Life in AV Sixth Form

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.

Unifrog and future planning RSA Academy 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.

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.

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}

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 – Academy 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.

Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance

YEAR 12

When it comes to careers education, information, advice and guidance, our aim at Arrow Vale Academy is to ensure that we deliver the very best careers education to all students in Year 12. Throughout year 12 there are 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 12 student is 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 year 12 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 Academy.

YEAR 13

When it comes to careers education, information, advice and guidance, our aim at Arrow Vale Academy is to ensure that we deliver the very best careers education to all students in Year 13. Throughout year 13 there are 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 13 student is 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 year 13 students have access, not only for carer advice but also to help maximise their UCAS statement. 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 Academy.