THE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE COLCHESTER - PROSPECTUS 2021 www.colchsfc.ac.uk - The Sixth Form College, Colchester
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THE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE COLCHESTER PROSPECTUS 2021 www.colchsfc.ac.uk
CONTENTS
Write to us at:
Admissions Co-Ordinator
The Sixth Form College
WHAT’S INSIDE
North Hill
Colchester Welcome 4
CO1 1SN
What does the College offer? 6
Study Programmes and Courses 8
Call us on: College Life 14
Tel: 01206 500743 or 01206 505595
College Support 24
College Application Process 30
Email us at:
admissions@colchsfc.ac.uk Your Programme of Study at the College 34
Programme 1 36
A Level Programme
Find us online at: Programme 2 96
www.colchsfc.ac.uk
The Advanced Foundation Programme (AFP)
How to Find Us 98
Key Dates for your Diary Back cover
At the time of writing (Summer 2020), the College is working hard to deal
with the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and related government
guidelines upon our provision. Clearly, at this point, it is impossible to
predict the extent to which such factors will continue to have an impact
upon courses starting in August 2021.
This prospectus is written on the presumption that we are in a position to
put in place a ‘standard’ college timetable. As, in the current academic
year, some aspects of our courses and other activities may, however, have
to be somewhat delayed, modified or suspended if we are unable to
deliver them safely.
We can, however, assure you that EVERYTHING WE DO WILL BE
This publication is printed using DRIVEN BY THE UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY NEED
vegetable oil based inks on FSC® TO BE SAFE.
certified paper. The Sixth Form We will work closely with you and your family, the Government and others,
College Colchester supports to do all that we can to ensure that this is the case and will advise you of
environmental publishing possible changes as they arise.
www.colchsfc.ac.uk 3
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME
WELCOME
Thank you for your interest in studying at The Sixth Form College from
September 2021.
The decisions you make for the period after
Year 11 will shape the next few years of your
life and influence your preparations for success
in continuing study in Higher Education, future
employment and, more widely, your adult life.
We strongly advise you to take the necessary
time to explore your range of post Year 11
progression options properly and to think well
ahead.
If you decide to apply to the College, your
application will be for a programme of full-time
general education focussed on academic
study – including provisional choices of
specific academic courses that have been well
considered and fit in with your talents, interests
and future aims. There is, of course, a jump in
the academic level required to be successful for
study at A Level from GCSE and it is important
that prospective students are aware of the need
for academic interest and consistent focus and
engagement.
We believe studying a full-time sixth form
programme of continuing general academic
education at the College represents an excellent
choice for a good proportion, but certainly not
all, Year 11 students, following the completion of
their GCSEs.
In your considerations and when you are
undertaking your research please do talk to our
current and former students and their parents as
this will provide much useful insight. In addition
to information provided in this Prospectus, our
website and the Open Evenings or Information
Mornings will provide much valuable information
and perspective.
All applicants will be helped in their
considerations, including through a one to one
interview and advisory meeting.
We look forward to helping you find out
more about the exciting and flexible range of
opportunities at the College.
Ian MacNaughton
Principal
4 The Sixth Form College
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME www.colchsfc.ac.uk 5
INTRODUCTION
WHAT DOES THE
COLLEGE OFFER?
The Sixth Form College, Colchester provides prestigious continuing
full-time academic education opportunities for 16 – 19 year olds,
combined with excellent pastoral care, personal development
programmes and a fantastic range of wider activities. The aim
is to enhance your future progression opportunities – university,
employment and life.
There are two alternative academic and engage in demanding programmes range of learning support opportunities,
programmes of study: A Levels or the of sixth form study to support their future either one-to-one or in small groups, and
Advanced Foundation Programme (AFP). progression and to develop a good help with study skills is also available
range of skills. from our Learning Support team.
A wide range of academic course
choices, together with options from the Additional support is offered to students Our Tutorial programme and review
large number of Additional Studies and including those who wish to stretch systems enables students to set
other extra-curricular activities, enable themselves, for example, help with themselves challenging targets and to
our students to devise personalised preparing for Oxbridge entrance and take responsibility for their own learning.
programmes that suit their individual university applications. All students are Students are expected to have, or to
needs and aspirations. The College encouraged to use the support and work to develop, the resilience and
continues to work to provide a broad extension activities run by academic skills required to complete their courses
and relevant curriculum for its students. departments, together with the wide successfully, so that they can move on to
We encourage our students to set their range of resources available on the the next stage of their young adult lives
sights high and expect them to study College intranet (Moodle). There are a with confidence.
6 The Sixth Form College
INTRODUCTION www.colchsfc.ac.uk 7
STUDY PROGRAMMES AND COURSES
STUDY PROGRAMMES
? a
AND COURSES
There is much to consider when you are planning for further academic
study and we hope that the following ‘question and answer’ section will
help you in making the decisions that are right for you:
Will I be able to study on prestigious degree courses, are Many visitors to Colchester will be familiar
advised to include at least one ‘facilitating with the iconic view of the main building,
the combination of subject’ (these are effectively the “English sitting on top of North Hill, which can be
academic courses Baccalaureate Diploma” subjects) within seen when arriving at the south of the
their programme – and a good proportion town centre – including the huge windows
that I want? of students will include two or three such of the Art Department that span the top
Yes. The College timetable will enable subjects in their choices. of the entire building. Less immediately
any combination of A Level subjects visible are the range of other modern,
to be taken, and this is also generally All provisional course choice considerations purpose-built buildings and facilities.
the case on the Advanced Foundation will be discussed with you at your interview There is the Syd Kent Pavilion, with its
Programme (AFP). and then again at Induction. They will ‘living roof’, student social and study
then be finalised at Enrolment in early spaces, as well as the specialist buildings
Maintaining coherence, breadth and September, after your GCSE results have for Languages, Performance and ICT.
balance when making choices is important. been received.
The College also offers one of the widest A tour of the College might include a visit
selections of A Level courses in the country Will all my courses be to: a sound studio, a student run charity
(including, for example, three different café, the fitness centre and astro turf
History A Level courses) thus providing taught on one site? pitch, science laboratories, the visual arts
excellent options. Given the size and Yes. At The Sixth Form College, we areas, an electronics workshop, the radio
breadth of our provision, we are able to teach all of our courses in specialist sixth station and dance rehearsal rooms or any
ensure that you can select the combination form accommodation on one purpose- of the seventeen specific departmental
of subjects that you want without worrying built site, located in a very accessible teaching or learning areas.
about whether they conflict with other central area of Colchester. Those of you
choices on the timetable, nor will they be who have passed the entrance on North Students may find themselves spending
withdrawn due to low demand. (Please Hill, but have not yet visited our site, may time in vibrant social spaces one minute,
note that there are a small number of be surprised to find that there are seven or seeking out a quiet area for study or
‘disallowed’ course combinations – usually separate buildings, all specifically focused support facilities the next. Apart from
to ensure that you do not narrow your upon the academic teaching, learning and those who choose the options of sports,
course choice too much). wider experiences appropriate for 16-19 work and community placements, or field
year olds – and without the distractions work and visits, all our activities take place
Students taking an A Level programme of other activities applicable to younger within the ease and security of one site in
of study, especially those seeking places or older age groups. the heart of Colchester.
8 The Sixth Form College
STUDY PROGRAMMES AND COURSES
www.colchsfc.ac.uk 9
STUDY PROGRAMMES AND COURSES
Will I be able to change available regarding provisional course the individual courses that they have
my provisional course choices and we are in a position to help enrolled upon.
you review your options at Induction and
choices? Enrolment in order to ensure that your
How well do College
?
Yes. The provisional choices that you choices match your skills, interests and
make during your application are only the aspirations. At Induction in June, there students achieve?
beginning of a process of getting you onto is the chance to meet members of the Examination results in College have
the right courses. different departments and think potential been consistently excellent. Over the
options through before you firmly commit years, our students have consistently
If there are particular courses that you to a course. achieved results which are much
very much wish to study, it is important higher than the average level of student
that you make this clear at your interview At Enrolment a good deal of time is spent achievement in schools and colleges
as a very small number of courses each on a one-to-one basis getting the course in England, including many of those
year are declared ‘full’ after the interview choices right. Even in the early weeks of in the independent school sector. Our
a
process has been completed and a teaching we can explore the option of students’ package of results consistently
waiting list system then commences. making early changes, although once represents a high degree of ‘value
the teaching year is fully underway, we added’ in terms of progress from their
There is usually a great deal of flexibility do expect all students to complete all GCSE backgrounds and have been
approximately 20% higher than the
national average for all schools and
colleges in England, including those in
the independent and grammar school
sectors.
To provide a little more detail: in summer
2019 our cohorts of approximately 1,300
upper sixth students achieved a pass
rate of over 98% in their A Levels and
other Level 3 courses – and 90% of our
upper sixth students achieved 3 or more
A Level (or equivalent) passes (compared
to the national average of less than 80%).
The examination results achieved by
college students in a range of other
qualifications, such as GCSEs and a
wide range of other certificated courses
have also been excellent.
The issue of A Level and qualifications for
2020 was, of course a very challenging
consideration, arising from COVID 19 and
throughout the ‘lockdown’ of spring and
summer 2020, but we would like to pay
tribute to our students, who, throughout
a difficult period, impressed us with their
resilience, humour and determination. It is
important to remember that beneath the
statistics and the politics, the outcome
was that, finally, a huge number of
students achieved excellent grades which
reflected their high levels of skill, hard
work and tenacity.
Dan, who joined us from East Bergholt High School, is currently A full range of results from 2019,
studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics at The University of regarding results gained under more
Manchester, having achieved two A’s and a B at A Level, alongside conventional exam arrangements, are
an A in his Financial Certificate available in the ‘Results’ section of our
website.
10 The Sixth Form CollegeSTUDY PROGRAMMES AND COURSES
Ismay, who joined us from Thomas Gainsborough
School, is now studying Medicine at Sheffied,
having achieved a stunning four A* grades!
www.colchsfc.ac.uk 11STUDY PROGRAMMES AND COURSES
What academic passes at grade 4 or higher, ideally What if I do not
grades will I need? including English Language (or achieve the GCSE
English Literature) and Mathematics,
The Sixth Form College is a relatively but students must also satisfy the grades that I need?
?
inclusive academic institution that minimum entry criteria for each During the application process we will
welcomes students from a wide variety individual A Level subject (or work closely with you to ensure that any
of educational backgrounds, who bring equivalent). Entry onto certain subjects academic courses offered to you are
with them a broad range of academic will require a specific GCSE subject at realistic and in line with your plans and
skills and prior achievements. Our grade 5 or 6, or, in a small number of aspirations, in the sense that you should
published entry criteria for the different cases, a grade 7 or 8. For example, A be able to manage each course and
academic programmes of study and Level Biology and Chemistry require succeed if you work hard.
individual courses ensure that we are GCSE grade 6 in two GCSE sciences
able to offer appropriate courses, and Mathematics. In the same vein, We will also be clear about the grades you
which meet the needs and capabilities many ‘written’ subjects such as A Level need to achieve for each course choice.
a
of students. Sixth form academic study English Literature or Philosophy require Sometimes students are unable, for a
builds upon knowledge and skills one (or two) GCSE grade 5’s in those variety of reasons, to achieve the grades
gained at school and moves students GCSE subjects that demand a high that they need and in this case we will be
through academic programmes, which level of written ability (English available, on GCSE results day and beyond,
normally culminate in written Language, English Literature, History or to discuss further options. Students are
examinations. This is why your Religious Studies). expected to achieve the minimum GCSE
performance in GCSE examinations is grades required for each individual subject,
a key interest to us, as we need to Full details of all entry criteria for each but adjustments often only require some
establish that a foundation of of our courses are published in the amendment to your course choices. If there
knowledge and skills is in place for us second part of this prospectus and it is is a significant likelihood that you will not get
to build upon. really important that you check these the grades that you need to achieve your
before making any provisional course initial goals, please discuss this at your
For an A Level programme of study, choice decisions and that you are interview. We offer a very wide range of
we normally require students to have aware that these are very much courses and it is often the case that a range
a range of at least five to seven GCSE ‘minimum’ expectations. of possible alternatives can be considered.
Jemima is now studying
at Exeter reading
Business Economics,
having achieved an
excellent one A* and two
A grades – all alongside
her achievements as a
published poet!
12 The Sixth Form CollegeSTUDY PROGRAMMES AND COURSES
www.colchsfc.ac.uk 13COLLEGE LIFE
COLLEGE LIFE
How will College be and your parents if needed. You will find to be involved in between 17.5 and
different to school? that the way you talk to and work with
staff will reflect a more adult approach.
22 hours of timetabled classes each
week, depending upon the specific
First of all, compared to Year 11, you Students call all staff by their first name choices that each individual student
will study a smaller number of subjects and work closely with them in such a makes. Alongside this there will be an
but in a more specialist way and at a way that they increasingly take more expectation of approximately 16 hours
higher academic level. Otherwise, many responsibility for their own learning. per week of individual study.
of the familiar aspects of school life
carry on in a similar vein at the College, What will my weekly You will be given an individual timetable
but in a specialist young adult sixth form after your enrolment. Your timetable
environment. You will join academic
timetable be like? will be unique to you, based upon the
subject classes, on average, of 17 The College only offers full-time general specific course choices you have made
students in size (with nearly all classes academic education programmes at the conclusion of the Interview,
in a 15 to 20 range). You will regularly of study. As a student enrolling at Induction and Enrolment process. It is
meet with your teachers for a pattern the College, you are committing to important to highlight that all students
of 4 double lessons per week in each participate in a full five-day timetabled are expected to fully attend and
A Level subject. You will also have a week of varied activities including complete every course upon which
Personal Tutor who you will see every timetabled academic lessons, a daily they enrol.
day. The College timetabled day for all tutorial and any Additional Studies or
academic classes is from 9am to 4pm other wider activities that you have Any flexible time during the college day
and all academic classes are held on chosen. There will also be a need for (9am – 4pm) will need to be carefully
the excellent college campus. regular independent study. The College managed, including use of a proportion
academic day starts promptly at 9am of this time spent on independent study
The routines of registers, target grades, and runs until 4pm (Monday to Friday). to complete assignments, as well as
homework, mock exams, etc. will all A good number of students travel recreational and social time.
seem very familiar to you from school. from a considerable distance to study
with us and we therefore work hard to You do not need to be present on
Your work in the classroom will also ensure that all academic lessons and the College site when you do not
build upon and extend the style of work many of the choices of other activities have timetabled commitments. This
that you adopted for your GCSEs. You take place within the main 9am – 4pm means that you may not always be
will have more need for independent college day. However, a wide range of required in college for the start of each
study – this will include you organising optional extra-curricular activities, such day at 9am and you may have an
some independent study time outside as sports and performing arts (including afternoon when you can leave before
of term time – particularly in the periods residential fieldwork and evening 4pm. Effective use of time is a key part
ahead of coursework deadlines or events) will also be offered outside of of becoming an independent learner
public exams. the timetabled framework to those who and the journey towards developing
wish to participate. the skills necessary for university or
College is a young adult environment employment.
experience, providing a maturing Lessons are 70 minutes in length (these
transition from school onto the worlds of are ‘doubles’) but, for some courses, It is not permissible for students
higher education or employment at age there are also some single lessons. On to engage in any part-time paid
18. As part of this journey it is important any given day, students are likely to employment before 4.30pm Monday to
that we adopt a more ‘adult’, organized attend lessons in three, possibly four, Friday in term time periods. If students
and self-motivated approach to your of their different subject areas and on have non-timetabled flexible time
learning. Staff will make clear demands some days students will participate before 4.30pm they should be using
of you in terms of attendance and in their chosen Additional Study. In this time for wider college activities or
achievement and work closely with you total, most first year students are likely independent study.
14 The Sixth Form CollegeCOLLEGE LIFE www.colchsfc.ac.uk 15
COLLEGE LIFE
Will I make friends? determined by many factors, including moving to a different venue each year.
One of the very positive aspects about the demands of your academic An Annual Sports Award event helps us
joining the College is that, on your first programme, together with your particular to celebrate the tremendous
day, everyone else in your year group interests and career aims. contributions and achievements of our
will also be starting on that day – so individual sportsmen and women and
everyone starts on an equal footing and You are advised to choose one our successful teams.
everyone is keen to make new friends. Additional Study course in the first
The College offers an excellent instance, although you may choose to There are a wide range of excellent
opportunity to make an exciting fresh take part in further activities if these are Performing Arts facilities, and
start in a new environment and, as part available and fit into your overall opportunities for students to create
of this, the opportunity to widen the programme. Personal Tutors will help music, or perform in dance or drama at
group of friends from those made at with advice and guidance in this area. the College. Whatever your current level
school. Additional study courses normally run for of performance, and whatever type of
two terms. Most involve a commitment music, dance or drama you are
Students attend the College from a of one or two periods per week. There interested in, you should be able to find
variety of backgrounds with different are also a broad range of clubs, ways of taking part. You do not have to
skills and experiences and there are societies, field trips or expeditions and be an A Level Music, Dance, Drama or
bound to be others that share your extracurricular activities. BTEC Performance Studies student to
interests and outlook. Of course, it will become involved in one or more of the
take a little time in the autumn for people In addition to the option of studying an wide range of Performing Arts additional
to get to know the College and each academic sports courses (A Level Sport studies. All who are interested and
other, this is why we organise a number & PE or Applied General Certificate or enthusiastic are welcome.
of activities during Induction and Extended Certificate in Sport) and the
Enrolment; we will work hard to ensure Coaching Sport and Physical Activity Examples of Additional Study performing
that you will soon feel at home. Change (Level 2) a range of sports options open arts choices available include:
is an inevitable part of life and students to all students include:
who attend sixth form colleges generally Band Choir Contemporary
develop very good skills which help them Badminton Basketball Academy Dance Dance Choreo Lab Drama
deal with the changes that lie ahead. (men’s and women’s squads) Clubs – Shakespeare and
Equine Studies – theory options Contemporary
The College aims to provide a and Equestrian events Netball Music Instrumental Tuition
supportive inclusive environment for all Rugby (men’s and women’s squads) Orchestra Performance Activities
students qualified to undertake the Running Soccer (men’s and Productions Rock Music
programmes of study we are able to women’s squads) Table Tennis Workshop Theory of Music
offer. The College has a strong Tennis Trampolining Volleyball
commitment to, and an excellent Weights and Fitness The wide range of college concerts,
reputation, for its pastoral care and productions and plays are not the only
guidance systems. Maintenance of a Whether you just want to try to keep fit opportunities for you to perform:
friendly and happy atmosphere is valued and have some fun, or you take your ‘Unplugged on the Concourse’ events,
as an important part in contributing to sport very seriously and compete at a the annual Battle of the Bands
our students’ success. high level, we have something to suit competitions and a series of student led
you. On-site sports facilities include activities have also continued to
asports hall, fitness centre and produce student performances of a very
Will I be able to carry on all-weather pitch. For sports requiring impressive quality.
with my other interests specialist sports fields or other facilities
we will continue to provide free transport A good audience is important, so even if
or add new experiences? to a range of high-quality sports venues you don’t feel you have the skills to take
Yes. A very wide-ranging programme of around the town. part you will be very welcome to attend
Additional Studies and extra-curricular these events.
activities is available. Students should There are regular Wednesday afternoon
make decisions based upon their own matches for our teams in all the major The Performing Arts Department
individual needs, interests, skills and sports and the College enters teams for organises a good number of visits to
aspirations. local and national competitions in many productions, hosts external productions
other fields, including cross-country and and has significant levels of
You should look upon the College as volleyball. engagements and support from former
providing an opportunity to develop and students now working professionally in
broaden skills and experiences but also A wide range of sports teams take part in the field of performing arts. The
to develop some new skills. The number the British Colleges Championships with department also organises an annual
and type of courses chosen will be regional events followed by national finals, Performing Arts Awards Evening.
16 The Sixth Form CollegeCOLLEGE LIFE www.colchsfc.ac.uk 17
COLLEGE LIFE
The range of clubs and societies give you represents a major consideration. For What are the
a chance to spend more time on
activities connected with your studies or
many the ‘travel to learn’ journey to
Colchester, from a different part of the
class sizes?
to follow interests that are outside your local area will represent an exciting The average academic class size at the
main timetable. first step in their journey towards the College remains at an average level of
young adult world of work or university 17 students. This will, of course, vary
Examples of Additional Studies or clubs in a large town or city. It is a chance to a little by subject and specific class,
and societies (other than those previously broaden horizons. For some this must but it is rare for any individual A Level
mentioned) include: of course be balanced against practical group size to be less than 12 or more
and financial considerations. than 21. Indeed, nearly all academic
Arts and Culture Committee teaching groups are between 15 and
Ceramics Charities Committee A range of transport advice, guidance 20 in size in the autumn period.
Christian Union Conservation Group and support is available for students
Creative Writing Debating Society and their parents. The railway operator What will the
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and many local bus companies offer
Financial Studies Certificate our students relatively low cost (heavily teachers be like?
Friends not Foes Group (Citizenship) discounted) termly season ticket The College focuses upon the delivery
Introduction to Japanese or Mandarin concessions. During our Open Evenings of A Level courses specifically
Chinese Lawyers Medics and our evening meetings for parents designed for 16-19 year olds. We
Russ Fair Trade Coffee Shop at Induction, staff are available who have been able to build up a teaching
Signing Storm Radio can advise upon transport issues – team of staff who are specialists in
alternatively they can be contacted via 16-19 education and in their subject
The College is a vibrant young adult the College switchboard. There is also areas and are able to concentrate
community and there is a great deal a regularly-updated ‘Transport’ page exclusively upon their field. For
going on. If your particular interest does accessed via the ‘Parent’ section of the example, an A Level teacher in any
not seem to be offered then you could College website. We would certainly of our departments is likely to be
get together with others who share your advise that students and their parents working just with this one qualification
ideas and start your own society. Full take the opportunity to further consider type and with just the 16 – 18 age
details of the wide range of Additional any travel arrangements. group.
Studies courses for 2021/22 will be
provided at the Induction Day in June For those who make an application, Across all of our departments, it is
2021 and a copy of the Additional Induction Days in June give students highly likely that the team will include
Studies Handbook for 2020/21 (and in the chance to give their proposed travel staff involved in examining and
due course 2021/22) is posted in the arrangements a ‘test run’. They also moderation for exam boards and there
documents section of the website on an provide parents with the opportunity are also staff who have responsibilities
ongoing basis. to discuss the matter further with staff in areas such as textbook writing and
during the meetings in the evening, staff training in other schools and
How will I get before any final decisions are made. colleges. The fact that there are large
teams of staff involved in teaching
to College? In terms of financial support, the areas provides excellent opportunity
The College is located in central College is not able to directly subsidise for exchange of ideas and methods,
Colchester and benefits from very transport. However, there are bursaries and enables students to benefit from
good bus and rail links, which enable available to those on a low income. a range of skills and perspectives.
students to travel to the College from These can amount to several hundred
a range of areas in much of Mid and pounds of annual support and some All teaching staff take part in a regular
North Essex and South Suffolk. There families have made the decision to use programme of personal training and
are two railway stations within easy such bursaries to help with transport development, as well as an ongoing
walking distance as well as a large costs (further details of the bursary process of lesson observation, where
network of buses to central Colchester award scheme can be found on our everyone across the College can
which bring students in from a range Parents Page on the College website). observe everyone else teach and work
of locations. Every year we are pleased to suggest improvements.
to see a significant number of students In addition, the College does regularly
join us from areas including Ipswich, negotiate preferential discount rates As one of the largest A Level centres
Braintree, Chelmsford, Witham and for termly travel passes with a number in the country, we have amassed a
Tendring - but a good number come of transport companies and, in some considerable amount of expertise and
from beyond. cases, arrangements can be made to influence with regard to curriculum
pay for termly passes by instalment. change and have played an active role
We recognise that, for some students, In all cases, it is well worth further in adapting to recent changes in the
travel to and from the College discussion with staff here at the College. A Level curriculum.
18 The Sixth Form CollegeCOLLEGE LIFE www.colchsfc.ac.uk 19
COLLEGE LIFE
Where will I work Centre, which provides a suite of eight Stationery is not provided, but textbooks,
and socialise? computing and ICT rooms and the
Language Centre, which includes six
relevant equipment and apparatus
are loaned for the duration of College
When not engaged in timetabled lessons specialist teaching rooms. courses without charge.
our students are free to use their flexible
time across virtually the whole range of
facilities on the College site. There are
Where will I eat lunch? A learning resource/information
technology/insurance contribution of £50
plenty of independent study facilities The College has an excellent in-house is requested – £25 of which is refundable
including the Library and the Pavilion catering service and our staff provide very on completion of the student’s course,
Study Area and a significant number of good value, freshly produced healthy food less the cost of any losses, damage or
other general or specialist study facilities options for students, staff and visitors. outstanding examination fees.
throughout the College. Some areas are
silent, others are quiet areas and others We are committed to using, wherever Parents/Carers are also invited to
are suitable for group or interactive work. possible, fresh, locally sourced produce; donate £10 to the College Fund for one
buying low salt, sugar and fat content year, or £15 for two/three years. This
This includes a large number of ‘drop ingredients; baking rather than frying, fund is used throughout the year to
in’ areas for use of computers or a wi-fi and reducing fat, sugar and salt in our support student facilities and activities
system if you wish to bring your own prepared dishes. at the College.
tablet or laptop. In addition, the College
also has comfortable social areas which We offer breakfast, snacks, vegetarian and Some courses will involve students
offer more relaxed accommodation where meat main courses, plus a homemade providing appropriate materials. Please
students can meet and chat, alongside selection of salads. Freshly baked and consult individual subject information
quieter areas for pair or group work. filled rolls are also available - filled to the details in this prospectus and on the
customer’s own requirements. We offer a College website for details of any
The Library is well stocked with both selection of hot and cold snacks, including additional expenses that may be involved
physical and online resources selected filled jacket potatoes and toasted paninis. when studying particular subjects.
to meet students’ requirements and is a
pleasant working environment for silent A group of volunteer students also run Is there financial
private study. The library staff are helpful, Zero, an environmental hub that promotes
experienced and well qualified. sustainable living, providing an ethical, support available?
contemporary and lively space for students The College receives Government
Where will my lessons to work together in an effort to improve funding to support both a bursary award
the world we all live in. Students work in and a contribution to food costs scheme
take place? the space to sell sustainable stationery, for eligible students from families on
The College is situated on a very historic swap goods such as books and clothes low incomes (generally those receiving
site just inside the Roman wall. The and collect for charities. As a group, your a means tested state benefit). A
important heritage of the site has been creativity and enthusiasm will help steer the discretionary award scheme for students
preserved whilst still delivering superb approach and direction of the enterprise in extreme financial hardship is also in
facilities for our students. The College by encouraging imaginative and innovative place.
has a range of specialist teaching use of the space. So, if you are ethical,
facilities, specifically geared towards the principled, big-hearted, responsible, Evidence of family financial circumstances
provision of one of the broadest ranges work well as part of a team and enjoy a will be required to access these funds.
of A Level provision in the country; as an challenge, then sign up and be a part of
example, the main South Site building Zero! Volunteering in Zero can count as Further details of support arrangements
has specialist facilities for science, part of your Volunteering section of Duke for 2021/22 year will be published online
mathematics, art, performance, etc. of Edinburgh. for Induction 2021.
The Mid-Site area provides us with sporting What are the financial Students may also be eligible for some
facilities, including: a state-of-the-art sports support towards travel costs to attend
hall, fitness room, all-weather pitch and costs of College life? HE and employment interviews - see the
lecture theatres, as well as a restaurant and There are no tuition fees for enrolment at ‘How will I travel to College’ section for
thirty-three humanities teaching rooms. A College (for those who meet the criteria further details regarding transport costs
key feature of the Mid- Site building is the outlined in the College Admissions Policy). and support.
energy efficiency and recycling facilities,
which are a high priority. As with any other state sector school or Will I be able to learn
college, there are a number of other costs
Also, on the lower portion of the site, that need to be considered (The figures outside the classroom?
close to the Mid-Site building, is The below represent the current levels of charge Yes. You will need to undertake a good
Pavilion study and social area, the ICT and may be amended slightly for 2021): deal of independent learning and study
20 The Sixth Form CollegeCOLLEGE LIFE www.colchsfc.ac.uk 21
COLLEGE LIFE
to succeed at A Level. All students use of our town centre location to study study of specific subjects. For example,
will need to be regularly involved in traffic and pollution, English students there are annual field trips organised
independent study outside of their writing creatively about locations in by the Biology, Environmental Studies,
timetabled courses. A guideline of 15 the town and the Biology Department Geography, Geology, Art, Music, Drama,
hours a week independent study is fieldwork day at Colchester Zoo. Art History, Sociology and English
appropriate for most students. Students Departments. The Modern Languages
have a number of opportunities to We also aim to promote work-based Department regularly offers Spanish
become involved with learning activities learning, giving guidance on applying for Exchange visits.
outside the classroom: In addition to a and undertaking placements for students
range of outside speakers, use of the of all abilities and interests, such as in the In recent years, groups have visited
onsite research facilities and practical field of Health and Social Care, Teaching, Arizona, Hawaii, France, Ecuador, India,
workshops, academic departments are Sport and Medicine. Belgium and Germany. All departments
encouraged to make use of the whole build visits into their programmes
college site as part of their schemes of There are a range of trips and visits, of study and there are many more
work. Recent activities have included some connected specifically to the general opportunities for theatre,
students using their mobile phones to curriculum and others aimed at sport, dance and music trips. These
measure optic flow in Psychology, the broadening student experience. In do involve students making a financial
“Modern Foreign Languages Got Talent” previous years, these have included contribution, but for families receiving
show and the recording of spontaneous Stratford Shakespeare weekend, benefits and those with difficult financial
conversations in the refectory for English the India Expedition, the Paraguay circumstances a subsidy from the
Language. Expedition, Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold College may well be available.
Award, departmental visits to places
Departments are also encouraged such as Arran, Arizona and New York, a The College aims, where reasonably
to engage with the local area and series of language exchanges and visits practical, to enable those with financial
businesses, with a wide range of learning and many more besides. hardship or accessibility matters to
taking place within Colchester itself; participate in learning outside the
these have included: The Sociology Most students will have opportunities classroom and students should, in the first
taster day at the University of Essex, to participate in residential field trips place, discuss any difficulties or concerns
the Environmental Studies Department’s and day or part day visits through the with their Personal or Senior Tutor.
22 The Sixth Form CollegeCOLLEGE LIFE www.colchsfc.ac.uk 23
COLLEGE SUPPORT
COLLEGE SUPPORT
Will I have my own also has its own counselling team and the context of the resources that
health workers and can help you gain the government makes available.
Personal Tutor? access to outside support services where Students with learning difficulties can be
Yes. When you enrol at the College in appropriate. assessed at College. Previous reports
early September, you will join a tutor or assessments will be updated and
group of around 25 students and you will What if I need extra help? arrangements for exams put in place
see your Personal Tutor every day. There as necessary. The transfer from GCSE
Most subjects offer support classes and
will be group activities but there is also a to sixth form study at age 16 can be
workshops for A Level students, as well
considerable amount of time spent with really exciting, but some initially find it
as teachers providing some individual ‘out
Personal Tutors on a one-to-one basis. a bit of a worry. It is important that we
of class’ support. In addition, the Learning
work together to try to get this right
Support Department supports students
Your Personal Tutor, who is responsible for for all students, particularly those with
with higher learning needs and offers
your group, will guide and advise you and learning support needs / exam access
drop in support classes to any students
help you to settle down quickly and enjoy arrangements.
who could benefit from some extra
your time with us. Your Personal Tutor
help with study skills or getting started
also helps you to plan your programme of We welcome applications from all
on homework. The drop-in support is
study and is responsible for your welfare suitably qualified prospective students
student driven and areas covered could
throughout your time at the College. including any student with learning
include essay planning, proofing, literacy
Regular individual reviews of progress are a support needs, as long as the student
skills, exam revision, research skills and
key element of this support. Your Personal meets the academic entry criteria for
note taking. Other possible support
Tutor also ensures that you receive the their chosen programme of study and
includes the provision of equipment where
necessary specialist advice, when the other criteria as laid down in the College
appropriate, academic mentoring and
time comes for you to consider your Admissions Policy. We will work together
one-to-one support.
second-year programme of study, career to ensure that we anticipate any support
choices and applications for places in We recognise that many students will needs and exam access arrangements
higher education or employment. Normally need some extra support with welfare so that, wherever possible, arrangements
students have the same Personal Tutor issues or their emotional wellbeing. In are ready and in place for enrolment.
throughout their time at the College. Tutor addition to the help and advice available
groups are organised into nine ‘Divisions’, from Personal Tutors and Senior Tutors, There are a number of opportunities
each of which is led by a Senior Tutor. If students can drop into the Welfare Hub to for you or your parents to provide
any problems arise or you need advice, seek support or request an appointment relevant learning support/ exam access
both your Personal Tutor and your Senior with a counsellor. We will always aim to arrangements information, including on
Tutor are available to help you. work with you to overcome or manage the College application form, then at the
any difficulty. admissions interview, at the Induction
Those following the Advanced Foundation Days, at Enrolment, and in the autumn
Programme will be catered for in specialist term. We cannot help if we do not know
tutor groups made up only of students
Will the College of a learning support need or an existing
following that programme. cater for my learning exam access arrangement - so please
ensure we are kept updated.
The excellent College Careers Department support needs?
will also provide important further support Yes, the College will aim to meet your For more information please email:
for individual students. The College learning needs as far as possible within enquiries@colchsfc.ac.uk
24 The Sixth Form CollegeCOLLEGE SUPPORT www.colchsfc.ac.uk 25
COLLEGE SUPPORT
Where do students summer term, drop-in support, facilities a huge number of representatives from
move onto after guidance and support through the
tutorial programme and the ongoing
higher education providers –these come
from local universities, including the
College? services of the Careers Department and University of Essex, but also from further
Most of our student leavers directly senior tutors. afield, including Dundee!
progress to university or specialist
continuing education or employment There is specific support for different To give an idea of the scale of the event,
with training – but some choose to have groups of students such as aspirant there are usually 44 sessions purely
a ‘gap year’ prior to progression to a teachers and lawyers, or for medics devoted to the completion of university
degree course or a career opportunity. through the ‘Medics Course’ or those application personal statements, delivered
Each year approximately 1000 of our seeking to apply to Oxbridge or other by representatives from more than nine
students, upon completing programmes Russell Group universities or even to different universities. In total, over the two
of study at the College, proceed to organise a gap year. days, the overall number of progression
study at a university or medical school sessions available for students to choose
before entering career pathways. This The College has links and relationships is in excess of four hundred.
includes several hundred students with a wide range of universities in
who, each year, achieve places on
prestigious degree courses such as
the UK, including Emmanuel College
and Christchurch College Cambridge,
Will I get help in aiming
Architecture, Economics, Engineering, Hertford College Oxford as well as most for aspirational courses
English, History, Law, Mathematics, universities within a 100-mile radius of or careers?
Medicine and Sciences and gain places the College.
at Cambridge and Oxford or other top Yes. The College recognises that all
‘Russell Group’ universities or medical We are pleased to have particularly of its students with varying individual
schools. There are other students who strong links with the University of Essex circumstances, talents and potential
successfully achieve places on more and we work with them, for example, to will at times, require additional and
specialist or vocationally focused degree deliver conferences, extension facilities specific one-to-one support. A
course areas including computing, and support to our Extended Project range of specialist programmes and
creative arts, education, environmental Programme. activities are provided to suit each
science, finance, management science, individual student; this includes
media, nursing and performing arts. The College Careers Department guidance for those students with
organise a range of events throughout very high academic potential and
Other students will progress to study the year to help students decide upon aspirations, and those who are likely to
specialist non-degree courses in their future options for careers and be pursuing applications for the most
the visual arts (art schools etc) or further study. As an example, they competitive academic courses. This
performing arts (drama, dance or music oversee the ‘Two Day Programme’ of will involve those applying for places at
colleges), or finance courses (e.g.AAT). careers events that takes place towards Oxford, Cambridge and other ‘Russell
Approximately 200 students each the end of a student’s first year of study. Group’ universities and for the most
year will progress to employment with There are also activities throughout competitive degree courses in the fields
training – locally, nationally and, for the year such as briefings for students of law, medicine, veterinary medicine,
some, internationally. and parents about Oxbridge entry and dentistry, physiotherapy, architecture,
higher education finance. mathematics, science, engineering,
English, history and languages.
Will I get help moving The ‘Two Day Programme’ involves
on to university or students taking part in a structured Support available to students with high
employment? programme of sessions to help them
develop their career and academic
academic aspirations will include:
Yes. There is considerable help and aspirations. Sessions, mainly provided • One-to-one academic mentoring
support for each individual student by specialists, include guidance from a senior or specialist member
regarding future employability-whether regarding progression beyond college. of staff.
it be from a university degree course Presentations, workshops and activities • Individual guidance regarding
or directly after completion of a involve a huge range of visiting all aspects of the university
programme of study at the College. For speakers. These include professionals application process, with specialist
most students, the two years will seem talking about their career paths and programmes for potential applicants
to pass quickly and there is much to advice ranging from banking, finance for Oxbridge, medicine and law.
consider during this time. Our students and accountancy to engineering, • Specialist advice regarding
benefit from a rolling programme of computing, fashion, media, sport, law, university admissions requirements,
support for university and employment food, hotel management, journalism, and a carefully tailored programme of
applications, including higher education physiotherapy and the armed forces. A study with regular target setting and
fairs, the ‘Two Day Programme’ in the key part of the event is the input from reviews.
26 The Sixth Form CollegeCOLLEGE SUPPORT
• Formal guidance and preparation by students on their application form matters of concern to students.
for university interviews, including and again at enrolment. We would be
practice sessions. grateful if parents and carers could The Council has six main sub-
• Support to help students in ensure that the College is informed of committees: the Social Committee,
preparation for relevant university any changes of email address, postal Arts Committee, Charities Committee,
entrance exams or extra tests address or other relevant details. Sports Committee, Environment
including STEP, BMAT, UKCAT, LNAT and Science Committee and Culture
and the range of Oxford subject Committee. All of these are very
tests. Who should I contact involved in encouraging student
if there are any queries activities.
The opportunity to pursue an individual
‘university style’ Extended Project
or concerns, especially The College Council works to:
Qualification (EPQ), in an area of those linked to a organise social events for College
particular academic interest for degree
level study, often with full support
particular student? students; provide good facilities in
the student social areas; control
from an appropriate academic mentor. For all enrolled students, the first point College Council finance and decide
EPQs are very favourably viewed by of contact should be the student’s on the use of the money to benefit
competitive university courses. personal tutor, who can be contacted students; represent student views
via email or the College switchboard on on various College administrative
Opportunities for visits, lectures, 01206 500700. committees; promote good relations
discussions and support sessions with the people of Colchester; support
together with specialist careers For students yet to enrol, all queries a range of international, national and
guidance. This includes opportunities to should be directed to the Admissions local charities.
discuss career choices with university Team on 01206 500743 or 01206
admissions staff and other practising 505595. Events organised by the College
professionals. Council have included a large range
More general queries can often be dealt of theatre and concert visits, charity
Opportunities to participate in a variety with by the College General Office Team fund-raising events and a variety of
of accelerated specialist one-year on 01206 500700. College sports tournaments. The
academic courses to support and College Council makes an important
extend an individual student’s academic Details of all forthcoming events can contribution to College life and
portfolio relevant to specific progression be found in the Principal’s Newsletter provides students with a number of
pathway. which is prepared for students and lively and interesting opportunities, as
their parents and carers and aims to well as offering the chance for students
How does the College provide important information, guidance
and advice, review recent activities
to take on posts of real responsibility.
New ideas are always welcome.
work with parents and highlight a number of forthcoming
and carers? events and dates. What are the values
The College seeks to work closely with The College provides regular of the College?
parents and carers in order to ensure opportunities for parents and carers to We want everyone feel welcome, safe
the success and wellbeing of students. meet with teaching staff, normally in and supported throughout their studies.
November and July. The College is proud to be designated
A Parents’ Handbook is made available a “College of Sanctuary”: a safe and
to parents and carers at the start of the Students are asked to make welcoming place for all, especially those
academic year – it provides parents and appointments on behalf of parents and seeking a place of safety. It is also a
carers with much confirmation and carers at such events. college that helps its students, staff
guidance useful to them. Our Parents’ and wider community understand what
Page on the College website is updated How does the College it means to be seeking sanctuary and
periodically and provides information to extend a welcome to everyone as
and guidance useful to parents and work with and listen equal, valued members of the College
carers of students currently enrolled at to students? community. These principles inform the
the College, as well as those of students work of our staff and the activities of our
considering making an application. The Student activities are organised by the students in a number of ways, including
College also seeks to keep in touch with College Council, which consists of an our applications and admissions
parents and carers of students and elected student representative from processes, our tutorial programme and
prospective students via email. each tutor group as well as members of the activities of student groups, such as
the College teaching staff. The Council the award-winning college ‘Friends Not
Parental email addresses are provided provides a focus for discussion of Foes’ group.
www.colchsfc.ac.uk 27COLLEGE SUPPORT
We appreciate that some young • Be committed to providing a safe We place a high priority on keeping our
people experience difficulties and face and secure environment for all its students safe. All our staff are trained
challenges in their lives at times and any members and visitors. Students and to spot the signs of a young person at
one of us may find they need to seek staff have a right to expect protection risk, and take action to protect them.
support or sanctuary. from harm. Safeguarding includes adhering to the
• The College will not tolerate Government’s “Prevent” strategy.
Please let us know if your parents or bullying, victimisation and
carers need help communicating with harassment, including hate speech. All educational establishments must
college or accessing parents’ evenings. • Value diversity in respect of promote values which are opposed to
We will do the best we can to support race, ethnicity or national origin, extremism. These “fundamental British
them and make them feel comfortable gender, religion and belief or values” are:
and welcome here. none, socioeconomic background,
gender variance, marital status or • Democracy
The College is committed to taking family circumstances, pregnancy • The rule of law
account of the diversity of the and parenthood, political opinions • Individual liberty
communities it serves, advancing equality and affiliations, physical attributes • Mutual respect for, and tolerance
of opportunity for everyone, using positive or appearance, disability, sexual of, those with different faiths and
action where necessary and providing orientation and age. beliefs and for those without faith.
support and sanctuary on an individual • Educate students and staff on the
basis. To this end, within the context of importance of equality and human These values are also College values.
the resources available, the College will: rights, fostering good relations We promote them in many different
between individuals and groups ways including our work on equality
• Treat students, staff, applicants, within the College. and diversity, College elections and
parents, carers and members of • Welcome applications from all student voice, a classroom culture
the wider communities with dignity, students, including those with a of intellectual curiosity, questioning,
respect and fairness. disability or learning support needs, freedom of expression, tolerance and
• Provide an inclusive, personalised providing that students meet the respect. We also offer enrichment
learning environment in which admissions criteria. (In order to help activities that promote the development
students are treated solely on the College to provide students with resilience, determination, self-esteem,
the basis of their merits, abilities appropriate support it is helpful if and confidence, which will enable
and potential and are valued as relevant information can be provided students to engage positively with the
individuals. at the earliest possible opportunity). wider world.
28 The Sixth Form CollegeYou can also read
