedicated areas such as the Library, common room, study room, and a separate area in an ICT suite where computers are readily available. You will be the first students to take advantage of the purpose built Sixth Form Centre, equipped with even more computers and dedicated learning spaces. Trinity Sixth also offers many extra-curricular opportunities such as peer tutoring, drama and music performance, a residential trip to Gilwell Park, university taster days an much more.

The choices that you make this year are very important and we hope that you will make the best decision for you. Whatever you choose to do we wish you success, and hope that you consider Trinity to help you continue your learning.

With best wishes

Eliot and JosephineHead Boy and Head Girl

...raising achievement. Raising aspirations.

The Aims of Trinity Sixth Form

• The Sixth Form at Trinity aims to challenge and support all students irrespective of gender, race or disability to fulfil their personal, social and academic potential.

• The curriculum will provide pathways of progression to Further and Higher Education and into careers.

• The Sixth Form embraces the values of the Trinity School Code within a strong Christian ethos.

• Trinity School aims to steadily expand the curriculum provision within the Sixth Form and ensure that standards of achievement continue to rise.

Why Apply to Trinity?

There are many reasons to stay on at Trinity School. Past and present students say that there:

• Are specialist teachers who work closely with students.• Is a caring and supportive community with strong pastoral guidance.• Are specialist facilities in all subject areas.• Are opportunities for extra-curricular activities.

...and for those who have been through their GCSEs here, there:

• Are teachers who know you.• Is a familiar environment.

The Application Process

The Sixth Form at Trinity has expanded significantly over the last few years. We have taken time to ensure that the courses and subjects being offered suit the needs of our students and that they are developed and implemented with care.

As a Sixth Form, we pride ourselves in matching courses to the requirements and abilities of the individual student. The success of every Sixth Form student is of paramount concern to the staff at Trinity.

“Pathways of Progression” is a key term reflecting developments within the Sixth Form and means that courses are designed to enable students to progress along educational, training or employment routes.

Irrespective of the course that each student undertakes, every individual is a member of the Sixth Form community at Trinity. In this booklet we outline the content of the core curriculum in which all students are involved.

The Year 11 Transfer Form / Application Form can be found inside this pack. Having carefully read the relevant parts of the Course Directory and from your most recent predicted grades, you should have a good idea of which subjects is appropriate for you.

Internal Applications:All Year 11 Transfer Forms must be checked by your tutor and returned to Mr Godden by 12th December 2014.

External Applications:Please fill in the Application Form, Supplementary Form and Reference Request Form as directed and return to Mr Godden by 12th December 2014. Forms may be posted or delivered by hand.

Finally, all courses in the Sixth Form are demanding and therefore a place is not automatic. A thorough guidance process occurs before offers of places are made. All offers made are conditional on examination results and subject viability.

Aims & Introduction

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

AS HISTORYAS MEDIA STUDIESAS THEATRE STUDIESBTEC LEVEL 3 MUSIC

I attended Trinity from Year 7 to 11, and although I really enjoyed my time here, I made the decision that after completing my GCSEs I was going to leave. I was going to go to college where I could study Music Performance and Technology and throughout the summer I was so excited to finally be focusing on the thing that I loved.

As September approached however, I was feeling increasingly uneasy about leaving Trinity for good, and the thought of returning began to cross my mind. I spent a lot of time during the last part of the summer considering all of my options.

In order to organise my thoughts whilst making such a difficult decision, I made a list of pros and cons for leaving Trinity. Through this it became clear to me that leaving would be a mistake. At this point I had a long discussion with my parents about the situation I found myself in. I explained to them my reasons for wanting to stay at Trinity; that I would be able to study a range of subjects not just music and the possibilities of the new Sixth Form Centre to aid my learning in many different ways. Alongside this I felt like I would miss the sense of community I have found here and the range of support that is always available.

After hearing this, my parents urged me to contact the school the next day – this was now only a couple of days before the start of term. I called first thing the next morning, scared that it would now be too late. I was able to speak to a member of the Sixth Form team who invited me in to discuss my options that morning and within a matter of hours my subjects were finalised and my place back at Trinity confirmed. The support I received during this stressful time further highlighted that I had made the right decision.

JASONNEWALL

...raising achievement. Raising aspirations.

Trinity Sixth Form is a member of Partnership 6th. This is a collaboration between Erith, Trinity and Welling Sixth Forms, which enables students to widen their possible choices at Level 2 and Level 3. Also, it allows those who need to access Level 1 courses a range of opportunities to do so.

Essentially this joint venture allows students at Trinity, where their preferred course combinations clash at their home school, the chance to study the particular course at another. It also enables students to select a subject that may not be available in their home school.

By working together, the three schools are able to offer subjects that would not be viable if offered at one school alone as well as offering a wider range of courses.

As part of this arrangement, ‘Partnership Sixth’ has timetables aligned across the three schools. Trinity has operated this timetable for several years ensuring that we are able to manage this relationship for the longer-term to the benefit of all students concerned.

As a result of this partnership, the Transfer Form and Application Form are accompanied by the corresponding blocks for Erith and Welling Schools too. If this particular route helps to support your individual option choices contact either Mr Godden, Miss Patten, Miss Greene or Mr Palmer for further advice and guidance.

Partnership 6th

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

AS BIOLOGYAS CHEMISTRYAS PSYCHOLOGYAS SPORT & PE

Having been a part of Trinity Sixth Form for about a month now, I can safely say that I made the right decision to continue my studies here.

Advancing into the Sixth Form has been a great leap and a positive step forward into my future. I am now beginning to experience the freedom and also responsibilities of adulthood.

The four subjects I have chosen complement each other, as they all feature the study of the body and the science all around us. I am happy with the choices that I have made, as they are all key interests of mine. Chemistry gives me an insight into the building blocks of the earth and Biology into humanity and the world around us. Sport and PE is the study of the physiology of the body, which correlates with Biology; as well as giving me the opportunity to develop an active and fun lifestyle. Psychology being the study of the mind is very interesting, and also allows me to develop my analytical skills.

The progression from GCSE to A-Levels has been a great jump, which has required the development of good time management, maturity, independence and the willingness to learn and excel; all of which are crucial skills needed to be successful at A-Level. One of the most important things I have learnt so far, is the importance of utilising study periods wisely in order to cope with the workload. With my four subjects, I hope to pursue a career in medicine, specifically paediatrics. It is my desire to attend a renowned and acclaimed university and graduate as a well accomplished paediatrican. With success, comes hard work.

ESTHERIKEIJE

...raising achievement. Raising aspirations.

The Supporting Curriculum

The Supporting Curriculum and Enrichment

It is essential that the curriculum offers more than just the ‘traditional’ subjects if students are to become part of a tolerant and understanding society. In addition, students must also be prepared to tackle the issues surrounding adult life. As part of its supporting curriculum, Trinity Sixth Form includes a wide range of initiatives which are designed to support and enhance the programme of study.

The main thrust of this additional study follows three core routes:

1. Tutorials & Enrichment - Additional activities to support the students’ development.

2. Religious Education - As a Church of England School, Trinity values the contribution that the Sixth Form make towards the spiritual life of the school. All students are expected to attend a timetabled lesson of Religious Education.

3. PSHE/Citizenship - A tailored programme which ensures students are prepared for the outside world.

Religious Education and PSHE/Citizenship are jointly covered in a two year programme called Religious & Social Education.

The Tutorial Programme

It is imperative that students are given the skills to prepare themselves effectively for the challenges they are going to face later on in life - be it Further and Higher Education or the world of work.

Through the tutorial programme, the students are encouraged to:

• research their next steps...education, employment and training

• view and interact with presentations delivered by outside agencies

• update CVs and Personal Statements

• practise interview techniques through role play

• visit the Higher Education Convention and the ‘Design Your Future Fair’ in order to gain advice and guidance for future choices.

• gain substantial advice and preparation for university applications

The Enrichment Programme

Enrichment opportunities are designed to enable and encourage students to advance their skills, knowledge and experience in addition to their normal programme of study. There are several strands to this component and it covers scheduled and non-scheduled lessons. These include:

Enrichment LessonsAll Sixth Form Students come together to experience a wide variety of activities in order to develop new skills and have fun. Activities in the past have included: cooking courses, sign language, cycling proficiency, stage combat, touch-typing, Adobe Photoshop familiarisation and a host of sporting activities including golf and swimming.

Performing ArtsStudents have been given the chance to direct performance as well as being members of the cast. This has allowed those involved to develop their management and leadership skills.

Year 7, 8 & 9 ResidentialOpportunities exist for the Sixth Form to volunteer as leaders for the residential at Gilwell Park.

Peer MentoringStudents have the opportunity to complete a two day course developing their leadership skills and ability to work with younger pupils. Students can then employ these skills in the local community, completing a placement in a primary school or working with pupils in KS3.

Lesson SupportMany students this year have volunteered to support Lower School pupils in a variety of subjects. It is evident that their confidence has grown and their ability to communicate with others has been enhanced.

Work Related Placement / Community ServiceIf a student finds an appropriate work or community placement which fits with the timetable, the school will endeavour to support this extended learning.

If a student is aware they wish to follow a particular employment route in the future, such as teaching or nursing, they will be required to complete a work placement to access appropriate courses. Individual guidance will be given in this instance.

Work and University ExperienceWork Experience and University taster sessions (in certain subjects) are offered as part of the summer programme. Students are actively encouraged to attend University taster days.

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

This course is designed to help the students develop an understanding of Religious and Social issues.

Students are encouraged to reflect on and criticise the issues discussed; this is achieved through meaningful discussion and dialogue.

Key topics include:

• Environmental ethics and moral issues

• Peace, war and terrorism

• God and the problem of suffering

• Conscience and freedom

• God and Science

• Sex and Relationships

As further preparation for adult life in a modern society, the programme also includes

1. Health Education

2. The Law - including employment legislation.

3. Economic Wellbeing; bank accounts, store cards, saving and mortgages vs rent.

4. Democracy; Government, voting, the electoral system.

Sixth Form Conferences

Each term there are “One-day conferences” and these are based on topics requested by the students, for example, marriage and relationships, war and terrorism and the environment.

Religious and Social Education

...raising achievement. Raising aspirations.

There are a vast number of additional opportunities available to students in the Sixth Form, alongside classroom learning.

I have worked with the charity Age UK on the ‘We Just Clicked’ project, which aimed to teach computer skills to older learners in the borough, allowing them to develop skills involving basic computer navigation and email. It was a way in which I could use the computer knowledge I had to allow others to progress in their own understanding.

One of the most amazing extra-curricular opportunities for students at Trinity Sixth Form is the trip to America. This year we were lucky enough to visit not only New York, but also spend 3 days in the capital, Washington DC.

The trip appealed to people with many different interests. Being a History student I found the museums and memorials of Washington DC particularly interesting. This gave me the chance to learn about some key aspects of American history especially when visiting the Capitol Building and being given a tour around the outside of the White House by a US Park Ranger.In New York a visit to Ground Zero helped to give us a better understanding of the massive impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the people, not just of New York but all over America.

For sporting enthusiasts we had a backstage tour of Madison Square Garden home of the New York Knicks and also enjoyed a Brooklyn Nets basketball game at the Barclays Centre. For Media, Art and Photography students there were ample opportunities to film and photograph some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, from the Manhattan skyline and Times Square, to the Friends building and Radio City Music Hall.

In the Sixth Form there are also many sporting opportunities for students, from helping at clubs to sports offered during enrichment to working with local primary schools to expand their sporting opportunities. I am a member of the hockey club, and I have enjoyed seeing younger students grow and develop their abilities at a rapid rate. This year we have seen the largest number of pupils, particularly year 7’s, take up the sport. It is great to see a new generation of budding hockey players and to know that I have been able to have an impact on their enjoyment of the sport.

Another exciting opportunity for many Sixth Formers is returning to Gilwell Park in the role of a Sixth Form team leader. Having attended the trip myself in year 7 and 8, I always remembered my Sixth Form leaders and how memorable they made the trip for me, and was keen to fulfil this role myself. We began by attending a Sixth Form only training weekend in March, where alongside experiencing some of the practical activities such as the 3G Swing and Crate Stacking, we also learnt vital skills in team building, time management, child protection and for some people how to do the washing up. This was supported by follow up sessions during enrichment and a trip to Lee Valley’s Olympic white water rafting course. The weeklong trip in the summer was challenging for all however we learnt a lot about being a leader and worked as a team to ensure that the younger pupils got as much as possible out of this unique trip.

These experiences and the positive attitude surrounding Trinity Sixth have allowed us to have a much greater impact within and around the school. I am sure that these will enhance our applications to university and stand us in good stead for the future.

EUAN CAMPBELL & MEGAN SHARP A2 COMPUTINGA2 ICTA2 PRODUCT DESIGNLEVEL 3 EXTENDED PROJECT

A2 HISTORYA2 RELIGIOUS STUDIESA2 SPORT AND PE

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

AdmissionsNext Steps

To ensure that you progress onto the correct course into Trinity Sixth Form it is important that you read the following information regarding the admissions criteria carefully.

1. Discussion with subject staff and your mock examination grades will have given you a good idea of where your strengths lie.

2. We expect a very good record of behaviour, attendance and punctuality. Students must have shown commitment throughout their time at school to benefit from further study in Trinity Sixth Form.

3. The admissions number for Year 12 is 20 (for external students), with 120 places being reserved for internal candidates.. Oversubscription criteria will apply as outlined in the Borough Sixth Form Prospectus.

4. These citeria should be read in conjunction with the criteria for Partnership Sixth.

...raising achievement. Raising aspirations.

Level 2 BusinessLevel 2 Health and Social CareLevel 2 MediaGCSE English

Like other students, I am part of a 3 year course at Trinity Sixth Form. I am in the process of completing my first year – a one year programme of Level 2 Cambridge Technicals.

I am studying the programme as I did not originally have the English GCSE grade needed to study the AS Level courses that I wanted to. So after discussions with the school, it was decided that I should begin with 3 Cambridge Technical courses. I am working on these courses whilst being able to retake my English GCSE. After retaking my English and gaining my C grade, I am planning to move on to an A-Level programme.

The Cambridge Technical programme is very different to that of A-Levels. The courses are based around practical skills and assessed through course work, with a number of different assignments throughout the year. But no exams! This means that keeping to tight deadlines and being organised is crucial and is a good way to prepare myself for the level of independent work required at A-Level.

In the future I am interested in a career within health and social care, as I feel that there is a broad range of careers available within this industry. The subjects I chose to study will provide me with an excellent base of knowledge for moving in to social work, or an area within the National Health Service.

After my three years at Trinity Sixth, I would like to further my education by going to university. This will allow me to pursue my desire to move in to an area of health and social care. The skills that I will learn and the experiences that I will have during my time here will be essential for my future.

SOKARISCOTT

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

So, what else...?

Trinity Sixth Form also offers a wide variety of additional opportunities during the two year course.

These experiences greatly expand the students’ understanding of subject areas, allow for social development and interaction, and further develop skills for Further and Higher Education and the work place.

This year alone Sixth Form students have been involved in the following subject based activities:

Art: visited galleries in London

Biology: environmental survey and Dr Robert Winston conference

Dance and Drama & Theatre Studies: performances in local and national theatres

English Literature: additional lectures in London and theatre performances

Geography: field study to Farningham and ‘masterclass’ conference

German: attended European conferences in Finland and Italy and acted as ambassadors for the school

Media Studies: National Film Week visits, running of Masterclasses for primary school pupils and documentary filming with Chocolate Films

Psychology: part of National Film week

The ‘values’ programme has been supplemented by an outside Theatre in Education group examining the hazards and dangers caused by drink-driving. PSHE has seen staff from the Local Health Authority attend Sixth Form lessons to consider the issues surrounding sexual relationships.Two students visited Auschwitz for a day trip and seminars with follow-up project.

Many students in the Sixth Form also recognise that employers and admissions tutors at universities look for more than just the ‘academic’. As a result, several students at Trinity support younger pupils in class and contribute to the wider life of the school.

Trinity Sixth Form has a Prefect system in operation, including a Head Boy and Girl and their deputies.

The Sixth Form have recently returned from a trip of a lifetime to New York. Whilst there they experienced a wide range of cultural and subject specific visits from the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty to a backstage tour of Madison Square Garden.

Being in a Sixth Form is not just about hard work... the students within the Sixth Form at Trinity School endeavour to arrange social activities in a variety of locations including the Sixth Form Leavers’ Day! Students this year have raised significant monies for charity and acted as ambassadors in a wide variety of roles.

Next year, the above programme will continue to be extended, as will the supporting curriculum. There are many opportunities here in the Sixth Form at Trinity - take them.

Financial Assistance: 16-19 Bursary Scheme

A small and targeted bursary scheme is in operation. For more details of the Government funding available, please speak to Miss Patten, Assistant Head of Sixth Form.

Other Information

...raising achievement. Raising aspirations.

AS Economics (Partnership 6th) AS Government and PoliticsAS PsychologyAS Religious Studies

I left Trinity in Year 11 with good GCSE’s and although staying at Trinity was one of my options, I made the decision to go to an institution where I was able to play football at a high level, whilst studying for my A-Levels.

The A-Levels I chose to do were Biology Chemistry and Economics, those were my choices but they weren’t particularly what I intended to do.

During this due to my extensive training schedule alongside my A-Levels, my days were extremely long – I would need to leave very early in the morning and would often not get home until very late at night. This was a strenuous cycle and by the end of the year my football was looking good, but my studies were suffering as I was left with little time to do the additional work required.

At the end of the year I faced the hardest moment of my life, my A-Level results were nowhere near where I expected them to be and it took me a while to accept the reasons behind this. I knew that if I had carried on the way I was going, it would have taken nothing short of a miracle to be accepted into the university I wanted to go to.

I decided to get back in touch with Trinity, and see if it would be at all possible to return and retake year 12 in order to achieve the potential I knew that I had. Now that I am back, I have no regrets. I am doing the subjects I really want to do, I have the support necessary for me to do well and I am surrounded by friends who also want the best for me.

Naturally some people want to move away from the schools where they have spent 5 years, but when you are thinking about your next steps, ask yourselves this question: are you making decisions for the right reasons? Ensure that you consider study environments, academic support and what is best for you, not your parents and not your friends.

Being young adults we do feel that we know what’s best for us, which is understandable, but hopefully listening to my journey will help you contextualise your own.

JOSHKWADU

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

Erith RoadBelvedereKentDA17 6HT

Tel: 01322 441371Fax: 01322 436723Web: www.trinity.bexley.sch.ukEmail: reception@trinity.bexley.sch.uk

Mr S GoddenHead of Sixth FormTrinity Sixth Form

Key Dates:

1. Key Stage 5 Options Evenings: Erith School Tuesday 4th November 2014 Trinity School Thursday 6th November 2014 * Welling School Wednesday 12th November 2014

2. Consultation Evening & Year 11 Interim Report: Wednesday 19th November 2014 (6pm)

3. Mock Examinations: Monday 8th - Friday 12th December 2014

4. Sixth Form Application deadline: Friday 12th December 2014

5. Sixth Form Interviews begin and offers issued: January 2015

6. Year 11 Full Report issued: Friday 13th February 2015

7. Sixth Form Acceptance deadline: Friday 13th March 2015

8. GCSE Examinations begin: Monday 11th May 2015 (NB: Some practical and Language examinations may start sooner)

9. Sixth Form Induction Day: Thursday 25th June 2015

10. GCSE Results Day: Thursday 20th August 2015

11. Results Meetings (Key Staff available): Thursday 20th – Wednesday 26th August 2015

12. Courses start: September 2015 (Exact date to be confirmed)

*For more information regarding Partnership Sixth Key Stage 5 Options Evenings, see the noticeboard outside the Sixth Form Office.

ELSA ROAD