Year 12 Induction 2014

130+ students from across the county (& beyond) attended a 2 day Induction this week. The aims were team building exercises, an overview of post 16 enrichment opportunities and a chance to meet the Year 12 tutor team.

Day 1 ended with a hard fought battle for the fashion show prizes - amazing creations and entertaining performances by the students sent all of us home with smiles on our faces. All judged by the Sixth Form Leadership team. A highly memorable event.

Day 2 was the opportunity to have 'taster lessons' in the A Level subjects. Students were given a variety of educational experiences : challenged academically, quizzed, designing cars, sampling food, distinguishing between various liquids and  dissecting rhubarb! Phew.

The main comment from students was, 'I really hope I get the grades to come to The Cooper School.'

SIXTH FORM LEADERSHIP TEAM 2014-15

Following a hard fought election campaign, extensive voting and presentations to the Head and Deputy Head, we are proud to announce that 

the new Sixth Form Leadership team will be:

Katie Baynton -Glen =  Head girl

Katie Mcfarlane - Deputy Head girl

Mathew Penny = Head boy

Jon Stark - Deputy Head boy

Chloe Lawrence        Poppy Cooper

David Treen        Josh Tee

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S  

to these students who have already been tasked with their first official function : Year 12 Induction next week!!

HIGHER EDUCATION EVENING - Thursday 19th June 2014

Post 16 studies hosted its 3rd Higher education evening last night. The launch of the UCAS process is a significant milestone for students as they begin to contemplate their future plans and begin to prepare for their next steps.

All Year 12 students and their parents were involved in a carousel of talks from a variety of HE providers and we were very fortunate to be able to welcome the following institutes to our school:

Taking a gap Year : Project trust

Student Finance : Leicester University

Making successful applications: Southampton University

University life: Oxford University

Personal statement writing: Oxford Brookes

It was a busy and informative evening and we will now continue with :

'Writing Personal statements' 

on Wednesday 25th June 2014

Year 13 Induction

4 week induction into Year 13

Year 12 have now returned to begin their 4 week induction into Year 13. It is wonderful to have the students back in the Post 16 centre - it has been very quiet without them.

Sixth Form Leadership team

Applications are now coming in for the election process for the next Sixth Form Leadership Team. It is very exciting to see the students considering what they wish to do to continue to take the Sixth Form onwards and upwards.

We will be holding election speeches next week and I am looking forward to that very much.

Year 13 examinations

These have now begun in earnest - my thoughts and wishes are with the students who I can see in the common room beavering over their revision and discussing the forthcoming potential questions.

With the sun streaming through the windows over the wonderful Post 16 centre, I can see Year 12 lounging in the sunshine, gently reading their class notes and preparing themselves for a lunchtime of chat and football.

What a wonderful place the Post 16 centre is today.

Year 13 - last day in school

....and so year 13 spend their last day in school by holding a summer picnic at lunchtime. The Post 16 cafe is currently adorned with bunting and balloons and there is a table laden with delicious and tempting edible treats for all to share between lessons.

It is incredible how quickly this time has passed and so lovely to see this group of self reliant, supportive and academically driven students spending some time together and remembering their school days.

There is also a very interesting selection of 'Mallalieu' masks that a few students are wearing and one or two balloons and ballads are currently giving a festive air to my office!

My best wishes and good fortune for all Year 13 as they embark on their A levels. 

How I will miss you all.

A LEVEL EXAMINATIONS COMMENCE

...and lo! the A level examinations have now begun!

Post 16 studies is full of AS level students anxiously waiting for exams to begin, studiously revising or gently deconstructing the exams with groups of supportive friends.

There is a distinct and palpable air of preparation which is tinged with anxiety and a keen edge to do well. It is a delight to see so many Year 12 students using the centre during their study leave and so good to see their determination to do well.

I am also mindful of the Year 13 students who are watching the Year 12 and knowing that their own examinations are just a few weeks away.

It is a tough time for all the A level students but all of them continue to impress with their focus, commitment and determination to do their best.

...and yes there is still humour, laughter and general good nature to get us all through the day!

Post 16 Study Leave 2014

Year 12 study leave 2014

Study leave for Year 12 commences on Friday 9th May until Friday 6th June.

It is incredible how fast this year has gone and amazing to think that AS examinations commence next week. My thoughts and best wishes for all the Year 12 students as they enter the examination phase.

Year 12 return to school on Monday 9th June 2014

I look forward to welcoming Year 12 back to school for their 4 week induction into Year 13. It will be good to have all the students back in the building as we prepare for the challenges of next year. 

Year 13 study leave will commence 

on 

Friday 23rd May

Post Easter return - GOOD NEWS!

It is good to welcome back all Post 16 students from the Easter holidays. The time has clearly been spent in preparation for the forthcoming examinations - students have returned with work to be marked, questions to be explored and revision notes being completed.

BREAKING NEWS  - A Year 13 student has been awarded 'Academic funding' to study in the USA

Pippa Burge, Year 13 has been offered a place at university in USA to do Athletic training. Her application was so impressive that she has been awarded academic funding. She is delighted at the prospects that this will bring her career and we are very proud to have such a high calibre sports person at Post 16 studies.

USA trip

The Post 16 trip to the USA over Easter was hugely successful for all involved and has provided the History students with invaluable insight into American culture and politics in preparation for the exam. 

SIXTH FORM V STAFF FOOTIE MATCH

Post 16 (Blues): 2                    
(Jordan & Rafe) 

Staff (Fairies): 1
(Mr Aaron Forth)


In honour of 'Sport Relief' the post 16 students challenged the staff to a football match.

Heavy advertising, promotional videos, posters and a leaflet campaign ensured that expectations were high from all sides. Sixth Formers have been training every lunchtime and after school and there has also been a rumour that the staff have held secret training sessions. Tactics have been overheard being discussed in the staffroom every day and even Mr Gibson used his Astro duty to 'suss out the tactics of the opposition'

There was a great atmosphere on the Astro at lunchtime as all the school turned out to watch. Chanting, cheerleaders and horns sounded throughout.  Attacking moves and desperate shots on goal ensured that all sides were determined to win. A great event and a wonderful end to the week.

 Moment of the match : Mr Aaron Forth in his pink socks

Post 16 students collected donations throughout and are currently in my office counting..... we are getting close to £500 target.

High Achieving Year 12 students

The following students have impressed staff with their mock results and can now continue to build on this significant achievement:

Laura Cox

Danielle Hollis

Kayleigh Faulkner

Mathew Penny

Keerthana Sanjivi

....and the following students have been highly commended by staff and can use the mock exams to continue to aim high:

Jamie Atkinson

Millie Anderson

Katie Baynton-Glen

Alfie Bones

Tom Bosley

Chloe Coleman

Poppy Cooper

Connor Fray
Laura Nellislis

Lewis O'Driscoll

Harry Trinder

Charlotte Whiteley

Term 4 commences - a plethora of enrichment opportunities

Welcome back to all Post 16 students!

Post 16 students returned to school this morning ready to start the new term and the final preparations for their forthcoming examinations. Mock exams are completed, UCAS offers in for all, and the Post 16 building is humming to the sound of diligent, hard working students,

A level Art / Media 

These students have returned from a trip to Venice, Italy where they have been inspired by the beauty of the architecture, Art work, canals, water and light. I look forward enormously to the creations that are currently being worked on by the students and wish to thank the dedication of the staff in facilitating this trip.

A level Biology 

These students are away for a week on a residential and the A Level geography students  will be commencing their field trip shortly. Once again, it is these experiences that enrich and support the learning of the students and will be invaluable in their studies.

A Level History

The much anticipated trip to New York is now approaching and many students have been looking forward to this trip for months - an amazing city to enrich understanding of American culture, politics and history.

CLOSING DATE FOR POST 16 APPLICATIONS

Friday 24th January 2014

Today is the closing date for prospective Year 12 students.

There is a high number of applications to consider from students and this school and beyond, many of whom are anticipating very good qualifications this summer. It is wonderful to see the academic and personal ambitions of these students.

 We will now process all of these applications and invite students to interview before half-term, or shortly afterwards to cover the volume of applications.

Thank you to all those students who have applied and I wish you all good luck with your application to Post 16 studies at this school

POST 16 APPLICATIONS

Post 16 applications for start September 2014

Applications from prospective students are rolling in and a high number of students have already been interviewed. The quality of the interviews and the quality of applications have been very impressive. 

I would like to extend my congratulations to those students who have been successful so far.

Post 16 interviews

These are scheduled for Wednesday 29th January with members of the senior leadership team. We all look forward to interviewing prospective students. 

You will be asked questions on your aptitude for study and your future plans and intentions.

A reminder:

THE CLOSING DATE FOR ALL POST 16 APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY 24th JANUARY 2014

GOOD LUCK TO ALL PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS!!

NEW YEAR NEWS

Welcome back to all Post 16 students to an important year of examinations.

1. UCAS achievements

Congratulations on the completion of UCAS applications and it is really wonderful to hear from the students about their offers and plans for the future.

Special mention for the following students:

Adam Sapnik - Offer from Oxford university to read Chemistry

Amy Digman - UNCONDITIONAL offer from Queen's College London to read History - an 'exceptional candidate'

Orla Welby - Reduced offer from her first choice for Sport Science as she is an 'outstanding applicant'

2. A Level rehearsal examinations

These will begin next week as students are preparing for the forthcoming examinations. Good luck to all Post 16 students as they approach these as they will be key indicators for target setting and goal meeting.

3. Post 16 Applications

The cycle of applications for entry 2014 is nearing completion and it is a genuine pleasure to be meeting prospective students.

CHRISTMAS ACCOLADES

Fantastic achievements

93 students nominated across all 26 courses for high achievement and commitment to KS5 studies and our congratulations are passed to these students for their tremendous efforts

Year 13 University applications

93% of the Year 13 have completed their university applications for 2014 start

4% deferring their university applications for a 2015 start

3% are entering the world of work and Apprenticeship

Applications for Year 12 (2014 start)

These have now started to flood in and we are busy interviewing potential applicants for Post 16 study. The students who have been interviewed have been extremely impressive with the determination and ambition to do and be the best they can. I look forward to welcoming these students to post 16 next year.

I would like to wish all Post 16 studies a very Happy Christmas and I hope 2014 be all you wish for yourself.

YEAR 13 STUDENT SHAVES HAIR FOR CHARITY

The commitment of the Post 16  students at this school continues to amaze and impress me. 

This week, Charlotte Golder in Year 13, shaved her long hair off to raise money for cancer research. 

The hair before the shave!

Glowing smiles of triumph and support!

'Cancer charities are close to  my heart and I wanted to do something to raise funds for vital cancer research,' says Charlotte.

And in order to keep all of Post 16 entertained (and well fed) during this incredible act of commitment, the Post 16 students also baked an array of cakes to sell to increase the funds raised.

Beautifully arranged baking!

Post 16 students preparing for the challenges ahead

The post 16 area is abuzz with conversation about subjects, debates on issues from lessons and shared planning of courses. It is a delight to see these students developing their independent study skills and focus on academic achievement.

UCAS applications being completed are impressive with the range of courses being applied for: medicine, chemistry, History, Psychology, Adult nursing and Maths to name a few! To read the personal statements has been a revelation as students show their maturity, responsibility and wide ranging enrichment activities. the current year 13 are a talented bunch and with so many offers coming into school it is a pleasure to see their sense of achievement.

The quickest offer received so far was for GILES BALDWIN who got his first offer the same day he sent his application form!! 

All this hard work, this commitment to their studies and personal ambition and loads of enrichment... and they still have time to fill the vending machine!

POST 16 SUPPORTS 'CHILDREN IN NEED'

Post 16 students really impressed with the range of interesting and creative fancy dress.

All in support of 'Children in Need' - we have had a group ready for a tropical beach, a selection of outfits and a range of festive themed wear. It is has all made the day lively, colourful and full of interesting sights.


The highlight of the day was the Post 16 v Staff 'fairies' football team.... a 1:0 victory to the staff but a great atmosphere in the astro - all the school turned out to cheer and support. The drummers kept the mood uplifted and all the proceeds and donations collected will go to children in need.

POST 16 OPEN EVENING

Thursday 7th November - Large numbers of prospective Post 16 students attended the evening.

Last night the Post 16 centre at The Cooper School opened its doors to year 11 students considering their Post 16 options. The evening began with a presentation by the Headteacher, Mr Baxter and the Director of Post 16 Studies, Cate Mallalieu-Needle.  The school was inundated by prospective students and their parents and it became impossible for everyone to attend the presentation. Doors were closed at 6.05pm as there was no room left in the performance hall.

Nearly 300 prospectuses were distributed to year 11 students. The Post 16 centre has never had so many people within its doors and the buzz and excitement was palpable. Departments hosted stand with current students and advised / guided prospective students in making appropriate choices.

APPLICATIONS FOR POST 16 STUDIES 2014 CAN NOW BE SUBMITTED.

INDEPENDENT STUDY DAY

Independent Study Conference

Another exciting event when the 2 Post 16 providers in Bicester worked in collaboration.

Our Year 12 students were joined by Sixth Form students from Bicester Community College to attend an Independent Learning Study Conference led by the Life Skills Company.

During this three hour conference, the 150 students participated in five sessions. 

Improving independent learning 

Speed and skim reading

Effective note-taking

Time management 

Presentation skills.

Feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive and the advice and guidance will support all the students in their studies.