6^th Form Prospectus

 

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Every student is special. Our philosophy is to endeavour to develop

the full potential of each student by teaching a carefully prepared individual programme which is specifically structured for them: traditional methods are incorporated  alongside a progressive, modern approach. Our aim is  for a high academic performance,  which is carefully structured to help the less able achieve success.  Every student is assisted with their studies on an individual basis.

DISTINCTIVE  FEATURES  INCLUDE

• A focus on the development of confidence and sense of worth.

• Individual attention synonymous with careful monitoring and evaluation, under the guidance of experienced and dedicated staff.

• Firm discipline and a happy, caring atmosphere which is conducive to learning.

• A range of extra curricular opportunities to assist character building and leadership potential.

At Magdalen Court School our senior students are highly regarded and integrated into the school as prefects.  In order to develop their self-esteem and sense of responsibility we focus on developing their confidence and preparing students for their future careers.

Sound Tuition in 'A' level

Magdalen Court School has established a reputation for providing sound tuition in 'A' level and GCSE subjects.  The college offers first-time 'A' level courses over one or two years, as well as one-term and one-year retake courses for both 'A' level and GCSE.  The effectiveness of these courses hinges upon a high degree of individual attention and supervision, with mock papers and an emphasis on careful study, revision and examination preparation.  Our well qualified staff are specialist teachers and tutors of high calibre.  They communicate ideas skilfully and are sympathetic to each student's problems.

VCE/NVQ subjects are becoming increasingly popular and provide a sound alternative or additional base to ‘A’ levels.

They can also lead to University places.

The Revision Courses

The revision courses follow a similar format each year, involving an intensive syllabus review with emphasis on key topics and close reference to previous exam questions.  They offer an enormous boost at a critical time to those students who are seeking to maximise their potential.  Students who enrol with us usually enjoy closely monitored courses on a 1:1 or small group basis geared specifically towards the demands of their examinations.  We encourage greater student involvement in the learning process and our primary aims are to help to motivate students in their studies, to instil confidence and self-esteem and to focus on the requirements of the examinations.

'A' Level Studies

The school  gained 100% pass at 'A' level in 1994, 95, 97, 100% pass in all completed A/S & A subjects in 2006. The school was also listed on the internet in 2001 as high ranking.  A wide selection of subjects can be offered and a student's individual requirements are discussed with  the Head at the admissions interview. Subjects offered:

• Maths Chemistry Physics

• Biology English Language English Literature

• Geography History

• Sociology Art & Design ICT

• Theatre Arts Music German

• Business Studies French Spanish

• NVQ/GNVQ/Adv.VCE/Oxford & Cambridge Nationals.
  These are offered in the following subjects: 

  • Art & Design Business Studies Health & Social Care

  • ICT Land & Environment Media Studies

  • Science Child Care & Education Other subjects will always be considered

 Individual attention is assured in our small VIth. form stream.  Most ’A’ levels or other vocational examinations can usually be arranged.

Magdalen Court School also hosts the BMAT Oxford & Cambridge Examinations for entry to Medical School at Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol , Royal Veterinary College London and Imperial College London and UCL.

 Students sometimes transfer from other Institutions, when they run into difficulties : generally speaking, we can see their studies through and enter them for 'A' level examinations.  A/S levels & 'A' level modules are also available.  A system for monitoring  private study on the premises is available for students who have difficulties getting to grips with their studies.

 The majority of leavers go onto further education leading to a wide range of careers, this is usually to an undergraduate course at  University, although some students join the Services.

An improvement of 4 grades has been achieved in retakes and some pupils have had outstanding results, such as gaining an 'A' grade for English in one year.  Students have gained a place at Cambridge for Law with 3 A grades (Psychology, English & Communication Studies) This candidate is now a Barrister in London..  Places have been taken up at Oxford Brookes, Bournemouth, Bristol and Nottingham to read Law, and another to Nottingham to read Anthropology.  TV & Drama at Brunel, Sports Science at London, Leicester to read Maths & Law with an 'A' grade in Maths, Sunderland to read Pharmacy with 'A' grades in Biology & Physics, LSE to read PPE with 'A' grades for Chemistry & English Literature & Medicine at Guys St. Thomas.  Post graduate Law courses at Bristol & London Universities, and another  student with an A grade in French  continued her studies in Toulouse.  Students have entered  Universities all over England. In 2001 students gained a scholarship for Engineering at Portsmouth University and places for Drama & Theatre Studies at Dartington, Art at Kingston College & Animal Science at Birmingham.

Pastoral Care. 

This is one of  the school's strengths;  we work for a high level of individual pastoral care and the sisters of the former Mount St. Mary's Convent are Chaplains of our school.  Every student has a Tutor who carefully monitors their welfare and development.  There are four school houses with names derived from Dartmoor rivers: Exe, Teign, Tamar and Dart.  Heads of Houses are drawn from the VIth form.

Magdalen Court School has a close affiliation with St Michaels and All Angels Church Heavitree.  Services, such as the Nativity,  are held on a regular basis and the Vicar visits the school to talk to the pupils.  Confirmation Classes are organised  in conjunction with St. Michaels & All Angels, Heavitree Parish church.

Elocution, Drama, Dance & Music. 

Elocution & Drama play an important role in the life of the school. There is a half termly  and end-of-term 'Presentation' every term.  This gives pupils the opportunity to gain confidence and develop the art of public speaking.  It also enables them to take part in various dramatic productions.  The Theatre Arts and Creativity are fostered in many ways.  It is also hoped that every student will take the opportunity of entering for the annual English Speaking Board Public Speaking , Poetry, Expressive Arts and Drama Examinations.

PE and Games.

We have an outstanding full sized Sports Hall, outdoor

all weather sports area/hard courts and a small playing field. The students, whatever their ability, are encouraged to develop skills in several sports, as much for enjoyment as physical fitness. Tennis, badminton, basketball,  football, netball and gymnastics are all popular.  We have also developed close links with Exeter University, St. Luke's School of Education, (which is just a few hundred yards along the road) and use their swimming pool.  This is a great advantage and offers the school some excellent  facilities.   Outward bound  opportunities include 'wall climbing', canoeing,( the school own 10 canoes),  cross country  orienteering, sailing,  windsurfing, kayaking etc. All students are encouraged to undertake the British Sports Trust Sports Leader's Awards, the Amateur Athletic Shine Awards and the Royal Marines Commando Course.  These  are promoted along with other external certification.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

There is a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities which enhance students CVs and help them to develop leadership qualities:

We can put students in touch with organisations such as BSES, VSO etc.

B.S.E.S. (British Scientific Exploration Society) expeditions are promoted.  They are often run in the summer holidays, so can be folded into the school year without the need of  'a year out'.

 V.S.O. (Voluntary services Overseas) often does require a year out, but organisations such as these are established routes to character building and broadening a students experience prior to university.

 * * * * * *

The Schools Career's Officer is pleased to discuss the pupil's future career and prospects with both Students and Parents. 

Work Experience

This is a valuable part of each student's development and periods of work experience can be arranged to assist student's in their choice of career.

We have links with Exeter University's Peninsula Medical School which provides a rich experience for students considering medicine, National Health Service Careers etc.

Study Skills

During each course expert help is available with 'Study Skills',  the skills necessary for really effective examination preparation and performance.  Topics include :-

· Organisation and use of available time

· Essay planning and writing techniques

· Overview of the full syllabus

· Detailed review of key topics

· Reference to examination questions

· What the Examiners expect

· Examination technique and practice

· Guidance to improve your results

Accommodation

 We can offer several choices of accommodation;

• there are sometimes vacancies in School House,

• local families regularly accommodate our students,

• self-contained flatlets, often on a shared basis.

• Exeter University Student Accommodation is sometimes available in shared houses.

 Prices/contacts etc. are available upon  application.