Sixth Form FROM 16 – 18 YEARS
Sixth Form: A place to stand out and excel, to be ambitious and forwardthinking while fully contributing to the community life of the school. St George's encourages Sixth Formers to develop their own identity and individual approach to life and study while providing strong pastoral and academic support. In today's fast-paced and increasingly globalised world, we nurture self-reliance and self-motivation. Naturally, our girls aspire to excellent grades and the university course or career of their choice. We share these ambitions. Our track record in attainment and achievement, as well as our sector-leading all-through curriculum, have been rated as Excellent (the highest grade) by Education Scotland. Sixth Formers are supported to ensure that they choose the most appropriate pathway. Our dedicated Sixth Form team explores girls' aspirations and helps with decisions and plans. They help girls to understand and develop their strengths, areas of interest and skills. Our ethos is a healthy balance between providing a clear, supportive framework and recognising the need for trust and flexibility.
“The incredible support network provided by the teachers who offer invaluable guidance helps students navigate their path. Overall I would say that Sixth Form has given me space to grow while nurturing and preparing me for the next stage.� Fiyin, Sixth Form Student
The bedrock of St George's Sixth Form is its academic choice and flexibility. Our Sixth Form curriculum offers a choice of academic qualifications: Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, some A-Levels, GCSEs and Scottish Nationals. We pride ourselves on the breadth and flexibility of our courses, which enable every girl to pursue the widest choice of university courses or careers. Girls benefit from plenty of individual attention in small classes. This is made possible by the structure and size of our school. Working together, we develop a bespoke portfolio of courses to suit an individual's specific needs and aspirations.
“The relationship between student and teacher changes at Sixth Form, and becomes much more interactive and personal - a huge benefit, which has given me the confidence to debate topics in class and ask more meaningful questions regarding my studies.” Alice, Sixth Form Student
Scottish Highers are a gold standard for entry to university. Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers provide challenge and versatility: while Higher remains the gold standard for entry to university courses in Scotland, Advanced Higher examinations carry comparable UCAS ratings to A Levels, and English universities welcome Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications – as do universities throughout the world.
Empowering girls to believe in themselves All of St George's pupils are part of a school expressly designed for girls where they are free from gender stereotypes. Surrounded by positive female role models and meaningful positions of responsibility, girls encounter opportunities and empowerment in equal measure. This powerful blend encourages real self-belief by helping every girl to find her own voice and develop independence of mind. We look to the Upper Sixth to be leaders across the school. Every member of the Upper Sixth has the opportunity to take on a leadership role. Students have a genuine voice in running the school through their House, Committees and the Student Council. There is a Student Leadership Team, as well as a large prefect body, who are elected by students and staff.
A complete education Academic attainment is complemented by a broad and enriching co-curriculum to provide a rounded education. The variety of provision of our co-curriculum ensures that music, sport and drama all play an integral part in the girls' lives, while a long tradition of encouraging debate is cultivated through our popular Model United Nations and Debating clubs. We foster cultural awareness and an international outlook through an extensive Student Exchange programme with partner schools around the globe. Closer to home, outdoor education, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Combined Cadet Force provide opportunities for leadership, new challenges and service in the community. Charitable fundraising enhances awareness of the needs of those beyond our school community. Within our co-curriculum provision, we offer academic enrichment for Sixth Formers. This goes beyond the work undertaken in the academic curriculum by providing a programme of activities that enhances academic development and stimulates intellectual curiosity in all students.
“I have spent between one and four weeks in America, Canada, Hong Kong and Italy as part of the school’s Student Exchange Programme. These travel opportunities alone are something which is unique to St George’s and have really pushed me to explore other cultures and ourselves.” Ruth, Sixth Form Student
Partnership with Merchiston Castle School for boys St George’s has a close relationship with Merchiston Castle School for boys in Edinburgh. This relationship includes both schools joining together for plays and numerous social events throughout the school year. There is a jointly run CCF and the annual theatre productions are also shared, with the girls taking part in Merchiston’s shows and the boys participating in St George's school productions.
Top of the School for Sixth Form: New Sixth Form Suite Facilities for the Sixth Form have recently been refurbished and relocated to the top floor of the Upper School. Proposed and planned with the help of a team of senior girls, the new Sixth Form study and social suite is designed for a modern way of learning. Housed around the Upper School library, girls have easy access to library resources and a computer area. The facilities include flexible open-plan workspaces, private study areas and spaces to work in small groups.
Careers: Where next? The Sixth Form and Careers teams provide an umbrella of support to pupils and parents regarding university courses and institutions, apprenticeship opportunities, gap years and careers. Every student receives a tailored support package which includes one-to-one meetings with appropriate staff to discuss universities, courses and potential careers. We also provide individual assistance with work experience and university applications. Almost all of our Sixth Form go on to take degree courses. Year on year, over 90% of our students achieve their first choice of university. Our girls progress to the UK's top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and leading Russell Group establishments; equally important are those who study a range of courses with strong links to industry and vocational or creative pathways.
Network St G’s All girls who join our school community can be part of St George’s ‘network for life’. The Foundation Office and Old Girls’ Association, who work closely together, provide life-long professional support, advice and guidance for all pupils and alumnae.
Boarding: A stepping stone to university life The boarding house, Houldsworth House, is a friendly home-from-home for around 50 girls. Our boarders benefit from a family atmosphere with a high level of individual support. Sixth Form boarding is designed as a stepping stone to university life. Girls enjoy more freedom and take greater responsibility for their own learning, living and socialising, and they benefit from a more mature relationship with the housemistress and her boarding house staff.
Joining Sixth Form For girls wishing to join St George’s Sixth Form, the process begins with a visit to the school to meet the staff to discuss interests and subject choices. Places are allocated on the basis of an interview with the Head and written assessment. Further information is available from our Admissions Team E admissions@stge.org.uk, T 0131 311 8008.
Garscube Terrace, Murrayfield, Edinburgh EH12 6BG
Day and boarding school for girls, 3-18 years T 0131 311 8000 E admissions@stge.org.uk OSCR Charity No: SC012632 Help with fees available
stge.org.uk