Astrea Academy

Our motto: ‘a relentless commitment to excellence, every day’

Our Vision: 'to provide an exceptional, knowledge rich educational experience to ensure all scholars succeed'

Dear future scholars,

It is my pleasure to invite scholars from across the city to apply to our new state of the art Sixth Form opening in September 2023. The Sixth Form will be the first of its kind in the local area. Looking out over the city, Astrea Academy Sheffield, enables scholars to see their horizon, both literally and metaphorically, providing an absolutely exceptional education.

In joining us, you will be taught by inspiring teachers who are experts in their subjects and have a total commitment to ensuring you achieve outcomes that are exceptional. Our smaller class sizes mean you will benefit from individual support. At Astrea, our defining quality is our appreciation of hard work. In joining us, you will be part of a community of likeminded scholars and teachers who are committed to excellence. We take great pride in guaranteeing disruption free learning. We make no apologies for our high expectations because in meeting these our scholars will set themselves apart, ready to apply to competitive and prestigious destinations nationally and beyond.

Our message to you is simple: don’t be afraid to aim high. Our carefully planned academic offer and programmes of study serve as gateways to the very best destinations, whether you have a clear sense of where next or remain unsure of your next steps. Our application and interview process will ensure that you are no face in the crowd; by September 2023 your aspirations will be ours.

It is an incredible privilege to support young people in their Sixth Form journey. Our Sixth Form is small by design because we recognise that being known and valued matters. Here at Astrea, scholars will be supported by an experienced Sixth Form team that will ensure you get the regular and targeted support you need and deserve. We look forward to making sure your Sixth Form experience is academically rewarding, memorable and enjoyable. We very much welcome your application.

Best wishes,

Gemma Driver, Head of Sixth Form

Prospective scholars can apply directly to us via our website which can be found using the following link: https://astreaacademysheffield.applicaa.com/year12

We welcome as many applications as possible

Supporting you

You are moving into a phase of life that requires increasing independence and responsibility in order to thrive. We are a smaller Sixth Form by design because we recognise that being known and valued matters. Sometimes the Sixth Form journey is not smooth. It is important to us at Astrea, therefore, that you will never be a face in the crowd – far from it – you will benefit from attention to detail by an experienced pastoral team. We care and we are supportive. You can expect the following to support your studies:

Academically

  A Personal development programme focused on the science of learning and how to best study

  Dedicated tutor support focused on time management and organisational skills

  Supervised quiet study space

  Laptop rental to support independent study and research

  Library and online resources specifically for Sixth Form studies

  1:1 weekly academic mentoring support available to ensure successful completion of programme of study

  Stationary resources given at the start of year 12

  Scholar boutique stocked with necessary stationary

Wellbeing

  Unwavering focus on building healthy habits

  A Personal Development Programme centred on wellbeing

  Unrivalled pastoral support from an experienced and skilled tutor team

  Healthy food, locally sourced and made in house by our Head Chef

  Sixth Form only dining/café space

  Kitchenette space exclusively for Sixth Formers

  Outside balcony dining and social space exclusively for Sixth Formers

  Dedicated Sixth Form only sports and exercise opportunities

  In house counselling service following referrals

  Sign posting to support services

Finance

We have access to the 16-19 Bursary Fund Scheme. Scholars who are suffering financial hardship, who come from low income families, or who are in care are entitled to additional monetary support. The bursary money can be used towards the costs of education, including textbooks and revision guides, specialist equipment, trips and any exam related fees. The academy supports and advises on these applications, making sure that the scholars who need extra help get it in a timely manner.

The Sixth Form Enrichment and Co-Curricular Opportunities

It is incredibly important that the Sixth Form experience is about giving you the opportunity to build and develop personal qualities and skills. At Astrea, you will experience a rich, tailor-made enrichment & co-curricular programme because we are committed to broadening your horizons and interests beyond the classroom. You can expect:

  To learn about career options and further education pathways from a wide range of speakers. For example, lawyers, doctors, civil servants, journalists, bankers and MPs

  To benefit from expertise of Level 6 registered career development professional

  To attend lectures and taster sessions which go beyond the curriculum in your subjects

  To participate in timetabled electives such e.g. DoE, Sports and fitness, climbing, French

  To engage in sustained programmes that build university and work place readiness with organisations        such as:

► HeppHUB - Higher Education Progression Partnership

► Sutton Trust Pathways Programmes: Law, Medicine, Engineering, Consulting, Banking, Finance

► The University of Sheffield’s Discover Programme

► The University of Sheffield Us in Schools Mentoring Programme

► UpTree – professional network for young people

► Medics Mentors

► Aspiring Medics Programme and more with the Medical Projects

► Aspiring Professionals Programme Employer Insights with the Social Mobility Foundation

  To serve the community and take on leadership roles as visible and powerful role models who will contribute through:

► Supervising lunch, break time & the library

► Being a Reading mentor

► Volunteering locally

► Participating in a peer mentor programme

► Taking on the role of subject ambassadors who use their expertise to support in lessons with younger scholars

► Supporting groups such anti-bullying ambassadors and the school council

► Supporting enrichment through sports clubs, homework club, book club, creative writing

Destinations

At Astrea, we ensure that our scholars study A-levels that open doors to prestigious universities and apprenticeships in readiness for competitive careers. We know that finding the right destination is a vital step that is exciting but can feel daunting. This process requires careful support and discussion. In studying at Astrea, you will benefit from our expertise in achieving your goals. Scholars will complete our timely UCAS programme to ensure they are ready to submit applications that are outstanding. Our Sixth Form team are trained to ensure applications are second to none. Furthermore, our early entry cohort programme, for those seeking to apply to Oxbridge, medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, will provide bespoke support to scholars in terms of exam and interview preparation and the rigors of application process.