College

Gabija Marcauskaite

College President

The College at Sirius has a very close knit community and amazing and friendly teachers. I love that the classes were small, meaning more attention can be paid to each student in order to help them. The college also manages to strike a balance between education and fun, while the teachers take their job seriously and prepare their students for exams, yet they also engage in fun conversations with their students so the environment never feels too formal. The college also takes its students on multiple trips, places such as universities, and reward trips to places like London and Paris.

I think one of the best reasons to attend the sixth form at Sirius is the type of environment you are in everyday, it is a supportive place, where you are treated like an adult, yet the teachers around you care about your education, progress and wellbeing, you never feel alone if you ever struggle with anything.

I am passionate about the study of life in all its forms, I enjoy learning about the fundamental make up of life and its inner workings, and therefore I study Biology. Biology explores a range of areas of life, mostly focusing on animal science and how we as people function, while also exploring other organisms like plants, fish and insects. I study Law because I enjoy understanding how life around is governed by the rules that are made in order to structure our society and keep order. In this subject law is separated into three sections: Criminal, Tort and Contract law; with each you learn how to apply the law to scenarios and how it is applied in real life. Literature allows me to explore the human experience, as part of my course I had to read around the texts that I study and that allows me to understand more how people now and in the past see the world and experience it. I believe all my subjects allow me to explore life and pursue my passions with support of people who are just as passionate about their subject as I am and understand their subject to the degree that inspires me to aim to achieve the same level of knowledge in my further studies.

As part of the college I also help out with year 11 revision that they offer to the students in the Academy, for subjects such as maths, English and science. The college is passionate about education and helping out students even those that have not started college yet. I was past of the year 11 students in revision during my GCSE studies, one of the reasons I was initially convinced to join the sixth form, it always made me excited for the Friday afternoons when I would get to attend those sessions, I think that is exactly what school should be like, it should make you excited to learn and study, the sixth form achieves just that.

Anytime during Year 11.

You can apply through LogOn MoveOn or by emailing: [email protected]

Our students will usually choose at least three subjects from our course list. These can be a mixture of A Level and Applied General. You may choose four, or compliment your offer with an EPQ.

We ask that all students achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Mathematics and three other Grades at 4 or above.

The Key Stage 5 study programme has been recognised as an absolute strength of our provision.  We engage with innumerable employers, higher education establishments and agencies to enrich the education of our students.  We recognise that whilst we want Post-16 education to be the highlight of our students’ time at Sirius, it is our responsibility to prepare students for their next steps.

Students receive an individualised, bespoke plan, targeted at their preferred destination.  This includes, early expert UCAS support.  Paid entry for any pre-assessment exams that students need to take for their Oxbridge or Medicine applications. University visits.  Local and regional employer sessions and meetings.  Engagement with and talks from University students to ensure that our students receive a realistic picture of life in Higher Education.  This is to name but a few.

In the past year we have visited over thirty higher education providers, offered talks and meetings with hundreds of employers and had a record number of students apply for University, including a significant number attending Russell Group and Oxbridge Universities.

All of our activities are completely free as we do not feel money should be a barrier to an outstanding education.

Admissions Criteria

It is expected that our most capable Year 11 Sirius Academy West students will progress on to study at our Sixth Form. We ask that any student who wishes to study with us receives at least a grade 4 in English and Maths and three other subjects at grade 4. Normally, where an A Level subject has a GCSE equivalent, we will look at student outcomes to explore viability for specific courses. Progression to the Sixth Form will always be at the discretion of the Sixth Form Team.

Students will be expected to undertake at least 15 hours guided learning per week, this means at least 3 A Level subjects or a mix of A Level and vocational cumulatively totalling at least 15 hours.

Whilst the majority of our Sixth Form is made up of Sirius Academy West students, we encourage applications from any external candidates or other schools located in our Multi-Academy Trust. Should any external candidate wish to enquire about an application, please contact: [email protected].

How to Apply

The application cycle for the Sixth Form takes place, primarily, when students are in Year 11. In September/October students will be contacted during their tutor period to make applications. This is usually done through LogOn MoveOn. Students will then receive an invitation to a Sixth Form progression meeting with the Assistant Headteacher: Post 16. From this a conditional offer will be made, conditional offers state that, as long as students achieve the minimum entry criteria, they will gain entry the following September.

Throughout the year there are a number of events/activities directed at Year 11 students to ensure the progression from Key Stage 4 to Key Stage 5 is a seamless one. These include an Open Night in October, keeping warm events in the Spring and Summer and a bespoke, individual offer for students as they progress through their final GCSE year.

Final decisions regarding full-acceptance to the Sixth Form is made on GCSE results day. On the day students will collect their results and, should they meet the entry criteria, receive their acceptance to the Sixth Form and a notification of the expected start date.

All students must maintain a good standard of attendance.

This is around 95% for all subjects they choose.

Failure to attend regularly, and failure to report – in good time – any absence could result in the following:

• Exam disapplication.
• Rescinding of college place.
• Attendance monitoring programmes.

We expect students to maintain a good standard of behaviour.  Any failure to meet these standards will result in a meeting with the Assistant Head of College, and, if serious enough, could result in a meeting with the Head of College.

Where students exhibit extreme misbehaviour, unbecoming of a Sixth Form student, they may be asked to leave the Sixth Form.  This will be at the discretion of the Head of College.  Extreme instances of bad behaviour may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

–       Bullying or Harassment

–       Sexual Harassment

–       Prejudicial Conduct

–       Any conduct that falls well-below the standard communicated to our students.

This will be at the discretion of the Head of Sixth Form.

We are very proud of our recent legacy sending students to the top two Universities in the World.  Over the preceding years it has been our great pleasure to mentor a number of outstanding young people to pursue undergraduate degrees in English Literature, Social and Political Sciences, Natural Sciences and Law.

It is our passion to ensure that any Sirius Academy West/College @ Sirius student has access to these higher seats of learning.  Our programme is designed to ensure that all students can, regardless of any material impediment.

Our programme includes:

• One to one tuition.
• Interview planning and preparation.
• Travel costs for interviews/open days.
• Bespoke planning session throughout the year.
• Early UCAS support and guidance.

Additionally, all BMAT, UCAT, NSAA and LNAT exams* (usually around £50 per entry) are covered by the Academy. We feel money should not prohibit to our students accessing the best destinations in the country.

We look forward to working with you to secure the next generation of outstanding Sixth Form students at these most prestigious of institutions.

*These are entry exams that students have to take for certain courses when applying to Oxford, Cambridge, London Universities and for Medicine/Dentistry.

In September 2020 the Government organised one-off funding for students whose learning has been disrupted. This funding is dedicated to enable small group tuition for learners who had not achieved grade 4 in GCSE English or Maths by the age of 16.

The Sixth Form will be using this additional funding to deliver small group intervention sessions, in all subjects for students who had not obtained that Grade 4 in English and Maths.  These sessions will prioritise English or Mathematics, ensuring that substantial progress can be made by those students concerned.  These sessions will be apart from the usual timetabled sessions and take an intensive form, with a view to impact and outcome.  They will take place in a centralised environment, delivered by the Academic Performance arm of the Sixth Form.

It will be necessary, in the use of this funding, to have particular regard for students who have qualified SEND status.  Particularly where their additional needs have resulted in enhanced disruption.

All students who are provided the additional academic sessions will work towards measurable targets to ensure that effective progress is made.  Progress will be monitored, tracked, reviewed, and evidenced as part of this process to ensure that all funding is utilised appropriately and in line with the guidance.

These sessions will be in addition to the hours students are expected to undertake as part of their main study programme and therefore will be distinctive as such.

As a sixth form student you will have access to a range of financial support depending on your circumstances.

You may also be eligible for a bursary. Please contact [email protected] for further information and the bursary application.

Even though we’re always sad to see our students go at the end of their two years with us, it’s great to see all the fantastic things they go off to do.  Detailed below is a selection of our brilliant alumni, where they’ve gone and what they’re up to. 

Graduated August 2017 

• Dimitrios Grammenos 

After achieving some top results in Law, Sociology and English Dimitri headed off to the University of Hull to undertake the LLB in Law.  In July 2020 Dimitri achieved a first-class honours degree in Law.  In addition to this, Dimitri was awarded the prize for top marks in Contract Law.  Dimitri now plans to put theory into practice and study the LPC at the University of Law in Leeds. 

• Saskia Riches 

Saskia studied Law, Psychology and English and achieved A*A*A.  She studied Law at the University of Leeds, one of the top Law schools in the country.  She obtained a 2:1 and now plans to pursue a master’s degree in Law. 

• Andrei Girbacea 

Andrei studied Law, Sociology and Psychology achieving some good results.  He went on to study Criminology at the University of Hull and achieved a 2:1. Andrei now plans to go into teaching. 

Graduated August 2018 

• Jennah Hancock 

Jennah studied Law, Psychology and Sociology she achieved 3 A* grades and is now studying Law at the University of Leeds.  

• Zak Macklin 

Zak took four subjects at A Level: Law, Sociology, German and English Literature in addition to completing an extended project qualification.  Overall Zak achieved 5 A grades.  He is now studying Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge University as a member of Downing College. 

• Caurtney Nicholson 

Caurtney studied English, Law and Psychology during her a Levels, achieving AAB overall.  Caurtney now studies Law at the University of Hull. 

•  Molly Johnson 

Molly, now pursuing a degree in History at Manchester University studied Law, Sociology and History at Sirius, achieving AAB overall. 

Graduated August 2019 

• Danielle Fulton 

Danielle is currently studying for a degree in Law at the University of Hull.  She achieved A*A*A at A Level in Psychology, Sociology and Law. 

• Rio Campbell 

In Art, Photography and Law, Rio received the grades A*A*A.  Rio now attends the University of Hull where she is studying for a degree in Law. 

• James Jackman Wright 

James studied Criminology, Law and Psychology.  He achieved A*A*A and now studies Law at the University of Hull. 

• Alex Williamson 

Alex studied English Literature, Language and Law in addition to completing an EPQ on adverse inferences from silence in criminal trials.  He now attends Oxford University, a member of Mansfield College and studies English Literature. 

• Jamelah Hancock 

Now studying Geography at Manchester University, Jamelah achieved A*AB in Geography, Psychology and Maths during her time at the Sixth Form. 

Graduated August 2020 

• Charlotte Wilkinson 

Charlotte is currently reading Law at Cambridge University. Charlotte achieved grades A*A*A*A* in English Literature, English Language, Law and an EPQ in Law. 

• Chloe Barnes 

Chloe is currently studying Law at King’s College – Cambridge University. During her time at the Sixth Form Chloe achieved grades A* A A* A* in English Literature, Art, Law and an EPQ in Law. 

•  Josh Cole 

Josh is studying Natural Sciences, specialising in Physics at Cambridge University. He obtained A*A*A* grades in Physics, Maths and Further Maths. 

•  Abbey Bradley 

Abbie is studying English Literature at Oxford University after achieving A*A*A* in English Literature, Language and Sociology.