Welcome

Results and Destinations

At Quarrydale Academy, we are committed to ensuring our students have the best possible chances of achieving their goals and we take great pride in sharing their successes. Last year, our Year 13 students did exceptionally well, gaining some amazing results and securing places at university and on apprenticeship programmes. There are a wide range of subjects that students have gone on to study and they are spread over a massive 470 miles across the country!

We are incredibly proud of all of them, listed below are just a few of the students who were with us last year but there are of course, many more successes too!

• Abigail Young; Biology A*, Chemistry A, Psychology A, EPQ A
• Jack Guthrie: Sport Diploma Dist* Dist *, Biology D
• Lutra Cook: Psychology A*, Biology A, Criminology A
• Owen Draycott : Sport Diploma Dist Dist, Business Dist
• Emmy Morgan: Criminology A*, Psychology A, History B
• Lewis Gascoigne: Applied Science Diploma Dist * Dist, Criminology A
• Mia Howard: Geography A, Sport Diploma Dist Dist, Sociology B
• Grace Fleet: English Language A, Psyschology A, Media B
• Hayden Onyeani: Sport Diploma Dist* Dist, Applied Science Merit
• Louise Cowie-McFaull: Psychology A*, English Language A, Biology B, English Litertaure B
• Leighton Quinn: Maths A, Physics B, Further Maths B
• Izzie Simpson: Business Dist, Applied Science Diploma Dist MeritB.
• Eden Parnill- Criminology A, Sociology B, Psychology A

• Abigail Young- The University of Nottingham- Psychology
• Lutra Cook-Newcastle University-Psychology and Biology
• Kacper Dziegiel- Sheffield Hallam University- Aerospace Engineering
• Grace Fleet-Nottingham Trent University-English Language and Linguistics
• Lewis Gascoigne-Nottingham Trent University-Pharmacology (foundation year)
• Mia Howard- University of Manchester-Geography with International Studies
• Callum Kendrick- University of Northampton- Web Development and Cyber Security
• Jasmine Mackay- University of Derby-Policing and Investigations
• Emmy Morgan- University of Sheffield- Law and Criminology
• Hayden Onyeani- Sheffield Hallam University-Sport and Exercise Science
• Leighton Quinn-University of Nottingham-Computer Science
• Kingston East- Quality Surveying Apprenticeship

At Quarrydale Academy Sixth Form, we believe it is vitally important that students are well equipped to make decision about their options beyond Quarrydale. This is a process we begin at the start of year 12, continuing through to the end of year 13. To ensure students have access to all of the information, advice and guidance they need to make informed decisions about their futures, we work with a wide range of universities, apprenticeship providers, careers advisors, employers and other organisations to support and advise students when making important decisions about their Post 18 options. We aim to deliver the best support and guidance to our student by offering a broad range of opportunities and sessions that allow them to develop the knowledge they need to prepare for their next steps.

Below are just a few examples of how IAG in provided to our students:

The University of Nottingham- Ambition Nottingham

• Ambition Nottingham is a free scheme for students in years 12 and 13 aiming provide support to students as they progress through Sixth Form and on to higher education.
• It aims to support entry to The University of Nottingham, or other research-intensive universities, by offering a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you prepare for and progress to higher education.
• The experiences include subject taster days and masterclasses, support with UCAS and personal statements and student finance.
• There will also be the opportunity to apply for a place on one of the university’s Summer School schemes.

The Sutton Trust

• The Sutton Trust aims to improve social mobility through education and has so far funded over 200 programmes to help students gain entry to the Russell group universities.
• They work to combat educational inequality and are particularly concerned with breaking the link between educational opportunities and family background, and in realising a system in which young people are given the chance to prosper, regardless of their family background, school or neighbourhood.
• They focus their efforts on three distinct areas:
• • UK Summer School Programme
  • US Summer School Programme
  • Subject Specific Programmes

Sutton Trust Summer Schools

• The Sutton Trust Summer Schools offer an opportunity for around 2000 young people each year to try university life. The one week taster courses consist not only of lectures, seminars and tutorials, but also a varied programme of social activities, to give participants an accurate idea of life as an undergraduate at a research-led university.
• Subjects that can be studies as part of the programme are wide raging and include architecture, Science, Law, Medicine and many more. The following universities host Sutton Trust Summer Schools each year:
  • Durham University
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Cambridge
  • Imperial College London
  • The University of Nottingham
  • The University of St Andrews
  • UCL
  • The University of Warwick

The Sutton Trust-Subject Specific Programmes

• Pathways to Law- Aimed at students who are interested in a career in law, the programme is run at a number of universities across the country with The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University being the closest universities to our location.
• The programme includes:

• A range of sessions over two years at the host university, covering a diverse range of topics including choosing and applying to a university, CV and interview techniques, subject-specific revision sessions and workshops on different areas of the law
• E-mentoring from undergraduate law students, provided through the Brightside Trust
• Work experience in the legal sector, at leading law firms, chambers, regional firms and non-profit organisations such as legal advice centres
• A residential conference in the summer between years 12 and 13 to give students a taste of life at university and to take part in a range of workshops, debates and lectures

• Pathways to STEM- Aimed at students interested in a STEEM career, the programme is run in partnership with the University of Nottingham.
• The programme includes:
  • A range of sessions for students, parents and teachers, including tailored education and careers advice; academic classes in STEM subjects and sessions to develop non-academic skills
  • A residential summer school
  • A work experience placement in a relevant STEM setting;
  • The assignment of a mentor

The Brilliant Club- The Scholars Programme

• The Brilliant Club exists to widen access to highly-selective universities for pupils from under-represented groups.
• The programme helps to develop student’s research, analytical, evaluation and academic writing skills, all of which are needed for successful higher education study and are skills that universities are looking for applicants to possess.
• As part of the programme, PhD tutors deliver a number of university-style tutorials to small groups of pupils, who then go on to complete a dissertation style assignment.
• The assignment is then graded as a university piece of work would be and students are invited to take part in a graduation ceremony at a university.
• The programme usually run in the Autumn term and in recent years has focussed on the areas of STEM and humanities subjects.

Summer Schools

• In addition to the Summer Schools programme that is provided by The Sutton Trust, many universities across the country offer students the opportunity to experience university life as part of their Summer residential programmes.
• University websites will contain all of the information that you need to be able to apply for a programme, applications for Summer Schools usually open in January.
• In previous years, students from the Sixth Form have attended Summer School at Northumbria University, The University of Nottingham and Durham University.

The Social Mobility Foundation

• The Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) is a charity which aims to improve social mobility for young people from low-income and underprivileged areas.
• They provide opportunities and networks of support for 16-17 year olds who would like to progress to higher education.
• The areas that they focus on are: Accountancy, Architecture, Banking & Finance, Biology & Chemistry, Business, Engineering & Physics, Law, Media & Communications, Medicine, Politics, and Technology.
• They run many programmes and Summer Schools with their partner universities which help to prepare students for university and to secure the offer of a place to study at degree level.

University Open Days

• If you are planning to go to university it is important that you attend as many open days as possible.
• Open days allow you to gather information about the university, the facilities and accommodation. They also allow you to get a feel for the teaching style, atmosphere and location of a university. 

Subject/Career Specific Sessions

These are organised by individual départements to support students with their kmowledge and understanding of a particular area within the KS5 curriculum.

Outreach Sessions

• Throughout your time in Post 16 we will be visited by a number of external organisations.
• These will include universities and other education providers, industry providers, student finance, one of the major banks, charity organisations, unions and individuals from a variety of professions.
• These sessions are for your benefit and provide lots of useful and informative information, therefore, you should ensure that you attend and participate in these sessions.

Apprenticeship Information and Workshops (ASK Apprenticeships/DANCOP)

• For some students, university is not the only option that will be considered as a progression route after Sixth Form, and for many, apprenticeships are a great alternative.
• Throughout the next two years, particularly during year 13, we will work closely with West Notts College, Industry providers and ASK apprenticeships to ensure that students wishing to apply for apprenticeships are supported and prepared for the application process.
• Information on the types of apprenticeships available and where to find them will also be available throughout the year.

The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Collaborative Outreach Programme- DANCOP

DANCOP is a government funded initiative founded to help students from socially deprived areas access Higher Education opportunities and overcome the barriers to educational progress. As a school and Sixth Form, we work closely with the various strands of the programme to support our students, helping them to develop knowledge and skills for the future.

Sessions on the following are delivered throughout years 12 and 13:

Critical Thinking

• Goal Setting and Self-Efficacy
• Resilience
• Reflection for Learning
• Revision and Exam Preparation
• Time Management
• Finance and Budgeting
• Academic Skills
• HE Pathways
• Communication Skills: An Introduction
• Communication Skills: Public Speaking and Presentation

Learn to Work: A four-part DANCOP delivered programme working with learners who are considering the alternative HE option of higher and degree apprenticeships.

• What are higher and degree apprenticeships?
• The Application Process
• Employability and Transferable Skills
• Interviews and assessment centres

NCS- National Citizen Service

• Many students may have completed a four week NCS programme at the end of year 11 and will no doubt have had a fantastic time!
• For those who did not get to take part in the experience, NCS are running an additional programme in October half term that you are able to apply for.
• NCS looks fantastic on CVs and UCAS applications and is recognised by universities. It allows you to develop a multitude of essential skills, to try new challenges and to meet new people.
• NCS representatives will be coming in to school to provide more information on the October half term programme.

Sixth Form is not only about getting academic qualifications. Students need to be prepared to enter the realm of Higher Education and employment and need to develop skills that equip them to do so successfully.

There will be a range of opportunities available that help to develop transferable skills and holistic development such as:

• Communication
• Problem solving
• Presentation Skills
• Organisation
• Management and Leadership
• Citizenship
• Resilience
• Confidence
• Initiative
• Teamwork

As part of the journey through the 6^th form it is important that students not only engage and succeed in their academic studies, but also important that they develop holistic skills that will make them a well-rounded member of society; giving them the best chance to succeed in whatever route they take after the 6^th form.   All students have 3 timetable slots per fortnight to carry out activities that will support their holistic development and will be given a choice of activities they can choose to undertake during this time. The activities will fall into the category of personal development, or enrichment, and students will be required to carry out activities that fall in to both categories throughout the course of the year.

Personal Development Activities: Activities that add to study programmes and supports the progress of the academic pursuits of the student:

Work Experience

• For some students, work experience will be a requirement during your time in Post 16.
• This may be a requirement for some students studying Btec level three courses or may be needed for your university applications. Whatever the case, we will help you to secure relevant work experience.
• When applying to university, certain areas of study will require that you have done work experience, these include medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, teaching and social work. Ensure that you research what your course entry requirements are and plan accordingly.

Online Learning

• Online courses in a broad range of subject areas
• Help to support independent study skills and self-direction
• Allows students to develop knowledge beyond subject choices
• All students will complete a course that is of personal interest as part of the tutor programme

EPQ  

Extended Project is an exciting qualification that puts you in control, giving you the chance to explore something that really interests you. Extending your learning in that area of study. It teaches you many valuable life skills. E.g time management, organisation, analytical, evaluation, etc. It’s worth half a GCE that will earn you extra UCAS points and teaches you skills that are valued by universities and employers.

Core Maths 

This can only be included in your personal development time if you are doing three full subjects and Core Maths is an extra

It will take up 2 periods of your personal development time plus additional hours

Explore real world applications of maths, including financial calculations such as income tax, inflation, mortgages and loans. Develop the increasingly important skill of critical analysis of data. Recognised and highly regarded by universities. Gain a qualification equivalent to an AS level in UCAS tariff points

Taking part in an external course- Details of courses will be provided throughout the year

• IFS student investor, Brilliant club, Ambition Nottingham, Bar National Mock Trial, JP Morgan Real connections etc.

Critical reading  

Critical reading involves presenting a reasoned argument that evaluates and analyses what you have read.  Being critical, therefore – in an academic sense – means advancing your understanding, not dismissing and therefore closing off learning. To read critically is to exercise your judgement about what you are reading – that is, not taking anything you read at face value.

Enrichment Activities-Activities that give something back to others and the wider community and benefit others in some way, alongside developing key transferrable skills for students.

Fundraising 

• For this activity you could either work on your own or in a group of up to 4 people

• You will have to prepare and run at least one fundraising activity per term

Mentoring younger students 

• You will either work with high achieving students or those that require additional support.
• This maybe in a classroom setting, small group or 1-1
• Please indicate the subjects you would be prepared to mentor pupils in

Running clubs and activities 

• For this activity you will spend ½ hour a fortnight preparing material for the club/activity and ½ hour a fortnight at the club
• The clubs will run either during lunchtimes or after school

Voluntary Work 

• You will be in volunteering either once or twice a fortnight depending on how many sessions you wish to do, at a local organisation.

Social Action Projects 

• This can be done on your own or as a group of up to 4 pupils
• This is an activity that young people do to make a positive difference to others or the environment.
• What issue do you want to solve or what positive change do you want to be a part of?
• You choose your project, but it must have a clear intended benefit to a community, cause or social problem.
• Resources are available to help guide you through choosing and running a project

Reading buddies 

• A reading Programme is done in the library with year 7s, 8s, and 9s- You would help support the young people as they develop their reading skills

Classroom support/ Helping in the Learning hub 

• You will be supporting the teacher in a variety of ways depending on the subject. You can either; Support a specific subject, or you could work across a range of subjects supporting pupils who need extra support
• In each session you will be directed by the staff member in charge to what work is required

Leading on a whole school initiative

• For this activity you can either work alone or in a group of up to 4 people. You will choose an area that you want the whole school to become more aware of and then organise events that help to do this. Areas of focus may include:

• Inclusivity
• Mental health and well being
• Being safe

VESPA

Research into which students thrive during their time in Sixth Form suggests that the most successful students demonstrate a certain set of characteristics.

The research suggests that previous GCSE performance does not always indicate successful level three performance, but showcasing the identified characteristics will lead to more successful outcomes or students.

The characteristics are not a surprise; perseverance, motivation, commitment, confidence, ambition, organisation, etc

As a Sixth Form, we aim to support our students in gaining these characteristics and to make it easier to deliver sessions that develop these attributes,  we will focus on 5 qualities known as the VESPA approach.

Vision – Students knowing what they want to achieve, having goals

Effort – Students put in hours of proactive study

Systems – Students can organise their learning resources and time

Practice – Students practice and develop the skills needed.

Attitude – Students respond constructively to setbacks

Students will focus on each of these areas over the course of the year. VESPA sessions are delivered weekly by tutors to ensure students are able to focus their time and have the best chances of success.

Directed Independent Learning

All students will have non-contact time on their timetable, these will be needed  as students will be expected to work independently outside of lessons to have the greatest chances of success, therefore, using this time effectively is key.

To help students organise their time and to support their independent studies,  each subject  will provide a programme of study (POS).

Student programme of study (POS) will include:

• The order the topic will be delivered in
• Guidance as to what you can do to support topics being delivered in Current
• What you can do to Preview learning, ready for the next part of the topic
• What can you can be doing to Review previous work.

Using the CPR approach allows students to work efficiently and with purpose, making good use of their non-contact time (and freeing up time at evenings and weekends for hobbies/jobs/family time. Etc.)

16 to 19 Bursary Fund

Guidance Notes

The Quarrydale Academy 16-19 Bursary Fund is designed to help students overcome individual barriers in order to participate in education and training. Any financial support/award is intended to help with the cost of essential equipment, books, food and transport (including attending interviews/open days). The scheme is divided into two parts:

Vulnerable Bursary

You can apply for a vulnerable bursary if you fall into one of the areas below:

• You (the student) are in care
• You (the student) are a care leaver
• You (the student) are receiving Income Support or Universal Credit because you are financially supporting yourself and anyone who is dependent on you and living with you, such as a child or partner.
• You (the student) are receiving Disability Living Allowanceor Personal Independence Payments in your own right as well as Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit in your own right.

Payment and Conditions

You could receive financial support paid over the academic year but you will need to provide proof of your eligibility. This could be a letter from your local authority showing you are in care/a care leaver or a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions showing the types of benefits you receive. Any benefits must be in your own name. If you are not receiving benefits in your own name you will not be eligible for a vulnerable bursary but could still apply for a discretionary bursary. Students who meet the criteria for bursaries for vulnerable groups are not automatically entitled to a bursary if they do not have financial needs or their financial needs are covered from other sources.

Discretionary Bursary

This bursary is available to students (who are not eligible for the Vulnerable Bursary) who live in a household whose family income is £17,000 per annum or less or whose parents/guardians are in receipt of any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual gross income (as assessed by HMRC) that does not exceed £16,190.
• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after the person stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit (provided annual net earned income is no more than £7,400, as assessed by earning from up to 3 of the most recent assessment periods).

If false or incomplete information is given in order to secure a bursary, the matter may be referred to the Department for Education or to the police. As a result, you and/or your parents/carers could face prosecution and payments could be recovered.

Additional Help

Under exceptional circumstances, students who are not automatically eligible for an award can also apply for help with one-off course related expenses (proof of income or hardship will be asked for). Applications for additional help will be considered on an individual basis and is dependent upon available funds.

Payment and Conditions

• The level of support which the Academy can offer is dependent upon the total funding received from the Education Funding Agency (EFA) and the number of applications it receives. The level of funding may vary during the academic year.
• All bursary awards will be directly linked to attendance, behaviour and commitment to studies.
• Any bursary payments will be paid directly into the eligible students’ bank account, on a half-termly basis.
• Eligible students must be aged over 16, but under 19, on 31 August 2021 and enrolled as a full-time student at the school.

Apply for the Bursary

To request an application form contact  Mr West or Miss Straw

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