Cottenham Sixth Form

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Introduction

Cottenham Village College Sixth Form will open in September 2011

following a £6.5 million building programme. The new sixth form is
a result of the College gaining High Performing Specialist Status in
October 2008 and being given permission to expand from an 11- 16
school to an 11-19 school.

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 Post 16 provision in the Cambridge area

For many years, provision for students wishing to continue

their education beyond the statutory age of 16 years has been
successfully provided by sixth form and further education colleges
together with schools with existing sixth forms. These institutions
provide a comprehensive range of courses, particularly for students
studying at GCE Advanced Level and equivalent e.g. International
Baccalaureate.
In planning our sixth form provision we were mindful that the high
quality of such courses attracted most of our year 11 leavers and
would continue to do so.
We have decided, therefore, that the Village College’s new sixth
form will concentrate on providing vocational courses in a number of
practical areas, particularly for students who may find much larger
institutions too daunting.

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 Our courses

In September 2011 Cottenham Village College will offer courses in

the following vocational areas:
Information and communication technology (ICT)
• Media studies
• Catering and hospitality
• Construction
• Sport and leisure
• Hair and beauty
These will be offered predominantly at foundation level and level 2
BTEC with opportunities to progress beyond to level 3.
A range of academic options at level 2 (GCSE) and above can be
provided depending on interest.

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 Your programme of study

The exact details of your programme of study will depend on

your interests and skills. Typically built around the main areas of
vocational provision, we will create a programme of study that helps
you to achieve your goals matched to your ability.
All students will:
• study functional skills in English, maths and IT
• develop personal learning and thinking skills
• create a personal project on a related topic
• engage in work experience
• participate in sporting activities
• have access to a wide range of extra-curricular activities

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 Facilities

The new facilities, currently under construction, will open in

spring 2011 ready for the first cohort of sixth form students in
September 2011.
There are two new buildings: the larger one housing the ICT and
media suites, together with a fully functioning training restaurant and
kitchen, a hair and beauty salon and study and seminar rooms. This
building will also be a base for our 11 to 16 students with language
and hearing difficulties.
The second building houses facilities for construction trades e.g.
brick-laying, plumbing, painting and decorating.
Students who successfully enrol on one of our sixth form courses
will have the opportunity to use all of the College’s facilities.
There are extensive sports facilities which include a sports hall,
gymnasium, all-weather floodlit astroturf pitch and a well-stocked
library and resource centre.

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WiFi internet access is provided throughout our buildings and we
have a large number of well-resourced ICT suites.
The Cottenham Village College prospectus has details of the many
opportunities available for students.

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 Rampton

Cottenham
Longstanton

B1050 Waterbeach
B1049 Landbeach

Bar Hill Oakington

A10
A14
Histon

Milton
Girton
Dry Drayton
A14

Fen Ditton

Chesterton
M11
B1047

Longstanton Cambridge

Cottenham is just north of Cambridge City Centre. The Citi7 stops

at the end of our drive and runs every 10 minutes. We also have a
large network of school buses and a fleet of minibuses.
For more information about transport options please contact the
college.

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Information for new students
We take pride in the excellent relationships built up
over many years with schools across the Cambridge
area. We will visit your school regularly so that we
can meet you, your parents and your teachers to
find out more about you and to help you build your
personal curriculum programme.
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We will run a series of workshops, visits and
activities so that you can get to know us better and
learn more about your programme and the other
opportunities available to you.
Most sixth form students will have a full programme
of activities lasting all day, five days a week. This
might include work experience days, supported
private study and other events both at college and
elsewhere.
Sixth form students do not wear a uniform
but should dress appropriately for a working
environment. Courses like construction, hair,
beauty and catering require specific clothing that is
both safe and appropriate for these areas.
Uniforms and other special equipment will usually
be provided for you although you may need to
purchase some items which you will then be able to
take with you when you leave.
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Students with learning difficulties

Cottenham Village College has a long tradition of successfully

teaching students with special needs. We have a team of well-
trained and experienced teachers and teaching assistants who work
with groups and individual students, helping them to learn and make
good progress through their time in school. From September 2011
this expertise will be made available for our new sixth formers.
We particularly welcome students from Cambridge area special
schools for whom the blend of vocational courses and further study,
within a small school setting, may be attractive and appropriate.

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 Admission to the sixth form

Admission to Cottenham Village College is not dependent on

previous academic success.
We do however insist on prospective students having a background
of motivation and commitment, together with a recommendation
from their school that they would benefit from a sixth form course.
In offering a place in the sixth form we will be considering the
following factors:
• the recommendation you have from your present school or college
• your year 11 school or college report
• your intention to benefit from the course applied for
• a positive attitude and desire to succeed.
• the number of places available.

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Cottenham Sixth Form

Cottenham Village College

High Street
Cottenham
Cambridge
CB24 8UA
Phone: 01954 288 944
Fax: 01954 288 949
E-mail: office@cvcweb.net
Web: www.cvcweb.net