About Us

The distinctive Catholic ethos permeates every layer of school life, both in and outside the classroom. The development of the whole self – moral, social, intellectual and spiritual, particularly through worship, charity and positive engagement, is seen as vital for students’ future happiness. Our students thrive in a positive atmosphere where learning is based on mutual respect, tolerance and trust.

We encourage students to grow in a caring Christian environment where their faith can be developed. Acts of Worship are linked to the Gospel values and religious and topical issues are discussed with the guidance of the tutor team. Students are welcome to join the school’s Chaplaincy team to help with the planning and delivery of Masses and liturgies. The annual retreat to The Briars, the Nottingham diocesan youth centre, is always a popular trip. Charity and voluntary work are integral to life in the Sixth Form and help us to support the development of young people who will serve their community.

All subjects are taught over two years and have a linear course structure with A level public examinations at the end of Year 13.

Students take three A level subjects or the equivalent. This is to encourage them to focus their efforts and allow them to adapt to the greater demands of the reformed A level courses. University offers will be based on 3 A level grades, or an equivalent number of UCAS points, and it is important that students do their best in these qualifications.

Exceptionally able students who wish to take four A levels will have their requests considered on an individual basis. They will have to meet a higher entry requirement and demonstrate a particular talent in one or more subject areas, as well as the potential to cope with the additional workload.

Students need to think carefully about their subject choices and be certain about the nature of the subjects they intend to take and the expectations that will be placed upon them. We advise students to talk to their subject teachers before making any final decisions.

Students must ensure that their course choices match the requirements of any Higher Education courses or eventual careers in which they are interested. For students wishing to apply for certain courses, e.g. Medicine, Veterinary Science, Law and for prestigious Oxbridge/Russell Group universities, it is advisable to check subject choices against university entry requirements.

From September 2022 the courses we plan to offer are:

• Applied Science (BTEC level 3 equivalent to two A levels)
• Art and Design (Fine Art)
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Drama and Theatre Studies
• English Literature
• French
• Geography
• Health and Social Care (BTEC Level 3 equivalent to two A levels)
• History
• Information and Computer Technology (BTEC Level 3 equivalent to two A levels, and Level 2 equivalent to one A level)
• Mathematics
• Further Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Politics
• Product Design: Graphics
• Product Design: Resistant Materials
• Product Design: Fashion and Textiles
• Psychology
• Religious Studies

The Sixth Form Centre is a discreet but an integral part of The Trinity Catholic School. Life as a sixth form student offers continuity as well as change through a new and challenging level of study as well as in new Sixth Form facilities.

It contains a purpose-built common room, science laboratories, teaching rooms, tutorial rooms, study areas and ICT rooms.

The school library is at the heart of lower school and sixth formers are encouraged to use it for quiet study. There is direct access to the school canteen and a designated dining area specifically for sixth formers. There is also easy access to the Kingsbury Site where some subjects are taught including Art, Design, Drama and Music. The arrangement of the buildings allows students an insight into a campus-style university.

Well-qualified and committed teachers, determined to enable students to reach their full academic potential, teach post-16. Students receive five hours of tuition for A level subjects and single award BTEC courses. Double award BTEC courses have ten hours of tuition per week.

For all courses teaching is provided by more than one teacher, which enables staff and students to draw on their different areas of expertise and knowledge, something that is most valuable at A level. We aim for small teaching groups with a maximum of fifteen students per class (whenever possible). Teachers know their students well, and as a result can offer individual support and challenge, and they give of their time freely, before and after school, during breaks and at lunchtime, and especially as public examinations approach. Feedback from students leaving the Sixth Form focuses on their appreciation of the commitment of their teachers.

An important aspect of life in the Sixth Form is the tutorial system, through which we care, encourage and develop our students, aiming to ensure that they make the most of their time in both academic and personal terms.

The care and guidance that we offer all of our students is exemplary. Our expectations are high but we know that students appreciate the support that envelops them from the start of their post-16 experience.

Each student is allocated to a tutor group for two years. This group is a mix of Year 12 and 13 students, easing the integration of new students into the Sixth Form. The Year 13 students share their learning and experiences with those who have just joined. The group’s form tutor oversees their academic work, provides guidance on study, assists with any problems, which may arise and advises on applications for university or other career pathways. All tutor groups work together supporting the wider opportunities within the Sixth Form and within the life of the whole school.

The Trinity Sixth Form is part of the Trinity Catholic School and by enrolling in the Sixth Form you become a part of the whole school community.

All applicants must meet the appropriate entry criteria of 5 higher grade passes (9-4) including both GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 as well as meeting the individual entry requirements for each subject that they wish to study.

For BTEC courses students are expected to have achieved 5 higher grade passes (9-4) including both GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4.

To study at A level a grade 6 is required for most subjects.

October
Sixth Form Open Evening.
Teachers from all subject areas are on hand to discuss their post 16 courses.
There is an introductory talk about life in the Sixth Form.
Prospectuses and application forms are available.

January
Year 11 ‘choices interviews’.
All pupils in Year 11 will have a meeting with a member of the Year 11 or Sixth Form pastoral team. Students will be given advice about their chosen career pathway. Advice will be given about what subjects and courses are suitable for study.
Deadline (20th January) for all Sixth Form applications both for internal and external students.

February
Students will receive conditional offers of a place.

March
Taster day for external applicants.
This is an opportunity for external students to find out more about the Sixth Form.
They will follow a ‘buddy’ for the day and attend lessons.

June
Two Sixth Form Induction Days for both internal and external applicants.
The day includes team building activities, a pastoral session, taster lessons and a chance to talk to our Year 12 students about their experience of sixth form life.

August
GCSE results day.
Teachers will be available on this day to provide further information and advice prior to the finalising of students’ Sixth Form course choices.

A wealth of expertise is available to all students. Not only are our own experienced and knowledgeable form tutors and teaching staff available, but a range of appropriate visitors also advise the students:

• ‘Futures’ post-16 careers advisors offer specialist advice
• Speakers from Higher Education institutions, professions and apprenticeship schemes
• IntoUniversity – a widening participation scheme
• Unifrog – a destinations platform
• Ex-students return to discuss their career pathway
• Organisers of gap year opportunities

Students have regular interviews with their form tutor to discuss their career goals and aspirations. There are also trips and visits to exhibitions and universities, including Cambridge University.

Trinity students are proud to help serve the school community. Sixth formers are role models for younger pupils and take on responsibilities wherever possible within the life of the whole school.

The following extra curricular activities are offered for Sixth Form students and we encourage everyone to become involved:

• A variety of different music groups including Chamber Choir
• The whole school show – acting, singing, make-up, lights, scenery etc.
• A wide range of sports clubs
• Chaplaincy Team
• The Briars retreat
• Outdoor activity trip
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme – Silver and Gold
• Social events
• Paired reading scheme
• Learning mentors
• Interns for Music and Drama
• Sixth Form Committee
• Charity fundraising

Sixth formers can also help pupils in Drama and Music lessons and volunteer in our paired reading scheme to support Year 7 pupils. There is also a Sixth Form committee made up of representatives from each tutor group as well as student leadership positions.

The rest of the school has a smart and strictly enforced uniform and therefore, it is important that students adhere to the Sixth Form Dress Code as they are role models for the rest of the school and should dress appropriately.

• No hats or headgear
• No offensive slogans
• No facial piercings or tattoos visible
• No low-slung, ripped, or torn jeans
• No tracksuits, jogging bottoms, or leggings
• No low cut or strappy tops or midriff showing
• Knee-length skirts or shorts
• Dresses – same rules as for tops/skirts
• Sensible footwear
• Hair colour and hairstyles must not be extreme

It is recognised that Sixth Form students should have some of the privileges regarding the use of mobile phones in school, so it is essential that they model the responsible use of such devices to their younger peers who do not have this privilege.

We appreciate that mobile phones are an important element of people’s lives in the modern age and that they can be useful when used appropriately.

• The school accepts no responsibility for the loss, theft or damage to any phone. They are brought into school entirely at the parents’ and students’ own risk.
• Mobile phones should primarily be used within the Sixth Form Block.
• Mobile phones should not be used on school corridors.
• Earphones/headphones should be removed so that students can converse with staff and listen to instructions.
• Mobile phones should not be seen or used in assemblies, Acts of Worship and liturgies etc.
• When students are in lessons mobile phones should be put away as they can prove to be a distraction from learning.
• Students may be given permission to use their mobile phone under the direct supervision of the teacher if needed for learning purposes.
• During any private study time in the independent study rooms, library or computer rooms, the use of a mobile phone must not disturb others.
• Students are allowed to join the wireless network: ‘trinity-students’ and therefore should not use personal hotspots to bypass the school’s security and filtering measures.
• Parents and students must recognise the security problems of young people being targeted for their phones when travelling to and from school.
• It is strictly forbidden to take photographic images (still or video) or make sound recordings of staff or students at any time – with or without permission.
• Using mobile phones to humiliate, bully, harass, violate or threaten any member of the school community is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
• Students must understand that they are strictly forbidden to take mobile phones or smart watches or any other kind of electronic device into an examination. It is a breach of the rules to do so and therefore malpractice, which must be reported to the exam board. Qualifications can be lost as a result.

Miss C McGrath – Head of Sixth Form
Mrs T Marsden – Progress Co-ordinator for Year 13
Miss K Clegg – Progress Co-ordinator For Year 12
Mrs D Ferrara – Administration Assistant