The Common Room is the hub of Sixth Form life. It is comfortable, informal and noisy at break times; it is a place to work where silence is not necessary; and it is where support from staff and friends is most readily available.
This is a supervised silent work area, available from 8am to 5.30pm every day, with easy access to the school network and the Sixth Form Library.
Year 12 students must register with their tutors every morning however they are allowed to leave early if their last teaching session of the day finishes before the main school day. They must stay on site during free periods between teaching sessions ('Trapped Time').
Year 13 must attend a minimum of two tutor sessions per week, If students have a lesson P1, they must attend tutor time. Otherwise they may arrive at school for their first teaching period of the day and leave after their last teaching period of the day. They must stay on site during trapped time when the Durning Room and the SFCR are available for private study.
Absence for University Open Days must be requested in advance by completing the forms available from the Sixth Form Office. Students are allowed a maximum of 3 University Open Day visits.
Absence for Driving tests etc must similarly be requested.
Absence for sporting events or holiday requests require a letter from parents addressed to the Headteachers.
These off-timetable days, 3 times a year, enable us to bring whole years together. The topics that we cover include study skills, university and employment opportunities and applications, financial survival techniques, keeping healthy and safe as well as bringing in topical and challenging speakers and so these days are not optional for the students.
All students in Year 12 take AS Citizenship. This course is highly regarded by employers and Further Education because it includes a commitment to Community Service. If you choose to do your Community Service in school we offer many opportunities from helping at local Primary Schools to regularly listening to a Year 7 read. Sixth Form students have run clubs, supported regular physiotherapy for local children and raised large sums for charity.
We run a World Challenge trip every other year. Students have worked on their Silver and Gold Awards for The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and our sports teams are highly successful.
Trips to the theatre in London or locally, to Laser Quest, to Lille at Christmas or to Alton Towers are run by the Social Committee, who also organise the Year 13 Leavers’ Ball.
There is a Sixth Form Council drawn from Year 12 and students in Year 13 make up the twelve strong Head Boy and Head Girl Team with their deputies.
There is plenty to get involved in, and to write about on those all important application forms.
Sixth Formers dress appropriately for a school where most students wear a uniform. We do not expect formal business dress, but neither do we expect clothes that are too casual. We feel that it is important that the students learn to choose to dress appropriately in different work and social situations.
You can view the Sixth Form Dress Code here.
Please click on the link to view a PowerPoint presentation with useful information for parents of Year 12 students.