Essential Information - Blackpool Sixth

Essential information for students, parents and carers

Important note

The information in this document assumes that college is operating as normal throughout 2021-22.

Please be aware that plans may change as events unfold in response to COVID-19. Rest assured that we have plans, should they be required, to respond to any measures or restrictions that may be in place.

The well-being of all members of the college is our priority. We will follow all guidance and put appropriate measures in place to ensure that any risks are minimised.

We will keep you updated on any changes.

Contents

Welcome to Blackpool Sixth
Our mission and core values
Important dates for 2021 – 2022
Study programmes and entry requirements
The Excellence Programme
6Advance
Directed Study Time (DST)
Study day
Enrichment programme (6Xtra)
Minimum Expected Grades (MEG)
Changing a subject
Route3 programme and progression to lower sixth (L6)
Communication with parents/carers
Membership cards
The Blackpool Sixth day
Reception
Equality and diversity
Acceptable use of computers
Attendance and punctuality
Term time holidays or requests for special leave
Absence procedures
Long-term sickness
Change of circumstances
Safeguarding and confidentiality
Safety and first aid
Pastoral care
Additional support for students
FYi – The learning resource centre
Careers education, information, advice and guidance
Work experience placements
Student services
Financial support: bursaries, free meals and childcare
Transport to and from college
External and mock examinations
The college environment
Bicycles, motorcycles and cars
Catering facilities
Illegal substances, smoking and alcohol
Dress to college
Compliments, concerns and complaints
Disciplinary procedures
Other policies operated by the Directors (Governing Body)
Charges to students for college activities
Technology for learning – bring your own device
Financial contributions for specific subjects

Welcome to Blackpool Sixth

I hope you and your families are safe and well. I am delighted that you have chosen to join Blackpool Sixth for the next step in your education and I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you.

Blackpool Sixth is a very caring, supportive and aspirational college. Students achieve outstanding success due to our high expectations, strong core values and dedicated staff who go the extra mile for our students. This, combined with the invaluable support from parents and carers, make it a perfect environment for students to thrive and succeed.

I understand that the last twelve months have been very unsettling due to COVID-19. I would like to reassure you that robust procedures are in place at the college to ensure that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are prioritised at all times. Part of your induction will help you to understand your personal role in keeping the college a safe and healthy community for all. We will, of course, be keeping abreast of any COVID-19 developments over the summer and we will update you should this situation change.

I hope that you find this handbook a useful resource. You will find information about important matters, including student attendance, travel, college policies, student support and health and well-being.

Our Blackpool Sixth Expects document also gives guidance on what is expected of students in terms of their studies and general behaviour whilst at college. It clearly sets out the high standards that Blackpool Sixth expects of itself to ensure all our students receive the best teaching and support to enable them to achieve their full potential. Our aim is to provide students with a positive learning experience that helps them to make a smooth and confident transition onto their next step after Blackpool Sixth, whether this is university, employment with training, an apprenticeship or another route to support their future career.

Blackpool Sixth values a positive partnership between the college, our students and their parents/carers; effective communication, therefore, is very important to us. The parent portal gives parents/carers direct access to up-to-date attendance and progress data. Additionally, in the autumn and spring terms, parents/carers will also receive a newsletter, which will provide information and news about Blackpool Sixth. Please also visit our website https://www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk for regularly updated news and information.

Please do not hesitate to contact any member of staff should you need to – we are all here to help make your time with us as happy and successful as possible.

Jill Gray

Principal

Our mission and core values

Our mission: Inspiring learning, developing character, building futures

The core values listed below underpin everything we do as a college and as a community:

Respect – for ourselves, for others, for the rule of law, for the environment

Excellence and High Aspirations – striving to be the best we can be

Support – helping everyone to succeed

Inclusion – valuing everyone individually

Integrity – acting according to our values and promises

Global Citizenship – being active in improving our world and broadening horizons

Enthusiasm – learning because we love to learn, teaching because we love to teach

Important dates for 2021 – 2022

12th August – GCSE results day

12th, 13th & 16th August – Enrolment for new students

7th – 10th September – Induction Days for lower sixth (L6) and Route3 students

13th September – Normal timetable for all students

22nd September – Welcome Evening for all parents/carers of new students

12th October – Remote learning day – students learn remotely from home

25th October to 3rd November – Half term (college closed to students & public)

9th December – Remote learning day – students learn remotely from home

17th December – Students finish for Christmas (college closed to all over Christmas)

4th January – College opens for spring term

13th January – Parents/carers consultation evening for all students (surname A-K)

19th January – Parents/carers consultation evening for all students (surname L-Z)

19th January – Remote learning day – students learn remotely from home

14th to 18th February – Half term (college closed to students & public)

21st to 25th February – Formal mock examination week (year 2 A level & some vocational)

28th February to 4th March – Formal mock examination week (year 1 A level & GCSE)

1st March – Preparing for University Evening for upper sixth parents/carers

16th March – Remote learning day – students learn remotely from home

31st March – Building Futures Evening for lower sixth parents/carers

31st March & 1st April – Progress review days (no timetabled lessons)

1st April – Students finish for Easter

19th April – College opens for summer term

2nd May – May Day Bank Holiday

10th May – Remote learning day – students learn remotely from home

30th May – 3rd June Half term

6th June – Lower sixth students start 5-day timetable (no study days)

22nd June – Remote learning day for lower sixth – students learn remotely from home

1st July – Students finish for summer

Study programmes and entry requirements

All students will have a study programme which will include:

Main area of study (A Levels, Level 3 BTECs/other vocational Level 3 courses, Level 2 BTECs/other vocational courses or GCSEs, where appropriate).
Pastoral mentor group session
Pastoral mentor 1:1 review meetings
Directed Study Time (DST)
Course enrichment, e.g. course-related visits and visiting speakers from higher education and industry
Enrichment, e.g. 6Xtra activities
Work experience, e.g employability skills development, employer talks, work placements or volunteering placements (placements are essential for students progressing to routes other than higher education (HE), progressing to HE courses that require work placement and for students on the Route3 programme)
English and mathematics GCSE studies (where grade 4/C has not yet been achieved)

In addition, study programmes may also include:

Additional qualifications (e.g. Community Sports Leaders Award)
The Excellence Programme
6Advance

See https://www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/study-programmes/ for more information and entry requirements for the four different kinds of study programme listed below:

The A Level Programme

The Vocational Programme

The Combined Programme

Route3

The Excellence Programme

The Excellence Programme has been designed to support the achievement and progression of the highest performing students. Entry to the programme is based on an average GCSE score of 7.0 or above and will be automatically determined at enrolment. The programme consists of three main elements, which are:

6Advance – a range of specialist academies that help students to develop essential skills and knowledge for competitive careers and university courses, including medicine and maths (see below);
EPQ – the Extended Project Qualification is a formal qualification formed of a large-scale independent research project on a topic chosen individually by students, leading to a dissertation and presentation. Entry onto EPQ is by application;
Preparation for prestigious universities – all Excellence Programme students will receive support in the application process to highly selective universities. Students will take part in application workshops, guest lectures and university visits, as well as having the chance to take part in the Cambridge HE+ programme

6Advance

As part of our study programme, we offer students the opportunity to enrich their studies through a range of academies, clubs and societies, including the science academy, medical society, clinical skills academy, etc. Please see https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/excellence/ for more details.

Entry to each of the 6Advance academies, clubs and societies is selective and will be based on an application made early in the autumn term. The academies then run for the rest of the year. Pastoral mentors will give further details during pastoral mentor sessions.

Please be aware that the programme may change in response to any restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

Academic Support Tutorials (ASTs)

Each department is allocated time each week to provide extra support for students (mostly in A level subjects), called academic support tutorial (AST) time. ASTs will be provided to support students in a variety of ways, including revisiting previously taught material, developing study skills and working towards meeting, then beating their minimum expected grade (MEG). Wherever possible, ASTs will take place within the core day, for example at lunchtime, but may also be scheduled to begin after session 6 or on a student’s study day.

Please be aware that the delivery of ASTs may change in response to any restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

Independent/Directed Study Time (DST)

Students should expect to spend at least four hours on independent study every week for each of their subjects. Students will be set independent/directed study tasks such as:

preparation work for future lessons
wider reading
research tasks
peer assessment of a partner’s classwork
correcting mistakes from a ‘model’ answer written badly
devising concept maps to summarise their learning
completion of homework or assignments
coursework assignment work

Pastoral mentors can help students to make effective use of their independent study time/study days.

Study day

Most students have a study day as part of their timetable, although students on a combined programme (e.g. a combination of A levels and BTEC vocational courses) are unlikely to have a full study day).

The study day is designed to give students blocks of time for independent/directed study and is part of a student’s commitment to college. They must be ready to come into college if required to do so.

Students are usually allowed to work at home, however, if they wish or if directed they can use the college’s study areas such as the FYi (learning resources centre and library) and other facilities on this day.

Teachers may ask students to come into college for part or all of their study day if they think it necessary, for example to catch up on work or carry out a resit key assessment. Equally, teachers may require students to attend academic support tutorials (ASTs) on their study day.

In addition, students should use the study day to gain work experience or participate in other work-related learning organised by the college. Therefore, students should not organise regular commitments that are not flexible on their study day (e.g. part time work). We see the study day as a vital part of the college week: it is definitely not a “day off”.

From Monday 6th June until Friday 1st July, lower sixth students will start the second year of their courses and the timetable will change to a 5 day week (no study day). This may change if COVID-19 requirements dictate otherwise.

Enrichment programme (6Xtra)

As part of Blackpool Sixth’s commitment to developing and broadening students’ skills and enjoyment of college life, we offer a varied programme of additional activities to enrich their studies, including sports, work placement, mentoring, leadership, volunteering, etc. Please see the college website or the student’s pastoral mentor for more details.

All students are encouraged to take part in some enrichment whilst at college. Most activities are free and open to any student. Some enrichment may take place during pastoral mentor sessions. There will also be sports teams, academies and many clubs and societies to choose from. It’s a great way to enhance your job or university applications, as well as being a fun way to spend time with friends.

Some enrichment activities take place off college premises. Transport will usually be provided.

Pastoral mentors will give further details during pastoral mentor sessions.

Please be aware that the programme may change in response to any restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

Minimum Expected Grades (MEG)

Students are given a Minimum Expected Grade (MEG) at the start of their course. The MEG is based on the student’s average achievement at GCSE (level 2). We have high aspirations for our students and the MEGs reflect this.

Level 3 subjects (A levels and level 3 vocational): MEGs are calculated using a national data set that reflects the progress made by students in the top 25% of schools and colleges. This means that a student’s MEG will be higher than the average grade achieved nationally for a student with a similar GCSE profile.
GCSE Maths and English: we expect students to make at least one grade progress. For instance, if students has achieved a grade 3 at GCSE the previous year then the MEG would be a grade 4
Level 2 BTEC courses, the MEG for almost all students is a Distinction.

We strongly believe that striving to achieve and then exceed the MEG, will unlock the potential of every student.

Academic Monitoring Reports (AMRs) are sent to parents/carers for all students in November, January, February, March and in May for lower sixth students only. Either side of these dates each student’s performance is regularly monitored and, where progress appears to be falling below minimum expectations, students may be directed to attend academic support tutorials (ASTs) and/or receive extra support from their teachers, pastoral mentor or member of the additional learning support team.

Changing a subject

Students are expected to show a commitment to their studies and continue with each of their chosen courses for the entire academic year. Occasionally, students may find they have made an unsuitable choice for a variety of reasons. In such circumstances it may be possible to arrange a change of subject from Monday 13th September to Friday 8th October.

Any student who has concerns about their programme of study course choices should speak to their pastoral mentor.

Route3 programme and progression to L6

Progression from Route3 to L6 is not automatic. Students studying on the Route3 programme will need to demonstrate high attendance, a commitment to their studies and develop the skills they need for success at Level 3.

At the end of the Route3 year students must achieve the following in their level 2 studies to progress to level 3:

at least a merit in their BTEC subjects
make progress in their GCSE English and GCSE Maths, achieving at least 1 grade higher than their grade achieved last year
obtain at least a C grade in the LIBF Certificate in Financial Education course (if applicable)

Communication with parents/carers

At Blackpool Sixth we recognise the commitment parents and carers make in supporting their daughter/son/ward’s learning, so we aim to work in partnership with parents/carers to ensure all students achieve their full potential. We keep parents/carers involved in a variety of ways.

Email

Parents/carers will receive a weekly email containing key information for the coming week at college. This is a copy of a weekly newsletter sent to all students.

Newsletters and progress reports will also be sent to parents/carers via email. It is important that the college is informed of any changes to email addresses by sending the details to enquiries@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk. Parents/carers are advised to check email preferences to ensure emails from the college do not go directly into junk mail folders.

Parents/carers will receive a newsletter in the autumn and spring terms which will provide updated information and news about college.

Website and social media

There is a wealth of information and news items available on our frequently updated website https://www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk and on social media through the college’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Parent portal

The parent portal is an online tool giving parents/carers direct access to their daughter/son/ward’s up-to-date attendance and progress data. Information about how to access the parent portal will be provided to parents/carers who are named on the student enrolment form and have provided a personal email address.

If the college has a valid email address for parents/carers then account details, including username and password, will be automatically sent by email in the early part of the autumn term.

Otherwise, an application to have access to the parent portal post enrolment can be made using the portal application form available from the college website https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/parents/parent-portal/.

Academic monitoring reports

Careful monitoring of student performance and the encouragement of students to achieve their full potential is central to the ethos of Blackpool Sixth. Teachers regularly assess students’ progress. Academic Monitoring Reports (AMRs) showing this progress will be sent to parents/carers in November, February, March and May. The reports will include latest progress grades in each subject.

Other communication with parents/carers

Parents/carers are welcome to enquire at any time about their daughter/son/ward’s progress, or any other matter. Please either telephone the college and ask to speak to the student’s pastoral mentor or contact the member of staff directly via email.

Pastoral mentors, teachers or heads of department will get in touch with parents/carers from time to time, and particularly if there is any reason for concern about a student’s work, well-being, attendance or punctuality.

A member of the reception team may telephone parents/carers to seek information about any student who is absent without a valid explanation.

Students over 18 years of age are advised to inform their Pastoral Lead or the Head of Student Services if they do not wish college to contact their parents/carers.

Membership cards

Access to Blackpool Sixth is via a number of access controlled entrances operated by student membership cards. All staff and students must wear their membership card visibly on a Blackpool Sixth lanyard around their neck whilst on the college site, in lessons and examinations, when using college facilities or when taking part in college activities. This helps us to ensure the safety of all members of the college and to confirm that only recognised visitors are welcomed onto the site.

Students who forget to bring their membership card to college will be asked to report to reception. They will be issued with a temporary membership sticker for the day.

Students must pay a £2 fee for a replacement lost membership card and lanyard. Replacement cards can be obtained from the Student Finance Office.

We take the safety of our students very seriously and anyone persistently not visibly wearing a membership card will face disciplinary action. Students who persistently forget or lose their membership card will face disciplinary action and may be required to pay a £10 deposit for a replacement card and lanyard, the deposit is refundable once the membership card or lanyard is returned.

The Blackpool Sixth day

Overview

Blackpool Sixth is open from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm on Monday to Thursday and 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on Friday weekdays during term time.

Timetable classes are generally arranged in sessions 1 to 6 but some activities, such as sport, enrichment activities and field trips take place outside these hours, and special arrangements are then made for students to have whatever access to Blackpool Sixth facilities they need.

Students can view their timetable via the student portal. Parents can also view their daughter/son/ward’s timetable via the parent portal.

Timetable for ‘class bubbles’

Students will begin in September on a timetable designed to keep mixing to a minimum. This will reduce any risks of transmission of coronavirus and avoid, as far as possible, any disruption to learning. Students will attend lessons in one subject per day. An example timetable is shown below. In this example, students will have two study days per week.

This timetable will be in place until October half term. Students will have access to their individual timetables through the student portal.

After half term (4th November), students will return to the college’s normal timetable where they have 3 or 4 different lessons per day (excluding any study day). The image below provides an example timetable.

A “dst” session is a directed study session where students can work in our resource area (the FYI), or if at the start and end of the day a student prefers to come in later or leave earlier.

Please note: the study day varies depending on a student’s study programme. Students taking a combined programme (e.g. a combination of A levels and BTEC vocational courses) may not have a full study day on the timetable after October half term.

Please be aware that this may change in response to any restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

Reception

Reception is located on the ground floor of the main building and is staffed from 8:15 am to 5:00 pm on Monday to Thursday and 8:15 am to 4:30 pm on Friday during term-time. Enquiries can be directed to reception in person, or by telephone, using the main Blackpool Sixth number 01253 394911.

Equality and diversity

Blackpool Sixth is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and study. The college is opposed to all forms of discrimination inline with the Public Sector Equality Duty 2011 and as defined by the Equality Act 2010, whether direct, perceived, indirect or by association.

The college seeks to ensure that no individual or group, because of their protected characteristic, faces discrimination, harassment or victimisation. Protected characteristics refer to: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Promoting, celebrating and valuing diversity and ensuring equality are at the heart of the college’s core values, and will benefit the college in all aspects of its members’ performance. These encompass the British values of mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith, the rule of law, individual liberty and democracy.

No member of college should act in a way that might cause distress or embarrassment to another person, either intentionally or not. The college will take very seriously any instances of noncompliance to the college’s equality and diversity policy by staff, students or other members of the college community. All instances will be investigated and appropriate disciplinary action taken. Students should report any bullying or harassment to their pastoral mentor, a member of staff in whom they feel they can confide or a member of the Senior Leadership Team, who will take appropriate action. The policy is available on https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies/.

Acceptable use of computers

We have outstanding IT facilities for students that are used inside and outside lesson time to support and enhance learning. Blackpool Sixth has a very clear Acceptable Use of Computers Policy which each student agrees to the first time they log in to the student portal. Failure to comply with the policy could result in disciplinary action being taken. During induction lessons all students are given information, advice and guidance about responsible and safe use of IT and the internet. See also “Technology for learning – bring your own device”

The filtering of internet content provides an important means of preventing users from accessing material that is illegal or is inappropriate in an educational context. This filtering will also be active on any device loaned by the college to students. No filtering system can guarantee 100% protection against access to unsuitable sites, therefore, members of the safeguarding team monitor safe internet usage daily using log file reports.

Attendance and punctuality

Regular and punctual attendance at lessons is crucial to the success of our students. We monitor attendance at all lessons and other timetabled activities using an electronic register system. We record each student’s official attendance (this includes authorised absences) and their actual attendance (excludes authorised absences).

Parents/carers will be informed if students show low attendance, declining attendance, a pattern of missing sessions without explanation or if they show poor punctuality. Poor attendance and punctuality could lead to disciplinary action in line with the attendance policy and the positive behaviour policy and disciplinary procedures. The policy is available on https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies/

Students are able to see their attendance on the student portal. Parents/carers can also view up-to-date attendance records using the online parent portal (see https://www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/parents/parent-portal/ for further details).

Term time holidays or requests for special leave

Blackpool Sixth expects college to take priority. This means that other activities should be arranged outside of a students’ college commitments, for example, all holidays must be taken outside of term time. It is recognised that there may be very rare occasions where a student may require a leave of absence from college due to significant extenuating circumstances. In this scenario, permission must be sought from the Principal as soon as possible in advance of the period of leave. This must be done by completing a special leave request form, which can be requested from a student’s Pastoral Mentor. Requests received within 10 college days before the leave is due to start may not be considered and the leave, if taken, will be unauthorised. Please refer to the college’s Special Leave Policy, available on https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies, for more information.

Absence procedures

At Blackpool Sixth, we expect students to let their pastoral mentor and subject teachers know in advance if they are going to be absent from classes due to a scheduled appointment.

For unforeseen absences, we expect students, or their parent/carer, to email the student’s pastoral mentor or telephone 01253 394911 before 09.15am on the first day of absence.

Communication must include the student’s full name, a brief reason for absence and expected return date. Students should also email their subject teachers to get details of any work missed.

In normal circumstances during a period of absence, we expect students to maintain daily email contact with their pastoral mentors and subject teachers to ensure the student is able to maintain learning. If the student, parent/carer does not maintain contact, they can expect to receive a phone call from the college.

Authorised absences – if college is notified in advance and appropriate evidence provided

a hospital appointment or course of medical treatment that cannot be arranged outside college hours (usually up to one day)
an orthodontist appointment (usually up to half day)
visit to university to attend an open day/interview or a career-related interview or audition (usually up to one day)

attendance at a wedding of an immediate relative (usually up to one day)
attendance at a graduation, or similar ceremony, of an immediate relative (usually up to one day)
attendance at a funeral of an immediate relative (usually up to one day)
an external public examination. For example a practical driving test or performing arts examination (usually up to half day)
attendance at court or an appointment with a legal adviser (usually up to one day)

Examples of unacceptable reasons for absence

unauthorised holidays in term time.
part or full-time work that is not part of the student’s programme of study
routine medical appointments (e.g. doctor, optician, physiotherapist and dental appointments) which can be made outside college commitments
birthdays or similar celebrations
babysitting younger siblings
driving lessons
driving theory test

Students who feel unwell whilst in college should report to The Link or the Focus Centre* where they will be asked to sit quietly whilst members of staff contact parent(s)/carer(s) to decide whether or not it is appropriate to let them go home. If symptoms persist and students are permitted leave, they will be marked absent for any sessions missed. Students who go home ill without reporting to The Link or the Focus Centre will be marked as an unknown absence and may face disciplinary action in line with the positive behaviour policy and disciplinary procedures.

Student illness, unless supported by a doctor’s note, will be classed as an unauthorised absence. The student attendance policy is available on https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies/.

* If you start to show any symptoms of coronavirus whilst on the college site then please tell your teacher or other member of staff immediately and, if it is safe for you to do so, you will be asked to go home and self-isolate. The member of staff will inform your pastoral mentor who will contact parents/carers and amend registers accordingly. If you display symptoms and need to wait in college, you will be taken to the medical room to wait whilst arrangements are made to get you home safely.

Maintaining learning during/following absence

Whatever the reason for absence, it is the student’s responsibility to complete work missed as quickly as possible. This is key to mitigating any impact on progress. Staff will support individuals during, or following, a period of absence to help maintain learning. This can include referring to resources available on Google Classroom, or communicated via email.

If students do not take active steps to catch up on missed work, they may face disciplinary action in line with the positive behaviour policy and disciplinary procedures.

As part of the Fitness to Study procedures or the Special Leave procedures (see https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies/ for more details), the college may provide the option to engage with ‘live’ learning remotely via Google Meet.

It must be highlighted that Blackpool Sixth does not offer full remote learning programmes. As a result, any agreement for an individual student to engage with remote learning will only be a short term, temporary measure. It is recognised that during absences due to illness or injury, a student may not be able to engage with learning. A student’s health is always the priority.

Long-term sickness

The college will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to maintain learning during periods of long-term sickness or medical conditions through the Fitness to Study procedures (see https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies/ for further details about Fitness to Study.

Change of circumstances

It is important that all our records are fully up to date. Students must inform their pastoral mentor of any change in personal circumstances, for example home address, email address or telephone number. Students can also advise of change of details via the Student Portal.

Safeguarding and confidentiality

Blackpool Sixth is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students, staff and visitors. All staff will be carefully selected using recruitment and selection procedures designed to emphasise our commitment to safeguarding. All posts, including volunteers, are subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

Safeguarding and protecting the welfare young people involves:

protecting them from maltreatment, abuse and/or neglect;
preventing impairment of mental or physical health;
taking action to enable all young people to have the best outcomes.

Blackpool Sixth actively promotes health awareness amongst students. Each member of the college community has an individual responsibility for health and safety. We have trained first aiders on site at all times and access to a first aid room.

Blackpool Sixth staff cannot offer absolute confidentiality to students. There are clear situations when it is essential that staff share information with parents/carers and/or with external agencies such as social services or the police, for instance when there is suspicion or evidence that a student is in danger of being harmed or abused.

A student should talk to their pastoral mentor or any member of staff if they have any concerns about their safety/well-being or the safety/well-being of others.

If anybody else has any concerns about any safeguarding issues, please speak with or contact any member of staff. Alternatively, email safeguarding.alert@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk. The safeguarding and child protection policy is available on https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies/.

Young People in Care, Care Leavers, and Young Carers

If you are a young person in care, a care leaver or a young carer, we are committed to meeting your needs in a sensitive and confidential way that is right for you. There may be additional financial assistance available as well as academic and personal support. For more information about the support we offer for any students who are now, or ever have been, in care/looked after, or students who are living independently, please contact Carey Guite (carey.guite@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk)

Safety and first aid

Blackpool Sixth is a very safe and secure learning environment. In the unlikely event that students have an accident (or a near miss) at Blackpool Sixth, they should report it to a member of staff nearby or to reception. If necessary a First Aider will be contacted.

Students who are feeling unwell may seek assistance from any member of staff or from The Link or the Focus Centre. A first aider will be called to attend to them if necessary. Parents/carers will be contacted if a student is too ill to remain in college. In this situation we expect parents/carers to make appropriate arrangements to transport the student home safely or to meet the student at the hospital if a first aider has decided that further medical treatment is needed.

Pastoral care

All students are allocated a pastoral mentor who will offer support and guidance throughout their time at Blackpool Sixth. Parents/carers will receive a welcome email from their daughter/son/ward’s pastoral mentor early in September.

Pastoral mentors will help students to settle into college quickly, monitor their academic progress and personal development, and look after their well-being. The pastoral mentor is central to everything students do and is the first line of support for them whilst at college.

Every student is a member of a pastoral mentor group and attends a weekly group session. Pastoral mentors deliver the pastoral curriculum, which is an integral part of students’ learning and development. It supports them to succeed on their programmes of study, prepare for adulthood and progress into higher education or employment with training.

The pastoral curriculum aims to develop students’ ability to monitor and improve their own academic progress, to research and plan for moving on after college, to develop essential life skills and to promote healthy and safe lifestyle choices. It also helps students to acquire a greater awareness of social and economic-related issues.

Students will meet with their pastoral mentor at least once a week as part of a group and also have regular individual review meetings to discuss their progress and agree specific targets for improvement.

Additional support for students

Blackpool Sixth provides support for students who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. We support students with a variety of needs, relating to mobility and wheelchair access, visual or hearing impairment, dyslexia, dyspraxia, communication needs and medical conditions such as mental health conditions, diabetes or epilepsy.

The Additional Learning Support (ALS) team is based in the Focus Centre at college and students are welcome to speak to a member of the team if they have any concerns. If a parent/carer feels that support may be needed at Blackpool Sixth, please contact the ALS team on 01253 394911, or email ALS@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk

FYi – The learning resource centre

FYi (For Your Information) is the name given to our fully equipped Learning Resource Centre. The state-of-the-art facilities have been carefully designed to aid students’ learning. The FYi is a quiet place for students to study with an extensive range of resources for their use in a modern and comfortable environment. There are thousands of books, a wide range of magazines and DVDs, over 100 open access Apple Mac computers, laptops, and the centre also provides access to university-style databases for both students and staff.

FYi Study Advisors support students’ learning by helping them to find and use information so they become independent learners ready for life after college. They can also assist with developing study skills throughout the year covering areas like organisation, exam techniques, time management, revisions skills and stress busting. This service is designed to enhance the support given by the pastoral mentors as part of the tutorial curriculum, Life Links.

Please note that food and drink are not permitted in the FYi with the exception of bottled water. We also ask students to make or receive mobile phone calls outside the centre.

The FYi is open each day between 8.00am and 5.00pm during term time and 8.30am to 4.30pm during the Easter holidays and for 3 days during the May half term, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The FYi is closed on all bank holidays.

Careers education, information, advice and guidance

The tutorial programme provides all students with careers advice and guidance. Students also have access to our level 6 qualified careers advisors for one to one personal guidance meetings.

Separate careers events, visits and guest speakers are organised at appropriate times of the year. These events offer students the opportunity to meet university representatives as well as apprenticeship and training providers and local and national employers.

Individual advice and guidance on choosing career paths, apprenticeships, employment with training and higher education/university courses is available from our Futures Team, situated in the FYi.

Students can also access support with applications, CV preparation and mock interviews from local employers as well as college staff.

Work experience placements

A work experience placement and virtual work experience gives students an insight into their chosen career and the experience needed to improve their chances of making successful job, apprenticeship or university applications in the future.

All students with a career intention of an apprenticeship, employment with training or taking any alternative route to Higher Education, and those on the Route3 programme must organise, undertake and evaluate a work placement as an integral part of their study programme. This requirement for work placement also applies to students aiming to progress to a particular higher education course or profession that requires work placement.

Students are encouraged to arrange their own placements but they need to contact the Work Placement Officer before starting their placement to ensure that all essential health and safety arrangements have been made. Parents/carers will be required to sign a consent form.

The Work Placement Officer can offer assistance to source a suitable placement and students can book an appointment to discuss their particular needs.

Student services

There is a wide range of student services available tailored to meet individual needs. Friendly, supportive and dedicated staff are available from 8.30am to 4.30pm each day to offer information, advice and guidance on any issue that is causing concern to students. Student Services offers the following guidance and support:

Safeguarding/welfare concerns – students should talk to the student’s pastoral mentor or any member of staff if they have any concerns about their safety/well-being or the safety/well-being of others.
Counselling – email counselling.alert@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk
Careers education, information, advice and guidance – the Futures Team in the FYi
Careers advice and guidance – the Futures Team in the FYi
Sport and enrichment – in the Brock building (first floor)
Work experience – The Futures Team in the FYi

Further details about how to access the support available will be given to students during their first few weeks at college.

Lockers

A limited number of lockers are available for a hiring fee of £20 for one year plus a £10 deposit, which is refundable on return of the locker key. Payments are made at the Student Finance Office and combination locks are issued at the Estates Office.

Financial support: bursaries, free meals and childcare

If you choose to study at Blackpool Sixth, we will do everything possible to support you. There is a variety of financial support available.

College bursary

The bursary is financial support that you can use to support your education at college. Financial support provided through the bursary is government money administered by the college to help and support 16-19 year old students in further education. The fund is to support students, particularly those who are economically or socially disadvantaged with course-related costs.

There are 3 parts to the financial support available to students:

Bursary A (vulnerable bursary) – available to specific vulnerable groups
Bursary B (free meal discretionary bursary) – benefits based
Bursary C (discretionary bursary only) – based on household income

You will only be eligible for one of the above bursaries at any one time.

Transition Bursary – available to students who received free school meals in year 11 but are not eligible for bursaries A or B.

All applications for the college bursary are made online. You must provide evidence of all income sources or benefit(s) you or your parent(s)/carer(s) receive. You will not be able to complete an online bursary application without this evidence.

See the college website https://www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/student-support/financial-support/ for full details of each of the bursaries and the application process.

Access Fund

The purpose of the Access Fund is to financially support students who are experiencing short-term difficulty in meeting the costs associated with their learning. The fund is used primarily to provide support towards:

travel to and from college
essential course costs/materials/textbooks
essential educational visits

Any student experiencing financial hardship is entitled to apply for financial support. There will be an assessment undertaken to ensure that support is provided to those most in need. Blackpool Sixth will ensure that financial support is implemented in the fairest possible way, to the maximum possible benefit of students who need financial support in order to succeed in their studies.

For further information, please contact a member of the Student Finance team either via email on student.finance@blackpoolsxith.ac.uk or call 01253 394911.

Support with childcare – Care to Learn

If you are under the age of 20 and have one or more children, Care To Learn can help you with the cost of childcare whilst you are learning. You can get Care To Learn if:

you are a parent under the age of 20 at the start of your course
you are the main carer for your child
you live in England
you are either a British citizen or a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country (https://www.gov.uk/eu-eea)
your course qualifies (all courses at Blackpool Sixth qualify)
your childcare provider is registered with Ofsted

Payments for childcare are made directly to the childcare provider. Payments for travel go directly to college and you will either be paid directly or college will arrange your travel. For more information on eligibility and an application form please contact either the Learner Support Helpline free on 0800 121 8989, visit www.gov.uk/care-to-learn or speak to the college’s Welfare Officer a member of the Student Finance team.

Transport to and from college

Subsidised transport support

Blackpool Sixth recognises that the cost of transport is a major concern for some young people and their families. Our subsidised transport scheme not only helps with transport costs to and from college but could also provide unlimited travel throughout the day, including evenings and weekends and during the college holidays.

TRANSPORT PROVIDER	SUBSIDISED PRICE
Blackpool Transport Digital Smart Card • valid 7 days a week & during holidays • receive July & August travel for free* *Covers the following areas:* Blackpool, Fleetwood, Thornton-Cleveleys, Bispham, Over Wyre & Lytham St. Annes *providing consecutive payments are made with no missed months from the month of introduction to June 2022	Monthly instalments of £42†(£42 per month from the month of introduction to June 2021) Equivalent monthly Blackpool Transport ticket priced at £47.50 for a 30 day 16-21 young person ticket when purchased directly on a Blackpool Transport bus†
Stagecoach • valid 7 days a week & during holidays • receive July & August travel for free *Covers the following areas:* Lancaster, Garstang, Poulton, Blackpool and Preston	10 x monthly instalments of £40 Equivalent monthly Stagecoach ticket priced at £109.00 for a 28 day North West 4 week Megarider when purchased directly from Stagecoach
Blackpool Sixth College Bus • services run twice a day (once in the morning to college and once in reverse after college finishes) *Lytham bus covers the following area:* Lytham St. Annes *Kirkham bus covers the following areas:* Freckleton, Warton, Wrea Green, Kirkham, Wesham, Elswick and Great Eccleston	Deposit of £20 to be paid at collection and refunded at the end of the academic year

These are current prices and any changes would be minor reflecting increases from the transport companies.

Train: Students travelling to college by train are entitled to a 40% refund off their daily train fare by presenting their train ticket at the Student Finance office in college.

Please see https://www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/student-support/transport/ for up-to-date information about subsidised transport.

Cycling to college

College provides free to use, covered, secure shelters for those students who choose to travel to college by bicycle. The code for the bicycle shelter can be accessed at reception.

Car parking

Limited fFree parking is available to staff, students and visitors. The college has three car parks available on a first come, first served basis and all vehicles that park on the college car parks must display a valid parking permit. College also has a provision for those with a blue badge or other special requirements. If the car park is full then please do not park in front of neighbouring houses.

External and mock examinations

Please be aware that examinations may change in response to any restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

External examinations

A levels

For the majority of A level subjects, students will be required to sit external examinations during May and June of their final year of study.
Art, textiles, photography, graphics and fine art practical examinations take place between March and May of the final year of study.
Modern foreign language oral examinations also take place between March and May of the final year of study.

GCSEs

Students who have not gained a grade 4 in GCSE English and mathematics are required to continue studying these qualifications. The college will determine whether a student is entered for the external examinations in the November or the summer exam season dependent on initial assessment and progress.

Level 2 and Level 3 BTECs and CTECs

The majority of RQF BTEC and CTEC qualifications incorporate an external examination element. Depending on the qualification this may be an exam with scheduled exam dates set by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) or the relevant department will choose the exam window which best fits their teaching schedule.

Students are provided with individual examination timetables by email in advance of the relevant exam season. Students and parents are also able to view exam timetables on both the student and parent portals.

If a student has more than one external examination timetabled at the same time, the examinations team will arrange for them to be taken at an alternative time on the same day and advise the student of the new exam start times. This is likely to mean a student has to remain supervised and in isolation during the day and will be advised to bring food and drink for lunch periods spent under supervision. Students will be individually notified if they are affected.

Electronic communication/storage devices including mobile phones are not permitted in examination venues and disqualification is a risk if a student is found to be in possession of unauthorised items or materials. Students are also required to remove their watches prior to entering the examination rooms. Both analogue and digital clocks are provided in the examination room.

For both external and internal examination days, students must wear their membership card in order to enter examination venues. Badges, pins and ribbons must be removed from the membership lanyard before entering the exam venue. Students are also expected to attend examinations with appropriate resources such as black pens, pencils, rulers and calculators if appropriate, as the college does not routinely provide this equipment. The resources required are listed on individual examination timetables issued to students prior to the examination events.

Mock examinations and formal assessments

A level students will sit mock examinations in both years of study. Students studying GCSE English and mathematics will also sit mock examinations.

Whilst the majority of BTEC/CTEC subjects have an element of external assessment the type and timing of assessment varies across the different subjects. Students studying BTECs/CTECs will be appropriately prepared for these external assessments and this may include an appropriate mock exam. This will be discussed with students by their subject teachers during induction.

The mock examinations are organised and delivered to a high level of rigour to mirror the summer external exam season. Students will have only one opportunity to sit mock exams during each mock event and an “X” grade will be used for any students who are absent from mock examinations. The aim is to provide students with a realistic experience of sitting exams to help them and their teachers to assess progress and plan improvements.

Examination study leave

Short periods of study leave are allocated to offer students the opportunity to prepare for external examinations. Study leave consists of one half day immediately prior to each examination, except in the case of a Monday morning exam. Study leave is not allocated for practical examinations.

Examination certificates and BTEC vocational coursework

The rising costs of postage have made it prohibitive for Blackpool Sixth to post examination certificates to students at the end of their studies. Students are requested to collect their certificates in the autumn term, usually towards the end of November after they have completed their programme of study at Blackpool Sixth. Email reminders are sent but the college can only retain the certificates for a limited period before the certificates are destroyed. It is important to inform the college of changes to personal contact details so as students can be informed of when certificates are available for collection.

Overseas students can make a payment for certificates to be sent by recorded delivery to their home address once they are available. Students should contact the examinations office, via email on exams@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk, for further information.

BTEC Vocational and A level coursework will be retained in college when a programme of study is complete and cannot be released to students until late November after certification.

Any coursework that has not been collected by the end of the following January will be destroyed appropriately.

Examination and non-examination assessment appeals

Coursework/non-examination assessment (NEA) marks

Students will be informed of their coursework/NEA marks prior to them being submitted to the awarding bodies. Whilst the college is very confident in the robustness of its internal marking processes, it fulfils its duty to provide access to an appeals process. This internal service attracts a financial cost of £50 per appeal. More detailed information is available on our college website and on request from the examinations office, exams@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk

Post Results Services

Awarding bodies provide students with opportunities to submit applications for enquiries about results (clerical checks and reviews of marking) and access to scripts (photocopies or originals). These external services are available for a short period from results release and attract a financial cost. More detailed information is available from the examinations office.

The college environment

Students have the benefit of first-class, specialist sixth form accommodation and facilities. We expect students to take care of their college and local environment. In particular, we ask students to observe restrictions regarding consumption of food and drink on carpeted areas and to place all litter in the appropriate bins provided.

The courtyard and other outside areas are available for students to relax and socialise. Any other activities taking place in the outside areas, such as ball games or large group activities, must be approved and risk assessed in advance by a member of staff.

Bicycles, motorcycles and cars

Blackpool Sixth actively promotes sustainable travel alternatives, specifically public transport and cycling. The college is well served by public transport with bus stops directly outside the college. The Layton train station is a 15 minute walk away.

Students are encouraged to use bicycles as a means of transport to and from college. Covered, secure cycle racks are available at the rear of the site. A coded (number available from the Estates office C006) lock secures the racks. Students are responsible for leaving bicycles securely locked and for their legal roadworthiness. Students are strongly advised to insure them and to register them with the police.

For motorcyclists, 2 motorcycle bays are available. Motorcyclists must follow the same procedure for car drivers and register for a permit via the induction process.

Limited car parking is available for students (around 150 spaces). To limit congestion and to reduce the impact on our neighbours, students are encouraged to use alternative transport.

For students wishing to drive to college, the college operates a permit scheme for parking and all vehicles must be registered with permits displayed at all times.

To register for a permit, students must first undertake a short driver induction course which is available to book from the Estates Office (C006).

No parking is available to students before the induction takes place. Failure to comply may result in students having a permit request revoked.

Please Note: The process takes around a week so students are advised to allow adequate time to complete an induction.

The induction includes a short presentation on college rules and driver awareness. Students will need the following documents at this meeting to obtain their permit:

Insurance
Pass certificate / Driving licence

Please note: the college cannot accept responsibility for the theft, loss or damage of any bicycle, motorcycle or vehicle brought on to campus.

Catering facilities

High quality meals and snacks are available from The Store, Café Six, Relish and Starbucks throughout the college day. There are also a number of coin operated vending machines around campus. All meals are freshly cooked on campus and are competitively priced.

Blackpool Sixth is committed to promoting healthy eating so a range of healthy, vegetarian and vegan options are available from all outlets. Special dietary requirements can be catered for if notice is given. Allergen information is available at each outlet.

Students can pay by cash, card or online. Students wishing to pay online can register for an online account at any time.

Please note that all catering areas adopt a self-clear system and students are asked to clear away all their trays and packages as they leave.

Illegal substances, smoking and alcohol

We encourage all staff and students to make healthy lifestyle choices. It is illegal to smoke in college buildings and on the college site. Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking area by the main entrance. Students are requested not to smoke at the front of the college.

The use of nicotine by young people is unsafe, it can cause addiction and can harm the developing adolescent brain – there are no benefits to young people in using e-cigarettes. There is concern that e-cigarettes are seen as ‘safe’ but this is not the case, while the health risks of e-cigarettes are significantly lower than cigarettes they are not without risk. In view of this, the use of e-cigarettes is not permitted in college buildings nor on the college site, except in the designated smoking area. Smoking is also not permitted in front of the college entrances or on the roadside next to the college entrances.

For smokers who want to quit, you are advised to get expert help from your local stop smoking service, Smokefree Blackpool (telephone free on 0300 123 1044). This gives you the best chance of quitting smoking for good.

Any students found consuming alcohol, or under the influence of alcohol, whilst at college will be subject to immediate suspension until the circumstances have been fully investigated. Parents/carers will be informed in accordance with the college’s disciplinary procedures.

Any student found in possession of, or dealing in, illegal substances will be suspended pending an investigation, as a result of which the student’s place at college may be withdrawn. The substance misuse policy is available on https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies/.

Dress to college

Blackpool Sixth is a community of staff and students who work and study together within an atmosphere of mutual respect. Students are free to dress as they please but they should fit in with the college’s high standards and expectations.

In line with our core value of respect, students who wear clothing which could cause offence to others (e.g. clothes that are too revealing or display offensive slogans or images) will be asked to cover the item of clothing up or will be sent home to change.

Students are expected to remove coats, hoods and hats when entering a classroom, learning space, exam room or meeting. Reasonable adjustments will be made, where relevant.

For security purposes, it is important that all members of the college are clearly identifiable. Blackpool Sixth, therefore, requires all staff and students to wear their membership card while on the premises and while representing college offsite.

Compliments, concerns and complaints

We want all students to be very happy at Blackpool Sixth; it is a very pleasant and friendly environment in which to learn. If you have a concern or complaint then please follow the procedure below. Please do not use social media to air a grievance as this does not give us an opportunity to respond.

A concern or complaint should be raised in the first instance with the person or area concerned as soon as possible and not later than within five working days of the incident. This may be a student’s teacher or other member of staff. The member of staff dealing with a concern or complaint will make every reasonable effort to resolve it promptly at local level as soon as possible or at least within five working days.

If the concern or complaint cannot be resolved, a formal complaint in writing should be made to the Deputy Principal. The college will respond within two working days to indicate that an investigation is being undertaken and aim to conclude an investigation and respond within ten working days of receiving a formal complaint.

Compliments may be received verbally or in writing and may be received directly by the individual in receipt of the praise or by a direct line manager. College staff will seek to share compliments in a genuine and generous manner.

The college’s compliments, concerns and complaints policy is available on https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies/.

Disciplinary procedures

Blackpool Sixth expects all members of the college to:

act according to the core values and expectations (see the Blackpool Sixth Expects document)
be challenged if students or staff fail to meet the core values and expectations

Repeated failure to meet the values and expectations or serious breaches may result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary action is occasionally necessary in cases of poor attendance at lessons, failure to complete and submit work, failure to meet coursework deadlines, inappropriate behaviour etc. The aim of the disciplinary process is to help students to improve their performance and prepare for the world of work.

Staff will always aim to resolve any concerns at an early stage, informally, through early intervention and support. However, there are times when formal disciplinary action will be necessary. Normally the disciplinary action will be escalated in the order set out below.

First Formal warning
Second formal warning
Final warning
Permanent exclusion

Some offences are severe enough to move directly to a final warning or in serious cases to permanent exclusion. The full positive behaviour policy and disciplinary procedures are available on https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies/.

Other policies operated by the Directors (Governing Body)

In compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Blackpool Sixth issues a publication scheme. The scheme is a document where we declare which pieces of college-related information we publish or intend to publish in due course. This is available on https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/policies/.

Charges to students for college activities

The following is the Statement of the Charging and Remissions Policy of the Governing Body of The Blackpool Sixth Form College as detailed in the financial procedures of the college.

The Directors, the Principal and the staff believe that the education of our students is much enhanced by the many opportunities which are offered for activities and excursions out of college, although they may not always be an essential part of any course. The Directors are most grateful to the staff who organise such activities and recognise that appropriate charges to students who choose to participate must be made.

Charges must also be made for certain aspects of some subject courses, so that the level of government funding does not limit opportunities for students. Although the Directors believe that parents/carers will support this policy, they must draw parents/carers’ attention to these details to avoid misunderstandings.

Students experiencing financial hardship may be able to claim support from the Access Fund to cover some of the charges listed below. For further information about the financial support available and the application process, please contact a member of the Student Finance team either via email on student.finance@blackpoolsxith.ac.uk or call 01253 394911.

Membership card

Students are issued with a free membership card and lanyard at the start of term. Students must pay a £2 fee for a replacement for a lost membership card and lanyard. Students who persistently forget or lose their membership card may be required to pay a £10 deposit for a replacement card and lanyard, the deposit is refundable once the membership card or lanyard has been returned.

Files, paper and pens

Students are expected to provide their own stationery. Paper, pens, files etc. can be purchased from the Blackpool Sixth print room/shop (Refill) located in the Brock building.

Printing and photocopying

Photocopying is available in the print room/shop (Refill) at a cost of 5p per A4 side and 10p per A3 side. Colour photocopying is available at a cost of 10p per A4 and 20 per A3 side. Scan to email is also available at no charge.

All students will receive a computer printing quota worth £30, allocated in three instalments of £10 (one per term). Printing will be charged at 3p per sheet for black and white A4 printing, 5p for double- sided A4 printing, 20p per side for A4 colour laser printouts and 40p per side for A3 colour laser printing. Students who use up their entire quota, in any one term, will need to buy extra credit – printing credits can be purchased from Refill.

Students taking designated art subjects (graphics, photography or BTEC fashion or art) that require significant amounts of colour printing, will receive an additional allowance at key points in the year where coursework demands are high.

Please note that these limits are imposed as part of our sustainability policy to help reduce our carbon footprint. The allowance is calculated to cover the typical demands of coursework, homework and other course-imposed printing. It may be that students taking specific combinations of subjects exceed this allowance. In such instances, students may need to buy additional credit. Students experiencing financial hardship may make an application for support from the Access Fund.

Students are able to make use of services in the print room, which is known as Refill. Here, high quality photo printing is available, along with while-you-wait photocopying so that students and staff are able to have their smaller copying and print jobs completed whilst they wait at the desk.

The cost for glossy printing is £2 for A3 glossy and matte photo prints, £1 for A4 glossy, matte, acetate and transfer paper photo prints, 40p for glossy prints and 30p for 6×4 glossy prints.

Glossy printing facilities are available in the Visual Arts department.

Refill offers a stationery shop where students are able to purchase any stationery that they may require for their studies. Art, textiles and media supplies are also available as well as a laminating and binding service for final coursework. Refill offers very low cost quality items and is usually a far cheaper alternative to purchasing stationery and other supplies elsewhere.

Refill is open 5 days a week from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Enrichment activities (6Advance)

Some of these activities involve external commercial organisations and so a charge has to be made to students. Such charges are clearly publicised in advance and there are always other, non-chargeable options available at every stage of the year.

Educational visits

Several departments organise excursions out of college to supplement and enhance the teaching and learning carried out in the subject. The cost of travel is shared equally by all participating students and is often subsidised. Most of these visits do not involve overnight accommodation, but, for those residential visits that do, an additional charge is made to students for this. Students who have difficulty in meeting the expense incurred for essential educational visits should talk to a member of staff in the Student Finance Office.

Theatre visits

Visits to theatres are organised regularly. These are usually evening performances and participation is open to all students. In the case of productions of set texts, students studying these are strongly advised to attend. Participating students pay the cost of their theatre seats, generally at a discounted rate, and an equal share in the cost of travel.

FYi (Learning Resource Centre)

Books can be renewed twice before they must be returned. Failure to return books on time will mean subsequent borrowing of resources (e.g. laptops, books, DVDs), will not be allowed until all the books are returned.

Application fees for higher education (UCAS)

UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) makes a charge for participation in the scheme and the student pays this at the time of application. The cost is £22 for an application to a single course and £26.50 for multiple applications of up to 5 courses.

Interviews and open days for higher education and employment

In the case of visits to Open Days which are specifically organised by college, all participating students share the cost of the travel equally and this may be subsidised. Students who choose to attend other Open Days or interviews under their own arrangements must meet all the expenses involved. Students who have difficulty in meeting the expense incurred should talk to a member of staff in the Student Finance Office.

Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS, formerly CRB Check)

Students undertaking work placement with young children or vulnerable adults will need a DBS check to go out on a work placement. The cost of the DBS check is currently £40.

Payment is made when students bring in the completed DBS form and evidence of identity to the Head of Learning Resources and Careers. Students facing financial hardship may apply for funding from the Access Fund to help with the cost of this. Please talk to a member of staff in the Student Finance Office.

College property

Students will be charged for any loss or damage caused, whether deliberately or accidentally, to any textbook, iPad or other equipment /property belonging to Blackpool Sixth or to the fabric of the building itself. The amount levied will be either the full cost of replacement or repair, current at the time of the incident, or an appropriate amount, at the discretion of the Vice Principal (Resources).

Wilful damage to Blackpool Sixth property would be deemed gross misconduct and may result in permanent exclusion and, if appropriate, a formal prosecution.

Technology for learning – bring your own device

We are asking all students to bring in a laptop or tablet to their lessons. We feel that having a device in lessons will help us cover material more efficiently in a more meaningful and enjoyable way. It will give us flexibility to blend traditional learning with online work so that whatever the circumstances, students have access to the best possible experience.

All students will be granted access to our online learning platforms which include the tools they need to complete much of their work digitally and unlimited cloud-based storage for all their files.

We actively encourage students bringing their own laptop or tablet but please be aware of the following key advice:

Students must be able to use/install (free and secure) software on their device and access wifi settings.
Students must have appropriate free space on the device to store and create work for class (remember – we provide unlimited cloud-based storage, so that doesn’t need to be a lot)
The device should have a screen size of a minimum of 7″ – tablet devices should be paired with a keyboard case.
Some low cost tablets (e.g. some Kindle Fire devices) or older laptop browsers may be incompatible with certain apps we require students to use. (in particular the ‘Google Apps Suite’ – Google Drive, Docs, Classroom, Slides, Sheets.)
We don’t include phones as appropriate devices.
Please note: the college cannot accept responsibility for the theft, loss or damage of any devices brought on to campus. We highly recommend devices are covered by insurance.

Further details of the ‘Technology Ready Scheme’ can be found via this link. You can also find an enquiry form for any question you may have or advice you may need.

What if I don’t have my own device?

We are happy for students to provide any compatible device (see above) but emphasise that for most courses, there is little or no benefit to be had from providing an expensive high end machine. We have replaced many of our own existing Mac and PC laptops with Chromebooks and had positive responses from staff and students alike who identify the following positive features about Chromebooks:

Quick start up time. Get straight into working every time.
Hard wearing and light.
Excellent battery life.
Easy to use.
Simple to maintain, no long delays updating software.
Replacement parts are usually cheap

Chromebooks are simple machines, but they don’t slow down over time. Buy now and you could be using the same machine, working at the same speed in 4 or 5 years time.

Chromebooks currently available in the UK: with prices starting from around £179 the cost of a laptop could be as little as 25p a day for the duration of a 2 year course.

Please note that a small number of specialist applications are incompatible with Chromebooks. If this is a concern, please discuss with subject teachers at enrolment and be assured that where specialist software is required as part of a student’s programme of study, the college provides machines and access in both the relevant classrooms and the learning resource centre during study periods. Many subjects benefit from access to a virtual PC via web browser to access software such as Adobe photoshop. For a full list of software available via our virtual PC platform, please click here.

We strongly advise that any new devices are purchased after enrolment to college is confirmed and final course choices are made.

What if you are concerned about providing a device?

The advice below links to some very cost-effective devices. However, we recognise that everyone has different circumstances and college is fully committed to ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need.

The information on our bursary page explains how we support students financially. We have a supply of machines available for students who may be concerned about providing a device (or whether their current device is suitable for college) If you feel this might be a situation that applies to you, please fill in the enquiry form linked here.

Students who apply and are eligible for a college bursary will be able to access a loan device as part of this financial support. We will endeavour to support any other students with providing a suitable device upon which to learn.

Financial contributions for specific subjects

The following summary gives students advance warning of the required materials and resources for specific subjects. In some cases, students may be recommended to purchase a textbook or other resources, however, loan copies will be made available for students to use in lessons if needed.

Business Studies and IT

BTEC Business and BTEC IT

Students wishing to purchase a textbook should seek advice from teachers.

NOTE: It is not advisable to purchase books until the course has started, as it is likely that more up-to-date books will be published in the summer.

Business studies, computer science, economics and BTEC IT

Students wishing to purchase a textbook should seek advice from teachers.

NOTE: It is not advisable to purchase books until the course has started, as it is likely that more up-to-date books will be published in the summer.

Financial studies

Students will be given a textbook covering the contents of the course at the start of the year.

English and Modern Foreign Languages

English Literature

Students are required to purchase their own texts, approximate cost £20. The examination board required texts are:

Year 1:

‘Jane Eyre’: Charlotte Bronte Penguin Classics
‘Mean Time’: Carol Ann Duffy Picador
‘The Whitsun Weddings’: Philip Larkin Faber
‘The Tempest’: William Shakespeare Oxford School Shakespeare edition

Year 2:

Selected poems: John Donne Penguin Classics
‘The Duchess of Malfi’: John Webster New Mermaids Edition
‘A Streetcar Named Desire’: Tennessee Williams Penguin Classics

English Language

Students may wish to purchase the official AQA textbook for English language “The AQA English Language Student Book”, Cambridge University Press. Approximately £20.

There is also a supplementary textbook, ‘AQA English Language’, Oxford University Press. Approximately £20

David Crystal’s Rediscover Grammar is very useful to students of A Level English Language. Approximately £20.

Combined English Language and Literature

An anthology is provided free by the examination board for component 1 of the course. In addition, students will also need their own copy of studied texts:

- ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Penguin Classics
- ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tenessee Williams: Penguin Classics

‘The Whitsun Weddings’: Philip Larkin Faber

French and Spanish

All students are required to pay £15 for online access to Kerboodle resources.

Year 1: Modern Foreign Language (MFL) students are recommended to purchase the official AQA Grammar and translation Workbook for £5.99

Year 2: all second year MFL students are required to purchase a novel for their chosen language which will be confirmed at the end of year 1

Humanities

Geography

Students may wish to purchase their own course textbook for the A level course “Edexcel A Level Geography Book 1” ISBN-9781471856549 at an approximate cost of £25. However, copies of these will be made available in class. Online booklets are available for each unit and can be printed. Students will have an opportunity to undertake fieldwork at a local level at no cost.

History (Modern)

Students may wish to purchase their own course textbooks for the A level course: “The Cold War 1945 – 1991” (Oxford AQA History) ISBN 978-0-19-835461 – 1 and “AQA Tudors” textbook ISBN 978-1-4718 -3758-6. Each textbook is approximately £20 – £25. However, copies of these will be made available in class. Students may also wish to purchase the Hodder revision guides for each examined module at a cost of £10 each.

Online booklets are available for each unit.

Ancient History (Classical Civilisation)

Students may wish to purchase the complete copies of the ancient texts, although online booklets with all specification content are supplied. Complete copies of the ancient texts are available in class should a student wish to borrow one.

Law

Textbooks can be purchased for £25.99 each: OCR AS/A Level Law Book 1, by Jacqueline Martin and Nicholas Price, and OCR A Level Law Book 2, by Jacqueline Martin, Nicholas Price and Richard Wortley. Purchase of these textbooks is entirely optional and full notes are accessible via Google Drive. In addition, there may be an opportunity to take part in an overnight trip to London at an approximate cost of £120.

Religion, ethics and philosophy

No purchases are required for this course. Some students may wish to purchase a textbook; details will be provided by teachers. Class copies are available for use in the lessons. There are three course booklets in total which are available online, and can be printed if wished.

Mathematics

Mathematics students must have a scientific calculator with access to Binomial Tables. The minimum calculator is the CASIO Classwiz FX-991EX which costs around £20 – £25.

Further Mathematics

Students must have a scientific calculator with access to Binomial Tables. It is preferable for students to have a CASIO FX-CG50 which costs just around £100, as it advantages students with certain topics, sketching graphs and ultimately saves valuable time in the exam; however it is not essential. It will be useful for those continuing into any maths-rich degree. The minimum calculator is the CASIO Classwiz FX-991EX which costs around £20 – £25. You do not need both.

Statistics

Statistics students must have a CASIO graphical calculator FX-9750Gii for the course which costs around £45. Those students studying both mathematics and statistics can purchase the CASIO FX-CG50 which costs just around £100, which can be used on both courses.

GCSE Mathematics

GCSE students must have a calculator for every lesson, the recommended calculator is a CASIO FX-83GTX, which is less than £10.

Performing Arts, Music and Media

BTEC Dance and BTEC Performing Arts and BTEC Musical Theatre

It is compulsory for all students to purchase appropriate black clothing and footwear for taking part in practical work.

BTEC Dance

In line with professional standards, female students are required to wear black leotard and footless leggings / tights, male students are required to wear black fitted vests and black tracksuit bottoms to all practical classes. Non-binary/transgender students to discuss uniform options with teacher.

BTEC Film and Television Production

Students are required to purchase an SD card to capture and store their footage. This should be a class 10 card and at least 64gb of storage space.

Students will require a pair of ear/headphones for use during editing sessions.

There is no requirement to purchase any camera equipment or software, however, some past students have done so. Your subject teacher will be able to advise you on this during enrolment/induction if this applies to you.

Drama and Theatre Studies

Students will need to purchase two plays for their studies. Details of texts will be provided at enrolment and the total cost will be around £14 – funds are available to any students who may struggle to purchase these texts.

A-level Film Studies

Students are encouraged to buy this textbook:

WJEC Eduqas Film Studies for A Level & AS Paperback by Lisa Wardle, Ellen Cheshire, Mark Ramey, Jenny Stewart, approx £30, ISBN: 1911208446

A-level Media Studies

Lower Sixth Students are encouraged to buy this textbook:

WJEC/Eduqas Media Studies for A Level Year 1 & AS: Student Book by Christine Bell and Lucas Johnson, approx £24, ISBN: 1911208101

Music

The music team will be able to recommend various types of headphones during the course induction. Students will also be expected to provide their own instruments, leads, etc, for use in rehearsals, performances and studio recordings.

BTEC Music

All students (except drummers and pianists) will be expected to bring their own instrument to college. This includes microphones for singers.

A-level Music Technology

The following two textbooks are not essential for the course, but students may choose to purchase them for additional study if they wish:

“Edexcel AS/A2 Music Technology Listening Tests, 2nd edition” approx. £21, ISBN 9781906178901

“Edexcel AS/A2 Music Technology Study Guide” approx. £17, ISBN 9781906178482

A-level Music

Students will need a copy of the “Edexcel AS/A Level Anthology of Music”, approx. £45, ISBN: 9781292118369. There is financial support available through the college Access Fund, if required.

Science

CTEC Applied Science

The following textbook is not essential for the course, but students may choose to purchase it to support their study if they wish:

“Cambridge Technicals Level 3 Applied Science” approximately £25, ISBN 9781471874826

Students must have a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the Casio fx-85G, approximately £8 – £10 (if studying maths or further maths, the upgraded calculator you buy for these courses will be sufficient).

Biology

It is not essential to purchase a textbook as teachers will provide essential resources/ sources of information to support the course. There is also an online textbook available for your use. If students choose to purchase a textbook we recommended:

“AQA Biology” approximately £44 ISBN 0198351771

Students will need to purchase a 30cm clear ruler and a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the Casio fx-85G, approximately £8 – £10 (if studying maths or further maths, the upgraded calculator you buy for these courses will be sufficient).

Chemistry

Online textbooks are available for this course, it is not essential to purchase a textbook. Students will be provided with resources / sources of information to support the course.

The textbooks recommended if students wish to purchase them are:

“AQA Chemistry” approximately £44, ISBN 0198351828

“AQA A-level Chemistry Student Guide: Practical Chemistry” approximately £10, ISBN 1471885143.

As we work online, it is recommended that you purchase a graphics tablet to enable you to complete work more easily online. This is not essential but it will help to keep you organised and enable you to submit work more easily. We recommend the Wacom one tablet which costs approximately £30.

Electronics

Students must have a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the Casio fx-83GTX – costs approximately £15 – £20, (if studying maths or further maths, the upgraded calculator you buy for these courses will be sufficient). Students also need a 30cm clear ruler.

Engineering

Students must have a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the Casio fx-83GTX – costs approximately £15 – £20. Students also need a 30cm clear ruler, a mechanical pencil, a protractor set, 60 degree and 45 degree set squares.

There may be educational visits involved with the course and some of these may incur a cost to the student.

A Windows based PC laptop would be desirable to enable access to our simulation packages such as Solidworks and Circuit Wizard – this is not an essential requirement.

Physics

The following textbook is very highly recommended, as it closely follows the structure and content of the lower sixth year: AQA Physics, A Level Year 1 and AS (Jim Breithaupt, 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press). Other online textbooks are available for this course.

The science department runs several trips and educational visits throughout the year to enhance the experience of studying science. There may be other non-essential educational visits that students can access during the two-year course, such as visits to zoos and museums, which may incur a cost to the student of less than £50.

Social Science

Psychology

There is no requirement to purchase a textbook for psychology, since students will have access to an electronic version.

If students would prefer a hard copy to assist them with their studies, the recommended textbook is AQA Psychology for A Level Year 1 & AS: 2nd Edition by Cara Flanagan, Matt Jarvis and Rob Liddle (2020), ISBN: 978-1912820429, approximately £25.

Sociology

There is no requirement to purchase a textbook for sociology. If students wish to purchase a resource to assist with their studies the recommended textbook is AQA A Level Sociology Book 1 by Rob Webb, Hal Westergaard, Keith Trobe and Annie Townend (2015), ISBN: 978-0-954007- 91-1, approximately £25.

Applied Diploma in Criminology

There is no requirement to purchase a textbook for Criminology. If students wish to purchase a resource to assist with their studies the recommended textbook is Criminology Book One for the WJEC Level 3 Applied Certificate & Diploma by Rob Webb and Annie Townend (2021), Napier Press, ISBN 9781838271503, approximately £25.

BTEC Health and Social Care (Diploma and Extended Diploma)

Students undertaking work experience with young children or vulnerable adults on the extended diploma course will need a DBS check to go out on a work placement. The cost of the DBS check is currently £40. Payment is made when students bring in the completed DBS form and evidence of identity to the Student Finance Office.

In the second year of the extended diploma course there may be an opportunity for students to take part in the cadet programme at Blackpool Teaching Hospital. Any student enrolling onto this programme will be required to purchase their uniform and ID badges through Blackpool Victoria Hospital, the approximate cost of this is £45.

There is no requirement to purchase a textbook for health and social care. If students wish to purchase a resource to assist with either their BTEC Health and Social Care Diploma or Extended Diploma, the textbook we recommend is BTEC National Health and Social Care Student Book 1 for the 2016 specification. ISBN: 978 129212 601 2, approximately £25.

BTEC Health and Social Care (level 2)

There is no requirement to purchase a textbook for health and social care. If students wish to purchase a resource to assist with their BTEC Health and Social Care level 2 programme, the recommended textbook is Health and Social Care, published by Pearson Education Ltd, ISBN: 978-1-446901-35-9, approximately £21.

Sport, Tourism and Public Services

Physical education

Two textbooks for the course are recommended by the teachers. It will not be essential to purchase these as teachers will provide essential resources/ sources of information to support the course.

Recommended textbooks

AQA A Level PE Book 1 – isbn – 978-147-1-85956-4. Approximately £25

AQA A Level PE Book 2 ISBN 978-147-1-85959-5. Approximately £25

BTEC Uniformed Protective Services

There will be educational visits, including a residential, involved with the course. Some of these will be funded by the specific uniformed service. Other visits will be funded by the students. An approximate cost for these essential visits will be £150 over the two years of the course. There may be other non-essential educational visits that students can access during the two-year course.

Students will be expected to purchase a Blackpool Sixth polo shirt to be worn during trips and visits, approximate cost £20.

As part of any voluntary work, any students working with young children or vulnerable adults may need a DBS check. The cost of the DBS check is currently £40. Payment is made when students bring in the completed DBS form and evidence of identity to the Student Finance Office.

BTEC Sport & Exercise Science

A range of textbooks and other relevant publications are available in the FYi or departmental resource area. Subscription to appropriate periodicals is also available through the department.

There are day visits included as part of the course in which students are encouraged to participate. These may incur a cost to cover transport and entrance to the visited organisation. In total, the estimated cost of these essential visits over the two years of the course will be approximately £100. There may be other non-essential educational visits that students can access during the two-year course.

Any student undertaking work experience with young children or vulnerable adults may need a DBS check to go out on a work placement. The cost of the DBS check is currently £40. Payment is made when students bring in the completed DBS form and evidence of identity to the Student Finance Office.

Students will be expected to purchase a Blackpool Sixth sports kit, polo shirt and training top to be worn during practical sessions, leadership activities and work experience, approximate cost £45.

BTEC Sport (Sports Performance & Excellence) (Diploma and Extended Diploma)

A range of textbooks and other relevant publications are available in the FYi or departmental resource area. Subscription to appropriate periodicals is also available through the department.

There are day visits included as part of the course that students are encouraged to participate in. These may incur a cost to cover transport and entrance to the visited organisation. In total, the estimated cost of these essential visits over the two years of the course will be approximately £100. There may be other non-essential educational day and residential visits that students can access during the two year course.

Students will be expected to purchase a Blackpool Sixth sports kit, polo shirt and training top to be worn during practical sessions, leadership activities and work experience, approximate cost £45.

BTEC Travel & Tourism (Diploma and Extended Diploma)

Students undertaking work experience with young children or vulnerable adults may need a DBS check to go out on a work placement. The cost of the DBS check is currently £40. Payment is made when students bring in the completed DBS form and evidence of identity to the Student Finance Office.

Visual Arts

Art

All students are required to buy essential basic equipment at the start of their studies. This is to ensure they have the essential items they will need in order to complete homework tasks.

A basic art pack of materials will be available at our college shop (Refill) and starting costs will be approximately £15.00. Some students may need to buy additional materials to expand their ideas and this may create extra costs. Art materials are available for sale in the college shop (Refill) at very competitive prices.

Textiles and Fashion

A basic practical garment construction pack will be available at a cost of approximately £30.00. All students are required to buy this at the start of their studies. This pack will supply the essential items they will need in order to complete homework and classroom tasks.

Some students may need to buy additional materials to expand their ideas and this may create extra costs. Art and textiles materials are available for sale in the college shop (Refill) at very competitive prices.

Graphic Design and Photography

All students are required to purchase the essential item of an SD Memory Card, minimum 4G. Approximate cost for the materials to start the course is £10 and items can be purchased at our college shop (Refill).

Students will incur additional costs throughout the courses such as photographs and digital printouts.

Students can buy art materials and print outs from Refill at very competitive prices.

PLEASE NOTE: Students experiencing financial hardship may be able to claim support from the Access Fund to cover some of the charges listed. For further information about the financial support available and the application process, please contact a member of the Student Finance team either via email on student.finance@blackpoolsxith.ac.uk or call 01253 394911.