• You will be treated in a more adult way, with more flexibility and freedom of choice.
• Each A-Level is taught for eight periods a week and you have two periods of General Studies, so you also have free periods in which you organise your own study.
• You can go out at lunchtime if you want to.
• Once you have satisfied us over effort, attendance and punctuality you may have the option of private study at home on free afternoons, usually from January of Year 12.
• The responsibility for your studies lies with you. You will be expected to be well-prepared, to work hard and to participate at an adult level.

• The student Common Room, with kitchen and snack machine, can be used to discuss work, relax and make hot drinks.
• The Library is usually available for silent work and you can arrange to visit the town library in free periods.
• Empty rooms can be used for study.
• After consultation, you may be able to use specialist facilities to further your studies in free time, e.g. for Art, Computing, Design Technology and Theatre Studies.
• You will have access to the school computer system and you can have a free e-mail account.

• The Senior School has over 200 students, and you will be in a group of about 20.
• You will usually keep the same tutor for two years, Senior School tutors get to know you well, and they are experienced in discussing the issues which concern you.
• Sessions are less formal than in Year 11.

• Tutorial sessions help you to develop useful study skills and time management, then the focus switches to helping you to prepare for the future, as you research higher education and careers.
• You will have an interview with our specialist Careers Co-ordinator.
• You will be encouraged to undertake relevant Work Experience.

• The May examinations will enable you to assess your projected performance, and in some subjects you will take your first Advanced Level modules in June.
• After examinations you will discuss your progress and targets with a senior member of staff. You will then be well placed to work on applications for higher education or to extend your research on employment.
• Throughout Year 12 you will attend a General Studies course for two periods a week. This involves a varied programme of modules, which currently include Driverability, Employment, Health, Information Technology, Issues in Modern Society and Sport. This is an enjoyable way of broadening your experience.
• Over the year, you will prepare your Record of Achievement.

• You should return in September with well-developed plans for the future.
• Applications for higher education are completed in the first half of the Autumn Term and considerable advice will be given.
• Opportunities for contact with local employers are offered a little later.
• Help will also be available for applicants to further education.
• You can request an additional careers appointment at any time.
• Tutors will help you to assess your progress, as well as discussing such topics as interviews.
• In January, Mock A-Levels and many Modular A-Level papers are taken.
• After this, the focus is on the future, through tutorial sessions, talks and examination preparation.

• The Head of Senior School is responsible for Year 13 and the Assistant Head of Senior School for Year 12.
• You can consult your year head or your tutor over concerns affecting your progress. Your problems may well be adult ones with no easy solution, but we can provide a listening ear and perhaps some useful advice.
• As acknowledged by OFSTED relationships between pupils and with staff are very good, and you will benefit from the caring attitudes of a happy school community.

• You can use the Careers Library, with a wide range of information and access to computer assisted guidance.
• Highsted’s Careers Co-ordinator is a specialist careers adviser with expert knowledge of further and higher education and of employment, local and national.
• You will have a careers interview in Year 12 and can arrange further discussions as needed.
• Year 12 students attend a Higher Education Convention and the University of Kent Open Day, and you are encouraged to attend other Open Days.
• You may attend lectures and courses on particular careers.
• Visiting speakers give you a chance to ask questions, and you can sometimes arrange to visit employers.
• Be prepared to take the initiative and research your future positively as you take control of your life.

• Activities Week in July of Year 12 given you scope for relevant work experience.
• After discussion with your head of year, you may decide on a weekly placement in a free afternoon, once you have happily adjusted to Senior School study. This is essential for some careers, e.g. Veterinary Science, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Primary Teaching and is useful for some others.
• Alternatively or additionally, you could arrange placements in holiday time, or find a relevant Saturday job.

• At least six hours per week, per A-Level subject, are expected. At times you may need to do more.
• You will need good planning and organisation, because of the wide variety of tasks and differing deadlines.
• You should recognise the need for continuous background reading, research and consideration of past papers.
• You will need to balance your time so that study takes priority, while still leaving some time for social activity, work experience or part-time job.
• Avoid overloading yourself with new commitments while adjusting to A-Level.

• There is no Senior School uniform, but you will be expected to follow a dress code, looking smart and business-like. For example, smart tailored trousers are acceptable, jeans or jodhpurs are not.
• Hair styles and jewellery should avoid extremes.
• Footwear should not include very high heels, backless mules, heavy boots or trainers.
• In fact, this gives you lots of choice, but if in doubt, ask our advice before buying.
• For formal school occasions like Awards Evening, you will need a black skirt and white blouse (girls) or black or charcoal trousers, while shirt and tie (boys).
• You can wear your own kit for the sport element of general studies but may need to buy or borrow Highsted kit if selected for school teams.

• Universities and employers look for character and interests as well as academic achievement.
• In School you can get involved in drama, debating, public speaking, music or sport.
• You could stand for School Council, follow the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, help to run the library, become a Student Counsellor, or help with charity events.
• Prefects are elected by students and staff and make an enormous contribution to school life.
• Year 13 students organise the Christmas Revue.
• Some people represent Highsted on Swale Youth Forum.
• The possibilities are endless, and you could always start something new.
• Students also have a wide range of interests outside school, for example, Kent Adventure Club for the Disabled.

• Yes, we never give up!
• We’re here when the A-Level results come out, to congratulate you, rejoice with you and give advice.

Highsted welcomes you to its Senior School. We hope that this information will encourage you to stay with us for your Advanced Level courses. You will have talks on the subjects available. If you have any queries do approach the teachers, even if you don’t know them well. Also listen to Senior School students - life really is very different in Year Twelve. Transition evening on 18th March is also designed to help you.

If you are not yet certain about where to study, or whether to do A-Levels, it is sensible to choose subjects at Highsted anyway. Most people do better than they expect at GCSE, so don’t narrow down your range of choices through lack of confidence. Keep us informed, talk to us about any doubts, and use the Careers Library and staff to find out as much as you can.

The choices you make in the Spring will be looked at carefully. We do try very hard to provide the subject combinations you choose. If, however, your GCSE results are not as you expected and/or you change your mind about subject choices, do talk to us. You should come in on 7th September, Admissions Day, to seek advice, If matters are really urgent, you may be able to reach Mr Chambers, who is in charge of Year Twelve, by phone on 6th September. Careers staff are also available on Admissions Day, so even if you haven’t qualified for your chosen course, we can often advise.

Remember: We are local, we are experienced, we know you and we can provide specialised support that will help to equip you for the future you choose.

We look forward to your joining Senior School in September.

J Highwood M Chambers

Head of Senior School Assistant Head of Senior School

Interviews are not formal, we just investigate whether we can meet your needs. You can come on your own, be interviewed with a friend who is also applying or bring parents/guardians. You are also very welcome to seek advice from our Careers Co-ordinator, Mr Robinson. The best time to contact us is between November and March of Year Eleven, then we know your requirements before we write the timetable, and if you choose to come to us full time, your subject choices will be processed with those of our existing students. We can, of course, deal with enquiries right up to the first week of Year Twelve, it’s just that popular courses may fill up by then, so the earlier, the better for you.

For intending full-time students, the choices you make in the Spring will be looked at carefully. We do try very hard to provide the subject combinations you choose. If, however, your GCSE results are not as you expected and/or you change your mind about subject choices, do talk to us. You should come in on 7th September, Admissions Day, to seek advice, If matters are really urgent, you may be able to reach Mr Chambers, who is in charge of Year Twelve, by phone on 6th September. Careers staff are also available on Admissions Day, so even if you haven’t qualified for your chosen course, we can often advise.

Our Transition Evening takes place on Thursday 18th March, giving you the chance to talk to subject staff, and we also invite full time applicants to visit us one morning after GCSE. Please note, however, that while we are happy to hold brief discussions with anyone wanting to study one A-Level here while remaining on the roll of another school, and while we are often able to help. we cannot offer such places until after Admissions Day, when all those coming to us full-time have been accommodated.

Remember we are local, we are experienced, and we can provide specialised support that will help to equip you for the future you choose, We look forward to your joining Senior School in September.

J Highwood M Chambers

Head of Senior School Assistant Head of Senior School