FAQs About Life in the Post-16 Centre
Post 16 students have their own centre which can be used before and after school and at breaks and lunchtimes. It is furnished with easy chairs and coffee tables. The students have access to a coffee & snack machine and their own dining facilities.
IS THERE A UNIFORM?
Students who enter Post 16 are important role models within the school community. They must set an example to the rest of the school, whilst enjoying the privilege of expressing themselves more independently. Their dress should reflect this and be suitable for a professional working environment and not the beach or a night club. Shorts are not allowed.
WHAT SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OCCUR?
The students have their own social committee which organises events and raises funds for social activities, trips and sporting fixtures.
COMMUNITY WORK/CITIZENSHIP
Students are encouraged to give some of their time to the community. In the past, students have assisted in local primary schools, hospitals, care homes and key stage 3 classes. Whilst this activity has an obvious benefit to the community it has also given many of our students valuable confidence building experiences.
POST-16 EDUCATIONAL TRIPS
There will be opportunities to participate in educational trips throughout Year 12 and 13. In subjects such as Geography, Art and Business these form an integral part of the course and there may be a financial implication for parents. Typical residential costs are about £100. No student is prevented from going on such a visit because of financial constraints. If there are likely to be any financial problems, students should alert their subject tutor or a member of the Post-16 team and the school will try its best to find a means of support.
HOW IS THE WORK ASSESSED?
All AS/A2 level specifications are assessed by examination. There may also be a significant amount of coursework which counts towards the final mark. BTEC Subsidiary Diploma as well as the Certificate qualification and Level 2 Diplomas are all coursework based.
CONSORTING
Additional AS/A2 levels are offered by other schools in the city in a consortium arrangement. Extra courses offered include Dance, Politics and Law. We strongly recommend that our students take no more than one of these AS/A2 level subjects which are not taught at Coundon Court. Consorting puts extra pressure on the student due to the additional travelling and the reduced out-of-lesson contact with the teaching staff.
IS CAREERS/UNIVERSITY ADVICE AVAILABLE?
Expert advice for both careers and higher education is available from the Post 16 team and from Connexions staff based on the site. Formal interviews are arranged for students with the Connexions staff though any student can request advice as often as they wish. Teaching staff also offer support to all Post 16 students and we have an excellent reputation for helping students maximise their university opportunities. There is also information on universities, jobs, careers and gap opportunities in the Open Learning Centre.
HOW IS PROGRESS MONITORED?
Students meet regularly with their mentors to review their progress and set personal targets, both short and long term. In addition, mentors, students and parents meet on a formal basis termly to review each student's achievements. Members of the Senior Leadership team will also monitor all students’ academic performance closely in order to support them in maintaining their potential.
