Head of Sixth Form’s Welcome
Alasdair Robertson
Assistant Headteacher - Head of Sixth Form
“DearSixthFormstudents,parents,andguardians,
ItiswithgreatpleasurethatIwelcomeyoutoanotherexcitingandenrichingyearintheSixthFormatSherfieldSchool I’mtrulydelightedthat youarejoiningourvibrantandsupportivecommunity
AsHeadofSixthForm,IwantyoutoknowthatmycolleaguesandIareheretosupporteachandeverystudentthrougheverystepoftheir journeyduringthesevitalfinaltwoyearsofschool Academicprogress,personaldevelopment,andmaturityaremission-criticaltoourworkat Sherfield,butourvisionextendsfarbeyondthis
Everythingwedoisfocusedonnurturingyoungpeoplewhoarenotonlysuccessfulscholarsbutalsokind,courageous,andrespectfulindividuals Weaimtodevelopstudentswhovaluecommunity,arephilanthropicinspirit,inquisitiveinnature,and aboveall genuinelydecenthuman beings
Ourschoolmotto,AdVitamParamus Weprepareforlife underpinsallthatwedo Itisourresponsibilityandprivilegetohelpstudentsdiscover theirpassions,pursuetheirdreams,andequipthemselveswiththetoolsandmindsettothriveintheworldbeyondschool Thisincludes supportingthemastheyworktowardsworld-leadinguniversityplacementsorexcitingcareeropportunities whatevertheirchosenpathway maybe
TheSherfieldSixthFormcommunityis,aboveallelse,afamily Weplacegreatvalueonthehappinessandwellbeingofourstudents,becausewe firmlybelievethathappystudentsaresuccessfulstudents Weaimtocreateanenvironmentwherefriendshipsflourish,leadershipisencouraged, andresilienceisbuilt Ourstudentsarenotjustindividualsontheirownjourneys theyarepartofacollectivethatcaresforandsupportsone anothereverystepoftheway
ThishandbookhasbeencarefullycompiledtoguidebothstudentsandparentsthroughthekeyinformationneededtobeginSixthForminthe mostpositiveandinformedmannerpossible Shouldyouhaveanyquestionsaboutthishandbookoranythingelse,pleasedon’thesitatetogetin touch MycolleaguesandIarealwaysheretoensurethatourstudentsarehappy,supported,andempoweredtosucceed Ilookforwardto anotherfantasticyearofgrowth,opportunity,andachievement”
Vision, MissionValuesand
School Values
Dress Code Equipmentand
Sixth Form Dress Code
All Sixth Form students are expected to present themselves as professional, smart, role models that represent the school with pride at all times.
Working School Day
A dark, muted suit jacket with a dress, matching skirt or matching suit trousers, as appropriate
Suit jackets must be worn at all times when moving around the school
Formal collared and buttoned shirt or blouse (no polo shirts).
Optional: Plain and dark (no visible branding) v-neck jumper, that should fit smartly under a suit jacket
Optional: Sherfield Sixth Form Tie or School Reward Tie
Coats
May be worn over the jacket, but may not replace it
[Sports clothing may only be worn for sporting occasions and may not be worn during the regular working day]
Shoes
Formal, smart shoes, which must be kept clean
Make-up and Jewellery
Make-up and jewellery should be discreet and not cause comment
Formal Dress Days
Occasionally, specific days or events such as Speech Day; the Remembrance Service and Open Days will be designated as formal days when students should wear:
A matching two- or three-piece suit (skirt or trousers) in plain, dark/muted colours.
Male students must wear a Sixth Form tie (optional for female students).
Sixth Form ties are purchaseable from the Friends of Sherfield Uniform Shop on the school site for a fee of £7.50
‘Dress-down’ Fridays
On Fridays, students are welcome to wear their own clothes All clothes should be respectful, tasteful and appropriate for a school environment
*Gender-neutralandnon-binarypupilsshouldfeelcomfortabletomakeathoughtfulandconsideredchoiceabouttheclotheswornatschool,but withintheparametersoutlinedabove Allpupilswillhavethefreedomandsecuritytodressappropriatelyaccordingtoreligiousconviction,followinganexplanationto,andapprovalfrom,the HeadofSixthForm Footwearthatisnotacceptableincludestrainers(includingdarkleathertrainers),sandals,slidersandopen-toedshoes Overallappearanceshouldalwaysbegenerallyprofessionalandshouldnotcausecomment
Sixth Form PE Kit
Full Sixth Form PE Kit must be worn for all Sports Activities occurring between 8:00am and 5:45 pm, including individual usage of the school gym This will comprise:
Sherfield Sixth Form PE Polo Shirt
Sherfield Sixth Form PE Short (available in male and female fit) and/or Sherfield
Sixth Form PE Leggings and/or Sherfield Tailored Pants
Sherfield Sixth Form PE ¼ zip/midlayer
White, ankle length sports socks
Sports trainers
Optional: Sherfield Sixth Form PE Waterproof/Rain Mac
Optional: Sherfield Sixth Form PE Gillet
All items must be purchased from Stevenson’s. You can log in to their website here.
The 2025/26 ordering window is closes on Thursday 31 July 2025 Ordering after this window has closed will result in a significant delay in delivery date.
For sizing information, please click here for our full uniform book - sizes can be found on page 7. Please also note that sample sizes can also be tried on at schoo the Head of Sixth Form
Sixth Form PE Kit
040212
TAILORED PANTS
ITEM CODE: 043167
Day-to-day Equipment
All students
Laptop or tablet (of student’s choosing)
Pens
Pencils
Highlighter pen
Sharpener
Ruler
Eraser
Scissors
Glue stick
Maths students
All mathematicians should have a scientific calculator and a graphical calculator Please ensure the following models are purchased:
Scientific Calculator: Casio FX991 ES Plus OR Casio FX991 Classwiz
Graphical Calculator: Casio CG50
students
School DaySchool Grounds and
Structure of the School Day
The Sixth Form Study Room, Common Room and Kitchen are open for students from 7:30am each morning. They close to all pupils at 6:00pm, by which time all day pupils must be off-site and boarding students should be at dinner in the dining hall.
Sixth Form students are expected to arrive at school and be in their form room for 8:25am for registration each day
08:25 Start of the school day
08:35 Period 1
09:35 Period 2
10:35 Morning Break
10:55 Period 3
11:55 Period 4
12:55 Lunch
13:50 Afternoon Registration - Extended Tutor Time or Assembly
14:15 Period 5
15:15 Period 6
16:15 End of the school day
Key PeopleContacts and
Key Staff & Student Contacts
Head of School
Head of Sixth Form –
Assistant Headteacher
Deputy Headteacher
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Sixth Form Tutors
Examinations Officer
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and Senior Inclusion Lead
Boarding Housemaster
Boarding Leadership Team
School Nurse
School Counsellor
Name
Ms C Taylor ctaylor@sherfieldschoolcouk
Mr A Robertson arobertson@sherfieldschoolcouk
Mr T. Wilde t.wilde@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mr D. Page
Year 12
Miss S Rus
Year 13
d.page@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs C Gillard-Jenner & Mrs M Younger-Murrray srus@sherfieldschoolcouk
Mrs R. Wilson
cgillard-jenner@sherfieldschoolcouk myounger-murray@sherfieldschoolcouk
r.wilson@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs K Walsh kwalsh@sherfieldschoolcouk
Mr O. Bailey
Mr O Bailey, Mrs A
o.bailey@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Robertson & Mr D. Page BLT@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs R Redbond nurses@sherfieldschoolcouk
Mrs F Smith fsmith@sherfieldschoolcouk
Main Reception N/A info@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Absence Reporting N/A absence@sherfieldschoolcouk
Friends of Sherfield (Parents Association)
Head Prefects
Deputy Head Prefects
Emma Long & Nicole Blackmore (Co-chairs)
info@friendsofsherfieldorg
Student Leadership Team 2025/26
Marie Petkova and Tate Wong
Benjamin Long and George Wilde
Term & Key Dates 25-26
Term Dates 2025/26
01 02 03
Autumm Term
Spring Term
Monday 1 September to Friday 12 December st th
Half Term:
Monday 20 OctoberFriday 31 October
INSET: Friday 14 November th
Monday 5 JanuaryWednesday 1 April st
Half Term: Monday 16 FebruaryFriday 20 February
Summer Term
Thursday 23 AprilFriday 1 July st
Half Term: Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May
Bank Holiday: Monday 4 May th
Boarders should not book flights to leave or arrive during advertised term-time dates.
Boarders' arrival and departure days are as follows:
At the beginning of term/half term: Return the Sunday before, from 2:00pm onwards.
At the end of term/half term: Leave by 5:30pm on the last day of the half term/term
Sixth Form Key Dates
Spring Term 2026
Summer Term 2026
Estimated Cost Plan
Estimated Cost Plan
2025-27
Sixth FormPrivilages & Policies
Sixth FormPrivilages
Off-Site Privilages
Sixth Form students are permitted to go off-site during the school day (after break time), provided parental permission has been obtained Students must identify in the signing-out book, where they are going and sign back in at reception when they return to school. Students must be present for registration at the start of each day and in all timetbeld sessions thereafter
Use of the Gym
Sixth Form students are welcome to use the Gym and Fitness Suite during their free periods or before or after school (after 7:30 am and before 6:00 pm), so long as it is not being used by the PE Department for teaching purposes and a full gym induction has been completed
03 01 02
Sixth Form Spaces
Sixth form students benefit from access to a range of exclusive spaces within the school These include the Sixth Form Study Room, the Sixth Form Common Room, and the Sixth Form Kitchen, equipped with a fridge, microwave, artisan coffee machine, and a selection of tea and coffee-making facilities These areas are designated solely for the use of sixth form students, providing a comfortable and supportive environment tailored to their needs
Lunch Priority 04
Sixth Form students do not have a fixed lunch period on their timetable Instead, they are free to take lunch at any point during the two-hour lunch window allocated across both the Prep School and Senior School. This flexibility allows students to manage their time more independently around lessons, study, and other commitments
Use of Mobile Phones 05
Sixth Form students are permitted to use their phones on the school site, unlike younger students However, we ask that this be done only in designated Sixth Form spaces or in lessons when directed to do so by a member of staff
Sixth FormPolicies
01
Reporting Absence
Planned Absence
If an absence is known in advance, parents, guardians, or carers should request permission promptly by sending one email to the Head of Sixth Form, copying in the Form Tutor and the school reception team via absence@sherfieldschoolcouk
On the Day of Absence
If a student is unwell or an emergency prevents them from attending school, please do one of the following:
Send an email toabse nce@sherfieldschoolcouk, detailing the specific reasons for the absence, copying in the Head of Sixth Form, and the Form Tutor, OR Call the school absence line on 01256 884800
Where possible, email is the preferred method of reporting absence as it ensures that all relevant staff are informed promptly and clearly
Please note: all absence notifications must come from a parent, guardian or carer, even if the student is aged 18 or over
Absence Information for Boarding Students
Any boarding student who is unwell will be assessed by the boarding staff on duty and, if necessary, the School Nurse They will then report the absence to the school
Boarding students must not arrive after the beginning of term or leave before the end of term, except in the case of an emergency Parents and guardians must not book travel during term time without securing prior permission from the Head of Sixth Form
02
Use of IT & Communication
All students are expected to use their school email as the primary method of electronic communication with staff Students should check their school email every day
All Sixth Form notices will be shared through the Sixth Form Google Classroom, which can be accessed using the class code provided by tutors at the start of the academic year This Google Classroom will serve as the central hub for all Sixth Form announcements, as well as careers and university-related information It is the go-to place for everything Sixth Form at Sherfield
All homework will be set via subject-specific Google Classrooms, managed by the relevant members of teaching staff All students are expected to download the Google Classroom app on all their devices and ensure notifications are turned on Students must join all relevant Google Classrooms
03
Student Cars & Ride Sharing
Students who have passed their driving test are welcome to park on the school site, in the staff car park located on the right as you approach the school To do so, parents must give consent by emailing the Head of Sixth Form and providing the make, model and registration number of the vehicle
The school accepts no liability for student vehicles while they are on site It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that any car driven to school by a student is fully insured, taxed and roadworthy
Students are not permitted to travel in one another’s cars unless parental consent has been given in advance This consent should also be sent by email to the Head of Sixth Form
Independent StudyExpectations
Independent Work Study Periods and
During A-Level or BTEC study, students will have a significantly greater amount of time to work on tasks independently As such, the quality, quantity and frequency of independent work completed by students is a huge factor in the success of students in KS5
There is a strong body of research that suggests that students who achieve 3 x A / Distinction grades or better complete roughly 25 hours of independent work, outside of lesson time, per week
Students will be set somewhere in the region of one hour of homework per lesson but should note that they must work beyond this to achieve the highest grades at KS5 Students will receive a great deal of guidance on how to work independently at the start of Year 12 or during their Pre-A year, but below are the forms of work that students should do beyond their homework and classwork and complete weekly:
Preparatory reading for the forthcoming lesson/topic
Make notes on concepts, knowledge, processes or ideas that will be part of the next lesson to help your contextual learning ahead of the next lesson
Completing past papers and exam questions 01 02 03 04
Regular low-stakes testing
Make use of platforms such as Seneca or upLearn to check your understanding of both recently covered and earlier topics Aim to mix older material with new content when testing yourself, as this mirrors the format of most final examinations Peer testing can also be highly effective, and involving family or friends by using flash cards is another useful strategy In STEM subjects, completing end of chapter questions in textbooks is strongly encouraged to consolidate learning within each specific topic
Create consolidatory notes and revision materials on topics recently covered
Given that the Sixth Form journey spans just five terms, it is essential for students to regularly revisit prior learning alongside the acquisition of new content It is strongly recommended that revision materials such as flashcards, mind maps and summary notes are created and updated on a weekly basis to support long-term retention and academic success.
Practising exam questions and papers is a crucial part of effective preparation for final assessments Completing past papers, having them marked, self-assessing using official mark schemes and reviewing examiners’ reports will help build familiarity with the style and expectations of the exams It is important to analyse your performance carefully to identify areas that require further revision Revisit questions you found challenging, but also re-do those you answered correctly to ensure you fully master both the content and the technique required for success
Read around your subject to provide yourself with a deeper and broader contextual knowledge of your subject, especially in subjects that relate to your chosen higher education pathway. 05
Broadening your knowledge beyond the A Level or BTEC curriculum is valuable not only for strengthening your understanding of the course content but also for making competitive applications to higher education Engaging with wider reading, academic lectures and subject-related content can deepen your insight and support your academic development It is advisable to keep brief notes on anything you read, watch or listen to Academic journals, taster lectures, MOOCs and podcasts are all excellent sources for this type of enrichment
