We welcome applications from students who wish to join our sixth form. A full induction programme is organised by the Head of Year and advice is provided by the Careers Department. A GCSE profile with 16 points is required in order to be considered for a place.

There are currently 226 pupils in the sixth form in Victoria College.

In Year 13 most girls will follow 4 AS subjects.

Many girls also avail of the opportunity to develop their Key Skills in ICT, Numeracy and Literacy.

There is a comprehensive Enrichment programme for all Year 13 pupils offering a choice of Survival Cookery, European Studies, Japanese, Public FirstAid, Young Enterprise and Certificate of Personal Effectiveness.

All students follow a non examination programme in Career Guidance, RE and either Voluntary Services or PE.

The sixth form centre provides a base for study and recreation for thegirls who are regarded as role models and leaders by the younger pupils. 

Below is our policy with regard to the expectations of pupils who join the sixth form.

Expectations of Pupils in Sixth Form

Rationale

In Victoria College there are high expectations that pupils will realise their individual potential by working in partnership with peers, parents and teachers.  Pupils who choose to continue their studies in Sixth Form embark on courses which require a greater level of maturity and personal responsibility than before.  

Definition

In Sixth Form, study periods should be used wisely, demonstrating the ability to take increased personal responsibility for Sixth form studies through independent learning and research.  Full commitment to achieving the highest academic standards is expected.

In the final years of study, the highest standards in behaviour and attitude are required  as well as being excellent role models for junior pupils.  As such, it is expected that good study habits will develop as well as desirable personal qualities such as commitment, perseverance and respect for all members of the school community.   Sixth form members of Victoria College are expected  to conduct themselves according to the aims and values and ethos of the school. 

All Sixth form pupils  have an important contribution to make to the life of the College and it is very important to  continue to pursue extra-curricular interests with commitment and enthusiasm.

Advice and support are available through the Pastoral System.  Subject teachers/Form teachers  and  Heads of Year will give  guidance on any aspect of school life.  During the two year period in Sixth form, it is possible that difficulties may arise from time to time.  The important thing is to identify these problems as early as possible before they become unmanageable. 

Life in Sixth form should be an enjoyable experience where lasting friendships will be made and many opportunities to engage with peers and teachers will occur.

Aims and Objectives :

§         To ensure that pupils know the value of homework and private study

§         To encourage pupils to avail of all the careers advice given and to make informed choices about their future       studies or careers.

§         To encourage parents to have a role in post 16 studies.

§         To ensure that pupils wear the correct uniform with pride.

§         To make pupils aware of their responsibility in keeping the Sixth Form centre a safe, working and social environment.

§         To elect the Senior council of Prefects.

§         To elect a Social committee to organise the Sixth form dance.

     Individual study time and homework:

Pupils are encouraged to make use of the Library and ICT facilities which areavailable between 8.30am and 4.30pm on each school day and at set timesduring school holidays.

• Pupils are expected to take opportunities to work independently.
• Pupils are expected to consolidate work done in class, to plan for lessons in advance or carry out research.
• Itis the responsibility of pupils to check the homework required from the appropriate member of staff and also ensure that home works are completed to an acceptable standard and are handed in on time.
• Pupils must catch up on all work missed through absence.
• Pupils are expected to adhere to coursework guidelines and deadlines as agreedwith subject teachers. Failure to do so will involve referral to the Principal.
• Each pupil is supplied with a Student planner which should be used to record each home work.
• After persistent missed or unsatisfactory work   the Head of Subject will speak to the pupil and then post a standard letter to parents asking for their co-operation in making sure that the workis completed. A copy of the letter will go to the Head of Year.
• If there is no improvement in the situation the parents will be asked to come to the school to discuss the problem.

Careers guidance:

Sixth Form pupils have a number of opportunities to enhance their career prospects and pupils should be fully aware of the extra UCAS points that are available.

§         All pupils  should treat the careers library with respect and keep it tidy at all times.The careers library is not a social area and pupils must only enter itfor careers related reasons.

§          All pupils doing 3 AS subjects will be required to undertake Key skills or COPE classes. The Key Skills of Communication, Application of Numberand Use of IT are increasingly important to employers and universities.These extra UCAS points have proven pivotal in the past for many pupils gaining entrance to university.

§           Work experience will take place in January of Year 13.  This is an invaluable part of the Careers programme and will help pupils  to make more informed career choices.  Most placements get booked up well in advance, so ideally the placement shoud be organised by the Hallowe’en break in Year 13

§           The UCAS system is the system whereby applications are made  to universities and colleges for degrees and diploma courses after Sixth Form.  Guidance on a range of careers issues will be given  during  Careers classes and pupils should start researching possible careers and courses early on in Year 13.  The UCAS form must be completed by early October in Year 14, and careful preparation is vital.

§           There is an opportunity for Year 14 girls to experience a formal interview situation as preparation for university admission and/or employment.These mock interviews are held on an evening in November and utilises the expertise of professionals representing a wide variety of career areas.  It is a compulsory part of the Sixth form careers programme.

        Role of parents:

The school recognises and appreciates the important role played by parents and guardians in the education of pupils.  They are partners in the education process and their co-operation is essential.

§         Parents are asked to ensure that pupils develop effective home study habits by providing a quiet area, without the distractions of television/music/telephone calls.

§         Parents and pupils are asked to ensure that part-time jobs do not impinge on the home study sessions.

§         If parents have any concern about homework or study periods they should contact the subject teacher or form teacher in writing asking for an appointment.  An appointment should then be set up in liaison with Head of Subject and/or Head of Year.

§          It is vital that all pupils  attend school regularly and attends all timetabled classes without exception. On return to school immediately after any absence, an excuse note from a parent   must be given to a Form teacher. 

§          For any planned absences, the pupil must see the relevant Head of Year  on Wednesdays or Fridays between 8.40am and 9.05am at least three days before the  planned absence when a green form will be issued. This form has to be signed bythe appropriate subject teacher(s) and left in the office before any planned absence. The school understands that there may be unforeseen absences and emergency appointments.

§           It is essential that all documents are completed and returned to school bythe date specified.  These may include personal information forms, child protection forms, photograph money and so on.

§         Pupils must be present in their Form room by 8.45am every morning for registration.  Persistent lateness will be dealt with as set out in the School’s Discipline Policy.

§         Parents are strongly encouraged to help ensure that their daughter conforms to the school uniform policy.

Uniform:

Pupils are expected  toconform to the school uniform guidelines issued by the school. Sixthf orm girls especially are also seen as role models by the rest of the school.

• Pupils should conform to the uniform policy which will ensure the school’s good reputation outside school.
• Failure to adhere to the school’s uniform policy, most notably on skirt lengthand regulation shoes, will result in sanctions as laid out in the discipline policy

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      Health and Safety:

Pupils are expected to adhere to the Health and Safety policy of the Sixth form centre:

• Silence to be observed in the year 13 study area.  Year 14 pupils should study in the library at all times. 
• The study area must be tidied after break and lunch.  Preferably all eating should be done in the soft seat areas.
• Pupils should hang all blazers on rails provided and no personal belongings should be left anywhere in the Sixth Form Centre.
• No music must be played during study periods.
• All breakages or faults of any kind must be reported to the relevant Head of Year.
• The lecture theatre is out of bounds except where permission has been given by a member of staff.
• No pupil has permission to leave the school premises in the course of the day unless prior permission has been given.  All pupils must sign out at the office.
• No pupil has permission to use her car during the school day.
• Pupilsmust not enter the kitchen at any time. Hot drinks will be prepared for pupils at break and lunchtime but pupils must never attempt to make hot drinks for themselves. Extreme care should also be taken when carrying hot drinks in the Sixth form centre generally.
• Electrical appliances should never be touched with wet hands.
• Electrical flexes should never be left in a dangerous position where they could cause accidents.
• Fire extinguisher and fire blanket are located in the kitchen. 
• First Aid kit is located in a drawer in the kitchen. 
• Fire drill notice is on the notice board. 
• In the event of a fire, pupils should exit using the fire door beside the lecture theatre.  The key is behind glass at the side of the door.

           Prefect elections:

• All pupils in Year 13 are entitled to vote for up to 15 of their peer group.

• All full-time and part-time teaching staff are entitled to vote for up to 15 pupils.
• The staff votes are doubled and all votes are added together.
• The pupils are ranked and prefect places are then fairly allocated from the list until all positions are filled
• Fromthe ranking, the top 6 pupils(or number agreed upon by Senior staff) are invited for an interview with the Principal and Vice-Principal.
• Based on the voting and the interview, the top 3 pupils are invited to take the posts of Head girl and Deputy Head girls.
• All Prefects are issued with job descriptions outlining their roles and responsibilities.

          Sixth Form dance:

§    The Formal is the social highlight of the year and is traditionally held in the autumn term and is usually on a Friday night.  The Sixth Form Social Committee is responsible for overseeing the fundraising and preparations for this event. This is an alcohol free event held in the Galgorm Manor Hotel, Cullybackey. 

§      Pupils in Years 8-13 and pupils who have left VictoriaCollege prior to Year 14 are not permitted to attend.                  

§      The Sixth Form Social Committee is elected in December and the voting willbe organised by the Year 13 Head of Year. In the event of a member ofthe social committee also being elected a prefect with major responsibilities it is envisaged that she will not be able to combine the two posts. Her place will therefore be taken by a pupil from the reserve list.          

Review and Evaluation:

The policy will be reviewed annually by Heads of Year and Senior Staff.