Sixth Form

Sixth Form can bring some of the happiest days as students benefit from a real sense of purpose in preparing for the next phase of life and an increasing sense of responsibility as they act as role models and take on leadership positions. The main aims of Berkhamsted Sixth are to enable students to enjoy their education and to produce confident, ambitious, well-qualified and happy individuals who have the skills to rise to the challenges of the modern and ever-changing world.

Sixth Form students study three A Levels unless they are studying Maths and Further Maths, in which case it is necessary to choose four A Levels. Any student who wishes to study more A Levels should contact the Head of Sixth to check whether such a request can be accommodated.

The Sixth Form has a strong academic focus. A Level work is challenging and requires a high level of motivation and responsibility. Self-discipline is crucial, as is a willingness to be fully involved in academic study. Sixth Form students will receive encouragement and support to achieve their potential in their A Levels, and they also need to commit themselves to studying hard over two years.

The Sixth Form also aims to develop other interests and skills - academic, cultural, physical, spiritual and social. It is a time when the individual can explore ideas and learn to think independently in preparation for a university degree or a degree apprenticeship and the professional world. Initiative, curiosity, creativity and the enhancement of academic and professional skills are encouraged. We hope students will enjoy their time in the Sixth Form and feel able to make contributions to life at the school. Essentially, the Sixth Form provides invaluable preparation for life in the adult world. Pastoral care is delivered via the Tutors and the Head of House - they have responsibility for the academic and pastoral progress of each student. This includes guiding them through the process of making a UCAS application or directing them to receive careers advice (e.g. on apprenticeships) from the Careers Department.. To this end, there are one-to-one meetings between students and Tutors or Heads of House to set and review targets, to provide support and encouragement and to discuss future plans.

We understand that the key to pastoral care is understanding the students as individuals. We therefore use a proactive wellbeing tracking system to gain greater insight into how students are feeling. Students also complete a Strengths Deployment Inventory via the Careers Department which allows the students and us to understand their motivational values, their strengths and overdone strengths, and how they react in conflict. This enables the students to develop greater selfawareness and greater awareness of how to communicate effectively with others and provides them with great preparation for university or job interviews.

We understand the importance of student wellbeing and aim to enable the students to flourish and to be responsible for their own wellbeing by helping them to make healthy choices whilst also helping them to develop the resilience to overcome life’s inevitable challenges. Students are well supported by their teachers and Tutors who have some training in coaching techniques. We also have a team of counsellors to provide students with additional support, if needed, to help them come through difficulties.