Life in the Sixth Form

Dan Millington, Senior Sixth Form Tutor

 

While the primary purpose of a Sixth Form education is to gain good A Level results and progress on to the best and most appropriate university course, there is much, much more to Sixth Form life than Physics practicals and Geography coursework. Distinctive features of the Sixth Form are the genuine depth of friendship that the students have for each other, the open yet respectful relationship students have with staff and an appreciation of all the many extra-curricular opportunities that are available within the school. We have a very supportive and friendly community within the larger school community.

We provide care, guidance and support, balanced by opportunities for responsibility and individual freedom.  You will continue to receive the help of your House Staff and Tutor who generally look after any pastoral issues, your general well being and take a keen interest in your academic performance. The Deputy Head (Academic) and the Head of Sixth Form will also take a personal interest in your progress and are always available for help and advice particularly about university and UCAS matters. In the Sixth Form you have a ‘business’ dress rather than uniform, with the emphasis being placed on smartness and acceptability rather than a rigid set of rules.

In addition to your AS & A2 work there is a weekly general studies lesson that encompasses advanced
ICT skills, survival cooking, scientific method, and social & moral education. This is backed up with a visiting
lecturers’ program. Your private study periods can be spent working in the Library, the modern and extensively
resourced careers room, the computer rooms or taking a break in the Sixth Form Centre. The Sixth Form
Centre is located in the heart of the school and is used primarily for recreation, a place to wind down, relax and
socialize. As you would expect the Sixth Form is pretty adept at socializing, with the main events of the year
being a Christmas Ball and a leavers’ Commemoration Ball, held in a circus–sized marquee in the school
grounds. In addition to these there are film nights, rock music competitions, a fashion show, and a Sixth Form play, to name just a few.

There is an impressive array of opportunities available to all students and everyone is encouraged to take part
in a wide range of extra-curricular activities; there are nearly 20 sports to choose from throughout the year, the
CCF and Duke of Edinburgh scheme offer leadership and adventure opportunities. There are numerous foreign
trips, ski trips and expeditions to places near and far.  In the last few years the Sixth Form has travelled to
Iceland, South Africa, Tunisia, India, Ireland Scotland, Greece, Italy, Spain, America, France, Germany and
Switzerland. There are more than 12 bands and orchestras and the hugely enjoyable and farcical Sixth Form
play, which is open to anybody in the Sixth Form who has never been on stage before. Sixth Formers play a
dominant role in many ambitious theatrical productions, including Les Miserables, Into the Woods, The Crucible
and Cabaret. The Challenge of Leadership is a two-day event where all the Lower Sixth take part in
management games, leadership exercises and communications activities. For more intellectual
stimulation there is the Debating Society and the Coleridge Society.

 

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
Combined Cadet Force
Music
Drama & theatrical productions
Sixth Form play
School expeditions
Sixth Form ‘Sunday Strolls’ to Exmoor, Dartmoor and the SW Coast
Chess Club
Bridge Club
Coleridge Society
Debating Society
School Charities
Stage Crew
Young Enterprise
Fashion Show
Man O Man
Community Service