Sixth form prospectus

SIXTH FORM GENERAL INFORMATION
2019-20

Introduction

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to join our Sixth Form in September 2019.

At Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School, you will have the opportunity to study in a warm and caring learning
community with a strong family ethos and a distinctive Catholic identity. We are justifiably proud of our
excellent reputation and OFSTED (the Office for Standards in Education) have, three times, judged us to be
an ‘Outstanding’ school.

We are extremely proud of our academic record and we are highly regarded across the Local Authority
and the Diocese of Brentwood for our excellent results. Year after year we enjoy many success stories at all
levels of ability and we are, of course, proud of all of the girls – not just those achieving the top grades. We
commend their determination and hard work and acknowledge also the commitment and dedication of
the teaching staff who work so hard to ensure that girls are given the support they need in order to
succeed.

The last inspections of the school were carried out by Ofsted in November 2013 and by Section 48 Inspectors
in March 2014. The school was rated on both occasions as ‘Outstanding’ with inspectors noting that we are
a school with a “profound sense of being a warm and welcoming family”.

In September this year, we launched our new Mission Statement and motto to reflect the legacy and
charism of the Sacred Heart of Mary sisters :

The Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School is a Catholic learning community with a strong family ethos and
Jesus Christ at its centre. We seek to ensure that all may have life, life to the full.

‘Ut Vitam Habeant’

As the most senior pupils in the school, we will expect you to make significant contributions to the distinctive
character of the school as prefects, mentors and school officials; ensuring that you enjoy ‘Life to the Full’ at
Sacred Heart of Mary as well as helping to bring a rich and fulfilling life to others in our school community.

You will spend a significant proportion of your lives here at school in Years 12 & 13, and so it is important that
your time with us should be in a challenging, but supportive and well-ordered environment. We will ensure
that you have opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip you to make a positive
contribution to society as a responsible adult.

High standards and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of school life are priorities at Sacred Heart of
Mary and we will be relying on you to support staff in promoting spiritual and moral values, to be role
models of courtesy and consideration for others, and to motivate and inspire younger pupils to be just like
you.

All we ask of you is that you work hard and make the most of every opportunity offered to you, and in
return, you will be supported by a talented and dedicated staff who will work hard to ensure that you are
happy and fulfilled throughout your time with us.

K O’Neill (Mrs)
Headteacher

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What parents think about the sixth form

My daughter has had a
very enriching
experience.

My daughter has I cannot think of a
made great friends. better school.

There is a wonderful sense of
family.

mShe has blossomed into a My daughter would like to
confident young lady and I teach here one day. This is
can confidently say with probably the single biggest
hand on heart that a lot of it endorsement of the school.

has come from this The teachers are
wonderful school. inspiring and give
wonderful help and
My daughter receives an advice.
outstanding education.
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m

Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted 3
times

A-Level Success in 2018

23% Grades A*/A

78% Grades A*-C

I’d heard such great things
about the school… and they

were all true!!

There is lots of support
whether you are applying
for a University place, an
Apprenticeship or a job

72% Distinctions/Distinction* at BTEC
100% university application success

The teachers gave me so much
of their time and support. It

was amazing!

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SACRED HEART OF MARY GIRLS’ SCHOOL SIXTH FORM

Our Sixth Form continues to expand in numbers, retaining a significantly high proportion of our Year 11
students as well as attracting students from other schools who acknowledge the distinctive character of our
Sixth Form.
The school has, three times, been recognised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted and, as such, is the only school
with a Sixth Form in Havering to be Outstanding.
ACCOMMODATION
Our Sixth Form accommodation houses a careers suite, computer study rooms, tutorial rooms, common
room and study areas. In addition, the school now has a large independent study centre for Sixth Form
students.
A LEVEL CHOICES
All prospective Sixth Form students receive advice about course choice from the Head or Assistant Head of
Sixth Form, members of the Senior Leadership Team and the careers advisor.
CAREERS GUIDANCE
There is an organised programme of preparation for higher education and employment delivered by the
Head of Sixth Form and Assistant Head of Sixth Form, form tutors and careers adviser. In addition,
information evenings for parents on higher education and finance take place in Years 12 and 13. Speakers
are invited from a variety of fields including universities, apprenticeships, professions and the world of
business and finance. In addition, students are encouraged to take part in Open Days and taster courses.
A programme of work experience takes place at the end of Year 12.
APPLICATIONS
Application to enrol in the Sixth Form implies acceptance of the regulations and requirements set out below.
Pupils should be aware of the school’s Code of Conduct.
ATTENDANCE
Sixth formers are expected to be present for all lessons and to be punctual. Study leave is normally allowed
for school and major public examinations in the Summer Term.
SIXTH FORM LIFE

Extra-curricular activities in the Sixth Form include theatre visits, foreign trips, student shadowing, university
courses and summer schools. Destinations for educational visits include New York, Poland and Iceland. The
modern language courses include the opportunity to take part in work experience in Italy. The Upper Sixth
year ends with the Leavers’ Dinner when students look back with pleasure and appreciation on their Sixth
Form years.

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LEADERSHIP IN THE SIXTH FORM

Sixth Form students act as role models for the younger pupils in the school. In Year 12, students act as mentors
to Year 7 pupils and as Prefects for Lower School forms and subject areas. Sixth Form students also take a
leading role in the School Council. In Year 13, Senior Prefects support the staff in the day-to-day running of
the school. The Head Girl and Deputy Head Girls are elected by students and staff from Year 13 and play a
pivotal role in leading and managing their peers in carrying out their Sixth Form responsibilities and in
supporting whole school events.

Head Girl Emma Kearney achieved 3 A* grades at A-level and gained a place at Cambridge University to study
Economics.

Sixth Form students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and students in the past have
taken part in expeditions to Kenya and the Gambia in order to achieve their gold award.
There is an active and ever-expanding St. Vincent de Paul group that supports several community-based
projects and there are opportunities for members of the Sixth Form to become Eucharistic Ministers, leaders
for the junior Youth Club and to take leading roles in the musical and spiritual life of the school.
The four School Houses, Lindisfarne, Rievaulx, Thanet and Whitby are central to the life of the school. Sixth form
students are appointed as House officials and are responsible for organising House events and competitions.
This experience provides valuable training in organizational, leadership and inter-personal skills. Highlights of
the school year are the annual drama or music competitions and sports day.

Miss A Holman
Head of Sixth Form

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CAREER READY UK

This is an initiative aimed at those students who are interested in pursuing a career in business. It represents
the formation of a business school within the Sixth Form, and offers a framework for students to develop their
business skills. To be part of this scheme, students must opt to take one business-related qualifications such
as: BTEC Business, A Levels in Business, Economics or LIBF.
The Career Ready programme is particularly designed to motivate young people who have not realised their
potential. Students are invited to apply in writing and if short listed, an interview will take place to ensure the
best candidates are chosen for this programme.
Career Ready students will receive a programme of enrichment activities aimed at developing employability
skills, business knowledge and self-esteem. Key to the Academy experience is the student internship: an
industry placement for up to 6 weeks, earned through an interview and fulfilment of work/coursework
deadlines best met. Equally key is the opportunity for every student to be mentored by someone from
business, allowing them to reflect their learning to an adult other than a teacher. The programme will also
involve various trips to business institutions and access to successful business role models.
We are also pleased to report following quality assurance by Career Ready that we have been judged as a
High Performing Career Ready provider.
Over the past 12 years 119 students have benefitted from this programme many going on to University to
study business related subjects or entering the world of work after their Sixth Form studies.

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SIXTH FORM UNIFORM REGULATIONS – SEPTEMBER 2019

SKIRT Plain navy blue skirt – ON OR BELOW THE KNEE.

BLOUSES Plain white school blouse with collar

CARDIGANS Plain navy blue

JACKETS The school plain navy jacket must be worn

Jackets, skirts, blouses and cardigans must be purchased from the school shop

FOOTWEAR Plain black flat shoes without decoration.
NO TRAINERS, HIGH HEELS, BOOTS, SANDALS, SUEDE OR CANVAS SHOES TO BE WORN
Girls are reminded that backless shoes or shoes with a high heel can be dangerous
and are not suitable for school.

TIGHTS Black, white or navy tights (not patterned)
White, navy or black socks.

SCHOOL TIE This must be worn on all formal occasions.

COATS A dark coat may be worn to and from school (but not in school) – leather, denim or
‘Bomber’ style jackets may NOT be worn. NO LOGOS.

SCARVES & No patterned/multi-coloured scarves are permitted. Scarves should be PLAIN black,
HEADGEAR navy or white. No headgear is permitted.

JEWELLERY ONE pair of small, discreet earrings.
ONE necklace and ONE small ring may be worn. All jewellery should be discreet.

N.B. The wearing of jewellery in certain lessons is not permitted for health and safety
MAKE-UP reasons. (The school cannot accept responsibility for the loss or theft of any items of
jewellery).

A discreet amount of make-up may be worn. Artificial nail extensions are not
permitted. Extreme/ un-natural hair colour/style is not permitted. Hair accessories
should be plain white, navy or black.

The school reserves the right to decide whether jewellery or make-up is ‘discreet’ or hair colour/style
‘extreme’.

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CHOICES

COURSE SPECIFICATIONS

These can be picked up from teachers or found on the school website. More details may be found on the
following Internet websites:

AQA www.aqa.org.uk
EDEXCEL www.edexcel.org.uk
OCR www.ocr.org.uk
WJEC www.wjec.org.uk
EDUQAS www.eduqas.co.uk

ADVANCED LEVEL COURSES

Under the new specifications that apply to reformed A-Levels the results achieved at AS level will not
contribute to the final grade at A-Level and therefore students studying A-Levels will only take external
examinations at the end of the two year course.
Due to the increased rigour associated with these new A-Levels, most students will only choose three 2 year
courses to study in the sixth form. However, there is an opportunity for the most able pupils to take four A
Levels if appropriate.

VOCATIONAL COURSES

The school will be offering BTEC National courses in Business, and Health and Social Care, and the Level 3
Extended Certificate in Applied Science. These new qualifications have been developed in conjunction with
both employers and, most significantly, Russell Group Universities. They have a greater focus on coursework
but incorporate external assessment to ensure academic rigour. These courses offer an attractive option for
students who excel in coursework rather than terminal examinations. In the past, success in vocational
qualifications has led many to successfully gain places at university. The involvement of universities in the
development and endorsement of these courses will, no doubt, contribute to their future popularity and
success.

In addition to A Levels and vocational courses, the school also offers the opportunity to undertake an
Extended Project Qualification.

COURSE ENTRY EXPECTATIONS

Applicants to the Sixth Form need to have met the entry requirements for their three chosen courses. It is not
always essential to have studied a subject at GCSE in order to take that subject at A level. Where no relevant
GCSE has been taken, subject leaders may assess aptitude on the basis of other GCSE results or additional
tasks such as tests. For those who have studied the subject at GCSE, 6+ is expected for entry to most A-Level
courses.

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The school currently offers the following courses within the Sixth Form:

A Level courses in:

ART (OCR)
BIOLOGY (AQA)
BUSINESS STUDIES (AQA)
CHEMISTRY (OCR SALTERS)
ECONOMICS (EDEXCEL/PEARSON)
ENGLISH LITERATURE (EDUQAS)
EXTENDED PROJECT (AQA)
FILM STUDIES (EDUQAS)
GEOGRAPHY (AQA)
HISTORY (OCR)
MATHEMATICS (EDEXCEL/PEARSON)
FURTHER MATHEMATICS (EDEXCEL/PEARSON)
MODERN LANGUAGES ITALIAN (EDEXCEL/PEARSON)
MODERN LANGUAGES FRENCH (EDEXCEL/PEARSON)
MUSIC (EDEXCEL/PEARSON)
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (OCR)
PHYSICS (AQA)
PSYCHOLOGY (AQA)
RELIGIOUS STUDIES (EDEXCEL/PEARSON)
THEATRE STUDIES (AQA)

Vocational courses: (EDEXCEL/PEARSON)
(EDEXCEL/PEARSON)
BTEC LEVEL 3 NATIONAL EXTENDED CERTIFICATE IN BUSINESS (EDEXCEL/PEARSON)
BTEC LEVEL 3 NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS
BTEC NATIONAL IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (EDEXCEL/PEARSON)
BTEC LEVEL 3 NATIONAL EXTENDED CERTIFICATE IN (AQA)

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
LEVEL 3 EXTENDED CERTIFICATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

GENERAL COURSES:
NON-EXAMINATION GENERAL RELIGIOUS STUDIES COURSE

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HIGHER EDUCATION DESTINATIONS 2018 1
2
Academy of Contemporary Music 1
Aston University 1
University of Bath 1
Bath Spa University 2
University of Bedfordshire 1
Birmingham University 1
Birmingham City University 1
Brighton University 2
University of Bristol 1
Bournemouth University 1
Chichester University 2
University of Cambridge 1
Coventry University 1
De Montfort University 1
Dundee University 2
University of East Anglia 1
Essex University 1
Exeter University 1
University of Gloucester 4
University Of Greenwich 1
University of Hertfordshire 10
University of Keele 1
University of Kent 2
King’s College, London 1`
Kingston University 1
Leeds University 5
University of Leicester 1
Loughborough University 3
University of Manchester 3
University of Northampton 1
University of Nottingham 1
Nottingham Trent University 5
Oxford Brookes University 1
University of Portsmouth 1
Queen Mary, London 2
Royal Holloway, London 4
St George’s University 1
St. Mary’s University 2
Solent University 1
University of Southampton 3
University of Surrey 2
University of Sussex 2
Swansea University
University of Warwick

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