Our College In Partnership With You
Our students do well when there is a close and supportive relationship between students, tutors and parents. We positively welcome parents who take an active interest in their child’s progress.
We offer school leavers a wealth of opportunities to reach their full potential, with a fulfilling and safe learning experience. We want you to be assured that your child is safe and cared for during their time at Cadbury Sixth Form College, and we want you to be involved in their education.
To make sure that students have every chance to succeed and build self-confidence during their time with us, we’ll encourage you to get involved in College life and invite you to come to parents’ evenings and other progress milestone events and celebrations.
We will provide you with regular updates about their achievements and reports to help track their progress and keep you informed. We’re always happy to talk things through with you.
With parents’ support and encouragement we can ensure all students at Cadbury Sixth Form College have the opportunity to achieve, regardless of circumstances.
Julia Stevens BSc MSc
Principal Cadbury Sixth Form College
What's it like to be a Cadbury Student?
All students create their own unique study programme which consists of four main parts:
1. Qualification(s) – equivalent to 3 A Levels
2. 30 hours’ work experience/30 hours’ enrichment.
3. Tutorial
4. GCSE Maths or English (if needed)
Your child’s course programme needs to add up to the equivalent of 3 A Levels. This can be:
· 3 A Levels
· Hybrid of A Levels + BTEC
· BTEC route
· T Levels
A Level, T Level and BTEC courses last for 2 years. Students will be assessed through exams and coursework.
What would an average weekly timetable look like?
A full-time student will spend 16-21 hours in the classroom, and is expected to engage in a similar period of independent study, homework and coursework outside the classroom. This can be at home or in the learning centre, whichever is most convenient and effective for the student.
Can my child change subjects?
Yes, it’s perfectly possible to change a previously chosen course option. Courses should be chosen carefully but choices can be amended right up until the day your child enrols.
How is College different from school?
No uniforms, no school bells, personal study spaces – students will be studying in an adult environment and treated as independent young adults who fully engage with their learning.
How do you keep parents updated on progress?
We send regular communications and reports out to you about your child’s progress and anything else we need you to know. We will contact you directly should there be any issues or concerns. We also have regular parents’ evenings so lecturers can keep you personally updated on your child’s performance in individual subjects.
What is the uniform policy?
There is no strict dress code as our student community is inclusive and diverse and encouraged to express its individuality. We do insist however that no hats, caps or hoods are worn, unless students are exempt, and that ID badges are worn at all times.
What about extracurricular activities?
Our Student Union team is here to help the student voice be heard, and our teaching team encourages, motivates and inspires learners to participate in additional enrichment activities such as debating, Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, sports, trips and visits to cities, galleries, exhibitions and museums, all to complement their learning.
What support does the college give to students seeking work experience?
Our dedicated Work Experience and Careers team helps students to source specific placements, activities and pathways to enrich their personal statement. T Levels are designed with employers and include practical on-the-job training to prepare students for work.
What support will my child receive?
Will my child get all the support they need for their personal, social and career development?
Our helpful Admissions team will support your child’s journey all the way from enquiry to enrolment providing all the necessary information to aid their transition from school to college.
Our Learning Coaches are recent university graduates who offer 1–to–1 and small group subject support outside of lessons as well as regular revision classes.
Our Student Support Officers can signpost other services that students can access including Welfare and Safeguarding.
Our knowledgeable Welfare team supports students to access financial and practical support including bursaries, travel passes and meal allowances.
All students are assigned their own personal tutor and individual pastoral support. Personal Tutors closely monitor and support progress. Your child will attend group tutorials weekly and 1-to-1 meetings with their personal tutor every half-term.
Does the College offer any financial support for students?
Financial support is available via the Learner Support Fund, and students are encouraged to apply for funding as soon as they enrol. For eligible learners, laptops can be provided for lessons and for exams. Free college meals are also available for those who qualify, along with transport cost assistance.
What about the free student bus pass?
All students qualify for a bus pass, which is valid during evenings and weekends. Detailed information on how to apply for and get the bus pass will be provided during enrolment.
How will my child’s physical and mental health needs be met?
Support is readily available for students with health conditions, and wide-ranging pastoral support is provided for those with learning and mental health needs.
What support is in place if students are struggling in some areas/subjects?
Our Learning Coaches provide extra support, including help for students who need to catch up with any lost learning or missed work.
What kind of support do you provide in the transition to university?
All of our students are supported on their journey beyond college. Our dedicated Careers team support learners to secure university places and look for work or work experience. Students will be invited to careers fairs and university open days, as well as being offered 1-to-1 meetings with the team.
How do you cater for the needs of very able students?
For learners with Oxbridge aspirations, our High Flyers programme includes University Masterclasses and Campus Tours, plus personal coaching on interview techniques and entrance exams. Students also have the option to study an Extended Project in Year 2, demonstrating project management skills to future employers.
Preparation for College
How do students prepare for College?
We will invite your child along to a Discovery Day in late June. During this day staff will guide students and help them to navigate the campus. Every student will attend 3 subject tasters to help familiarise them with college life. There is also a chance to get advice and guidance about course choices from universities and to sign up for enrichment courses and sports teams. Enrolment and induction will then take place late August.
Is there any preparation my child could do during the holidays?
Subject teachers will provide summer materials for your child to complete following Discovery Day, in preparation for September. Once College has started, students will also have the opportunity to attend skills workshops on academic research and referencing, note taking, mental health and wellbeing.
What happens if my child doesn’t achieve the required grades for their chosen courses?
It’s best not to worry too much about GCSE results. A Levels are not the only route to university. BTECs are a respected and flexible qualification. Initial advice and guidance is key to achieving your child’s final goal and their preferred experience. Remember we are here to help as soon as results come out.
Can my child retake or enrol for GCSEs?
We offer Level 2 one-year courses aimed at students who wish to improve upon their GCSE results, and designed to provide a pathway to Level 3 study with us.
How do you ensure students are safe?
We have a team of qualified Safeguarding and Welfare officers that work to ensure that students feel safe and supported. The College is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students with equal protection from all types of harm and abuse, and taking appropriate action to see that they are kept safe, both at home and at the College.
My students journey
June: Welcome Event for Parents of New Students
Late June: Discovery Day
Late August: Enrolment immediately following GCSE results
Beginning of September: Induction
September-January: The UCAS application process (2nd years)
January: A Level Mock and BTEC Public Exams
November: Parents’ Evening
May: Public exams start (AS, A Levels, Applied and BTEC Diplomas)
End of June: Students finish college
Mid August: Results are released
*Please see website for specific dates
Who To Contact
College 0121 458 3898
Welfare 0121 667 5073
Safeguarding 0121 415 7244
Learning Support (Study Link) 0121 667 5064
Attendance Line 0121 667 5028
Careers Team 0121 667 5035
What To Do If Things Don’t Go To Plan
If there is anything you need us to resolve, it is important that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can help put it right. We want to learn from our experiences and improve our service to you. If you do have concerns, most issues can be sorted out by talking to tutors and Heads of Department.
cadcol.ac.uk
see. www.cadcol.ac.uk
talk. 0121 458 3898
write. enquiries@cadbury.ac.uk
Cadbury Sixth Form College, Downland Close, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 8QT
