1. education
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Milton Keynes College Sixth Form
Andrew Peck Building
Sherwood Drive
Bletchley
Milton Keynes
MK3 6DR
For course information and enquiries
01908 684551
www.mkcollege.ac.uk
01908 684444
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/MKCollege1
@MKCollege
WELCOME TO MILTON KEYNES
COLLEGE SIXTH FORM
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the Milton Keynes
College Sixth Form. We take pride in providing you with an excellent
support network and an environment in which you can flourish and
achieve your full potential.
With more than 30 years’ experience of successfully teaching GCSE and A Level
programmes, we are proud to offer a diverse range of A Level Pathways – a new
exhilarating approach for progressing to university and/or a career of your choice.
Each pathway is designed with a specific career in mind and enhanced through work
experience opportunities with relevant employers. So upon completion, you will have
a complementary set of A Levels, excellent employability skills, trusted employer links
and the specialist subject knowledge to succeed in your chosen path.
You will be taught by our highly qualified and inspirational teachers who bring a wealth
of industry experience. They make time in the classroom compelling and above all,
time well spent.
We are excited to have developed a new dedicated facility for our Sixth Form students,
so you can study and relax with like-minded learners. You’ll have the support of
teaching staff as well as each other.
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Welcome
We believe a stimulating sixth form experience strikes the right balance between
study and fun. You will have access to a whole host of social activities through our
Student Engagement Team. From the Freshers’ Fair to sports games and trips, you will
have the chance to enjoy new experiences and make new friends for life. You can also
use our professional facilities such as The Brasserie restaurant, The Graduate salon and
Courtside gym at discounted prices. So come along to one of our open days, visit our
website or just call or drop in any time. You can be sure of a warm welcome and the
genuine desire to discuss your future aspirations and how we can help you get on your
pathway to success.
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Why choose Milton College Sixth Form?
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What our students say
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About our A Level Pathways
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The Pathways
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In partnership with employers
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The benefits of work experience
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Other full-time programmes
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Dedicated facilities
We look forward to meeting you soon.
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Extracurricular activities
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Support
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Meet some of the team
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How to apply
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How to get to us
Dr Julie Mills
Principal and CEO
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CONTENTS
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WHY CHOOSE
MILTON KEYNES
COLLEGE SIXTH
FORM?
NEW, EXHILARATING RANGE OF PATHWAYS
Our specially designed pathways offer a package
of related A Level subjects, focused on giving you
the skills, knowledge and enrichment activities to
progress into university or, ultimately, the career
you want
HIGH-QUALITY TEACHING DELIVERED BY
QUALIFIED SPECIALISTS
You will be taught by highly qualified and
inspirational teachers with industry experience,
so you can draw on their real-life knowledge to
enhance your learning and skills
INDUSTRY-RELEVANT LEARNING
We work closely with employers so our courses
are relevant to their needs and you are work
ready when you leave
WHAT OUR
STUDENTS SAY
Students past and present share
their experiences of their time
with us. Find out what they did,
what they liked most and what
they’ve gone on to do.
“I went to MK College due to the availability
of subjects which my school sixth form did
not provide. Alongside English Language and
Literature, I studied Psychology and Sociology
which I felt would be beneficial for my career
choice. Being in a college environment
helped me to become more independent and
motivated to do well in my A Levels. The tutors
were very supportive and encouraged me
to achieve my full potential. After successful
results, I went on to study a degree in Health
and Social Care at university, graduating with
a 2:1, and have spent the last year working in a
secure setting with young offenders.”
Amy Kirkland
A Levels: English Language and Literature,
Psychology, Sociology
FANTASTIC, PURPOSE-BUILT FACILITIES
You will be based in a dedicated building
for Sixth Form students, with everything you’ll
need from accessing teacher support to a place
for relaxation, all conveniently located together
SUPPORTIVE STAFF
The support our staff offer is second to none!
They’ll be there to help you during your time with
us and offer guidance when you need it
A FLEXIBLE ENVIRONMENT
You could be learning alongside mature students
from a range of different backgrounds. You’ll be
treated like an adult with no uniform restrictions
and be given responsibility over your studies
EXTRACURRICULAR AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Sixth Form isn’t all about study – it’s important to
have fun also. Get involved in any of our clubs,
societies, NUS and more!
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“Studying at MK College has been one of the
most enjoyable educational experiences I have
had so far! The teaching quality is excellent.
My subjects are taught both in the classroom
and through various practical activities so I
get exposure to both sides. Also, it’s very easy
to get to with the use of regular local bus and
railway services near by.”
Ian Kelly (pictured),
A Levels: English Language and Literature,
History, Law, Psychology
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ABOUT OUR
A LEVEL PATHWAYS
We have a number of pathways that are designed to move you
a step closer to the career of your choice. Each pathway is a
unique package, focused on providing you with the key skills,
knowledge and qualifications to pursue a university degree or
ultimately, a career in a particular area of interest.
HOW THEY WORK
Each pathway has a focus on a distinct area, which will
determine the main subject for study. So be sure to choose
the one that will lead you into the career you want.
Once you have selected your pathway, you will then choose
from a complementary set of A Levels (or BTEC Level 3
Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science (Forensic Science))
within that pathway to study alongside your main subject. This
will ensure you choose subjects that are most important for
your career goal. This in turn provides a key focus for tutorials,
enrichment activities and work experience, all the while
enhancing your employability skills and preparing you for your
next step.
TO JOIN ONE OF OUR PATHWAYS YOU WILL NEED
TO MEET TWO REQUIREMENTS:
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2
At least 5 GCSEs grade A*- C including
English Language
Please note: Psychology and Applied Science (Forensic
Science) require a grade C in Double Award Science and Maths
AND
An overall minimum qualification score of 20
points based on the following calculations:
LEGAL PROFESSIONS
Study Law with A Level subjects from: English Language and
Literature, History, Psychology, Sociology, Business
Work experience links with: law firms
SOCIAL SCIENCE
Study Psychology with A Level subjects from: Sociology, Law,
English Language and Literature, Communication and Culture
Work experience links with: the University of Northampton
(research projects) and health care settings
CRIMINOLOGY
Study BTEC Applied Science (Forensic Science)* with A Level
subjects from: Sociology, Psychology, Law
Work experience links with: the police and prison service.
You can also opt to progress to our Foundation Degree in
Psychology and Criminal Behaviour
*BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science (Forensic Science)
BUSINESS
Study Business with A Level subjects from: Law, Accounting,
Sociology, Psychology
Work experience links with: banks and retail groups
GCSEs A*/A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1
LITERARY PROFESSIONS
BTEC Level 2 Diploma (equivalent to 4 GCSEs)
Distinction=20, Merit=16, Pass=12
Study English with A Level subjects from: History,
Communication and Culture, Law, Sociology
BTEC Level 2 Certificate (equivalent to 2 GCSEs)
Work experience links with: media and
Distinction=10, Merit=8, Pass=6
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THE PATHWAYS
communications companies
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EMPLOYERS
THE BENEFITS OF WORK EXPERIENCE
One of the best ways to increase your
employability skills and become more
attractive to employers is through work
experience. Offering you plenty of
benefits for progressing into your chosen
career, it’s certainly worth doing.
We work closely with local businesses and employers
to provide you with work placement opportunities and
employer-based activities, which in turn will give you an
insight into each industry.
“We have built excellent links with MK College over the years
and have been impressed with the law provision and the
enthusiasm the students show for the subject. We hope to
continue these links and further develop work opportunities
for the students”.
SOME OF THE EMPLOYERS WE WORK WITH INCLUDE:
Liz Harris, Practice Manager, Dentons
• Dentons (Law firm)
• Home Retail Group
• Pictons (Law firm)
• Santander
• The University of Northampton
• Thames Valley Police
Dentons is an international law firm with over 70 offices
worldwide. Dentons’ Milton Keynes office has worked in
partnership with MK College for a number of years, in a variety
of situations and has given our students fantastic
work placement opportunities.
“I have been pleased to engage with MK College A Level
Psychology students in a number of different settings.
The Psychology teaching at the College is imaginative and
engaging. A Level students not only enjoy a very enlightened
A Level programme, but are prepared well for University.
Annually students from the College present research material
in a conference setting. Their work is well-prepared and
thoughtful. Because of these excellent links with the College,
we intend to work more closely with College staff and
students in the future.”
Dr Graham Mitchell, Subject Lead for Psychology,
the University of Northampton
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“We are pleased to be working with the College. Young
Enterprise provides a structure and support to enable teams to
set up and run their own companies throughout the academic
year. The teams will elect their own board of directors, select
their choice of product or service, raise their working capital,
pay taxes on their trading profits and can keep the profit
they make at the year-end. The structure enables them to
trade as a branch of Young Enterprise. The support comes
from engagement by a Centre Lead, usually a teacher and a
business advisor drawn from the local business community
who volunteers their time to attend weekly meetings and
mentor the team.”
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
IN THE INDUSTRY YOU WANT
TO WORK IN
You can never really know what a
job entails until you’ve been working
practically in that role. A work placement
will give you the chance to put what
you’re learning into practice, develop
new skills and get an inside view of a
particular job so you’ll be better informed
when choosing your career.
DEVELOP KEY
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
BOOST YOUR CV AND IMPRESS
AT INTERVIEWS
Employers often want staff with strong
interpersonal skills. They want people
who will work well in a team and be
able to communicate effectively with
colleagues, customers and clients. You
will be able to gain experience of this
first-hand through a work placement.
Complement your qualifications with
practical experience and knowledge.
Because you’ve gained a better
understanding of the sector you
want to go into, you’ll be able to talk
more confidently at interviews and
ask questions that are relevant to
the employer.
HIGHER CHANCES OF
SECURING A PAID JOB
Performing well on work placements
can often lead to paid employment,
either part-time while you continue with
your studies or full-time after you have
completed your studies.
DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF IN A CROWDED MARKET
Employers value competitive advantage and that’s what work
experience gives you.
“If you take two applicants with equally good qualifications and
personal attributes but one has gained work experience and the other
hasn’t, the job will likely go to the person who has shown initiative and
gained real workplace experience.”
ROAD TEST AN ORGANISATION/
SECTOR/ROLE
One of the best things about gaining
work experience as a student is that it
gives you the chance to try things out
to see if they suit you. It will confirm
whether you want to continue on or
re-direct your energies into something
else, which we can help you to decide.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
The skills that you learn and refine on
a work experience placement will give
you a head start on your professional
development pathway and will play an
important part in helping you focus on
your own career goals and aspirations.
Rachael Wells, A Level Programme Manager
Jim Reynolds, Chair Milton Keynes Area Board,
Young Enterprise
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OTHER FULL-TIME
PROGRAMMES
Whether you are looking to study GCSEs for
the first time or re-sit them, we offer a range
of qualifications.
CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING
(MINIMUM OF FOUR):
•
•
•
•
GCSE English Language
GCSE Psychology
GCSE Sociology
GCSE Maths
or
Level 2 Cambridge Award in Maths
• BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Law &
Legal Work
• Foundation to Forensic Science
(College Accredited Course)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry onto these programmes will be dependent
upon a review of previous qualifications, in addition
to a literacy and numeracy assessment undertaken
at interview.
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DEDICATED FACILITIES
As a student of the Milton Keynes College Sixth Form, you
will be based in a separate building, located on the College’s
Bletchley Campus.
FACILITIES INCLUDE:
• A well-equipped Learning Resources Centre conveniently
based on the ground floor
• High-spec classrooms, all with interactive white boards
• A common room exclusively for the use of Sixth Form
students, with comfortable seating and refreshment facilities
• Quick access to the staff work room so you can reach
teachers with ease
• Free wi-fi
You will also be able to use the College’s wider facilities
including its professional services at discounted rates:
THE GRADUATE – our Hair and Beauty Salon offers a range of
hair and beauty treatments at affordable prices. Find out
more or book an appointment on 01908 684102 or email
[email protected]
THE BRASSERIE – discover the culinary delights on offer at our
on-site, modern restaurant and choose great dishes from the
à la carte menu. To make a reservation, call 01908 637373
COURTSIDE – stay fit and in-shape at our well-equipped,
dual-use, sports facility. Great value memberships available.
Call 01908 637342 or email [email protected]
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EXTRACURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TEAM
The Student Engagement Team is dedicated to creating an
informal and social learning environment that will enrich
and complement your studies. The team organises regular
clubs and activities including enterprise, stage, music, games,
films and debate. The team also supports students with
one-to-one mentoring via our Learning Mentors.
Annual Murder Day, mock crime scene investigation
STUDENT COUNCIL
For students who want to take action on issues of concern,
get their voice heard and make a difference to our College and
community, the Student Council offers them that opportunity.
To find out more about any of the above, email:
[email protected]
SPORTS ACADEMIES AND CLUBS
The MK College Elite Sports Squads are open to all
students at the College to join, irrespective of what course
you are studying. Squads include: badminton, basketball,
rugby, volleyball and more!
Dragon Boat race competition
If you want to develop your leadership skills, the MK
Leadership Academy offers opportunities to access
reduced-cost qualifications and volunteer work.
You can also join a variety of clubs from badminton
and concept rowing league to ten-pin bowling and pool
ladder league.
REED NCFE (THE WORK HIVE)
The REED NCFE team are on-hand each day to offer job
vacancies to you that are rarely advertised elsewhere, as well
as offering tailored training in the skills needed to secure the
job you desire.
Call 01908 684236 or email: [email protected]
HIstory dig at Bletchley Park
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SUPPORTING YOU EVERY
STEP OF THE WAY
MEET SOME OF THE TEAM
We want your student experience at the Sixth Form to be
fulfilling and enjoyable, from the moment you join us to the day you
move on. That is why we provide our students with an excellent support
network to help you develop academically, professionally and personally.
PERSONAL TUTOR
Once you join, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will
help you achieve your best, both personally and academically.
Each pathway will have its own tutorial group with a subject
specialist as the personal tutor.
CORE MATHS AND ACADEMIC WRITING
All Sixth Form students will take Core Maths (or GCSE Maths
if appropriate). A short ‘Academic Writing’ course will also
be compulsory if you don’t meet the required standards at
enrolment, or after initial assessment.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING HELP
We recognise, motivate and celebrate learners of all
levels. So if you do need additional support, you can receive
this through our Learning Mentors or via the Learning
Support Team.
CAREERS AND COURSE GUIDANCE
Our friendly Careers and Course Guidance Advisers are
on-hand to make sure you have all the information, advice
and guidance you need to make the right decision about your
future. Get help with CV preparation, interview skills and
filling applications to finding part-time work whilst you study.
PERSONAL SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING
This confidential and free service is available to all students
in times when you may need additional emotional and
personal support.
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FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We understand that finances can
sometimes be a worry and believe
it shouldn’t be a barrier to your
education. That is why we award
bursaries (money you don’t have to
pay back) on the basis of need and
other support.
The 16-18 (main) Bursary is available
to help towards travel, meals, books
and other course-associated costs.
To be eligible for this, your annual
household income must not
exceed £25,000.
The 16-18 Bursary (Guaranteed) is
worth £1,200 a year for the duration
of your course. There is a specific
eligibility criteria for this so check with
the Welfare and Bursary Team to find
out if you qualify.
RACHAEL WELLS
A LEVEL PROGRAMME
MANAGER
Rachael has a BSc in Psychology from
Nottingham Trent University and initially
worked as a volunteer for a local charity,
Climb Your Mountain. Rachael started
teaching A Levels at the College on a
part-time basis, whilst simultaneously
studying for a PGCE qualification and
now teaches GCSE, A Level and Access
Psychology. Rachael is passionate about
teaching Psychology to students as she
finds each day is different, each student
has a different point of view and a
different goal they would like to achieve.
DUNCAN LOVELL
DEPUTY DIRECTOR,
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Duncan holds an LLB in Law, an MA in
European Studies with Distinction and
a PGCE. He has worked at the college
since 1995. His specialist subjects are
History and Law at A Level. Duncan also
teaches on one of the College’s teacher
training programmes and has a crosscollege role developing the skills of the
teachers. He is extremely proud of the
achievements of his students and is
dedicated to helping them succeed.
MELANIE BOURKE
LECTURER
Melanie originally came to MK College
as a student to study A Level Law,
English and Psychology and progressed
on to university to complete a Law
degree. She was always impressed by
the strong learning atmosphere and
the inspiring teachers at the College.
Melanie has since returned to the
college to teach A Level Law as she
enjoyed it so much as a student.
We also offer the Free School
Meal Scheme.
To apply for any of the above or to
find out if you qualify, contact the
Welfare and Bursary Team:
[email protected]
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You will be invited to enrol with the College.
7
You will be invited to a College induction
(first week of the new term).
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You start your chosen course!
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Course teams may then invite you in for
taster sessions so that you can meet
the team and experience the learning
environment. For most courses there are
minimum entry requirements, which are used
as a guide to suitability.
Bletchley
Bletchley campus is conveniently located within aRailway
two-minute
walk from Bletchley Train Station. For an up-to-date
train
Station
timetable, visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk
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If successful, we will offer you a conditional
or unconditional place.
BY TRAIN
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We will invite you for an interview
or assessment.
The College provides a free student bus service which runs
between each campus. You can download the Bus timetable
at: www.mkcollege.ac.uk/page/transport
Buckingham
Road B4034
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ttin
Co
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If completed online, we will send an email
to acknowledge your application.
If a paper form is completed, we will send
a letter to acknowledge your application.
Milton Keynes Council offers students a variety of discounted
tickets, from single journeys to four-weekly bus passes. To buy
you pass, call: 01908 252558
Bletchley
Railway
Station
Saxon
Street
Whether you live in Milton Keynes or further afield, there are various
ways to get to us.
BY BUS
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Return your completed application form to
your nearest campus.
Sherw
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HOW TO GET TO US
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Applying to Milton Keynes College Sixth
Form couldn’t be easier. Just follow
these simple steps.
Apply online at www.mkcollege.ac.uk or
contact 01908 684551 for an application form.
Sherw
ood Dr
HOW TO APPLY
Motor Shop
The utmost reasonable care has been taken to offer courses in these subject areas, facilities and services as described, despite this the College cannot guarantee the
availability of any particular course. The College reserves the right to withdraw or amend any course, due to circumstances beyond the College’s control.
These circumstances may include (but are not limited to) qualification accreditation, withdrawal or reduction in funding, change of law, amendments to government policy,
industrial action, departure of essential personnel, lack of demand and equipment failure. This prospectus is for general guidance and information only and does not form
part of any contract.
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