SIXTHFORMEXPERIENCE
BUILDINGONTRADITION, THRIVINGONVALUES
Our Sixth Form is guided and supported by a dedicated Year Head, a Senior Leadership link and Bespoke careers and UCAS guidance.
We aim to strike a balance between the structure of school and the freedom of university and the work place. With added freedoms comes great responsibility, and so we expect our Sixth Fomr pupils to become part of the extended leadership team setting the highest standards of behaviour and conduct to their younger peers.
Sixth Form pupils must attend school each day for the first two terms regardless of when their classes start and finish. The Sixth Form presence in school is essential to provide the peer mentoring and leadership opportunities we expect of them When not in class, Sixth Form pupils should be taking part in their ACE award, giving service to their school or wider community and taking part in enrichment activities
In today’s increasingly challenging and increasingly globalised world, Fernhill School encourages Sixth Formers to develop a mature attitude to life and study We nurture selfreliance and self-motivation whilst providing strong pastoral and academic support. The individual attention you have come to expect from Fernhill School, outstanding levels of support, individual attention, a family environment will ensure our pupils reach their fullest potential
AMBITIOUSAND EXCELLENT
At Fernhill School, our Sixth Formers may choose a blend of Highers and Advanced Highers supporting their future career plans. We focus on preparing our pupils for these exams and beyond through excellent teaching and a focus on individual needs by teaching in small groups, and in some cases one to one.
In today’s competitive world, academic achievement is fundamentally important. So, it is reassuring that Fernhill School is consistently among the top performing Scottish independent schools. Almost all of our pupils secure a place at elite their first choice university. Over the past several years our pupils have reached the interview round of Oxbridge admission process and we consistently have pupils accepted to St. Andrews, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Strathclyde, Stirling, Dundee and Aberdeen to name a few.
Pupils’ progress and wellbeing are monitored by regular subject-specific assessments and reports, reinforced by daily contact with their Head of Sixth Form. Pupils are encouraged to reflect and comment on these methods of assessment. Our teachers and tutors guide and encourage pupils to set achievable short and long term goals
EXTENDEDACADEMIC BOUNDARIES
THEACEAWARD
We very much look forward to launching our new Sixth Form Award. The ACE Award will offer our Sixth Form pupils the opportunity to develop, not only their academic skills, but become more involved in the wider community and enrichment activities. This award will ensure our pupils are well prepared not only for their exams but for life and work, developing essential skills required of employers and further education. Opportunities to work and volunteer in our wider community will be offered to our pupils. For example, our Sixth Formers may choose to volunteer in a local nursing home, offer peer support in local primary schools or volunteer for a charity. The enrichment aspect of the award will support our pupils in their sporting, musical, creative and artistic development. Each section of the award will equate to a number of points and when required number is reached the award will be made. This is an excellent opportunity for our pupils to develop their leadership skills whilst understanding the key aspect of leadership is service to others. We very much look forward to launching this award with our next Sixth Form 2024/25
INDEPENDENCE
Sixth Form represents a stepping stone between school and the "real world" beyond. Fernhill School focuses on developing pupils' independence and self-reliance. In an academic sense, the Sixth Form fosters independent study and learning to reinforce these core characteristics. Such an approach also deepens our pupils' understanding of the curriculum and broadens their knowledge beyond their subject choices.
SIXTHFORMCENTRE
The Sixth Form Centre forms the hub of this independent learning. With secure wireless internet access pupils can use their own laptops and with a dedicated tutorial room, may be taught in small groups or individually. Of course pupils are encouraged to be self motivated and establish a strong work ethic without the need for supervision.
Sixth Formers also have areas for down time and to have lunch, socialise and a conference area to have Student Leadership meetings. A kitchen area allows access to facilities to have refreshments and prepare food.
All Sixth Form pupils are responsible for keeping their spaces clean and tidy. At £20 security deposit is payable at the start of the year and is refunded at the end of the year providing there is no damage and the area is left as it was found.
DEVELOPINGLEADERSHIP
There are plenty of opportunities for Sixth Formers to undertake training to develop team-working and leadership skills. Pupils have a genuine voice in the day to day running the school All Sixth Form pupils will have a leadership role and are expected to carry out a variety of duties associated with that role. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is viewed as a key component of our cocurricular offering. The majority of Sixth Form will have achieved their Silver Award by the end of S5. We would encourage our Sixth Form pupils to strive for Gold. The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme helps develop many life skills including: planning and time management; problem solving; communication skills; awareness of potential; giving to the community; and leading and working as part of a team