Support in the Sixth Form The Sixth Form can represent a huge difference in terms of workload and expectations. Students often find that the content of A Levels is challenging at first, and may well find things overwhelming in the first term. This is normal, and students generally settle down into a good routine, and begin to rise to the challenges of the more demanding A Level work. Students are supported academically and pastorally by the Sixth Form Team, House Staff and their teachers and mentors. Similarly, the Upper Sixth students provide a welcoming induction programme to help the Lower Sixth to integrate successfully into the school. The Sixth Form team monitors the academic progress of students carefully, ensuring that they remain on track, or receive additional support. Students are met on an individual basis once a term to check on their welfare and to discuss any concerns, future career paths and university plans.
Mentoring Programme In addition to their academic subjects, students follow a specifically tailored mentor programme that is aimed at the needs of this age group. These sessions occur once a week, in addition to a weekly Sixth Form assembly. Content includes topics such as transition to A Levels, study skills, preparation for application to higher education, healthy relationships, drug and alcohol awareness, emotional wellbeing, sustainability, identity, careers, work readiness, internships, and preparation for life at university.
Higher Education Mentors (HE Mentors) In order to apply to the UK, students submit their five choices through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), an online portal that manages their applications to universities. In addition to writing a personal statement, they will fill in their education, exam results, personal information and the courses they wish to apply to. In addition, the Head of Sixth will provide a reference for the student, with predicted grades. In the second term of Lower 6th until the second term of Upper 6th , students are assigned a personal HE Mentor. These are usually members of staff experienced in university applications. The mentor works alongside the Director of Sixth to ensure that students receive advice and guidance on suitable university courses. The mentor will deliver content on what makes a successful application, and how to write the personal statement: A requirement for all applications for UK universities. This is often the first time a student has had to write any form of application statement, and as a result they receive individual guidance and feedback, to ensure that they are able to produce the best possible statement of the highest quality. The school deadline for UCAS submission is early October, to enable students to effectively manage their time, and to ensure they submit competitive applications. It is usual for students to receive offers as early as mid October, under this system. Once students have submitted their applications, their progress is carefully monitored. Once students have received all of their offers, they make an appointment with the Director of Sixth Form to discuss all of their options, and to receive guidance in making the best choices for final acceptances of offers.
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