Prospectusentry 2012

www.carmel.ac.uk 25 Yearsof inspiringindividuals

1987-2012

2 Contents

04 Welcome to Carmel 06 Great reasons to choose Carmel08 Top Results & Student Success 10 First Class Facilities14 What will you study? 16 How will we support you? 20 Life at Carmel 22 Enriching Experiences 24 Entry Requirements 26 How to find us 27 Any Questions?

Contents

The information in this prospectus can be found on our website – www.carmel.ac.uk. The website can also be viewed in a text only format allowing you to choose the font size and background colour that best suits your needs.

You can also contact the college on 01744 452200 and we can send the information to you in an alternative format.

The information within this prospectus is correct at the time of printing.

Read the prospectus to find out why so many young people choose to come to Carmel College.

Read

Click www.carmel.ac.uk to find out more about us 3

To be a centre of educational excellence, opportunity, challenge and support within a caring, Christian environment.

Carmel College is a catholic college that welcomes young people of all faiths. We are committed to developing a community where mutual respect reigns and where personal qualities are highly valued. We welcome students regardless of gender, sexual identity, ethnic origin, nationality, religious belief, disability or social background.

Find out all about usOur Mission

Check out our website: www.carmel.ac.uk

Click

Follow us on Facebook, flickr, Twitter & YouTube

Follow

Open Evenings 2011Come along and see for yourself what makes Carmel such an outstanding college.Thursday 10th, Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 23rd November. 6:30-8:30pm

“Carmel provides an environment which is a good foundation for life for all, regardless of their background or beliefs. The staff provide constant support in any circumstance or situation making Carmel a strong, cohesive and enjoyable community to be part of.”Sam Dent Now studying Politics at the University of Leeds

Download our free app

Prospectusentry 2012

www.carmel.ac.uk 25 Yearsof inspiringindividuals

1987-2012

There are many reasons why our young people are among the highest achievers in the country. Those who enrol here can choose from an enormous range of different subjects and find the ones that are just right for them. There are more than 40 different A Level subjects alone! There are also programmes of study for those who need a second chance at GCSE level or for students with particular needs. After A Levels, talented artists can take advantage of our Art

Foundation programme.

OfSTED rated the quality of teaching and learning as

“outstanding” and graded the college “outstanding in all aspects of its provision”. Every year exam results are amongst the top 5% of over

a thousand schools and colleges,* proof that our young people really fulfil their potential.

Carmel’s success is built on teamwork between staff and students. All our staff are passionate about working with young people and are always more than happy to “go the extra mile” to provide guidance and support in order to help them succeed.

Students at Carmel work hard but they also enjoy life with an enormous range of enrichment activities: trips and visits, sport, performance and many other activities too numerous to mention.

As I write this introduction, our current students are busy preparing for the 2011 AS and A2 exams. They have worked hard during the year and I am confident that they will do really well. I know that they will leave Carmel College fully prepared for the next stage of their careers. I wish them well.

Take your time to browse through this prospectus, have a look at our website or, best of all, come along to one of our Open Evenings.

I look forward to meeting you.

Rob Peacock, Principal

*(ALPS: A Level Performance System)

Welcome to CarmelStudents come to Carmel from over 50 high schools every year. Why not join them?

A very warm welcome to the latest Carmel College prospectus.

Carmel is a great place to be a student.

4 Welcome to Carmel

Click www.carmel.ac.uk to see what our students say 5

Here at Carmel there are over 40 subjects to choose from and tonnes of enrichment activities to get involved in. Studying here will give you so many opportunities both during your time at the college and also after you have left. Carmel has a really friendly atmosphere and you will get the chance to meet new people and make new friends, some of which will be friends for life. The Student Council will be more than happy to help with any queries you have during your time here. See you in September!

A message from our Student Council

Hello and welcome to Carmel College!

6 Great Reasons to Choose Carmel

Friendly, Welcoming Atmosphere On Open Evenings, many prospective students and parents comment on the ‘friendly and helpful staff’ and the warm welcome that is extended to everyone.

Caring, Christian CommunityCarmel is a Catholic college where mutual respect and care for the individual lie at the heart of college life.

Top Results & Exam Success 2011 A Level pass rate of 99.3%In the top 5% of colleges nationally*

Outstanding Support for StudentsCarmel provides a comprehensive programme of support and personal development for every student. Highly Qualified TeachersStudents are taught in an atmosphere of mutual respect by our dedicated, enthusiastic and highly qualified teachers. Wide Choice of Courses Over 50 subjects/courses on offer. Choose from AS Levels, A2 Levels, Applied A Levels, BTECs, GCSEs and Foundation Learning.

First Class Facilities£22M of investment has transformed Carmel’s campus into a truly inspiring place of learning.

Reputation for QualityCarmel has Beacon Status for outstanding performance.The last Ofsted Inspection rated Carmel as “Outstanding in all aspects of its provision.”

Excellent Sports FacilitiesSports hall, multi-gym, rugby and football pitches plus two new floodlit astroturf pitches. Spacious, Modern Student Facilities Student work areas, ICT areas and tutorial rooms.Library & Study CentreModern refreshment facilities in the Restaurant and Café.

Exciting Student LifeA varied enrichment programme will enable you to choose from a variety of extra-curricular activities from Sports, Music, Drama, Young Enterprise, the Student Council and many more. *(ALPS: A Level Performance System)

Great reasons to choose CarmelThese are just some of the reasons why so many people choose Carmel!

Click www.carmel.ac.uk for even more great reasons to choose Carmel 7

“The teachers are really supportive, there’s a friendly atmosphere and the facilities are excellent – the college definitely lives up to its reputation.”John Owen Cowley International College Studying - Business Studies, History, ICT, Extended Project

Did you know? Carmel was one of the first four Sixth Form Colleges in the country to be awarded Beacon Status way back in 1999.

*

8 Top Results and Student Success

Each year it is great to see the progress that our students make both academically and personally during their time at the college. Such outstanding achievements lead to excellent opportunities for the future. Each year over 85% of Carmel’s students progress to university, with many taking up places at a Russell Group University or other prestigious institution.

Here are just a few examples of what former Carmel students have gone on to study:

Name Previous School A Level Grades Now studying

Robert Atherton Haydock High AABC Chemistry, Sheffield

Rebecca Allen St Gregory’s A*A*A*C English, York

Daryl Banks Cowley A*A*AABC Mathematics, Manchester

Aisling Bassett Rainford High A*AAB Law, Durham

Matthew Blundell Cowley A*A*AAC Engineering, Oxford

Jennifer Case Rainford High A*AAA Veterinary Medicine, London

Samantha Chappell St Gregory’s A*BCC Sports Rehab, Salford

Joanne Doran St Ed Arrowsmith (Whiston) BBC Childhood Studies, Liverpool

Victoria Duffy Tower College AAA Pharmacy, Nottingham

Thomas Dugdale St Gregory’s A*A*A*AA History, York

Alexander Fearn St Aelred’s ABBC Criminology, Manchester

Hannah Gillicker Wade Deacon A*AAB Management, Leeds

Hannah Headon Wade Deacon A*A*A*A Medicine, London

Beth Jones Rainhill A*A*AA Archaeology, Durham

Thomas Lamont St Gregory’s A*A*A*A*A*BB Earth Sciences, Oxford

Lewis Kean Culcheth High A*A*A*A* Biochemistry, London

Hannah Kelly Fairfield High A*ABCC Business Management, London

Sean McGlory St Ed Arrowsmith (Whiston) AABC History & Religion, Lancaster

Adam Munro St Ed Arrowsmith (Whiston) A*AAB Chemistry, London

Helena Newbold Prescot School A*A*AA Languages, Cambridge

Liam Pugh De La Salle AAAC Biochemistry, Liverpool

Neil Robinson De La Salle AAAAC Aerospace Eng, Manchester

Samuel Vivers St Aelred’s A*A*A*A Mathematics, Manchester

Top Results & Student Success Carmel is one of the top 10 Sixth Form Colleges in the country*

100% 3D Design / Applied Business / Applied Leisure Studies / Applied Travel & Tourism / BTEC ICT / Biology / Business Studies / Computing / Critical Thinking / Dance / English Combined / English Language / English Literature / Film Studies / Fine Art / French / Further Maths / Geography / German / Government & Politics / Graphic Communication / History / Law / Mathematics / Media Studies / Music / Music Technology / Performance Studies / Photography / Physical Education / Sociology / Spanish / Statistics

99% Applied Health and Social Care / Chemistry / ICT

98% Philosophy and Religion

97% Applied Science / Psychology / Physics / Textile Design

96% Product Design

95% Economics

Click www.carmel.ac.uk to find out more about our students’ success 9

“Carmel allowed me to mature both personally and academically and has equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to continue in higher education”Elizabeth Kelly Now studying English Language and Literature at the University of Sheffield

Carmel’s Pass Rates for 2011

* The Telegraph (19/08/11)

Carmel’s students consistently achieve excellent results in their examinations. This year’s A Level pass rate is an impressive 99.3% with 60.6% of the grades at A*-B. In addition, the 2011 results confirmed Carmel as…

One of the top 10 Sixth Form Colleges in the country*

The best performing college in Merseyside and Cheshire*

The top institution in St Helens*

The quality of teaching at Carmel has also been judged to be in the top 5% of colleges nationally (ALPS: A Level Performance System).

The results were officially rated ‘OUTSTANDING’. This means that our students far exceed their potential as predicted by their GCSE results.

10 First Class Facilities

The recent redevelopment of Carmel’s campus has transformed the college into a truly outstanding and inspiring place of learning.

The newest additions to the campus include the Notre Dame Centre for Art and Design, The West Park Building which provides outstanding facilities for Sciences, Humanities, ICT, Modern Languages and Foundation Learning and finally the Dalton Building which houses a large performance theatre, a dance studio and a student services area.

Built in a contemporary design, the buildings are controlled by an intelligent building management system which uses the latest technology to monitor heating, lighting, and ventilation leading to significant energy savings.

Buildings are wi-fi enabled to allow ‘roaming’ access throughout the college. There are a number of student work areas and ICT areas as well as tutorial rooms on all floors with space for individual student advice and guidance.

Did you know? Students come to Carmel from over 40 different high schools.

*“The college is modern and the facilities are fantastic. It has excellent technology which makes learning enjoyable”Katie Jolley Haydock Sports College Studying - English Literature, PE, History

First Class FacilitiesCarmel has invested over £22M in brand new, technology-rich facilities. It’s impossible to do justice here to the superb environment that has been created. Come and see for yourself at our Open Evenings in November!

Click www.carmel.ac.uk to see more of our inspirational learning environment 11

12 First Class Facilities

Science Laboratories 9 fully equipped labs providing specialist facilities for Biology, Chemistry, Physics and BTEC Science. Excellent I.T. facilities 900 student PCs with internet access / 20 computer suites with laser printers, colour printing and scanning facilities / 2 Apple Mac suites / 200 student laptops. Library and Study Centre Over 25,000 books / computer links with The University of Liverpool library / full range of daily newspapers / over 40 journals / careers library / silent study area / stationery shop / online resources / suite of computers.

Performance Theatre and Dance Studio Dalton Theatre seating 200 / dance studio with semi-sprung dance floor / drama and rehearsal space / changing rooms / lighting and sound gallery / communication head sets / sound system / stage management equipment. Well equipped suites for Music Practice and performance rooms / computer suite with Cubase and Sibelius software / recording studio with mixing and editing facilities.

Film & Media Facilities Computer suite with Apple Mac computers running industry specific software / classroom and viewing room with multi-media projection facilities / digital cameras / editing suite. Modern Languages Wide range of language resources/ digital language lab with the latest technology to help improve listening and speaking skills. Sports Hall and Fitness Studio Sports Hall for trampolining, basketball, badminton, volleyball, table tennis etc / fitness studio and multi gym / football and rugby pitches / 2 floodlit astroturf pitches.

Click www.carmel.ac.uk or download our free app to see our photo galleries 13

Foundation LearningFully furnished flat / training garden with greenhouse / multimedia technology with access to computers and the internet. Restaurant and Café The restaurant serves breakfast as well as hot and cold lunches and snacks which includes food from TUGO, Love Joes or the ‘subcentral’ range at the Deli. There’s also a café which serves hot and cold drinks and snacks including Fairtrade goods.

Art and Design 6 large specialist studios for Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Textiles/Fashion, 3D Design and Product Design / sewing room, dye print room / dark room / kiln room / glass fronted gallery running the full length of the building / student resources and tutorial area / dedicated ICT rooms / spacious technical workshop.

Carmel’s Wetland Meadow As part of the new development, staff and students are creating a wetland meadow. This area will not only be a useful resource for a number of departments in college, in particular Geography, Biology and Art but will also provide a valuable wildlife habitat by maximising the biodiversity of the area and creating multiple micro habitats.

Outdoor Space Carmel’s buildings are complemented by the careful landscaping of the college grounds. A central courtyard makes the best possible use of the space to provide students, staff and visitors with a pleasant outdoor area in which to work or relax.

“Carmel is a great place to learn with fully equipped classrooms and access to computers and study areas to improve learning. There are also lots of places to relax and socialise during lunch times”Jennifer Teasdale The Bankfield School

“I was impressed by the size of the library; there are lots of books that can help you with your homework”Rebecca Steele St Cuthbert’s

14 What will you study?

At Carmel there is an enormous range of courses which are designed to meet the specific needs of individual students.

You can choose from over 40 A Level subjects and there are also opportunities to study the Level 2 Programme or Foundation Learning. All our courses are taught by highly qualified staff and have excellent achievement rates.

A Levels

What’s an A Level? Advanced Levels are split into two halves. AS (Advanced Subsidiary) in the first year of study and A2 in the second year to give a full A Level.

How many A Levels will I study? You can study up to five subjects, though most students study four subjects, reducing to three in the second year.

Where can I find out more information on individual subjects? You can download full course information from our website www.carmel.ac.uk or pick up course leaflets at our Open Evenings.

Level 2 ProgrammeWhat is the Level 2 Programme? The Level 2 Programme is a full time, one year course of study in GCSE, BTEC and other Level 2 subjects.

What are the benefits of this programme? The programme gives students the opportunity to study new subjects as well as re-sits if needed, providing a chance to gain access to an Advanced Level course or as a pathway to employment, training or vocational courses.

Can I study an AS Level in addition to the Level 2 Programme? Yes, but only in cases where genuine talent is shown by achieving a high grade in the GCSE examination.

Foundation LearningWhat is Foundation Learning? Foundation Learning is a personalised learning programme for young people working at Entry Level and Level 1.

What are the benefits of this programme? Foundation Learning will help you develop your potential and prepare you for further education, the world of work or independence in the community.

What will you study?With over 50 high quality courses to choose from and such outstanding student success, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Click www.carmel.ac.uk to download course leaflets 15

Advanced Courses

• AppliedBusiness• ArtandDesignsubjects: - Fine Art - Graphic Communication - Photography (Lens/light based media) - Textile Design - Three Dimensional Design• Biology• BTECBusiness • BTECHealth&SocialCare• BTECICT• BTECScience• BTECSport• BusinessStudies• Chemistry• Computing• CriticalThinking• Dance• DesignandTechnology (Product Design)• Economics• EnglishCombined• EnglishLanguage• EnglishLiterature• ExtendedProject• FilmStudies• French• FurtherMathematics• GeneralStudies• Geography• German• Government&Politics• Health&SocialCare• History• InformationCommunication Technology• Law

• Mathematics• MediaStudies• Music• MusicTechnology• PerformanceStudies• PhilosophyandReligion• PhysicalEducation• Physics• Psychology• Sociology• Spanish• Statistics• Travel&Tourism• UseofMaths

Other CoursesLevel 2 Programme:• BTECBusiness• BTECCreativeMediaProduction• BTECICT• GCSEMaths• GCSEEnglishLanguage• GCSEScience • FunctionalSkills-Maths, English, ICT

Foundation Learning

“My progress while at Carmel was considerable and I feel this is due to the commitment and support offered by staff. Overall the college is a friendly and happy place to be – I would recommend it to anyone”Elizabeth Kelly Now studying English Language and Literature at the University of Sheffield

Open Evenings 2011Come along and see for yourself what makes Carmel such an outstanding college.Thursday 10th, Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 23rd November. 6:30-8:30pm

Download course leaflets

from our website

16 How will we support you?

Did you know? You can choose from over 50 courses at Carmel, a much wider range than at high school!

*

Your Personal Tutor

Your Personal Tutor will provide you with guidance and support to help you reach your academic and personal potential. Your Personal Tutor will provide:

• one-to-one discussions with you about your progress

• group discussions on a weekly basis

• the link between the college and parents

• an input to Consultation Evenings and Progress Reviews

Do you have specific needs?

Our Learning Support Team have experience of working with students with a wide range of disabilities and support needs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, epilepsy, ME, ADHD/ASD including Asperger’s Syndrome, hearing and visual impairment, chronic health conditions, mental health difficulties including anxiety, mobility difficulties and so on. If you have any concerns about starting your chosen course at Carmel or any aspects of college life, we would like you to tell us. You can speak in confidence to Linda Carr, our Head of Learning Support. Alternatively, speak to your Personal Tutor or any other member of staff with whom you feel comfortable.

Need a little extra help with your studies?

Study Support Tutors and Classroom Assistants work with students both on an individual basis and in small groups to provide support with:-

• coursework• planning and time management• revision and exam techniques• essay and report writing • stress management

Support Tutors take a flexible approach and are happy to talk to you about any issues that may be affecting your studies. Students also have access to the College Counsellor if required.

How will we support you?A great deal of thought, commitment and resources have been invested in providing a comprehensive programme of support and personal development for every student at Carmel.

At Carmel, great emphasis is placed on providing excellent careers advice and guidance. Our Careers Team are available to give help and advice whenever you need it. They will provide you with:- • information on a range of

progression routes based on your individual needs and aspirations

• Higher Education events for those who wish to progress to university

• guidance and course specific advice for those who strive to enter prestigious universities

• specially designed careers programmes for students following courses other than A Levels

• careers activities as part of the tutor programme

• a drop in service for general advice and help

Need some careers advice?

“Carmel has a welcoming vibe that really motivates students to enjoy their college experience. The tutors are always happy to help and really want their students to succeed. It’s a very encouraging atmosphere.”Natalie Woodward The Bankfield School Studying - Photography, Applied Business & Media Studies

‘Learners clearly enjoy their studies and praise the support and encouragement they receive from all staff.’ OFSTED

Click www.carmel.ac.uk for the full range of support available to students 17

“Carmel gives you the opportunity to do and achieve anything. The support from teachers can make a real difference to your work which gives you confidence especially during exam time. ”Rachel Evans Broughton Hall School Studying - Economics, Maths, Media Studies

18 How will we support you?

‘I can see immediately what makes this college so special. Not only is it focused on achieving the highest educational standards, but also on the development of the whole person. It is a strong, thriving community where students and staff enjoy learning and the determination to succeed is palpable’

Christine Gilbert Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector

Click www.carmel.ac.uk for the full range of support available to students 19

Gifted and Talented

We are keen to ensure that all our students achieve to the best of their ability. To allow the most able students to reach their potential, we offer a structured programme of teaching, activities, events and support including:-

• help with applications to Oxford and Cambridge

• support with applications for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine degrees

• support for talented students in specialist areas such as Art, Music, PE and Performance

• the opportunity to study Critical Thinking

• the opportunity to study for the Extended Project Qualification

Personal Development

At Carmel we place great emphasis on raising students’ awareness of their personal responsibilities through spiritual and moral education. We create opportunities for students to discuss social and ethical issues and reflect on how they should respond to them.

Student ServicesCome and see us if you need advice, information or help with the following:Discretionary Support Fund / Careers advice / Applying to university / Transport to college / Exam related enquiries / Paying for trips, college events, books, calculators, exam remark and resit fees, printer credits and bus passes / IT Services / First Aid

Safety Matters

The welfare of our young people is at the heart of everything we do. A number of our staff are trained Safeguarding Officers and a comprehensive Safeguarding policy is in place to ensure all our staff are aware of correct procedures.

Financial Support

The Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF) is designed to provide support to learners aged 16-18, who are experiencing financial difficulty with meeting the costs associated with learning.

The college’s DLSF policy is available on the college website - www.carmel.ac.uk

ChaplaincyThe Chaplaincy at Carmel is a welcoming Christian community and a sacred space. Students can use the Chaplaincy for private prayer and reflection. It is also a base where the Justice and Peace group organise many charitable events, where friendships are made and where students and staff are encouraged to ‘be the change they want to see in the world’ (Gandhi).

20 Life at Carmel

Whether it’s joining the Student Council or sport teams, expressing creative talent for music, drama or art, going on trips organised through the subject areas or getting involved in the Chaplaincy or the many Enrichment activities on offer, at Carmel, we enable our students to flourish both academically and as individuals! You can take part in activities that complement your academic course options or try something different and develop new skills.

Enrichment ProgrammeOur Enrichment Programme offers over 50 activities, some of which will enable you to gain useful qualifications or improve learning, others allow expression of creative talent. Enrichment activities are also useful for supporting your career choices by gaining relevant experience in a particular area. All these additional experiences will enhance the impression you give to future employers and are extremely valuable when applying to Higher Education establishments.Here are just some examples of Enrichment activities on offer at Carmel:-• Bookworms• Cabin Crew• Carmel Ambassadors• Chess Club• Choir• Debating Society• Duke of Edinburgh Award• Forensic Science• Kite Making• History Through Film • Introduction to Italian• Interior Design• Primary School Project• Science Challenge• Sign Language• Team Sports• World Challenge

Life at CarmelThere’s more to life at Carmel than just passing exams. We encourage you to get involved, make new friends and take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to you.

Download our Enrichment

brochure atwww.carmel.

ac.uk

12.00 Next is my Further Maths lesson, which is obviously a bit more challenging than normal Maths, but I have a great teacher who explains each topic in a way that makes it easy to understand. We have just finished the course and are now doing past papers to practice for our summer exams.

13.00 Lunchtime now, which gives me a chance to see my mates and either just chill in the café or go out on the field and play footy. Got to leave time for some food as well of course.

14.00 I am free for this session on a Monday, well I say free, if I haven’t got college footy team training then I will be either in the library catching up on some work or going to a tutorial to help me get fully prepared for my exams.

15.05 My last lesson is Biology. Generally we will do some kind of experiment that allows us to see how the theory comes into practice. These experiments range from dissolving substances in liquids and seeing the reaction, to things like dissecting a heart, which was very interesting.

Click www.carmel.ac.uk to discover what else there is to do at Carmel 21

A day in the life of...

Liam Thomas

I came to Carmel from Rainford High School and I am currently studying AS Levels in PE, Biology, Maths and Further Maths. My typical Monday...07.30 After about the third time of been asked to get out of bed, I get up and have some breakfast before I catch the bus to college.

08.50 My first lesson is Maths which sounds boring on a Monday morning but it’s alright because there is a good atmosphere within the class. We have just finished our last topic about ‘differentiation and integration’, and now we are working through as many past papers as possible in preparation for our upcoming exam.

10.35 It’s break now and it gives me a chance to have a quick catch up with my mates and get something to eat and drink before next lesson.

10.55 After break it’s straight off to PE, which on Monday is my practical lesson. In this lesson I am playing football with students who also play on the college football team with me; we are continually being marked on our performance so I always make sure I put 100% effort in.

16.05 It’s home time and I will generally just get the bus home but sometimes I will stay for tutorials or football. The tutorials are very beneficial as the teachers will go through any work I am struggling with. Overall, it has been another very productive and useful day at college like always. The support and motivation the college gives you is excellent and I’m really enjoying my time here.

22 Enriching Experiences

History students and their tutors visited Auschwitz in Poland. The group visited a Synagogue, the Auschwitz museum and the Birkenhau concentration camp. It was a very educational visit which helped consolidate the facts of the Holocaust.

The ICT department visited Eurodisney where they took part in a number of educational sessions. This experience gave the students the opportunity to discover how ICT is put into practice in the real world. It was a fantastic trip enjoyed by staff and students alike.

The A2 Travel and Tourism students enjoyed the delights of Blackpool on their 2011 annual trip. They had to organise the trip as part of their course and were assessed on a report they produced in relation to the event. The Sea life Centre was number one on the itinerary and then it was off to view the many attractions of Blackpool.

The Performance and Dance departments travelled to London’s West End to see two highly acclaimed shows: Wicked and The Railway Children. A highly successful trip that once again inspired students with ambitions to work in the theatre industry.

The German Exchange trip to Stuttgart was a huge success. Students had the opportunity to attend lessons in the school, visit the Fernsehturm (TV Tower) and the medieval town of Tübingen as well as shopping at the Weihnachtsmarkt and tasting the regional specialities that Stuttgart had to offer.

This year’s Government & Politics trip to London included a visit to the US Embassy and a full tour of Parliament, followed by a meeting with St Helens local MP Dave Watts in one of the parliamentary committee rooms. Students also got to meet William Hague, Andrew Marr and Andrew Neil!

Enriching ExperiencesTrips and visits organised through the subject areas are a great way to bring your academic studies to life.

Carmel’s modern facilities include a sports hall with multi-gym and cardio-vascular machines including rowers, bikes, running machines and steppers. Within the college grounds there are also rugby and football pitches plus two astroturf pitches. All these facilities are freely available to students during college hours.Students are encouraged to take part in competitive sports against other colleges including Rugby, Football, Hockey, Badminton and Netball. There are also opportunities to achieve coaching and leadership awards. Carmel is part of the London 2012 Get Set Network in recognition of its commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic values.

Check out our Flickr page for more photos www.flickr.com/photos/carmel_college 23

Sport & Fitness Students are encouraged to pursue their leisure and sporting interests through a comprehensive programme that caters for all levels. Sport at Carmel is intended to improve levels of personal fitness, provide challenging experiences, promote social interaction and encourage students to achieve high standards.

24 Entry Requirements

Advanced Courses General Entry Requirements

Partner Schools: De la Salle, St Augustine’s, St Cuthbert’s, Haydock High, St Gregory’s, Cardinal Newman, St Edmund Arrowsmith Ashton, St Edmund Arrowsmith Whiston, St Peter’s.

A minimum of 2 grade Bs and 3 grade Cs from separate GCSEs

OR

For students who have studied a Diploma:

Higher Diploma grade B or Higher Diploma grade C, plus 2 GCSEs at grade B (preferably in Maths and English for access to a wider range of subjects)

All other Schools:

A minimum of 4 grade Bs and 1 grade C from separate GCSEs

OR

For students who have studied a Diploma:

Higher Diploma grade B

Level 2 Programme General Entry Requirements

For all schools: At least 2 GCSEs at grade D or above.

Course Specific Entry Requirements

For all schools: Access to individual courses will depend on you meeting specific entry requirements which are available on the course leaflets and at Open Evening or download from the website www.carmel.ac.uk. You will also be given these at your preliminary interview. We recommend that you have at least a grade B in the subjects that you choose.

Please Note :- Personal circumstances, disability or interrupted schooling are taken into account as they may affect your examination performance. You will have an opportunity to give us details of any relevant circumstances at your interview.

In the event that either the college or a particular course is oversubscribed, you may be placed on a waiting list.

The closing date for applications is Friday,

9th December 2011

Late applications will only

be considered if there are sufficient places

available

Course specific entry requirements can be found on the course leaflets available at Open Evening or from the website www.carmel.ac.uk

*

Entry RequirementsClick www.carmel.ac.uk and apply online before 9th December 2011

Attend your preliminary interview Interviews will take place between January and March 2012 either at Carmel or at your school. The interview is very informal; we will discuss your career aspirations, predicted GCSE results, choice of subjects and entry requirements. If you are offered a place you will need to return a reply slip to confirm that you accept this offer.

January - March 20123

Click www.carmel.ac.uk and apply online before 9th December 2011 25

steps to joining us 6

Investigate your options Read the prospectus, look at the college website and start thinking about your choices. If your school has a link with Carmel, one of our liaison officers will visit your school to give a talk to Year 11. Don’t forget to come along to one of our Open Evenings.

1 September - November 2011

Make your application All applications must be made online via the Carmel website - www.carmel.ac.uk The application deadline is 9th December 2011.

December 20112

Return your admissions documents In early May you will be sent an admissions pack which needs to be returned by the deadline date given. You will also receive an invitation to our New Student Conference where you will try out your chosen subjects.

May 20124

Enrol on your chosen courses GCSE results will be published on 23rd August 2012. Providing you meet the entry requirements you will be able to enrol at Carmel on either 23rd or 24th August. (Appointment times will have been sent to you in May)

August 20125

Start at Carmel Welcome to Carmel! You will begin an induction programme to help you settle into college life. We look forward to seeing you!

September 20126

Open Evenings 2011Come along and see for yourself what makes Carmel such an outstanding college.Thursday 10th, Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 23rd November. 6:30-8:30pm

26 How to find us

How to find usThe college is situated on the A58 Prescot Road, next to West Park Rugby Club.

RAVENHEADRETAIL PARK

WESTFIELD STREET

PRES

COT R

OAD

WESTFIELD

LINKWAY W

EST

ST HELEN

S LINKW

AY

PRESCOT ROAD

ST HELE

NS ROAD

PORT

ICO

LANE

TH

ATTO

HEA

TH R

OAD

LUGSM

ORE LANE

ST JAM

ES R

OAD

ST HELENS ROAD

STAFFORD ROAD

DUNRID

ING L

ANE

BOUNDAR

Y RO

AD

ECCLESTON STREET

KIRKLAND STREET

KING

STR

EET

GRANGEPARK

THATTOHEATHPARK

WestParkRFC

WillowbrookHospice

Grapes Pub

KnowsleySafari Park

WellingtonPub

Bird ‘ithHand Pub

Grange ParkGolf Course

TAYLORPARK

St HelensCollege

Park InnHotel

Tesco

B&Q

KFC

McDonalds/Petrol Station

ASDA

KNOWSLEY ROAD

LINKWAY EAST

ALEX

ANDR

A DR

IVE

PRESCOT ROADFRECKLETON ROAD

HILL SCH

OOL RO

AD

GRANGE D

RSED

DON RO

AD

RAVENHEAD ROAD

CROSS

LEY R

OAD

BRIDGE STREET

CANA

L ST

REET

ALBA

NY

AVEN

UE CENTRAL AVENUE

LINCOLNROAD

THE

SHIR

ES

BOROUGH ROAD

PRESCOT ROAD

GROSVENOR ROAD

REG

ENTS

ROA

D

BURTONHEAD RO

AD

ELM ROAD

A58

A58

A58

A58

A570

A570

BURR

OW’S LAN

E

The GameBird Pub

StanleyArms Pub

GriffinPub

PoliceStation

KnowsleyRd

CatchdaleMoss Lane

(B5203)

BurrowsLane (B5201)

FromEccleston

Tesco Garage

FROM A580 (VIA CATCHDALE MOSS LANE) TOBURROWS LANE AND ONTO THE A58 ST HELENSROAD/PRESCOT ROAD:

SaintsNew

Stadium

From Manchester

FromLiverpool

A580

M57Junc 2

M62Junc 7

A570

McDonalds/Petrol Station

FROM JUNC 7 M62, TO THE McDONALDS ROUNDABOUT A570:FROM JUNC 7 M62,

TO THATTO HEATH ROAD:

MickleheadGreen Pub

MickleheadGreen Pub

Sutton’sDepot

Bridge

M627

ShipInn From

Haydock

FromBirmingham

From PrestonFrom

J24, M6

FromParr

SwimmingPool

KFC

M6

FROM A580 (VIA A58 BYPASS) TO KFC ROUNDABOUT ON THE A570 LINKWAY EAST:

A58

23

A580

M627

Elton HeadRoad

SherdleyRoad

Elephant LaneThatto HeathRoad

Eccleston ParkTrain Station

Thatto HeathTrain Station

Surrounded by good transport links, Carmel College is easily accessible from a wide area.

On Foot Carmel College is located 1.5 miles from St Helens town centre on the A58 Prescot Road. The centre of Prescot is 4 miles away.

Carmel College can also be reached via the Red Rocks public footpath which runs alongside the college playing fields and down towards Knowsley Road.

By Car or Bike There is free car parking in the college grounds for staff and visitors and we have an agreement with our neighbours, West Park Rugby Club, for student parking.

There is designated parking for disabled drivers at both the front and side entrances to the college. There is also an area for parking mopeds and bicycles.

By Rail

Carmel College is only 10 minutes walk from both the Thatto Heath and Eccleston Park Rail Stations. These stations are on the main line between Wigan North Western station and Liverpool Lime Street station. For timetables and costs, contact The Trainline on 0871 244 1545 or www.thetrainline.com

By Bus

The following Carmel College buses are scheduled to arrive at college before 8.45am and to leave at approximately 4.15pm. Please contact our Admissions Team for details of these routes.

• Service 740 - Rainhill• Service 741 - Newton, Parr and

Sutton• Service 742 - Haydock and Chain

Lane

• Service 743 - Rainford and Eccleston

• Service 745 - Platt Bridge and Ashton

• Service 260 - Culcheth, Croft, Woolston, Cinnamon Brow, Orford and Winwick

• Service 261 - Kingsway North, Latchford, Sankey Bridges, Penketh, Lingley Green

• Service 262 - Grappenhall, Stockton Heath, Town Centre, Cromwell Ave, Westbrook

• Service 1W - Widnes from Vicarage Road

• Service 2W - Widnes from Prescot Road

Several public buses also stop near college including the numbers 10, 10a, 89, 97 & 297

For timetables and prices contact the Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or www.merseytravel.gov.uk

“What I like most about Carmel is the friendliness of both the teachers and the students. There is always someone available if you need help, and everyone is supportive.”Paalan Sood Tower College Studying - Economics, Geography, Maths, Media Studies.

Click www.carmel.ac.uk for bus info and route finding 27

Do I need to have studied a subject at GCSE to study it at A Level?The majority of A Level courses require you to have studied that subject at GCSE but this is not the case for every single subject. Further information can be found on individual course leaflets which can be downloaded from the college website or you can pick one up at Open Evening.

Can I take GCSEs as well as A Levels?If you are following an A Level programme, GCSEs can only be taken as re-sits if you need to improve your grade in a particular subject. If you are following a Level 2 Programme then some students are allowed to study an AS subject, but this is only in cases where the student has shown a genuine talent by achieving a high grade in the GCSE examinations.

What is the preliminary interview like?The interview is very informal; we will discuss your career aspirations, predicted GCSE results, choice of subjects and entry requirements.

What’s the typical timetable?All students study full-time at Carmel. The college day starts at 8.50am and ends at 4.05pm with a break in the morning and an hour for lunch. As well as your chosen subjects you will take part in an enrichment activity once a week. You will also have free study periods and will attend sessions with your Personal Tutor.

Can I change the subjects I’ve applied for?Yes, the subject choices you give at your preliminary interview can be changed. For example your actual GCSE grades may differ from your predicted grades which may impact on your subject choices. On enrolment day, you will be able to choose an alternative course provided that it is not already full and you have met the entry requirements for this subject. Our admissions team will be on hand to help you make the right choice for you.

Any Questions?

25 Yearsof inspiringindividuals

1987-2012

25 Yearsof inspiringindividuals

1987-2012

2011 Open EveningsThursday 10th November Tuesday 15th November Wednesday 23rd November

6.30 - 8.30pm

We hope this prospectus has given you a flavour of what Carmel has to offer.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us, or come to one of our Open Evenings and see for yourself what makes Carmel such an outstanding college.

Carmel College Prescot Road St Helens Merseyside WA10 3AG

Tel: 01744 452200 (Reception) 01744 452214/452212 (Admissions) Email: info@carmel.ac.uk

www.carmel.ac.ukwww.facebook.com/carmelcollege www.flickr.com/photos/carmel_college

A Catholic College for the Community. Charity No. 1003663

Design: www.palfreygreer.co.uk

Download our free app

25 Yearsof inspiringindividuals

1987-2012