This booklet will answer some of the questions you may have about what you can expect when you join Oakham’s Upper School (Sixth Form).
Based on the most popular questions students ask, we have included information about where you will live and work, who is there to support you, what daily life is like and what sorts of opportunities are on offer. We’ve also asked some of our current pupils for their advice and top tips.
Whether you are completely new to the School or are joining us from Oakham’s Middle School – as a day pupil or a boarder – the main thing to remember is that everyone is starting out together on an exciting new journey and there are lots of people around you who are keen to help you make the most of your time in Oakham’s Upper School and be the best you can be.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Megan Fairley Head of Upper School
To find out more about what life is like in Oakham’s Sixth Form, follow us online.
@oakhamschool
@oakhamupperschool
@OakhamSchool
@Oakham School
oakham.rutland.sch.uk
WHY CHOOSE SIXTH FORM AT OAKHAM?
Beautiful 70-acre campus in the heart of Oakham Town
Award-winning careers advice
20+ years of the International Baccalaureate Diploma, alongside A-levels and BTECs
Supportive House communities
A wealth of places to work and socialise
Spectacular opportunities beyond the classroom
University quality teaching and learning facilities
400-strong inclusive and diverse sixth form community
Small tutor groups provide personalised support
Hugely supportive and connected alumni
WHAT COURSE SHOULD I STUDY?
We are proud to offer two distinct academic pathways at 16+ to suit different learning styles and interests. Both programmes of study are two-year courses, both are highly regarded by universities and our experienced staff teach both pathways. The choice really depends on your own learning style, interests and future career plans. We will be delighted to talk you through your options. For detailed information on 16+ subjects, see our Sixth Form Subject Choices Guide.
How the IB Diploma and A-level grades typically compare:
THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
• All students study six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. These subjects include Maths, English, a language, a science and a Humanities or Social Sciences choice.
• Students also have two lessons a week in critical thinking - Theory of Knowledge (TOK) - and write a mini-dissertation for an Extended Essay (EE).
• There are different types of assessment, such as coursework and oral exams, as well as external exams at the end of the two years.
• The Diploma is awarded out of a maximum of 45 points: 7-1 points per subject; TOK and EE count for 3 points.
• Personal development is an integral part of the Diploma and pupils are expected to engage in creative, active and service-based activities throughout the Sixth Form.
A-LEVELS AND BTEC s
• All students will begin with three subjects, except for those studying Maths and Further Maths, who choose four.
• Students have one lesson a week in each of their subjects that is dedicated to developing study skills.
• Assessment at A-level is by exam only; there is only limited coursework.
• A-levels are linear courses with exams being taken at the end of Form 7 (Year 13). They are awarded grades A*-E .
• BTECs offer continual assessment, with modules of teaching leading up to a piece of coursework or exam throughout the two-year course.
• Oakham offers two BTEC courses: Business (equivalent to one A-level) and Sports Science (equivalent to two A-levels). They are awarded grades D*-P (Distinction-Pass).
• Students can expand their skills and knowledge in an essay or project by completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
• All Sixth Form students are expected to engage in creative, active and service-based activities throughout their time at Oakham.
A-LEVEL SUBJECT OPTIONS
• Art: Critical and Contextual Studies
• Art and Design
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Classical Civilisation
• Design Technology
• Drama and Theatre Studies
• Economics
• English Literature
IB SUBJECT OPTIONS
• Geography
• History
• Mathematics
• Further Mathematics
• Music
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Politics
• Psychology
• Sports Science
BTEC SUBJECT OPTIONS
• Business
• Sports Science
IB HIGHER LEVEL LANGUAGES
• French
• German
• Classical Greek
• Latin
• Spanish
(HL/SL) German
(HL/SL) Latin* (HL/SL) Spanish B (HL/SL) French ab initio (SL) Spanish ab initio (SL)
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU OFFER BEYOND THE CLASSROOM?
The Sixth Form years offer the perfect opportunity for young people to try new things and develop their skills. No matter what you are studying, we encourage all our students to achieve a balance between work and leisure.
SPORT
We offer a wide variety of sporting activities for all levels of participation - for performance, fitness, and physical and mental wellbeing. Many of our elite athletes get the chance to train and play with county and national squads in selected sports in tandem with the excellent coaching provided by our own sport and strength and conditioning staff. The choice of sports that students can participate in and play competitive matches is broad, with lacrosse, football, shooting, golf, yoga and swimming popular options in addition to our core sports: rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis and athletics.
DRAMA
With five major productions, as well as other performances taking place each year in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (QET), there are many ways to contribute to Drama at Oakham. From taking an on-stage role in the Main School musical to helping backstage and front of house, the QET is the perfect place for theatre lovers.
MUSIC
Sixth Form offers many opportunities to develop your musical expertise. As well as weekly 1:1 music lessons and music ensemble rehearsals, there are regular informal and formal concerts held in the Chapel and other prestigious venues in the UK. There is a biennial overseas music tour with recent destinations including Germany, Spain and Italy.
ACTIVITIES
Sixth Form students benefit from a structured activities programme full of enrichment opportunities to suit all interests. Debating political issues in Model United Nations (MUN), sailing at Rutland Water or editing SpOken, Oakham’s literary magazine, there are over 125 ways to develop new skills and uncover hidden talents.
LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE
You can choose one of our three Service Options: the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (D of E), the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), or Voluntary Action (VA) to develop your innovation, teamwork and leadership skills and help your local community.
In Form 6 (Year 12) you can participate in Gold Sailing, Cycling and Walking in D of E. In Forms 6 and 7 (Years 12 and 13) there are leadership opportunities in CCF and the chance to do the D of E Gold Award via the CCF Expedition. Recent expeditions have seen pupils travel to Norway, Italy and southern Spain.
Our rich Voluntary Action programme provides a variety of opportunities for pupils to give something back to the community. Recent activities include:
• Hosting the Annual Harvest Party for members of our elderly community.
• Renovating local gardens and communal areas.
• Running an activity day for children with additional needs.
TRIPS
There are many trips on offer to enrich your learning and help your personal development. From exploring coastal erosion in North Yorkshire to presenting at a Model United Nations conference in Holland; planting trees in Derbyshire to working in a primary school in Kenya, for every trip we run you have the chance to step out of your comfort zone, face new challenges, discover more about the world and become a more effective global citizen.
HOUSE SOCIALS AND EVENTS
The huge variety of House trips, socials, charity events, and all-important interhouse competitions that take place each term help you bond within your House and as a year group. There’s never a dull moment!
WHAT IS DAILY LIFE LIKE FOR A BOARDER?
All boarders live and work in one of our eight vibrant Boarding House communities, with facilities on your doorstep and fun-filled weekends full of sport, activities, trips, and socials.
Weekly boarders can choose to go home on Saturday after games and come back on Sunday evening or Monday morning. Or stay in at the weekend and go home during the week.
Your House Handbook will give you all the information you need about day-to-day life in the Sixth Form.
WHERE DO WE EAT OUR MEALS?
Everyone eats together in the Barraclough Dining Hall for breakfast, lunch and supper, which means you can socialise with your friends in other Houses at different points throughout the day.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
Pupils and staff alike love the food and there is a choice of healthy dishes at each mealtime, including vegetarian options. We cater for all dietary requirements and the regular themed supper nights and our weekly Sunday brunch are particular favourites amongst the boarders.
A BOARDER: A TYPICAL WEEK
MONDAY TO SATURDAY MORNING
4.30pm Free time/Town time/ Supported studies/ Ensemble practice/ Drama rehearsals
WHAT IS DAILY LIFE LIKE FOR A DAY PUPIL?
All day pupils live and work in one of our four vibrant Day House communities, with facilities on your doorstep and lots of House activities, trips, and socials.
Your House Handbook will give you all the information you need about day-to-day life in the Sixth Form.
WHAT TIME DOES MY HOUSE OPEN AND CLOSE EACH DAY?
Day Houses are open from 7.30am to 7.30pm, so you can arrive in time for breakfast and stay for supper if you have an evening activity or need to get some prep done at no extra charge. The library is open until 9.15pm most evenings, so you can continue working there if you would like to.
WHAT HAPPENS AT BREAKTIME AND LUNCHTIME?
When not in lessons or activities you can work and relax in your House, 1584 or study in the library. Lunch and all other meals are served in the Barraclough Dining Hall. There is a choice of healthy dishes, including vegetarian options.
At lunchtime there is always a variety of desserts on offeranything from fresh fruit to chocolate sponge and custard. Plus, there is a daily salad bar, sandwich bar, and pasta bar. We cater for all dietary requirements.
OUR SCHOOL BUS SERVICE
We operate 10 private bus routes, offering convenient collection points to and from School, Monday to Saturday. To help our families with their daily commute.
We are always open to suggestions for extra stops or new routes, subject to demand.
find out
OUR SCHOOL BUS SERVICE
We operate 10 private bus routes, offering convenient collection points to and from School, Monday to
To help our families with their daily commute
DAY PUPIL: A TYPICAL WEEK
MONDAY TO SATURDAY MORNING
7.30am
House opens (early arrivals go to the Barraclough for breakfast)
8.35–8.55am Tutorials/Assemblies/Chapel 4.00pm End of school
From 1.25pm Lunch and Roll Call
TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
8.15am Roll call and House meeting
9.15am-1.25pm Morning lessons
4.30pm
Supported studies/ Ensemble practice/ Drama rehearsals
6.00–7.30pm House open for pupils to do prep; pupils staying for supper go to the Barraclough 2.20pm Afternoon sport
2.20pm onwards Afternoon lessons
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY 4.45pm End of school on Wednesday 5.50pm End of school on Monday and Friday
SATURDAY AFTERNOON 12.30pm End of lessons; pupils who are playing in afternoon sporting fixtures go to the Barraclough for lunch 4.30pm Monday and Friday – Activities
6.00–7.30pm
House open for pupils to do prep; pupils staying for supper go to the Barraclough
7.30pm House closes; pupils can go to the library to continue their work until the library closes at 9.15pm
