The Sixth Form Experience
Our educational ethos
Education is about readying each young person for their adult world.
An ambitious learning culture permeates all that we do. As educators, we believe in inspiring, guiding and equipping our pupils with skills such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence, good judgement and decision-making, as well as the knowledge to thrive as global citizens in their adult world.
We are aspirational for every pupil and are committed to instilling in each of them a life-long curiosity and a love of enquiry.
We believe in the individual. There is no typical Framlinghamian, no singular path that we take: we are academics, actors, musicians, expeditioners, sports people, innovators, scientists, ruminators, decision makers, story tellers, teammates, artists, fun lovers, nurturers and thought provokers. Often, we are many things within one. But we are all individual, each with our own story.
Louise North Principal, Framlingham College
The Sixth Form Years
Life in the Sixth Form is a very special and valuable time. Interests are nurtured, and character and self-confidence are developed, as our young people prepare for their future, both in terms of the route that is right for them and the skills that they need to thrive.
When a young person joins Framlingham College, they are welcomed because of who they are. They are valued for their experience, their history, their ambition and their belief in their future.
And because of our smaller size, we have the time and space to ensure that every pupil is known and is celebrated for who they are. No one gets ‘lost in the system’.
We encourage pupils to seek out challenge, to embrace opportunity and we give them the time to reflect and to learn from each experience. In doing so, we enable them to better understand themselves and the world around them.
They will have fun, they will make friends for life, they will develop as global citizens and they will leave ready to embrace the challenges of their adult world.
Steve Phaup Head of Sixth Form
After studying Physics at the University of Edinburgh, Steve moved to Norwich in 2001 to train as a Physics teacher. Since then, he has worked in a variety of state and independent day and boarding schools, taking on roles including Head of Science and Deputy Head. These experiences have given him a broad
perspective on education and leadership, but his real passion has always remained in the classroom, working directly with pupils.
Steve joined Framlingham College in 2021 and felt at home straight away. What he values most at
ABOUT STEVE PHAUP
A rich and well-rounded academic experience
We offer a broad, ambitious, exciting and accessible academic curriculum, consisting of both A Levels and BTEC courses. Our range of subjects and courses allows all pupils to flourish, whatever their individual journeys may be.
Pupils can choose from 22 subjects, and many take a mix of A Level and BTEC courses to suit their particular interests and talents. To stretch their learning, pupils in Year 12 can also complete the highly regarded Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
The EPQ is an individual, extended piece of research leading to a formal award equivalent to half an A Level. It encourages pupils to develop independent learning skills and to extend their curiosity beyond the set curriculum.
Learning beyond the classroom
Our holistic approach to education means that we have a stimulating programme of enrichment activities, sports and events that take place beyond the classroom. This forms an integral part of our curriculum, so that our pupils are nourished by intellectual activity outside the confines of the school and our immediate surroundings.
For instance, pupils can enjoy talks from inspirational speakers from around the world such as world record holder, Dawn Wood, who rowed solo across the Atlantic, Simon Clendon, Head of Programme for the United Nations World Food Programme in Myanmar, and Claudia Roberts, CEO of the Zoological Society of East Anglia.
There are opportunities to take part in Model United Nations events, the inter-school Quiz Club and English-speaking Union Debating. We also offer a vast range of clubs and societies, ranging from our Subject Societies and the Ethnics Cup.
Sixth Form pupils also have access to a wide array of co-curricular activities. Our superb sports programme, the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme, Drama, Music, fundraising and voluntary work all allow our Sixth Formers to be part of a team, to contribute and to altruistically give their time to others.
Sixth Formers taking part in a DofE expedition
Music / Performing Drama
Sport
A time of independence
The Sixth Form Centre
Joining the Sixth Form is a momentous time at Framlingham College. It is a time when independent learning comes to the fore and pupils develop a deep sense of who they are and their unique place in the world.
Having a sleek, modern and wholly dedicated Sixth Form Centre within which to study, research and relax with friends, supports this time of independence and self-discovery. As well as providing an environment that promotes independent study, it is a place where social connections are made beyond the Houses, and life-long friendships begin.
Within the Centre, Sixth Formers have their own allocated classrooms and a team of staff including the Head of Sixth Form, the Assistant Head of Sixth Form and Head of Higher Education, Head of Careers and specialist Sixth Form tutors.
Adaptable boarding
As both a boarding and day school we offer boarding ‘on your terms’. From full, weekly and flexi-boarding to Day pupil options.
Not only does the boarding experience empower our pupils to grow in confidence, independence and maturity in preparation for adulthood, but it enhances friendships and widens social groups.
Beyond studying
Our Sixth Form programme is packed with fun social events such as bar nights in the Sixth Form Centre, music nights in the Café, Sixth Form dinners, quizzes, concerts and the Summer Ball.
There is an abundance of opportunities to discover passions, make memories and cement those life-long friendships.
“One of my biggest regrets was not boarding earlier. I was always under the impression that it was essentially staying at school longer. However, the shift from the school day to boarding time is huge. It truly feels as if you’re at home – you are given plenty of freedom and allowed to relax.
If I had one piece of advice to people joining the College, it would be to board – the greatest bonds are made when living with others. The extra time spent with your friends leads to incredibly strong bonds and hilarious and unforgettable memories.”
— Dan, Year 13
“I decided to become a boarder at the beginning of Year 12 having been a day pupil up to this point. It was the best decision I have ever made. The more time I am able to spend at school, the better as I always find myself taking part in even more activities, or just laughing continuously with friends. I feel it has prepared me more for my adult life, getting used to being away from home and adapting to a new environment. I will be forever thankful for this opportunity.”
— Georgie, Year 13
“I laugh often and have made friends for life in an environment that promotes the wellbeing of each and every one of us. As a Sixth Former we have regular social events in the Sixth Form Centre and as a day pupil I still spend my evenings at school completing prep, kicking a football around on the astro or just relaxing in the House Common Room with a game of pool.”
— Lucas, Year 13
The Sixth Form Centre
Independent learning
Our Sixth Form curriculum covers a range of subjects - Art is popular at Sixth Form
Pupils relaxing in House
Pupils relaxing in House
Prefects are heavily involved with all aspects of school life
The Sixth Form Centre, opened in 2014, is at the heart of the school with stunning views of The Back for studying and socialising
The annual Sixth Form dinner is a highlight of the College calendar
Readiness for the real world
The Sixth Form community - a cohort of global citizens
Each year, we welcome a new cohort of pupils to our Sixth Form. With people joining the Sixth Form from all walks of life and from across the globe, our Sixth Formers develop global perspectives and widen their horizons.
Our community becomes truly international, helping to create global citizens who are accepting of others and prepared for the diversity of the world at large. It also supports many of our pupils to go on to study and work all over the globe.
Equipping everyone to be a leader
“Leadership is not about being in charge, leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.”
— Simon Sinek - British-American author, leadership expert and inspirational speaker
At Framlingham, we fully believe that everyone is a leader – it’s just about discovering what kind of leader you are. Our exceptional leadership programme is designed to do just that, making sure that leadership opportunities are experienced by all pupils, not just a chosen few.
We know that over the course of their lives, each of our pupils will lead. Whether that is as a business owner, leading a team at work or as a parent, there are many different forms of leadership. Each Sixth Form pupil learns about styles of leadership, what sort of leader they are, how to lead authentically, and is empowered with the skills and confidence to bring about change in our school and in the world beyond.
We aim to teach our Sixth Formers to become strong, considered and compassionate leaders. We recognise that one of our principal roles is to equip them with the skills so that they could lead as well as instilling in them the confidence and belief that they can.
Opportunities to lead are broad and include roles such as Wellbeing Ambassadors, House Prefects and Subject Ambassadors. The Charity Committee, Food Committee and The School Council all have representatives from each House and The Sixth Form Academic Hub is open to all pupils and is a great new forum for academic leadership. There are a plethora of opportunities to lead through our Sports, Music and Drama Programmes, as well as through the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, the CCF, Rangers, our Sustainability Programme and through Work Experience.
In the case of Prefects, they are elected democratically to lead areas of school life such as Learning, Wellbeing & Inclusion, EDI, and Global Awareness. In these roles, pupils have a voice and a responsibility to bring about effective and lasting change on real world topics that ready them for the challenges of life beyond school.
Skills for life
Framlingham College firmly believes that to equip young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world, we need to provide learning around essential skills as well as building up knowledge.
Our Sixth Form Skills Extended Learning Programme focusses on developing macro skills such as adaptability, problem solving and managing their own wellbeing, right down to the more individual life skills such as self-defence, road safety, preparation for leaving home, financial readiness and practical skills like cooking and basic car maintenance.
Pupils will leave school with skills that will make a positive difference to their ability to live independently. They will be assured about the skills they have and confident that they have the means to acquire further knowledge as they grow older.
Sixth Form girls took part in women’s self defence classes hosted by Saturn Protective Solutions