2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS - ALLESTREE WOODLANDS SCHOOL - Allestree Woodlands ...

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2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS - ALLESTREE WOODLANDS SCHOOL - Allestree Woodlands ...
ALLESTREE WOODL ANDS SCHOOL

2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS
2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS - ALLESTREE WOODLANDS SCHOOL - Allestree Woodlands ...
“The thing I really
    like about being
    at Woodlands?
    We’re treated more
    like an adult which
    means it feels
    like a more grown
    up relationship
    between ourselves
    and the teachers.”
2
2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS - ALLESTREE WOODLANDS SCHOOL - Allestree Woodlands ...
CONTENTS

 4 Welcome
 7 Introduction
 8 Results
 9 Location and Facilities
14 Case Study
16 Raising of the
   participation age
18 Entry Requirements
19 Commitment
20 Curriculum
   Core
   Teaching
   Student Destinations
20 Dress Code
26 Case Study
29 Application Process

                             3
2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS - ALLESTREE WOODLANDS SCHOOL - Allestree Woodlands ...
WELCOME

    I am delighted that you are considering joining the Sixth Form at Woodlands.
    During Year 11 you will have to make very important decisions about
    your future. There is a great variety of courses and institutions available to
    you, but I believe that the Sixth Form at Woodlands is amongst the best.

    Part of our success depends upon ensuring you are on the right course
    before you start. The information contained within this brochure is the first
    stage of that process.

    The Sixth Form at Woodlands will offer you an adult environment where you
    will be continually encouraged and supported as you maximise your potential.
    We will have high expectations of you. You will have responsibilities and you
    will be helped to develop your personal skills and qualities. If you are not yet
    a member of the school, we would be proud to welcome you to become part
    of our community.

    I would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success for the future.

                         Gemma Penny
                         Headteacher

    ‘The conduct of students in the
    Sixth Form is outstanding. They are
    excellent ambassadors for the school.
    They value their learning and feel well
    supported in their ambitions for the future.’
    Ofsted

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2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS - ALLESTREE WOODLANDS SCHOOL - Allestree Woodlands ...
We are justifiably extremely proud of our
Sixth Formers at Woodlands and if you choose
to join us, we are sure you will see why!

Our Sixth Form is a happy, vibrant and thriving
environment where every student is supported to
achieve their goals. We believe passionately that
Sixth Form should be exciting, interesting and
rewarding, and at Woodlands we value your
academic as much as your personal achievements.
To this end we promise excellence in all that we do,
with dedicated teaching and pastoral staff, a wide
range of extra-curricular opportunities and fantastic
new facilities.

We have no doubt that you will enjoy being a part
of Woodlands Sixth Form. If you think that this may
be the place for you, then we would love to receive
your application.

We look forward to seeing you here!
			Catherine Mills
			 Head of Sixth Form

                                                        5
2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS - ALLESTREE WOODLANDS SCHOOL - Allestree Woodlands ...
‘Strong and effective leadership in the
    Sixth Form is ensuring even better
    achievement over time, as the proportion
    of A* and A grades continues to rise.’
    Ofsted

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2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS - ALLESTREE WOODLANDS SCHOOL - Allestree Woodlands ...
INTRODUCTION

Woodlands School
offers a full time,
dynamic and
forward-thinking
Sixth Form.
       It is a Sixth Form that is small enough for us to know and help
       you personally, but large enough to provide a broad range of
       courses. We will offer you an adult environment where you will
       be continually encouraged and supported as you maximise your
       potential. We will have high expectations of you. You will have
       responsibilities and you will be helped to develop your personal
       skills and qualities. The Sixth Form has a proven record of excellent
       examination success and, equally important, of students moving
       successfully to the next stage of their career.

       Each of our students has their own academic interests, their own
       academic requirements, their own extra-curricular pursuits, their
       own skills and talents. Woodlands will seek to make the most of
       these individual attributes; it is our mission to provide the best
       opportunity for our students to prepare thoroughly for their futures.

                                                                               7
2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS - ALLESTREE WOODLANDS SCHOOL - Allestree Woodlands ...
RESULTS

    We are proud to be a broad entry                       But this is only part
    sixth form and our goal is to ensure                   of the story. Last year
    every student achieves their goal –                    52% of our students
    whether this be Oxford or travelling                   gained places at
    the world. Our students’ A level results               university, with nearly
    in Summer 2019 demonstrated high                       one third moving on to
    levels of achievement across the full                  study at Russell Group
    range of subject areas, showing we are                 universities (the top 24
    truly ensuring every student reaches or                research led universities
    exceeds their own personal potential.                  in the country, including
                                                           Oxford and Cambridge).
    A Level Grade Distribution table
                                                           Our students are also
                                                           very successful in
                             A*– B %   A* – C % A* – E %
     Art                      45.5      54.5      100
                                                           securing highly sought
     Biology                  18.8      43.8      100
                                                           after apprenticeships
     Business Studies          50        87.5     100      with companies such as
     Chemistry                43.5      69.6      100      Rolls Royce, Bombardier
     Computing                 20        40       73.3     and Boots. We are
     D&T                      18.2      36.4      90.9     committed to ensuring
     English Language         20.8       41.7     100      that our students are
     English Literature        29        61.3     100      fully supported as they
     Environmental Science      0         0       66.7     prepare to leave school,
     EPQ                       70        80       100      providing each one with
     French                    50        100      100      high quality, bespoke
     Further Mathematics      66.7       66.7     100
                                                           advice and guidance.
     Geography                27.3       66.7     100
     Government & Politics    14.3       47.6     100
                                                           In 2019 80%
     History                  37.5       71.9     100
                                                           of our students
     Mathematics              48.7       71.8     94.9
     Music                      0         0       100
                                                           gained places at
     PE                        20        80       100
                                                           university,further
     Physics                   37       44.4      77.8     education or
     Psychology               34.4       62.5     100      apprenticeships,
     RE                       42.9       85.7     100      with the remaining
     Sociology                 5.6      44.4      100      20% embarking
     Spanish                   100       100      100      on employment
     Theatre Studies            0        37.5     100      or gap years.

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2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS - ALLESTREE WOODLANDS SCHOOL - Allestree Woodlands ...
LOCATION AND FACILITIES

A beautiful and functional
space for everyone
joining Woodlands.
In September 2016 we opened our brand new school buildings.
Over 85% of the school was rebuilt and renewed.

We now have wonderful facilities including science laboratories,
specialist classrooms, a Learning Resource Centre, music rooms,
drama studio, technology rooms and an Atrium with Café.

All the classrooms are spacious with good natural light and
equipped to a very high standard.

Our priority is always to have a safe and secure school environment.
To that end we have recently completed an enhanced security
package with the intention to safeguard the student community.

                                                                                                 9
LOCATION AND FACILITIES

     Sixth Form students have the luxury of
     enjoying purpose-built accommodation
     that is reserved for their use only.
     During study periods, they are able to
     use two large study rooms, (one silent
     and one for group work) which are fully
     equipped with computers and Wi-fi
     access if students wish to bring their
     own devices.

     In addition, our brand new ‘Atrium Café’
     serves food and drinks to sixth form
     students throughout the day, as well
     as providing a large, informal study
     space where students can go in their
     study periods. At lunchtimes, this area
     is open only to Sixth Form and Year 11,
     providing a more adult offering of food
     from the usual ‘school dinners.’

     Sixth formers also have full access
     throughout the day to our Learning
     Resource Centre, which houses more
     computer facilities, as well as our
     brand new library.

10
11
LOCATION AND FACILITIES

     Our school is named Woodlands for a
     reason – we are surrounded by trees
     and green spaces.

     A high quality learning environment is
     very important to us and we strive to
     maintain our grounds, buildings and
     facilities to a high standard.

     In addition to our new facilities, we
     have a modern sports hall, fitness
     suite, swimming pool, two floodlit all-
     weather pitches, extensive sports fields
     and state-of-the-art meeting, dining &
     theatre facilities – all of which we also
     use to support our partner primary
     schools and the surrounding community.

     Our classroom facilities are excellent
     across all our curriculum areas and
     we are constantly upgrading our
     ICT provision. We further enhance
     our teaching and learning with a
     well-stocked library, manned by
     dedicated library staff within the
     new Learning Resource Centre.

12
Our modern refectory and student dining
facilities are ably managed by a fully
qualified chef who provides rich, varied
and healthy food options each and every
day of the school year. This expertise is
also transferred to many of our students
who enjoy studying catering and who
increasingly provide splendid hospitality
at many school events.

Since its creation in 2011 the new school
Theatre has been the scene of many
musical triumphs from a gala concert to
celebrate its opening, to ‘Woodland’s
Got Talent’, ‘Songs from the Shows’
and ‘Les Miserables’, as well as several
collaborative music concerts with local
primary schools.

Recently we have seen several
imaginative curriculum innovations from
off timetable sessions to allow students
more in depth experience of healthy
living options and the chance to explore
many career aspirations.

We are realising ‘anytime, anywhere
learning’ through whole school wi-fi
and a highly innovative staff and student
tablet device programme.

We certainly believe in developing
the whole child, from the moment
they join us as young 11 year olds, to
the moment they leave us at 18 as
confident young adults.

There is no doubt that the facilities
at Woodlands help to enhance the
experience of our Sixth Form students
to ensure that ready to take advantage
of all that the world has to offer.

                                            13
CASE STUDY

     “What was the best thing
     about being at Woodlands?
     Realising how well prepared I was
     to study at a top five university”
     Tom Lewsley, former Allestree Woodlands School and Sixth Form student, graduated
     with a First Class Honours Degree in Politics from the University of Warwick.
     After leaving university Tom went to work for a Swiss Investment Bank in the
     City of London. He now works in their New York office in Manhattan.

     Why did you do your A Levels at Woodlands?               a blank slate and a manageable time window
     In many ways, completing my A levels at                  to push myself and get the grades I needed to
     Woodlands was the obvious choice for me. I lived         progress. Being in close proximity to Year 13s
     a short walk from school and had already studied         was helpful in this respect; I was able to learn from
     in the main school for five years. Perhaps most          them throughout the university application process.
     importantly though, I knew that with Woodlands           This served me well when it was my turn the
     I would have access to knowledgeable teaching            following year.
     staff, a solid support network, and a track record of
     sending students to good universities. I had seen        What did you find difficult?
     older students make the step into A level studies        I remember that the academic step up from GCSE
     successfully and this gave me a level of comfort that    to AS Level was significant. Perhaps not so much
     I could follow a similar path.                           from a content perspective, but certainly in terms
                                                              of working style and how you are expected to
     How was it different from the main school?               contribute. The first term in Year 12 was all about
     Even as part of the main school I had a sense            adjusting to smaller class sizes, contributing
     that A level students were treated differently.          more actively in discussions and providing more
     Everybody enjoyed having more independence               thoughtful and analytical written and verbal
     and being trusted to manage their ‘personal study        responses. The good news is that all your peers are
     periods’, but in reality the changes are more            going through the same process and collaborate
     fundamental. Class sizes are smaller and students        actively to bring each other up to speed. The other
     have all opted into a small number of subjects           key to overcoming these challenges is having a
     which they are passionate about. This creates            smart and knowledgeable teacher who understands
     an atmosphere where students go beyond the               your needs throughout the process. I can say with
     surface level of their subjects and begin to push        confidence that the teaching staff at Woodlands
     each other academically. I found myself learning         provide effective support, whilst continuing to push
     almost as much from my classmates as the                 you to the academic levels required.
     teaching staff, because we began to develop strong
     opinions which we proactively debated in class.          How did Woodlands prepare you for university?
     The biggest difference for me personally though,         After completing my A levels, I enrolled at the
     was that I found an immediate goal to focus on.          University of Warwick to study a degree in Politics.
     With university only two years away, I felt like I had   Given Warwick’s position as a top five University,

14
I always had a slight concern that I might end up
being ‘bottom of the class’ in my new environment.
Soon after joining however, these concerns vanished
and I realized just how well prepared I was. I found that
many of my peers at university had been taught the
content required to pass their A level exams, rather than
how to use a set of core problem solving skills to adapt
to the task at hand. At Woodlands I was exposed to a
balance between these approaches. Towards the end
of Year 13, teachers often set us challenging problems
that were ‘beyond the standard required for A level
students’. I didn’t quite believe it until I first arrived at
university to study a completely new subject.
Without any content knowledge to fall back on, I
realised just how important these core skills are for
succeeding in unfamiliar environments. In this respect,
Woodlands prepared me incredibly well.

What was University like for you?
Overall, a fantastic experience which has opened so
many doors. Warwick is made up of 25% international
students, so I met people from all over the world and
from a wide range of backgrounds. After graduating,
everybody spread out across the globe and I found
myself with an amazing network of friends across
geographies. Three years is too much to cover here,
but I had an opportunity to test myself against
intelligent people, to try new sports and societies
and to work for a range of exciting companies.
I can’t recommend it enough.

What advice would you give the students of today?
I think my advice would change depending on
where you are in the process. For A levels, it’s all
about working hard academically and focusing on
the immediate goal of getting into a good university.
Start looking at your options early on and work out
what you need to achieve in order to succeed.
You can’t aim too high, so don’t rule anything out in
your first year. Once you’re at university, it becomes
about getting involved in as much as possible.
Meet people, build your network and apply for work
experience and internship positions starting in your
first year – otherwise you are already a year behind
other proactive students. I found the easiest way was
to find someone who had been through it all before and
learn from their experience, these people always have
helpful advice and offer a constant reminder that your
goals are achievable.

                                                                15
RAISING OF THE PARTICIPATION AGE

     In the past, young people could leave education when
     they were 16 years old, but things have changed.
     All young people are now expected to stay in some
     form of learning until they are 18 years old.

     Why do students need to
     stay in education longer?
     The world of work is changing.
     New jobs are being created and
     many will be more complicated and
     demanding. Therefore, employers
     are looking for people with more
     skills, training and qualifications.
                                             ‘Academic
     The more training and qualifications
     young people have, the better their
     chances of getting a good job that
                                             standards are
     they enjoy in the future.

     Does this mean students
                                             high and students
     have got to stay at school
     until they’re 18?                       are very well
                                             prepared for
     Lots of students will choose to
     stay at school in September 2016.
     However, there will be lots of

                                             higher education
     other routes available as well
     being offered by employers,
     colleges and training providers,
     including apprenticeships,
     vocational courses, voluntary
     work and jobs with training.            or employment.’
     What does this mean?                    Ofsted
     It means that every student needs
     to start thinking about the type of
     learning or training they need to do,
     to get them where they want to be
     in the future.

     Applying to join the Sixth Form at Woodlands will
     ensure that every student makes the most of this
     opportunity to learn for longer.
16
17
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

     Within the ‘Sixth Form Student and School Agreement’,
     we at Woodlands offer a number of commitments
     and aims. In turn, all students have a role to play in the
     development of the partnership so that Sixth Form
     opportunities can be developed and extended in
     order to establish Woodlands as a place of challenge,
     high expectation and opportunity.

     The general entry requirement for those wishing
     to join our Sixth Form is 5 GCSEs including
     Maths and English Language at grade 5 or above.
     However, individual subjects have their own entry
     requirements, which you will find on page 25.
     In exceptional circumstance, the application of the
     above criteria is at the Head of Sixth Form’s discretion.
                                                                 ‘Teaching in the
     The following factors are used when assessing
     whether the above criteria have been met:                   Sixth Form is
                                                                 underpinned by
     1 Evidence of a sustained and committed
       approach to study throughout Key Stage 4.
     1 Academic Profile to date in relation to the
       cohort of applications received.
                                                                 expert subject
     1 Predicted GCSE results.
                                                                 knowledge which
     1 Quality of the student’s Progress File.
     1 Pastoral and academic staff recommendations.              enthuses and
     1 Attendance/Punctuality record.
     1 Performance at interview.
                                                                 motivates students
     Those students who are to continue into Year 13
                                                                 through challenging
     will be expected to:                                        questioning and
     1 Have achieved at least 3 high E grades in their
       internal exams in year 12.
     1 Be able to continue with at least three subjects
                                                                 detailed feedback.‘
       in Year 13.                                               Ofsted
     1 Demonstrate the commitment necessary to
       study at A Level.

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COMMITMENT

School’s Commitment                                 Students’ Commitment
At Woodlands, we are committed to:                  In turn, we expect you to:
1 The promotion of the highest possible             1 Take responsibility for your own learning and
  standards of achievement and excellence             personal and social development
  for all students – we maintain high quality       1 Be committed to your own academic study;
  educational provision within a challenging but      working hard, meeting deadlines and ensuring
  caring and supportive environment                   an effective working relationship with your
1 Providing a purposeful and supportive               subject teachers
  working environment                               1 Make use of the study facilities when not
1 Supporting individual progress and the 		           timetabled for lessons, balancing study with
  achievement of a high success rate for              leisure time
  students in terms of qualifications achieved      1 Achieve excellent attendance and punctuality
  and opportunities created                           and follow the dress code
1 Providing individual care, support and guidance   1 Be a role model for all the students attending
  by an experienced team of personal tutors           Woodlands School and make a contribution to
  and subject staff                                   the school and wider community
1 Creating a secure transition for students to
  move successfully from GCSE to A Level study

                                                                                                         19
CURRICULUM

     “I don’t feel flooded
     with information and
     there is loads of
     support when we
     don’t understand.”
     Students at Woodlands Sixth Form have the                Sixth Form students will usually undertake the
     opportunity to study a wide range of subjects            following programme of study:
     and we try to ensure that there is a pathway
                                                              Year 12: 3 or 4 A Levels
     for all students who wish to study A Levels.
                                                                       + Core programme + EPQ (optional)
     Students at Woodlands, in line with the other sixth
     forms in the city, will take 3 A Level subjects, which   Year 13: 3 or 4 A Levels
     will be assessed as at GCSE at the end of two                     + Core programme
     years. For those who wish to aim high, there will
     also be an option to study the Extended Project          When selecting courses, students should
     Qualification, which is looked upon extremely highly     take into account the career that they wish
     by universities and develops the independent work        to follow, the subjects which they enjoy and
     and skills needed to study in Higher Education.          are most confident in and, of course, the
     If students take Further Maths, they will leave          subjects in which they are most successful.
     Year 13 with 4 A levels.                                 The programme of study that each student
                                                              chooses will become the foundation upon
     A high priority is also placed on offering students      which they will build their post-18 plans and
     many opportunities to enhance and enrich their           future career ambitions.
     education. As well as taking part in A Level
     courses, students participate in a core programme        Students are able to select from the subjects on the
     of lessons, which encourage personal and social          next page to develop their programme of study:
     development and forge links with our local
     community. These experiences are particularly
     important for students as they make their
     applications for university, apprenticeships
     or employment.

20
A Level Courses                  Specific Entry Requirements
Art, Craft and Design            General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Art and Design.
                                 Students who have not studied Art at GCSE will be required to
                                 submit a portfolio of work for consideration.
Business Studies                 General plus GCSE Grade B in Business or GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics
                                 and English Language OR English Literature.
Computer Science                 General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Computing or Grade 5 in Mathematics.
Design and Technology            General plus GCSE Grade B, from Textiles, Resistant Materials,
– Product Design                 Product Design or Graphic Products.
Drama and                        General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Drama and English Literature OR Language.
Theatre Studies                  Students who have not studied Drama at GCSE but who can demonstrate
                                 a keen interest in the theatre may be considered.
English – Language               General plus GCSE Grade 6 in English Language.
English – Literature             General plus GCSE Grade 6 in English Literature.
Geography                        General plus GCSE Grade 5 in Geography.
Government and Politics          General plus GCSE Grade 6 in English Language.
History                          General plus GCSE Grade 5 in History.
Languages – French               General plus GCSE Grade 6 in French.
Languages – German               General plus GCSE Grade 6 in German.
Mathematics                      General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics.
Further Mathematics              General plus GCSE Grade 7 in Mathematics and Mathematics A level
                                 as one of your other options.
Music                            General plus GCSE Grade 5 in Music and theory grade 5.
Physical Education               General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Physical Education.
Psychology                       General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics & English Language.
Religious Studies                General plus GCSE Grade 5 in Religious Studies.
Science – Biology                General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Biology or 6,6 in Double Science.
Science – Chemistry              General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Chemistry or 6,6 in Double Science
                                 and GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics.
Science – Environmental          General plus GCSE Grade 5,5 in Science.
Science – Physics                General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Physics or 6,6 in Double Science and
                                 GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics.
Sociology                        General plus GCSE Grade 5 in English Language.

Other Course                     Entry Requirements
Extended Project Qualification   Grade 5 in Mathematics and English Language plus 5 GCSEs at
                                 Grade 6/B and above.

                                 General = 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above including English and Mathematics

                                                                                                           21
22
Woodlands has an impressive record of entry to the most
challenging university degree programmes, with a significant
number of students progressing to leading universities to study a
wide range of courses from the Arts, Humanities, Business, ICT
and Computing, Sciences, Medical disciplines, Sports Sciences,
Engineering and Maths.
However, we also recognise that university is not always the
right choice for every student, and provide personalised guidance
and support for students wishing to progress into employment
or training, in the form of apprenticeships and combined
employment and further education programmes.
Core
Tutorial Period: ‘Life Skills’ Tutor Programme        All Sixth Form students become Prefects and many
comprising 1 hour per week of support including       take the opportunity to work as Ambassadors,
lessons on transition to A Level learning, study      delivering lessons to younger students as part of
skills, exam preparation, citizenship, life skills,   their PSHCEe programme. In addition, the school has
next steps and HE applications, guidance and          a Sixth Form Debating Society, a Rotary group and
preparation for university and leaving home.          plenty of opportunities to get involved with sports,
Extra-Curricular Enrichment: Sixth Form               creative arts and musical activities.
students frequently have the opportunity to go
on extra-curricular visits and trips to enhance       Teaching
their learning in their subjects. As part of our      We are generous in the amount of hours we dedicate
aim to develop the whole person, students are         to each A Level. Each subject receives 5 hours per week
expected to become involved in a range of regular     teaching time. This only represents the essential core
enrichment opportunities. All students in Year 12     teaching required for each subject and all students are
commit to at least one hour a week of curriculum      expected to build on this through private study, home
support, working alongside younger students and       study and additional tutorial arrangements. It is expected
supporting them with their studies, whilst we         that students will undertake at least one hour of
also have very well established links with local      independent study for each hour of teaching they
primary schools through our ‘Buddy’ programmes,       receive per subject per week.
including Reading, Sport and Science.
                                                      Student Destinations
Our Head Student Team and House Captains              Being a student at Woodlands Sixth Form provides
work hard to ensure that the Sixth Form make          students with an important bridge on their journey
an invaluable contribution to the life of the whole   between being a young person and becoming an adult.
school. This involves planning regular events to      We recognise that this is a critical time for students
support our chosen charity each year, organising      making important decisions about their futures
teams of students to support open evenings,           post-18 and so provide a structured programme of
parents’ evenings and Healthy Living days,            information, advice and guidance to ensure that they
working with the school’s PFTA and arranging          are well equipped to make wise choices and that
tea parties to welcome the local community            their transition from Sixth Form to Higher Education,
into our school.                                      apprenticeships or employment is successful.

                                                                                                                   23
DRESS CODE

     The Sixth Form dress code is designed to           For both Males and Females
     reflect ‘business dress’, which is fundamental     Dark/outdoor coat (no denim or leather).
     to the school’s ethos and culture, including the   Formal shoes (no training shoes or boots).
     notion of standards, quality and responsibility.   No visual body piercing, except for a single
     School dress should be fit for the purpose         pair of ear studs.
     of study.                                          No extreme hairstyles.

     To this end, the Sixth Form dress code             This is a sensible, smart code and all students
     is as follows:                                     should follow it. We will enforce it and, if a
                                                        student is dressed inappropriately, we reserve
     Male                                               the right to send the student home to change.
     Dark, tailored suit, including matching
     (material & colour) jacket and trousers.           The Head of Sixth Form will make the final
     Formal shirt and tie.                              decision about what is appropriate.

     Female
     Dark tailored suit, including matching
     (material & colour) jacket and trousers or skirt
     (skirt must be appropriate length).
     Formal blouse (with sleeves, opaque and not
     from jersey type or woollen material).

24
‘Students reach
above-average
standards both at
AS and A Level.
The proportion of
students gaining
the highest grades
of A* and A is
above average.’
Ofsted

                     25
26
CASE STUDY

“What was the best thing
about being at Woodlands?
I knew I was getting the
best possible opportunities
to further my education”
Cara Fox, former Allestree Woodlands School and Sixth Form student, graduated with a
First Class Honours Degree in Maths from Sheffield Hallam University.
After completing PGCE – teacher training, Cara has started her first job as a Maths teacher.

                         Why did you do your A Levels at Woodlands?
                         My friends were going, I knew the school and I knew that the quality of
                         teaching is really high so I would be able to make the most of the opportunity.

                         How was it different?
                         I was treated like an adult and the teachers became more sociable.
                         You were able to lead the learning more yourself. You’re doing subjects you
                         have chosen, so it was more enjoyable as you could really focus. I felt a lot
                         more relaxed than when I was in the lower forms!

                         What did you find difficult?
                         The level of work is a lot higher but it’s worth it because once I got to
                         University I was already able to work at the level they demand. It was
                         definitely good preparation.

                         What made you choose to go on to University?
                         I wanted to pursue Maths a bit further, and had visited friends from the year
                         above me who were already at University and could see what a good time
                         they were having.

                         How do you think going to Woodlands prepared you for University?
                         Definitely my work ethic, as I was fully able to cope with the workload at
                         University having tackled A Levels at Woodlands! Also life skills, because
                         at Woodlands it’s a real sense of community and all about making strong
                         supportive friendships, so I felt more able to do that once I got here.

                         What would you say to anyone thinking of studying at Woodlands?
                         If you want a place where you can work and learn in a friendly and supportive
                         environment, I would definitely recommend Woodlands. I had a fantastic time.

                                                                                                           27
28
APPLICATION PROCESS

 Should you wish to apply
 for Sixth Form education at
 Woodlands please complete an
 application form and return it to
 the Head of Sixth Form.

 You will be contacted regarding
 your application as soon as
 the applications have all been
 processed and considered.
 Applicants who have met the
 Sixth Form entry criteria will
 be invited for an admissions
 interview in the Spring term.
 At this interview applicants will
 be asked to consider what they
 can offer the school, as well as
 what their intentions are once
 they leave Woodlands.

 Offers of a place will be
 made before the end of
 the Spring term.

 Successful applicants will be
 invited to an induction day at
 the end of Year 11 after their
 GCSE examinations.

 Students will be required
 to formally enrol upon
 confirmation of their GCSE
 grades in August.

 We look forward to receiving
 your application.

                                     29
“The thing I really
     liked about being
     at Woodlands?
     It has a real sense
     of community.
     I genuinely loved
     being there.”
     Sally Bonsall – former student

30
Headteacher:
                                                                       Mrs G Penny
                                                                         Deputies:
                                                               Mrs R Middleton-Lee
                                                                         Mr S Roe
                                                                      House Teams:
                                            Cedar: Miss L Colley and Mrs C McEntee
                                             Maple: Mrs E Pitter and Mr D Hammond
                                                   Oak: Miss H Smith and Mr A Swift
                                                Rowan: Mrs H Curr and Mr M Kenny
                                           Assistant Headteacher/Head of Sixth Form:
                                                                        Miss C Mills
                                                       Assistant Head of Sixth Form:
                                                                       Mr A Forsyth
                                                        Chair of the Governing body:
                                                                         Mr R Travis

The information given in this brochure
is as accurate as possible at the time
of publication. Any changes will be
reported to parents/carers in
the school’s newsletter and
published on our website.
It should not however be
assumed that there will not
be any changes before, during
or after the school year 2020– 2021.

All images © Allestree Woodlands School,
Hannah Fox and Lindsay Pilkington.
© Allestree Woodlands School

Designed and produced by foxcreate.com

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Be part of the Woodlands community
Go to the school’s website at www.woodlands.derby.sch.uk for information about the school,
            or for daily updates you can follow us on Twitter @woodlands_derby

                           A L L E ST R E E WOO D L A N D S S C HOO L
        Blenheim Drive, Allestree, Derby DE22 2LW. Telephone: 01332 551921 Fax: 01332 553869
           Email: the.office@woodlands.derby.sch.uk or headteacher@woodlands.derby.sch.uk
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