ST DAVID'S CATHOLIC SIXTH FORM COLLEGE - PROSPECTUS
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Thank you for your interest in St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College. We hope this brochure will help you make key decisions about your future. First and foremost, we strive to be a community that gives witness to our Catholic and Christian values and WELCOME beliefs. Our prime focus is the search for truth and meaning and we seek to help all young people in our care to reflect critically on the ultimate questions of life and develop their faith in God. Although admissions priority is given to our students from our four Catholic partner schools, we welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds. Whoever you are, and whatever it is that makes you unique in the sight of God, we will value that uniqueness at St David’s. We have a dedicated and professional teaching staff assisted by excellent administrative and support staff. We are very proud of our reputation for academic excellence and in 2019, our students achieved outstanding A Level and BTEC results yet again. It is our hope that this strong academic and caring ethos will inspire you to reach your full potential. We hope that you will find much joy and happiness planning your sixth form options, and we look forward to welcoming you to St David’s College. Mark Leighfield, Principal 2
I JUST WANT TO ...THIS HAS HELPED THANK YOU SO HER TO FULFIL MUCH FOR ALL HER DREAMS AND OF THE SUPPORT SHE HAS GAINED AND EDUCATIONAL ACCEPTANCE INTO EXCELLENCE YOU THE UNIVERSITY OF HAVE GIVEN TO MY BRISTOL TO STUDY DAUGHTER... ANATOMY. I’M A VERY GRATEFUL MUM. Annie Brown, Parent 3
6-7 8-11 12-13 STUDENT COURSE STUDENT PROFILE INFORMATION PERSPECTIVE Details of the fully Types of courses, the A first-hand experience rounded education list of courses available from one of our former that we provide all our & entry requirement students students details 22-23 24-27 28-29 FACILITIES ENRICHMENT HONOURS PROGRAMME From the sports hall to Clubs, sports, trips, music rehearsal space, visiting speakers, A detailed look to cinema, St David’s events, music, drama, at all the Honours has a lot to offer engineering... you Programme has to offer name it, we offer it! 34-35 36-37 38-39 GETTING TO FINANCE & AFTER COLLEGE EMA ST DAVID’S Bus prices, routes and Cashless and online Support offered for how to register payment options, your onward journey EMA info and financial assistance 44-45 46-47 OUR OPEN PARTNERS DAYS Details on our Catholic Open event details partnership including dates, times & booking information 4
14-17 18-21 LEARNING COLLEGE SUPPORT ETHOS All the ways that we Covering everything CONTENTS are here to support you from retreat days to the from the moment you Jesuit Pupil Profile to apply to us our inclusive approach 30-31 32-33 SCHOLARSHIPS WELSH BACC The scholarships Full details on what available, how to apply you will cover during and what we’re looking your Level 3 Welsh for in an applicant Baccalaureate sessions 40-41 42-43 PARENT APPLICATION PERSPECTIVE PROCESS Don’t take our word for How, when and what it, read about a parent’s happens next experience 5
St David’s is about so much more than coming in for lessons and going home again. We endeavour to enrich the whole person by drawing together all the work we undertake as members of the community, including our personal and spiritual development, our volunteering, our extra- curricular activities, and our academic studies, and making them connect in a single picture we call the Student Profile. It is our hope that, by the time a student leaves us at the end of their course, they will have had the STUDENT chance to grow in a number of areas, and so go out into the world far more equipped PROFILE to deal with its challenges than if they knew only about a few specific subjects. Above all, we want our students to leave with a sense of their full value as human beings: that is, beloved children of God, made up of mind, body, and soul. 6
ACA DE IC MI M C E EC s, E ithe E D el 3 BT wo et rt the he W N Ho el A v th Le of no sh RI AC s, ion ur s at CH Ba rog bi l om ve cc ram a c Le P n ala m or r A ME ure e he ate Eit NT or Includ C o m m e nt e nt es e nric m mit sto , the 16 them N ing pris h co SER Rel IO ral ed tiv o r h of hurc igi of itie eli o ac AT m u pa C v o s, sa VI C ta rie he lu nd as ry p n Pa va of t t UC ty sto gi w e ar t i it Fa h ral ou ll ci E s p as pa tio he nd a Ins t truc art ne go n in EX ED n a tion, g o JPP & icip tia atio te d ctin PE n refle f the so V E R IE Value C TI NC LE E REF Christ at the Heart 7
“ COURSE TYPES ST DAVID’S IS THE IDEAL “ BRIDGE BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HIGHER EDUCATION Parent of a former pupil from Corpus Christi High School St David’s has a flexible programme offering courses that can be tailored to match our students’ personal abilities, prior learning and choice of career. 8
LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 At Level 2, the College offers one- The vast majority of our students year courses appropriate for students study at Level 3. These courses who do not meet our requirement for comprise AS/A Levels and vocational the Level 3 programmes. equivalents such as BTEC Nationals. Students with at least six Cs at GCSE After successful completion of our will be eligible to study A Level Level 2 programme, students will courses, students with five Cs and be invited to apply for our Level 3 above at GCSE/Level 2 BTEC will be eligible to study vocational courses. courses. Some Level 3 courses have particular course entry requirements. Please BTEC First vocational courses refer to individual course information available at St David’s are: for details. • Business Selecting the best possible courses • Creative Digital Media is a key decision to make, and often Production a challenging one. It is helpful for • Health and Social Care students to consider what they are • Information and Creative really interested in and why, what Technology is important to them, their career prospects, and the courses available Our GCSE courses are also open to with the grades they have achieved. Level 3 students who wish to resit. GCSE resit courses available are: THE WELSH BACCALAUREATE • English Language • Mathematics All Level 3 students study the • Science Welsh Baccalaureate within the pastoral programme. The Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Certificate is graded A*-E and is equivalent to an A Level worth up to 56 UCAS points. Students participate in four challenges over a two-year period. These challenges include: the Enterprise and Employability Challenge, the Global Citizenship Full course details, entry Challenge, the Community criteria and results can be Participation Challenge and an found on our website: Individual Project. stdavidscollege.ac.uk/our-courses 9
COURSES LEVEL 3: A LEVEL Art and Design Biology Business Chemistry Computer Science D&T: Product Design Drama & Theatre Economics English Language & Literature English Literature Film Studies French Geography German Government & Politics History Law Mathematics Mathematics (Double) Media Studies Music Physical Education Physics Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Spanish Welsh - 2nd Language LEVEL 3: WJEC DIPLOMA Criminology Medical Science 10
Please be aware that the College may not stdavidscollege.ac.uk/our-courses be able to provide services or courses LEVEL 3: BTEC due to a range of circumstances, such as: low class numbers resulting in a course being uneconomic to run; severe weather Business conditions; severe damage to buildings or equipment; and any circumstances which Health & Social Care may affect the Health and Safety of staff or students. In such circumstances, the College IT reserves the right to withdraw or suspend Law any course or service without notice. Music Technology - Production Performing Arts - Musical Theatre Science (Applied) Sports Coaching and Please note that this list is subject to change. An up-to-date list can be found Development on our website along with full course information and entry criteria. LEVEL 2: BTEC Business Creative Digital Media Production Health & Social Care Information and Creative Technology LEVEL 2: GCSE English Language Mathematics Science (Double) 11
allowed to take other subjects, to MEG IS A FANTASTIC keep following new interests and EXAMPLE OF benefit from the philosophy of St HOW SEIZING AN David’s that all learning is beneficial, OPPORTUNITY AND even if it doesn’t necessarily seem to WORKING HARD tick a requirement or an objective. TO IMPROVE HER I’d given up the idea of applying to RESULTS, LED TO HER the highly competitive unis, but in CHANGING HER PATH response to the encouragement from IN LIFE, AND IT SEEMS my third-year tutor, the chaplain, the SHE COULDN’T BE UCAS officer – pretty much the whole HAPPIER... staff – I changed one of my options to the University of Oxford. I didn’t get it right first time round. Throughout the application, I never The range and magnitude of the felt a lack of support or faith in me. I choice to go to university, where to was able to work on my own terms, go and what to do overwhelmed me, being given advice when I asked for it and frankly I wasn’t ready. but always focusing on being myself. After discussing it with my personal St David’s had allowed me to wait tutor, I decided to withdraw from until I was ready to move on to the UCAS. Far from making me feel next stage of my life – ready to make like a failure, it was one of the most those terrifying decisions, and accept liberating choices I’ve ever made, whatever the outcome was. precisely because I knew St David’s would make sure I didn’t fall through I gained a place, and have now the cracks. I was allowed onto the started my third year studying English third-year programme, RASMA; at Oxford. I definitely wouldn’t be after receiving my A Level grades, here - and definitely wouldn’t be I decided I needed to re-sit a few enjoying it so much - if I hadn’t gone modules if I was to get the best to St David’s. And I couldn’t say how chance at university, and the teaching grateful I am without rambling on for staff could not have been more years. wonderful. The College lets you be a human In each of my A Level subjects, I was being and an individual, and I believe allowed to join classes as I needed, it’s that, along with all the academic and was given boundless support achievements, that makes it a place by the teachers who cared so much where true ‘potential’ is reached. about my progress and wellbeing. Perhaps most importantly, I was Meg Harrington, former student 12
WE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS NO ‘ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL’ PATH THAT STUDENTS TAKE AFTER THEY LEAVE US. WE ARE SIMPLY HERE TO SUPPORT AND FACILITATE STUDENTS AS THEY WORK OUT WHICH PATH IS BEST FOR THEM. A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE 13
“HAVING HAD A NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE AT A SIXTH FORM FURTHER AFIELD, ST DAVID’S PROVIDED ME WITH HOPE FOR THE FUTURE AND OPPORTUNITIES (SUCH AS PURSUING AN APPRENTICESHIP OR STUDYING AT UNIVERSITY) BECAME REALISTIC ONCE AGAIN. IN KEEPING WITH THEIR CATHOLIC ETHOS, THEY GAVE ME ANOTHER CHANCE – I WENT FROM CDE AT AS LEVEL ELSEWHERE TO AAA AT AS LEVEL AT ST DAVID’S.” Bradley “I HAD DREAMED OF GOING TO OXFORD SINCE I STARTED SECONDARY SCHOOL, AND BECAUSE OF ST DAVID’S, THIS IS NOW A REALITY!” Ceri “ST DAVIDS COLLEGE HAS BEEN A GREAT STEPPING STONE BEFORE UNIVERSITY! I MET LOTS KNOWLEDGEABLE TEACHERS AND MADE SOME FRIENDS FOR LIFE. THE MEDICINE PREPARATION PROGRAMME GAVE ME AN INSIGHT OF MY FUTURE AND SUPPORTED ME THROUGH MY TIME AT COLLEGE.” Izzah
“I DIDN’T KNOW IF I WANTED TO GO TO ST DAVIDS AT THE BEGINNING BUT ONCE I GOT THERE I FOUND A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY OF STAFF AND STUDENTS THAT HELPED ME FULLY REALISE MY POTENTIAL. Beth MY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE AT ST DAVID’S COLLEGE WAS, IN SHORT, PHENOMENAL. STUDYING THERE ALLOWED ME TO HAVE A GREAT SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE AS I WAS LEARNING WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS AND BEING TAUGHT BY OUTSTANDING AND HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS. DESPITE THE JUMP FROM GCSE TO A-LEVEL BEING A HUGE ONE, MY TEACHERS HELPED ME SLOWLY CLOSE THE GAP AND THROUGH EACH OF THEIR UNIQUE TEACHING METHODS, THEY ALLOWED FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION BETWEEN THE TWO STAGES. Hesham
PUTTING WE BELIEVE IN TREATING EACH PERSON AS AN INDIVIDUAL AND ARRANGE SUPPORT TO ENCOURAGE OPTIMUM ACHIEVEMENT FOR EVERY STUDENT. 14
YOU FIRST We have a strong commitment to they find challenging, things they are building and developing a sound worried about, and what support they working relationship with students have had in the past. and maintaining contact with parents and guardians to ensure the College The main aim of this first session is to is supporting all students effectively. put together an action plan to help students to achieve their full potential SPECIFIC LEARNING SUPPORT during their time at St David’s. Our fully refurbished Learner Support STUDY SUPPORT Centre (LSC) aims to provide advice and support to students about any In addition to supporting students aspect of College life, and to those with additional learning needs, be with additional learning needs. they educational, physical or health needs, St David’s is committed The LSC works with students in a to supporting the study needs of number of different ways, depending students of all abilities throughout on the nature of the barriers to the College. Support Assistants and learning and what best suits the qualified teaching staff are available individual student. For example, to help students with any aspect of we offer: additional, quiet working their study. space, one-to-one academic support, advisory appointments, screenings COUNSELLING SERVICES for specific learning difficulties, coordination of support and As well as a pastoral tutor, students reasonable adjustments for students have access to the College Chaplain, where necessary, referral to the peer and the Chaplaincy team. An mentoring scheme, and referral to independent counsellor is also external support organisations. available to talk about any personal concerns you may have. This service Preliminary appointments will take is free and available to all students. place in one of our confidential Appointments may be made office spaces in the Learner Support anonymously and all discussions are Centre. During this first appointment, subject to a confidentiality policy. students will be introduced to the LSC and we will discuss how we may be able to help. We will ask students about any aspects of learning that 15
LOOKED AFTER YOUNG PEOPLE SAFEGUARDING The designated member of staff Student safety and welfare is with responsibility for promoting paramount to us here at St David’s. the educational achievement of We have two safeguarding officers children who are looked after is who work on site at all times. If you Jamie Beynon, who is the Director of have any concerns about your safety Studentship. He will: or welfare, or the safety or welfare of another student, it is really important • oversee arrangements in place that you tell someone. for the admission of looked after young people; Details on who to speak to and how • monitor, through support with to contact them will be provided to pastoral tutors, attendance, all students during the first week of assessment and achievement term in September. data of looked after young people; EXAM SUPPORT • facilitate catch up arrangements when the gaps in the young If you were entitled to exam person’s knowledge and arrangements at school and would education are identified; like to continue at St David’s, you will • encourage the young person’s need to bring copies of your tests, engagement with College reports, or medical evidence. clubs, the student council or additional revision sessions; We would recommend booking an • arrange access to a safe haven appointment at the LSC to discuss or College-based counselling if this. required; • ensure Personal Education Plans For UCAS and careers support (PEPs) are completed and the information, please see ‘After St multi-agency review meetings David’s’ on page 38 can be attended; oversee arrangements for when a young person leaves the College as a result of a placement move or at a natural leaving point. Visit our website for more information on all of the support offered: stdavidscollege.ac.uk/support-and-welfare 16
ST DAVID’S YOUNG CARERS FREE MEALS ENVIRONMENT ARE YOU A YOUNG CARER? If you or your parents are in receipt ENABLED ME TO of one of the following benefits you PUSH MYSELF • Do you give physical and emotional support and/or can apply for free meals: AND GROW care provide personal TOto people • Job Seekers Allowance (Income in your household? Based) •BECOME Do you care A MORE for parents, siblings • Income Support CONFIDENT, or other family members? • Do you look after your brothers • Income Related Employment Support Allowance DRIVEN and sisters?AND • Universal Credit MORE SOCIABLE If you have answered yes to any of Proof of benefit will need to be LEARNER. these questions, St David’s is fully provided. committed to supporting you. Mel Benedict Current Student There are lots of ways we can support you, including: • Providing financial support (dependent on household income) • Connecting you to other support agencies • Allowing you to keep your mobile turned on so you are accessible at all times • Creating a college timetable that suits your specific needs, where possible • Providing emotional support • Creating contingency plans if there are certain times that are more pressurised for you. 17
YOUR SPIRITUAL & PERSONAL CHAPLAINCY GROWTH A Catholic College is a community which strives to be genuinely and fully human, where people can grow and develop while feeling at home and valued. The College aims to offer all the opportunity of an education, of training for a job, and of human and Christian formation. The spirit of the Gospel is at the heart of our way of life, relationships and community. Thus we affirm the value of each member of the College community - whether student or staff - and have concern for the whole person and the uniqueness of the individual. This entails sharing each other’s strengths and being sensitive to one another’s weaknesses, as well as striving for the highest expectations of personal growth and achievement. 18
CHAPLAINCY OTHER FAITHS Chaplaincy represents an Being a Catholic College means extra and unique dimension to being open and inclusive in our your educational experience approach. The Catholic vision of at the College. Chaplaincy is education is universal in character, about accompanying you on it is inclusive of everyone and your journey through College. deeply humanist. Students of It’s about offering support other faiths are very welcome at and opportunities to develop St David’s. We greatly respect the personally and spiritually. It’s sacred truths and values in other about enabling an “animated” religious traditions and encourage educational experience through such students in their faith creating a community where commitment. Students of other fullness of life can be glimpsed faiths are all encouraged in their and lived. spiritual practice and prayers. RETREAT DAYS With the contribution of NET Ministries, we offer opportunities to students – as a part of their reflective education programme – to spend time reflecting on the A CATHOLIC nature of life and the sorts of COLLEGE FOR issues they may face, in light of Christian belief. These retreat days THE COMMUNITY, represent a rare opportunity to SEEKING TO take time out from regular activity and to consider the sorts of things DISCOVER AND that give our lives meaning. REALISE THE FULL POTENTIAL OF ALL, IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF LOVE, SERVICE AND RESPECT INSPIRED BY CHRIST. 19
Spiritual Reflection is the comprehensive Religious Education programme all students follow at St David’s. It is designed to be accessible to students of any faith or none. It encourages students to explore a range of philosophical, theological, ethical, and spiritual questions in a reflective, analytical, and balanced way that stimulates questioning and debate. It also aims to combine the best of character formation and religious education. The starting question for each student on the course is: ‘what kind of person SPIRITUAL would I like to become?’. Throughout the course we will reflect on a range of virtues and values, examine case studies of such virtues in practice and explore role models to emulate. Students will also encounter key beliefs, teachings and practices of the Catholic Church and other faiths in this journey of reflection as these relate to the virtues under focus. HOW WILL IT WORK? Students will have a one hour lesson each week for two years. We will spend approximately five weeks considering each pair of virtues from the Learner Profile. Students will be regularly assessed on their learning. WHAT IS THE JESUIT PUPIL PROFILE (JPP)? The JPP is the outline on which the course is built. It emerged from the work done by the British Jesuit schools in 2013, 20
trying to answer the question: What kind of people do we hope our pupils are growing to be? The Jesuit schools wanted to unpack the Catholic and Jesuit vision of education as a time for learning and a time for formation in learning to live a good life. Some of the virtues of the JPP are evidently linked more to the educational mission of the school (being curious and active, eloquent and truthful, so that you can be learned and wise) while others are more obviously to do with the formation of character and personality (being grateful and generous, attentive and discerning, compassionate and loving, faith-filled and hopeful, intentional and prophetic). The virtues REFLECTION of the profile weave and thread together and, taken together, envision what a well-rounded and well educated, good and virtuous young person could be like: someone made in the image and likeness of God. (Genesis 1:26) ST DAVID’S IS NOT A JESUIT SCHOOL. WHY THE JPP? The JPP is now being introduced across the Archdiocese of Cardiff and is already in use in many schools. Here at St David’s we will aim to integrate the JPP into all that we do as a College. WHAT WILL LEARNERS GAIN FROM THIS PROGRAMME? The aim of this programme is integral formation. All learners will be confronted with the key question of ‘what kind of person would I like to become?’ Students will encounter a range of virtues which they will have opportunities to reflect on and develop. Students will engage with key teachings, beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church and other religious perspectives and will be invited to critically evaluate their own and other’s beliefs. Students will also have numerous opportunities to develop their literacy skills particularly in oral and written communication. 21
FACILITIES INCLUDE* study. Plasma screens and innovative work stations also contribute to the • Sports hall with large playing area, modern and spacious design. viewing gallery, and teaching rooms on the upper floor OUR VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT • Fitness suite/gym (use all year for just a £5 membership fee) All students have access to Moodle (a virtual learning environment) • College theatre fully equipped which allows learners and staff to with lighting and sound systems access course content and submit coursework from anywhere with • Music rehearsal space and new internet access, including at home. Music Technology facilities Students have their own electronic • 50 seat surround-sound cinema individual learning plan (eILP). This online system, known as Student • Media suite with the latest editing Advantage, provides them with facilities relevant personal information such as their timetable, homework, grades, • Well-equipped Science attendance records, exam timetable, laboratories and results. Parents have access to their own version of the eILP to help • Large Art and Design and monitor and support progress at Photography studios home. • Honours lecture theatre FOOD AND DRINK • College chapel which holds mass, Students can relax between lessons daily prayer, seasonal liturgies and in the College canteen, or at the reflections tables and chairs situated in the main hall. Hot and cold drinks, snacks, • Fully refurbished Learner Support breakfast and freshly prepared main Centre meals are available each day. The College grounds are also popular for LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE socialising in the summer months. The St David’s LRC is a bright, airy environment that is highly conductive to supporting independent learning. *Some facilities are closed due There are computers, iPads, and to COVID-19, and will re-open different types of work spaces to when safe to do so. facilitate group work and silent 22
“ EVEN THOUGH ST DAVID’S IS A LARGE, INTERNATIONAL SIXTH FORM COLLEGE, IT MANAGES TO ACHIEVE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY WHERE STUDENTS HAVE A “ SENSE OF BELONGING AND UNITY. FACILITIES 23
There’s so much more to College than just lessons. We want students to ENRICHMENT get the most out of their time at St David’s and we work hard to provide enrichment activities useful for students’ UCAS applications and future careers, to offer opportunities to try new things, and to generally give them a college experience to remember. The aim of these activities is to expand our students’ range of experiences, to develop new skills and knowledge, and to give students the opportunity to socialise with other like-minded individuals. These activities are just a small selection of what goes on at the College. To read more about these and some of the others we offer, please visit stdavidscollege.ac.uk/ newsletters 24
CLUBS & SOCIETIES VISITS & TRIPS Our staff and students have created All students are offered the clubs and societies where people opportunity to broaden their studies with shared interests have come with visits and cultural trips to a together to pursue the things that variety of locations both within the interest them. UK and abroad, for example: The clubs and societies that are • Biology field work, France present in the College at the • Science and Maths workshops moment include: • Cardiff University • St David’s Hall • Foreign Film Club • University Hospital Wales • Comedy Classics Club • Theatre Visits - locally and in • Creative Writing Society London • Physics Club • Warner Brothers Studios – Harry • Philosophy Society Potter Experience • Chess Club • Tours of BBC London Studios • Catholic Society (CATHSOC) • Crown Court & Houses of • International Club Parliament • Board Game Club • Field Work in Margam Park • Language Exchanges GUEST LECTURERS • University overnight visits Throughout the academic year guest ENTERPRISE speakers and lecturers attend St David’s to speak to our students. St David’s offers specialist support They are usually a member of the to students interested in self- academic or industrial community employment, as well as holding with a wealth of knowledge and a number of enterprise activities experience. Guest Speakers have in and competitions throughout the the past included: year. These include: Money for Life Challenge, Global Enterprise Week, • A Fellow of the Royal Society the Christmas Fayre, Trading Places, • Academics from Cardiff University The Big Pitch, Big Ideas Wales, the • Scientists from Wales Gene Park £1 Challenge, and much more. • Members of the Film Industry • Sector-Leading Businesses such as GE and the WRU • Aviation and British Film Institute • Careers Talks from Health Care Professionals 25
ENGINEERING SCHEME MUSIC & DRAMA Students from St David’s have had a There are plenty of opportunities for long record of outstanding success students to participate in vocal and in national engineering awards, an instrumental ensembles throughout opportunity open to all students the year. The College choir performs across the College. Students in the at various events including Advent scheme work with local engineering celebration, the senior citizens’ party, companies to design, manufacture and community events through the and present their solutions in a year. variety of competitions. The College is a past winner of the Wales Young The drama department welcomes Engineer of the Year and Welsh students who would like to become CREST (Creativity in Science and performers or members of the Technology Awards) Champion of backstage crew. Previous experience the Year. is not always necessary, but enthusiasm and commitment always VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES are. Our Performing Arts department hold various performances St David’s students have established throughout the academic year good links with many charities, and and friends and family are always work closely with them throughout welcome to attend. the year. These charities include: SACRED JOURNEYS • Citizens UK • Ty Hafan St David’s strives to support • Mary’s Meals all students with their spiritual • HCPT development. In addition to the activities students take in the SPORT Reflective Education, they also have opportunity to attend a number of Students are encouraged to enjoy pilgrimages and quiet days during the sports offered at St David’s their time at St David’s, both at home College. The key sports are and abroad. netball, hockey, rugby, football, volleyball and basketball. College teams participate regularly in both friendly and league matches and competitions. The College also supports students who participate in Visit our website for a more non-team sports. extensive list of activities: stdavidscollege.ac.uk/extra-curricular-activities 26
ST DAVID’S TAKES A HOLISTIC VIEW OF EDUCATION; OUR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES GIVE STUDENTS ADDITIONAL ENRICHING EXPERIENCES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM. 27
“ PROGRAMME BOTH MY CHILDREN HAVE SUCCEEDED AT ST DAVID’S AND CONTINUED ON TO UNIVERSITY. NOTHING WAS TOO MUCH TROUBLE OR “ EFFORT. I FELT THAT THE WELLBEING OF THE STUDENT CAME ABOVE ALL ELSE. Parent of a former pupil from St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School
In a bid to cater for the individual needs of our learners, we have established a programme designed exclusively for students who show particular academic aptitude and prowess. These will be students who show an interest that goes beyond the normal limits of the classroom, and a desire to explore the sorts of questions that would both expand their world view and improve their ability to engage in academic conversation. The Honours Programme has seen many of its students go on to read for degrees at Britain’s leading universities, in every subject from Art History to Zoology. Our record over the years of helping students achieve their full potential has been recognised and praised by universities, inspectors, parents, and students alike. HONOURS PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Honours Programme students are expected to begin by undertaking four AS courses, as well as attending Professional Skills Programme lectures. These lectures have been designed to help young people ‘stand out from the crowd’, covering the arts and sciences of the ancient world along with more contemporary issues and the development of science and technology. The Programme is informed by discussion with employers, consultants and academics, in accordance with Welsh Government guidelines, educational research and the expertise of our teachers. Young people are thereby provided with experiences, qualifications, work experience, and skills development opportunities that will make them more employable. HOW TO APPLY Candidates are required to submit an ‘Honours Application’ form, seperate to the St David’s Application. This is available on our website, at interview, or can be sent to you upon request. Potential members of the Programme are then short-listed based on their GCSE predicted grades and application. Once GCSE results have been released in August the short-listed members are then interviewed at enrolment in September. A final intake of 60 students is taken on the programme. 28
SCHOLARSHIPS AT ST DAVID’S COLLEGE, WE BELIEVE THAT EDUCATION IS ABOUT TRANSFORMING LIVES AND ALLOWING LEARNERS TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. WE ARE COMMITTED TO ATTRACTING THE MOST TALENTED AND DEDICATED LEARNERS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR GEOGRAPHIC, SOCIAL OR FINANCIAL BACKGROUND. 30
HOW TO APPLY date and we think you are worthy of this award. When you apply for We are offering two types of universities or jobs in the future, scholarship for 2021/22; one for you will have the proof that you can academic achievement and one for distinguish yourself from your peers contribution to the community. and you have been able to “stand Application forms can be found out from the crowd”. on our website. The deadline for applications is Thursday 26th August PROGRESSION TO UNIVERSITY 2021. Universities like it when learners apply to them who have been Please submit your completed recognised for an accomplishment. application, via email only, to: Winning a scholarship is a big achievement and generally indicates Mrs L Newman, Vice Principal that you have exceptional ability. LNewman@stdavidscollege.ac.uk A BENEFIT TO YOUR CV Candidates may be invited for Competition for employment is high interview as part of the selection and being able to distinguish your process. We will also require you to CV from those sent by hundreds of sign a GDPR compliance form to other applicants can be difficult. A enable us to use some of your details scholarship will help to make your CV in our marketing (what school you stand out. came from, etc.). We will talk this through with you if your application PROVIDING FINANCIAL SUPPORT is successful. Even if you are not desperately in need of financial assistance, WHY APPLY? receiving a scholarship can benefit you. For example, you may wish to Some students think that use the money to buy resources that scholarships are aimed at learners will aid your learning, for example who are in desperate need of books or a laptop, allowing you to financial assistance. This is not the work more flexibly. The scholarship case. Winning a scholarship will may allow you to be more selective provide you with many benefits, even about how you spend your free after you finish studying at St David’s. time. It may mean that you do not need to have a part-time job and ‘STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD’ can use this time for your studies or Winning a scholarship indicates to choose volunteering opportunities others that you stood out among that are more meaningful and will your peers. The College has add value to your future degree or recognised your achievements to employment. stdavidscollege.ac.uk/scholarships 31
WHAT IS THE ADVANCED WELSH Certificate and supporting BACCALAUREATE? qualifications. The supporting qualifications are the student’s The central focus of the Welsh A Levels or BTEC qualifications, Baccalaureate at Advanced level GCSE English Language or Welsh is to develop the essential and Language and GCSE Mathematics or employability skills of our students. Numeracy. Building on their achievements at In the Welsh Baccalaureate lessons Level 2, the qualification will help students will complete the Skills learners develop more complex Challenge Certificate which is skills, attributes and behaviours. comprised of four Challenges and It will provide experiences which completed over two years. will enable learners to be better prepared for their future destination, In the lower sixth years students will whether university, further training or complete: employment. • Enterprise and Employability The emphasis in the Welsh Challenge (20%) Baccalaureate is on applied learning, • Global Citizenship Challenge i.e. acquiring and applying a range (15%) of transferable skills. The Welsh Baccalaureate will encourage the In the upper sixth year students will learner to value skills development complete: as a key aspect of education and life-long learning. Offering a learning • The Community Challenge (15%) experience relevant to the needs • The Individual Project (50%) and demands of the workplace will develop students’ confidence, drive HOW IS THE ADVANCED WELSH and initiative, preparing them to BACCALAUREATE GRADED? enter, succeed and progress in the world of work. Each Challenge will be awarded Level 3 Pass, Level 3 Merit, or Level 3 WHAT MODULES ARE STUDIED? Distinction. The Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate The Advanced Skills Challenge is comprised of the Skills Challenge Certificate is graded A* - E. 32
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL AND higher or further education. For EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS? example, throughout the two years learners will have the opportunity The Challenges develop seven to project manage teams, develop skills valued by employers and digital collaborative working skills, Universities: develop marketing campaigns including website design and • Creativity and Innovation critically analyse and question the • Digital Literacy reliability of information and much • Numeracy more. • Literacy • Planning and Organisation In the Individual Project students • Critical Thinking and Problem will select their own topic area, Solving linked to their career, and complete • Personal Effectiveness a research project which can be used to support University entry or The students will develop these demonstrate an understanding of skills through a range of tasks and the sector for employment. activities which will better prepare them for the world of work and 33
A morning and evening NAT Route 4 ROUTE 4: NORTHERN 2 bus runs in term time from Pontypridd Train Station and Caerphilly Bus 7:30 Pontypridd Train Station Station coming through Templeton 7:55 Caerphilly Bus Station Avenue, Cherry Orchard Road, 8:20 Templeton Avenue Lisvane and Fidlas Road. Passes 8:23 Caerphilly Rd available either through the local 8:25 Excalibur Drive council if eligible or college. 8:30 Cherry Orchard Road 8:35 Lisvane Road For other areas of Cardiff there are 8:40 Fidlas Road courtesy buses running for the first four weeks of the winter term. 8:43 Rhyd-y-Penau Rd, Cyncoed Rd 8:50 St David’s College A Cardiff bus pass is also available via the college to students for an annual fee payable in 3 termly instalments. Additionally there is a pass which students can apply for online which will give them a discount on bus travel. Please go online and look at: https://mytravelpass.gov.wales On showing a my Travel pass this will allow them to purchase tickets on all buses NAT and Cardiff with up to 33% discount. The College reserves the right to change/cancel routes if an insufficient number of students wish to use the service. Full refunds of any payments made will be given. Due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19, bus routes may change before September 2021, we advise checking in advance. For more information, please contact us by email: enquiries@stdavidscollege.ac.uk or telephone: 02920 498 555 34
VALE OF GLAMORGAN TRANSPORT Buses for students coming from the Vale of Glamorgan are . provided by the council free of charge, provided students live within those areas. The buses are the S46, S47 and S48. For more information you can visit the School Transport section of the website, valeofglamorgan. gov.uk. Alternatively you can email schooltransport@ valeofglamorgan.gov.uk. CAERPHILLY & RCT Students living in RCT and Caerphilly may be eligible for a free bus pass to apply, please contact the local authority in your area. If you are not eligible for a free bus pass, you can apply for a bus pass through the college. Information and costs will be available during Summer 2021. 35
CASHLESS PAYMENTS For more info or to register: stdavidscollege.ac.uk/cashless-payments As part of our mission to improve student experience at St David’s, we have implemented an online payments service. This allows parents, guardians, and students to pay for trips, buses, meals, and other services online, allowing greater control of this expenditure. As part of this service, we also have a cashless catering till system within the College, also used in local schools. The benefits of this system include: • avoiding the need to carry large amounts of cash; • reduction in queuing time at the college canteen, and; • monitoring expenditure online. Students wishing to purchase items from the canteen can add money to their account by either: using the iPayimpact website, or using the machine next to the canteen to add money in cash. Login details will be provided for each student after enrolment in September. If you have more than one child at St David’s, or at another institution using iPayimpact, you will be able to link additional accounts. 36
WHAT IS EMA? College reception from around May onwards. It takes six to eight weeks Education Maintenance Allowance for an application to be processed is a weekly payment of £30 to help so we recommend students apply 16-18 year olds with the cost of during the summer. further education. OTHER ASSISTANCE Payments are made every two weeks as long as you continue to Other financial assistance may be meet the College’s attendance available from the College in cases requirements. of financial hardship. Getting EMA won’t affect any benefits you or your family already receive. WHO CAN GET EMA? You could get EMA if all the following statements apply to you: • You usually live in Wales; • You’re aged 16, 17 or 18; • You’re studying for a minimum of 12 hours at St David’s College • You’re able to meet the nationality and residency requirements; • You live in a household with an income of either £20,817 or less, or £23,077 or less if there’s more than one young person who qualifies for Child Benefit in the household. If you need to speak to someone about applying for EMA you can call 0300 200 4050. Application packs will be available from 37
ST DAVID’S “ THE DESTINATIONS DEPARTMENT REALLY DO WORK HARD WITH UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS AFTER OR JOB OPPORTUNITIES. WE WOULDN’T BE HEADING TO UNIVERSITY, APPRENTICESHIPS OR EMPLOYMENT “ WITHOUT THEIR SUPPORT Matthew Tyler-Howells, Valedictorian 2020 38
A College accredited with the Careers Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Wales Mark, St David’s is committed Science. These activities range to providing high quality advice from debates surrounding ethical and guidance to help students find considerations, to hands-on skills- their true vocation and prepare based activities. As part of these them for their future after St David’s. programmes, students are offered This makes our College a perfect support in preparing for interviews stepping-stone between Secondary through mock interviews with real Education and a student’s future. admissions tutors and admissions test support. ROUTES TO SUCCESS MAKING CONNECTIONS St David’s recognises the importance of supporting students no matter Through the Destinations which route they wish to pursue after department, overseen by our full-time completing their Further Education Destinations Manager, our College studies. Each student is allocated has extensive connections with a Progression Mentor during their employers, some of whom welcome Upper Sixth year who guides them our students to undertake work through the process of making experience. life-changing decisions regarding their futures. These mentors provide In addition to the cross-College support in completing personal approach to Careers-based statements for CVs, apprenticeships, education, we also run several training, higher education and job related enrichment activities. Most applications. notable is the Vocations Festival, a week in the College calendar entirely UCAS dedicated to providing students with the resources, advice and information Support is offered to students who required to make informed decisions wish to complete a UCAS application regarding their progression from St by way of personal support sessions David’s Catholic College. Activities with local universities, student that take place during this week finance support talks and one-to- range from CV workshops to talks on one meetings with their progression the careers available in the Creative mentors. Arts and STEM industries. A highlight of the week is a Vocations Fayre, a In addition to this, the College forum style event where students organises societies and activities have the opportunity to visit stands to to specifically prepare students gain impartial advice from employers, for selective universities such Higher Education institutions, as Oxford and Cambridge and apprenticeship and training providers, highly competitive courses such as and industry professionals. 39
My daughter attended the College Academically the students are from September 2014 to June stimulated and challenged and I was 2016. She attained A* in the Welsh very pleased to observe a genuine Baccalaureate, and A grades in desire in staff to ensure that, as French, Philosophy and Mathematics well as teaching the fundamental and studied English Literature to AS content of the courses, they foster level, gaining an A in 2015. critical thinking skills, facilitate the acquisition of lifelong learning There are several aspects of the skills and help students develop College that are very impressive. evidence-based problem-solving The most important in my opinion is strategies – this is very impressive that the culture of College is one of and differentiates this college from inclusion and respect for everyone other schools. regardless of background and this enables student to feel safe and My daughter feels that St David’s confident. Staff really care about the has enabled her to discover her wellbeing of the students and are true self – through meeting so many very willing to listen to any problems new people her previous views have and provide support and advice. been challenged and her opinions deepened. During her time at the Students at the College are treated College she has transitioned from a as young adults and this enables teenager to an adult and has finished them to make the transition from with a strong, close group of lifelong school to university or work life friends. very easily – over the two years I could see that my daughter was I’d like to finish by extending my gently encouraged to become an warmest congratulations to you all independent learner and to have for creating an excellent learning confidence in her own abilities and environment and my sincere thanks capacity to make her own decisions. for looking after my daughter so well. I do hope that my son will also The advice given on university choice choose to attend St David’s College. and the support given to complete the UCAS application form, navigate Professor Karen Holford FREng. interviews and apply for financial Parent of a former pupil from support was outstanding. Cathays High School Students are also given a wide range of opportunities to broaden their skills by participating in activities To read more testimonials, outside of the curriculum. please visit our website: stdavidscollege.ac.uk/student-success-stories 40
“ THE SKILLS WE HAVE LEARNT FROM BEING PART OF ST DAVID’S HAVE PUT US IN A POSITION WHERE WE HAVE GROWN INTO INDEPENDENT, MATURE YOUNG ADULTS WHO, I’M SURE, WILL “ GO ON TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN WHATEVER WE CHOOSE TO DO WITH OUR FUTURES. Rhian Paolella, Former Valedictorian A PARENT PERSPECTIVE 41
APPLY OFFER To fill in an online If we believe that you have application, begin by the right attributes for visiting stdavidscollege.ac.uk/our- study in the sixth-form and we have courses or our Virtual Open Day, at the courses for you, we will make virtual.stdavidscollege.ac.uk. You an unconditional offer for study. will then be able to browse courses, This means you are guaranteed a and complete the application once place to study at St David’s. We will you are happy with your course then arrange a telephone guidance choices. You can request a paper session for you to talk through application form by calling 02920 course choices and answer any 498 555. All applicants will receive questions you might have. confirmation of receipt within 24 hours. If we believe that St David’s may not be the right place for you to study INFORMATION REQUIRED either in terms of the courses you FROM YOU are most suited for, we will make a Before we can continue with reserve place offer. This does not the next stage of the process we will mean you have a place to study but require some extra information from we might get in touch with you in you to support your application. We August to talk about what courses will need proof of ID, preferably we may be able to offer you. photo ID such as a passport, as Students in receipt of a reserve offer well as your latest school report. are advised to consider and seek A year 10 report is fine if your year other post-16 options. 11 report is not available yet. If you have any Additional Learning Needs Students who don’t meet either and have a statement to support the age requirement of the college any diagnosis, please forward a copy or have submitted an application of this to us as soon as possible. form in which they have not met our requirements of attendance or attitude to study in their school, will receive a rejection. In terms of age, students must be no older than 17 years when beginning at the college. 42 APPLICATION
It is important to email your school report to applications@ stdavidsocollege.ac.uk TASTER SESSIONS ENROLMENT In July, the College arranges Enrolment will take place taster sessions in order either on GCSE results for you to experience your chosen day shortly after. We will write to courses at AS Level before you you with details of your enrolment commit to them. This also gives you date and time during the summer. the opportunity to try courses you It is important that you attend may be interested in but may not enrolment as failure to do so may have experienced at GCSE. put your place at the College at risk. You must bring along a copy of your GCSE results, along with any you have sat in previous years. We will be unable to enrol you without this information. Your studies will begin shortly after enrolment. Partner school students will be enrolled at their school. Should COVID19 restrictions still be in place, enrolment will be digital, and we will let you know what to do prior to GCSE results day. 43
OUR PARTNERS AS PART OF THE DIOCESAN EDUCATION NETWORK, ST DAVID’S WORKS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FOLLOWING FAITH HIGH SCHOOLS: CORPUS CHRISTI, MARY IMMACULATE, ST ILLTYD’S, AND ST RICHARD GWYN. The close relationship with our partner schools has been a success for many years and has brought enormous benefits to our learners. 45
CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL has very strong links with St David’s College, as Cardiff’s Catholic Sixth Form College. Our students and their families are delighted with the breadth and quality of provision at St David’s College. Students from Corpus Christi High School go on to be successful at St David’s College, with approximately 30% progressing on to Russell Group Universities each year. ST ILLTYD’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL is delighted to have strong links with St David’s College. All our KS4 students know that St David’s provides a clear pathway into Post-16 education, by offering a wide range of courses, relevant and valuable in today’s society. So many St Illtyd’s students choose to attend St David’s because they know their personal and spiritual development will continue to be shaped by an ethos rooted in Catholic beliefs and values. MARY IMMACULATE HIGH SCHOOL are proud partners of the College. Through a genuine commitment to providing the students with the best possible deal, all schools and College work well to provide an experience which is unmatched in the city. Many of our pupils complete their further education at St David’s, upon completion of their GCSEs. ST RICHARD GWYN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL and St David’s College have close links which provide our students with a guaranteed progression route to sixth form within the Faith Network in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. Every student has the opportunity to go to a Transition Visit in year 10 to enable them to gather information on courses. There is also an open evening for students and their parents in year 11. 45
VIRTUAL OPEN DAY ST DAVID’S WAS A This year, we would like to invite you GREAT PLACE TO into the college, but won’t do until it is REALLY DEVELOP safe! Instead, we have made a virtual MYSELF AS A WELL- open day resource that is available via ROUNDED STUDENT the St David’s website. Our virtual open AND BECOME day provides students and parents with the opportunity to see subject A THOUGHTFUL information, take a College tour, and AND ARTICULATE view information regarding the services INDIVIDUAL IN MY offered by the College, such as careers COMMUNITY. advice or student support. Aisha Saeed, former student GO TO: virtual.stdavidscollege.ac.uk OPEN AFTERNOONS We hope to hold a number of open afternoons, once it is safe to do so. These will be advertised on the college website and via the college social media channels. You can also subscribe to receive more information on upcoming events via the Virtual Open Day. LIVE EVENTS As part of the Virtual Open Day resources we will be holding a number of live presentations, accessible online, throughout the year. 46
COLLEGE WAS A FRIENDLY AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT - STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BE INDEPENDENT AND SELF-MOTIVATED, YET HELP IS ALWAYS READILY AVAILABLE WHEN REQUIRED. Dan O’Driscoll, former Cathedral School pupil 47
IMPACT OF COVID19 NEW IT INFASTRUCTURE Whatever the situation surrounding COVID-19, we want to reassure you that the measures we have in place mean that we are able to respond effectively and maturely to adverse circumstances. During the summer of 2019, we invested in an IT infastructure, upgrading significantly, so that learning was able to continue in whatever situation we may be in, both digitally or in person. FLEXIBLE RESPONSE If students aren’t able to attend classes, we have a structure in place that allows you to have the class, digitally and in real-time, while being able to actively take part in class discussions. POSITIVE IMPACT Student, parent and staff surveys taken regarding the St David’s strategy allowed us to reform and refine our response, in a pro-active and positive way. No student missed any of their curriculum during the pandemic, unless of course they were too unwell to attend classes digitally.
DIGITAL LEARNING The impact that digital technology has on learning has become well and truely evident during 2020. OFFICE 365 All students have access to the tools under Office 365, including Word, Powerpoint and Excel. Students are able to use these resources both in and out of college to complete class work, assignements and homework. STUDENT EMAIL Every student has a student email address, that they can use to contact teachers and support staff. Emails are used to effectively communicate around college, and students can expect to receive regular emails regarding college events, chaplaincy information and opportunities regarding progression to universities and apprenticeships.
EMAIL ENQUIRIES@STDAVIDSCOLLEGE.AC.UK TELEPHONE 02920 498 555 ST DAVID’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE, TY GWYN ROAD, PENYLAN, CARDIFF, CF23 5QD WWW.STDAVIDSCOLLEGE.AC.UK
You can also read