Sixth Form Admission Policy

Status:

Review Date:

Approved

September 2018

“The Academy believes that inclusive practice is central to developing quality teaching and learning. As such we endeavour to provide a supportive framework that responds to pupils’ needs and overcomes potential barriers for individuals and groups of pupils and to ensure that pupils of all abilities and needs are fully included in the life of the school. The ethos of this statement underpins all Oldbury Academy’s policies. “

Oldbury Academy Sixth Form - Admission Policy This admissions policy applies to students seeking admission to Year 12 at Oldbury Academy Sixth Form and covers admission into Year 13/14 for those wishing to continue or complete their studies with us. We welcome applications from students who are predicted to meet the entry requirements for their chosen courses. Application forms for entry to the Sixth Form can be obtained from the main school office, the Sixth Form Stud y Room or can be downloaded from the website. Completed application forms should be returned to the main office. Applications must be made on the official form (for both internal and external candidates) along with a confidential reference from the current school (for external candidates). 1.

General Admission Criteria Age Limits Students can only begin a one year course if they are under 19 years of age on 1st September in the academic year of admission. Students can only begin a two year course if they are under 18 years of age on 1st September in the academic year of admission. Internal Students (those on roll at Oldbury Academy during Year 11) Subject to students meeting the academic entry requirements all students completing Year 11 during the previous academic year will be offered a conditional place in the Sixth Form. External Students (those not attending Year 11 at Oldbury Academy) Applicants who can demonstrate that their predicted grades meet the Oldbury Academy entry requirements will be offered a conditional place. Their application will be held on file until confirmation of grades meeting the entry requirements in August. Volume of Study Students in Year 12 are required to take a minimum of four subjects (this may include BTEC double or triple equivalents for at least 20 hours a week). This may be reduced to three subjects in exceptional circumstances. Students in Year 13 are required to take a minimum of three subjects (this may include BTEC double or triple equivalents and additional subjects).

2.

Entry to Year 12 (AS and BTEC 1) The entry criterion is the same for both internal and external candidates and will be published in our prospectus on an annual basis. A Level: Generally, students are required to have a minimum of 5 A*-C grades at GCSE including English and maths with a grade B (or equivalent under the new GCSE grading system) in the subjects to be studied at Level 3. BTEC (Level 3): A minimum of 5 A* - C grades at GCSE including English & maths (or equivalent under the new GCSE grading system). For both A Level and BTEC pathways, individual courses may have subject specific GCSE requirements for entry and these are outlined fully in the Course Guide.

3.

Entry to Year 13 (A2 and BTEC) Students who attended Oldbury Academy Sixth Form in the previous academic year will automatically be eligible for consideration for entry to Year 13.

In order to secure a place in Year 13 students must obtain at least the minimum pass grade in the Year 12 subjects (i.e. E grade at AS or Pass at BTEC Level 3 Certificate) and be able to fulfil the volume of study requirement as stated above. In addition, attendance at Sixth Form and in lessons cannot fall below 85% (except in exceptional circumstances). 4.

Admission Procedure Initial offers of places at Oldbury Academy Sixth Form Based on evidence available from the application form, formal interview and reference, students who satisfy the admissions criteria will be made a conditional offer. A firm offer will only be made following confirmation of examination results in the summer. Induction Period All students entering the Sixth Form are to attend an induction period in the first week of July. This is to ensure students are on suitable courses and are aware of the demands of Sixth Form study. Enrolment Key Stage 5 courses chosen by students and the GCSE results achieved will be discussed individually with each student prior to a place being offered at the start of the academic year. Students will be required to attend school on a specified date after GCSE results to confirm their place. We expect all students to sign a Learning Agreement Contract. Probation Period All students must satisfactorily complete the five week probation during September and October. During this period regular checks are made on:  Attendance  Behaviour for Learning  Contribution to the Sixth Form  Dress Code  Effort  Finishing of work Students who fail to meet these expectations at the first check (3 weeks) will receive a written warning (with a copy to the parent/carer) and intervention will be triggered to support progress. At the final five week check any student who has failed to successfully address the formal concerns from the earlier review will be subject to a final review and adjustments to courses will be made. In extreme cases of persistent non-compliance with work requirements, this would involve placing students on an academic behaviour contract, moving the student to a course we consider more appropriate or escalation to formal exclusion from Sixth Form. All students will be offered information, advice and guidance with regards a suitable destination from the Academy’s careers service. Over Subscription Where the applications for admission exceed the number of places available we will give priority to the following: 1. Looked after children. 2. Siblings of students on roll at Oldbury Academy. 3. All other applicants. In the event of the school being oversubscribed in any of the above criteria, places will be offered to those living nearest the school as measured in a direct line distance from the home to the school. Right to Appeal Appeals regarding a failure to gain a place at Oldbury Academy Sixth Form will at present be dealt with according to the Appeals process of Sandwell Local Authority.