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Sixth Form Handbook 2017-18

Contents

Welcome 2

Important Contact Details 2

Sixth Form Tutors & Pastoral Care 3

School Day & Study Faculties 5

Absence 6

Sixth Form Drivers 6

Poor Attendance Procedure 7

Sixth Form Dress Code 8

PSHE 9

Houses 10

Senior Student Team & Lower Sixth Forum 11

Mock Examinations & Reporting Progress 12

The Super Curriculum 13

TEDxBeechenCliffSchool & TED Ed 14

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) 15

Extra-Curricular Activities 16

Future Horizons 17

Oxbridge Programme 19

Work Experience 20

Bursaries 21

Changing a Subject – Procedure 22

Computers, Email and Mobile Phones 23

Important Forms 24

Appendix 1 - Planned Absence Form (Pink Form)

Appendix 2 - A Level Course Change Request Form

Appendix 3 - Bursary (Confidential) Application Form (5 pages)

Appendix 4 - Equipment, Trip and other financial outlay for Sixth Form

Appendix 5 - Sixth Form Extra-Curricular Programme 2017/18

Welcome

We are delighted that you have decided to join Beechen Cliff Sixth Form. Please keep this

handbook in a safe place. It contains important information to help us communicate effectively

during the course of the two year study programme.

Important Contact Details

We expect our Sixth Form students to be responsible for communicating with teachers and

tutors. Students should check school emails daily and attend compulsory weekly assemblies as a

great deal of important information is communicated in these ways. Inevitably, parents will need

to communicate with the school for a whole variety of reasons and we welcome this.

School number: 01225 480466 Reporting Sixth Form Absence: 01225 485221

Mr J Oldham (Head of Sixth Form) HeadofSixth@beechencliff.org.uk

Mrs S Ingram (Sixth Form Pastoral Manager) Susie.Ingram@beechencliff.org.uk

Mr I Burnell (Deputy Head of Sixth Form) Ian.Burnell@beechencliff.org.uk

Mrs A Jones (Sixth Form Attendance Officer)

Allison.Jones@beechencliff.org.uk

Mrs L Dobie (Sixth Form Admissions)

Linda.Dobie@beechencliff.org.uk

Mrs C Jones (PA to Head of Sixth Form and Future Horizons Coordinator)

Clare.Jones@beechencliff.org.uk

Miss K Mather (EPQ Coordinator)

Kim.Mather@beechencliff.org.uk

Mrs K Davison (Exams Officer)

Kate.Davison@beechencliff.org.uk Please check the Beechen Cliff website www.beechencliff.org.uk regularly for other information. Emails will also be sent via Parent Pay.

2

Sixth Form Tutors & Pastoral Care

At Beechen Cliff, the pastoral care extended throughout the school is very important to us.

Relationships between students and staff are strong and a caring, friendly atmosphere is evident.

Lower Sixth students are assigned a House tutor, the contact details for whom can be found

below. Mrs Ingram is the Sixth Form Pastoral Manager. She is based in the heart of the Sixth

Form Centre and is available to students and parents at any time.

House Group Tutor Room

Byron BY9 Mrs J Merrett Y2

Joanne.Merrett@beechencliff.org.uk

Byron BY10 Miss O’Higgins Y1

Sarah.Ohiggins@beechencliff.org.uk

Chaucer CH9 Miss R Wong S2

Rachel.Wong@beechencliff.org.uk

Chaucer CH10 Mr N Smith Y6

Neil.Smith@beechencliff.org.uk

Kipling KP9 Miss L Zuanella Y3

Linda.Zuanella@beechencliff.org.uk

Kipling KP10 Mr M Cooper Y7

Marcus.Cooper@beechencliff.org.uk

Milton ML9 Miss H Fisher Y8

Hannah.Fisher@beechencliff.org.uk

Milton ML10 Miss K Mather Y5

Kim.Mather@beechencliff.org.uk

Shakespeare SH9 Mr G Maxwell Y9

Glenn.Maxwell@beechencliff.org.uk

Shakespeare SH10 Mr E Gill M4

Edward.Gill@beechencliff.org.uk

3

In the Lower Sixth, students meet their tutor daily. The tutor gets to know students personally,

monitors attendance, gives out notices and letters and encourages involvement in all Sixth Form

opportunities. They also provide academic mentoring and assistance with planning for leaving

school. Over the course of the Lower Sixth, tutors will provide guidance in the following areas:

Sixth Form Standards

Dress code

Attendance and punctuality

Personal organisation

Independent Learning

Effective learning habits, behaviours and skills

Revision planning, memorisation and examination technique

Making the most of resources available to support learning

Belonging to the House, Sixth Form and School

Getting to know fellow Sixth Formers and lower school pupils

Representing the House, Sixth Form and School

Participating in Sixth Form events

Future Horizons

Planning for destinations after leaving school

UCAS applications

Careers information

Tutors are the first point of contact for parents, and write reports and references for students

over the two years of Sixth Form. In the Upper Sixth tutors are available to meet students by

appointment to discuss UCAS applications, future plans, revision and any pastoral matters.

Although there is no morning tutor time, there continues to be a weekly compulsory assembly.

These arrangements give students a more university/college-like independence.

4

School Day & Study Facilities

Lower Sixth students are expected to be in school from 8.25am. If their day’s lessons end before

12.15pm, they must remain on site to study until this time. Students will have a timetable

detailing their tutor times, lessons and independent study/reading periods. Sixth Form Games

takes place from 2.15pm on Thursdays, although fixtures may require travel earlier, and extra-

curricular activities run throughout the week.

For some students who take a subject at Hayesfield or Ralph Allen, the timings of lessons are

slightly different and students should familiarise themselves with these when thinking about

transport.

Beechen Cliff Hayesfield Ralph Allen

Tutor Time 8:25 – 8:45 Registration 8:40 – 9:05

Period 1 8:45 – 9:45 Period 1 8:30 – 9:30 Period 1 9:05 – 10:05

Period 2 10:00 – 11:00 Period 2 9:50 – 10:50 Period 2 10:05 – 11:05

Period 3 11:15 – 12:15 Period 3 11:00 – 12:00 Period 3 11:30 – 12:30

Lunch/Period 4 12:15 – 1:15 Lunch 12:00 – 1:00 Period 4 12:30 – 1:30

Period 5 1:15 – 2:15 Period 4 1:00 – 2:00 Lunch 1:30 – 2:10

Period 6 2:15 – 3:15 Period 5 2:05 – 3:05 Period 5 2:10 – 3:15

Students have access to a dedicated Sixth Form Silent Study Area and a Group Study Area. They

may also use the School Library. During the examination season, and revision period leading up

to it, the Study Areas are open for extended hours and are staffed to ensure students have quiet

study facilities and support as necessary.

During school holidays and at weekends Beechen Cliff Sixth Form students have special access

to Bath University Library at the Claverton Down campus. Students must apply for a

permission letter via the Sixth Form office.

5

Absence

There are various procedures to follow for absence:

Planned Absence: Students are not permitted to leave the School without prior

permission and must complete a pink absence request form for permission to be absent

from lessons (Appendix 1). This form requires the relevant teachers to authorise absence

and to let the students know what work they need to catch up on. The completed form

should be given to Mrs Jones (Sixth Form Attendance Officer).

Holiday requests: We do not encourage students to miss any time from their A Level

courses and any holiday should be booked during the school holidays.

Illness: Parents must let the school know if their son/daughter is absent due to illness or

other unforeseen circumstances.

Students should not commit to part-time work or driving lessons during the hours of the normal

school day.

The Sixth Form Attendance Officer is Mrs Jones Allison.Jones@beechencliff.org.uk

Tel: 01225 485221

Sixth Form Drivers

Please note that we do not permit students to arrange driving lessons during the school day.

Newly qualified drivers must inform Mrs Ingram of their car registration details if using a car for

transport to school. Sixth Form drivers will be issued with a Beechen Cliff car sticker and may

only park in Alexandra Park or on the nearby Avenues. Parking on the school site is strictly

prohibited.

6

Poor Attendance Procedure

All students are expected to attend all lessons unless there is a valid reason. Student/parents

must have followed the procedure to let the teachers/Sixth Form Attendance Officer know.

If we become concerned that there is an issue with any student attending all the lessons on their

timetable, their tutor will contact parents. The matter may then be escalated to the Deputy Head

of Sixth Form, Mr Burnell, who may then place students on an Attendance Report for a 2 week

period.

The Attendance Report is a card which must be given to all teachers at the start of each lesson

and be signed at the end. The student must report to the Deputy Head of Sixth Form at the start

and end of each school day and report to the Sixth Form Study Area during independent study

periods where a member of duty staff will also sign the card.

If the attendance to lessons remains a concern after the student has been on Attendance Report,

the matter will then become more serious. In such cases, Mr Oldham will contact parents and

request a meeting with them and the student to discuss the viability of a continued place in the

Sixth Form.

If parents have any concerns regarding attendance, please contact your son/daughter’s tutor in

the first instance.

7

Sixth Form Dress Code

Sixth Form students are required to dress smartly and have a duty to set a good example to

pupils in the lower school. Tutors will check that tutees are correctly dressed in the morning and

will send them home to change if they are not complying with the code. A good test is for

students to ask themselves whether they would wear their choice of clothes to a job interview.

All students must wear formal business-wear appropriate for a conservative workplace:

For male students, this means a dark suit or a jacket with suit-style, tailored trousers, and a

buttoned shirt with collar and a tie. Shirts should be tucked in and top buttons must be fastened.

A plain jumper or cardigan may be worn in addition to (not instead of) a jacket and shoes should

be smart leather or leather-style.

For female students, this means a dark suit or a jacket with a suit-style, tailored pair of trousers,

smart dress or smart skirt with dark tights, and a blouse or shirt. Dresses and skirts must be of a

respectable length (just above the knee or below). A plain jumper or cardigan may be worn in

addition to (not instead of) a jacket and shoes or boots should be smart leather or leather-style.

The following items are not permitted:

Corduroy, leather, denim, or jean-style trousers, jackets or skirts

Shorts or cargo pants

Stretchy-style miniskirts

Leggings

Vest/strappy/see-through tops

Polo shirts

Polo-necked jumpers

Designer logos

Hoodies or sweatshirts

Trainers, flip flops, Ugg-style boots or Converse-style shoes

Hair must be of a natural colour and extreme hairstyles are not permitted. One piercing per ear

and/or one nose stud is allowed. No other piercings, including stretchers, are permitted.

Beechen Cliff branded sports kit is available to purchase and students are encouraged to wear

this rather than commercial sports brands. Changing rooms are available for kit change prior to

and after a sporting fixture or training session. Students should not wear sports kit (including

Beechen Cliff branded) at any other time.

All decisions relating to dress code ultimately lie with the Head of Sixth Form.

8

PSHE Programme (Personal, Social & Health Education)

During the two years in the Sixth Form, students are introduced to a whole range of PSHE

materials through assemblies with expert speakers and follow-up discussions within their tutor

groups. The PSHE programme is designed to promote self-esteem and emotional well-being, to

help the formation and maintenance of positive relationships and to encourage healthy, safer

lifestyles.

Lower Sixth

Mental Health Awareness

Drugs

Alcohol abuse

Meningitis Trust

Teenage Cancer Awareness

Managing stress during exams

Healthy relationships (including LGBTQ)

PREVENT Duty

Assemblies

Guest Speaker: Kooth – Confidential online counselling service

Guest Speaker: Project 28 –Local Drug support service

Guest Speaker: Alcoholics Anonymous

Internal Speaker: Revision Planning and Memorisation Techniques

Guest Speaker: Relate – Healthy Relationships

Upper Sixth

eSafety

STIs, Freshers Flu and other common Health issues at University

Finance

Preparation for university/apprenticeship or employment

PREVENT Duty

Assemblies

Guest Speaker: Police – eSafety

Guest Speaker: Pastoral Welfare Officer - Bath University – Health issues at University

Guest Speaker: Bristol University Finance and Support Advisers

9

Houses

All members of Beechen Cliff are assigned to one of the five Houses: Byron, Chaucer, Kipling,

Milton and Shakespeare. There are two Sixth Form tutor groups in each House and we aim to

ensure that students feel a sense of belonging to the House as well as their tutor group and the

Sixth Form as a whole. In the first term, tutor groups work together to arrange a trip or activity

for their House. This is followed by a range of opportunities to represent the House in

competitions organised by the House Captains. Events are in a range of fields, from rugby to

University Challenge, code breaking to netball, so there is something for everyone. The House

system also provides an opportunity for Sixth Form students to build links with the rest of the

school, by arranging their own and taking part in events for lower school, for example, by

supporting lower school teaching groups in their A Level subject areas.

10

Senior Student Team & Lower Sixth Forum

The Senior Student Team is made up by members of the Upper Sixth and comprises the Head

Boy and Girl, their Deputies and a group of Senior Prefects. Their purpose is to lead the School,

embodying Beechen Cliff’s core values and acting as role models for the student and pupil

bodies. Each House meanwhile has a male and female House Captain and there are also Arts,

Sports, Music and Languages Captains. In the Lower Sixth, two students from each of the 10

tutor groups represent their peers via the Lower Sixth Forum. All students are encouraged to

consider applying for these positions when they become available to develop their repertoire of

skills.

11

Mock Examinations & Reporting Progress

Throughout the year there are reports and parents’ evenings when teachers provide feedback on

academic progress. The provisional dates for these are:

Lower Sixth Progress Reports: November 2017

Upper Sixth Progress Reports: November 2017

Upper Sixth Parents’ Evening: December 2017

Lower Sixth Parents’ Evening: February 2018

Mock Exams for Upper Sixth: January 2018

Upper Sixth Mock Results published: January 2018

Upper Sixth Full Reports: March 2018

Mock Exams for Lower Sixth: May 2018

Lower Sixth Mock Results published: May 2018

Lower Sixth Full Reports: May 2018

Reports will be available electronically on the school ePortal system. For those new to Beechen

Cliff access arrangements to ePortal will be provided in September. Please consult the website at

the start of term when actual dates will be confirmed.

All exams queries should be emailed to our Exams Officer, Mrs Davison.

Email: Kate.Davison@beechencliff.org.uk

Alternatively, students may see Mrs Davison at any time in her office at the back of the Library.

12

The Super Curriculum

The Super Curriculum is Beechen Cliff’s range of opportunities aimed at enriching students’

academic experiences, developing and challenging their thinking, and inspiring them beyond the

formal curriculum. The most competitive universities expect students to have researched and

read beyond the scope of their A-Level specifications and the Super Curriculum also provides

stimuli to do this. Throughout the academic year there are a range of events, information and

input from the school and external bodies, principally through the following:

The Super Curricular Bulletin - issued monthly and containing listings of local events,

lectures and exhibitions, ideas for reading material and suggestions of online resources, all

with the aim of enhancing students’ learning in their subject areas. All students and

parents receive an electronic copy of the Bulletin.

The Super Curricular Lecture Series – a weekly lecture on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at

3.30pm, often delivered by an external speaker from a university or industry on a topical

subject of their research, academic interest or application of knowledge beyond the A-level

specification. These are free to attend and refreshments are provided. Parents are also

welcome to attend.

13

TEDxBeechenCliffSchool & TED Ed

In July 2017, Beechen Cliff Sixth Form students put on their own TEDx event, having been

inspired by attending TEDxYouthBath, Europe’s largest TEDx Youth event. Themed ‘Future

Proof’, the students invited 10 speakers from diverse fields to explore this idea in front of 100

lucky ticket holders. All speakers and the audience were connected intimately to Bath and

included a Channel 4 Celebrity, academics from the University of Bath, two teachers and a Sixth

Form Student.

With the TEDx event now an annual fixture, Sixth Form students are intending to make it even

more their own platform for “Ideas worth sharing”, the TED strapline. Accordingly, the Sixth

Form team will be running a TED-Ed club to provide students coaching and support to develop

their public speaking skills. For those that have developed the confidence, they will then be able

to speak at TEDxBeechenClIffSchool 2018 and thus produce their own TED talk. Please speak to

the Senior Prefect Team for more information.

14

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The EPQ is an AS level qualification which challenges students to write an extended essay (or

produce an artefact and a shorter essay) on a topic of their choosing. Usually this draws together

elements of their A-level studies, but must be beyond the formal specification. Examples of past

projects range from ‘Why are racehorses more susceptible to stomach ulcers than other horses?’

to ‘The importance of espionage in World War II’ and from ‘The development of the Japanese

writing system’ to ‘The psychopathic mind: born or made?’.

Requiring extensive research, reading and independent work, the EPQ provides evidence of

Super Curricular engagement and is highly rated by all universities. All Sixth Form students may

apply to undertake an EPQ and there are strict requirements relating to predicted/working

grades and deadline adherence. Students are supervised by a member of staff with expertise in

their field of choice and will also receive timetabled teaching on study skills, referencing and

essay writing.

For more information about EPQ, please contact Miss Mather (Kim.Mather@beechencliff.org.uk)

15

Extra-Curricular Activities

A big part of success at Beechen Cliff School is becoming a balanced individual who can manage

their own time to meet their academic demands whilst maintaining other interests. Extra-

curricular activities can also help to develop teamwork and leadership skills that are transferable

and widely sought by both universities and employers. To help students make the most of their

time at Beechen Cliff there are a wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer in which we

encourage students to take as active a role as possible.

Thursday afternoons are dedicated extra-curricular slots with large numbers of students using

the time to join one of the many sports teams. Outdoor activities such as Ten Tors and the Three

Peaks Challenge are also arranged throughout the year and involve large numbers of Sixth Form

students. Other opportunities include (but are not limited to): School Play, Model United

Nations, Debating Club, CCF and the Orchestra. Tutors will be able to give more information

about any extra-curricular activities in which students may be interested.

16

Future Horizons is the Sixth Form careers and higher education advice programme. Its aims are:

To inspire and educate students to be aspirational about their future;

To help students understand their choices when they leave the Sixth Form; and

To explain the steps students need to take to realise their aspirations.

The programme begins for prospective Sixth Form students in Year 10, with talks and

opportunities to find out more about where A-Level study can lead them. Once students have

settled into the Sixth Form, they are introduced to the Lower Sixth Future Horizons programme.

There is a weekly focus until Easter, with key events, speakers and follow-up sessions in tutor

time.

Over the course of the term, all school leaving options are explored, including university, college,

apprenticeship and employment opportunities. Whilst some 90% of our Upper Sixth students go

on to university, we understand others will prefer a different route and we will ensure they are

well supported with their transition. The Lower Sixth Future Horizons Spring season features

three headline events:

What are my options at 18? A collapsed timetable day with external speakers addressing

the options students have after school and the benefits of each.

Graduate Careers Showcase. A Saturday morning event with a keynote address from

Martin Birchall, Managing Director of High Fliers Research, the UK Graduate Careers

Survey, offering his insights on graduate recruitment, and a range of talks from graduates

showcasing their careers.

Higher Education Exhibition at University of West of England (UWE). An event

attended by all Lower Sixth students to gather more information on individual

universities and employers.

Alongside these headline events, we have a diverse range of talks and input from universities,

local employers and individuals with professional perspectives to offer. There are also

opportunities for interviews with qualified Higher Education advisers.

17

After Easter, students and parents are prepared for summer university open days and for

submitting a UCAS application in the Upper Sixth. Key milestones in the UCAS application

process include:

January – April (Lower Sixth) Researching universities, courses and graduate careers and

booking university open days

June – July (Lower Sixth) Drafting personal statement, attending university open days,

completing initial sections of UCAS application online, information evening for parents

September – October (Upper Sixth) finalising personal statement, completing application

and submitting to school NB the deadline for Oxbridge/Medicine applications is 15th

October (deadline of 30th September for submission to school)

November (Upper Sixth) references added by school and completed application sent to

UCAS by school

This timeline ensures students can focus on revision for A-Level examinations in the Upper

Sixth. Students are provided with personalised UCAS support, including advice on courses and

universities and guidance on personal statements. Those not applying to university will be

provided for with a range of talks about apprenticeships and from employers offering school-

leaving packages.

Once students hoping to attend university have submitted their application and begin to receive

offers, there is a programme of advice and guidance, covering student finance, student

accommodation and selecting their final two university choices. This support carries on into the

summer, when students receive their A-level results and take up their places.

18

Oxbridge Programme

The School has a strong track record of sending students to Oxford and Cambridge and into all

branches of Medicine. All those who show the academic potential and interest are provided

opportunities and support to prepare them for an application and interview. Many current

Beechen Cliff students will have already benefited from visiting the universities or attending

talks by Oxbridge/Medicine staff and Alumni by the time they reach the Sixth Form and new

students to the school are quickly brought up to speed.

Students are given access to a broad range of experiences to develop their understanding of the

institutions and courses and how to apply. These include:

A residential visit to Cambridge and day visits to Oxford

A range of Oxbridge/Medicine Alumni talks

BANES Oxbridge Conference in association with other local schools

Oxbridge/Medicine Admissions Staff visits

Specific Oxbridge/Medicine personal statement guidance

Interview skills and mock interview programme

Access to Oxbridge-educated teaching staff at the School and Alumni network

‘Questions from Cambridge’ – a programme of questions set by academics at Trinity Hall

College, Cambridge for students to work on during the Lower Sixth

‘The Oxford Medic’ – a programme of essays and tutorials run by Oxford Medicine

undergraduates for students looking to apply for Medicine

Our Super Curricular programme gives students many opportunities to develop their knowledge

and thinking beyond the A-Level programme, so crucial to successful applications.

Oxbridge/Medicine applicants past and present are encouraged to collaborate in the preparation

for entrance exams and interviews, sharing feedback and experiences to support one another.

This programme has seen success most recently with students going up to Cambridge to read

Veterinary Medicine at Girton College, Music at Corpus Christi College and Natural Sciences at

Churchill College, and to Oxford to read History at Balliol College, Theoretical Physics at

University College, Medicine at Corpus Christi and Biochemistry at University College.

19

Work Experience

All Lower Sixth students are strongly encouraged to undertake work experience in the summer

break between the Lower and Upper Sixth to support future job and university applications.

Research shows that only 5% of employers consider themselves ‘very likely’ to employ a

graduate with no work experience (High Flyers, 2017) and it is an important part of developing

students’ independence and maturity.

There are very few work activities that a student cannot do due to health and safety law. This can

be checked by contacting HSE’s Myth Buster Challenge Panel. The guidance on responsibilities

can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/youngpeople/workexperience/cutting-

bureaucracy.htm#responsibilities In exceptional circumstances, a placement may be authorised

during term time and students should put a request for this in writing to Mr Oldham. If

approved, they will need to complete a Work Placement Agreement, which is signed by the

employer, parents and the student.

20

Bursaries

There are a range of bursaries that are available for Sixth Form students. The purpose of

bursaries is to remove barriers to a student’s education, for example, to meet travel costs, pay for

textbooks, buy clothes for school or contribute towards educational trips. Specific evidence must

be provided and criteria met for both types of bursary that are available:

Vulnerable Bursary (£1,200 per year paid in termly instalments of £600, £300 and £300)

1) You are a Child in Care, looked after by a Local Authority on a voluntary basis (Section 20 of

the Children Act 1989) or under a care order (Section 31 of the Children Act 1989). This

includes if you are in foster care, placed by a Local Authority with a carer who is on the books

of an independent fostering agency.

2) You are a Care Leaver, that is:

a) Either a student aged 16 and 17 who was previously looked after for a period of 13 weeks

consecutively (or periods amounting to 13 weeks), which began after the age of 14 and

ended after the age of 16.

b) Or a student who is aged 18 or above who was looked after prior to becoming 18 for a

period of 13 weeks consecutively (or periods of 13 weeks), which began after the age of 14

and ended after the age of 16.

3) You are personally (i.e. not your parents) in receipt of income support

4) You are a disabled young person in receipt of Employment Support Allowance and Disability

Living Allowance

Discretionary Bursary (amount and payment schedule to be decided on an individual basis)

You receive Free School Meals, your family income is less than £25,000 per annum or you have

clear evidence of financial need.

In addition to meeting the criteria for a specific bursary, you must not exceed 5% unauthorised

absence and you must not be subject to any formal procedures (evidenced by written

communication from the Head of Sixth Form) relating to punctuality, attendance, uniform or

conduct infringements. All decisions about bursaries lie with the Head of Sixth Form.

If you believe you meet any of the criteria above, please download and complete the form at the

back of this handbook Appendix 3 (5 Pages). Please note that all information submitted to the

school will be treated in the strictest confidence and do not hesitate to talk to Mr Oldham, Mrs

Ingram or Mrs Clare Jones in the Sixth Form office if you would like advice.

21

Changing a Subject - Procedure

Students who decide to change their subject choices during the first four weeks of term will need

to submit an ‘A Level Course Change Request’ form to Mr Oldham by the end of September.

This form must be signed by the relevant teachers and parents before a new timetable will be

issued.

An example of this form for this can be found in Appendix 2.

22

Computers, Email and Mobile Phones

Computers

Parents should be aware that all internet search history on school computers is monitored.

Students will lose their school login facility if their internet usage is deemed inappropriate.

Email

All students will receive a school email login in September. Parents should be mindful that

important information is sent to students in this way. Students must check their emails daily.

Mobile Phones

We expect Sixth Form students to be respectful with their use of mobile phones. Students in the

rest of the school are not permitted to use their phones during the school day. We ask that Sixth

Form students restrict their mobile phone use to the dedicated Sixth Form areas only. We expect

all Sixth Form students to keep their mobile phones on silent and in their bags during lessons.

Wi-Fi

All classrooms, study areas and the Sixth Form Centre are Wi-Fi enabled. Details of the Wi-Fi

login will be supplied to students in September. There are also school computers available to

Sixth Formers in the library. Students can bring their own laptops/tablets to use in the large Sixth

Form Silent Study Area or the Group Study Area.

23

Important Forms

As part of the Induction process, parents and students are given a number of forms. Please

ensure that these forms are returned to the Sixth Form Admissions Secretary, Mrs L Dobie, as

soon as possible. These details will be entered onto our database during the school holidays. If

you have not received any of these forms, please contact Mrs Dobie directly.

Linda.Dobie@beechencliff.org.uk

Please keep us informed of any changes to contact details or medical information throughout the

year. Forms include:

1. Medical Information

2. Biometric Finger Print Consent: Permission form to take a fingerprint for each student for

use with online payments for food etc.

3. Photography and Images of children Consent Form

4. Use of IT Agreement

24

Appendix 1

Planned Absence Form (Pink Form)

Application for permission to be absent from lessons

NAME: DATE & TIME

OF ABSENCE:

ACCEPTED BY TEACHERS:

Please speak to your teachers and obtain their permission to be absent from lessons. Ask your

teachers to initial next to the lesson you will miss.

Period 1:

Period 2:

Period 3:

Period 4:

Period 5:

Period 6:

When completed, this form must be returned to Mrs Allison Jones (Attendance Officer).

Appendix 2

A Level Early Course Change Request Form

If you decide that you wish to change your A Level subject choices, you must do so by the end of

September of the Lower Sixth.

You cannot change your course until this form has been completed and signed by the relevant teachers and your parents.

NAME: ……………………………………………………..………..

I wish to drop the following A Level subject: ……………..….…….… and I have agreed this with

my subject teacher (please print name) ……………………………

Subject teacher’s signature: ………………………………………………………

I wish to change to the following A Level subject: ………………………………………… and I

have agreed this with my subject teacher (please print name) …………………………

Subject teacher’s signature: …………..………………………………………..…

Parent/Carer signature: …………………………..………………………… Head of Sixth Form signature: ……………………………………………..

Please return to Mrs S Ingram (Sixth Form Pastoral Manager) who will issue you with a new timetable.

Appendix 3 (Sheet 1 of 5)

Beechen Cliff Sixth Form - Application for 16-19 year old Bursary

FORM TO BE COMPLETED BY THE STUDENT APPLYING:

Type of Bursary you would like to apply for:

Vulnerable Bursary

Please include official documentation (letter from the DWP and/or the Local Authority) showing that you

fall in one (or more) of the categories

Discretionary Bursary

Your Name: Year/Tutor Group:

Date of Birth, You must be over 16 at the start of the course:

Contact Email address:

Mobile telephone number:

Land Line number:

Home Address including post code:

Appendix 3 (Sheet 2 of 5)

Your Bank Details

You must provide a bank statement or card clearly showing your sort code, account number and the

name of your bank and branch. If you do not have a bank account, please open one and send in

confirmation of your account details once you have them. All payments will be made direct to your bank

account. We cannot pay anyone else.

Name of Bank:

Sort Code:

Branch:

Account Number:

Name on Account:

------------------ OR ----------------------

Building Society:

Sort Code:

Branch:

Your Account Number/Reference Number

Name on Account:

Declaration

I agree to not exceed 5% unauthorised absence. If I fail to do this, my bursary may be withdrawn.

I agree that if my behaviour or attitude is not acceptable my funding may be withdrawn.

I agree to inform the Head of Sixth form if I change course or if my financial circumstances change.

I agree to return to the school the full amount allocated to me if I do not complete my course.

I understand that if I am in receipt of benefits and receive a payment from the Learner Support Fund I must declare

this to the Job Centre.

Signature ……………………………………............................ Date ………………………

Appendix 3 (Sheet 3 of 5)

Residency

Have you been ordinarily resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years? YES/NO

Disability

Do you have a disability, receiving both PIP/DLA & Universal Credit/ESA? YES/NO

Mobility

Do you have any conditions that affect your mobility? YES/NO please provide

evidence

Carer YES/NO

Are you a Carer? If yes, who do you care for?

Household Details:

Who do you live with? (Please delete as appropriate)

1 parent / 2 parents / partner / in care / alone/ independently with child*

If you have a child you can apply for childcare funding through Care to Learn.

Apply on line www.direct.gov.uk/caretolearn or call the helpline on 0800 121 8989

Vulnerable Bursary only:

Are you in care: YES/NO OR Have you ever been in Care: YES/NO

Students who have been under the care of Social Services are guaranteed financial support to the value of

£1,200. You must have been in care for at least 13 weeks since your 14th birthday. If this applies please

provide us with details of your Social Worker below:

Social worker’s name:

Telephone Number:

Email Address:

Other relevant background information:

Appendix 3 (Sheet 4 of 5)

Household Income (Discretionary Bursary only)

Please provide proof of the TOTAL household income for the current tax year, from your own

employment and parents. If you get any benefits please hand in all official letters confirming this. If you

are in care or have ever been in care you do not need to give information about household income.

Annual Income – for the tax year

2016/17

Student Other 1 Other 2 Other 3

Please show earned wages before

tax deducted

£ £ £ £

Please tick box if anyone you live with receives any of these benefits

Working Tax Credit

Universal Credit

Income Based JSA/ESA

Income Support

Other, please specify

EACH ADULT needs to provide proof. We will accept one of the following:

Last THREE months or SIX weeks of wage slips

P60, P45 or SA302 photocopies only

Full Working Tax Credit Statement

Official HMRC self-assessment form/copy of annual accounts from accountant

A letter from the Benefits Office confirming you are in receipt of one of the above benefits. This

letter must be dated within six months of the day your son/daughter enrols. If you get JSA or ESA

then your letter must indicate that this benefit is income based.

If you have none of these you will need to contact your local Tax Office and request a letter from them confirming

your income for the 16/17 tax year.

Forms handed in without full proof of income and a bank statement will be returned and this may cause delays in

processing your application.

Please provide photocopies, originals will NOT be returned to you.

Data Protection: The information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence.

It will not be shared with third parties without your written consent.

Appendix 3 (Sheet 5 of 5)

Checklist

Have you:

1. Enclosed full proof of income?

2. Enclosed student’s bank statement?

3. Signed the declaration?

What happens next?

Please ensure you apply early and allow up to 4 weeks before you expect a response. We will send you an

email explaining what bursary funds we can offer.

Please note: Awards may be subject to change. Funding is limited, and you may not receive the full

amount you requested. No awards can be paid until you are enrolled on your course.

Please complete this application form (including bank details) and return with evidence to:

Head of Sixth Form

Beechen Cliff School

Kipling Avenue

Bath

BA2 4RE

If you have any questions please email HeadofSixth@BeechenCliff.org.uk or speak to Mrs Clare Jones in

the Sixth Form Office.

Appendix 4

Equipment, trip and other financial outlay for Sixth Form

September 2017

Art

The minimum we ask for students to have for AS Art is an A3 sketchbook, A2 portfolio, Acrylic

Paints, Paint Brushes, Shading pencils, Oil Pastels and Chalks.

Students should have this from completing GCSE Art. We also sell a portfolio for £30 that

includes all of the above which students can purchase in September. We suggest starting work in

your sketchbook before you start. Record any visits to galleries, draw sketches whilst on your

travels, and take photographs of where you have been to impress us when you come in in

September.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at:

David.murphy@beechencliff.org.uk

Biology

Students will be required to purchase a course textbook these are available to buy from amazon

or we are hoping to secure a discount for pupils to buy them through school. Students can either

buy one textbook which covers the whole course or they can purchase the year 1 and 2 books

separately.

Whole course textbook

A Level Biology A for OCR Student Book

Series Editor Ann Fullick, Author Ann Fullick, Author Jo Locke, and Author Paul Bircher

ISBN: 978-0-19-835192-4

Year 1

A Level Biology A for OCR Year 1 and AS Student Book

Series Editor Ann Fullick, Author Jo Locke, and Author Paul Bircher

978-0-19-835191-7

Year 2

A Level Biology for OCR Year 2 Student Book

Series Editor Ann Fullick, Author Jo Locke, and Author Paul Bircher

978-0-19-835764-3

Field Trip

As part of the course we run a residential field trip in order to provide the students with valuable

field studies experience the cost is approximately £95 and all A level biologists are expected to

attend.

Business Studies

Students will need to buy a Business Studies textbook to support their learning in lessons and at

home.

The textbook we will be using is ‘Business - for A level Year 1 and AS’ by Wolinski and Coates,

ISBN: 9781471836091 and published by Hodder Education. This textbook is available now and

can be ordered from www.hoddereducation.co.uk priced at £24.99; the current best price found

was from browns books for students, www.brownsbfs.co.uk at £22.09 and may be available

second hand on Ebay and Amazon.

.

Students will also need a calculator, ruler, rubber, pencil, pens and a highlighter in every lesson.

Chemistry

Text Books:

Early Purchase of a textbook is essential for a prompt start to the course, either one per year or

the whole A level course.

A Level Chemistry A for OCR Year 1 Student Book : Rob Ritchie & Dave Gent: Oxford

ISBN: 9780198351962

A Level Chemistry A for OCR Year 2 Student Book : Rob Ritchie & Dave Gent: Oxford

ISBN: 9780198357650

A Level Chemistry a for OCR Student Book : Years 1 and 2 – Combined : Rob Ritchie & Dave

Gent: Oxford

ISBN: 9780198351979

REVISION GUIDE - A Level Chemistry A for OCR: Rob Ritchie & Emma Poole: Oxford

ISBN: 9780198351993

Additionally this transition guide may be of help to you

New Head Start to A-level Chemistry: CGP : CBR71: ISBN: 978 1 78294 280 1

For help with those tricky calculations this publication may be of assistance

Calculations in AS/A Level Chemistry (Paperback) Pearson Education Limited:

Jim Clark : ISBN: 9780582411272

Classical Civilisation A Level

Books to buy for September 2017:

Virgil, The Aeneid, translated by David West (Penguin Classics; 2003) ISBN: 9780140449327

Homer, The Iliad, translated by E V Rieu (Penguin Classics; 2003) ISBN: 9780140447941

Knights, Sally OCR Classical Civilisation AS and A Level Component 11: The World of the Hero

(Bloomsbury: 2017) ISN: 9781350015074

There will be additional texts required as the course progresses but these will be all you need for

the first few months.

Computer Science

Students will need to acquire a Computing Science textbook to support their learning in

lessons and at home.

The textbook we will be using is:

OCR AS and A Level Computer Science Textbook

PM Heathcote and RSU Heathcote ISBN: 978-1-910523-05-6

It is published by PG Online.

This textbook is available now and can be ordered from

https://www.pgonline.co.uk/resources/a-level/ocr/ocr-a-level-textbook/priced at £30; it may be

available from other websites.

Students will also need pens and suitable notebook or paper in every lesson. They will need a

computer at home for developing their programming techniques.

Economics

Students are required to buy the following textbook:

AQA A-Level Economics: Book 1; Hodder Education; ISBN: 9781471829789 ; £25.99

This book is also available from other suppliers; used copies will be much cheaper.

They must also possess basic yet essential stationery items – lever arch folders, lined paper, pens,

ruler, pencils, and a rubber. It is vital that students possess their own calculator and know how it

works. I would also recommend signing up to tutor2u.net daily digest and the BBC News app to

receive e-mails and updates on current economic issues.

English Literature

Students should have A4 ringbinder files with dividers and lined paper. They should purchase

the following texts before commencing the A Level course in September 2016:

Hamlet by William Shakespeare (Revised Arden edition)

The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer (Cambridge edition)

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald (Wordsworth Classic)

The Homecoming by Harold Pinter (Faber)

We will also be organising lectures and trips throughout the year and would encourage all

students to expect to sign up for at least one in Year 12. In addition, students will have the

opportunity to attend lunchtime seminars at different times throughout the year.

English Language and Literature

Students should have A4 ringbinder files with dividers and lined paper. They will be supplied

with an Anthology but should purchase the following texts independently:

English Language and Literature A/AS Level for AQA Student Book (Cambridge)

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (Contemporary Classics)

John Donne’s Poetry (Norton Critical Edition)

In March, students will be offered the opportunity to visit Paris to complement their study of an

Anthology of extracts from a range of texts about the city.

English Language and Literature Year 2:

A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams (Modern Penguin Classics)

Geography

Students may wish to purchase one of the following textbooks that they can use at home:

- Hodder: ‘Edexcel A Level Geography: Book 1’, ISBN 9781471856549, RRP £25.99

- Pearson: ‘Edexcel GCE Geography AS Level book 1’, ISBN 9781292139623, RRP £26.99

There will be the following field trips:

- 3 day all inclusive Yr 12 Geography Residential to Devon 12-14th March to launch

coursework (independent investigation). Approximate cost £170.

- 1 day field trip in Yr 13. Location, timing and cost TBC.

- 5 day all inclusive residential trip to Iceland, October 2018 (Yr 13). Approx cost £1200.

Government and Politics

As this year Government and Politics is changing to a new specification, there will be a new

textbook released; unfortunately this has not been published yet. I will advise students in

September which course book to buy – this will be an essential purchase. In the meantime, I

recommend the existing AS textbook entitled Edexcel Government and Politics for AS, Fourth Edition

by Neil McNaughton. This is still extremely relevant to Year One of the new A Level. This is

available to buy online for approximately £22.

For the A2 course (still on the old specification), I recommend the textbook titled A2 US

Government and Politics by Anthony J. Bennett for approximately £23. This will also change next

year as the course changes specification.

There is an annual trip to Parliament and the Supreme Court in London, which costs around £25.

History

Students will need to purchase course textbooks that they can use at home.

There are two core textbook options:

1. OUP publications;

‘AQA History – The Cold War, c.1945-1991’ by John Aldred & Alexis Mamaux, ISBN

9780198354611, RRP £23.99

‘AQA History – The Tudors: England 1485-1603’ by Michael Tillbrook, ISBN 9780198354604, RRP

£27.99

2. Hodder publications:

‘The Tudors, England 1485-1603 for AQA A level History’ by David Ferriby, Angela Anderson

and Tony Imperato, ISBN 9781471837586, RRP £25.99

‘The Cold War, 1941-95’ by David Williamson, ISBN 9781471838668, RRP £15.99

The school has substantial discount facilities with both Hodder and OUP, so it is most cost-

effective to purchase these textbooks at the start of the course in Year 12 via the History

Department – it is also best to co-ordinate textbooks so that everybody is ‘on the same page’.

Students will also need pens, A4 paper, ring-binders and plastic wallets.

Languages

We ask for £10 contribution for a subscription to the interactive online textbook/website

Kerboodle in French, Spanish and German.

It is expected that students should spend some time in the country of the language they are

studying. This takes the form of an exchange for Italian and German (estimated cost £ 350), and a

week in a language school for French (estimated cost £ 450) and Spanish (estimated cost £550)

These trips are not compulsory but highly recommended.

It is also advised that students purchase a grammar book of the language they are studying (BBC

grammar book £6/7 approximately)

Pupils are also expected to have a large A4 level folder, a day to day folder, folder dividers and

lined paper.

Law

As this year Law is changing to a new specification, there will be a new textbook released;

unfortunately this has not been published yet. I will advise students in September which course

book to buy – this will be an essential purchase. In the meantime, I would highly advise students

to buy the existing textbook, entitled AQA Law for AS, Sixth Edition by Jacqueline Martin which is

still extremely relevant to the new course. This is available to buy online for approximately £20.

For the A2 course (still on the old specification), students are required to purchase the A2

textbook titled AQA Law for A2, Fifth Edition by Jacqueline Martin for approximately £23. This

will also change next year as the course changes specification.

Students will also need an A4 folder for all notes and worksheets, which should be brought to

every lesson. Students will also need a pad of paper for writing notes.

There is an annual trip to Parliament and the Supreme Court in London costing approximately

£25. In summer term, I also offer a local trip for Lower Sixth students to the Bristol Crown court

which is free other than students’ own travel costs to Bristol.

A Level Maths

Specification:

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics (9MA0)

First teaching from September 2017

First certification from 2018

A Level Maths Textbook requirements

Students are expected to provide their own textbooks for this course.

For information, Google: Oxford University Press Edexcel A Level Maths 2017

Textbook required for the Lower 6th (Sept 2017)

Oxford: Edexcel A Level Maths – Year 1 / AS Level (Bowles / Jefferson / Rayneau)

ISBN: 978-0-19-841316-5

Textbook required for the Upper 6th (Sept 2018)

Oxford: Edexcel A Level Maths – Year 2 (Bowles / Jefferson / Rayneau)

ISBN: 978-0-19-841317-2

An alternative option is the combined textbook

The two textbooks above are also combined into just one book. There is a price

saving with this option. However, the combined book is substantially heavier to

carry around. This book may be of interest to the Further Maths students.

Oxford: Edexcel A Level Maths: Year 1 and 2 Combined Student Book

(Bowles / Jefferson / Rayneau) ISBN: 978-0-19-841315-8

Purchasing Maths Textbooks (via Parent pay)

The single textbooks are currently advertised at £29 each and the combined textbook at £45.

However, the Maths Department will be able to bulk purchase these new textbooks at a

significant discount with prices of £22 each for the single books and £34 for the combined book.

The Maths Department will offer these discounted prices to students via Parent Pay when they

enrol on the course at the start of the lower 6th. (Prices correct at June 2017).

Calculators and other equipment

Students are expected to bring a scientific calculator to every lesson and provide their own

stationery: pen, pencil, ruler, lined or squared paper and a folder to organise their notes.

Maths calculator requirements are:

“statistical functions” including “probabilities from statistical distributions”

plus an “iterative” ANS button.

GCSE Higher Tier calculators DO NOT meet these probability specifications.

The Casio fx-991EXClassWiz is now the minimum requirement, (about £20).

This calculator is not required immediately when starting our A level course.

To begin with, a regular GCSE Higher Tier scientific calculator will be sufficient.

However, a current GCSE/A Level calculator will not be adequate to sit

the A Level examination. Maths teachers will advise students appropriately

on the suitability of specific makes and models.

A Level Further Maths

Specification:

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics (9FM0)

First teaching from September 2017

First certification from 2019

A Level Maths Textbook requirements

Students are expected to provide their own textbooks for this course.

For information, Google: Oxford University Press Edexcel A Level Maths 2017

Lower Sixth requirements

Further Maths students will sit A Level Maths at the end of the Lower Sixth so will need the same

textbooks outlined in the A Level Maths requirements. These can be purchased through “Parent

Pay” on enrolment at discounted prices. The textbooks are:

Oxford: Edexcel A Level Maths – Year 1 / AS Level: (Bowles / Jefferson / Rayneau)

ISBN: 978-0-19-841316-5

Oxford: Edexcel A Level Maths – Year 2: (Bowles / Jefferson / Rayneau)

ISBN: 978-0-19-841317-2

or the combined book:

Oxford: Edexcel A Level Maths: Year 1 and 2 Combined Student Book

(Bowles / Jefferson / Rayneau)

ISBN: 978-0-19-841315-8

Upper Sixth requirements

Further Maths students will need four textbooks in the Upper Sixth to cover the work of the four

Further Maths examinations, (two compulsory Pure units and two optional units).

At the time of going to press, none of these books have been published and as such, no decision

has been made as to which publisher will be used.

Needless to say, the Maths Department will endeavour to provide the chosen textbooks at

discounted prices via “Parent Pay” at the appropriate time.

Scientific Calculators and other equipment

Students are expected to bring a scientific calculator to every lesson and

provide their own stationery: pen, pencil, ruler, lined or squared paper

and a folder to organise their notes.

Further Maths calculator requirements are:

“statistical functions” including “probabilities from statistical distributions”

an “iterative” ANS button plus “3 by 3 matrix” functionality.

GCSE Higher Tier calculators DO NOT meet these specifications.

The Casio fx-991EXClassWiz is now the minimum requirement, (about £20).

This calculator is not required immediately on starting our A level course.

To begin with, a regular GCSE Higher Tier scientific calculator will be sufficient.

However, a current GCSE/A Level calculator will not be adequate to sit

the A Level examination. Maths teachers will advise students appropriately

on the suitability of specific makes and models.

Music

Students will need to buy a copy of the Edexcel AS/A level Anthology:

http://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/CachedImage.axd?ImageName=http%3a%2f%2fi

mages.pearsoned-

ema.com%2fjpeg%2flarge%2f9781292118369.jpg&ImageWidth=600&ImageHeight=1000

For Students who have not yet undertaken Grade V Theory, they will need a copy of the ABRSM

workbook http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/Taylor-Eric-Music-Theory-in-Practice-Grade-

5/598209

It would also be advisable for all students to have a copy of the ‘A Level music revision guide’

(published by Rhinegold).9781785581724 SBN 9781785581724

http://www.rhinegoldeducation.co.uk/product/edexcel-a-level-music-revision-guide/

Please note that this publication will not be available to buy until July 2017

In addition, all students should have an A4 Ringbinder with dividers and a notebook.

A Level Music Technology

Students should purchase their own copy of the following book:

Music Technology from Scratch

https://www.musicroom.com/product-detail/product704755/variant704755/mortimer-rhind-tutt-

music-technology-from-scratch/

Because this qualification is using a new specification, students will be informed of new

resources once they become available.

In addition, students should have an A4 Ringbinder with dividers and a notebook.

Photography

As a student who is going study Photography at Beechen Cliff, please look at the list of essential

equipment you will need. This is the minimum. If parents are feeling generous, and wish to buy

extra lenses, filters, flash guns etc, all the better!

I have hyperlinked some parts of this letter to assist you if you are receiving this letter

electronically. If you are reading this as a paper letter, simply go to the websites mentioned and

type in the equipment in the search fields.

To study Photography GCSE or AS & A Level you will need to get the following equipment

BEFORE you start:

1. Digital SLR camera. I normally recommend Nikon or Canon, as they are the more recognised

brands used at the professional end of the market, and are more compatible with our flash

equipment at the school.

DSLR Kits New: (Camera and standard lens) from Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

Nikon D3300 £339

Canon EOS1300D £299

Canon EOS 700D £489

All prices were correct on the Amazon website on 06/06/2017

The reason I’ve used Amazon is because they are really hard to beat on price, but another good

supplier that has a huge range of products is Warehouse Express.

2. Standard zoom lens (this normally comes with the camera)

3. Memory card (4-32GB) (check that it is the right type for your particular camera, these are often

sold with the camera as part of the package)

4. Memory card reader compatible for the card (so you can transfer your pictures onto the

computer).

5. Camera bag

6. Tripod - All students must have a tripod, the price range for these varies significantly.

Manfrotto make excellent ones, but they can be pricey. Don’t go too cheap though, as really

cheap tripods aren’t much use. This is quite a nice one for £39.99

7. A hardback A4 sketchbook. (Not lined paper). Something like this is perfect.

If you have any further questions, you can contact me on my email address.

David.murphy@beechencliff.org.uk

Physical Education

Textbooks required:

AQA PE for A-Level Book 1 – Hodder ISBN 9781471859564 (Price £24.99).

AQA PE for A-Level Book 2 – Hodder ISBN 9781471859595 (Price £25.99).

Students are also expected to have a large A4 level folder, a day-to-day folder, folder dividers,

lined paper, a whole punch and highlighter pens.

At the front of the day-to-day folder, the course specification needs to be present. This can be

downloaded using the website link below (Pages 9-29):

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/pe/specifications/AQA-7582-SP-2016.PDF

Physics

We will be teaching the OCR Physics Specification A course. In year 12 students will use the

book 'A Level Physics A for OCR Year 1 and AS' from Oxford University Press. There will be a

limited number available to purchase from Beechen Cliff in September although they are also

available through Amazon and other online sellers.

Students will also need a 30cm clear ruler, protractor and scientific calculator

Product Design

Course: A-Level Design and Technology: Product Design (7552) (Exam Board:AQA)

1) Exam Board Approved Textbook:

AQA Design & Technology: Product Design

Authors: Will Potts, Julia Morrison, Ian Granger, Dave Sumpner

Publisher: Hodder

ISBN-13: 9781510414082

Price: £32.99

Publication date: 27 October 2017

Digital version available: November 2017

2) Making It: Manufacturing Techniques for Product Design by Chris Lefteri

ISBN-13: 978-1856697491 (optional)

3) Materials for Design by Chris Lefteri

ISBN-13: 978-1780673448 (optional)

4) The Plastics Handbook by Chris Lefteri

ISBN- 978-2-88893-002-0 (optional)

5) Designing the 21st Century by Charlotte Fiell

ISBN-13: 978-3822858837 (optional)

6) Twentieth Century Design (Oxford History of Art)

ISBN-13: 978-0192842046 (optional)

Psychology

Students will need to buy their own copy of the textbook:

Lower Sixth Textbook – AQA Psychology for A Level Year 1 and AS. (Also known as ‘The green

haired girl book’)

Authors: Cara Flanagan, Dave Berry, Matt Jarvis, Rob Liddle

Publisher: Illuminate Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-1-908682-40-6

Price: £22.99

Publication date: March 2015

In the second year they will need to go on to purchase the following;

Upper Sixth Textbook – AQA Psychology for A Level Year 2. (Also known as ‘The pink haired girl

book’)

Authors: Cara Flanagan, Dave Berry, Matt Jarvis, Rob Liddle

Publisher: Illuminate Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-1-908682-41-3

Price: £26.99

Publication date: December 2015

Both books are available at lower prices if not bought directly from the publisher (especially

second hand) e.g. on Amazon. There are also matching revision guides available.

Students will need a folder with subject dividers. They may choose to have plastic wallets too but

this is not essential.

Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

We recommend that students purchase AQA AS and A-level Year 1 Religious Studies:

Author: John Frye

Publisher: Hodder Education

ISBN-13: 978-1-47-187395-9

Price: £24.99

Publication date: August 2016

And Ethics Matters:

Authors: Peter and Charlotte Vardy

Publisher: SCM Press

ISBN-13: 978-0334043911

Price: £8-10

Two trips to conferences with Peter Vardy approx. £60/£70

On Track to Bath

If you are studying any of the following subjects then you may be interested in this two year

programme offered by Bath University:

http://www..bath.ac.uk/guides/on-track-to-bath-for-post-16-students/

Business

Computer Science

Any Science subject

Any Modern Foreign Language

Psychology

Set up specifically for students whose background may make them less likely to go to University,

the programme is looking to take on more students next year and will start to offer places to all

students. It is designed as a course to help you prepare for and make decisions about University.

It is quite a commitment but we hope that some of you will be interested.

Course coordinators will be coming into school in September to talk with you, but between now

and then please do take a look at the website!

35

Appendix 5

Sixth Form Extra-Curricular Programme 2017/18

As you read through the materials in preparation for induction, you may like to consider some of

the exciting extra-curricular opportunities available to you during your time at Beechen Cliff

Sixth Form. There are a whole host of clubs and societies you can join, most of which are

completely free of charge. Details of these will be available at the Freshers’ Fair to be held on the

afternoon of Wednesday 28th June. You will be able to meet staff and students who can give you

more information about the huge variety of clubs, sports, trips and expeditions available to you.

The Outdoor Education link on the main school website has many more details and photos!

Some of the major trips and activities which do incur a cost are listed below.

At Beechen Cliff we have a strong Outdoor Education programme, much of it based at the

school’s Outdoor Education establishment – Tir y Cwm in the Brecon Beacons.

Tir-y-Cwm Year 7 Induction – September 2017

In September, Sixth Form students are encouraged to help with the new Year Seven pupil

induction trips at the school cottage. This will involve a group of four year 12 students being

away with a group of Year 7s for three days. This is a fantastic opportunity for new students to

get to know the school and for returning students to help where they were once new pupils

themselves. Details will be given at the Freshers' Fair on Wednesday 28th June.

Approximate cost: £40

Contact: mike.glanville@beechencliff.org.uk

Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award

Sixth Form students can participate in the D of E Gold Award, usually if the student has previous

experience such as the Silver Award or Ten Tors. Students undertaking the Gold Award can

expect their assessment to be in a foreign country – Pyrenees, Morocco etc. Expedition Cost: £600-

£1000. Further details to follow.

Students do not have to be signed up to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to join these

expeditions, they can come along just for the experience. After the assessed journey, students

have the opportunity to extend their experience both culturally and expand their technical

knowledge – meeting local people and families, mountain biking, climbing etc. Approximate cost

for training: £240

Contact: dave.brewer@beechencliff.org.uk

Ten Tors Challenge

Training starts in January 2018 with 5 weekends involved leading up to the event on Dartmoor in

early May. Staff Leaders: Mr R Stewart and Mr D Brewer. Approximate cost: £150

Contacts: Richard.stewart@beechencliff.org.uk and davebrewer@beechencliff.org.uk

Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge

102 miles in a day, Ilfracombe to Plymouth, October 2017. Approximate cost: £65. Staff Leader:

Mr D Brewer

Contact:dave.brewer@beechencliff.org.uk

Cycling Camp Mallorca 2018

Join us to find out why Mallorca is Europe’s number one cycling destination. Cycle some of the

famous routes and climbs in Mallorca with your friends in groups tailored to your ability. This a

5 day cycling experience for cyclists of all abilities, that’s expert to beginner. There is an optional

6th day in the saddle if you wish to use your mid-week rest day. Flight, four star accommodation

(half board), and cycling hire are included. Just bring your helmet, saddle and pedals if you want

to. Lunch everyday will be in one of the local cafes so you will need a little spending money.

There will be extra activities: afternoon runs / sea swimming for triathletes wanting a little more.

Approximate Dates : 17th to the 24th March. Approximate cost £875 ( depending on numbers,

when we secure the flights and the exact dates we travel )

Contacts: richard.stewart@beechencliff.org.uk, dave.brewer@beechencliff.org.uk

Centurion Challenge 2018 : 100 miles in 48 hours

This is a long held endurance challenge of Beechen Cliff. It dates back over 50 years. The

challenge is ‘To leave the main doors of Beechen Cliff at 16:00 on Friday the 29th June, follow the well-

trodden route to the Kennet & Avon Canal, walk to Devizes on the tow path, camp overnight, then

continue to the Parish Church at Hungerford in the morning, before return to Devizes, and on Sunday the

2nd of July and finally make your way back to Beechen Cliff School by 16:00 to claim to be a Centurion.’

£55 and sponsorship to be raised for local causes chosen by the Centurion Challengers.

Staff Leader: Mr R Stewart. Contact:Richard.stewart@beechencliff.org.uk

Three Peaks Challenge 2018

Friday 29th June to Monday 2nd July . The Challenge is to Climb Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell

(England) and Snowden (Wales) sequentially, with stopping for rest. It is an endurance challenge

and involves 3000 meters of ascent, 30 miles of mountain walking and 1200 miles of travel. All

with very little sleep between the ascents. The Challenge starts on the Saturday at approximately

14:00 at the bottom of Bern Nevis and finishes on the top Snowdon when we get there !

Cost: £285 with additional sponsorship to be raised for local causes chosen by the Three Peaks

Challengers.

Please Note: This is a bi-annual challenge and will next take place mid-June 2020

Staff Leaders: Mr R Stewart and Mr D Brewer.

Contacts: Richard.stewart@beechencliff.org.uk and dave.brewer@beechencliff.org.uk

Climbing Club

Weekend away in June 2018 South Wales

Please email interest to david.murphy@beechencliff.org.uk

Other Opportunities

Trip to China. This runs for 10 days in October each year. Students arriving in September 2017

go in October 2018

Contact: Edward.gill@beechencliff.org.uk

Pre-Season Rugby Training – Senior Squad

For those students keen on rugby, there are pre-season training days planned for senior squads

throughout the summer holidays. If you are interested in playing rugby, at whatever level (AASE

XV, 1st XV, 2nd XV or 3rd XV) and have not yet been in contact with Mr Turner (Director of

Rugby), please email him to express your interest and he will provide further information. In

September, rugby training will take place every Monday and Friday after school: 3.30-5.00 pm.

Contact: sean.turner@beechencliff.org.uk

Extra Curricular Music

There is a wide range of music groups that rehearse weekly. The main events for the music

department are:

Piano Concert: OctoberCarol Service (Bath Abbey): December

Annual School Concert : March

Further details regarding music clubs can be found on the website

http://www.beechencliff.org.uk/school-life/extra-curricular/

Instrumental tuition is available. A team of visiting peripatetics visit the school weekly.

A contract and application form can be found on the website under parent information

http://musicbcs.weebly.com/music-contract-and-music-application-form.html

Kipling Avenue, Bath BA2 4RE Tel: +44 (0)1225 480466 www.beechencliff.org.uk