Prospectus 2019 2020 - Abbeygate Sixth Form College
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Prospectus 2019 – 2020
Welcome
Leaving school and starting the next phase of your
education is a crucial time and choosing the right setting
is vital. Abbeygate Sixth Form College will provide its
students with an experience like no other.
Abbeygate Sixth Form College has one mission: to help
About David
all students achieve the best results they possibly can. I
know exactly what it takes to accomplish this mission. After 13 years as a teacher, senior
Staff and students alike will work to meet exceedingly high leader and Vice Principal in an
expectations, all the time being backed up by a support outstanding sixth form college in
framework that is as robust as it is compassionate. London, David moved to Suffolk in
order to oversee the establishment
You will be inspired and nurtured by superb subject-
of Lowestoft Sixth Form College.
specialist teachers. These teachers will deepen your
From its very inception, David
passion and knowledge, whilst heightening your hopes
helped not only to mastermind
and expectations.
the building of brand new
We will support and advise you throughout your academic accommodation but also to design
journey with us and will be by your side as you consider the curriculum and recruit the
your path to the top universities, or to high-quality very best staff team. After starting
apprenticeships or worthy employment. as Deputy Principal, leading on
Curriculum and Quality, David
We will provide a broad range of enrichment opportunities
took over as the college’s Principal.
to help you develop the crucial skills, experience and
Under David’s leadership, Lowestoft
understanding needed to greet the world post-Abbeygate.
Sixth Form College established
From Duke of Edinburgh Award to Debating, Amnesty
a stunning record of academic
International to Arts Award and LGBTQ Group to editing
excellence, and in 2017 became
the College Magazine, you will have the opportunity to
the highest performing sixth form
develop your skills and interests far beyond the classroom.
college in the country for academic
Abbeygate staff will work with total commitment, and in attainment and A Level progress.
return we will ask you to do the same. Together, we will
achieve superb results. What is more, you will be prepared
for your life journey after Abbeygate: a Sixth Form College
like no other.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
David Gartland, Principal
03
Over 30 A Levels to
choose from
10 purpose built A Level
science labs
Naturally lit art studios
Full suite of music
practice rooms
04
A sixth form like no other
Choices
We offer a choice of more than thirty A Level courses. We know the importance of
being able to select a combination of subjects that suits your skills and aspirations.
We will work with you to ensure you have the best possible chance of progressing
to your chosen destination once you have completed your studies at Abbeygate.
Support
We know that support is a prerequisite to success.
Student Achievement Mentors (SAMs)
Each Abbeygate student will have a dedicated SAM. You will meet regularly to
discuss your progress: the areas in which you are excelling, and the areas in which
you need further support or guidance. As you know, life can be tricky and it will
sometimes throw something unexpected in your path. Your SAM will be available
to guide you throughout your time at Abbeygate to ensure you have everything
you need to remain happy and successful in your studies and are able to thrive in
all aspects of college life.
Pastoral Care
From experience we know that there are a number of basics we must get right
in order for your A Level journey to be a successful one. One of these basics is
attendance: to be successful you must attend college. We will work with you to
ensure there are no barriers preventing you from reaching your potential. When rare
occurrences of absence do occur we will help you to manage them and to catch-up.
Counselling and wellbeing guidance will be available, arranged by your SAM.
Financial Support
Sometimes students need help, and often it is when least expected. Abbeygate will
seek to offer financial support for these occasions. The college’s 16-19 Bursary Fund Your SAM will be available to guide you
will be able to help with the cost of course materials, transport, and trips and visits.
Your SAM will be available to help you, if and when you need it.
throughout your time at Abbeygate to
ensure you have everything you need
to remain happy and successful
in your studies.
www.abbeygatesfc.ac.uk 05
You will gain a deep appreciation of your
subjects, but also of what it means to be an
intellectual – to think and to philosophise
about the world around you.
Life at Abbeygate
Clubs will form an important part of college life.
Academic enrichment You will come to Abbeygate to learn and to achieve but, as you
already know, there is much more to life and learning than passing
Abbeygate’s mission is to help all students achieve the best results they possibly can. Further to exams. We know that the students who really enjoy college life are
this we will offer you the chance to deepen and broaden your understanding and knowledge. You those involved in a plethora of enrichment activities.
will gain a deep appreciation of your subjects, but also of what it means to be an intellectual – to
Having a sense of perspective is key. Enrichment activities can serve
think and to philosophise about the world around you. To that end we have developed a range of
both your local community and your UCAS application but they also
opportunities through which you will be able to enrich your understanding and gain the confidence
provide an opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and to
to ask sensitive, provocative and hard-hitting questions.
relax and have fun, all of which can help you improve your results.
Extended Project Qualification These are just some of the enrichment activities which will be available
The EPQ is a stand-alone qualification that carries with it the UCAS points of half an A Level. It is a at Abbeygate:
qualification admired by both universities and employers since it truly helps students to broaden their
knowledge base as well as to develop the skills needed to manage a large-scale project. Students Amnesty International Peer Mentoring
pursuing the EPQ will be asked to design their own enquiry on a topic of their choice and to follow Art and Performing Arts Politics Society
it through to its conclusion. The core skills for the project revolve around being inquisitive, reflective
and organised as it is down to the individual student to manage their approach to the EPQ. Arts Award Reading Recovery with
Primary and Secondary
Talks Book Club
children
We will host regular academic talks delivered by an external guest. They will most commonly be an Charity Committee
Sports Clubs
academic or leading figure in their field of work or study. You don’t have to study science to be interested Choir
in the process or ethical dimensions of scientific work, nor do you need to study history to wish to know Student Union
more about classical civilisations. The talks will provide yet another opportunity for Abbeygate students to CISI Business qualification
The College Magazine
learn and understand more across a range of topics, regardless of their A Level choices. Debating Society
The Duke of Edinburgh’s
Directed Independent Learning (DIL) Drama Club Award
In addition to the standard teaching hours for each of your A Level subjects, you will have a further LGBTQ Group Wellbeing Group
hour (per subject, per week) for DIL. Your DIL sessions will bring opportunities for teachers to provide
you with additional tasks to broaden your understanding, interest and knowledge in your A Level Orchestra Young Enterprise
courses. DIL work often involves watching a programme on YouTube, listening to a podcast, reading a
newspaper or academic article, or even answering a mathematical problem tweeted by your teacher.
Your DIL work will not be assessed, and it may not even be on the syllabus, but it will help you engage
with your subject in a more thoughtful way.
06
Leadership – you’re in charge
Leadership is something that has to be recognised, The President and Vice-President will run the
supported and guided. There will be a range of individual Committees of the Student Union. For
opportunities available to give you the chance to the Charity Committee, for example, they will lead Leading is
lead a part of Abbeygate life, and to work closely the fundraising amongst students and organise
with some of the college’s senior staff members. presentations to demonstrate how the charity money something that has
Student Union President and Vice-President
has been collected and used to support members of
the local, national and/or international communities.
to be recognised,
Each year the students of Abbeygate will elect a
Abbeygate College Magazine
supported and
President and Vice President to lead the Student
Union. They will work to deliver the programme Each year we will interview for the position of Editor
guided.
they campaigned for during the run-up to the of the Abbeygate College Magazine. The Editor might
election. They will represent Abbeygate at public contribute to the magazine, but the role will primarily
functions, work for the students of the college, and exist to shape the look and feel of the magazine for,
be accountable to the Leadership Team and the and on behalf of, the college’s students.
Governing Body. The roles will envelop both an
outward-facing element - representing the Abbeygate
student body to the general public, and an inward
facing element – leading the response to the most
pertinent issues and projects identified by students.
07
Watch the flythrough at:
https://www.abbeygatesfc.ac.uk/about-us/building
08
Next steps
Employment University and Academic Routes
We have invested in
Preparation for life post-Abbeygate is vital. We will offer We will run an annual Higher Education Fair giving you
building links with
you a business connection - somebody with the relevant
knowledge and experience to help guide you and
the opportunity to speak to representatives from a range
of universities about the courses they offer. You will also
employers across
answer your questions. Work experience is invaluable be able to attend one of the seminars run by university the Eastern region.
in helping you see your future with more clarity and so staff and lecturers on a range of topics relevant to
we have already invested in links with employers across progression from Abbeygate to university.
the Eastern region. Within Abbeygate’s Student Services
Furthermore, we will run an in-college conference each
there will be specialist careers material as well as an
year to support you as you open your UCAS application,
advisor on-hand whenever you wish to start exploring
consider your university and course options, and write
your options.
your Personal Statement.
Institute of Directors (IoD)
Aspirational routes
Students of Business and/or Economics will be
Applying to the most competitive courses, both in the
offered the opportunity to join the IoD development
UK and abroad, requires a different kind of support. At
programme. This pathway is designed to complement
Abbeygate we will employ our own programme, Reach,
academic studies, equipping participants with the key
to support aspiring students to apply to Cambridge,
skills, knowledge, and understanding to undertake
Oxford, and Medicine-based courses. We anticipate that
hands-on project management tasks. The programme
all students applying to highly-competitive courses will
exists to encourage peer support, especially when
join the Reach programme.
working with local businesses to solve challenging and
stimulating real-life scenarios. Participants will receive Reach students will be offered:
an IoD membership which opens doors, not least to the
A guaranteed place on the Extended Project
Head Office in Pall Mall, London. A certificate is issued on
Qualification (EPQ) mock interview programme
successful completion, which enhances opportunities in
the business world post-Abbeygate. UCKAT and BMAT aptitude tests and support
Preparation talks and tutorials
Apprenticeships
Alumni visits
University isn’t right for everybody. If you are looking to
start your career and get paid while you train, then an A Personal Statement writing support group
apprenticeship may be the most appropriate progression
A programme of talks and visits by university
route for you.
professionals
Your SAM, and specialists at our partner organisation,
Oxford and Cambridge residential trips
West Suffolk College, will support you in finding the best
apprenticeship opportunity. A tailored reference written by the Abbeygate course
leader for your subject
www.abbeygatesfc.ac.uk 09How Abbeygate
was formed
Abbeygate Sixth Form College is the result
of a collaboration between a number of
stakeholders across Suffolk and, in particular,
Bury St Edmunds. Before Abbeygate, there was a
collective understanding that Bury St Edmunds,
and the areas around it, should have access to
a world-class A Level college in which students
could select from a broad range of
A Level courses in a state-of-the-art facility with
the highest quality of A Level teaching.
Abbeygate is a brand new, £31 million building
coming to the heart of Bury St Edmunds.
With ten purpose-built science laboratories,
naturally-lit art studios, a full suite of music
practice rooms, carefully designed classrooms
and more than £1million invested in ICT to
provide quality wi-fi and high specification
computers and equipment, the accommodation
and facilities will prove to be as extraordinary as
you, the students, will be.
As a part of the Suffolk Academies Trust,
Abbeygate Sixth Form College will continue
to work closely with West Suffolk College
and One Sixth Form College, both of which
have outstanding reputations for providing
quality education. Abbeygate will continue
the hugely successful collaborative work with
King Edward VI School, Newmarket Academy,
Stour Valley Community School and Sybil
Andrews Academy. As the founder schools of
the project, they have all played their part in
ensuring the success of Abbeygate.
10 Disclaimer: Images/building design subject to change and final approvalStudent Voice
“Abbeygate represents a terrific
opportunity. There are so many
exciting subjects on offer. I
think this is going to be a great
opportunity for students in
Bury St Edmunds and beyond.”
“Future students are going
to benefit enormously from
Abbeygate Sixth Form College.
They will have opportunities to
meet new people, study courses
not delivered anywhere else, and
interact with a large number of
like-minded people. I’m jealous!”
“I believe that the new sixth form
will provide amazing opportunities
for students in and around
Bury St Edmunds. The new building
will provide great, cutting-edge
facilities that will enhance the
impressive list of A Levels being
offered. It’ll definitely be a superb
stepping stone with lots of support
for those wanting to go into higher
education or employment.”
www.abbeygatesfc.ac.uk 11Courses & Entry Requirements
Our standard entry criteria is a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 – 9. You will also need to meet any subject specific entry criteria.
Course Entry requirement Subject specific entry criteria
Art Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 4 Art (or related GCSE), if studied
- Bring a portfolio of your work to interview
Biology Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 6 Biology or Core and Additional Science
- Minimum Grade 6 Maths
- Average GCSE Score 5.5
Business Studies Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum of Grade 5 English Language
- Minimum of Grade 5 Maths
Chemistry Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 6 Biology or Core and Additional Science
- Minimum Grade 6 Maths
- Average GCSE Score 5.5
Classical Civilisation Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 in a Humanities subject
Computer Science Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 Computing or Grade 5 Maths
- Average GCSE Score 5.5
Criminology Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 4 English Language
Dance Standard entry requirements, plus: - Audition
Drama & Theatre Studies Standard entry requirements, plus: - Audition
Economics Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 Maths
- Minimum Grade 5 English Language
English Language Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 English Language
English Literature Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 English Literature
Film Studies Standard entry requirements
French Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 French
Further Maths Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 7 Maths
- Average GCSE Score 5.5
12Course Entry requirement Subject specific entry criteria Geography Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 Geography - Minimum Grade 4 Maths German Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 German Government & Politics Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 English Language or a Humanities subject History Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 English Language or a Humanities subject Law Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 4 English Language Maths Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 6 Maths - Average GCSE Score 5.5 Media Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 4 English Language Music Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 6 Music Music Technology Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 Music PE Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 4 PE Philosophy & Ethics Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 English Language or a Humanities subject Photography Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 4 in Art, if studied (or related GCSE) - Bring a portfolio of your work to interview Physics Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 6 Physics or Core and Additional Science - Minimum Grade 6 Maths - Average GCSE Score 5.5 Psychology Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 Maths - Average GCSE Score 5 Sociology Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 English Language or a Humanities subject Spanish Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 5 Spanish Textiles Standard entry requirements, plus: - Minimum Grade 4 Art, if studied (or related GCSE) - Bring a portfolio of your work to interview If you have not achieved a minimum of a Grade 4 in Maths or English Language, you are required to re-sit the qualification. www.abbeygatesfc.ac.uk 13
How to work out How to apply How to get here
your GCSE score You can apply online at
Abbeygate Sixth Form College is easy to find and convenient to get to. The College is
situated just a short walk from the centre of Bury St Edmunds and local bus and rail stations
Each GCSE grade is given a number www.abbeygatesfc.ac.uk. and is only minutes from the A14.
of points as outlined below: If you experience any difficulties
Bus routes can be found at www.suffolkonboard.com. Information about the Endeavour
please ring our friendly
9 = 9 points Card, a season ticket which grants a 25% discount off full price adult bus fares, can be found
admissions team on
8 = 8 points at https://endeavour.suffolkonboard.com
01284 636501
7 = 7 points Train routes and fares can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk
6 = 6 points Key dates are:
Bike racks are provided for students who prefer to cycle to college.
5 = 5 points
4 = 5 points* October 2018
3 = 3 points The application system opens
2 = 2 points
1 = 1 point
U = 0 points
>
January 2019
BRANDON
THETFORD
*Grade 4 is valued at 5 points Open events take place ELY LAKENHEATH DISS
>
Write down the GCSE subjects you Eriswell Palgrave
Elveden
have taken and the results that November 2018 to May 2019 Beck Row Wortham
Holywell Row Botesdale
you have achieved or hope to get. Prospective student interviews Barnham Rickinghall
Soham Mildenhall
Then, add the points together and Red Lodge
Wattisfield
Culford Hepworth EYE
>
divide by the number of subjects Tuddenham Ingham Stanton
Fordham
you have taken. August 2019 Cavenham Bardwell
Ixworth
Fornhams
Example: Enrolment begins Risby Gt Barton
BURY ST EDMUNDS
Grades achieved: English = 6,
>
Maths = 5, History = 6, Art and NEWMARKET Kennett
Horringer Debenham
September 2019 Dullingham Chevington Winston
Design = 7, Geography = 4 (worth 5 Thurston
Enrolment continues and induction CAMBRIDGE Depden Stonham Aspal
points), Drama = 3 Clopton Green Forward Green
to the start of the new term Whepstead Elmswell
Stowupland
Stradishall
Total 32 points Gt Wratting Rede
Sicklesmere
STOWMARKET
Dates will be published on our Lt Wratting
Divided by number of subjects (6) Hartest Needham Market
website in due course and via Alpheton
= 5.3 average GCSE score our social media platforms: HAVERHILL Boxford
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Glemsford
Long Melford
Cavendish
Apply online at: BUS TRAIN
CLARE
SUDBURY
IPSWICH
www.abbeygatesfc.ac.uk
GREAT CORNARD
14Our partners
We are fortunate to be partnered with two other outstanding post 16 education providers, West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds and One
Sixth Form College in Ipswich, as part of the Eastern Colleges Group.
If you’re not sure whether the A Level route or a vocational route is best for you, why not look at the excellent educational opportunities they
offer and, if you like, apply to one or more of their courses too. Both routes offer the equivalent in UCAS points, enrichment opportunities,
advice and support to help lead onto University or a Higher Apprenticeships or into a career.
Sixth Form College
West Suffolk College is in the top 5% of Further Education colleges One Sixth Form College is ‘Outstanding’ (Ofsted), and in July 2018 was
in the UK for 16-18 year-old Level 3 student achievement and one of awarded the accolade of the BTEC College of the Year.
the country’s leading Apprenticeship providers, with achievement Students at One, are at the centre of everything we do, we endeavour
rates 10% above the national average. to ensure they are happy, fulfilled, stretched and be the very best
The college is making history in a place famous for it, from its they can be during their time at college, acquiring the skills that will
stunning campus in the heart of historic Bury St Edmunds. The equip them to achieve their future goals and ambitions.
college is advancing its ambitious plans but always whilst continuing Our students and staff work exceptionally hard, as a result, student
to provide an outstanding service to students, and supporting the outcomes are some of the best in the country, we have been in the top
success of businesses and the regional economy. The College’s 10% of schools and colleges nationally for the last 5 years for A Level
ethos is “to put our learners’ success at the heart of everything we and BTEC Level 3 achievement:
do” meaning college staff will do everything they can to help their
students succeed and be the best they can be. Achievement in 2017/18:
The College has an impressive range of courses, high quality facilities, • A Level 79% A*–C grades
inspiring tutors and incredible opportunities for students to open • A Level 99.1% A*–E grades
up a career or succeed in higher education. Staff believe in engaging • BTEC L3 courses 100% D*D*D*–PPP
with students as young adults in a supportive and encouraging • Overall all level 2 courses surpassed the national average at D*D*–D
environment and aim to give them the best opportunity to develop, • Foundation Learning programmes achieved 86%
grow and become passionately involved in their own education. The We work very closely with business to provide the most current
College’s mission is to connect everybody with business so they leave experiences for our students and ensure progression routes are clear
with a career advantage. and easily accessible, we have links with over 64 universities who
The College offers more than 40 foundation and honours degrees visit the college on an annual basis. The destinations of our students
at its focused and inclusive University Studies Centre. The College are impressive with over 60% progressing to university including
currently has over 10,000 students and 1,500 apprentices studying Oxbridge and Russell Group, other student destinations are as
there and works with over 800 employers. A fantastic 97% of equally impressive; Higher Apprenticeships and Apprenticeships and
students go on to further education, employment or voluntary work. Further Education.
www.westsuffolk.ac.uk www.suffolkone.ac.uk
/WestSuffolk /WestSuffolk /westsuffolkcollege /SuffolkOne /SuffolkOne /SuffolkOne
1501284 636501
www.abbeygatesfc.ac.uk
/abbeygatesfc /abbeygatesfc /abbeygatesfc
The Eastern Colleges Group is a collective of visionary post-16 education providers:
Sixth Form College
The Suffolk Academies Trust (SAT) was formed in September 2015 as a visionary collaboration
between One Sixth Form College in Ipswich and West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds. SAT is
committed to strengthening access to outstanding post-16 education for young people across Suffolk.
With thanks to members of staff and students at King Edward VI School, and photographer Zoë MacLachlan, for their contributions to the prospectus.You can also read
