Sixth Form Virtual Open Evening

Sixth form is one of the toughest but most rewarding two years of your life. Sixth form provides you with the opportunity to focus on the subjects that you really enjoy as well as take part in different enrichment activities that will not only help you to develop your personal and social skills, but also challenge you to think differently about the world and your future. Regardless of whether you completed your GCSEs with us or are new to the school, being in the sixth form centre and meeting new people is a big part of sixth form. The new friendships and groups that you form will become an essential part of your sixth form journey. Your new friends combined with our excellent sixth form team will mean that you will always have someone there to support you.

This ‘Virtual induction’ webpage will provide you with all the information, guidance and support that you need. If you have any further questions queries or concerns, please email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Meet the Sixth Form Team

The sixth form team consists of:

Line Manager Mrs Allen	Head of Sixth Form Miss James	Achievement Leader & Sixth Form Attendance Officer Miss Gilday

A warm welcome to the King Charles I Sixth Form from the Sixth Form team. We look forward to supporting you all on your exciting journey through your studies over the next two years to secure academic success and provide you with enrichment opportunities and careers guidance to ensure you set yourselves up for the next stage in your careers.

Welcome from the Head Boy and Girl

We would both like to begin by offering you a warm welcome to our Sixth Form, whether you are already a student of the school or whether you are joining our community.

Every member of the Sixth Form, both staff and students, are willing to accompany and assist you as you embark on your journey here at king Charles I School; a journey that mature you as a person and prepares you for the world of work.

Here at King Charles Sixth Form there are many exclusive enrichment activities only offered to the sixth form whether that be sports, quizzes, Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, orchid project, peer mentoring and Cattleya. There is something for everyone.

The Sixth Form team take pride in offering help and support to students when needed, and people’s expectations are met; regardless of the issue. They always go above and beyond to ensure we all feel supported and happy in the sixth form and in ensuring we all reach our full potential.

The facilities available in the sixth form are of a high quality, ranging from the new common room consisting of sitting areas, kitchen equipment and computers allowing us to excel in out subjects, a fitness suite and a 3G football pitch.

Our Sixth Form strives to create as many opportunities for students to succeed. We are extremely excited and pleased that you have chosen King Charles as your Sixth Form and the Sixth Form team cannot wait to meet you in September!

Preparing for Sixth Form

Feeling anxious about starting sixth form is very normal. Everyone feels nervous when things are new. Remember knowledge is power and the more you know the less anxious you will feel. Watch the videos below and find out about the various things you need to start considering in preparation for September.

Bursary

In September 2011 the government introduced a 16-19 Bursary Fund to provide financial help to sixth form students who otherwise might not be able to access or complete their sixth form studies. It is anticipated that any finance awarded to a student would be used towards the cost of books, equipment and transport.

For more information about the 16-19 bursary, please click here.

Dress Code

Our dress code for sixth form is smart casual wear. As a sixth former you are a role model to the rest of the school and so it is really important to find out what you can and can’t wear before spending any money.

Organisation

If there is one thing that will add to the pressure of studying in sixth form, it is being disorganised. Organisation is essential to success when studying in the sixth form.

Changing your mind about subjects

Choosing three or four subjects to study is much harder than it looks. Changing of minds is very normal and we expect it, so don’t worry if you are not yet 100% about what you want to study.

Travelling to Haybridge High School or Hagley Catholic School

We collaborate with two local schools in Hagley (Haybridge High School and Hagley Catholic High School) on our sixth form provision. We are very fortunate that all three schools are very close to one another. You do not need to pay for transport as we will provide you with a rail card free of charge. The journey between the schools is approximately 7 minutes via train. Both train stations are a 2 minute walk away from both schools and the trains are very regular.

Getting Help

We fully understand that starting sixth form can be unsettling and even a little bit scary to begin with. We have an excellent sixth form team who are always happy to listen and support you. The current sixth form students, who will be your email buddies for now, are also on hand to help out and answer any questions you may have.

Subject Information

Reading about subjects is important but hearing about what it’s actually like to study that subject is even better! Check out the information below and watch the videos to hear about the realities of studying the different subjects from our students.

Art

Welcome to A Level Fine Art. A level units are broadly themed and very open ended to encourage varied, individual responses. Students are supported by experienced staff throughout the course. At the start of Year 12, students are given close support and direction to build a body of skills that they can then call upon later in the course. Media that you will encounter and choose to later specialize in include: ICT digital media, printmaking, 3D construction, textiles, painting, drawing and mixed media. Students often choose to dip in and out of these areas as their own ideas develop. The course is flexible enough to accommodate this. Having a sense of curiosity about the work of other artists is vital. The interchange of ideas that this creates is essential to create an exciting, striking folder of work. We look forward to seeing how you and your ideas develop over the two years.

Watch and listen to Year 12 student Kate Philpotts talk about what it’s like to study Art:

Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms and how these interact with each other and their environments. Basically studying biology will enable you to understand the world around you in a detail that will leave you in true awe and amazement of! Biology is really a multidisciplinary subject that is made of many different and interdependent fields. The first year will focus on many of the fundamentals of biology: biological molecules, transport in and out of cells, cell structure and organisation, enzymes, DNA replication, protein synthesis, mutations and patterns of inheritance, evolution, adaptation and animal and plant physiology. The second year will build on these by delving into some important and fascinating subjects such as: photosynthesis and respiration, speciation, forensics, determining time of death, microbiology, diseases and immunology, muscle structure, the effects of exercise and drugs on the body and the nervous system.

We attend various Biology lectures at The University of Birmingham and offer the opportunity to enter external competitions such as the Biology Olympiad.

Biologists are constantly looking to understand links between different disciplines of biology and in this sense evolution is a unifying concept in biology….and learning about Biology is the evolution of the mind!

Listen to Year 12 student Erin Bell talk about what it’s like to study Biology:

Listen to Year 12 student Daisy Moore talk about what it's like to study Biology:

Chemistry

Welcome to Chemistry at King Charles I. Chemistry is the study of matter and energy and the relationship between them. Whilst the challenge in chemistry is demanding the rewards are ultimately well worth it. The understanding of the underlying principles of chemistry will give you a profound realisation of the wonder of the universe that we inhabit. The course is broken into 3 fairly distinct categories organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds and how they interact. Inorganic chemistry is the study of all elements and their relationship to each other and how the periodic table allows us to relate these properties. Physical chemistry is the measurement of all of aspects in chemistry.

In addition to the in class, lessons and practicals the chemistry department offer you the opportunity to further your understanding of chemistry with Royal Society of Chemistry lectures at the University of Birmingham and the Chemistry Olympiad which takes place in January each year.

Chemistry opens the doors to many prospective careers and opportunities. I look forward to welcoming you in September.

Watch and listen to Year 12 student Hettie Gough talk about what it’s like to study Chemistry:

Computer Science

Welcome to Computer Science at King Charles I School. Computer Science is a subject, which is evolving, may aspects of our lives. Over the past 20 years, we have seen a phenomenal increase in the use of the internet, personal devices and amount of data which is communicated on a daily basis; this field is vital to the development of future technology. You will be taught by 2 qualified Computer Scientists (A true rarity!) who have a breadth of knowledge in both theoretical and practical computer science. You will enhance your understanding of computer hardware, networking, data storage and much more! You will also be introduced to how data is stored and the use of various web technologies used to develop websites. Towards the end of year 12 you will develop your own project, which will count towards your final grade, previously our students have created their own games, mathematical problem solving programs and embarked on projects involving artificial intelligence. We look forward to welcoming you into the department in September!

Watch this exciting video on what it is like to study Computer Science:

Business

Welcome to King Charles 1 business, your future starts now. Whatever career path you take, you will be working for a business and we aim to develop your skills and understanding to help you stand out from your peers. Not only will you learn the decision making processes within business, but also build application, analytical, and evaluative skills that are transferable to whatever university course or apprenticeship you head into at the end of your time with us. Through your teacher’s experience of working in both profit making and charity sectors, you will develop an understanding of the importance of effective decision making, where customer needs are at the heart of all business strategies. You will consider both internal and external influences on different sized businesses and consider the impact of these influences on their finance, human resources, operations, marketing, and as a result, on their customers. By researching both individual business and the economy as a whole, you will build both breadth and depth to your knowledge of the world around you. Join with us as you take your first steps towards a rewarding and fulfilling future, which is grounded in business.

Watch and listen to Year 12 students Taylor Stephens and Jakob Holland talk about what it’s like to study Business:

Economics

A warm welcome to all of you who have made the choice to study Business and/or Economics. You are joining a subject that will help you understand the world around you and there has never really been a more important time for that than now. Whether you are joining Business, which is the most studied subject at university in the world, or Economics, which is the most studied university subject by the world’s leaders, you are joining a subject of increasing importance that has never been as crucial as it is now. I hope we will see you soon but in the meantime I write to welcome you to a rich and rewarding subject and one which I hope will give as much to you as it has given me.

Engineering

Welcome to BTEC Engineering at Haybridge! Why are technology subjects important? James Dyson suggests that “we must gear up a generation to develop tangible ideas and exportable products. Hands-on learning combined with academic rigour creates these people; Technology has the potential to do this well.” Engineering involves studying from different perspectives the design, development and manufacture of products. In Engineering the focus is towards the systems that underpin the manufacture of products. For example, industrial technologies and mathematics. In this subject you will find that high-level academic work is combined with practical activity, which is a unique and rewarding combination at this level.

English

English Language and Literature is a great subject to study at A-level for various reasons.

Firstly, the course offers good continuity from GCSE English – if you enjoyed the subject and did well in Years 10 and 11, you will find that it develops your literary knowledge and language skills in greater depth. We aim to balance challenge and accessibility. The texts we study are challenging, yet you will find them rewarding as you study them in depth and detail.

Secondly, we encourage you to be independent yet also offer a high standard of support. You will be taught well by experienced and knowledgeable subject specialists. Yet you will also be encouraged to explore your own interpretations and ideas. You will be supported and given detailed feedback to help you improve.

Thirdly, studying English to a higher level will broaden your knowledge of literature and improve your language and communications skills. English Lang and Lit goes well with any set of subjects, and can lead to careers and courses in most things – e.g. Law, teaching, English, drama, TV and media, publishing, creative writing and creative arts, social sciences, psychology, business, marketing, and many more.

We look forward to welcoming you into the course in September. In the meantime, if you have questions please email Mr Yates, course leader: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Watch and listen to Year 12 students Caitlin Lavelle and Zak Allen talk about what it’s like to study English:

French

Welcome to French at King Charles I. Studying French is an exciting but challenging course. Led by experienced teachers, you will develop your linguistic skills and confidence. There is so much more to learning French than the 4 skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. You will expand your knowledge of all things French: the culture, the French speaking world, food, traditions, films, politics, social issues, and become a real expert. You will also study the 90s film La Haine along with reading the short novel Bonjour Tristesse. We very much look forward to welcoming you to our French department in September.

Watch and listen to Year 12 student Megs Goodyear and Sophie Wrigglesworth talk about what it’s like to study French:

Further Maths

Welcome to Further Mathematics at King Charles I. This is an additional A level qualification taken with the ordinary A level Mathematics course. It is designed to stretch and challenge able mathematicians and prepare them for university courses in maths and related quantitative and scientific subjects. The course includes two compulsory Further Pure assessments, which account for 50% of the Further Maths A level. Two examples of topics in Further Pure are complex numbers and matrices. Matrices are arrays of numbers that can be used to solve sets of simultaneous equations and to represent transformations. Complex numbers are based on the imaginary number √(-1). In addition to Further Pure we also study Decision Mathematics and Further Statistics. Our department has plenty of experience of teaching Further Mathematics and we look forward to welcoming you in September.

Listen to Year 12 student Juliet Martin talk about what it’s like to study Further Maths:

German

Welcome to German at King Charles I. Learning German is a demanding but thoroughly rewarding course. Your experienced teachers will help you to expand your linguistic skills as well as your ability to express your own ideas in German. We will go beyond the language, and study the culture and traditions of the German speaking world including music, television, technology, the former East Germany and even Brexit. Great for those who like a good debate! During the course, we'll watch the award winning film Goodbye Lenin and read Der Vorleser together. We are really looking forward to meeting you in September.

Watch and listen to Year 12 students Daisy Moore, Maddie Taylor, Sian Meredith and Abi Fox talk about what it’s like to study German:

Geography

Where in the world would you be without geography! The A level course combines both human and physical geography topics to help you investigate the world in which you live. If you opt for this subject, it will provide you with transferable skills and a holistic way of thinking help you become a more informed citizen and is a popular qualification with both employers and universities. Across the physical geography component, you will learn more about natural hazards and the processes that affect coastal landscapes as well as the people who live within them. The issue of climate change and how best to mitigate against it is also covered, which is so important as we look to protect our planet. The topics within the human geography component are wide ranging; from the changing character of Kidderminster to debates about the impacts of globalisation. You will be assessed in two exam papers and a piece of independent fieldwork which gives you the opportunity to plan and carryout your own investigation. To help prepare for this, we will go on a 4 day field trip to North Wales exploring urban, coastal and glacial landscapes first-hand.

Watch and listen to Year 12 student Jakob Holland talk about what it’s like to study Geography:

Government and Politics

Welcome to Government and Politics at King Charles I. You have certainly picked an interesting time for it- when I started studying the subject, we were two years into the Blair years: a time of constitutional and ideological certainty, where there were rules, conventions and facts that everyone simply accepted. The EU was a talking point only in terms of whether Britain should join the Euro, Scottish independence featured only in terrible Mel Gibson movies, and the Prime Minister’s chief advisor… actually that one was fairly similar (for Dominic Cummings, google Alistair Campbell)!

These days, everyone needs to forget everything they thought they knew. Times are changing- fast. You will still be grounded in the basics- the philosophies that guide our main parties, how the British political system has evolved and worked (and why you probably wouldn’t design it today!), voting systems, what makes voters tick as well as looking at other gateway ideologies, such as feminism, before we turn to America, where quite frankly, who knows anymore?

I genuinely could not be more excited to get started with the course (and those of you who know me will appreciate these are not idle words) and look forward to seeing you in September.

Watch and listen to Mr Jadayel talking more about studying Government and Politics:

History

Welcome to history at King Charles I, a study of (at least in part) how we got to where we are today. Your studies will take you on a tour of the world- from 15^th and 1sixth century England and the struggles of the Tudor monarchs before Elizabeth, through to 19^th century Russia and its slow descent from imperial monarchy into fledgling Marxist democracy back to imperial monarchy via the Cold War in Europe. You will learn to handle sources with aplomb, why historians disagree and will construct your own piece of coursework on a period of history broadly of your own choice (bonus points for anyone who wants to look at the conquest of Everest as an imperial endeavour as it is currently my favourite topic!) We look forward to working with you in September.

Watch and listen to Year 12 student Jack Stokes talk about what it’s like to study History:

Law

Welcome to Law at King Charles I! You will be taught this fascinating subject by a qualified solicitor and experienced teacher. You might see yourself as a barrister or solicitor for which the course provides excellent base knowledge. Alternatively, you will develop transferable skills such as analytical ability, decision making, critical thinking and problem solving. All these skills are highly sought after by higher education and employers. Studying law will give you an understanding of the role of law in today's society and raise your awareness of the rights and responsibilities of individuals. You will study the operation of the English legal system and about the law making process, with a chance to explore themes such as whether the law actually upholds moral values, notions of justice and society and how it deals with modern technology. Predominantly, you will study particular crimes and defences within the criminal law; tort law which includes looking at areas such as negligence, nuisance, occupiers' liability and contract law such as how a contract is formed to be legally binding and how a contract can be breached. Exciting stuff! I look forward to meeting you!

Watch and listen to Year 12 student, Holly Tandy-Smith, talk about what it’s like to study Law:

Maths

Welcome to Mathematics at King Charles I. This is a very popular subject to study at A-level and it is easy to see why. Mathematics is a very exciting and challenging subject, which can unlock the door to all sorts of careers providing numerous opportunities, both academically and career wise. The subject is explored in much more depth than at GCSE and involves studying Pure and Applied Mathematics. Pure Mathematics involves solving problems in areas such as Calculus, Vectors and Trigonometry. Applied Mathematics involves the application of Mathematics to Statistics and Mechanics. The course requires the ability to work independently for considerable hours so it is vital that you enjoy discovering Mathematics and practising questions. We have an experienced team of A-level teachers in the school and look forward to working hard with you in September.

Watch and listen to Year 12 student Jack Stokes talk about what it’s like to study Maths:

BTEC Sport

Welcome to the King Charles I PE Department! Our team will give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of Physical Education concepts, striving for mastery within our subject area. You will be taught a range of topics areas, including Anatomy and Physiology, Fitness, Leadership. Over the two-year course, you will experience a variety of assessment methods. External exams and Assignments based around scenarios. This course is challenging however, is extremely rewarding. We look forward to meeting you!

Listen to Year 12 student Jakob Holland talk about what it’s like to study BTEC Sport:

Product Design

Welcome to Product Design at King Charles I. Learning Product Design is a demanding but thoroughly rewarding course. Your specialist teacher will help you to expand your investigation skills as well as your own ability to express your design ideas in through a range of verbal and non-verbal communication skills. We will go beyond the GCSE and study culture, the design work of others, design movements and their influence on past and present designs, look further at materials and their selection for manufacturing based on their scientific (working) properties. We will focus on sustainability and environmental concerns and how we can develop into responsible designers and engineers. To enable you to develop as a product designer, practical tasks and experimentation with materials and manufacturing are encourage to enable a expansive and well-rounded curriculum based on an in-depth and structured theory foundation. Thank you for selection Product Design at King Charles 1 and we really look forward to meeting you in September.

Watch and listen to Year 12 student Ben Palmer talk about what it’s like to study Product Design:

Physics

Welcome to Physics at King Charles I. This course is not for the work shy, but if the time is taken to really engage, it will open so many doors to you in your future. Physics is the subject for you if you want to truly understand the world around you. Studying Physics will offer the ability to think logically and rationally in problem solving- transferrable skills that will hold you in good stead for life after A-levels. Whilst on the course you will probe further into topics you will be familiar with such as; forces, electricity, waves and radioactivity. You will also have the opportunity to study one of five optional modules whereby you will learn something completely new such as; astrophysics, medical physics or engineering. Alongside your traditional methods of study, we also utilise ‘Isaac physics’ – an active learning platform which promotes ingenuity and problem solving.

Alongside your study, we offer you further opportunities to see physics in action and showcase your interest and flair for the subject. We attend Institute of Physics evening lectures at The University of Birmingham and offer the opportunity to enter external competitions such as the Physics Olympiad.

Maybe studying Physics will lead you on your pathway to make your own contribution to the great structure of knowledge. In the words of Ernest Rutherford; “All science is either physics or stamp collecting”.

Watch and listen to Year 12 student, Octavian Cocioaba, talk about what it’s like to study Physics:

BTEC Psychology

Welcome to the King Charles I Psychology Department! Over the two years of the course, you will study a range of aspects relating to the mind and human behaviour. There is still lots we do not know about the brain and its functioning and this course will fascinate you with the wonders of the complexity of the brain; how does stress affect us? What is crime and why do some people commit crimes? How can we use what we know about crime to catch criminals? How does psychology affect sporting achievement? How do the minds of children develop? We will also be studying psychology experiments and learning how to conduct ethical experiments, leading on to you carrying out experiments of your own. Your knowledge will be assessed through a mixture of internal assignments and external examinations throughout the two years. Look forward to seeing you in September!

Watch and listen to Mr Robinson talking more about what BTEC Psychology involves:

RE

Welcome to RE at King Charles I! The course we will study is very different from what you might have experienced in RE before (in a good way, I promise!) and is made up of three quite distinct parts.

The first is Philosophy, where you will grapple with ideas and arguments that have troubled the human mind for millennia, the biggest one being the existence (or non-existence) of a God.

The second is Ethics, where you will debate the rights and wrongs of human behaviour. Are certain actions always wrong? Does it depend on the situation? Do we have a duty to behave morally towards others?

The third is the study of developments in Christianity. We will look at how Christianity developed and spread around the world and how it became so influential, but also at the challenges that face Christians today in our modern, secular society.

Involving critical thinking, building sound arguments and questioning widely held assumptions, RE at A Level is a challenging subject, but one that we very much hope you’ll enjoy. We would love you to join us in September.

Watch and listen to Year 12 student Zak Allen talk about what it’s like to study RE:

Sociology

Hello and welcome to A Level Sociology! My name is Miss Forward and I will be your Sociology teacher next year. I am a sociology specialist and an examiner for the papers you will sit, so you are in knowledgeable and safe hands. Sociology encourages us to look at things in a different way to what you are used to. To ask questions, to challenge existing views on issues that we often have an assumed knowledge on. We will study a variety of topics in the A level course, all of which will encourage you to think critically and develop a better understanding of society and the groups within society. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Watch and listen to Year 12 student, Maddie Taylor, talk about what it’s like to study Sociology:

BTEC Criminology

Welcome to Criminology (BTEC Level 3) at Hagley Catholic High School. Not all crimes are alike. What types of crimes take place in our society? How do we decide what behaviour is criminal? Why do people commit crimes? What happens to those who commit a crime? Why and how do we punish people? All these questions will be explored in this exciting course by understanding the reasons why people commit crimes and what happens within the legal system to control and reduce criminal behaviour. Level 3 Diploma in Criminology is an applied qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities. This course is equivalent to one A-Level and carries the same number of UCAS points.

You will benefit from the following resources and facilities:

experienced teachers.
educational visits which may include Magistrates' and Crown Courts and the House of Parliament.
guest speakers including the Police, Probation Service and legal professionals.

The Level 3 Diploma in Criminology can be used to access higher education degree courses, such as BA/BSc Criminology, as well as many other degree courses.

Alternatively, the qualification allows you to gain the required understanding and skills to be able to consider employment within some aspects of the criminal justice system, e.g. the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service.

Watch and listen to Year 12 student Holly Tandy-Smith talk about what it is like to study Criminology:

September Induction

Induction into sixth form is not a quick "here’s your timetable and diary and off you go"! Sixth form life is very different to the school life you have experienced to date. Our induction period lasts the whole of September as it is important that you do not feel overwhelmed with all the new information as well as giving you the time you need to settle in and get into new routines. September induction will begin on Wednesday 2^nd September and will include the following:

Welcome assembly
Study skills session on what works and what doesn’t
Photos for your passes
Issuing of your KC1 sixth form mug and diaries

Your month long induction will also include:

1:1 check in sessions with the sixth form team
Intro to the ‘Unifrog’ to support you with your next steps
Study skill session on independent learning and working at home
Enrichment launch

FAQs

Do you get detentions in the sixth form?
No formal detentions as such but your teachers will record on SIMS if you have not handed in your work on time or if it is of a poor quality. The expectation would be that you remain in the sixth form study room after school that day or the following day to complete it so you are then up to date and the matter is sorted ASAP.
What happens if I arrive late?
If you arrive late during tutorial then your tutor will mark you as late on SIMS. If it is after tutorial, please sign in with Mrs Gilday in the sixth form study room. It is helpful to bring a note if possible from your parents as to why you are late or they can phone Mrs Gilday to explain that you will be late. If you do not have a good reason for being late then you will be asked to make up the time after school in the study room.
Can I take driving lessons during the school day when I do not have lessons?
The simple answer here is no, I am afraid. When you do not have lessons, you have independent study periods when you should be completing the tasks set by your subject teachers and reading around your topics in preparation for your next lesson. This is to get you into good study habits. By making the most of your time in school means, it takes the pressure off a little with the amount of work you would then have to complete at home.
Can I go home in my free periods?
Unfortunately no, for the same reasons as above.
What do I do if I have a dentist/doctor’s appointment?
Please try to arrange these for after school. If this is not possible, please bring your appointment card to Mrs Gilday, ideally at least one day before your appointment so this can be recorded on SIMS. When it is time for you to leave school for your appointment please swipe out using your swipe card and swipe in again on your return. It is also good manners to let your teacher know in advance if you will be missing their lesson and ensure you catch up with the work missed
Can I drive my car/motor bike to school?
We do not have the parking capacity for you to bring your vehicle onto the school site. Some students choose to park their vehicle in neighbouring streets at their own risk
What happens if I forget my student swipe card?
Please try to remember to bring it every day and ensure you swipe in and out. It is important from a safeguarding perspective that we know who is on the school site. If you do forget it, please inform Mrs Gilday. If you lose it, please see Mrs Gilday to arrange for a replacement card.
What should I do if I am not enjoying a subject?
First step is to talk it through with your subject teacher and to establish why it is you are not enjoying it e.g. is it the topic you are not interested in, is it the workload, is the subject not what you thought it was going to be like? You might feel better about it after this discussion. If you do not then please talk it through with your parents and the sixth form team. A meeting may then be arranged to discuss other options such as swapping to a different subject. Please remember that it is much easier to change subjects at the start of the year.
What do I need for the first day?
For induction day, you will need your own paper and writing equipment and a packed lunch. When lessons start there is a suggested stationery list of: highlighters, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, ruler, rubber, scissors, calculator -depending on subject, folders – 1 per subject teacher, plastic pockets/wallets, file dividers, lined paper, post its, glue stick, notepad, index cards for revision cards
Can I leave the school site at break and lunchtimes?
Yes, you can providing that you swipe out when you leave and swipe in again on your return and return on time.
What time can I stay in school until?
The sixth form study room is open until 6 pm every day after school. It is supervised by a member of the sixth form team.
Are the canteen arrangements the same as Year 11?
Yes, they are but sixth form students have the privilege of going to the front of the queue to be served.
Can I have my phone out in lessons and study periods?
Your phone should not be visible around the school site. It is not appropriate to have it out in lessons unless you have been given permission e.g. to photograph work on the board. We also ask that they are not visible during study periods as they can be a major distraction.
Are sixth formers allowed to use the fitness suite?
Yes, sixth form students are welcome to use it after school on identified days, only if they have returned the parental consent form and had their induction training.
How many hours am I expected to work outside lessons?
This will all be explained to you at the start of term. We have worked out a staged plan where it is expected you will start completing 24 hours of independent study per week building up to 36 hours by Christmas. You will have lots of support in organising and planning your time wisely.
Is it OK to have a part time job?
Yes providing it does not interfere with your studies. We recognise that there are many benefits to having the responsibility of part time employment but we would suggest that it is for no more than approx. 10 hours per week.
Is a register taken for every lesson and what happens if I don't come in?
Yes a register is taken for every lesson by your teacher and Mrs Gilday will take a register when you have independent study periods in the sixth form study room. It is very important from a safeguarding point of view that we know where you are. If you are not present, Mrs Gilday will phone home to establish your whereabouts.
Can I take a family holiday during term time?
No this is not advised as you will miss out on vital teaching time and it will put a lot of pressure on yourself to catch up and understand the work you have missed.
What facilities are there for private study when I’m not in lessons?
We are very lucky to have the sixth form study room, which has space for working at the computer as well as desks. There is also W2 and W7 for silent study downstairs
Is there somewhere to leave my books and folders?
You can hire a locker, as you did in Year 11. It just requires a £5 deposit, which will be refunded at the end of your time in the sixth form.
What sort of things can I get involved in for enrichment?
We offer a wide range of enrichment activities, which can be found here.
Hopefully, there will be some activities that you will engage with which will add another dimension to your CV.
Can I access careers advice in sixth form?
Yes, it is important that you have access to current careers information. We have our own careers adviser Sally Beach who you can make an appointment with.
How involved would my parents be whilst I am in sixth form?
We work very closely with parents and communication with them is key to your success. We will phone home and send rewards postcards to recognise your hard work. Likewise, we will do the same if we have any concerns to offer our support.

Sixth Form Virtual Open Evening

Meet the Sixth Form Team

Welcome from the Head Boy and Girl

Preparing for Sixth Form

Preparing for Sixth Form

Contact Us

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