Virtual Open Evening

Here you'll find lots of important information about our fantastic community at Melton Vale Sixth Form College, more commonly referred to as MV16. We would have loved to meet you all face to face as we have in previous years, but hopefully you will find the presentations and resources we have included here useful in making a decision about whether MV16 is right for you.

Many prospective students and parents have asked how we have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. This term, our robust systems and hygiene routines, along with a committed body of students and staff who are highly compliant with our rules, has meant that we have been able to offer a full time timetable for all students.  Therefore at present, students are experiencing normality when it comes to lessons and work set.

We have used Microsoft Teams for a number of years, so when the lockdown was enforced earlier in the year, our students were able to successfully engage with remote learning. Our robust moderation process of Centre Assessed Grades, gave us an accurate set of outstanding results, which had been anticipated prior to lockdown.

If lockdown does occur in the future, we are confident in our systems, students and teaching staff to teach and support students remotely.

We are proud to say our students didn’t miss out on lost learning during lockdown. We enforced a strict school day with students and teachers applying the normal timetable. This allowed routines to be established and students to successfully complete work.

Melton Vale is committed to setting a climate for learning that allows all learners to thrive. In turn a learning community that thrives on mutual understanding, respect and care is commonplace, with everyone keen to be a part of a college which allows learners to embark on a journey that stimulates them intellectually, develops them socially and is personally transforming as they plan for their next steps into adulthood.

Our mission is to educate the young people of Melton Mowbray and the surrounding area, through a curriculum that is rich in academia and personal development. This is achieved through inspirational teaching by experienced, subject specialists who in engage students in an ambitious curriculum which is purposefully designed to meet local need.  Alongside high quality teaching, students can expect to be guided and cared for by teaching staff who have wellbeing and care at the heart of the classroom. In turn, students establish a real connection at Melton Vale and respond in an independent, mature manner, achieving their ambitions and broadening their horizons.

When you attend MV16, you join a rich history of outstanding achievement and educational success, in a college which has community at its core. In the decade since Melton Mowbray chose to develop a standalone sixth form college, the centre has become known for exceptional results, above average added value, extensive fundraising for local charities and achieving Ofsted Outstanding. Furthermore, a rich and dedicated alumni has formed, who are always eager to return and impart their wisdom and careers advice to present students. Ten years on, the values and ethos remain the same, which is based on the foundation of working hard and respecting our peers and working environment.

As a student at MV16, you will have both lessons and study periods throughout the day. Study periods are undertaken in our Learning Resource Centre (LRC), a space equipped with breakout areas and computers to allow study that is very similar to that of a university library.

Our expectation is that you will use your study periods wisely. For each subject that you study, you will have five periods a week of taught lessons. It is recommended by us that you study an additional five hours per week, per subject, to optimise your success. 

College Day

Academic/Tutorial: 8.50am–9.00am
Lesson 1: 9.00am–9.55am
Lesson 2: 9.55am–10.45am
Break: 10.45am–11.05am
Lesson 3: 11.05am–12.00pm
Lesson 4: 12.00pm–12.55pm
Lunch: 12.55pm–1.35pm
Lesson 5: 1.35pm–2.30pm
Lesson 6: 2.30pm–3.25pm

College facilities are open to students Monday to Thursday: 8.00am–5.00pm and Friday: 8.00am–4.30pm

Year 12 students are expected to be in college all day for the first six weeks. Flexibility will then be introduced to all students working to expectations.
 

MV16 offers a wide variety of A-Level courses, ranging from the traditional facilitating subjects to courses not normally available in secondary school. In addition we offer a small number Level 3 BTEC courses. We have over 25 courses on offer and the flexibility to combine almost any subjects. Choosing subjects to study post 16 is both exciting and demanding. We place great emphasis on pre-course guidance and the college is committed to ensuring that all students start on the course that is right for them.

Click here to access our full course guide

Our website is full of useful information for parents and pupils. Here are a few links to some of the most important for new Year 12s.

Coming soon!

Follow us on Instagram and tune into our selection of ‘Live Lessons’, the week beginning 30 November. This will give you a taste of what lessons and content are like at MV16.

Whether you are opting to go to university or considering a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship, post-18 advice and guidance at MV16 is plentiful. Students benefit from extensive and experienced support with the UCAS process including preparation for Oxbridge, Russell Group universities and specialised courses such as Veterinary and Medicine. In addition, access to master classes through our partnership universities is promoted along with residential masterclasses such as Villiers Park, Cambridge University and Oxford University. Opportunities to attend open days and higher education fairs are actively promoted. In addition, students will have a close working relationship with our own personal careers adviser who offers high quality, impartial advice and guidance for higher level studies and/or their chosen career.

Careers guidance starts as early as the application process in Year 11. Through a series of assemblies, open events, taster days and where necessary one to one interviews, students are guided onto A level courses which best suit their aspirations. MV16 liaise with local secondary schools to ensure students are aware of post-16 and post-18 pathways at the college.

Careers guidance is bespoke and tailored to the individual MV16. Opportunities for support are plentiful with advice given by an experienced and dedicated careers team.

Please find below a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we would normally expect to be asked on a face to face open evening – hopefully you may find some answers here!

How do I know if MV16 is the right place for me?

The entry requirements are GCSEs in English and Maths at minimum grade 4 together with three other subjects at grade 5 or above. Please talk to staff about whether the course is suitable for you. The majority of courses offered are A-Levels with an extensive choice of subjects both facilitating and non-facilitating.

How many subjects do I have to take?

All students have to choose three A-Levels to study at MV16. In order to progress into Year 13, students must demonstrate they are working at target grade level and show a good attitude to learning. Additional opportunities such as the Extended Project Qualification are available for students to undertake.

How do I apply? When will I know if I have a place?

You can apply online on our website www.mv16.org.uk anytime between now and the end of January 2020. Within two weeks of receiving your application you will either receive a conditional offer of a place to study stating the GCSE grades/levels you need to achieve for your chosen courses or alternatively you may be called for an interview with a member of the leadership team if we feel the need to discuss your subject choices in more detail.

Are there any rules about dress?

We expect all students to be dressed in appropriate attire, in a modest sensible fashion.

Who will be my first point of contact at MV16?

You will be part of a Year 12 tutor group. Your personal tutor will be your first point of contact and will support you with information, advice and guidance throughout your time at MV16.

How much homework will I get?

This will vary from subject to subject. In addition to homework there is an expectation that you will complete additional reading and research around your subjects. Guidance will be given to you by your subject teachers. Remember, A-Level stands for ‘advanced level’ – your workload will increase significantly! You should be spending at least as many hours on each subject outside of the classroom as in lessons.

What extra-curricular activities does MV16 provide?

There are wide ranging opportunities including trips to Paris, Strasbourg and Sorrento, Teenage Health Fair, Volunteering, Creative Writing Club, Rotary Interact, Subject Specific Visiting Speakers, D of E, Charity Events, Student Union, Open Mic, Theatre Visits, London Museum Visits, Sports Fixtures, Houses of Parliament visit and National Citizenship Service.

How will I get advice about options post-18?

The college is renowned for its expert information and guidance whether it be going to university, securing a higher degree/apprenticeship or employment. We have specialist staff who will guide you through various processes.

What provision is there for Most Able students?

In addition to academia, we run a number of visits across the year which expose our Most Able students to the opportunities available to them. Students are encouraged to take part in subject specific extra-curricular activities and opportunities which will enhance their applications to university and beyond.  

What provision is there for students with special educational needs?

Specialist staff are available to support students with special educational needs and appointments can be made with staff to discuss individual needs.

Are there bursaries available?  

A National Bursary Scheme is currently in operation which allows parents who receive particular benefits to apply for help towards transport, equipment costs, trips etc. For further details and application form please see our website under Student Parent Information.

To study A Levels at MV16, you need to have achieved the general college requirements of a grade 4 or above in both GCSE Mathematics and English, plus three other GCSE or equivalent qualifications at grade 5 or above.

Subject specific requirements:

To study one of the A Level Sciences, you will need a minimum grade 6 in a related science subject.

To study A Level Economics, you will need a minimum grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

To study A Level Computer Science, you will need a minimum grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

To study A Level English Literature, you will need a minimum grade 6 in GCSE English Literature.

To study A Level French or Spanish, you will need a minimum grade 6 in the language you wish to study.

To study A Level Mathematics, you will need a minimum grade 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics. To study Further Mathematics at A Level, you will need a minimum grade 7.

To study A Level Physical Education, you are expected to be competing at club level or above for the coursework component.

All other subjects require the general college entry requirements only.

The Application Process

  • Apply online at www.mv16.org.uk/apply by 31 January 2021
  • You will receive a confirmation email from us within fourweeks
  • You will receive a conditional offer letter via e-mail stating the GCSE grades you need to achieve for your chosen courses
  • Please accept your offer and confirm your attendance at our Induction Days
  • Induction days: 6 and 7 July 2021
  • Online registration: 27–31 August 2021
  • Term starts for Year 12: Monday 6 September 2021

If you have any queries throughout the process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We very much hope you will wish to apply to us. Click the button below to access our online application form.

Apply now!