TTC SIXTH FORM - Tendring Technology College

‘The future belongs to you’ 

TTC SIXTH FORM 

HANDBOOK 

2012-2013

Contents 

1. Welcome to TTC Sixth Form 

2. College Mission Statement 

3. Aims and Objectives 

4. The Sixth Form Team 

5. The Sixth Form Experience 

6. Attitude to Learning and Ethos 

7. The TTC Sixth Form Code for Success 

8. Pastoral support 

9. Tutor Groups 

10. The Role of the Tutor 

11. Assemblies 

12. Extra-Curricular/Enrichment/Community 

13. Induction 

14. The Curriculum 

15. Attendance 

16. Absence 

17. Behaviour 

18. Monitoring 

19. Deadlines 

20. Examinations and Assessment 

21. Examination Entries 

22. Target grades 

23. Progress review 

24. Student voice 

25. Positions of responsibility/Sixth Form Council 

26. ICT 

27. 16-19 bursary fund 

28. ISIC, NUS and UCAS cards 

29. Private Study 

30. Home Study 

31. Cafeteria 

32. Driving 

33. Key Dates 

James Saunders Page 2 31/08/12

1. Welcome to TTC Sixth Form 

Thank you for choosing Tendring Technology College for your Sixth Form programme of study. It will not 

be long before you discover just how different it is studying post-16 compared to your experiences in 

“compulsory” school. 

We treat all our students as individuals with particular aspirations and potential. We want to ensure we 

provide the right course for the right student and to ensure that the right student is on the right course. 

We look forward to supporting you in your quest for success. The most important difference is the need 

for you to take more responsibility for your own learning. You will need to get much more involved with 

your subject teachers and your personal tutor. Please check the TTC Sixth Form “Code for Success” so 

that you understand your responsibilities as a Sixth Form student. This handbook will provide you with 

the information to help you make the most of your time here in the Sixth Form. 

Your time will pass very quickly so you should maximize the benefits of the courses you are studying and 

take full advantage of the extra curricular and community life of the Sixth Form. There is so much on 

offer! 

Most important, though, is to remember that you are investing the next few years in the TTC Sixth Form 

so that you can move on to university, further education/training, or directly into employment. You should 

bear in mind that although exam qualifications are vital, other skills and experiences are important as 

well, to help equip you for life in the future. 

On behalf of the team, we wish you a very happy and successful period in TTC Sixth Form, and beyond! 

 

2. College Mission Statement 

Together, our mission is to be a Sixth Form that: 

• fully prepares students for their futures. 

• provides a personalised and relevant pathway of progression for each student. 

• exploits technological developments to the full. 

• nurtures creative students with the skills, knowledge, and motivation to compete on an 

international level develops confident leaders ready to dismiss social barriers and take on the 

world. 

• excels in creativity, mathematics, computing, communication and language across the whole 

curriculum. 

• achieves success in every league both nationally and internationally. 

• adopts innovative design for learning to increase engagement and learning potential, and 

• is the provider of choice for students, parents and staff. 

OUR AIMS 

WE AIM to enable our students: 

3. Aims & Objectives 

1 To develop to their full potential, whatever their background, ability, race, gender or sexual 

orientation. 

2 To shape their own future, and the future of the world we live in. 


OUR OBJECTIVES 

1 To provide – in conjunction with local Further Education partners – a curriculum that will provide all 

students with the knowledge, awareness, skills, and competencies to succeed in their lives beyond 

the Sixth Form. 

2 To help to equip each student with the best formal qualifications to progress from the Sixth Form 

into university, further education, training, or employment. We aim to provide access to every 

university course offered throughout the country. 

3 To help to reinforce in our young people the positive moral and spiritual values that will help them to 

make the world of the future a better place. 

4. We share the following beliefs for post 16 learning: that learning meets the needs of individuals, 

their future employers, and the needs of the community - that students are encouraged to 

complete courses, and that they work in a safe and supportive environment that together with local 

further education providers we offer equality of access that learning is effective - that it provides 

good value for money. 

4. The Sixth Form Team 

James Saunders Assistant Principal, Director of Sixth Form 

Teacher of Photography 

Responsibilities include: Leadership of the Sixth Form, Monitoring Teaching & 

Learning of all students within all courses, Examinations and Reporting, ICT 

innovation, 14-19 Curriculum 

Andrew Croydon Programme Director (GCE) 

Teacher of Biology 

Responsibilities include: Monitoring of Teaching and Learning of students within 

GCE programmes of study, Tutor Programme, Student Voice and Sixth Form 

Council, Higher Education 

Gareth Wicks Programme Director (Vocational) 

Teacher of Business Studies 

Responsibilities include: Monitoring of Teaching and Learning of students within 

Vocational programmes of study, Careers, Work Experience/Apprenticeships, 

SEN 

Tim Paternoster Curriculum Director 

Teacher of Resistant Materials 

Responsibilities include: Co-ordinating Sixth Form Recruitment, IAG within the 

Sixth Form, Enrichment, Data analysis, Student Pathways 

Clare McInnes Student Support Manager (SSM) – Year 13 

Victoria Otto Student Support Manager (SSM) – Year 12 

Melanie Lester Student Support Manager (SSM) – Year 12 

Responsibilities include: Tracking Student Progress, Pastoral Care, Home- 

College Contact, Day-to-day administration of the Sixth Form, Acting as support 

to the Sixth Form Team 

Debbie Lawrence Sixth Form Office Manager 

Hannah Wood Attendance Officer 

Gavin Cooke Sixth Form ICT Technician 


5. The Sixth Form Experience 

Life in the Sixth Form is very different from Year 11. In addition to having your own purpose built 

facilities, you will have more of a say in how we run the Sixth Form, and you will be consulted on all 

aspects of school life. As young adults you will be the role models of the school and should act 

accordingly. You will be given many opportunities to engage with enrichment activities and the 

community and many of these opportunities will be managed by you. The Sixth Form is an active and 

outgoing community playing a very important part in the wider Tendring community. 

Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility make up our core value system – we call it ‘TTC3’. These values 

are at the heart of everything we do. We expect everyone in our community, staff and students, to model 

these values in our day-to-day activities, in class, in tutorials and beyond the college. 

If you are to benefit from the Sixth Form, you must be prepared to meet academic challenges. You will 

become increasingly responsible for your own learning as you develop as an effective independent 

learner. You will need to create a partnership with your teachers to achieve the best outcomes. 

We aim to increase your flexibility and independence as you move through the Sixth Form. You will need 

to use the greater freedom that you will be given in an industrious and worthwhile manner, taking 

advantage of the opportunity to develop your leadership and teambuilding. We hope you are ready to 

meet the challenge. 

Attendance, academic progress, behaviour, conduct and attitude are all closely monitored to ensure that 

you are maximising your potential. College rules are designed with the intention of treating you as adults 

and expecting an adult response from you. 

Working relationships between sixth formers and staff are usually different from those experienced in 

Years 7 – 11. Students should be reminded that they have a responsibility to talk to teachers if work is 

going to be late or if lessons are going to be missed. If work is below the standard that a student is 

capable of then the teacher may ask for it to be re-submitted. 

6. Attitude to Learning & Ethos 

At TTC, we aim to break down all barriers to progress and promote independent learning. If the attitude 

is not right, progress and independence will be limited. There can be a whole host of reasons why a 

student’s attitude to learning is less than positive which is why we use the attitude to learning (ATL) 

grade as a means to identify what support is needed to overcome any barriers. The attitude to learning 

grade will be given by subject teachers during regular reviews throughout the year. Teachers will be 

asked to comment on the attitude that students have towards their learning by giving a grade from 1 to 4. 

Grade 1: Outstanding attitude and respect towards learning. Takes personal responsibility for his/her 

own learning; always ready to learn. 

Grade 2: Positive attitude to learning; works hard and takes responsibility to improve the quality of 

his/her work; usually respectful and ready to learn. 

Grade 3: Inconsistent attitude to learning and lack of respect, requiring an improvement in this 

subject; does not take full responsibility for own learning; sometimes ready to learn. 

Grade 4: Poor attitude and lack of respect towards learning and a cause for concern; takes no 

responsibility for own learning or actions; rarely ready to learn. 


7. Sixth Form Code for Success 

All Sixth Form students will be required to sign and keep to a contract, a copy of which is included with 

this booklet. 

These firm expectations are for all students enrolling for Post 16 studies at TTC. We expect the utmost 

courtesy and good manners at all times from all students. This Code provides the minimum framework 

necessary for the College to live, work and play together in harmony, efficiency and safety. Within the 

framework it is expected that each one of you will conduct yourself with a regard for the feelings and 

reasonable interests of others. 

1. Work to the best of your ability in order to fulfil your potential. 

2. Treat other students and staff with respect, setting a good example to the rest of the school and take 

proper care of facilities and accommodation. 

3. Complete your academic targets set during the course and submit work within the time allocated by 

subject staff. 

4. In order to give yourself every opportunity to fulfill your potential, you must plan carefully and divide 

your time between the different subjects and commit yourself to regular study beyond the classroom. 

5. Make the most of your study time. The Study Base, Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and Cafeteria 

can be used during study periods. We expect a quiet atmosphere to be maintained during the college 

working day and there is to be no eating in the LRC or Study Base at any time. 

6. Attend punctually and regularly all lessons, courses, placements and official meetings and obtain 

prior permission (with a Pink Form) from the teacher concerned if you have to miss a lesson. 

7. If you are absent due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, we expect a phone call to the Sixth 

Form Office (07946 168834) so that tutor and teachers can be informed. It is expected that on your 

return you will contact teachers to find out what you have missed. You must arrange all holidays and 

appointments including driving lessons out of school time. 

8. Attend college by 8.40am for Registration. You should be on site during the working day until 2.50pm. 

9. If you urgently need to leave the premises or have an outside appointment, you must use the 

Signing Out Book placed in the Sixth Form entrance so that in the case of emergency your 

whereabouts will be known. If it means missing a lesson please inform the teacher(s) concerned by 

means of the Pink Form. 

10. Be mindful of the good image of the Sixth Form both on site and within the community at large, 

avoiding extremes of dress, and ensuring that what you wear is appropriate to a working 

environment, e.g. something you would wear to work is appropriate. 

11. Do not smoke on the premises, on site, or nearby (at the gate), and do not consume alcohol during 

college hours, including the lunch hour. Disciplinary action will be taken if a pupil is found to be under 

the influence of alcohol whilst on college premises. 

12. Anyone found in possession of illegal drugs/offensive weapons will be asked to leave the College 

permanently. Police and parents will be informed. 

13. If mobile phones/ipods are brought to college they should be switched off in lessons and not used 

inside any building, except the Sixth Form Centre and in lessons where they are a specific 

requirement. 

14. Food and drink should not be taken into lessons, the LRC or the Study Base, with the exception of 

bottled water. 

15. Restrict the frequency and timing of any part-time job so your studies are not affected. 


8. Pastoral Support 

All students should have an ongoing discussion covering general academic progress; student concerns; 

tutor concerns and issues relevant to careers. Tutors are expected to keep themselves informed about 

members of their tutor group by talking to students and checking progress. 

Tutors are required to keep relevant records on their students and endeavour to ensure that students are 

kept informed about issues relevant to their progress. Tutors are expected to seek advice and support 

when they do not have the knowledge required to help the student. 

We monitor and support students while allowing them the freedom to develop as independent learners 

and mature adults. Students have a responsibility to themselves to try to identify obstacles to progress 

such as study skills problems. Students also have a responsibility to keep their SSM, tutor and teachers 

informed about matters which impact on their progress. Failure to attend appointments made by SSMs 

may lead to a breakdown of communication between student and tutor/teacher. Students should inform 

SSMs/tutors if they are experiencing difficulties. Sixth Form students should seek help if they experience 

problems. Besides the support available in college from teachers, tutors SSMs etc, there are also outside 

agencies that can be contacted. The most common mistake made by students is to assume that nothing 

can be done or that no one will understand. The SSM should be the first point of contact for a student 

that is having difficulties. 

Departments monitor the progress of students in their charge. By using GCSE performance, teachers 

know what they can expect from students. Teachers will liaise with the SSMs with regard to issues such 

as absence from lessons and significant underperformance. This system is also used to identify students 

who are deserving of praise. Departments, in conjunction with SSMs will ensure that parents are 

informed at an early date if progress is falling below expectations. Departments and/or SSMs may make 

direct contact home. 

Although Sixth Form students are more independent than younger students, home contact is just as 

important. We welcome inquiries from parents/guardians and we are happy to give a progress update at 

any time. When we have concerns we will make contact ourselves. Students usually prefer to deal with 

teachers directly and we are happy to do this. However, our responsibility to keep parents informed is 

uppermost in our minds and parents will always be informed of any concerns/ interventions. 

9. Tutor Groups 

Your enrolment in the Sixth Form set in motion a process of assigning you a personal tutor; someone 

who is there to guide you to successful completion of your sixth form experience. 

The Tutorial Programme 

All those individuals who share the same personal tutor will meet weekly as a group to follow the Group 

Tutor Programme; you should find you are in a group of like minded individuals with similar backgrounds, 

aspirations and hopefully friendship groups. 

The Sixth Form aims to give you the necessary skills to enable you to make choices about your life both 

for the present and future. Undoubtedly, reaching your potential in academic studies will give you greater 

flexibility in your choice of higher education or employment. However, academic success alone is not 

enough. It is essential you continue to develop personal skills and show how you have widened your 

experiences and responsibilities. Universities and employers state they place ‘teamwork’ skills in the top 

section of their skills list. 

The TTC Group Tutor Programme is designed to provide access to exciting and demanding new 

challenges to aid personal development, and maximise your successes both academically and 

practically. All students are expected to attend morning registration with their tutor group, as well as 

being timetabled to meet in tutor groups for 1 hour per week to follow the tutor programme. The themes 

on which the programme will focus throughout the Year 12 and Year 13 are as follows: 


YEAR 12 

Autumn Term: Theme: No. of sessions: 

4 September – 26 October 2012 

5 November – 21 December 2012 

Spring Term: 

7 January – 28 March 2013 

Summer Term: 

15 April – 24 May 2013 

3 June – 19 July 2013 

Personal development, team building and 

college ethos. 

Independent learning 

Community based projects 

Exam preparation and support 

Introduction to 

UCAS/Apprenticeships/Employment 

YEAR 13 

Autumn Term: Theme: No. of sessions: 

4 September – 26 October 2012 

5 November – 21 December 2012 

Spring Term: 

7 January – 28 March 2013 

Summer Term: 

15 April – 24 May 2013 

Continuation of 

UCAS/Apprenticeships/Employment 

Finance and life 

Individual support & inter-form activities 

Exam preparation and support 

James Saunders Page 8 31/08/12 

8 

7 

11 

6 

7 

8 

7 

11 

6

10. The Role of The Tutor 

You are assigned and supported by a Personal Tutor in a particular tutor group. Your tutor is there to 

guide you through your time in the Sixth Form, by caring for students, and monitoring progress both 

academically and socially. Encouraging involvement, commitment, and high standards of work and 

behaviour are also part of the tutor’s role. In summary, your personal tutor should be proactive in looking 

after the interests of the “whole student” and the following table outlines how this may be achieved. 

On a daily basis your personal tutor should: 

• Set a positive tone for the day during 

registration period, through creation of a 

classroom atmosphere which both establishes 

and maintains healthy student/teacher and 

student/student relationships. 

• Encourage and facilitate high standards of work, 

behaviour and dress code in all – through a 

belief that each student is an exception, is to be 

valued and can succeed. 

• Be aware of issues which may affect your 

experience of college, such as friendship 

patterns, family structures, leisure interests, 

personal targets and aspirations, relationships 

with other students and staff, and any other 

social and personal factors relevant to you 

within and outside of school. 

• Assist the Sixth Form team by distributing 

letters/notices as appropriate. 

• Act as a good role model, being consistent and 

fair, and acting as a mediator within your group 

if necessary. 

• Actively supervise in assemblies or year group 

gatherings when present. 

• Ensure relevant college policies, Health & 

Safety and Fire Drill instructions are explained 

and upheld. 

11. Assemblies 

Over the course of the year your personal tutor 

should: 

• Be the first point of contact to guide and 

assist with UCAS/apprenticeship/job 

applications and future development. 

• Develop a group of tutees who embrace 

TTC3, the sixth form ethos and college spirit. 

• Promote the highest level of attendance 

(ensuring students feel accountable for their 

own attendance) and assist with monitoring 

official records of attendance and 

punctuality; where necessary identifying any 

patterns of, or suspicious, absences. 

• Engage in positive dialogue to monitor and 

continually review your progress across the 

curriculum using available data. 

• Follow up concerns and issues about your 

learning and effort when necessary with 

subject areas and parents, in consultation 

with the sixth form learning team. 

• Get to know your individual profile and use 

this knowledge to benefit appropriate 

participation in Parents’ Evenings and report 

writing. 

• Deliver a purposeful group tutor programme 

and enable you to fully engage in these 

activities. 

• Reinforce the college’s high expectations 

and focus your mind on achievement 

through learning. 

Assemblies are organised for Year 12 and Year 13 students every alternate week. Assemblies are 

delivered by a member of the Sixth Form leadership team (or in some instances, the Principal or guest 

speakers), and are an important feature of Sixth Form life. TTC Sixth Form assemblies allow for sharing 

of successes, communication of information more easily and ultimately play a role in ensuring an even 

more cohesive community. The leadership team strives to make assemblies as interesting and relevant 

each week as possible however, if you think something deserves a mention, please speak to a member 

of the Sixth Form team who will ensure you get your say. 


12. Extra Curricular/Enrichment/Community 

TTC Sixth Form prides itself on the sense of community within the college and actively promotes the 

notion that the more you are prepared to put into life in the Sixth Form, the more you will get out of it. 

However, this notion can only be fulfilled if suitable opportunities are provided. Consequently, the college 

organises a programme of activities for students to have fun, discover and exploit the talents and 

interests that give life balance and richness, as well as simply relaxing – after all, college is not only 

about study! 

The Enrichment Programme embraces community, business, technology, environmental and cultural 

issues and amongst other activities, includes: 

• Curriculum drop down days with a specific extra-curricular focus such as team building, health, 

money or road safety. 

• Opportunities to take part in a wide range of sporting activities. 

• A range of extra-curricular clubs and initiatives organised by individual departments. 

• Opportunities to gain life skills and a sense of achievement through charitable work. 

It is possible there may not be a specific activity which immediately appeals to you, but instead you have 

your own ideas; if so please inform the leadership team who will see if your ideas can be accommodated. 

The Sixth Form believes active involvement in the enrichment programme, and activities available within 

the wider college community to be essential. Furthermore, such involvement, together with successful 

completion of the tutor programme, will help create students who leave college as confident leaders 

ready to dismiss social barriers and take on the world. 

13. Induction 

Our goal at TTC is to try and ensure that every student has the appropriate qualifications at the end of 

their time with us to enable them to go on to the next step in their chosen pathway. An induction period 

will run for the first three weeks of the Autumn term, during which time we will try to ensure that every 

individual programme of study is tailored to the strengths of the student and their chosen future career. 

This short period is used to enable dialogue between Curriculum Leaders and students, and ensure that 

the best possible programme of study to open the doors to future success has been taken. 

During this process it may be necessary therefore to change a programme of study if a course does not 

appear to be suited to the best interests of the student. However, this action will only occur after a 

learning meeting has taken place between the student and either the Sixth Form Director or the Sixth 

Form Curriculum Director. 

On completion of the three week induction period all timetables will be set and no movement of subjects 

will be permitted as too much time will have been missed from the start of the course. 

14. The Curriculum 

As previously mentioned, one of our main aims within the Sixth Form at TTC is to try and provide the 

right course for the right student and to ensure that the right student is on the right course. We want to 

see every student find success in their academic studies and, just as every student at TTC is unique, so 

too will be their programme of study. 

Changes to a programme of study pathway through a course is very rarely advisable and there would 

need to be very good reasons to do so. Such changes would only take place after a consultation with the 

Sixth Form Curriculum Director to assess the impact of these changes upon current studies and future 

options. 

It is important to remember that a complete programme of study is not simply what is printed on a 

timetable, but will also include any additional study that is expected, tutorial times and active involvement 


in college life as appropriate. None of these should be interfered with by part-time employment, driving 

lessons, social activities or any other none college related agendas. 

If you wish to make a change to your programme you should make an appointment to see the Curriculum 

Director – Mr Paternoster. 

 

15. Attendance 

In the morning, sixth formers must be present from 8.40am for tutorial and all lessons, including Private 

Study periods. In the afternoon (lesson 5), Year 13 students may leave college for home study if they 

have no more lessons – The signing out book must be completed. If progress is good, privileges and 

freedoms are generally extended to sixth formers over the two years. 

• The College day begins at 8.40am. You must be punctual at all times. If you arrive late you must 

explain to your class teacher, who will record you as late. 

• Lunch break for Year 12 is 12.20pm – 12.50pm and for Year 13 1.20pm – 1.50pm. If you are in 

the Sixth Form, you may leave the College grounds during lunch-break. 

• Your attendance is required on all enrichment days, Rounders day and other college events. 

Your attendance is also required when you are selected to represent the College, in any activity, 

and this must take priority over other arrangements. 

• Any student leaving college during the day for an appointment must sign out at the Sixth Form 

Office. If he/she returns to college the same day he/she must sign back in at the office. 

16. Absence and Holidays 

In the event of absence, students should ideally inform the college first thing in the morning. Students can 

either phone the college or send a text message. The Personal Tutor, Attendance Officer and Director of 

Sixth Form monitor absences closely. 

• Where possible dental and medical appointments should be made out of college hours. Requests 

for such absence in college time should be submitted to the Attendance Officer. When leaving 

college, please sign out in the Sixth Form Office. If you return to college the same day, please 

sign back in at the Sixth Form Office. In the event of a serious issue, a medical note will be 

required for our records. You may discuss any sensitive issues with the SSMs. 

• Sixth formers should not take time off to attend Open Days, or any other courses, unless they 

have permission from the Director of Sixth Form or the Programme Directors. 

• Parents/Guardians do have the right to ask for their son/daughter's release from college for 

family holidays but such holidays can be very disruptive to a student’s work and will go down as 

unauthorised. All such requests should be submitted to the Director of Sixth Form. 

17. Behaviour 

• Be co-operative at all times. 

• Obey instructions of all TTC staff. 

• Behave with politeness and courtesy to others including staff, fellow pupils, and guests. 

• Never disrupt learning. 

• Never use threatening language or behaviour, (including name calling, verbal abuse, intimidation, 

physical abuse, bullying and harassment, including racist, religious, cultural, sexist and 

homophobic abuse.). 

• Bring all relevant kit and equipment to the lesson. 

• Always remember the 3 core values of Respect, Responsibility and Honesty. 

• Always be prepared to welcome and assist visitors to the College. 

• 


18. Monitoring 

Your progress as you go through the Sixth Form will be monitored at a number of stages. There will be 

target setting discussions with your tutor, and progress reviews containing grades from your teachers at 

the end of each half term. Your attitude will also be closely monitored and failure to maintain a good 

attitude to learning will result in a discussion about the appropriateness of your programme of study. You 

will receive a report at Easter. 

If, after the progress reviews, we feel that all is not going as it should be, we may agree with you to do 

some further monitoring, to help you set yourself targets. In the summer of Year 12 you will sit most AS 

exams, some modules are sat in January of Year 13. 

Moving from Year 12 into Year 13 depends on a satisfactory standard being achieved in the AS exams at 

the end of Year 12. It will not be possible to repeat a year in the Sixth Form. 

19. Deadlines 

It is equally important in college, as when you are in a working environment that you learn to plan your 

work and be able to prioritise. There are two sorts of deadlines: 

• Internal deadlines - set by subject staff. Staff need to plan their work and if you miss internal 

deadlines there is a knock on effect for the member of staff and perhaps the whole group. There 

is also a serious effect on you, as missed deadlines means that work piles up and can begin to 

seem unmanageable. 

• External deadlines - set by external bodies, such as the examination boards. These are not 

negotiable. Only in very exceptional cases do examination boards accept late work. 

We shall make our deadlines clear and you must be certain that you know what is required of you. 

20. Examinations and Assessment 

Most subjects have examinations, some at the end of the College year and others at more regular 

intervals (modular courses). If you choose to resit a modular examination you will be required to pay for 

this. Regular assessment is run to measure and predict your performance. You will know where you 

stand and what your targets are. We shall also fully involve your parents in this process as experience 

shows that this gets the best results. Full details of examination dates are distributed and displayed. It is 

your responsibility to check these and make early contact with the Examinations Officer if there are any 

problems. 

21. Examination Entries 

The College will pay for all examination fees. The exceptions to this are: 

• Where a student has clearly not shown enough commitment to his/her studies e.g. 

attendance/effort. 

• Any resit examinations or re-submissions of coursework. 

Payments are required by a set date. Failure to meet this date will lead to automatic withdrawal from 

exam. Subsequent re-entry will incur an additional cost as set by exam board. 


22. Target Grades 

Teachers will complete a half termly assessment on all students. It will cover effort, academic progress 

and ability to meet deadlines, punctuality, attendance and attitude to learning. Your tutor will discuss your 

progress with you and jointly construct targets aimed at enhancing your work. Copies of reports and 

targets are sent to parents. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have your planner with you at the 

appropriate times. 

Your target grade will be based on your performance at GCSE. Your average points score will generate 

a minimum target grade. This will then be converted into your A-level target, which will be based on what 

the top 25% of students with a similar profile to you achieve. You will calculate your target grades during 

the learning conference in the first 2 weeks of September. 

23. Progress Review 

Students are provided with six progress review periods over the two academic years of study. These 

involve an interview with their tutor and teachers. The student’s pastoral progress and attitude to learning 

is discussed and future targets set. This information provides the basis for the Progress Review Report, 

which is sent home following each period of review. 

This system has a variety of benefits. It sets students targets from the start of their courses and involves 

them in the target setting process. It also involves regular review, which involves students, teachers and 

parents. It helps to provide an early indication of under-achievement but also allows the identification and 

praise of students who are meeting or exceeding their targets. This system of monitoring and reporting is 

supported by a Full written report and Parents’ Evening in Year 12 and 13. 

Sixth Form Student Performance Indicators 

The grades outlined below will be used during the Progress Review weeks to give a "snapshot" of your 

current progress. They will also be used in the Full report in the Spring Term. 

ATTENDANCE/EFFORT: 

There will be a letter N in this box if there is no concern. If there is a 

concern, however, a letter, or letters, will be inserted to indicate the area of concern: 

A = Attendance concerns 

B = Behaviour problems in class 

C = Coursework not complete 

D = Not meeting deadlines 

H = Homework not completed 

T = Tests in class below target 

W = Work in class off target 

S = Weak skills holding back progress 

PREDICTED OUTCOME: 

This is based on your work up to the time of each Progress Review. It is an indication of the 

probable final grade you will achieve if you continue to work at your current level of 

performance. In the early stages of the course these grades need to be treated with caution as 

they may be based on a small sample of work. Towards the end of the course they are likely to 

be more effective indicators of final achievement. 


24. Student Voice 

TTC actively embraces the concept of ‘Student Voice’, originally pioneered by Professor Jean Rudduck 

to empower students to enable them to be engaged and involved in the learning process. ‘Student Voice’ 

has been shown to help teachers and other members of the school workforce to raise standards and 

meet the needs of individual learners. 

In order for the ‘Student Voice’ initiative to be effective, it relies on learners understanding: 

• the extent to which they are personally responsible for their own learning; 

• the impact their behaviour and general conduct may have on themselves, their peers, teachers 

and any other adults forming part of the college community; and 

• how the legitimate rights of all members of the college community can only be realised if each 

person acknowledges and undertakes their own responsibilities and obligations. 

The ‘Student Voice’ initiative is continually evolving and looking for additional ways in which students may 

play a role. To date, the key component of initiative is the Sixth Form Council. 

25. Positions of Responsibility/Sixth Form Council 

Being a sixth former offers more freedom and opportunity but with that comes responsibility. It is 

expected that all students promote positive values, use their time wisely and maintain an appropriate 

balance between work and social time. Furthermore, not only is enrolling in TTC Sixth Form often 

regarded as the first step on a journey of lifelong learning, it can also be regarded the start of a lifelong 

ambassadorial role for the well known TTC brand. Consequently, it is considered sixth formers have a 

responsibility to: 

• set a positive example to the lower key stages by acting as a positive role model and promoting 

the ethos of the College and TTC3. 

• be an approachable member of the Sixth Form community to whom younger students might 

come for assistance or support. 

• ensure school rules are adhered to by students for the benefit of the entire college community, 

and 

• maintain the highest possible standards in all aspects of college and non-college life both within 

college and in the wider world. 

Some students choose to take on the responsibility of a subject ambassadorial role, duties including 

mentoring of younger students in that subject area, as well as promoting the subject at Open Evenings 

and conferences. Other students may choose to put themselves forward for election to the Sixth Form 

Council. 

Sixth Form Council 

TTC boasts a thriving Sixth Form Council which adds a vital dimension to student life through a 

commitment to carrying out the mission of the College and the values of TTC3. Put simply, the function 

of the group is to improve the quality of life in the Sixth Form and raise matters of interest and/or concern 

that have been put forward by tutor groups. 

The format of the Council is being slightly revised from September 2012 so that it will now be chaired by 

the students with the intended aim of enabling them to have a voice within the college; in so doing, 

helping students develop as confident leaders. 

The Council meets every half term and meetings will be jointly chaired by ‘senior’ elected representatives 

from Years 12 & 13. All students attending (up to 10 maximum) will be elected to represent both 

academic and vocational courses, between them providing perspective from the following disciplines; 

English & the Arts, Maths, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Sport and Business/IT. Elected 

students convey the views and ideas of that particular year group on subjects such as teaching and 


learning, homework, assessment, catering and the college environment. Tutor groups have the 

opportunity to discuss relevant issues with representatives and these discussions formulate the 

responses and ideas to be put on the agenda and discussed at the full Council meeting. 

Meetings are always attended by the Sixth Form Programme Director - GCE (and possibly a member of 

the Senior Leadership Team if appropriate), whilst an SSM acts as Secretary. 

Sensitive comments can be made in meetings in the strictest confidence, and at the same time meetings 

should be informative and enjoyable. All meetings aim to bring students’ ideas and opinions to the fore, 

enabling them to feel ownership and have an input on certain issues or initiatives. Meetings also act as a 

useful tool for Sixth Form management when considering education, standards and student well-being. 

It is the responsibility of the Sixth Form Programme Director – GCE to facilitate, respond to, and report on 

progress made as a result of, Council meetings. With the exception of sensitive issues or those of 

ongoing investigation, the Council remains as transparent as possible, and therefore will publicly outline 

the progress that has been made with any issues that have been raised by the student representatives 

where appropriate. 

26. ICT 

TTC Acceptable Use Policy for Computers and the Internet. 

TTC provides every student with access to our computer network for educational purposes. Electronic 

information is often much more current, less expensive, and easier to access than conventional sources. 

The primary purpose of the access to our computer network is to enhance student learning in school. 

At the same time, there are potential hazards. While you should make every effort to avoid misuse of the 

Computers and Internet services, you may send/receive offensive communications and may access 

material which is not appropriate. As with other methods of communication, there are opportunities with 

computer networks for you to create and distribute inappropriate materials and to conduct yourselves in 

ways that are unacceptable. 

At TTC we have rigorous filtering systems already in place but we cannot guarantee that every single 

inappropriate internet site can not be accessed. It is up to you to inform us immediately if you 

accidentally access such a site so it can be blocked. If we discover that such a site has been accessed 

on more than one occasion without referral we will take this very seriously. If there is evidence that a link 

to such sites or material from such sites has been saved then we will pass this onto the Principal to 

decide if this should be referred to the police 

In response to the growing use of the Internet the College has decided to implement an Acceptable Use 

Policy (AUP) to ensure that College computers are being used in a safe, relevant and appropriate 

manner. This has been provided to: 

• advise you that any inappropriate use by you will result in appropriate disciplinary action by the 

school 

• provide you with guidelines as to the correct use of computers so you can assist us in enforcing 

it. 

Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy 

Following is a list of guidelines and a list of specific behaviours that may lead to disciplinary action under 

the TTC Computer Code of Conduct, and/or suspension or limitation of network access privileges: 

1. The college’s computer networks are intended only for educational purposes only. 

2 Network services, and access to these services, shall only be used by authorized persons. Where 

password-protected accounts are used, network users are personally responsible for all activity that 

occurs within their account. 


3 When interacting with other users on the Internet or e-mail, users are expected to behave as they 

would in any other environment where they represent their college. It is important that users conduct 

themselves in a responsible, ethical, and polite manner. 

4 Users are advised that computer systems and user areas are college property and may be inspected or 

monitored at any time if misuse is suspected. 

5 All rules apply whether network access is gained from in or out of college. 

6 All users are allocated a printing balance for the printing of work. This is dependent on which 

courses/subjects they are studying. It is the responsibility of staff to ensure that student’s printouts are 

appropriate and that waste is kept to a minimum. Personal printouts should be paid for both by 

students and staff; monochrome costs 5p and full colour is 25p. Multiple copies should be obtained by 

staff through the reprographics services or payment made for them to ICT Services 

7 Inappropriate uses of network services include, but are not limited to, the following: 

(a) Users may not violate, or attempt to violate, the security of the college’s computers, data or network 

equipment or services. 

• Any attempts at unauthorized access of college data will result in termination of the user’s 

computer and network privileges. 

• Any attempt to vandalize college’s network accounts or systems will result in termination of 

the user’s computer and network privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to 

harm or destroy data of another member, or any of the agencies or other networks that are 

connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of 

computer viruses. 

• Use of another individual’s password-protected account is prohibited. 

• Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer 

systems may be denied access to the schools networks and services. 

(b) Users may not: 

• play any form of game/s at any time on the schools computers. 

• share password(s) with others. 

• distribute or use anyone else’s account name and password. 

• reveal anyone else’s personal address, phone number, or picture without consent. 

• buy or sell goods or services via the computer e.g. EBay. 

8 The following are serious breaches of the law and will be treated as unlawful activities and 

investigation may involve external agencies such as the police. 

Users may not use the college’s networks or computing equipment to: 

• duplicate, store, or transmit pornographic materials. 

• transmit or post threatening, abusive, obscene or harassing material. 

• duplicate, store, or transmit copyrighted material that violates copyright law. 

• initiate or pass on chain mail to cause the harassment of other users. 

• use abusive, vulgar, profane, obscene, harassing, or other inappropriate language. 


27. 16-19 Bursary 

The government has provided a substantial sum to assist Sixth Form students overcome barriers to their 

learning which come from financial hardship. 

The bursary is designed to help with the costs of such things as transport, books, specialist clothing and 

essential trips. This help is dependent on the applicants maintaining acceptable standards of attendance 

and academic progress. 

The Bursary is a termly payment paid to students to cover the costs of studying after the age of 16. 

In order to be paid, students eligible must undertake the following responsibilities: 

1. 100% attendance of lessons programmed within their course to include tutorials, private study and 

assemblies. 

2. College must be notified by 9.00am every day of absence, on the Post-16 absence phone line. 

3. If absence is longer than 3 days a letter is required from home. 

4. Any pre-arranged absences should be notified by means of the Pink Form. 

5. A positive progress review, ATL and behavior is required. Any individual who consistently fails to meet 

expectations will have their payment withheld. In extreme situations, payments can be withheld 

immediately. 

Any sixth former who is in care, leaving care, in receipt of income support, or is disabled and receiving 

Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance, will be entitled to a bursary. On top of 

this, the College may make discretionary bursary awards to sixth formers facing financial hardship, to 

help with their costs towards transport, books, equipment or other course requirements. 

28. ISIC and NUS 

 

As a student you may apply for Proof of Age cards, International Student Identity Cards, UCAS cards and 

NUS cards. Further information can be obtained from the Sixth Form Office. They will enable you to 

obtain discounts in this country and abroad. The Sixth Form Office can provide letters as proof that you 

are a TTC Sixth Form student. 

29. Private Study 

A significant component of Post-16 life is time allocated during the working day for private study. This is 

not a replacement for homework, but is a necessary addition to it. You may use this time to complete 

tasks and assignments, to read around subjects or to extend your general education and knowledge. 

All courses require that you do a great deal of work beyond the timetabled class work. The way you use 

your study periods will be crucial to achieving success. Your tutor will help you timetable your study 

periods. 

The facilities that are available to you are: the LRC (for quiet reading/study/ICT), the Study Base (for 

group work/independent study/ICT - students may sign out laptops in the study base), and the cafeteria 

(for group work). Some departments also have resources to support independent study. When the 

weather allows you may use the designated outdoor spaces. 

Every student will have private study periods allocated to their timetable. Mostly these are likely to take 

place in the study base. 


30. Home Study 

The need is recognised to work away from the College at times. Arrangements for this are as follows: 

• Some negotiated Home Study Periods for all Year 12 students will be phased in during the end of 

the first year. Year 12 students are expected to be in college at all times. 

• Year 13 will negotiate Home Study Periods with the Attendance officer. Parents will be required to 

sign the form to show their agreement with the arrangements. Progress must be maintained or 

Home Study privileges will be removed. 

• No home study will be available in the morning. Home study is only available after 11am and after a 

signed form has been returned and authorized. 

31. Cafeteria 

The Sixth Form cafeteria, offers a range of hot and cold food. It is open from 8.30am – 2pm. It can be 

used at any time, including during Private Study and break. You may choose to bring a packed lunch. 

Students are also allowed off the site at lunchtime and breaktime. Students must sign out at the Sixth 

Form office. 

32. Driving / Parking 

If you cycle to college: 

• Once in the college grounds you must dismount and walk, pushing your cycle. 

• Your cycle must be left in the facilities provided and must be securely padlocked. 

• You must not leave cycles on the premises overnight. 

• When riding cycles to college students should conform to safety precautions. 

If you have a moped, motorcycle or car 

• No student is to bring a car, moped or motorcycle onto the school premises other than in the 

designated spaces (currently for motorcycles or mopeds). The College has no insurance to cover 

loss or theft of bicycles. This must remain the responsibility of the owners. If you drive a moped or 

motorcycle you must provide some essential details to the school for insurance purposes. A form 

and information pack can be collected from the Sixth Form office. 

33. School Grounds 

• The preservation and care of the college grounds, buildings and all property are your responsibility. 

All damage should be reported immediately to a member of staff. 

• Furniture and other fittings must not be removed from rooms or their normal siting for unauthorised 

use (e.g. as football goal posts). 

• You must move from place to place in the college quietly and with care; think of others; take your 

turn through door-ways; for safety reasons bags should not be carried at shoulder level. 

• Some areas of the college have obvious risks associated with them, in particular the stage and 

studio theatre, the kitchen and where cars are parked; please keep away from these areas. 

Laboratories, Computer rooms, Design Technology, Art and store rooms may be entered only when 

a member of staff is present. 

• No games may be played on the college field as this can distract the rest of the college. 

• Use paths wherever possible in the school grounds, avoiding the use of grass and the college field. 


PARENTS’ EVENINGS 

REPORTS 

PROGRESS REVIEWS 

YEAR 12 Thursday 7 February 

YEAR 13 Thursday 11 October 

34. Key Dates 

Copies of Progress Review Sheets will be sent home. 

There will be a Full Report at the end of March 2012 

YEAR 12 PR1 - Week 13, PR2 – Week 19, PR3 – Week 28 

YEAR 13 PR4 – Week 5, PR5 – Week 15, PR6 – Week 24 

Note: There is an internal Induction Review period for year 12 during Week 4. 

HIGHER EDUCATION 

To apply for University/College Entry in 2014, you need to complete a UCAS Form in September 2013 (a 

whole year in advance). We have a well established Higher Education programme that leads you through 

to that target. You will have the entry process carefully explained and will have plenty of opportunities to 

research the courses and discuss any problems that may arise. Throughout Years 12/13 the Careers 

Service will be available in school for personal interviews. 

The Key Dates for the programme are as follows: 

YEAR 12 

December 2012 Join Coursefinder; complete their Questionnaire to give you a path 

through the maze 

February/March 2013 Parents Evening and UCAS Evening. A chance to learn about the 

UCAS system and student finance. 

May/June 2013 University publicity arrives – start to research courses 

June 2013 Higher Education Conference 

YEAR 13 

September 2013 Complete and prepare electronic form 

October 2013 Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine and Veterinary Science 

Applications 

Nov 2013 – Feb 2014 Interviews followed by offers 

December 2013 Final date for all forms to be submitted to UCAS 

June 2014 Complete A-Levels 

August 2014 Results followed by confirmation or clearing 

September 2014 Enter Higher Education 


WE WORK HARD TO ACHIEVE OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES THROUGH: 

1. Offering a wide range of vocational, AS and A2 courses to enable all students who wish, to 

progress to any further or higher education course in the country, or if they wish directly to 

appropriate employment. Vocational courses specific to employment options are provided by 

local FE providers. General vocational courses covering a wide range of possible employment 

options are offered by the College. As a Technology College, we have as a particular 

strength a wide range of courses within Science, Technology and ICT. 

2. The best possible facilities for teaching and learning, including the latest ICT equipment, 

continually upgraded through additional funding derived from our Technology College Status. 

3. High standards of teaching, and high expectations of each individual learner. We recruit 

and retain very well qualified and committed staff. Teaching group sizes are as small as possible. 

We operate a range of teaching styles from traditional class teaching to group work and 

individual learning programmes. ICT plays an increasingly dynamic role. 

4. Our Assessment Programme. Each student’s work is monitored closely by subject staff, and 

personal tutors review progress regularly. Parents are kept well briefed, and students are 

encouraged regularly to set their own learning targets in Academic Mentoring sessions with their 

group tutors. 

5. Ensuring continuity of education from compulsory school through to university and the 

world of work. We ensure a smooth transfer for students to the 16-19 phase. Careers Education 

forms an important strand of the curriculum, and students are well briefed on the opportunities 

available beyond the College, in continuing education, training, or employment). We have links 

with the University of Essex, and have operated a “compact” partnership with Anglia Ruskin 

University. Students move on from the College to universities and employment across the 

country and abroad. 

6. Providing a secure and supportive environment for study, and for the personal development 

of each student. We link students with a tutor to promote this personal development. Positive 

relationships between staff and students are at the heart of all we do, and our Sixth Form 

community is based on fostering the qualities of honesty, integrity, courtesy, self-discipline and 

respect for others. 

7. Offering a wide programme of curriculum extension and enhancement, together with an 

exciting extra-curricular programme. Music, Drama and Sport all flourish. Our Volleyball 

Squad regularly represents England in the World Student Games; students can participate in a 

full programme of performance. All students are encouraged to participate in field studies and 

residential courses, in visits to art galleries, theatres, concerts, and places of scientific, historical 

or technological interest. We have a range of international links including, South Africa, Malawi, 

Egypt and Dubai. Students participate in Young Enterprise and are encouraged to patent and 

market their own products. Our artists regularly exhibit, and win acclaim. The Resource Learning 

Centre, ICT networks, Internet and multi-media facilities are all available for use beyond school 

hours, and the Tendring Music School serves the whole Tendring Peninsula on Saturday 

mornings. Work experience/work shadowing is available for all students. 

8. A strong partnership between Home and Sixth Form. We keep parents well briefed on their 

son’s/daughter’s progress, and work closely with parents to ensure that students give of their 

best in their work, and in their contribution to the college community. 

9. Linking closely with the local communities outside college. Local businesses sponsor us as 

a Technology College, and contribute to college life, including offering work placements.

TTC SIXTH FORM - Tendring Technology College

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?