Bedford Academy SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS FOR 2025 ENTRY 100% of Year 12 students and parents say they would recommend BA Sixth Form 2024 results: 77% A*-C grades (above national average) 2024 results: 97% A*-E grades 100% of Year 12 students say they have the resources and support needed to be successful in Sixth Form
Welcome At BA we are committed to providing further education that suits the needs of the students, and reflects the interests and aspirations of our local community. We provide an offer at Key Stage 5 that is unique in its approach, allows individuals to develop and grow in confidence and prepares young people for their next steps in life, whether this be employment, further training or university. We consistently focus on the small details, getting the basics consistently right and creating a vibrant and stimulating environment so that students can excel. Our teachers and pastoral leaders know individuals extremely well, this allows us to generate a support network around students, involving parents and carers in their child’s successes and developing areas. Our outstanding teaching team generates excellent outcomes in the classroom, the foundation of this success is based on high standards and positive relationships between the teachers and students.We expect our Sixth Form students to be leaders and role models across our school community, so we provide a wide range of rich activities and events to get involved in, that also develops their social confidence and self-belief. Our Sixth form Students are treated like adults and have access to special privileges.We believe that praise and reward is essential to maintain focus and positivity, so regularly ensure that our eldest Year groups get the recognition and respect that they deserve. Our outstanding careers team support and understand that every individual is unique.We provide all students with detailed but impartial guidance to ensure that they are well informed and have all the tools required to make those vital decisions about their own next steps. Our new building including 16 classrooms, dining area, social space and changing rooms and changing rooms will be completed for students to use in September 2025. Our fantastic facilities and building speak for themselves, all students have access to these facilities and we are very proud of the resources we can provide for our students and staff. Our Sixth Form Sports Academy is expanding quickly and now experiencing National sporting success, offering an alternative pathway and option for students that want to study A Level and Vocational courses whilst developing their love of Sport.We are confident that this addition to our provision is unique and has contributed more expertise, talent and choice to our school community whilst allowing us to maintain the important focus on Academic success. The Basketball, Football and Dance offer have been added to reflect the demand from our Sixth Form and is proving to be a popular choice for students.The regular participation in competitive sport and strength and conditioning training supports students drive and aspiration, and compliments their academic studies and specific course choices. I sincerely hope that you find the information in this prospectus helpful in making an informed decision about the next steps in your education. CHRIS DELLER HEAD TEACHER 2
3 Why choose BA Sixth Form? • Every student at Bedford Academy Sixth Form receives a free laptop to use for their studies. • We have the best Careers Advice and Guidance team in the country to support you with your selected pathway after your Sixth Form studies finish. • We offer considerable bursaries to support you financially with your education. • You will receive tailored and relevant pastoral support that can allow you to focus on your educational development and curriculum pathway. • We offer a range of courses to suit your needs, both academic and vocational. • Our Sixth Form Sports Academy provides a balance between elite sports participation and academic performance. • Sixth Form students at Bedford Academy are only required to be in the building when they have academic lessons/sports coaching that are linked to their study pathway. • You have the option of 3 designated Sixth Form workspaces in the Academy. • You will receive your own Bedford Academy Sixth Form lanyard which allows you direct access to the building, including sign in/out during designated times. • Sixth Form students at Bedford Academy have free access to the use of the gym and have their own tuck shop available during the school day. • We provide extensive opportunities for you to become involved in student voice and leadership roles lower down the school with your peers.We also have opportunities for Head Boy and Head Girl roles. • We have extremely high expectations with your smart dress and appearance, other students see our Sixth Formers as role models. • We have a consistent focus on student wellbeing, prioritizing wellness and mental health support for those that require it. • We provide various platforms to students to become global citizens and participate in wider enrichment activities. Our partner school in Africa, DofE and various fundraising initiatives are great examples of this. • Our Sixth Form Academic Mentor is available at any point for 1-1 support with studies or next steps support and guidance. What our students say… Students in our sixth form feel valued and supported by both pastoral and subject staff
4 Destinations Ofsted – March 2023 “Leaders have developed a popular and broad sixthform curriculum offer. They provide a range of academic and vocational qualifications that are well matched to students’ future aspirations” From Law to Engineering, our alumni students are studying a variety of courses at a number of universities across the country, including Russell Group Universities such as Cambridge. Whether you decide to go to university, seek an apprenticeship or enter the world of work, we will help you to secure a place. 2024 Leavers Courses: Accounting & Finance Acting Adult Nursing Advertising & Digital Marketing Agriculture Archaeology Artificial Intelligence Automotive Engineering Aviation Management Ballet Education Biological Sciences Business & Marketing Chemical Engineering Childhood Studies Computer Science Construction Project Management Creative Film & Television Crime & investigative studies Criminology Cyber Security Drama Early Childhood Education Economics Education Studies Electronic Engineering English & Drama Film Production Forensic Science General Engineering History Human Neuroscience Law Mathematics Physics Politics Psychology Social Work Sports Journalism Sport science and coaching Website development
5 • Regular subject specific trips/events • Student voice committee • University trips and visits • Guest lectures • Compulsory work experience • STEM programme • HAP programme (for students aiming for Russell Group universities) • Peer mentoring • End of term events • Sixth Form Full & Half colours programme • Sixth Form prefect team, including Head Boy and Head Girl roles Personal & Careers Development (PCD) Each Sixth Form student has a PCD lesson on their timetable each week.This is protected time with a member of the Sixth Form team wherein next steps support and guidance is offered. Sessions are used to ensure that students are well prepared for whatever they choose to do after Sixth Form, whether this is university, apprenticeships or employment. Pastoral Support Sixth Form students each have a tutor available to meet on a daily basis; the tutor is the first port of call for any issues or concerns that may arise. Sixth Form students are also able to access any member of our designated safeguarding team where necessary. In addition to this, we also have a number of external support agencies that we can refer students to should further support be required. The 16 -19 Bursary Sixth Form students eligible for the 16 -19 bursary can apply for this within their first few weeks at Bedford Academy.All students who receive free school meals are automatically eligible for the bursary. Students from a household income of less than £30,000* may be eligible for regular financial payments – this can be used for equipment, books, travel etc. Careers Advice & Guidance The Careers team at Bedford Academy were awarded ‘Best School or College of the Year’ at the National Careers Awards 2019.The Careers team work closely with Sixth Form students to provide a range of opportunities, activities and trips.They also hold 1-1 meetings with students throughout their time in Sixth Form to discuss and provide guidance on their ambitions and next steps. The Super-Curricular Experience Amelia Jameson “I chose to stay at BA for Sixth Form because I knew the staff here would support and push me to reach my full potential.After coming here from Years 7-11, I was comfortable in the environment and knew they could provide what I needed to achieve my goals.The teachers are always willing to go the extra mile to provide extra help when asked and they genuinely have your best interests at heart”. Louie Gregory “At Bedford Academy there are facilities that cannot be matched anywhere in Bedford whilst also offering a wide range of subjects and sports. I chose Bedford Academy because I knew that it would be best for my development as a student and an athlete”. Danish Quyyum “Bedford Academy provides great resources allowing us to reach our full potential.This permits students to independently learn, further developing our responsibility and independence skills.” *Figure reviewed annually
6 Our Sports Academy aims to enhance the Level 3 experience of students with a passion for either Basketball or Football. Sports Academy BA Basketball Academy In partnership with Bedford Thunder Basketball Club Bedford Thunder Basketball Academy will enable you to be treated as a professional player whilst you are completing your studies. Every week, student-athletes can expect up to 12 hours on court basketball training, 4 tailored strength and conditioning sessions and 4 basketball classroom study periods.Training sessions include skills and team development, strength and conditioning, and performance analysis and are led by our director of basketball Head Coach, Enrique Alonso. Bedford Thunder Basketball Academy will compete at various competitive leagues including the Basketball England National, CBL and AoC leagues.All student athletes wear a full branded Nike uniform package. If you are interested in applying for the Bedford Thunder Academy, please ensure you tick the box on your application form!
7 Ofsted – March 2023 “Sixth Form students have opportunities to excel through a specific Sports Academy” BA Football Academy If you have genuine love for football, the BA Football Academy is the perfect place for you! Here you will refine your skills, develop your talent and showcase your ability in a competitive environment under the guidance of Director of Sports Academy Ross Ward. The ability to study your choice of bespoke ‘A’ levels and/ or BTEC’s alongside playing football, is a unique offer within Bedfordshire.We will provide students with high quality group training sessions, tailored one to one or small group sessions, nutritional support, individualised strength and conditioning sessions and video analysis via the VEO platform. We have recently installed our new state of the art 3G astro turf pitch and we are excited about the value this wonderful facility will bring to our school and the wider community with the sports academies at the forefront of our continued growth and development. BA Football Academy students will have full use of school facilities including a designated Sixth Form area to study in whilst playing in regular competitive fixtures on Wednesday afternoons in the ECFA East Men’s league, Bedfordshire district cup and ECFA Men’s National Trophy.This offer is open to girls and boys who want to combine athletic development with Sixth Form study. Paul Mihai “Bedford Academy Sixth Form offers the Basketball Academy which has built me a pathway within the sport.The Sixth Form also offers unique subjects which interest me such as Criminology, and Computer Science; this allowed me to study what I enjoy whilst playing the sport I love.”
8 BA Dance Academy If you have a passion and love of dance, the BA Dance Academy Is the perfect place for you.With regular performance opportunities, we will facilitate the transition to becoming a well-rounded, creative and ambitious dancer.The academy will supplement your academic studies in A Level or BTEC Level 3 Dance, providing appropriate training to support the development of your performance skills and technique, should you wish to pursue Dance at degree level. Athlete component: Aim:To develop students into elite and versatile performers.Within this component, you will be provided with the following training and performance opportunities:Technique classes focusing on Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz Completion of I-PATH achievement awards Strength and conditioning sessions Dance competitions Audition technique and preparation Artist component: Aim:To nurture students’ individual artistry and enable creative outlets to support wellbeing.Within this component you will be provided with the following opportunities to develop your artistry as a dancer: Choreography and Creative exploration Dance Competitions Dance Showcases Visiting artists and workshops Well being Professional component: Aim:To develop knowledge and skills in a breadth of Dance areas to develop character and transferable skills to sustain a successful career within any field. Students will be supported in developing knowledge and application in the below areas: Social media and content creation- how to be safe online weaved through CV writing and portfolio development Audition technique and application processes Mentoring Post 18 visits and workshops Students will be provided with one to one mentorship and target setting throughout the academic year.
9 Have a look Attend our Open Evening Thursday 7th November 2024 6pm-8pm. Or contact the school to arrange a tour. Complete your application Application forms can be downloaded by using the QR codes on the back cover of this prospectus, or from the school website. Ensure you use the right form as these are different for internal and external applicants. Our application deadline is Friday 13th December 2024. (late applications will be accepted but this may result in a reduced subject offer) Come for an interview Our Sixth Form interview evening takes place in February. You will be invited to an interview with a member of our senior leadership team.This will allow you to discuss your application and choices. It will also enable you to ask any questions you may have. Receive your offer Offers will be made following interviews. Students should accept this offer to confirm their place. Preparation days Preparation days in the summer term enable you to experience your chosen courses and meet like minded Year 12 students ahead of the start of the year (Information on any events will be sent out through our admissions system,Applicaa). GCSE results day You will be required to see a member of the Sixth Form team once you have received your GCSE results.This is the stage wherein you confirm your Level 3 course choices. Enrolment Enrolment to year 12 takes place in September beginning with a meeting between student, parent/carer and tutor. The Application Process* Ofsted – March 2023 “Students in the Sixth Form are provided with work experience, expert guidance and university visits through a programme of highly effective careers guidance” Aleena Malik “From Year 7 to Year 13 Bedford Academy has allowed me to prosper and become a young adult who has had support and guidance, laying the foundation for a successful future.”
Vladimira Mastrafchieva “Bedford Academy was always my first choice because they have unique subject options and the right courses for me. What really made Bedford Academy my top choice was the Basketball Academy which provides us with intense training, skills and fitness sessions, and gym sessions with the best coaches in Bedfordshire. Bedford Academy also provides us with great resources and new facilities to improve our development educationally and socially”. Our Courses All students will complete Level 3 programmes of study. This will include: • A minimum of three Level 3 courses – Academic subjects, Vocational subjects or a combination of both. • A tutor programme that includes PCD (Personal and Careers Development) sessions carefully designed to support students through the university/apprenticeship application process. • Academic support sessions to ensure that students’ individual needs are catered for. The Department for Education are carrying out a curriculum review for Level 3 study ahead of September 2025. For this reason, our curriculum may be subject to change. Please click the link below to see our curriculum options. This page will be updated with any new changes and amendments determined by the government as and when they happen. Our courses for 2025 entry can be found here www.bedfordacademy.co.uk/curriculum 10
11 Sadhia Shuma “Entering Sixth Form is a daunting experience, however Bedford Academy has made me feel comfortable and very much supported throughout the year. I am always pushed to the best of my ability, to overachieve and do better than what I think I can. Being Head Girl has also taught me a new sense of responsibility, being as a role model to younger students”.
Created by www.concept4.com (ref J17465-10/2024) Bedford Academy Bedford Academy Mile Road Bedford MK42 9TR T: 01234 301500 E: [email protected] @Bedford_Academy @ba6thform www.bedfordacademy.co.uk
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTAwNzk=