Post 16
The Sixth Form at Mountain Ash is part of a collaborative learning partnership which forms the Cynon Valley 16+ Consortium (CVC). The partnership exists between: Aberdare Girls’ School, Aberdare High School, Blaengwawr Comprehensive School, Saint John Baptist CIW High School, Coleg Morgannwg and Merthyr Tydfil College.
Throughout your time in the Sixth Form you will be part of this partnership and lessons will be either at your home school (MACS) or one or more of the partnership schools and colleges.
COURSES
Every course at CVC has a level. This level indicates the type of course and minimum entry requirements.
Level 1 – This course provides a basic introduction to a subject. To start on a Level 1 course you will need a minimum of 2 F-G grades at GCSE – ideally including Maths and English.
Level 2 – These courses provide a good overall knowledge of a subject. To start a Level 2 course you will need a minimum of 4 GCSE’s (or equivalent) at grade D – ideally including Maths and English. Some relevant Level 1 courses may count.
Level 3 – These courses provide a thorough knowledge of a subject and are the same level as A-Levels. Successfully completing Level 3 courses, such as A-Levels or BTECs can provide access to university. To start a Level 3 course you will need a minimum of 4 GCSEs at A*-C (usually including Maths and English). Often relevant Level 2 courses may count.
ASSESSMENTS, EXAMINATIONS AND REPORTING
At Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13) you will be assessed at either Level 1, 2 or 3 depending on the course you are studying.
Level 1 courses are equivalent to GCSE grades D-G.
Level 2 courses are equivalent to GCSE grades C-A*.
Level 3 courses are equivalent to AS or A-Level grades E-A*.
If studying A-Levels you sit your AS qualification at the end of Year 12 and the full A-Level at the end of Year 13.
AS/A-Level courses are modular and spread out across the two years. BTEC and equivalent courses take the form of continuous assessment with no external examinations. Assignments are handed in at regular intervals throughout the course.
You will receive two CVC reports per year – 1 Interim Report and 1 Full Report. A CVC Parent Evening is held once a year to discuss progress and concerns.
ATTENDANCE AND EMA
Students are required to attend all timetabled lessons whether externally examined or not. Students need to aim for 95% attendance and explanations need to be provided for all absences.
EMA is available for students who meet certain criteria and with a household income of less than £32,400.
Detailed information can be found on the EMA Wales website:
www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/EMW
UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
Sixth Form students have a uniform distinctive from the rest of the school. Students are to wear black trousers or skirt, white shirt/blouse with the Sixth Form tie and a black jumper or cardigan with a black top coat. Students studying BTEC Sports Studies and Performing Arts are expected to purchase the correct approved subject uniform. This is only to be worn on the days when these lessons are timetabled.
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
Life in the Sixth Form is not just about academic study. It is also about getting involved in the life of the school and developing skills that outside agencies and employers are looking for. Skills can be developed through involvement in:
- Sport Leadership
- Duke of Edinburgh
- Volunteering and Fundraising Events
- Prefect System
- Open Evenings
- Visits and Competitions
MANAGING YOUR OWN LEARNING
Sixth Form study provides you with the opportunities for independent study outside of lessons.
During non-contact periods you should be actively involved in:
- Homework
- Reviewing lessons
- Past-paper questions
- Completing assignments
- Practical activities
- Research
Non-contact time is not a time for socialising or hanging around the school. Space is provided in the Sixth Form area for work, including the use of the library and its resources, computers and printers.
CAREERS GUIDANCE
Careers guidance will continue in the Sixth Form with representatives from Careers Wales being at hand to help and assist with choice of courses, arranging work placement, offering advice on apprenticeships etc. You can make an appointment to see them when required and you will be offered one formal interview per year.
In addition you will be given information on UCAS Conventions and University Open Days.
CVC SIXTH FORM DIARY
| YEAR 12 | YEAR 13 | |
| September:
CVC Sixth Form Registration Induction Day |
September:
Year 13 Registration and Post-Results Interviews Preparation of Personal Statement UCAS preparation University Open Day Visits |
|
| October:
WED target setting Student monitoring and reviews Sixth Form charity event – Jeans for Genes |
October:
Finalisation of UCAS courses Oxbridge/Medicine/Veterinary application deadline Sixth Form charity event – Jeans for Genes |
|
| November:
CVC Parents’ Evening Sixth Form charity event – Children in Need |
November:
Oxbridge – submission of work and mock interviews CVC Parents’ Evening School deadline for UCAS forms Sixth Form charity day – Children in Need |
|
| December:
CVC Interim Reports |
December:
University Interviews CVC Full Report |
|
| January:
AS external examinations in certain subjects not all |
January:
AS resits and A2 external examinations External UCAS deadline |
|
| March:
CVC Full School Report Student monitoring and reviews |
January/February:
University Interviews continue |
|
| April:
AS coursework deadlines Final AS preparations |
March:
Final coursework deadlines (variable) Higher Education Finance: talk for parents and students CVC Interim Report |
|
| May:
AS external examinations begin |
April:
Final decision on UCAS offers |
|
| June:
AS examinations end UCAS Focus Days and UCAS Careers Research A2 teaching begins University Open Days |
May:
AS resit examinations |
|
| July:
A2 teaching continues until the end of term |
June:
A2 examinations |
|
| Summer Vacation:
AS Results |
August:
Results and clearing |
