- The document summarizes key information about A Level results from Simon Balle school including pass rates, grades achieved, and average points scores. It also provides details about the school's vision and expectations for its 6th form students. Key dates for assessments and exams are outlined.

2. National
A Level Results 2015
• 25.9% of entries
A or A* grade
• 8.2% students
received A* grade
• 98.1% pass rate
(A-E)
Simon Balle
A Level Results 2015
• 30% of entries A or A* grade
• 16.5% students achieved A*
grade
• 13.8% students achieved
Distinction *
• 30.3% of all students
achieved A* equivalent
• •A* - B grades – 53%
• 99.7% pass rate (A-E)
• Average Points Score Per
entry - 227
• (Nat ave – 215)
• 240 = B grade

3. Our Vision for the 6th Form
We strive to develop and enhance
the abilities and skills of all our students
so they can fulfil their potential
in a secure, caring, supportive and stimulating
environment.
Creating tomorrow’s citizens today.

4. High Expectations and High Aspirations
Year 12
• Develop independent
learning skills and support
students in making the right
decisions
Year 13
• Prepare students for life
after Simon Balle and to
support them in building
the commitment and
determination to succeed
Key purpose of each year

5. Alex
Southampton
Law
B B B
Sam
Univ of Sheffield
Chemistry
A*A*A
Georgina
Nottingham
Modern Languages
A*A*A
Ed
Southampton
Aeronautical Engineering
A*A A
Sam
Liverpool
Business/Economics
B B B
Josh
Manchester
Mech Engineering
A*B B
Darryl
Kings London
Maths
A*B B
Beth
Univ. of Bristol
Physics
A*A*A
Andrew
Univ. of Exeter
Maths
A*A A
Julia
Univ of York
Computer Science
A*A B
Jess
Southampton
Marine Biology
A A B
Jasper
Southampton
History
A B C

6. The Challenge - Effective Transition
Relationship with curriculum
What skills does the student currently have and what
additional skills will be necessary to deal with differences
in the curriculum, teaching methods and increased
expectations of personal organization of learning?
Relationship with others
What skills does the student currently have and what
additional skills will be necessary to form new
relationships with staff and peers and deal with
increased expectations of abilities to learn and socialize
in group settings?
Relationship with self
Does the student have the dispositions and attitudes
that are likely to contribute to better coping with the
transition? What are their feelings about their
perceptions of their own ability to cope with change?

7. Non reform A levels:
• Made up of the AS level
examined in May 2016 and the
A2 examined in June 2017
• Each part makes up 50%of the
overall A level grade.
AS level
• Either a free standing
qualification, or the first half of
the full A level.
Year two: the A2
• Not a separate qualification, but
the second half of the A level.
• The A2 is designed to deepen the
knowledge gained during the AS
level.
Reform A levels:
• Linear 2 year course
• Examined in June 2017
Cambridge Nationals Level 3
• ICT
• Business
• Exam-free, vocationally related
qualifications
• Equivalent to AS/A2 Level
• Continuous Assessment
• Pass - E
• Merit - C
• Distinction - A
• Distinction * - A*

8. A2 Exam 2017 AS Exam 2016
Phase 1;
first teaching September 2015
Phase 2;
first teaching September 2016
English Literature
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
History
Psychology
Art and Design
Sociology
Business Studies
Economics
Mathematics and Further Maths
Geography
Languages
Philosophy & Religious Education
Design and Technology
Drama
Film Studies
Music
Music Tech
Sports Studies
Applied Science
Politics
A Level Reform

9. Progression to Year 13
• To continue with a subject to A2 a minimum grade D at AS is
required (internal assessments will apply in reform A Levels)
• A minimum of three subjects are required to constitute a year
13 course
• English & Maths GCSE with a grade A*- C.
• A2 courses begin in June of Year 12
• Full attendance will be expected from this time until the end of
term.

10. A Typical Timetable
Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri
1
2
Break
3
4
Lunch
5
6

11. A Typical Timetable
Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri
1 Maths Geography Maths
2 Biology Geography Maths
Break
3 Chemistry Biology Biology
4 Chemistry Biology Chemistry Geography
Lunch
5
6 Maths Chemistry Geography

12. A Typical Timetable
Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri
1 Maths Geography Maths
2 Biology Geography Maths
Break
3 Chemistry Biology Biology
4 Chemistry Biology Chemistry Geography
Lunch
5 PSHEE Form Skills for Success House /Form Assembly
6 Maths SMSC Chemistry Geography

13. Use of Study Periods
• 6th Form Area
• Resources room
• Library
• Quiet classrooms
• Beneficial to bring own mobile device (tablet,
laptop, phone) to access online textbooks
• Teachers of Reform A Levels will be using these in
lessons

14. A Typical Timetable
Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri
1 Maths Geography Geography
Homework
Maths
2 Chemistry
Prep
Biology Geography Maths
Break
3 Chemistry Biology Biology Help in Maths
Lesson
Maths
Homework
4 Chemistry Biology
Homework
Biology Chemistry Geography
Lunch
5 PSHEE Form Skills for Success House /Form Assembly
6 Maths Chemistry
Homework
SMSC Chemistry Geography

15. How are students challenged to
achieve potential?
Monitoring and support
• Rigorous assessment and feedback
• Regular communication with parents
• EPQ – an independent research project
(Summer 2016)
• Work experience placements

16. Expectation of students
As a student I will:
• Agree to study independently (4 hours of private study each week for
each A-level subject)
• Make good use of my private study time in school
• Meet all agreed subject deadlines
• Attend all lessons and follow the attendance procedure
• Arrive at registration and lessons punctually
• Ensure that any part-time paid work does not disrupt study
• Contribute to the wider life of the school through involvement in
enrichment activities
• Help keep the Sixth Form area clean and tidy
• Dress appropriately for school according to the Sixth Form Dress Code
• Be an excellent ambassador for Simon Balle School both in school and
in the wider community
• Check my school emails frequently; use the internet appropriately
• Set myself stretching academic targets
• Respect and accept all members of our school and wider community

17. Transferable Skills

18. Simon Balle Open Morning
Saturday 26th September
Please put into diaries and make yourselves
available to support the school

19. Planning on applying to university in
2017?
• AS grades/internal assessments and predicted grades:
all important
• Personal statement: what have you done in your own
time to illustrate your passion for your chosen
discipline?
• Extracurricular activities: what experiences and skills
have you developed to increase your chances of
becoming a successful undergraduate?
• Competitive courses: engineering, medicine, dentistry,
midwifery, nursing, physical science, biological
science…

20. Why university?
• A female graduate will earn approximately
£250,000 more than women who don’t go to
university while a male graduate will only earn
around £168,000 more over their lifetime
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills: August 2013

21. 21% of our students took up places at Russell Group
universities
11% at 1994 Group universities (since disbanded)
32% - ‘Top research’ universities?

22. Communication is key
Form Groups
• 12A – Mrs Lucas/Mrs McCarthy
• 12B – Dr Jones/Ms Attard
• 12L – Ms Elliott/Mrs Robins
• 12M – Mrs McGovern/Mr Lee
• 12N – Mrs Lassey
• 12R – Miss Wigmore
sixthform@simonballe.herts.sch.uk
Director
of Sixth
Form
Sixth Form
Admin
Support
Lead Tutor
on UCAS
Tutors
KS5 Careers
& HE
Guidance
Assistant
Director of
Sixth Form

23. • Ownership of Learning
• Aim for 100% Attendance
• Good Time Management
• Self-motivation
• Make use of Support
• Seize Opportunities
• Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
• Home-School Communication
The Key to Success

24. Key Dates
• October 2015 – Assessments – Current grade
• February 2016– Preliminary Exams
• February 2016 – Preliminary Results
• 2 March 2016 – Yr 12 Parents Evening
• May 2016 – AS Exams (non-reform)
• June 2016 – Internal Exams (reform)
• June 2016 – A2 Courses start/continue
• 18 Aug 2016 – AS Results Day

25. Concluding thoughts
• Have high expectations of everything you do
• Develop your transferable skills: plan your
work experience week early
• Post-18: aim high, start now

26. Don’t Blink!
• 4 months until Preliminary exams
• 8 months until final AS modules
• 12 months until university choices
• 20 months until final A2 modules
• …13 hours until lesson 1 – don’t be
late!