The Sixth Form at Farnborough Hill is ambitious, inspiring and is without doubt, the most exciting period in your educational journey. Sixth Form life is very different to Years 7 - 11: you have much greater freedom and independence and as you move towards your adult life you will enjoy an exceptionally wide range of visiting speakers, debates, trips and social activities. You will enjoy the exclusive facilities of the Lafosse Sixth Form Centre and can take advantage of the Sixth Form Flats for a truly unique study space. Importantly, our Sixth Form gives you the scope for taking on extra responsibilities, serving and shaping your community in various roles, with many leadership opportunities on offer. This is important not only for your own personal growth but will also significantly enhance your university applications.
As you choose the academic path that will support your personal future plans, you will be mentored by excellent teachers who have a real passion for what they do. You will have the opportunity to study academic subjects in a new depth and with a degree of focus that prepares you excellently for university. Your learning experience will become less like a school classroom and will instead resemble a tutorial-style environment, in preparation for Higher Education. At every stage, you will be encouraged, stretched and supported by our Sixth Form team, who will ensure that you are on track to achieve your ambitions.
We offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in the Sixth Form, enabling you to undertake independent research on an academic topic of your own choosing, producing a report that goes into great depth, supported by a teacher as your EPQ mentor. You will acquire the specific skills needed to produce and present a piece of academic research. Completing an EPQ on your chosen area of study – which should lie outside the scope of your A level studies – brings immense personal fulfilment and also strengthens your university applications by demonstrating your unique interests as a student.
Your academic studies will be complemented and enhanced by the Sixth Form Enrichment Programme, details of which are contained in this booklet. A very wide range of activities is on offer, so that you are enabled to develop a variety of new skills. Again, this is useful for your own personal development as well as boosting your profile when you apply for your degree course. We will empower you to consider and
debate important global, political and religious issues through a range of inspiring talks and workshops, so that you feel fully informed and are able to hold critical opinions on current issues. You will also have the opportunity to achieve your Gold DofE Award and to take part in an international expedition, the next being to Cambodia in 2025.
During the Sixth Form years, you will be supported by your personal Tutor, who will encourage you to take on new challenges whilst ensuring that you have the security of excellent pastoral care. Whether your chosen future path is university, an apprenticeship or an alternative destination, your Tutor, Head of Sixth Form, Assistant Head of Sixth Form and Alumnae and Development Manager, Head of Careers will all work with you to help you plan successfully for the future. We make dynamic use of the Unifrog platform to help you organise your thoughts and future ambitions. Please take a look at some of the university destinations enjoyed by recent leavers shown in this booklet, to get an idea of the range of pathways selected by our sixth formers. Throughout your time in the Sixth Form, you will be challenged to become a more independent learner and to develop the growth mindset that will prepare you for the demands of university studies and beyond.
As a member of the Sixth Form you will enjoy being in a privileged position. You are now at ‘the top of the school’ both academically and personally. You will therefore be invited to play a key role in the general life of the School by supporting both the staff and the younger pupils. You will be able to develop skills in management and organisation that will prepare you very well for your future careers: you will become a person who can be relied upon to get things done.
You will love the many opportunities offered in our Sixth Form to develop and deepen your own interests and skills, to discover just how far you can take your academic studies, to broaden your social horizons and to serve your school community. We look forward to you taking up the challenge of Sixth Form life at Farnborough Hill.
Maria Young Headmistress
The best advice I can give to anyone joining the Sixth Form at Farnborough Hill is to believe it when people believe in you.
Maia West (Class of 2024)
English at Cambridge; Mathematics A*, English Literature A* and Classical Civilisation A*
BE CHAMPIONED
Throughout my Sixth Form journey my peers and teachers have been there to support me when I needed, commiserate with me when I felt overwhelmed, and, most importantly, cheer me on to achieve more than I could have hoped for. They have highfived my achievements, sat in the mud with me, made me tea, put my art on the walls... they have believed in me when, at times, I didn’t. It is a community of cheerleaders drawing inspiration from each other.
BE CHALLENGED
I have been challenged not only academically, but in so many more and unexpected ways. Teaching English to an aslyum seeker was definitely a challenge highlight, and not something I ever thought I would have the confidence (or opportunity) to do. The first time I was asked to speak in Assembly was, frankly, terrifying, but I rose to the challenge and was so proud of myself after. I have developed resilience and tenacity, not to mention pretty great organisation skills (admittedly learned the hard way!).
What does Sixth Form mean to you?
BE VALUED
My gifts and talents (quirky as they are!) have been completely embraced by a group of peers who are so diverse, interesting and unbelievably talented themselves. I love being a part of a Sixth Form group who muck in together and who value all our differences. The teachers value us too: they listen, really listen, to our successes, ideas and concerns, getting to know the real us and taking action where needed so that we can grow during our time here.
BE EMPOWERED
Sixth Form is all about gaining independence and taking more control over your own life in an environment which is crammed with people who want you to succeed and achieve your best. It is so freeing. I am not afraid to make mistakes here, because I know there are people around me who will guide me through learning from those mistakes, and walk with me as I navigate this important stage in my life. I feel bold and strong thanks to my peers and teachers who I know wholeheartedly care.
Photo: Borneo 2023
A space of your own
Farnborough Hill’s legendary flats are now yours for the taking; with your flatmate you can pin up some photos and make yourself at home. It will be your place of solace and study for the next two years, where you can spend study periods, catch up on research and reading, and make a dent in the extra hours of study required for each subject. This will also be the place where you will make some of the best memories with your closest friends.
You will also have the brand new Lafosse Sixth Form Centre completely at your disposal – a place to relax as a larger group, to collaborate, to debate and to enjoy
One of the things I have enjoyed most about the Sixth Form was continuing my friendships, as well as developing new ones with those who joined from other schools. The new Lafosse Centre was a brilliant space for both studying and socialising and created a great, friendly atmosphere between the Lower Sixth, Upper Sixth and teachers.
Music at Southampton; Biology A*, Chemistry A*, Music A and EPQ A*.
... at the heart of the School
your Sixth Form experience. The kitchen will be the place to make a hot chocolate after walking up the hill, the sofas are for curling up on to chat, the games are for a moment of fun and escape whilst the upstairs study area offers a place to continue your studies if you’re someone who prefers to work in a communal environment.
Our Sixth Form teaching rooms are set up for university-style debate. Small class sizes allow you to have a steer on the curriculum; what you linger over for a few extra lessons, or what you move on from more quickly. Your teacher can really focus on you and how you learn best, paying dividends when it comes to the results day.
Annabel Soegaard (Class of 2024)
At a glance
7
Teambuilding events
Lower Sixth Induction Day
Winchester Christmas Market
Escape Room
Staff Panto
Lower and Upper Sixth Retreats
Upper Sixth Ball
Plus RE-Act, The Ivy House Award and CAFOD Young Leaders
Opportunities to get involved with new pupil events, including Busy Bees and F’Hill Fridays!
Plus a kitchen, lunch at any time and numerous coffee shops within a 10 minute walk... not to mention two McDonald’s!
SUPER-CURRICULAR EXTRAS
ECP Explorer Travel First Aid GreenPower
Mindfulness
Musical Theatre Outreach
Podcasting
Scuba Diving Self-Defence SPARK
Student Kitchen Survival TEFL Tutoring Yoga
Careers Meeting
Higher Education Conference
Interview Evening
Networking Breakfast
PSHEE Careers Day
Careers Fair
Mock University Interview
7 Careers events
12 Enrichment activities
Each sixth former is also offered an Old Girl mentor, for extra guidance!
3 exclusive Sixth Form spaces
and Gilbert-Scott Flats plus teaching spaces
Sixth Form Centre
Destailleur
Lafosse
ACADEMIC
25 Academic subjects over 500 cookies consumed every term For both you and your parents to attend
4 Parents’ evenings
Plus extra sessions for those with Oxbridge or Medicine aspirations
Opportunities to consolidate your learning, get formal examination practice and gauge the level you are working at
4 Academic workshops
Elevate (x2) EPQ UCAS
6 Internal assessments
Including 6 new subjects: Business, Economics, Politics, Photography, Psychology and Further Maths
8 Progress tracking markers
5 Progress Tracker points, 2 Progress Reports and a ‘Working At’ gradeformal verbal or written feedback on your academic progress, indicating where you are, where you should be, and how you can get there.
Academic prowess
Art and Design
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Computer Science
Design and Technology:
Product Design
Drama and Theatre
Economics
English Literature
Geography
History
Latin Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Modern Foreign Languages: French, German, Spanish
Music
Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Of course, results are important when you are considering where to study for your A levels and we are rightly proud of the achievements of past students. We had high aspirations for them, and we will for you too. We will champion you as you step up to the challenges of A level study, striving with you to push through the grade boundaries to achieve the highest you possibly can. The subjects we offer are academically rigorous; at times you might find it tough, but with your A level tutors alongside you, your friends around you and your Head of Sixth Form helping to keep balance and fun in your Sixth Form experience, you will thrive.
We offer 25 different subjects at A level and you will need at least a GCSE Grade 7 in any subject you wish to study. We suggest picking your subjects based on those you love most and are best at; don’t simply pick one because you think you will need it. Passion should be your biggest motivator here and we can guide you to make smart choices because, well, we know you, and if you are new to Farnborough Hill, we can spend time discussing your A level options before you join us and also after your GCSE results too. We will ask you to pick four subjects initially, which we will then work with you to hone down to three. The timetable is written after we have all the Year Groups’ choices, so we endeavour to make every subject combination a possibility.
Don’t forget to take a look at the Scholarships booklet to see whether you could earn an award towards your Sixth Form studies.
I decided to undertake an Extended Project Qualification for several reasons. At the time of signing up, I wasn’t sure about applying to Cambridge, and I knew that EPQ could potentially give me a grade reduction at another university (which it did for my insurance, Newcastle). It also allowed me to explore an area of interest to me - modern history and the nuances of retelling history - while simultaneously sharpening my research and academic essay skills, which will be very useful at university.
A benefit from hindsight as well - even though my EPQ wasn’t directly linked to my university subject (Classics), it still helped build my understanding of history as a topic and how to analyse it, which was useful in my interview. I met with my supervisor regularly, and he both provided insightful advice that guided my essay and helped me achieve a result I’m proud of, and was very patient with me when I struggled.
Classics at Cambridge; English Literature A*, Classics A, Music A and EPQ A
scan above to read the Subject Course Guide scan above to read about Sixth Form Scholarships
Gemma Stevens (Class of 2024)
The Super-Curriculum
Sixth Form at Farnborough Hill isn’t just about your A levels, important though they are. It is about the whole you: mind, body and soul. That is why we offer so many extras – leadership training, opportunities for sports, charity, event management, guidance with careers – the list goes on. And cookies. Always cookies.
scan above to read about the Super-Curriculum
Charity Week CAFOD Culture Day
The small class sizes allowed for personalised attention from teachers who were genuinely invested in my success, whether through engaging teaching styles, invaluable UCAS support, or simply being there to offer guidance. I particularly enjoyed the balance between academic rigor and the enriching co-curricular activities, like sports and volunteering, which not only broadened my horizons but also equipped me with essential life skills. My time here has been transformative, helping me develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. For anyone considering their Sixth Form options, I would encourage you to choose a place where you feel supported and challenged, and where you can truly grow both academically and personally.
Hannah Friend (Class of 2024)
Psychology at Loughborough; PE A, Psychology B and Biology C Loughborough Hockey Development Squad
Podcasting Enrichment Gold DofE
Focus on the future
Each experience you have here will feed into a standout university application, putting you in the best possible position to secure an offer from your first-choice university.
We encourage you to aim high with your university choices, and then work alongside you to ensure you have the experiences and expertise to secure the future you desire.
The map is a simple snapshot of the university destinations of recent leavers - some have gone further afield, to study in Europe or the USA. The world is your oyster and we will help you to open it.
St Andrew’s
Edinburgh
Almost 50% of grades were A* / A
2024 results
Queen’s
Durham
Lancaster
York
Leeds
Manchester
Liverpool
Sheffield
Birmingham East Anglia
Warwick
Oxford
Leicester
Cambridge
UCL
King’s College London
London: Royal Holloway, University of London
Imperial College London
City University of London
Reading Sussex Surrey with... 80% at A* to B
*These exams were the first since 2019 for which no special consideration was given to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The thing I am most grateful for in my past two years at Farnborough Hill, especially through the UCAS process, has been the teachers and staff, who helped build my self-confidence and belief in my abilities and went above and beyond to support us all, both academically and pastorally.
Serena Brydon (Class
of 2024)
Sports Science at Bath; Mathematics A*, History A, and PE A
I am eternally grateful for the academics, friendships and wider skills I learned at Farnborough Hill.
My favourite subjects were Classics, History, English and Economics (all of which I studied at A level) and, outside the classroom, I enjoyed public speaking, athletics and drama. My proudest moments were picking up my A level results and returning three years later, after studying Ancient History at Durham University, to complete my pre-PGCE work experience at the school, which coincided with the retirement celebration for my favourite teacher - Mr Johnson, Head of Classics.
After qualifying as a History teacher, I worked in schools in London and Kent, variously teaching Classics and History, later becoming a Deputy Head of Key Stage and Head of Department, before being responsible for teacher training and development. For the last seven years, I have run my own private tutoring business, working across six subject areas and teaching ages 7 - 75. I have amazing flexibility to work around my own family and work with a wonderful array of students and adult learners to get their qualifications, university places and sometimes just to help improve their confidence.
I owe a tremendous amount to my wonderful schooling and still regularly speak to one of my then teachers. The first person I met at Farnborough Hill also read at my wedding... she is my oldest and best friend!
Louisa Dwyer (Andersen) (2002)
Old Girls’ network
In a school that has been educating young women for over 100 years, you will not be surprised to learn that our Old Girls’ network is extensive. We love keeping in touch with our Old Girls and highly value their support. They are always available to offer their assistance and expertise to our current pupils, be it sharing university insights, helping source work experience or offering a talk on a particular industry. Their success is phenomenal and they are very happy to share it with you, so that you may experience the same in your future.
What next?
We genuinely believe we offer you an outstanding A level experience alongside inspirational academic teaching in our Sixth Form. We promise to do our best for you and by you.
Take the time to really think about what a successful Sixth Form experience looks like to you: grades at the end will be important, of course, but we hope to add value to you as a person, too. Talk to staff and current sixth formers, speak with Old Girls, discuss your options with your friends from other schools as well. Gather all the information you can so that you know you are making the best decision for you. When you are ready, please complete either the Options Form (if you are already at Farnborough Hill) or the Registration Form (if you are currently attending a different school).
Please note some important dates:
Options Forms must be completed by Friday 11 October 2024. If you are new to Farnborough Hill and would like to apply for a scholarship, you must also register by Friday 11 October 2024.
If you would like to apply for a bursary, please note the closing date of Friday 11 October 2024.
Non-scholarship and non-bursary applications are accepted throughout the year but we strongly advise applying before the end of the Autumn Term 2024 to ensure we can accommodate your subject choices.
External pupils: scan above to complete your Registration Form
Current pupils: scan above to complete your Options Form
