APS Sixth Form Prospectus 2023

Prospectus

Welcome
Thank you for your interest in Alexandra Park
Sixth Form.
Our sixth form is thriving; we have more than
650 students studying A Level and BTEC
courses.
Since opening in 2004 we have worked
tirelessly to develop our provision to ensure
the best possible outcomes for all students.
Ofsted confirmed that the effectiveness of the
Sixth Form is “outstanding”. This judgement
was based on the “outstanding teaching” that
students receive, the “exemplary care, guidance
and support” provided and the “outstanding
progress” students make, both in terms of
examination results and in moving to Higher
Education, training or employment.
Last year’s examination results were once again
impressive; more students than ever studied
with us and achieved the grades to move onto
their chosen courses at their chosen university.
All students progressed to either a University, an
Apprenticeship, further training or employment.
More than 73% of our students were accepted to
their first-choice university and over 65% going to
either a Russell Group university or one ranked in
the top 30. National comparison and independent
analysis places our results in the top 5% of Sixth
Forms in England and Wales.
We are immensely proud of our students’
university success. They are reading a range
of subjects including Architecture, Biology,
Chemistry, Classics, Dentistry, Economics,
Engineering, English Literature, History, Law,
Medicine, Physics and PPE at institutions across
the country. Ofsted recognised the success of
our Sixth Form in ensuring students have ‘high
aspirations’. This is shown, in part, by the success
of our students applying to Oxbridge.
Alexandra Park Sixth Form provides students
with an exciting opportunity to continue their
education in a calm and caring environment which
has a culture of learning at its heart. We view each
student as an individual and will do all we can to
help them realise their full potential.
We understand that academic success is about
more than just intelligence, which is why we do
as much as we can to develop how our students
work and support them to create the routines,
strategies and habits that ensure they achieve as
highly as possible.
I look forward to reading your application.
George Stratis
Director of Sixth Form

The Sixth
Form
Curriculum
Arts
Humanities &
Social Sciences Languages
Sciences
& Maths
Technology
Art & Design Business French Biology Product Design
Drama Classics Mandarin Chemistry Textiles
Music Economics Spanish Computing
Photography English Literature Turkish Mathematics
Geography
History
Media Studies
Philosophy
Politics
Psychology
Religion, Philosophy
& Ethics
Sociology
Further Maths
Physics
Vocational
Business Studies
Health &
Social Care
ICT
Music
(Technology)
Music
(Performance)
PE
Science
At Alexandra Park Sixth Form we offer our
students a broad and balanced curriculum
of more than 30 different subjects. Course
descriptions are available from the Sixth
Form website, including specific subjects’
entry criteria.
To study any course at A Level, students
must have at least a grade 5 in both English
language and Maths and a minimum of
three other GCSE grades of 5 or above.
The majority of our A Level subjects
demand a grade 6, in that or a related
subject.
All students will concentrate on Level 3
courses (A level or BTEC) starting four
subjects in Year 12. The pursuit of four
subjects offers flexibility and breadth,
ensuring each student can pursue a course
which meets their interests and maximises
their options for further study. In Year 13
students are required to complete at least
three subjects at BTEC or A level. High
achieving students are given opportunities
to complete additional
qualifications such as the
Extended Project.
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further information

Personal
Development
Alexandra Park Sixth Form aims to consolidate ongoing Relationship,
Sex and Health Education (RSHE) learning for our students via our
Personal Development and Careers programme. Our key objective
is to ensure students are fully equipped with the necessary skills for
life beyond school and enable them to take their place as successful,
confident, responsible and respectful citizens. The Personal
Development and Careers curriculum has been designed and planned
to develop the skills, abilities and traits that produce tolerant and
rounded individuals. This is achieved by ensuring access to a wide
range of formal and additional learning opportunities.
These are delivered primarily through the following themes:
• Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)
• Living in the Wider World
• Progression Pathways
Throughout our programmes of study, every attempt is made to
imbue students with the attributes and habits that give them the best
opportunities for successful progression outside school whether this
is to work or future study.
These include:
• Aiming high, staying positive and being resilient
• Communication skills (listening, speaking, presenting)
• Teamwork and problem solving skills,
• Creativity and thinking skills
• Self-management and leadership
The values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual
respect of those with different faiths and beliefs are also the focus of
explicit teaching and these values are reinforced throughout the sixth
form.
All students attend Tutorials and have one formal Enrichment
lesson on their timetable which is led by a team of specialist
teachers. In addition, there are a number of extra
opportunities to engage in enrichment activities
throughout the year, including presentations from
external providers.
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Experiences
Outside the
Classroom
All of our students undertake enrichment during Wednesday afternoons
where they are encouraged to choose one of a number of exciting
activities. Most recently these include Mandarin, Debating, Sports
and Well-being, Fundraising Society, Diversity and Equality Society,
Sustainability Society, Year 7 Reading mentors, Book Club and the
Royal Institute Teaching Programme. Furthermore, there are inter-form
competitions which focus upon a range of sporting and mental challenges.
Students are also able to apply to numerous national programs such as
the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, National Citizenship Service, The Turing
Scheme and the Chrysalis or ORBYTS projects with Highgate School and
UCL. Opportunities grow every year and we are keen to respond to the
interests of our current students as well as encouraging them to discover
new activities which will broaden their interests. We also provide
guidance for students to read around their subjects and support them in
completing courses with EdX and Open Learn.
We encourage departments to pursue opportunities for their Sixth Form
students outside of the classroom. In recent years this has included
international trips to New York (Product Design), Iceland (Geography),
The Alps (Skiing), Switzerland (Hadron Collider –Physics), Geneva (Model
UN), Athens (Classics) and Pembrokeshire (water sports).
Students in the Sixth Form are encouraged to adopt leadership roles
within the school. In Year 12 students are encouraged to support staff
with break time duties, assist with lower school tutor groups and support
the work of specific departments. In Year 13 students are able to apply
for the role of Senior Student, a prestigious role which carries a number of
key responsibilities. Our Sixth Form students are also regular performers
in our drama and musical productions, and our impressive range of choirs
and orchestras.
To support students’ ability to achieve well in the work place we organise
many career-related events and presentations, provide careers guidance
and strongly promote work experience for all students. The final week of
the summer term is an opportunity for all year 12 students to undertake
work experience. In addition, as an INVESTIN School Partner our
students have access to numerous seminars with industry leaders and
personalised career coaching.
These experiences will help students develop their knowledge, skills
and better prepare them for University (UCAS), CV writing and other
applications.

University
Guidance
Our Progression Pathways Programme ensures our
students benefit from our extensive links with academic
institutions. This ensures a wealth of exciting studybased
opportunities in the UK, and the following are
now part of an established programme we offer our
students: Cambridge University (Maths), Oxford
University & Highgate School (Chemistry), King’s
College, London (Medicine), Brilliant Club (Mentoring
by doctorate students from leading universities) and the
Duke of Edinburgh Award. We have also established a
partnership with the Prince’s Teaching Institute aimed
at developing our A level teachers by giving them
opportunities to collaborate with academics from
leading universities.
Students receive regular updates on mentoring
opportunities offered by universities. We encourage
students to become keen participants on these
programmes, particularly for those considering
medicine, law or Oxbridge applications.
Students have access to UNIFROG, an online platform
that supports them with exploring, applying and
preparing for their chosen progression pathway.
We encourage students to set themselves high
expectations for future education and careers. For those
planning to go to university, a significant emphasis is
placed on the UCAS application process, completing
personal statements and where relevant, preparing
for interviews. We also organise trips to university
open days, and our numerous partnerships ensure
our students benefit from a variety
of opportunities to gain work
experience.
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University
Destinations
The vast majority of our students choose to
apply to university after completing their A
levels or vocational courses. Our students
have been extremely successful in securing
places on a variety of courses at a range of
institutions across the country. This year
all of our students received at least one
offer with 73% securing places at their first
choice of university.
We are proud that 65% of our students
have moved on to undergraduate study at
Russell Group / Top 30 universities. We
have experience of placing hundreds of
students at these top universities including:
Edinburgh, Warwick, Manchester, Leeds,
King’s College, Imperial, LSE, UCL,
Nottingham, Bristol, Sheffield, York, and
Bath. In addition, every year students
secure places at Oxford and Cambridge
University, reading a wide range of subjects:
Architecture, Astro Physics, Computer
Science, Economics, Engineering, English
Literature, Law, History, Maths, Modern
Languages, Music, Natural Sciences, PPE.
University Destinations 2022 No. %
First Choice 183 73%
Insurance 27 11%
Clearing 41 16%
Deferred Entry for 2023 14 5%
University Subject Choices 2022 No. %
Science, Maths & Engineering 121 48%
Law, Humanities & Social Studies 64 25%
Business, Economics & Management 37 15%
Arts 28 11%
Other 3 1%
University Destinations 2022
No. %
Russell Group 88 35%
Russell Group + Top 30 163 65%
Most Acceptances 2022
City, University of London 12
University of Westminster 11
Loughborough University 10
Warwick University 10
University of Nottingham 8
Queen Mary London 8
Kings College London 7
University of Sheffield 7
Cambridge or Oxford University 3
No.

Student
Profiles
The featured students on this page are
now studying at top universities on very
competitive courses. It’s easy to look at
their success and imagine that they were
born to it. But their grades are testament
to an enormous amount of hard work from
the very first day of their year 12 courses.
We are proud of their successes, and the
achievements of their peers, but recognise
that whilst we provide an outstanding
eduction they went the extra mile, took
every opportunity presented to them and
have been justly rewarded.
Anais
Esha
Megan
Anais joined our Sixth Form from a local
school and is now studying Law at Aston
University. Diligent and hardworking,
Anais applied herself fully to all aspects
of her course in Health and Social Care.
Her outstanding work ethic and drive to
improve her understanding and respond
to feedback saw Anais excel. During her
studies Anais developed a keen interest
in the legislation surrounding Health and
Social Care, which she analysed in depth
throughout her coursework assignments
and exams. Her thorough approach
to research and wider reading helped
Anais gain a Distinction Star. Anais is
a very good example of how the Sixth
Form Personal Development Programme
at APS helps our students to flourish.
Her daily attendance to Tutorials and
extra-curricular activities developed
her independence, and the mindset
to succeed. Anais’s drive and positive
attitude will see her flourish and succeed
at Aston University and beyond.
Esha’s outstanding results of A*A*A*
ensured that she secured a place on her
first choice of course, Psychology at
Bristol University. While her academic
prowess was evident throughout her time
at school, it has been our pleasure to see
her confidence and maturity develop in
the Sixth Form. Esha’s natural interest in
human behaviour, alongside her keenness
to acquire new knowledge will ensure that
she becomes an asset to the university
and any future employer. All of her
teachers would agree that she has been a
joy to teach - inquisitive, resilient, caring,
perceptive and conscientious. Esha bears
all the hallmarks of a successful academic
and potential Psychologist.
A passionate and well-rounded musician,
Megan joined APS in Year 7 as a rather shy
pianist and, over the years, has expanded
her skills to become a talented orchestral
percussionist and a fine French horn
player, as well as an excellent pianist and
choral singer. Megan played in the school
orchestra, show bands and performed in
numerous concerts. She also took part in
residential school music tours and joined
the Haringey Young Musicians Symphony
Orchestra, where she worked her way
up to Principal French horn. Megan
is a shining example of how studying
Music, and taking advantage of every
opportunity that came her way, helped
her to build not only musical skills but
grow in confidence, self-assurance and
maturity. We were delighted when Megan
secured her offer from Homerton College,
Cambridge and even more so when she
auditioned successfully for a choral
scholarship.

Jaid
Thant
Helen
Abilina
Jaid is an exceptional student who is now
studying Medicine at UCL. Jaid’s quietly
determined approach to his studies is
truly one of a kind, and much admired by
staff and peers alike.
Jaid has consistently demonstrated all
of the skills needed to be successful.
A combination of unwavering drive,
resilience and hard work ensured he was
able to meet the significant demands of
studying all three Sciences and Maths,
whilst also successfully applying for
Medicine. Jaid is not only exceptionally
bright, but also open-minded, always
welcoming and acting on feedback from
teachers. We are proud to have supported
Jaid to develop his successful application
to UCL, which was built upon his
volunteering and utilising the APS supercurriculum
on offer in our Sixth Form.
We know that Jaid’s determination and
commitment to his studies and beyond
will help him to excel even further in his
future studies and chosen career path.
Thant has the proud honour of becoming
the first APS student to read Ancient
History and Archaeology at Oxford
University – he also features in the
Classics film on our website. Thant
arrived at APS in September 2020 and
immediately impressed his subject tutors
with his ability to write superbly argued
and insightful essays. Thant possessed
a natural drive and determination
to succeed, and he readily accepted
his teachers’ advice to engage with
challenging texts beyond the A Level
curriculum. Thant will undoubtedly thrive
at Oxford academically, and he hopes
to continue his campaigning against the
military dictatorship in Myanmar.
One could argue that Helen was
always destined to become a Classics
undergraduate at Cambridge. Since
joining the school in Year 7 she readily
engaged with our KS3 Latin programme
before progressing onto Classics GCSE
and A Level. Helen possessed a unique
ability to interpret both ancient and
modern texts, and impressed both her
English and Classics tutors with her
original and insightful understanding of
different literary genres. Helen utilised
the Progression Pathways Programme
at APS, especially the online platform
UNIFROG. She had easy access to
many online courses and journals that
expanded her knowledge and contributed
to a fantastic Extended Learning Project.
During her interview at Cambridge, she
was able to draw upon her independent
research and blew the admission tutors
away! We are certain Helen will continue
her love of Literature and Classics and
certain a bright future lies with this field.
Abilina is studying French & International
Relations at the University of London
in Paris where she will be developing
her linguistic skills and deepening her
understanding of the Social, Political and
Cultural issues in France. During her
A level studies at APS, Abilina showed
an impressive ability to grasp difficult
concepts. As a talented critical thinker,
she always looked for ways to broaden
her knowledge beyond the curriculum,
reading about French politics and the
challenges in French society. As an active
participant in class discussions, Abilina
was always open and interested in the
ideas and perspectives of others. Her
intellectual curiosity and growth mindset
makes her well suited to her chosen
course in International Relations, where
we are sure she will excel.

Examinations
Alexandra Park Sixth Form examination
results have been consistently outstanding
for more than a decade. High quality
teaching from experienced teams across
a full range of more than 30 different
courses ensures consistently impressive
examination results. The grades students
achieve at A level places our Sixth Form in
the top 5% nationwide, for both progress
and attainment. Alexandra Park Sixth Form
has been awarded ‘World Class Quality
Mark’. This World Class status is given
to a limited number of high performing
institutions providing the very best in
education.
Top 5%
Nationally
Since 2018
A Level 2022
A Level 2022
Vocational Qualifications
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Grades
APS
2019
APS
2020
APS
2021
APS
2022
National
Average
2022
A*-A 29% 37% 45% 42% 36%
A*-B 64% 68% 74% 67% 62%
A*-C 87% 90% 92% 88% 88%
A*-E 100% 100% 100% 100% 99%
APS
APS
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
BTEC
BTEC
National Average
A*-A A=A* A*-B A*-B A*-C A*-C A*-E A*-E
0%
0%
0%
Dis*-Dis Dis*-Dis Dis*-Merit Dis*-Dis Dis*-Merit Dis*-Dis Dis*-Merit Dis*-Pass Dis*-Merit Dis*-Pass Dis*-Merit Dis*-Pass Dis*-Pass A*-E Dis*-Pass A*-E A*-E A*-E
APS
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
BTEC
APS
National Average
APS
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
BTEC
APS
BTEC
APS

WWW.ALEXANDRAPARK.SCHOOL
“ The effectiveness of the Sixth Form is outstanding (Ofsted 2011).
This judgement is based on consideration of the 'outstanding teaching'
that students receive, 'the exemplary care, guidance and support' that is
provided to them and the 'outstanding progress' that they make, both in
terms of examination results and in moving on to Higher Education, training
or employment.”
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Headteacher: Michael M c Kenzie Director of Sixth Form: George Stratis
Alexandra Park School, Bidwell Gardens, London, N11 2AZ Phone: 020 8826 4880 Email: office@alexandrapark.school