As members of our Sixth Form students will be part of a social and mature community in which they will be encouraged to excel in all aspects of their education as well as supported in all areas. We feel that all our students should aspire to succeed and push themselves to achieve their best. Arrow Vales Sixth Form prepares you for the world of work and education post-18. We provide you with an office hours schedule just like the world of work with opportunities for enrichment built in. You will have opportunities to develop your skillset with responsibilities, leadership, time-management and organisation all being incorporated into our daily schedule. Our ‘Office Wear’ uniform policy gives you the opportunity to express yourself in a professional manner. A Conducive Working Environment is maintained in our Sixth Form Common rooms and Independent study rooms. Arrow Vale Sixth Form hours are 8.30am-3.00pm, with the option to stay until 5.00pm. During the week, students will attend 5 lessons per subject, equating to 15 lessons timetabled with their subject specialist teacher. The remaining 15 periods are broken down into 10 hours of Independent Study to support students in completing their work and 5 hours of free time for enrichment.
Life in AV Sixth Form
Sixth Form prepares students for the world of Work and education post-18.
Resources
The Sixth form has its own bespoke area known as the Forum. This is split into four areas all of which have wireless internet access. There is a bespoke IT suite with 20 networked PCs, and two common rooms that offer an office environment where students can work in small groups. We also have a dedicated Independent Study Area in which students are expected to work silently on coursework, revision and work set by the course teachers. All students are also provided with a locker to store their possessions.
Arrow Vale is committed to ensuring that all students leave us to begin their preferred university course, apprenticeship or career path. Therefore, we have invested in Unifrog, which is an online programme that allows students to explore university courses and apprenticeships, create personalised shortlists and supports students with writing their personal statement or CV.
Should students wish to grab a drink throughout the day, they have exclusive access to the Olympus Cafe. The OC has a plasma screen to allow students to keep up to date with the news, and wireless internet is available so that this can also be used as a comfortable working environment, when not in lessons or study periods.
Art and Design students have a designated art room to support them in their work and enable them to practice in their independent study periods
We have excellent Sports facilities including a Gym, fitness suite, sports hall, dance studio, and a brand new 4G astro turf. We also have football and rugby pitches.
Laptops
The school does have a number of laptops that can be used for independent study, but we recommend that students use their own laptops in school, however the school cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage.
Enrichment
In addition to your academic studies we want to encourage you to take part in a range of Student Enrichment activities outside of your lessons. Our enrichment activities are designed to enhance your experience of Sixth Form and develop range of transferable skills.
- Student Leadership (Charity, Community, Sport, Media etc)
- Civic Responsibilities
- Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
- Young Enterprise
- University visits – including Oxford/Cambridge
- EPQ – Research and Study Skills Programme
- NCS – National Citizens Service
- Attendance/Subject Awards
- Work Experience Opportunities
Sixth Form Dress Code
GENTLEMEN – Trousers, a collared shirt (tucked in), tie, formal shoes, unbranded knitted jumper with or without sleeves, suit jackets are optional.
LADIES – A business appropriate top/blouse, knee length skirt or dress, trousers, unbranded knitted jumper/cardigan, shoes, suit jackets are optional.
Please do not wear – leggings, jeans or jean type trousers, leather, denim, chinos, shorts, casual tops/t-shirts, hoodies, ‘lumberjack’ style shirts, short skirts, bodycon material skirts or dresses, Dr Martens/boots, trainers, canvass shoes or pumps. Outdoor coats are to be stored in lockers or bags. Hoodies will be removed by staff and available to collect at the end of the week.
SPORTS STUDENTS – School PE kit is only to be worn during practical lessons.
THEATRE STUDENTS – Any change of clothes is for Theatre Studies lessons only.
HAIR – should be of a natural colour. Extreme styles and colours are not permitted.
STRICTLY NO facial piercings, which includes nose piercings. Earrings must be discreet, for example, studs with a maximum of two in the ear lobe.
Any student not in the correct uniform will be sent home to change. Any facial piercings must be removed.
Post 18 Pathways
Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance
When it comes to careers education, information, advice and guidance, our aim at Arrow Vale is to ensure that we deliver the very best careers education to all students in Years 12 and 13. The student have access to a myriad of workplace visits, internal workshops led by industry professionals and presentations followed by Q&A. There are also several industry professionals and bodies offering apprenticeships and traineeships who come in and deliver bespoke assemblies. Each year the student are encouraged to use their Unifrog account which enables and empowers them to take ownership of their own career’s pathway. We have a level 6 trained Careers Advisor in school every Monday to which the students have access. Worcestershire Skills Show, bespoke post 18 advice and guidance re University, traineeships, apprenticeships and employability workshops are also part and parcel of the comprehensive careers advice on offer here at Arrow Vale.