Exceptional results

We are proud of our students’ achievements. ATASixth Form has a proven track record of academic success and has won Wandsworth Highest Pupil Achievement Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Our exceptional 2017 results are a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students and staff.

2017 Results

A level: 41% A*-A, 74% A*-B & 92% A*-C.

IB: 100% pass rate with an average of 36 IB points

BTEC in Music and Performing Arts: 100% Distinction* 

 

Outstanding Teaching

Teaching is described as outstanding in our most recent Ofsted Inspection

“Teachers know their students very well and this ensures that all students are encouraged to aim high and achieve well. Teachers use this knowledge well to support, adjust and challenge the learning of individual students in the class. Teaching across the academy prepares students very well for the next stage in their education”.

“The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding. Teachers plan learning that challenges students’ thinking, knowledge and skills. High expectations were evident in all lessons. Marking is highly supportive and students value the advice offered by teachers and other staff”.

Teachers enjoy teaching and are excellent practitioners with a passion for the subjects they teach. In an end of year survey 92% of students said they were taught well and challenged to do their best. Teaching sixth form is regarded as a privilege and a chance for teachers and students to explore topics of mutual interest in great detail. However outstanding teaching presumes outstanding learning and at Ashcroft students MUST make a substantial contribution towards their own learning. In the sixth form you study fewer subjects which give you the opportunity to specialise.

Students are expected to:

• Be prepared for lessons and prepared to learn
• Spend a substantial amount of non-contact time working independently in designated study areas
• Immerse themselves in lessons and become active learners
• Develop a passion for learning
• Take a high level of responsibility for their own learning

Superb support

“Students greatly value the support and guidance they receive from the academy”.

Ofsted 2015

We recognise that the transition from year 11 to year 12 can be difficult for students to manage as you move from a highly structured teaching day to one with a mix and match of lessons and private study periods. The key to successful learning is to adopt effective study routines from day 1 in order to maximise your learning experience. Students must bridge this transition successfully and rest assured we will do our utmost to ensure this happens. Support is given by:

Sixth Form Management Team: The SFMT provides the main academic independent study support outside the classroom especially in the sixth form study area and underpin the UCAS application process. Students also attend a weekly Higher Education and Guidance lesson led by a senior tutor who is also part of the SFMT.

Form Tutors: Students meet with their form tutors daily. Form tutors oversee the academic and personal welfare of students in their form group. Form tutors also play a key role in the UCAS process in particular by being the academic referees and giving advice and guidance on personal statements.

School Counsellor: Catch-22. This is a confidential counselling service where advice and guidance is given on all school (non-academic) and home related issues. Students can self-refer through the Academy Welfare Officer for this service.

School Nurse: The nurse provides medical advice and guidance and can signpost students to other healthcare professionals.

External Learning mentor: Catch-22. Through discussion with an external mentor students are helped to set realistic targets and make positive changes.

Unrivalled facilities

The sixth form at Ashcroft is exceptionally well resourced. The Sixth Form Centre comprises the following:

Study area: a well-equipped, spacious, supervised study area containing:

• 54 work stations
• Spaces for private (non ICT) study
• Higher Education reference material
• Subject specific reference material
• Telephone for student use, educational reasons only

Base (common) room: student relaxation “base room” with:

• Soft seating
• Locker provision
• Coffee bar area, drinks/water fountain
• Daily newspaper
• Plasma TV
• Presentation facilities
• Desks, chairs and tables provide an informal work space

Teaching rooms: 7 specialist teaching rooms all with IWB

Laptops:

• 20 for student use
• 20 for class facility

Office: Shared office spaces for:

• Sixth Form Management Team, the Curriculum Manager for Social Sciences
• The Assistant Principal (Sixth Form), Sixth Form Academic Coordinator, IB Coordinator

Toilet and lift facilities including disabled access

In addition the whole Academy has specialist resources in all areas:

• Very broad range of subjects and options
• International Baccalaureate 'World School' Status
• Small class sizes
• Internationally aware, multicultural environment