Ada, the National College for Digital Skills SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS 1 Sutherland Street London SW1V 4LD Apply now at www.ada.ac.uk
When I found out that Ada has the best Computer Science results nationally, I knew it was the right choice for me. Vanessa Ada Sixth Form Graduate
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME www.ada.ac.uk | 01 We are Ada, the National College for Digital Skills. Our Sixth Form serves as a springboard into the technology industry for aspiring digital gamechangers. With over 130,000 tech jobs unfilled in the UK every year, there are huge opportunities for young people to have a flourishing career in this sector. At Ada, we foster the creative, technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to access exciting digital careers, ranging from software engineering and cybersecurity to graphic design and digital marketing. We do this through our unique, industry-focused curriculum, developed in partnership with leading technology companies like Deloitte (a global professional services company); Bank of America (one of the world’s leading financial institutions) and King (a leading interactive entertainment company for the mobile world). WHY COME TO ADA? 1. All staff are excellent teachers with consistently high expectations of our students, which means students achieve fantastic results in their academic studies. 2. We support our students to secure amazing progression opportunities, including Degree Apprenticeships, in digital fields with prestigious companies or higher education at renowned Universities or Junior Software Development roles in tech companies. 3. We support the whole student, including their personal development to build resilience, and their professional development to build work readiness and the communication skills they need to be successful in their next steps after Ada. 4. Students at Ada are given many opportunities for real world learning, both in the classroom and in our award winning industry projects where they work in teams to solve challenges set by our Industry Partners. 5. After graduation, students become part of the Ada Alumni family (#alwaysada) and return to the college to inspire and support later cohorts on their journey. I hope you find the information in this prospectus valuable and informative and I look forward to welcoming you through Ada’s doors in the near future. Tina Götschi Principal
2022/23 RESULTS SUMMARY D* - D of students who studied the BTEC National Diploma in Computing achieved a Distinction* and a Distinction 57% D* - M 89%of students who studied the BTEC National Diploma in Computing achieved a Distinction* and a Merit PASS RATE of students who studied the BTEC National Diploma in Computing passed their two year course 00% 1 Our students participate in 3Industry-led projects, per year, with companies such as | www.ada.ac.uk 02
Our students secure University placements at top institutions such as Our students secure Degree Apprenticeships with employers such as Students receive good individual support from their teachers. As a result of the support that they receive, students make sustained progress over time. OFSTED REPORT, MARCH 2023 Teachers set high expectations for students regarding the submission of homework and assignments. As a result, students submit work of a high standard. OFSTED REPORT, MARCH 2023 www.ada.ac.uk | 03
OUR CURRICULUM At Ada, our aim is to provide an inspiring education that prepares our students for a transformational tech-focused career. Students choose one of three curriculum pathways: Creator, Pioneer or Innovator. The BTEC National Diploma in Computing is core to every pathway, which gives you the skills to develop your digital future. Additionally, students choose one A Level (or two if they meet the entry requirements for Further Mathematics). Students who do not study Mathematics at A Level and meet entry requirements are encouraged to take the Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics Studies to continue to study the subject up to 18 years old. Our standard entry requirements are that students have achieved an average grade of a 5 or above in their GCSEs, including at least a 4 in English and Mathematics, though we do review each student’s application individually. From September 2024, students can choose to take the T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development (including a 45 day work placement). More information about this choice is on page 8. Students and apprentices learn in an environment that is positive and supportive. OFSTED REPORT, MARCH 2023 | www.ada.ac.uk 04
CURRICULUM PATHWAYS BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN COMPUTING CREATOR A Level in Media Studies or A Level in Art and Design (Graphic communication) PIONEER BTEC Ext Dip in Computing or A Level in Mathematics INNOVATOR A Level in Psychology or A Level in Business Studies T LEVEL in Digital Production, Design and Development (including a 45 day work placement) INDUSTRY PROJECTS designed with leading technology companies www.ada.ac.uk | 05
CREATOR PATHWAY INTRODUCTION The Creator pathway provides all the right tools to start a successful career in the digital industry as students will learn a range of technical, creative and communication skills, ranging from graphic design to digital magazine production, and from animation to the critical analysis of online video content. PROGRESSION The next steps might be studying Digital Marketing or Graphic Design at University or embarking on the Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship Programme to work with one of our partners. Careers include: Animator, Graphic Designer, VFX Artist, Illustrator, Branding & Advertising, Content Producer, Media Planner, Computer Games Designer, Social Media Strategist. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Alongside the standard entry requirements, a portfolio of work is required. | www.ada.ac.uk 06 Leaders and managers have created an exceptional enrichment programme. OFSTED REPORT, MARCH 2023 It’s that hybrid collection of skills that Ada are bringing, the businessready elements, the craft of coding, that really excites us. PAUL MILNER SENIOR EARLY PROFESSIONALS MANAGER, IBM UK PATHWAYS EXPLAINED
PIONEER PATHWAY INTRODUCTION The Pioneer pathway allows students to learn a range of technical, mathematical and data communication skills, ranging from technical programming to logical problem solving, from investigations using technology to the critical analysis of data. PROGRESSION The next steps might be studying Computer Science or Data Science at University or embarking on the Software Developer Degree Apprenticeship Programme to work with one of our partners. Careers include: Software Engineer, Database Developer, Cyber Security Engineer, Data Analyst, Game Developer, Database Developer, Web Designer. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Alongside the standard entry requirements, the following are required: • For A Level Mathematics - at least a 7 in GCSE Mathematics • For Ext Dip CS - an average grade of 5 or above, plus at least a 5 in GCSE English and Mathematics and a 6 in GCSE Computer Science (or equivalent). INNOVATOR PATHWAY INTRODUCTION The Innovator pathway paves the way for a successful career in the digital industry. Students will learn a range of research, analysis, evaluation and communication skills, and put together their own business plan. PROGRESSION The next steps might be studying Computer Science, IT or Business Management at University or embarking on the Technology and Digital Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship Programme to work with one of our partners. Careers include: Project Management, User Experience (UX) Analyst, Product Manager, Business Analyst, Digital Marketer, Technology Consultant. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Alongside the standard entry requirements, at least a 5 in GCSE English and Mathematics is required. www.ada.ac.uk | 07
T LEVEL IN DIGITAL PRODUCTION, DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT (INCLUDING A 45 DAY WORK PLACEMENT) The T Level Qualification in Digital Production, Design and Development will give you the industry knowledge and skills required to develop interactive digital products. It will provide you with an up-to-date specialist qualification within an ever-changing industry and enhance your employability. This new qualification was designed alongside employers, including ARM, BBC, BT, Cisco, and CompTIA, to ensure you develop the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for. As part of your T Level you will undertake a 45 day work placement. | www.ada.ac.uk 08
Managers and teachers work frequently with employers to ensure that students develop the knowledge and skills required by the digital sector. All students work on industry projects. OFSTED REPORT, MARCH 2023 You will get to practise your software design and development skills within the workplace, and learn from the professionals around you. In the Core Component of the course, you will learn about the digital industry and focus on the following topics: • Problem Solving • Introduction to Programming • Business Context • Data • Security • Emerging Issues and the Impact of Digital • Digital Environments • Legislation and Regulatory Requirements In the Occupational Specialist Component of the course, you will develop your digital skills and you will learn to: • Analyse a problem to define requirements aligned to user requirements. • Apply ethical principles and manage risks in line with legal and regulatory requirements. • Discover, evaluate and apply reliable sources of knowledge. • Design, implement and test software. • Create solutions in social and collaborative environments. • Implement and test a solution using at least two programming languages. • Change, maintain and support software. The qualification is intended to help you progress into highly skilled employment in the digital industry, with a focus on interactive and digital software design and development. Examples of progression and career opportunities include: • Software Development Technician • Junior Software Developer • Junior Games Developer • Junior Web Developer • Junior Application Support Analyst • Automated Test Developer www.ada.ac.uk | 09
ADMISSIONS PROCESS STEP 1 Read through our courses and choose which course would suit you the best. If you have any trouble deciding which course you would like to study, please contact sixthformadmissions@ada.ac.uk and we would be happy to help. STEP 2 Apply through the website (ada.ac.uk) once you have chosen your selected course. STEP 3 You will be invited to an Assessment Centre, where you will have two short interviews with our staff. STEP 4 We will be in contact with you after the Assessment Centre to let you know if we have offered you a place. You will have many opportunities throughout the year to attend Ada events and learn more about our vibrant community. STEP 5 Enrol, collect your new laptop and enjoy your induction! | www.ada.ac.uk 10
www.ada.ac.uk | 11 Students recognise the importance of speaking and writing clearly and fluently for business purposes. OFSTED REPORT, MARCH 2023
LIFE AT ADA TEAM TIME All students at Ada belong to a team, led by one of the teaching staff. Team leads have a 10 minute check in with their team every morning and a half hour team time session every week. In the team time session, team leads deliver the Personal, Social, Health and Economic education programme. Students learn about, and discuss, a variety of topics that teach them how to build their confidence and resilience. All staff and students have a weekly half hour assembly where key information is shared and student achievements are celebrated. ADA SKILLS We prioritise the development of professional skills. In particular, we focus on effective writing, speaking and networking skills. We also offer some high quality work experience opportunities to our Year 12 students during the summer holidays with our Industry Partners. PROGRESSION We support our students with progression opportunities in Year 12 and Year 13. This includes developing CVs and LinkedIn profiles, University applications through UCAS and Degree Apprenticeship | www.ada.ac.uk 12
Programme applications. We host a number of ‘Futures Fairs’ with Universities and employers. All students will take part in ‘Futures Week’ at the end of Year 12 in order to focus their attention on their next steps and how to achieve these. They will be offered a range of workshops from external providers and visits to relevant events and fairs. COACHING Ada provides industry-led coaching for our students who choose to engage with this opportunity by matching them with a vetted volunteer coach from our Industry Partners. The purpose of the relationship is to: • Build confidence in their strengths, skills and knowledge. • Support them sourcing work experience and other relevant opportunities. • Support them to make informed choices for their progression after Ada. • To gain an understanding of the world of work. ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES Once a week, students take part in one of our enrichment clubs. Examples of enrichment activities we have run in the past include: DJing, E-Sports, Football, Badminton, Chess, Art Club and Climbing. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL AND MEDICAL NEEDS SUPPORT Our pastoral team, led by our Assistant Principal, works with students to support their special educational needs or medical requirements. This involves working oneto-one with these students to put together individual plans to ensure they reach their full potential. If needed, we have an on-site counsellor three times a week. FINANCIAL SUPPORT We recognise that some students’ circumstances mean that they might need financial assistance in order to complete their academic programme. Please get in touch to find out more about the support available. Finally, all students are eligible to lease a laptop from the College for the duration of their studies. This is free of charge for those who meet the eligibility criteria for financial support and requires a refundable deposit for all other students. www.ada.ac.uk | 13
Arran studied the BTEC National Diploma in Computing with A Level Mathematics. He achieved Distinction*, Distinction and C grade. He was a key member of Student Voice, Ada’s student leadership team and Ada has given me the opportunity to network with people at Industry Partner events, helped me feel confident and get a real feel of working in the tech sector. Arran Ada Sixth Form Graduate and current Ada Apprentice collaborated with his peers to improve the experience for other students at Ada. After graduating he secured a Software Development Degree Apprenticeship with ClearScore. | www.ada.ac.uk 14
Aleeza studied the BTEC National Diploma in Computing with A Level Graphics. She achieved Distinction, Merit and A* grade. Aleeza was a driving force behind the first ever Ada Leavers yearbook, a tradition that has continued to this day! In the summer after completing her courses at Ada, Aleeza completed an internship with the design agency Normally before embarking on Ada is very diverse. I have never seen so many different backgrounds and ethnicities. Everyone is so inclusive and it’s like a family. Aleeza Ada Sixth Form Graduate the Graphic Design BA Honours course at Middlesex University London, where she is now a Student Ambassador and is on track for a first class degree. She continues to support Ada with Outreach and Recruitment events and regularly comes back to the College to inspire and encourage current students. www.ada.ac.uk | 15
OUR NEW VICTORIA CAMPUS In August 2023, we moved into our new buidling, just 8 minutes walk from Victoria station. Our new campus has the following facilities: • Sports Hall • Roof Terrace • Industry Collaboration Zone • Dedicated social areas | www.ada.ac.uk 16 RYAN MANNING, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL At Ada, each student is supported by our pastoral team based on their individual needs to reach their potential and define their path. For example, all of our students are offered a coach with one of our industry partners throughout their time at Ada, have access to a wide variety of other industry engagement opportunities as well as well-being support from our team.
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Apply now at www.ada.ac.uk If you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Admissions department. sixthformadmissions@ada.ac.uk Ada, the National College for Digital Skills 1 Sutherland Street, London, SW1V 4LD Journey Times via Tube or Train • Kings Cross (15 mins) • Liverpool Street (19 mins) • Euston (22 mins) • Stratford (30 mins) • Vauxhall (6 mins) • Gospel Oak (32mins) • Finchley Central (31 mins)
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