Structure of the academic year

There is an annual cycle of events in place for students and their parents.

The college assessment cycle is rooted in "Standardised Subject Assessments" (SSAs). These are significant tests and other assessments that help us understand how students are performing in relation to their target grades.

Parents can see SSA grades online (alongside attendance and other data) using our CEDAR system.

First year Autumn term

The theme for this term is settling into the demands of new studies in a new environment

For the first few weeks senior tutors are happy to help students change their subject choices where they can; if places are available and students have the appropriate GCSE grades, staff can often help students adjust their programme.
By the end of October the first SSA (“standardised subject assessment”) will have been completed. This assessment is usually an exam-style test that really helps us to understand how progress is going. The grade is posted on CEDAR for parents to see in late October.
In November students sit down with staff their teachers and personal tutors to discuss their progress and at the end of the month reviews (“school reports”) are published on CEDAR
Parents can discuss these reviews with teachers at our parent’s evening, which takes place online, usually at the start of December
By the end of this term, any students taking a certificated / applied course as one of their options will no doubt have completed significant work which counts towards their final grade; this will be the case every term

First year Spring term

The theme for this term is to maintain the progress established in term 1

The second SSA grade (see term one for explanation) will be posted on CEDAR towards the end of January
SSA 3 should appear on CEDAR towards the end of March
Students start to consider their future plans and a large careers and university fair takes place at college towards the end of February
Students also start to plan next year’s courses with their tutors (For example, will they tweak their programme of additional studies by, for example, picking up an EPQ “extended Project” qualification?)

First year Summer term

Even though it feels like students have only just joined us, the theme for this term is moving on after college

In early May, students will have their formal “mock” exams. These will really help us understand how progress is going and, importantly, inform predicted grades for university applications next year
These exam grades, which become SSA4, are in place towards the end of May
Students again review their progress with staff and reports are published on CEDAR towards the end of June
Many students and their families will start to attend university open days during this term and over the summer
In June parents are invited to a university information evening at the college
Students, especially those seeking Oxford, Cambridge, Russell Group, medical college places, start to consider their university applications in earnest
By the end of this term, any students taking a certificated / applied course as one of their options will have a clear idea of how much of their year’s assessments have gone and how strong their position is for progression to year two

Second year Autumn term

The theme for this term is very much focussed upon plans after college.

A variety of internal and external university (“UCAS”) application deadlines are published, but the recommendation is that everyone has submitted an application form by half term.
Some students, including those seeking Oxford, Cambridge, Russell Group and medical college places, will need to apply far earlier (usually in September).
SSA 5 is posted on CEDAR towards the end of October (see Autumn term year 1 for explanation of SSAs)
Reports are published online for parents to see towards the end of November
SSA 6 appears on CEDAR by the end of term

Second year Spring term

The theme for this term is clearly preparation for final examinations in the summer

Students return straight to a series of mock exams after Christmas. The grades for these form SSA7 and are placed on CEDAR by the end of January
Parents can discuss progress with staff at a parents evening (online) towards the end of February
Students on courses heavily rooted in coursework will find that they have a number of significant deadlines this term

Second year Summer term

The theme for this term is of course the challenge of final examinations

The final SSA grade (number 8) is entered on CEDAR towards the end of April
Students go on exam leave in mid May as exams commence in earnest
Students are not required in college once their exams are completed