Standards and Expectations

Students at Northallerton Sixth Form College can expect a high-quality teaching and learning experience and to be treated with respect and consideration.

We expect students to behave in an appropriate and respectful manner in return and complete all work set on time and to the best of their ability.

Staff will provide regular feedback and inform students and parents about progress via student progress reports three times per year. Students are expected to respond to this feedback in order to improve their work. Each student will be allocated a tutor who will support their learning.

Safeguarding our students is of paramount importance and we ask that students wear the photo identity badge provided at all times when on site. Students must adhere to the sixth form policies including those on behaviour and attendance.

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Curriculum Expectations

 

Everyone must attend:  

  • Tutor time  

  • 3 subjects @ 4 hours per week (OCR/A level) - 4 subjects in some cases.  

  • 6 agreed ‘directed study periods’ 

  • AS Level Core Maths (if not taking A Level Maths), but are taking science subjects, including Psychology and Geography or an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) 

Equipment 

 

Students are expected to have the following equipment for their studies: 

  • A4 lined paper  

  • A4 files - standard/lever arch - at least one per subject 

  • File dividers  

  • Plastic wallets  

  • Basic stationery  

  • Calculator (there is a specific calculator required for Maths – please see Maths Dept.)  

  • Textbooks - subject teachers will provide details. These are also available to use in the classroom, but it is useful to have your own copy for studying out of the classroom. 

  • A laptop is very useful to have, particularly for courses that have a coursework element. If students are eligible for the bursary, they can loan a Chromebook as part of this. We also have a small number to lend to students during study periods. 

Attendance and Punctuality Information 

 

Both attendance and punctuality affect academic performance as well as establish good values in later life. Attendance and punctuality to lessons and tutor times are monitored by the Sixth Form team. 

If a student is unexpectedly absent, PARENTS/CARERS must contact school via attendance-NOR@arete.uk by 8.30am.  It is good practice for Sixth Form students to also email their tutor and subject teachers so that work can be sent to them. 

Students cannot authorise their own absences. 

  • Students who are absent and have not called in will be sent a text message by the school attendance officer on that same day. 

  • Parents/carers will be contacted to query absences longer than 5 consecutive school days  

  • Attendance below 95% triggers attendance procedures; the Sixth Form team will intervene as appropriate. 

  • In the case of prolonged/repeated absences due to illness, students may be requested to provide a doctor’s letter. If the situation continues the school will contact parents.  

  • Northallerton Sixth Form attendance agreement states that should attendance fall below 80%, a student may be eligible for the costs of exam entry fees. Entry fees are refunded upon passing with a student's expected grade.  

  • Northallerton Sixth Form students are expected to attend all lessons on time, all the time. This includes a student’s designated independent study periods and tutor times.  

  • On arrival at school, all students should sign in using their identification (ID) cards. There is an app that students can download that will make this easier. 

  • Students are expected to report to a member of staff should they become ill during the school day. They should not leave the site without doing so. 

 

Special Circumstances for Absence 

Absence 

Authorised? 

Documentation required 

Illness 

Yes 

Evidence such as doctor’s notes may be requested to authorise the absence  

Medical issues e.g. doctor, dental, opticians, orthodontist appointments & funerals 

Yes 

An email should be sent to KRe 24 hours in advance. 

Taking care of younger siblings 

No 

 -

Birthday celebrations 

No 

 -

Awaiting deliveries 

No 

 -

Driving test - practical 

Yes 

An email should be sent to KRe 24 hours in advance. 

Driving test - theory / lessons 

No - during lesson time but can be completed in free time. 

 -

Holidays 

No 

 -

University open days 

At KRe discretion 

An email should be sent to KRe one week in advance. 

Rehearsals, job interviews, extra-curricular activities 

At KRe discretion  

An email should be sent to KRe one week in advance. 

 

Agreed Absence  

One of the ways we foster a culture of mutual respect and promote independence, is allowing students to leave the school site, should they not have any timetabled lessons. This privilege is one that is based upon both student performance academically and their behaviour and attitudes towards learning.  This can be revoked at any time.  Students must sign in/out when they leave site and return. 

Additional Information 

 

Dress Code

  

Whilst we give our students greater freedom and responsibility in Sixth Form, we still expect them to present themselves and the school in a positive light. There are younger students around the building for whom the Sixth Form are role models. The Sixth Form Dress Code aims to promote smartness and confidence. At any time during the school day the purpose of the dress code is to present a positive image and provide an environment conducive to learning.   

  • Lanyard visible at all times  

  • Skirts/shorts of an appropriate length  

  • No strapless tops 

  • No midriff on display  

  • No offensive wording on clothing 

  • No extreme piercings 

  • No visible tattoos  

  • No extreme hair colours 

Appearance is about perception, and the expectation is that students will respect decisions made by the Sixth Form Team, without dispute, should concerns over dress code be raised. Sixth Formers are regarded as role models for students lower down the school and their appearance should reflect this.  

 

Sixth Form Facilities 

 

Sixth Form students have study facilities available to them in the library. They must be registered in here for their study periods. They also have the common room available for social times.  There is a Sixth Form hatch in the dining room which is open outside normal lunch hours. 

 

Mobile Phones  

 

Students can use their phones freely in the Sixth Form block, but are asked not to use their phones around the school in common areas or without a teacher’s permission in lessons.  

 

Part-Time Employment 

 

Whilst we encourage our students to gain valuable experience and skills from part time employment, a full time Sixth Form student’s priority and focus must remain around their academic study. It is advised that the number of hours worked should not exceed 10 hours per week. This is to avoid impact upon academic performance. 

 

Students are not permitted to partake in part time employment during school hours.