Whitgift is one of the country’s leading boys’ schools and we have a strong commitment to each student’s all-round development as well as ensuring they reach their potential academically. Alongside our strong academic ethos, we offer a rich variety of co-curricular activities, music, drama and sports and superb onsite facilities –all helping to create a very special and enriching experience for students in the Sixth Form.
We welcome applications to our Sixth Form from boys currently studying elsewhere. Almost all of our Fifth Form boys remain at Whitgift until they have taken their A levels or International Baccalaureate exams, where they achieve excellent results. However, we also accept a number of students each year who join us from many other schools. They might live locally, travel across London and Surrey, or they might seek one of our prestigious boarding places so that they can throw themselves into Whitgift life without any travel issues! With strong support from the pastoral teams our new students integrate seamlessly into the cohort, quickly benefiting from the stimulating new surroundings and our famously wide range of opportunities. These range from an enormous number of sports, through music, drama, partnership work, debating, and countless other options.
Courses are individually tailored, with pathways for A Level or International Baccalaureate qualifications, and specialist tutors are available to offer personal advice on the most suitable routes.
Being confident and ready for more independent learning and living is a core area for Whitgift School. Stepping up to positions of responsibility allows Sixth Formers to develop as individuals and to demonstrate initiative, leadership and collaborative working – all helping the journey to Higher Education, whether in the UK or overseas. For those who opt to board with us at Founder’s House, this offers an ideal stepping stone to growing independence.
The Sixth Form experience is a very exciting time for any student and, as Headmaster of Whitgift for the year ahead, I hope to see every Sixth Former enjoy and make the most of their time with us. For many, the Sixth Form years are some of the best times in their school careers, but we understand there are inevitably pressures and anxieties in these years too. Whitgift tutors are here to help every student navigate their way and I would like to make clear that I am also available to students who want to ask for advice or ideas regarding their future. I may only be Head for a year, but I want all pupils to know I care very much about each of them.
Andrew Halls Headmaster 2024-2025
INTRODUCTION
Whitgift’s Sixth Form marks a clear transition point into a period of education in which greater freedom, privilege and responsibility will be evident to all our students.
Our aim is to seamlessly bridge the gap between the GCSE years and adulthood and set our students on a path of future success in their chosen field, with all the knowledge and tools needed to achieve beyond what they thoughts possible and to make a positive difference in the world.
In these two years, students will be guided by the values of independence (in terms of managing time and learning), leadership (as they help to shape the culture of the school and those following in their footsteps) and aspiration (as they set their sights beyond Whitgift and on the adult life they will have ahead of them). A student’s time in the Sixth Form will be some of the most rewarding, fun and exciting years they will experience, but ones that we hope will enable them to forge any path they desire, and to do so with purpose and humility. We hope that Whitgift Sixth Formers will not take their privilege for granted, but know they are being given an extraordinary opportunity, and grasp it with both hands.
We aspire for all our Sixth Formers to be engaged, articulate, innovative, and wellrounded young people with a powerful sense of identity and strong values, brimming with self-confidence, but with their feet planted firmly on the ground. We are unashamedly a school which places a high value on academic success, but we value equally the development of the whole student, both in and outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to think critically, push themselves beyond their comfort zone and embrace the new. There will be hard work ahead, but this will be approached with eagerness and not with trepidation, and every student will have the opportunity to find an area in which they can excel. We want them to find their happy place, and grow within it, sharing their passions with others, and leaving behind them a legacy of which we all can be proud.
With its diversity truly reflecting that of London, Whitgift offers a unique opportunity to engage with young adults of vastly differing backgrounds, life experiences and views. This creates an atmosphere which is genuinely lively and stimulating, but also accepting. As individuals, students are known and valued and as a community they are strong.
Although the transition to adulthood can be challenging for some, the supportive community lead by the tutors and the wider Sixth Form team will be there to encourage, inspire and guide students at every stage of their educational journey. The new Student Futures team will offer first-class teaching to direct all towards the best possible next steps. Ultimately, we aim for our Sixth Formers to emerge as outstandingly qualified, lifelong learners with the ability to make a positive difference to the world, and a desire to ‘give back’ in many ways. We want them to be happy and secure. We know all of this is only possible with a significant emphasis on outstanding pastoral care and wide-ranging support mechanisms to suit all individuals. We are not a one-size-fits-all school. We are proud of our ability to tailor our support to the needs of every pupil.
So, what makes our Sixth Form so special? First and foremost, this is a school that combines a rich heritage with modernity – a school that moves with the times! Our students are proud to be Whitgiftians on every level and represent the school with pride. The Whitgift Sixth Form is characterised by the sheer breadth of opportunity available to students. Whether they choose International Baccalaureate (IB) or A Level is only the start; the range of co-curricular opportunities is exceptional and there are countless opportunities to develop leadership skills, through Community Service, Charity, CCF, as a prefect and so much
more. As ambassadors for the School, and role models for our younger boys, our Sixth Formers are always encouraged to think about more than just themselves, and consider what kind of difference they can make, however small, to others. Through their vastly differing endeavours, they make us proud every day. Our student are what make Whitgift truly special.
We know that we provide our students with the perfect environment to create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime and our staff is committed to ensuring they do. Come and see for yourself!
Faye Carter Director of Sixth Form
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The great majority of students enter the Sixth Form directly from the Fifth Form, a tribute to the atmosphere and spirit within the School.
We also welcome students from other schools, both in the surrounding area and from further afield. Every effort is made to ensure that any new entrant to Whitgift quickly becomes part of the School community and soon feels comfortable.
Admission to the Sixth Form is not automatic, being determined by overall academic achievement and suitability for the rigours of Sixth Form study. The precise requirements for this are set out in a separate document. Certain subjects also have specific GCSE grade requirements. Students are expected to maintain high academic standards throughout the Sixth Form. Strong university applications require a good academic performance in the Lower Sixth year.
For internal candidates, there is no formal application process for the Sixth Form, as it is expected that most will continue straight through.
We recommend that applications for entry into the Sixth Form by external candidates are made early in the final GCSE year. All prospective Sixth Form boys will sit two examinations (normally subjects that they intend to study at IB Higher Level or A Level, as well as a Critical Thinking paper). In addition, those boys who are non-native speakers will also sit a proficiency exam in English. Applicants will also have an interview with representatives of the Senior Leadership or Sixth Form teams. Receipt of satisfactory references from the student’s current or previous school is also required. The Headmaster may make an unconditional offer or one conditional upon specific grades being achieved at GCSE.
FACILITIES
The Sixth Form Centre is a modern space with invaluable neighbouring facilities, including the Raeburn Library, a Quiet Study Area and a newlyrefurbished café.
The Library is staffed permanently and students have specific private study periods on their timetables to encourage organisation and study skills. The contemporary, bright and expansive Common Room combines areas for relaxing and socialisingi.
Immediately adjacent to the Common Room, Quiet Study Area and Prefects’ Room are offices for the Sixth Form leadership teams comprising the Director of Sixth Form; the Proctor; the Heads of Lower and Upper Sixth together with their Deputies and Assistants; the Director of IB; the Assistant Head Futures and her team, and the Sixth Form and Student Futures Administrators. This ensures that support and advice is always at hand.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
There is a wealth of co-curricular opportunity available to Sixth Formers at Whitgift.
All students are attached to the Senior School House system. There are House competitions and events covering a wide range of sporting, cultural and artistic activities. In addition to House activities, students can involve themselves in many sports including rugby, football, hockey, cricket, athletics, badminton, climbing, cross-country running, fencing, fives, golf, biking, badminton, shooting, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis and water polo. In addition, students can join the Outdoor Education Programme or the Combined Cadet Force, or participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. We also operate an inspiring clubs and societies programme; those of particular interest to Sixth Form students include the Debating Society, MedSoc, Whitonomics, as well as various musical groups and drama activities. Sixth Form students are encouraged to take a leading role in the organisation and development of these societies.
MUSIC
There are many musical opportunities for Sixth Form students at Whitgift. The most talented instrumentalists can play in the Whitgift Chamber Orchestra. There are also opportunities in the Symphony Orchestra, string, brass and woodwind groups. Choral music at Whitgift is very strong, and serious vocalists can sing with the Chamber Choir, several of whose members have won Choral Scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge colleges in recent years.
The House Music Competition and Charity Concert allow those interested in pop and rock music to form groups and perform in public.
DRAMA
The opportunities for dramatic involvement in the Sixth Form are abundant, with a vast range of theatrical productions throughout the academic year. A Sixth Form play takes place each year and there are always opportunities to direct shows for younger pupils. Classical theatre is strong at Whitgift, and, each year, students have the opportunity to be part of professional-standard Main School productions such as the recent productions of Twelfth Night the Musical and Caucasian Chalk Circle . Whitgift has also established a reputation for successfully staging large-scale musical productions including The Producers , Hairspray , and Billy Elliot . An exciting recent development is Whitgift’s appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with productions of George Büchner’s Woyzech , and last year’s specially commissioned piece, When it Rains .
WHITGIFT SUMMER SCHOOL
Whitgift introduced its Summer School in 2015, allowing boys and girls from around the world to learn English through the School’s innovative syllabus. Whitgift Sixth Form students, along with pupils from Old Palace of John Whitgift School, have the opportunity to assist with lessons, co-curricular and social programmes, providing invaluable experiences.
WHITGIFT SCHOOL CCF
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in the Sixth Form allows boys to show leadership, be responsible for younger cadets, and participate in a broad range of challenging activities.
Whitgift School CCF has four sections: Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, along with the Corp of Drums. The CCF begins in the Third Form and many cadets stay on to complete their five year career by becoming a senior NonCommissioned Officer (NCO). CCF parades on Tuesdays from 1545-1700. Whilst the CCF is not a recruiting tool, many senior cadets choose to join the Regular Forces, with some winning Military Scholarships to university.
We have partnerships with local schools which gives many opportunities to interact with the wider community. There are many CCF activities at school, on camps and on training weekends which include Live Firing on Ranges, Adventurous Training such as Canoeing and Climbing, Air Experience Days such as Gliding or Flying, Sailing, Diving and even Tank Driving.
In recent years, cadets have been to camps with the Regular Forces in Germany, to the oceans with the Royal Navy including a recent visit to the aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth , and taken part in prestigious competitions and military ceremonies.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Outdoor Education aims to take boys out of their comfort zones and introduce them to new experiences. Activities include climbing, wakeboarding, track and road cycling, mountain biking and sailing. Activities are selected according to the prevailing weather conditions of that week, and specialist equipment is provided. Trips further afield are catered for in Scuba Diving, Skiing and Snowboarding, and the Expedition Club.
A yearly programme of Outdoor Education trips is also available to Sixth Form boys. A ski trip to St Christoph in Austria, a Portuguese surf safari and a local multi-activity trip are just a few of the opportunities afforded to boys at the School. Recent destinations for adventurous overseas trips have also included Costa Rica and Morocco.
The ethos of our Outdoor Education is to take boys to exciting environments, to learn new skills and to enjoy the great sports that we have available to us.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH SCHEME
The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award is available to all boys in the Sixth Form. It is customary to have progressed through the Bronze and Silver levels, but direct entrants are also invited to enrol on this valuable award.
Boys are required to undertake a 12-month period of volunteering, learn a skill for either six or 12 months, and take part in a physical activity for either six or 12 months. In addition, boys undertake a self-sufficient, four-day expedition to an overseas location. In recent years, trips have visited locations as diverse as Corsica, Nepal and Morocco. A practice expedition is held in the UK to prepare boys and to practise the skills that they are taught in the weekly classroom sessions. The final aspect of the Award programme invites boys to spend a week on a residential project, where they will meet like-minded people.
Highly respected by universities and employers alike, the Duke of Edinburgh Award teaches and develops key attributes of leadership, responsibility, organisation and teamwork.
SPORT
Whitgift has an outstanding and unrivalled record of national and international attainment in sport. More than 40 different sports and activities are offered, from foundation level to national excellence.
The School has extensive sporting facilities, which include an excellent range of grass pitches, floodlit all-weather artificial pitches, squash, fives and tennis courts. The indoor sports complex is of outstanding quality. It contains a 44m x 28m sports hall with moveable partitions and tiered gallery for spectators, four glass-back squash courts, fitness centre, multi-purpose room, a 25m swimming pool with eight lanes and variable-depth flooring, meeting national standards for swimming and water polo competitions, three classrooms and a physiotherapy room.
Major national titles have been gained in many sports, including hockey, cricket, football, fencing, table tennis, golf, athletics, swimming, modern pentathlon and rugby. Whitgift regularly produces schoolboy internationals, and boys often go on to careers in professional sport. We have very strong links with numerous academies and NGB’s: Chelsea FC, Crystal Palace FC, Harlequins RFC, most of the Home Counties first-class cricket teams, Wimbledon Hockey Club, East Grinstead Hockey Club and Pentathlon GB to mention but a few.
ADDITIONAL STUDIES
GENERAL STUDIES AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME
General Studies is an extensive enrichment lecture programme taken by both Upper and Lower Sixth Form students. The course offers a wide range of speakers on hugely diverse topics, aimed at fulfilling Whitgift’s aim of giving the best all-round education. The programme includes speakers with interesting lifeexperiences, thought-provoking advice for the future and tips for navigating life’s challenges. It is also one of the vehicles through which the Student Futures programme is delivered. In addition to General Studies, a number of leading academic speakers are also invited to speak to Sixth Formers as part of the Enrichment Programme.
SIXTH FORM STUDENT VOICE
Sixth Form Team will regularly canvas opinion in tutor time, as well as meet with various committees, with different pupils representing their form groups on each occasion. Their responsibilities include representing the views of the Sixth Form and the wider student body to members of staff, initiating and organising social activities, and fostering links with the world outside Whitgift.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Our Sixth Formers are important role models to their younger peers. There are plenty of opportunities for them to take on a leadership role soon after the beginning of the Michaelmas Term – involvement in Community Service projects or running our House drama competition with younger students, for example.
A busy Student Leadership Team headed by the School Captain and his deputies have a whole school remit, working on events and collaborating on the strategic direction of the School with senior staff. Our vibrant House system is headed by a team of Upper Sixth students. We also have Sports Captains, Form Reps, and peer mentors for younger year groups.
EPQ (EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION)
Whitgift offers A Level students the choice to complete an EPQ. Equivalent to half an A Level, it is an independent research project which involves researching and writing a 5,000 word essay, or creating an artefact with an accompanying 1500-word essay. The EPQ is much valued by universities, and completing one can give students an extra edge when applying to universities through UCAS.
CAREERS AND HIGHER EDUCATION
At Whitgift you can realise and exceed all your aspirations.
In recent years leavers have taken up an array of courses at Oxbridge and other top universities nationwide, music at London’s Guildhall conservatoire, Ivy League colleges in the US, sports scholarships, and degree apprenticeships at world-leading consultancies. Access to information about a student’s options is unparalleled. The expertise of the Higher Education team ensures that they never far from advice, ideas and support. We have a professional network on hand to provide work experience placements. All students receive in-house information guides and a subscription to exclusive online content so their research can continue at home.
During the Michaelmas Term (SeptemberDecember) we host a large Careers Convention, where students can meet professionals from a wide range of fields. Moreover, the Student Futures curriculum is carefully planned with one-to-one meetings at its heart. Students can look forward to events across the two years including student conferences, evening talks, lunchtime gatherings, assemblies and panel discussions.
Interested in applying to Oxbridge, medicine courses or overseas universities? Whitgift is an accredited centre for admissions tests (including the BMAT) and SATs. We have a long-term track record of success and our systematic approach will guide students through academic enrichment, the personal statement, admissions tests, submitted work and the interview.
SUBJECT CHOICES
There are two academic routes available in the Whitgift Sixth Form.
ROUTE A – INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)
The IB consists of six subjects studied over two years. Students opt to study three of these subjects at Higher Level (HL) for specialist depth, and three subjects at Standard Level (SL) to retain breadth. The IB also has three additional elements that must be completed by all students: The Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) and an Extended Essay. Students choose one from each of five subject groups: English, Foreign Languages, Humanities, Sciences and Mathematics. The sixth subject is either a creative subject or an optional second subject from the Languages, Sciences or Humanities groups.
The IB Diploma is assessed by the submission of coursework and through examinations at the conclusion of the Upper Sixth year.
The IB is a widely-respected and internationallyrecognised qualification. University Admissions Tutors are aware of the challenge and breadth that IB provides, and Diploma Programme students can be confident of being looked upon favourably.
ROUTE B – A LEVELS
A Level students are expected to study four subjects in the first year, selected from an extensive list of subject options. In practice, most students will continue with three subjects in the Upper Sixth, although a number will complete four. We also encourage them to complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ); this exciting qualification gives students the opportunity to write a dissertation, conduct an investigation or produce an artefact on a topic which is entirely of their own choosing.
It is our expectation that all A Level students will leave Whitgift with at least four academic qualifications. This could be three A Levels plus EPQ, four A Levels, or four A Levels plus EPQ. Those moving to three A Level subjects in the Lower Sixth will pick up EPQ and Community Service in their vacant fourth block. Students continuing on four A Level subjects will also be able to complete the EPQ and/or Community Service. In addition to their chosen subjects, A Level students also study Ideatum and General Studies throughout the Sixth Form. These additional elements add considerable breadth as well as depth to the academic experience of our A Level students.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROUTE
The sheer breadth of opportunity available at Whitgift offers students an exciting chance to select the right academic pathway for them.
Whether they choose Route A (IB Diploma) or Route B (A Levels), students can expect expert teaching and an inspirational environment in which to learn. The choice of route, and the important subject choices within, should be based upon personal interests, individual ability and aspirations for university application or career. Students must think about what they have most enjoyed at GCSE and what they think will keep them motivated to study over two years, as well as the subjects in which they have been most successful. Students may wish to keep their options open with the IB course, or they may prefer to specialise with A Levels – it is up to them!
It should be noted that IB and A Level students have approximately the same number of taught periods per fortnight, and all students should be spending approximately equal numbers of hours on their homework per week. All students should discuss their future plans in as much detail as possible to ensure they embark on a
rewarding and fulfilling Sixth Form experience. The final decision on the most appropriate route must be mutually agreed by the student, their parents and the School. It is reassuring to know that whatever route is chosen, students will receive outstanding care, guidance and advice from Tutors, the Student Futures team and the Sixth Form team.
To enable us to estimate staffing and timetabling requirements for the next academic year, we ask students to make choices for their preferred route and combination of subjects in the Lent Term (January-March) of the Fifth Form. We aim to meet as many of the desired combinations of subjects as possible, but this is not always achievable, and a course may be withdrawn if there is insufficient demand. We also reserve the right not to allow students who change their minds to switch to a subject where teaching groups might be unacceptably large.
SUBJECTS
A LEVEL COURSES INCLUDE:
Art
Biology
Business*
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Computer Science
Design, Technology & Engineering
Drama & Theatre Studies
Economics*
English Literature
French
Further Mathematics
Geography
German
Graphic Design
Greek History
Japanese
Latin
Mandarin Chinese
Mathematics
Music
Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Spanish
Theology & Philosophy
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
SUBJECTS INCLUDE:
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Economics
English
Environmental Systems & Societies
French
Geography
German
Global Politics
History
Japanese
Latin Literature & Performance
Mandarin Chinese
Mathematics
Mathematics Studies
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Psychology
Spanish
Theatre
Visual Arts
If a student wishes to take up a language from scratch (‘ab initio’) as part of their IB curriculum, they can do so, providing they have not studied the subject before.
Other subjects may be available if there is sufficient demand.
Our aim is to provide the widest choice of A Level and IB subjects to our students.
*The study of the combination of Business and Economics should be taken under advisement from the Head of Business and Economics.
A Level students have timetabled Ideatum lessons in the Lower Sixth, tutor-delivered Ideatum in the Upper Sixth and General Studies and Games lessons in both years of the Sixth Form. Ideatum and General Studies provision for students following the IB route, is provided in a more bespoke manner, to reflect their more complex timetabling arrangements.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Sixth Form students have multiple opportunities to participate in Community Service, and indeed it is expected that all will do so in some capacity, as we strongly believe that part of their educational experience should be to actively ‘give back’. Organised activities in which students can get involved include:
PRIMARY PROJECT
Sixth Formers can fulfil the role of teaching assistants for lessons delivered to local primary pupils each week at Whitgift, as part of a programme which has been running to benefit the community for over 20 years.
PRIMARY SCHOOL VISITS
Visiting local primary schools on a weekly basis to act as teaching assistants and role models.
ACADEMIC MASTERCLASSES
Supporting and teaching academic masterclasses to disadvantaged local primary pupils on Saturday mornings.
COMMUNITY SUMMER SCHOOL
Acting as teaching assistants and mentors to disadvantaged local primary pupils during the summer holidays.
HOSTING EVENTS FOR LOCAL PRIMARY PUPILS
Hosting and leading activities for primary Maths and Science challenge afternoons, as well as creating and judging a primary creative writing competition.
VISITS TO WHITGIFT HOUSE
Supporting the elderly residents of Whitgift House through time spent together performing musical concerts, playing croquet and a range of other activities.
ORGANISING CHARITY EVENTS
Participating in the Charity Committee which organises regular events to fundraise for the school charities, including the spectacular annual Charity Concert.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ‘I was able to improve my presentation and engagement skills, both by teaching the lessons and being friendly and approachable to the students.’
‘It taught me how to address others. I had to alter my language so that they could understand me as something which may come naturally to me might be incomprehensible to a nine-year old.’
