Absence and attendance
The only reason for absence should be ill health, interviews or unavoidable family emergency. Parents or carers are required to telephone your base site by 8.30am on the first day of your absence, and each subsequent day. Lateness and truancy is dealt with in line with the Sixth Form policy as detailed in your student planner. In line with Academy policy, holidays during term time will be regarded as unauthorised absences.
It is your responsibility to catch up on work you have missed through absence (although in the case of hospital treatment or prolonged absence known in advance, arrangements can be made to have work sent to you). You must not use timetabled lesson time for medical or dental appointments, or driving lessons.
You are expected to be in school by 8.25am every day. All students have registration in the morning with their tutor.
Admissions
Important dates in the Sixth Form admissions process are posted in the Admissions section of our website.
Assembly
You must attend Sixth Form assembly every week.
Books and texts
Individual departments will issue texts for part or all of the duration of your course. It is important that you return all books issued, (unless you have purchased them under the advice of the subject area) as you will need to complete a Leaving Form before being signed off roll.
Bus and rail travel
We encourage you to apply for an ISIC student card, an Oyster card or a London Transport Card if over 18, to obtain discounted student travel.
BTEC
BTECs are vocational qualifications that are equivalent to GCSEs or A levels. They focus on a particular industry sector eg. Health and Social Care or Business.
Cars
Car parking is not available. Driving lessons must not be booked during lessons.
Careers
Your careers programme will help you to:
- update & develop your C.V. and personal presentation skills
- understand the impact of how the world of work is changing and implications for your own career planning
- develop employability skills and an understanding of work during work experience
- use what you know about yourself to help you start to plan what you want to do in the future
- investigate career pathways and university requirements
- recognise barriers to the achievement of your plans and know how to overcome them
- make decisions about your future, discuss your plans at a careers interview and set SMART targets
- research opportunities within the world of work and the implications for career decisions
- apply for university through UCAS and be supported through the process by senior members or staff
- to be aware of higher apprenticeships and school leaver schemes available at post 18.
Change of timetable
From time-to-time you may find that your timetable changes when you move into a different group or change option groups for example. All timetable changes must be discussed with the Head of Sixth Form. As changes may have consequences on career and/or higher education placements, any change of subject must be discussed fully with subject teachers, parents and carers, and careers advisors.
You are reminded that most universities and many employers see the equivalent of a combination of three A Levels / BTEC Nationals as standard. You will therefore be expected to carry on with the equivalent of three A levels/ BTEC Nationals into Year 13.
Choosing subjects
There is lots of guidance to help you choose your A level or vocational subjects on the Choosing Subjects section of our website.
Clubs and societies
A range of clubs and societies are offered depending on the interests or experience of the Sixth Form students themselves.
Courses
We offer a wide range of A levels, Level 3 BTECs and Level 2 BTECs. Please visit the courses section of our website for more guidance and to download our Courses booklet.
Courses elsewhere
You may take additional courses at other institutions during the evening. However, if this is the case, the Head of Sixth Form should be informed as to the subject(s) being studied and where.
Coursework
Coursework takes many different forms (ie. an investigation, case-study, independent project, essay, report, etc). Where subject areas have fixed dates for completion these will be clearly stated. You are expected to hand in work by the deadlines given. Failure to do so will result in a formal referral, which may lead to a review of your position in the Sixth Form. Use the pages in your student planner to record your personal deadlines. BTEC students must pay close attention to deadlines as these are linked to external dates that are set by the exam board. BTEC students should ensure they study their course summary booklet which will detail all deadlines.
Dress Code
Post 16 students are important representatives of the Academy and role models for younger students. As such their appearance must be outstanding and they are asked to observe the dress code outlined below. This applies on Academy premises, when travelling to and from Park Academy West London.
The principles of the code are that students should dress in a formal manner appropriate for a business/educational workplace. Students should be mindful that at all times and in all places their appearance and conduct contribute to the community’s perception of Park Academy West London.
- Boys are to wear two piece suits with a shirt and tie.
- Girls must wear a formal suit consisting of a tailored jacket and either tailored trousers or a formal tailored skirt. They may wear a tailored dress with a jacket, but clothes must not be of a stretchy, Lycra material. Skirts and dresses should be knee length.
- Girls should wear plain tops of a modest length and necklines should be appropriate for the workplace. Shoulders must be covered at all times.
- All students should wear plain, practical, sturdy shoes. Backless shoes, trainers and sandals are not appropriate.
- Students may wear discreet jewellery only. Boys may wear a single, plain sleeper stud ear-ring. Visible body jewellery, apart from earrings, is not permitted.
- No student should have a visible tattoo. Parents are advised to ensure that their children know the implications of this rule.
- Hair should be neat and well-cared for. Where hair is of shoulder length or longer it should be tied back in laboratories, workshops and during P.E. for safety reasons. Hair should have the appearance of being natural. Students are not to wear extreme hairstyles (e.g. lines shaved into hair, extreme colours, lengths, Mohican styles etc).
Park Academy West London reserves the right to point out errors of judgment and taste: in such matters, the academy’s decision is final. A student who does not dress in accordance with the dress code will be sent home to change or otherwise address their appearance.
The following items are not permitted:
Denim skirts, jeans or jackets
Leather skirts, trousers or jackets
Combat trousers, leggings, jeggings, footless tights, cropped trousers, shorts or jogging/tracksuit bottoms
T-shirts with logos across the front or back
Revealing tops showing bare shoulders, midriffs or chest
Tracksuit or hooded tops
Trainers, “Timberland”-style boots or “Ugg”-style boots
Hats or baseball caps
Jewellery
You may wear one plain wristwatch and one pair of plain stud or sleeper earrings. No other bodily or facial piercing or jewellery is permitted. Health and Safety regulations require jewellery to be removed for some lessons. Large hoop earrings are not permitted at any time.
Hair
Students are not permitted to adopt extremes of hairstyles, including shaved tramlines or colouring.
Outdoor clothing
Outdoor coats, scarves and gloves may not be worn during lessons.
Enrichment/extra-curricular
We offer a wide range of extra-curricular options for students through our Enrichment programme. These include Sport Leadership, The Arts Award, Duke of Edinburgh, DIY, EPQ, Art and Music. For further details, visit the extra-curricular section of our website.
Enterprise
We will work with you to give you opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that link to business and enterprise.
Head Boy and Head Girl
You will be able to apply for the position of Head Boy or Head Girl in the Spring Term of Year 12. Those already taking an active role in the student voice will be looked upon favourably. The Head Boy and Head Girl will become the Ambassadors for the Academy.
Higher education
A formal programme of preparation for application to higher education institutions takes place through the tutorial programme. Advice from tutors, subject teachers, senior staff and the careers service is available throughout the Sixth Form experience. You will also attend a higher education day in Sixth Form. You are entitled to attend university Open Days in curriculum time subject to a maximum of five visits.
Mail and telephone calls
Messages for students may only be taken in emergencies and must be made via the main school switchboard. Post cannot be delivered on an individual basis (unless in an emergency). Mobile phones may only be used in the Social Base and never during lessons or private study. If you choose to bring a mobile phone to site you do so at your own risk. The Academy cannot accept responsibility for the loss or damage to such items.
MP3 players
MP3 players may be brought on site at your own risk and can only be used in the Social Base. Please respect the needs of other students. You must not walk around with an MP3 player visible.
Prefect team
The Prefect Team meet on a regular basis to discuss Sixth Form matters. Please pass matters of concern onto the sixth form prefects
Private study
Private study arrangements for quiet independent study is an essential requirement for students of further and higher education and you have the right to pursue quiet independent study. Your subject teachers will give you guidance on how to work productively on your chosen subjects and you are encouraged to make good use of the Academy Intranet site. Internet facilities are provided but must be used for research purposes only. If you are found violating the code of conduct for the use of ICT, you will be disabled from the network which may have severe implications for your programme of study.
Please note the Sixth Form study area is a SILENT study area. SILENCE must be maintained to allow other students to work. You are also welcome to use the Sixth Form area in the LRC at any time.
Progress monitoring
Your progress will be formally monitored at key intervals during the course. The object of progress monitoring is to keep you informed about your work to date and to provide you with next steps to take in specific subjects. Data will also be collected on attitude to the course, meeting deadlines, absences and participation. Cause for concern will result in a letter home to parents or carers, as will performance meriting commendation.
Prospectus
Park Academy West London publishes a prospectus which is available at our Open Evening, by request or as a download from our website.
Role model
You are expected to be a positive role model for the lower Academy students. You should show exemplar standards in dress, use of language and behaviour around the Academy.
Signing IN and OUT
You must sign IN / OUT when arriving or leaving the premises at all sites.
Sixth Form Study Centre and the LRC
This Study Centre and LRC are key focus areas for Sixth Form life. These areas are provided as a privilege not a right. They must be treated with care and respect and will be closed by the Head of Sixth Form if they are neglected or abused.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on Academy premises nor is it expected that you will leave Academy premises to smoke in the vicinity during Academy hours. The same applies to substance abuse.
Social events
Various social events will be organised throughout the year. You will have the opportunity to participate in the planning, organisation and delivery of events.
Sport
For details of our Sports facilities, visit the extra curricular section of our website.
Stationery
You are expected to supply your own stationery to enable you to participate in your chosen courses.
Student voice
You will have the opportunity to apply for roles of responsibility including the Prefect team, fund raising and social events organiser.
Taster days
Taster Days give students an introduction to life here at Park Academy and include taster lessons, teambuilding or enterprise events and the chance to meet and talk with current Sixth Form students. For more details, visit our Taster Days section.
Tutorial programme
You will follow a tutorial programme during registration time. Topics cover: PSHE, UCAS and Careers. For further details, visit the Tutorials section.
Tutors
Your tutor is the important link person regarding your academic progress and personal welfare in school. He or she is responsible for your registration, passing on information about any concerns and helping you make a smooth transition from Year 11 to Higher Education or employment. Your tutor will write your personal references and deal with day-to-day matters that arise.
UCAS
UCAS is the body responsible for university applications. Its website (www.ucas.com) gives important information about courses, how to apply and contains the UCAS apply software which allows you to make your application. In the Spring term of Year 12 you will begin to research universities and courses beginning with a visit to Brunel University. In the Summer term you will receive specific guidance on the application process and how to write your personal statement; you will explore the UCAS website and start to work on your application.
There are useful pages giving you advice on applying to university in your student planner including the UCAS tariff and there is a separate UCAS information evening for your parents and carers looking at important issues like student finance. For more in-depth information on the process and timings, visit the UCAS section of the website.
Visitors
You are not permitted to invite friends who are not attending the Academy onto site as this can result in security concerns. All visitors must sign in at reception.
Work (part-time)
Most Sixth Form students do tend to take a part-time job in addition to their studies and we encourage you to do this if appropriate in your circumstances. However, recent studies have shown a direct correlation between hours of paid employment and academic performance so we strongly advise you not to exceed 8 or 9 hours of employment per week.
Work experience
All Year 12 students are encouraged to find a suitable placement during the summer holiday before returning for Year 13. This will give you experience for your CV and to include in your personal statement.