Life in Sixth Form
How is it organised?
The sixth form timetable is made up of five blocks. In Year 12 four of these are normally used for A/AS level courses. The fifth block includes Private Study, What’s Next (PHE) and Enrichment options such as LIBF (financial awareness), community service, on-line courses, EPQ (extended projects) etc. In Year 13 most students use three blocks for A level courses and the other two for enrichment and additional private study. There is a much higher independent study requirement for A level success and it is important to establish good habits and routines from the start; this is the number one piece of advice that students wish they’d followed.
Your Personal Timetable
All students have a personal timetable and it is unlikely that any two will be the same. This is because the school aims to meet individual needs for Sixth Form study and it is rare for two people to have the same requirements. You lay the foundation for your personal timetable when you make your initial decision about Year 12 subjects.
We know that students may want to change subjects at any time in the first few weeks of Year 12. We will provide abundant support and encouragement to students - but we will also be honest and realistic. We want to make sure all sixth formers use these crucial two years wisely.
Where you will study
Your form room and subject classrooms are all around the school. Sixth form students are role models for younger students and should therefore set the highest standards of conduct around the building. Private study takes place in our Sixth Form Area and in Café 6 which are exclusively for the use of sixth formers and a great place to establish sound routines and work on independent and collaborative study. For break and lunch, we also have sixth form picnic tables outside, allowing students to get some fresh air outside. The Atrium café is also open to sixth formers throughout the day.
Establishing Strong Routines from the Start and Monitoring Progress
Subject teachers and the pastoral team monitor the progress of each sixth former. You will have a Form Tutor who you will see every morning for registration. Your Tutor is a really important person in your school life; they will help you develop strong study skills and will be your first point of contact if you have any questions or issues. Additionally, they will write the opening paragraph of any school references. Where we have concerns over effort, reliability in terms of deadlines, independent study or other issues, we have a programme of intervention. This includes an individual interview where students are supported to identify what issues need addressing, and how best to work on this. There is a strong link between punctuality, attendance and academic success. Where we have any concerns regarding these, or any aspect of the Student Agreement, we will involve parents as well as students, to help students get back on track.
Broader Aspects of Life
Sixth Form students play an important and significant role, leading and participating in many extra-curricular activities such as mentoring, music, debating, and sport. The Sixth Form Committee consists of the Head Student team, leading students from clubs and societies and representatives of each tutor group. It is the main discussion and organising body for student activities. Students with interests in a wide range of areas such as Equality and Amnesty International will join our wide range of dedicated student-led societies and these are excellent for many reasons, including meeting with a broad range of students from both year groups. In Summer 2023 we are planning a World Challenge expedition to Borneo.
Community Service is a key part of the enrichment programme. It helps the sixth form develop a community spirit and benefits all of our students; it is a mechanism by which students can give back to the school and to their local community. Students make a valuable contribution to school life in so many ways. Two sixth formers are associate members of the Governing Body. Our whole school House System is led by an enthusiastic team of sixth form students.
For more detail, please see the document below.