• Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future

Student Support

Support Available to Post 16 Students

Student Support

Academic Tutoring

Academic Tutoring is an integral part of the student support programme. Students will meet with their tutors in a one to one interview at least once a term to discuss their progress. Tutors offer advice, guidance and pastoral support helping students to manage their own learning and Post 16 experience.

Careers Advice and Guidance

Students are able to access careers advice, including interviews with trained Connexions advisors and counsellors. We actively promote University applications, encouraging our students to research courses and opportunities in both Higher Education and in careers with training.

FE/HE Opportunities

All students will attend the University Conference at Bath University, join a trip spending two days at Plymouth University, apply to spend a week in the summer of Y12 at a university in the south west, attend Nottingham University Medi-link course and apply to the Sutton Trust Summer Schools. We are also part of the University of the West of England’s ‘Heading Higher Passport’ scheme, which encourages local students to apply by offering UCAS points to those students who complete the Core Programme of study. Information about these and other opportunities is posted on the web-site with links. www.downend.com/post-16/opportunities. We invite speakers from Further Education Colleges to inform students of opportunities to study Foundation Degrees and hold parents HE Evening in the summer term of Y12.

Students wishing to make an application to Oxford or Cambridge University are sent to an Oxbridge preparation day to gain insight and experience into the application and interview process and are invited to join the Kingswood Partnership programme which is delivered by specialist staff from all centres. Students will be coached in taking UKAT, MMAT and LNAT university entrance exams. Medical and Veterinary students spend three days at Nottingham University experiencing the different specialist fields in each discipline, which will inform their decisions regarding course choices.

On–Line Learning

We offer two on-line learning courses in Law and Philosophy. We have worked very successfully over the past six years with Nelson-Thornes to provide expert teaching via our video conferencing facilities. This type of independent learning has proved highly successful with many of our students who progress to study law after post 16 at University.

Education Maintenance Allowance

An EMA is a weekly payment worth up to £30 for eligible students who are planning to continue in further education. The payments are intended to help cover the day to day costs that you have to meet by staying on at school, such as travel costs, books and equipment for your course. EMA weekly payments are dependent upon good attendance. There are also bonus payments of £100 if you are making good progress with your learning. The amount of money you receive is determined by your household income and EMA will be paid for as long as your course lasts. Further information can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/ema

 

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