Sixth Form brochure

Sixth Form

Go beyond in our Sixth Form

Welcome to OHS Sixth Form

Our

We are proud to offer an educational experience which combines academic challenge with inspiring leadership opportunities, to prepare you for the future. We want you to be ambitious in all areas of your life, to develop academic rigour, intellectual curiosity and agile thought. Crucial to this is the pursuit of academic excellence, including, but going well beyond, outstanding examination results, as each of you is empowered with a deep love of learning and critical thinking skills.

As future leaders and changemakers, our wider Sixth Form programme gives you a wealth

of opportunities to understand and develop your role as a leader, become an advocate for yourself and others and make a positive difference through service to others in our school community and beyond.

It also gives you all the skills and know-how for now or in the future, whether that’s developing greater awareness of local and global issues, understanding finance and how to manage your money, or looking after your well-being and developing strong, healthy relationships.

We build a personalised timetable around the choice of subjects you make. Our vision for A Level is of a curriculum that inspires as well as challenges, and it is the hallmark of an Oxford High School education that students approach learning with assurance and skill. When you leave school, you will invariably earn places at top-quality universities and manifest the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a positive difference in the wider world.

In Year 12, our students typically take four A levels, with those taking Further Mathematics potentially taking five. We offer an exciting range of 27 subjects at A Level, all taught by specialist staff.

Rachael Pallas-Brown Assistant Head, Director of Sixth Form

Sixth Form is a friendly, inclusive and stimulating environment where you will flourish academically and develop your individual talents and potential. Our students have a track record of academic success at GCSE, which they develop and enhance at A Level.

Key highlights of our Sixth Form Programme

90

150 YEARS EXPERIENCE OF EDUCATING HIGH-ACHIEVING GIRLS

WEEKLY CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

1:1 PASTORAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

2:1 RATIO SMALL CLASS SIZES /TUTOR GROUPS

DEDICATED QUIET STUDY AREA

RECEIVE A CHROMEBOOK AND CHARGER FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR STUDIES

WIDE RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFITS THROUGH THE GDST

STUDENT TO STAFF

TIMETABLED STUDY PERIODS

WE SUPPORT YOU TO GET INTO YOUR 1ST CHOICE UNIVERSITY

27

NUMBER OF A LEVELS ON OFFER

VERTICAL TUTOR GROUPS FOR PEER TO PEER SUPPORT

RATED AS ‘EXCELLENT’ IN ALL AREAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE (ISI) INSPECTION REPORT 2023

DEDICATED GY M AND CAFE. TIMETABLED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR EVERY STUDENT

COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SIXTH FORM STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS

INCLUDE LEADING UNIVERSITIES IN THE UK AND BEYOND

ACCESS TO MASTER CLASSES AND MENTORING SUPPORT FOR YOUR EXTENDED RESEARCH PROJECT

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WITH PUPILS FROM 36 COUNTRIES

RELAXED DRESS CODE

BUILD YOUR NETWORKS THROUGH OUR EXCITING SPEAKER PROGRAMME AND CAREERS EVENTS

FLEXIBILITY AT LUNCH TIMES AND OPTION OF EARLY FINISH

CAMPUS-STYLE FACILITIES

8 AVERAGE CLASS SIZES

Why choose our Sixth Form?

We have

We are a friendly and down to earth school, where you are encouraged to explore your beliefs and values so you can find your voice. Students leave the school with the confidence to lead and the self-assurance to question.

Within our community we care for each other, promote diversity and celebrate differences. Through collaboration with our students we strive to do better.

Strong links with local schools and organisations enable us to contribute positively to the local community. We have a committed, outwardfacing approach to education.

Our Sixth Form Programme gives you a rounded framework of academic challenge, skills development and stimulating experiences.

Classes are engaging, where you get the support you need. The high staff-to-student ratio helps us understand and respond to your individual learning needs.

Within school, pastoral care is at the heart of everything. We focus on the individual so you develop resilience, self-assurance and awareness of the positive impact of your actions on others and the wider world.

a 150 year history of educational excellence. Our students are unafraid to challenge, and have the drive and determination to change the world for the better. We are proud to be the longest established girls’ school in Oxford.

Our learning experience is proactive rather than reactive ensuring you are ‘Life Ready’ and ‘University Ready’ when you leave the Sixth Form. Through inspiring teaching and warm relationships, you can make the most of your individual strengths. We encourage you to reach your academic potential whilst learning skills for life through a wide range of creative, cultural, spiritual and sporting opportunities.

Enriching learning experiences extend leadership opportunities beyond school, through national and global competitions, to create leaders of tomorrow.

Our Sixth Form offer is also strengthened by our long-standing connections with universities, businesses and the 70,000-strong network of GDST Alumnae, giving you the chance to build your professional networks through mentoring schemes, internships and work experience.

Our modern dedicated Sixth Form building is an inspiring environment to learn in.

The academic city of Oxford also plays an important role in our education provision. Whether it’s leading a visit to one of Oxford’s museums, galleries or theatres, we ensure that every learning opportunity is maximised by our proximity to Oxford’s cultural and intellectual life. Our strong links to leading universities such as the University of Oxford and the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust enable us to host visiting speakers from across the academic spectrum, so you can extend your knowledge far beyond the curriculum.

Membership to the GDST, an organisation that leads a family of 25 schools across England and Wales, shaping the future of girls’ education and helping every girl fulfil her potential.

Life in the Sixth Form

As you wander through the Ada Benson Building you will notice the laughter and enthusiasm of happy and engaged students. Life in OHS Sixth Form is about discovering your potential, whether that’s in the classroom or beyond it.

Our non-uniform policy adds to the relaxed atmosphere. We respect you to make appropriate clothing choices for teaching and learning, expressing your true personality and individuality. You will also have a greater sense of personal responsibility and there is more freedom and flexibility to manage your own time.

A thread that runs through our Sixth Form experience is the idea of challenging yourself. We encourage you to try new things and step outside your comfort zone. This is not only in an academic capacity through A Level lessons and the Extended Research project, but in all aspects of life.

We support you to explore what you feel passionate about, by trying new experienceswhether that’s uncovering the joys of Oxford’s museums or leading a club in anything from Astronomy and Beekeeping to Football and Robotics.

It is this combination of academic challenge and co-curricular opportunity that enriches the learning experience and enables you to win prestigious international competitions, launch new enterprises as part of the GDST Lead initiative, embark on brave new worlds of academic research with the Warnock Extended Research Project, and explore the myriad of other opportunities available.

Sixth Form Challenge Day: The day is about challenging yourself, developing resilience and building confidence, and involves a range of exciting activities from rock climbing and kickboxing to learning how to graffiti and salsa dance. The day is always full of energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment.

Our facilities

Our Sixth Form Centre is based in the state of the art Ada Benson Building. Our modern and purpose built building includes a sunlit atrium, with a High Street style café, where you can catch up with friends or study together in the large social space. In addition, there is a dedicated quiet study space and cosy booths dotted around the mezzanine for a bit more privacy.

Within the Sixth Form teaching and learning spaces, we have small seminar-style classrooms, purpose built Textiles Atelier, Art Studios for 3D and 2D Art, as well as a Ceramics Kiln, Animation Suite, Photography Studio and Mac Suite.

Co-curricular activities

We offer up to 90 co-curricular activities per week, many of which are led by our Sixth Formers. Maybe you’re volunteering to help with our Book Buddies scheme with students from a local primary school, as part of OHS Perspectives programme? Or perhaps you’re on the Student Council? Maybe you’re in the music block, rehearsing a piece for a forthcoming concert? Or perhaps you’re preparing a speech for debating club or a poem for one of the many creative writing competitions we enter. We might equally find you in the Animation Studio, working on a showreel, or out by the bee hives, collecting honey or wax for candles. Then again, you might equally be found out on the field, fitting in a spot of last-minute coaching for a forthcoming match. Our Sixth Formers play a leading role in many aspects of the co-curricular activities across the school.

What are the benefits of a Girls’ Day School Trust Sixth Form?

Our membership of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) brings a wide range of benefits. There are opportunities to shape the direction of the Trust via the Student Council. Our academic scholars collaborate with their peers at Wimbledon High School GDST, as part of our prestigious OWLS programme.

The GDST also offers a range of academic awards and scholarships to support travel and study. Our Sixth Formers regularly receive GDST Travel Scholarships to embark on new experiences after their A Levels. The scholarships enable you to expand your horizons through travel or volunteering. Some of the previous travel destinations have included Vietnam, Japan, China and various places in Europe.

What other opportunities are available?

• Join GDST Rungway, the networking app which connects you to over 70,000 GDST alumnae.

• Connect with peers at other GDST Sixth Forms through the GDST social channels

• Attend one of the many day courses to help you prepare for pre-interview tests such as BMAT, UCAT, LNAT and TSA after the May half-term. To support pre-interview test preparation, GDST Oxbridge On Track and GDST Medics On Track seminars, workshops and news bulletins are useful resources.

• Attend the annual GDST Oxbridge Conference to help you prepare for all aspects of the application process to Oxford or Cambridge.

• Apply for GDST awards and scholarships

• Access Internships and Insight Days at global organisations through the GDST’s Careerstart Programme. Internship opportunities are advertised in school assemblies.

• Represent your school in the GDST Student Council up to 3 times a year.

• Access support on GDST Overseas On Track when applying to universities in the USA.

• Study the GDST Business and Leadership Diploma

GDST Creative Writing Prize

The GDST Creative Writing prize is an opportunity for GDST students to produce a piece of creative writing on a chosen theme. The competition is for all budding writers and involves students producing a short story or creative writing piece of up to 1,000 words. The students are competing against other students in their age group. This year, Rosalind from Year 12 reached the GDST final for her imaginative piece called ‘Waves.’

GDST Johnston Memorial Scholarship

“Last term, I had the privilege of travelling to the GDST Headquarters in London to interview for the Johnston Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established to commemorate Lady Johnston, a distinguished Parliamentary Counsel, who achieved first class honours in Jurisprudence at Oxford University.

Her accomplishments as a woman in academia and professional spheres have deeply inspired me. During the interview process, I was challenged to find solutions to thought-provoking questions, pushing me to think critically. Law, for me, is a way of navigating through a dynamic maze of conflicts. As a pathway towards fulfilling my aspiration of making a positive difference, the prospect of reading law at university truly excites me.

I enjoyed meeting talented GDST girls and discussing our perspectives on legal scenarios. Together, we shared our passion for law… and burning desire to capture the London skyline from the top floor! I am delighted and so grateful to have received the award – it feels truly an honour to receive this scholarship.”

Shira, Year 13

Benefit of Girls’ Day School Trust

Why girls-only?

Girls-only schools tend to dominate exam league tables and participation in maths, science and technology is higher among girls in single-sex schools.

GDST alumnae network of 70,000+ for mentoring opportunities

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GDST Scholarships available

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GDST Academic Awards include: Creative Writing

Poetry

Classics

Modern Foreign Languages

Somerville and Gurney Award

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The Atherton Award

Promotes entrepreneurial spirit in the STEM subjects

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GDST Minerva Prize

£500

This prestigious prize is awarded to engaging and well rounded pupils, with strong academic achievements

*Year 13 pupils are eligible

With inspiration from our notable alumnae, which include Oscar-winning designers, prize-winning authors, cutting-edge scientists, passionate campaigners, legendary broadcasters, go-getting entrepreneurs, confident business leaders, illustrious professors, dedicated police and armed forces officers, Olympian sports women and distinguished lawyers - our girls are encouraged to ask questions, make suggestions, speak up and take intellectual risks.

The confidence that is made here springs from the advantages of an all-girl education especially in the Sixth Form, where leadership opportunities abound. Academic research has shown that girls in a mixed environment defer to boys and do not step up to leadership roles. By making their mark here, in an environment where it is assumed that all students will take on high profile roles, they gain the necessary experience and confidence that leads them to claim roles which are rightfully theirs at university and in the world of work. You will meet OHS students everywhere, You will see them making their mark, being inventive and being confident leaders.

I am very honoured to be a 2023 recipient of a GDST Pearson Silver Award. This is one of the many scholarships and prizes offered to GDST Sixth Formers. The Pearson Silver Awards assist towards the cost of attending courses with a classical content. Winning this award allows me to attend the JACT Greek Summer School, where I will explore Ancient Greek language and literature beyond the A Level curriculum. In this way, the GDST also supports my intention to apply for Classics at university, as the experience I gain on the course will be invaluable for future studies.”

Iphigenie,

23

GDST Space Technology Diploma

This exciting course is written by subject experts from the space industry in collaboration with GDST Computer Science teachers and provides the latest in space technology, customised for GDST students.

I think that being at an all girls school has had an immense impact on my personal life. The confidence I have gained from being here is incredible, and having come from a mixed school, I have felt the difference and the empowerment!”

Harriet, Year 12

Year 12

Confidence is key to the Sixth Form. GDST’s comparative research of GDST girls and their counterparts from mixed-sex schools found that GDST Sixth Formers are less likely to feel negative about the future and more likely to feel positive. The GDST Difference: Designing education for girls’ futures

Our Sixth Form Programme

Our Sixth Formers are successful in their lives beyond school, thanks to success at A Level and all the opportunities our wider Sixth Form Programme brings. You develop a deeper understanding of academic subjects and higher order thinking skills through the innovative opportunities and experiences that elevate learning beyond the curriculum. In addition, Music, Drama, Sport, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and community partnerships all play a key role in Sixth Form life, enabling you to flourish and to make the most of your individual strengths. Our students excel in numerous areas, but it is their vibrancy, determination and willingness to work hard and embrace new challenges which never fail to impress.

OHS Sixth Form is a place where we love going beyond in our learning. The Sixth Form Programme comprises three strands – Academics, Horizons and Perspectives. Each strand extends learning and outlook and equips you with the academic knowledge, professional skills and personal resilience which are vital to succeed, at a leading university and beyond into your future career. Our Sixth Form Programme is inspired by our specialist experience of educating girls and equips you for everything you need for careers in the highly competitive global workplaces of the future.

When it comes to what I learnt, what skills I took away with me to become an entrepreneur and work in finance, one word would be resilience. It’s not always easy, it can be a challenge and you have to keep going and learn to put one foot in front of the other, which is invaluable when you’re running your own business.”

Helen Thomas, Class of 1998

Sixth Form Programme

Our 360 programme for Sixth Form gives you a rounded framework of skills, experience and resilience to prepare you for a successful career in a highly competitive global economy.

Academics

Develop your intellectual curiosity, agile thinking and independent thought

Select from 27 A Level subjects - Most students begin with 4 subjects, moving to 3 A Levels in Year 13, but other patterns are possible. We build the timetable around your choices.

The Warnock Extended Research Programme (Year 12)

Go beyond A Level and develop your research skills through a research project that you design, on a topic that inspires you.

Critical Thinking Short Course

Develop your ability to analyse data, evaluate evidence and arguments.

Horizons

Experience how being a GDST Sixth Former benefits you

Rungway - Connect with GDST’s vast network of 70,000+ alumnae, and benefit from the successful mentoring programme.

GDST Careerstart Programme which includes insight days and internships.

University Ready - Access our bespoke online courses to prepare for life at university and beyond.

OWLS (Sixth Form Scholars Programme)

Interdisciplinary academic research project which expands your horizons beyond the scope of A Level study for publication in OWLS Quarterly, an online journal.

Perspectives

Understand your spheres of influence

You Nurtures self-awareness, personal influence and understanding your place in the world.

Community

Develop your leadership through volunteering and social entrepreneurship opportunities..

• Book Buddies

• Conrad Challenge

• GDST Lead

• Magazine

• Maths Mentors

• Drama Directors

• Sports Leadership

• STEM Outreach

Your World

Builds awareness of your influence in a world context.

Our ‘Perspectives’ lecture series offers fascinating talks which provide a world view of political, economic and humanitarian issues.

Academics

Our excellent teaching challenges and inspires. Our students are curious and the academic strands of our Sixth Form Programme enable you to become agile thinkers, expand your professional networks, hone your creativity and develop critical thinking skills. All of our A Level subjects are taught by specialists in their fields. Your A Level teaching groups are small seminar style classes,

A Level subjects

We offer a wide range of A Level subjects:

• Art

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Chinese

• Computer Science

• Drama

• Economics

• English Literature

• French

• Geography

• German

• Greek

• History

• Italian

• Latin

• Maths

• Further Maths

• Music

• PE

• Philosophy

• Physics

• Politics

• Psychology

• Religious Studies

• Russian

• Spanish

• Textiles

which encourage debate and discussion. There are many opportunities for everyone to express their point of view, pose questions and challenge assumptions. Talking about ideas as they are introduced helps you to develop strong understanding and mastery of your subject and prepares you for university and beyond.

Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection report 2023

The Academics programme includes a personalised timetable built around your choice of subjects. There are no rigid blocks or limits to the subjects you choose because we want to nurture your love of learning in the subjects that interest you.

Pupils make rapid progress across the curriculum, especially when teaching sets high expectations and consciously builds on previous learning.”

Pupils’ study skills are highly developed; they ask searching questions and are confident in drawing together and analysing information from a range of resources.”

Critical Thinking

All students in Year 12 follow our Critical Thinking course. This teaches you how to recognise key issues, understand, evaluate and construct convincing arguments and evaluate them skilfully. This is even more pertinent given recent discussion about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This module is fully immersive, has minimal demands on your workload but the impact on your personal development is far-reaching. Some employers, particularly in the legal, financial, and consultancy sectors, now use Critical Thinking tests as part of their recruitment process. It is also useful in a range of contexts, whether you are justifying your view in a university seminar, pitching a new idea in the boardroom or campaigning against injustice.

Extended Research Project topics

Recent examples include:

Why water droplets are mathematically impossible.

How do sharks use their sixth senses?

Exploring the optimum material, size and design of model aeroplanes.

To what extent can chromotherapy and colour psychology be utilised to help heal physically, mentally and spiritually?

Understanding antibiotic-induced impacts on gut bacteria.

Where have the widely known Chinese and Japanese cuisines originated from and to what extent have they evolved?

2008 financial crisis; origins and effects, the likelihood of a repeat.

How did film develop over the 20th century, and what could be next for 21st-century cinema?

An explanation on how the fashion movement influences sexism.

How can AI be used to save endangered languages?

To what extent will the future of lab-grown meat be a reality?

Are people of different ethnicities affected differently by leukaemia?

The Warnock Extended Research Project (ERP)

The ERP enables you to conduct in depth research on a topic that inspires you and gives you the chance to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, independent learning and initiative – all skills which are highly valued by leading universities in the UK and abroad.

Our Extended Research Project offering is strengthened by support from colleagues at the University of Oxford, the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and other experts. Through these connections, you will be matched with an external mentor whose advice and feedback will give you a realistic experience of the academic rigour found working under a university supervisor. Our students relish the research skills it teaches them and the intellectual freedom it provides before they move onto their next phase of their academic life.

If you are taking the ERP, you are required to produce either a researched dissertation or a practical piece, such as a drama production, a piece of creative writing, an exhibition or film. You will present your findings to your peers as part of our annual festival of research.

You also have the option of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), an externally accredited qualification.

The teaching style is a lot about passion, so rather than just learning for an exam, it is learning geared towards enjoying and engaging with the subject.”

Annabelle, Year 13

Horizons

Sixth Form Scholars’ Programme

The Sixth Form Scholars’ Programme, popularly known as OWLS (Oxford and Wimbledon Leading Scholars), is run in collaboration with scholars and staff at Wimbledon High School GDST.

Established to create a community of scholars, OWLS provides Sixth Form scholars with the opportunity to expand their horizons beyond the scope of A Level study. Working individually and collaboratively, you produce a range of pieces inspired by a common theme. The results are published in our online journal, OWLS Quarterly.

The initiative brings together academic scholars and exhibition holders from both Sixth Forms to engage in interdisciplinary academic research, discussion and collaboration, all of which goes far beyond the curriculum.

The programme also incorporates a strong social element, as OWLS gives you the opportunity to get to know peers within the GDST family through a series of virtual and face-to-face meetings at a range of locations such as ZSL, Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, the University of Oxford’s Mathematics Institute, the British Museum and the Wellcome Trust Collection.

I love being a member of OWLS - we are Oxford High and Wimbledon High academic scholars. We collaborate to write articles for the OWLS Quarterly academic journal. We are free to write about any topic, which expands our knowledge and sparks interest outside the curriculum. I especially enjoy the exciting trips (most recently to the British Museum) and getting to know like-minded students from other GDST schools.”

Iphigenie, Year 12

Sixth Form leadership opportunities

OHS Sixth Formers are not just leaders of the future, they are given every opportunity to lead and shape our school community.

Our Sixth Form students are advocates for themselves and others, aware of their impact on the world around them and of the ability they have to change the world for the better. Opportunities to lead, to understand and learn about leadership and develop as leaders are key aspects of our Sixth Form Programme.

Leadership opportunities within the school community

As a Sixth Form student, you get the opportunity to lead on clubs and activities, and this makes a really valuable contribution to our superb co-curricular offering. Examples include Beekeeping, LGBTQ, Russian, Robotics, Ethics and Philosophy and Interfaith club.

There are so many opportunities for leadership in the Sixth Form. The most obvious ones are becoming a Prefect or a Head Girl. As Head Girl, I’ve had to adjust to having a lot more things on my plate. This role has helped me get to grips with how I balance my time.”

Serena, Year 12

Young Entrepreneurs

We want to give you real-world learning opportunities in business and entrepreneurship, so you learn how business works within the national and global economy and understand what role they play in that context. Our programme provides national and global platforms to develop confidence and leadership skills and gain management experience. Our aim is to give you a glimpse of how you can solve real-world problems with your curiosity. We focus on building your confidence, broadening your horizons and encouraging you to step outside your comfort zones. We strive to develop resourceful students who are unafraid of challenge, with the confidence to lead and the self-assurance to question, collaborate with others and shine.

LEAD - GDST Leadership and Enterprise Advanced Diploma

LEAD is an innovative Leadership and Enterprise programme designed to enable Year 12 students to develop the skills to be future leaders and entrepreneurs.

Sixth Form leadership opportunities

Our

School Council

We want you to be involved in developing the democratic process by empowering self-expression. Of course, lots of schools have a School Council. However, few are given their own budget, and have a tradition of outspoken debate that is listened to by senior members of staff which leads to real change. As a member of our School Council, you are trusted to chair meetings, involve your reps, identify ways forward and decide how to spend the annual budget to create the greatest impact. The Chair of School Council runs the meeting, and all members of the school community are welcome to attend and contribute.

School Prefect Team

Our Prefect Team and wider Sixth Form community play a leading role in representing the views of their peers and promoting positive behaviour. There are 14 Prefects, including the Head Girl, Deputy Head Girl, Chair of School Council and the GDST Student Council Representative. They are excellent role models for younger students. Our Prefects work closely with the Head and Director of Sixth Form and other senior members of staff. Examples of the impact that Prefects have had on school life include raising awareness of neurodiversity, and introducing various environmental and fundraising initiatives.

students demonstrate leadership qualities on a daily basis - whether that is giving up your time to mentor younger students or leading assemblies, the Student Council, clubs, or initiating our fantastic student-led conferences. We believe that it’s crucial for you to have a platform for voicing your opinions and influencing decisions.

Student-led Conferences

Over the last 3 years, there has been a range of exciting student-led conferences, such as Fashion, Engineering and Economics. As a member of the event planning team, you decide on the conference theme, design the speaker programme and host the event on the day, including chairing the Q&A sessions. This is a high-profile role, with a wide reach of over 200 schools and approximately 7000 pupils. Themes for next year include:

• Political Extremism in Europe

• Business and Financial Economics

• Macro Economics

• The EU

Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors are Sixth Formers who have volunteered to support younger students. There are many rewards to Peer Mentoring. Your role is to help students settle in and support them with any concerns in their academic and personal life. This includes supporting students in finding the answers to the following: how to study more effectively, how to manage your time and what subjects are like at GCSE and A Level. Mentors can also offer support in how to navigate social and friendship issues.

The Sunflower Newspaper

The Sunflower is written by Sixth Form students every term, it is a quirky take on OHS life and also includes interviews with staff.

House Prefect Team

House Leaders (three per House) are elected annually by their year group and staff in the spring term of Year 12 and their period of office is one year. This is another key leadership role in school and your responsibilities include working closely with the Heads of House and members of staff in leading and running the various House activities such as Sports Day, literary quizzes, House choir competition and House drama competition.

Teaching and Learning Ambassadors

Teaching and Learning Ambassadors conduct research on a variety of education themed topics including pupil learning characteristics, homework management and exploring student behaviours in Key Stage 3. After they have explored a particular area of research, they present their findings to staff and students.

Perspectives

Perspectives focuses on your role as leaders and advocates for others within the school and wider community.

You

We believe that leadership and volunteering opportunities are key to understanding your place in the world, and making a positive impact on those around you. The perspectives programme focuses on developing your self-awareness and personal influence. Through the programme you will understand these spheres of influence; you, your community and your world

Your community

Book Buddies

Our Year 12 Mentors spend one lunchtime a week with Year 6 pupils at a local primary school. The project aims to build confidence and enjoyment in reading, helping to encourage and nurture positive reading habits.

As a Mentor you will receive guidance about various reading strategies to use with your buddies. Through this experience you will develop leadership qualities and become confident in discussing any issues that arise and suggesting new ways of working.

Maths Mentors

Our Maths Mentors programme involves creating engaging lessons for pupils in Year 6 at a local Primary School. As a Year 12 Mentor you will help them develop their basic mathematical skills through a variety of tasks and puzzles! The Mentors receive guidance about various teaching strategies to use with their buddies. They develop leadership qualities throughout the project and become confident in discussing any issues that arise along with suggesting new ways of working. You don’t need to be taking A level Maths, but do need to have enthusiasm, patience, good communication skills and commitment.

STEM Outreach

Our STEM Outreach programme has been running for several years. Each week during the school term, you will run interesting science lessons for Year 5 students from local Primary Schools. You don’t need to be studying science at A Level! We are looking for volunteers who enjoy working with younger students, have good communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Drama Directors

As a Year 12 Mentor, you will organise, plan and run sessions on a variety of subjects, using acting and role play to help students from a local Primary School develop their communication skills and hopefully grow in confidence throughout the year.

Drama

We aim to foster a lifelong love of the arts through academic study and performance. In the Sixth Form, you get the chance to produce, write, direct and perform in your own plays, which widens your understanding of the process of producing your own work.

LEAD - GDST Leadership and Enterprise Advanced Diploma

• Compete and collaborate with hundreds of students from across the GDST family of schools.

• Learn from the world’s top business minds and successful entrepreneurs.

• Take part in bootcamps and business challenges around the country.

• Work with graduates from London School of Economics (LSE) and leading Russell Group universities.

• Develop and set up sustainable businesses.

• Gain experience and skills to boost your CV.

• Build a network of like-minded colleagues and friends through speed networking and mentoring opportunities.

• Benefit from a dedicated mentor to support and advise you through the business planning process all the way up to the final Showcase Event.

Women in Leadership: The Facts

Globally, women hold only 17% of business leadership positions. That means that men account for 83% of all leadership jobs in business. Gender equal businesses are 71% more likely to make more money.

Your world

Music

Our Sixth Form musicians have the opportunity to lead ensembles. In addition to the whole school concerts and performances, there are Open Mic Nights, Sixth Form Concerts and Music Scholars’ Concerts.

Magazine

The annual school magazine is entirely student-led. The Sixth Form editorial team is responsible from start to finish. They decide the theme, content, and the layout. They also make choices on what they consider newsworthy, ensuring there is a flavour of what has happened in school over the last year.

Sports Leadership

Many students choose to pursue the Sports Leadership qualification alongside their academic studies. The Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership, is a nationally recognised qualification which equips you with the skills to lead sports or physical activity under indirect supervision. The course involves both guided & peer-topeer learning and supervised leadership to ensure that you have the skills you need. It increases your social confidence and teaches core leadership skills such as organisation, planning, communication and teamwork.

Every year, our spring term Speaker Series offers a range of notable and expert speakers to talk about a range of topical and thoughtprovoking issues.

Going Beyond

You are supported to pursue your personal interests and talents.

Conrad Challenge

Conrad Challenge is a prestigious global Science and Technology competition for 13-18 year olds. It involves creating a product or service to address a global problem. The competition enables students to develop their knowledge and skills in science and businessincluding writing and presentation skills.

In 2023, out of 950 entrants, 5 of our teams reached the penultimate stage, with one team, Orbnet, making the top five globally in the ‘Aviation and Aerospace’ category. Our team was the only European team to reach the finals. Orbnet won two awards, One for the Best Overall Marketing and Communications’ and the other for ‘Best Active Engagement and Enthusiasm.

The competition has inspired them to delve more into the Aerospace industry, where they’ve been able to develop their passions in Maths and Physics. They’ve also developed essential knowledge in Entrepreneurship, Business and Marketing, including how to market their product to potential investors. Most importantly, they developed greater resilience in being able to respond and overcome any challenges as they came along.

“Overall going to the Conrad Summit was a fantastic and incredible experience in so many ways. We met so many other wonderful people who we are still in contact with, and we were able to talk to and connect with various leading experts in the aerospace and aviation industry. But most importantly it has inspired us, and boosted our confidence in our scientific ability. Whilst we were there, we heard first-hand accounts of people like us who used the Conrad Challenge as their launchpad to go on to have careers creating startups and in business. Hence, we are currently thinking of ways we can carry our project into the future.”

Katherina, Tilly and Alice, Year 12

“I am a Figure Skater competing at a national and international level, whilst still studying 4 A Levels. It involves a very high level of commitment, on and off the ice - training early hours before and after school but at the same time managing work and ensuring I stay on top of it. Oxford High has been very supportive since I joined in Year 7 allowing me to take time away from school to compete/train. They have also given me a sports mentor to help me plan my goals and schedule. I am very thankful for the support I have received from the school and from individual teachers, so I can continue training and studying simultaneously.”

Ciera, Year 12

I compete in Rhythmic Gymnastics at a national level.

Rhythmic Gymnastics is a beautiful sport that combines elements of ballet, dance, flexibility and apparatus coordination to form routines that are competitively judged. I compete in the group discipline where we go to many competitions, like the British National Finals, and this involves a high level of commitment, training as a team 18 hours a week. The school has supported my interest in this by allowing me to showcase my skills on open days and dance shows, as well as my teachers being super helpful when I’ve had to miss a few lessons due to competitions/training camps.”

Flora, Year 12

I compete at the International Level 6 level. This means I have to train 2-3 times a week, travelling to Wolverhampton each time. Oxford High has helped me so much throughout the years, always setting work whilst I’m away and filling me in on what I missed. I never feel behind after coming back from competitions.”

Elizabeth, Year 12

I knew before entering the Sixth Form that I was going to specialise in music performance and OHS was great at listening and responding to my individual needs. I was given the time to take music seriously, as well as space to practise. Over the summer between Year 11 and Sixth Form I was given support in my audition for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. I achieved a leadership role in the orchestra which I held throughout Sixth Form. My brilliant subject teachers showed huge understanding and came to my concerts.

My A Level German teacher was extremely supportive, and helped push my German to a level that was very useful for my work in music, especially now that I often work in Germany and Austria! My time in the Sixth Form at Oxford High definitely allowed me to thrive when I arrived to study at the Guildhall School.”

Georgia, Class of 2018

Elizabeth is competing at International Level 6 in Cheerleading.

Going Beyond

The Worry Wasp

“The

Gold CREST Award Winner

CREST is a nationally recognised scheme for student-led project work in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), designed to give participants the creative freedom to explore a topic of their choice. One of our Year 13 pupils, Marianne focused her study on ‘Investigating past diets in Roman Britain using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope measurements.’ She achieved the highest grade, which is the prestigious academic Gold CREST award. This is recognition of the strength of her independent research project linking chemistry and archaeology. To make this a success, she initiated contact with the archaeology labs at Oxford University. At Gold level, pupils are encouraged to collaborate with a CREST mentor, an individual from industry with expertise in their project’s theme.

This is an extraordinary academic achievement, as CREST Silver and Gold Awards are highly sought after, and further enhance your UCAS personal statement or CV. Marianne had this to say about her CREST award entry:

“I initially came across the domain of archaeological sciences when reading a newspaper article about new insights on the Black Plague. It really interested

me and I decided to read the book ‘Archaeological Science: An Introduction.’ This made me realise just how important sciences are to understanding the past. I contacted one of the authors, Professor Kate Britton of the University of Aberdeen. We discussed research topics and she supported me throughout the CREST project as my mentor. It was incredible to see how chemical analysis of skeletons can give information on past diets.”

Sophia has published a children’s book. The Worry Wasp. Written and illustrated in its entirety by Sophia, the book centres around the importance of sharing your worries with others, as well as encouraging a listening ear and support. Whilst the message of coping with worries using healthy strategies applies to all young children, it is a particularly great read for quiet and shy children who struggle to make friends or speak up, as it focuses on social anxiety. The Worry Wasp is both beautifully written and skilfully illustrated.

“My recently published children’s picture book, entitled ‘The Worry Wasp’ emphasises the importance of talking about your worries with others, focusing on social anxiety. In publishing this book, I hope to show children that their worries don’t have to limit or control them and, instead, that they can use them to their own advantage.”

Sophia, Year 13

RCSU Science Challenge Success

We are so proud of Marianne, for being named one of four winners in this year’s RCSU Science Challenge: an international competition run by Imperial College which requires entrants to demonstrate their skills in scientific debate and reasoning, as well as their ability to teach the public about the science that affects their lives. Under the theme ‘Climate Change’, the competition challenged young scientists to answer one of four questions set by a panel of guest judges.

After successfully being shortlisted for her entry, Marianne was invited to attend the Grand Awards Ceremony, where she was declared winner of her category. Her 5-minute presentation on the question ‘How do we know that we humans are causing climate change, rather than natural phenomena?’ was played to the audience and she received a trophy and certificate.

Gold CREST Award was a valuable opportunity to plan and conduct our own experiments and research. We learnt lots of new skills, such as time management and communication, and it was also great to hear the expert advice from our mentor. We did ours during COVID-19 and were inspired to find a more environmentally sustainable and effective alternative to ethanol in hand sanitiser, due to the surge in use.”

Anjali, Ahyoung and Trisha, Year 12

Ancient History Essay Competition

Hebe entered an ancient History competition, run by St John’s College, Oxford. All competition entrants were invited to attend two academic sessions at the college, relating to the category they had entered. Hebe delved into sessions on constitutional debates in ancient literature (with a focus on the Persian constitutional debate in Herodotus) and on the significance of single words in ancient epics. She successfully won the competition by submitting a response to the question, ‘No (wo)man is an island. How selfsufficient are characters in ancient literature?’

Classics Competition

Hebe also entered a competition run by the Classical Association, which enabled her to develop her communication and critical thinking skills as well as her experience of composing persuasive arguments. The competition promoted her passion for the classics through an essay on the topic ‘Ancient historians, whatever else they may have aimed to do, always set out to entertain their readers. Discuss with reference to any one Greek or Roman historian.’ Hebe focused her exploration on Herodotus and was successful in winning the competition.

“I’m delighted and proud to have had such success in these competitions. I think that the essays I submitted have been some of the best pieces of work I have written so far and am overjoyed to have them validated by such prestigious institutions as St John’s College and the Classical Association. “

Hebe, Year 13

Working on the Sunflower has been such a great experience, it has allowed me to improve my organisational skills and explore different methods of layout and formatting. I've had the opportunity to talk to and work with other year groups as well. The school has always supported our endeavour to create a newspaper by providing feedback and editing suggestions, whilst also allowing us to act independently and figure out what ways work best for us.”

Amelia, Year 12

The German Language Competition

Eleanor achieved success in the German Language Competition 2022, run by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) London and the Institute of Modern Languages Research, University of London. The focus of the competition was on coming together, celebrating friendship and collaboration between people, countries and institutions beyond borders and across cultures. Eleanor submitted a poem, called ‘Unser Shakespeare’, which researched the notion that the Germans have always considered Shakespeare as one of their own. Written from Shakespeare’s perspective, the poem was a celebration of Anglo-German friendship. Eleanor’s entry was one of the top three in her age group.

The Prismatic Jane Eyre Translation Competition

This competition from the University of Oxford and the Stephen Spender Trust, challenges entrants to produce a poem in another language, along with a literal translation into English, using a selected passage from Jane Eyre. The initiative was launched as a celebration of all languages taught and spoken across the UK. We’re delighted to announce that Eleanor’s poem was selected to be published in a printed and online anthology.

“I loved the creativity involved in the competition task. The Prismatic Jane Eyre Project is a fantastic initiative and I’m really looking forward to seeing the printed anthology which will feature poems in so many languages.”

Eleanor, Class of 2022

Stanford Summer Internship Programmes

Over the summer of 2021, Naomi attended two summer internships: Stanford University’s Clinical Medicine Internship and their Science, Anaesthesia and Technology Internship. The experience gave her the opportunity to meet future medics from around the world. Both courses consisted of seminars from current professors and doctors, anatomy classes, projects and dissections to help pupils develop understanding of the field that they are interested in.

“My favourite activity was, strangely, the heart dissection since I had never shown an interest in cardiology before - although the ‘Day in the life of an OBGYN’ was, personally, very useful for gaining insight into my desired speciality. Because of this, I would also encourage people who are not sure which speciality to go into, explore this opportunity, as it really helped me broaden my perspective of different fields. Overall, I highly recommend summer internships for both the CV benefits and the fabulous learning experiences you have access to!”

Naomi,

FIRST Tech Robotics

The FIRST Tech Challenge is a global competition for those in Year 7-13 interested in coding and robotics. Every year, teams create and programme robots to fulfil an action – this year the challenge was to stack cones on top of poles. At various stages, there are scrimmages so teams can meet-up, share ideas and work together. Cubotics, made up of students from Year 10 and Year 12, made their way to London to attend a regional meet up, or ‘scrimmage’, for the FIRST Tech Challenge.

Cubotics learnt to work as a team to create a robot from scratch, with each of them taking the lead on different elements of the robot, such as the build, the coding and the design.

At the Scrimmage, our team saw the robot successfully move around the course. From this experience they came up with ideas on how to develop and improve the robot. They successfully reached the next round.

St John Ambulance

Oxford High is all about embracing opportunities when they arrive, so when I was given the chance to compete to become the Regional Cadet of the Year for St John Ambulance, they encouraged me to go for it.

As Regional Cadet I became an ambassador for St John. I was given the opportunity to meet prominent people from around the world, including members of the Royal Family, at high profile events including speaking in front of thousands of people in St Paul’s Cathedral. The school encourages you to develop skills beyond academic work and frequently celebrates the wide-ranging achievements of the students.

Annabelle, Year 13

Year 13

I learnt that each role plays a vital part for the robot to function, and when problems arise, disassembling the previous step becomes necessary for progress, so precision is important when constructing.”

Christina, Year 12

I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the construction of robots and to work with those in younger years.

Whilst the process was challenging at times, it was rewarding to see the finished robot fulfil the tasks set.”

Charlotte, Year 12

Esther wins the Tower Poetry Competition

“I entered a poem called The Flâneur in the Tower Poetry Competition, which is open to 16-18 year olds in the UK. I felt particularly encouraged to write following the incredible Arvon Foundation poetry course, which I attended with school in the summer. My poem went through many iterations and is essentially a meandering journey of thoughts and words about what it took me to get to the end of writing it. It is also a poem about planets; and it turned out to be the poem that came first in the Christopher Tower Poetry prize! Knowing that I had been shortlisted to the final thirteen, I went to Christ Church College in Oxford for what was one of the most nerve-racking, but ultimately exciting, afternoons of my life.

All in all, the competition is such an amazing opportunity for young poets and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to enter, let alone win, especially among such a brilliant group of writers, many of whom I was lucky enough to meet at the ceremony. If you’re considering entering next year I have nothing to say but go for it, and enjoy the writing –you never know where it will take you!”

Written by Esther, Year

Rebecca’s Royal Academy Young Artist Success

“I entered a photograph into the Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show 2023, a competition for 4-19 year olds across the UK. It is a great opportunity to create and share art in many different mediums. This month, I found out that not only will my work feature in the online exhibition, but it will be displayed in the Royal Academy Gallery in London in July.

The photography I entered is titled ‘Being 17’, and here is the description I added to be displayed alongside the photograph:

My photography is always candid and captures a natural moment in time, like a still in a film. My friends were in an arcade, and as they looked over to me I took a photograph. Instantly they went back to playing the game, and when I later showed them this picture, they didn’t remember it being taken.

The photo captures the vitality and spontaneity of a moment where nothing is staged. Colour is also a very fundamental element. Initially, I was drawn to the LED lights casting unusual colours on their faces. During editing, I used digital effects to emphasise certain colours. I also tried to bring out the juxtaposition of the blurred and sharp details. My main inspiration behind this photo was cinematography, specifically the colouring of Wong Kar Wai’s movies where the colours are heightened.”

Rebecca, Year 12

The process of organising a large event such as a Ceilidh has improved so many of our skills, for example, time management, communication and teamwork. Whilst providing us with the help we need, the school has also encouraged us to do most of the planning and organising ourselves, giving us opportunities to gain confidence and improve our problem-solving skills. There were so many different aspects that needed to be planned (financing, food and drinks, venues, dates etc) and discussed thoroughly in order to ensure that the event will be the best it may be. For example, we had to effectively cooperate with several members in order to discuss and sort out the cost for everything, ensuring that no detail, no matter how small, was left out. This gave us valuable insight into how much hard work and effort is put into events like these.”

Naomi and Alice, Year 12

12

Supporting you and your learning

It is vital that students feel happy and supported during their time at school. Student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our pastoral systems are designed to help celebrate success during the ‘good times’ as well as provide support during the ‘not so good times’. Adolescence can have bumps along the way and learning how to navigate them with resilience and determination is a lifelong skill we want to foster. We understand that you need a support network to help you navigate any personal challenges and prepare you for life after school.

Personal development and wellbeing

Our Sixth Form Programme gives you everything you need to manage your wellbeing and your emotional, mental and physical health, to be confident with who you are, comfortable with challenges and be able to respond to feedback. This gives you the chance to be the best version of yourself and achieve your dreams.

In addition, our programme gives you the skills you need to be successful in the workplace. It enables you to understand yourself and the wider world, to be advocates for yourselves and others, develop your cultural and emotional intelligence and act inclusively. It also prepares you for independent life at university and beyond with sessions on managing your money, cooking on a student budget, digital literacy, basic DIY and self defence.

Sport is an integral part of the Sixth Form Programme, timetabled for every student, with a focus on individual student-led learning and opportunities for both coaching and umpiring. We also have a dedicated Sixth Form gym open to all. We want to enable you to maintain a positive lifestyle.

University Ready learning and what this means for you in the Sixth Form

We are committed to ensuring that you feel ‘University Ready’ by the time you graduate from school:

• We are an inclusive and supportive community, where difference is respected and celebrated. We care for others and work effectively with them, whilst valuing ourselves.

• You will love our warm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the strong tutor relationships and the innovative tools we put in place to support your happiness in school.

• Our Wellbeing Toolkit encompasses all aspects of the pastoral provision to develop the whole person. It encourages you to take responsibility for your own learning and promotes building a supportive network both inside and outside school, where you can truly thrive. Through this you approach the unfamiliar with skill, self-assurance and develop resilience.

• Personal care runs through our pastoral provision; staff build strong supportive relationships so you feel known and understood, and in return, you readily access support when you need it.

• Mutual respect is evident across the whole school; you are taught how to establish and develop positive relationships and are given the tools to communicate effectively with one another.

• In the Sixth Form, form groups consist of between 15 - 20 Year 12 and Year 13 students. This makes it a cohesive environment where you will get the opportunity to build friendships with peers in the upper and lower sixth.

• Our rewards system is linked to character, focusing on praising positive behaviour rather than academic success. This approach encourages you to reflect on your values so you become more self-aware; it promotes personal integrity, initiative and independence.

• Whilst our PSHCE lessons are taught by specialist teachers, the curriculum is also balanced with Guest Speaker events, utilising the expertise of professionals in their field. The topics covered are proactive and age appropriate such as Diversity and Inclusion, Mental Health and Belonging, Organ Donation Choices, Staying Safe Online, Financial Education and Sexual Health.

• Through the passion of our staff, you will feel engaged with the learning process and committed to giving back to the community.

• In the Sixth Form, our University Ready programme helps you develop authenticity, advocacy and awareness of yourself, others and the wider world.

Learning support

Our Neurodiversity and Academic Support Hub (NASH) are on hand to offer advice and support concerning all aspects of learning and studying, including managing exam access arrangements as well as offering a programme of specialist support for any students with dyslexia or other diagnosed conditions.

Your 360 support team

Careers and Higher Education support

Our Higher Education and Careers provision is all about helping you to make the choice that’s right for you. Whether you are applying for universities in the UK through UCAS, a music conservatoire, an Art Foundation course, a degree apprenticeship, or study abroad, we will help you get there. A comprehensive programme of information, advice and support is offered throughout the Sixth Form. With dedicated pathways for each discipline and a wealth of in-house expertise, you will benefit from experienced and individual guidance.

Careers support is fully integrated in the learning process and is delivered through one-to-one guidance, group sessions, personal research and specialist events. Gaining leadership opportunities is at the heart of our careers programme. By nature, our students are enterprising and enquiring. We foster this by giving you exciting opportunities, whether it’s meeting top academics and professionals or gaining work experience in order to learn from an entrepreneur at a networking event.

We are here to listen, expertly guide and give vital opportunities to get excited so you are well-informed about the future. The emphasis is on discovering how to make the best decisions for university and beyond. We ensure that parents are updated on developments and changes in trends in higher education, both in the UK and abroad, as well as involved in our Careers and Higher Education programme.

In addition to the annual Careers and Higher Education evenings, we invite our recent leavers to talk about their experiences at university or on a Gap Year. This is an invaluable opportunity to hear from peers who have experienced your preferred study/work route first-hand.

The key highlights of our programme:

• Access specialist 1-2-1 support from an experienced Careers and Higher Education professional, Mrs Heath, who is focused on your individual needs.

• Gain access to a comprehensive range of Careers and Higher Education resources.

• Attend talks delivered by colleagues from a range of universities and higher education institutions on a variety of themes, such as gaining entry to degree disciplines and careers, including Art Foundation courses and Conservatoires.

• Take part in dedicated events including our annual Higher Education and Careers Fair.

• Establish and build your professional networks through the Rungway app.

• Enhance your professional skills including presentations, interview techniques and CV writing.

• Improve self-awareness through reflection and discussion so you can make informed decisions about future education options and career path.

• Develop understanding of potential study routes, future training, employment opportunities and other personal development experiences.

• Access a range of Internships and Insight Days at global organisations through the GDST’s CareerStart Programme

• Discover and take part in taster days, mentoring and work experience opportunities.

• Attend dedicated programmes from the GDST which support you applying to Oxbridge, studying in the USA or entering a healthcare profession.

Benefit from the expertise of GDST

GDST’s Careerstart modules include:

• The recruitment process.

• Skills for the workplace.

• Career research.

• Finance.

• Study skills and time management.

GDST’s ‘Future You’ personalised coaching

• CV writing/LinkedIn review.

• Careers research support.

• Interview prep.

• Careers coaching.

GDST Insight Days

GDST Insight Days offer an early opportunity to get your foot in the door, and see how a variety of businesses work from the inside.

Companies include:

• PwC – Consulting, technology and accountancy.

• Rolls-Royce – Engineering.

• Barclays – Finance or auditing.

• Engie – Energy or facilities management.

• Hilson Moran – Building design consultancy.

• Interquest Group – Tech-industry recruitment.

• Broadway Malyan – Architecture.

• Siemens – Engineering or technology.

Results and university destinations

When

We are here to help you achieve the skills and qualifications you need to take the next step in your learning and career development journey.

Alumnae

Our students go on to a wide range of top-selecting universities, conservatoires and institutions in the UK and beyond to study a diverse array of subjects, reflecting the diversity of our students’ academic interests.

The majority of our students go on to Russell Group universities, with Cambridge, Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh and UCL as the top five most popular destinations year on year. Between 10% and 15% of our leavers go on to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge each year. Both STEM and humanities subjects are well-represented with typically one third of our students going on to study STEM subjects, including Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry. Degrees involving languages are always a popular choice for our students, and the last five years has also seen a steady increase in the number of students choosing degrees with an international focus, including studying abroad. The number of students going on to study the creative and performing arts has also increased over the last few years. Each year a number of students each year opt to take a gap year before going to university.

For the most up-to-date information on results and university destinations please scan the QR code.

As a member of the OHS community, after Sixth Form you can take your place among our amazingly diverse and successful alumnae in the next phase of your life, whatever that may be.

As a valued member of our alumnae network, you have access to an exciting range of benefits:

• Receive regular news updates through school newsletters, social media and the dedicated GDST alumnae magazine, GDST Life.

• Attend reunion events with your classmates.

• Sign-up for mentoring schemes to support the current cohort.

• Share your knowledge and professional experience with others at specialist school events.

• Submit yourself or a friend for the GDST ‘Alumnae of the Year’ award.

• Access support throughout university and during the early stages of your professional career.

• Benefit from dedicated peer mentoring scheme for under represented women.

• Access a ready-made alumnae network you can tap into at your university.

• Wherever you are in the world, you are likely to be able to make contact with a GDST alumnae.

• Sign-up to GDST’s free ‘In Conversation With’ event featuring an inspirational alumnae and hear about their career and how they got there.

Results page

Destinations page

• Come along to GDST’s networking events and connect with and be inspired by your fellow GDST alumnae, from a network of 110,000 worldwide.

• Watch out for GDST’s exclusive cultural events to experience something new with your fellow alumnae.

you leave OHS, you are well equipped to succeed in the workplace and find fulfilment in your lives, with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a difference.

We are really proud of all our alumnae and love hearing news from former students.

Get in touch

Whilst we strongly encourage external applicants to apply in the Autumn term of Year 11, we take applications throughout the year based on availability. Contact admissions on 01865 478678 or admissions@oxf.gdst.net. We look forward to hearing from you.

Your admissions journey timeline

Month

Visit the school for an Open Morning (‘Take a Look’ event) or attend a Virtual Meet the Head: https://oxfordhigh.gdst.net/admissions/admissions-events Throughout

Register to discover more about life and learning in our school: https://oxfordhigh.gdst.net/admissions/sixth-form-admissions

Autumn term

Come along to our Sixth Form Open Evening.

GDST’s online bursary application portal is open. October

Complete and submit your Sixth Form application form by the UK and Overseas application deadline and select that you are interested in a Bursary, if this applies. November

Registered applicants will be invited to attend the Sixth Form Taster Day.

November /

Receive an update on the outcome of your Sixth Form place and bursary application (if applicable). December

Spring term

If you are in receipt of an offer, you can apply for the following scholarships before the deadline:

• Art & Design & Textiles

• Drama: Acting or Production

• Music

• Sport

Please note: Academic scholarships are awarded based on GCSE results.

Accept your place before the deadline.

Early January

End

Attend your Sixth Form Scholarship interview (invitation only following shortlisting). February

Receive an update on the outcome of your scholarship(s) application and interview.

Summer term

Attend our Starting Sixth Form Days.

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