Thank you for the interest you have shown in Highcrest Community School Sixth Form. We are very pleased to receive applications from students who can benefit from our courses and we look forward to helping you develop your skills and talents.
Firstly we are able to offer you a broad, interesting curriculum from which you can select your choices. As the Sixth Form grows the range of courses continues to expand which then offers students an even greater range of subjects. Secondly the Sixth Form Pastoral Team and subject tutors are particularly caring and supportive; they already know you and are trained to help you develop the study skills necessary to succeed at the highest level. Additionally you will find that you have a more relaxed relationship with all your tutors. We try to treat our Sixth Formers as young adults and, because you are older, afford you greater freedom and some privileges.
We do have high academic standards and behavioural expectations of our students but also believe that being a Highcrest Sixth Former should be an enjoyable experience. You will have the opportunity to maintain your interest in sport, if you so wish, or make a valuable contribution to the school or wider community. You could try a new activity such as Skiing, Golf, Judo, or become a member of the University Gym. Perhaps you are more interested in charity work or business; Sixth Form is currently involved in the Young Enterprise scheme which allows students to develop and run a business enterprise.
I am confident that you will continue to thrive in our Sixth Form. We are fortunate enough to have our own Sixth Form building which allows us to forge a unique identity. We offer trips and visits throughout the year to ensure everyone gets to know each other as individuals. We are a very friendly school and welcome students from other schools and colleges.
We are a relatively new Sixth Form having opened in September 2005. However, Highcrest has a proven track record of continuous improvement and a commitment to high standards. Having recently gained specialist school status for Technology, the school is due to open a further suite of new classrooms, each equipped with an interactive whiteboard, and a state of the art ICT conference facility.
If you are interested in maximising your academic potential, seek to engage in diverse enrichment activities, and want to be involved in a new and vibrant Sixth Form, we look forward to welcoming you into Highcrest Community School Sixth Form in September 2006.
G Weldon (Assistant Headteacher/Head of Sixth Form)
Application and Admissions
The entry requirements for Highcrest Community School are that you have an appropriate attitude to study, you have gained the appropriate qualifications for a course which is suited to your abilities and you are prepared to make an agreement to fulfil the school's expectations of Sixth Form students. We will help every student make the appropriate course choice/choices, both for September 2006 and for the future. We welcome applicants from our own year 11 and from other schools and colleges.
The minimum entry requirements for AS levels are 5 GCSE's at Grade C or above. These should include English and Mathematics. However, each application will be treated on an individual basis.
The minimum entry requirements for BTEC First Diplomas are 5 GCSE's at Grade E or above. These should include English and Mathematics. However, each application will be treated on an individual basis.
Every Sixth Form student at Highcrest Community School is expected to:
- Attend all timetabled lessons.
- Be punctual.
- Complete all coursework to the given deadline and to the standard required by the course/s.
- Undertake independent study as required by their course/s.
- Contribute to the life of the school.
- Behave in a responsible, sociable and respectful manner.
- Dress appropriately (smart casual dress is acceptable).Tracksuit bottoms and hoodies are not allowed.
Application forms must be returned to Mrs G Weldon, Head of Sixth Form/ Assistant Headteacher as soon as possible. An application form is available on this site.
Important Dates
- A2/AS/GNVQ Results Day - Thursday 17th August 2006
- GCSE Results Day - Thursday 24th August 2006
- Sixth Form Enrolement Day - Tuesday 5th September 2006 at 9.00am
Sixth Form Courses Available at Highcrest
AS level courses (possibly leading to a full A level)
- Art
- Applied Business
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Design and Technology
- English Literature
- Geography
- History
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- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Philosophy and Ethics
- Physical Education
- Psychology
- Sociology
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These one-year courses are designed for students in year 12 who have achieved 5 or more GCSE passes at C grade or above. Such students will normally take three or four subjects in year 12.
Assessment for these courses will take place throughout the course or at the end of the year. Most students will continue into year 13 to complete full A2 qualifications.
Level 2 BTEC Course
This course is at the same level as GCSE level:
- Media Studies
- Health and Social Care
- Business
- Information Technology
- Physical Education
Each First Certificate course is equivalent to two GCSEs at grade C or above.
Each First Diploma course is equivalent to four GCSEs at grade C or above.
These one-year courses are designed for students in year 12 who have achieved 5 or more GCSE passes at E grade or above. The courses enables students to develop a wide range of vocational, practical skills to be developed in Y12. Assessment is by assignments/projects which are completed throughout the year.
Other Courses
Y12 students have the opportunity to re-take GCSE English and or Mathematics. Re-takes are offered to students achieving a grade D in English or Maths.
All students will have the opportunity to receive careers guidance and help in preparing for their chosen career path. In the core teaching programme all students undertake Physical and Moral Education.
We hope to offer as many of these courses as possible. The courses are determined by the number of students interested in each course.
Life in the Sixth Form
Some views about life in the Sixth Form at Highcrest Community School
- I returned to Highcrest because I already knew the teachers and so I felt it was best to come back to an environment I already know. I wouldn't have to get to know new people and I would get straight down to work.
- I came back because it is conveniently close and everyone is so friendly.
- I came back to the sixth form because I knew the teachers and liked the choice of subjects.
- I came back to the school because I knew the teachers and the school and to get achieve better results.
- The sixth form is like a second family because everyone gets on well and you can talk to the teachers as friends.
- I came back because the sixth form is made up of people from different backgrounds.
- I felt welcome here.
- I like the sixth form centre and all the new buildings. The school feels modern and new.
- I know the school continues to improve and the education is of a high standard.
- I came back to the sixth form because I wanted to be in a familiar environment. I knew how important the next two years were and I didn't want anything to disturb them.
- I'm from another school. I chose to come here because the school's got a very good reputation, it's got a good pass rate and a few of my friends were here as well.
Highcrest - a friendly, supportive environment with a commitment to high standards!
Enrichment Opportunities
- Sixth Form Council
- Charity Events
- Drama and Music groups
- Sports - basketball, football, trampolining, badminton, aerobics
- Working in a primary school
- Work Experience
- Gym membership at BCUC
- Theatre/cinema trips
- Team Building events
- Trips - ice skating, bowling, paint balling etc
- Supporting younger pupils
- Working with departments
- Job shadowing
- Social Events / Parties Enrichment Courses
- Young Enterprise
- University visits
- Community Sports Leader.
plus much more! |