SIXTH FORM
Whitgift is one of the country’s leading boys’ schools and we have a strong commitment to every boy’s all-round and individual development as well as ensuring they reach their considerable academic potential. Alongside our rigorous academic ethos, we offer an incredibly rich variety of co-curricular activities, all supported by our superb onsite facilities. These features combine to create an extraordinarily special and enriching experience for students in the Sixth Form, enabling boys to succeed in whatever route they choose. We warmly welcome applications to our Sixth Form from boys currently studying elsewhere. Almost all of our Fifth Form (Year 11) boys remain at Whitgift until they have taken their A-level 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 from within the London / SE region, or they might seek one of our prestigious boarding places so that they can throw themselves into Whitgift life without any travel issues and make the most of living in our fabulous campus. 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 to music, drama, partnership work, debating, and countless other options. Trips and excursions also form a major part of life here at Whitgift, with destinations ranging from the local to the far-flung corners of the globe.
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Courses are individually tailored and specialist tutors are available to offer personal advice on the most suitable routes. Instilling boys with the confidence to learn and live independently is a core feature of Whitgift School and comes to the fore in the Sixth Form. 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 the most exciting time for any student and, as Headmaster, I hope to see every Sixth Former relish and make the most of their time with us. For many, the Sixth Form years are some of the most fun and enjoyable times in their school careers, but we understand there are sometimes pressures and anxieties in these years too. Whitgift tutors are here to help every boy navigate their way and I, along with all teachers at Whitgift, am also available to boys who are looking for advice or ideas regarding their future. Our pastoral care is one of the great strengths of the Sixth Form and is the platform upon which boys develop their sense of belonging and find their own particular pathway. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Whitgift; thank you for your interest in this most astonishing school. Toby Seth Headmaster
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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.
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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 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.
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 students 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
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 Whitgiftian on every level and represent the school with pride. The Whitgift Sixth Form is characterised by the sheer breadth of opportunity available to students. In addition to the wide variety of A-Level subjects available, 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
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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 based on a student’s performance in their GCSE examinations, and demonstrated suitability for the courses they wish to study. 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.
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 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.
For internal candidates, there is no formal application process for the Sixth Form, as it is expected that most will continue straight through.
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FACILITIES
The Sixth Form Centre is a modern space with invaluable neighbouring facilities, including the Raeburn Library, a Quiet Study Area and a dedicated Sixth Form café. The Library is staffed permanently and students may use this in their free periods to complete work independently. The Quiet Study Area is use predominantly during dedicated private study periods on students’ timetables, to encourage organisation and study skills. The contemporary, bright and expansive Common Room combines areas for relaxing and socialising. Immediately adjacent to the Common Room, 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 Assistant Head Futures and her team, and the Sixth Form Administrator. This ensures that support and advice is always at hand.
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CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
There is a wealth of co-curricular opportunity available to Sixth Formers at Whitgift, and this was justifiably recognised by our most recent ISI inspection as a Significant Strength of the school. 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, crosscountry 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 10
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 professionalstandard 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 a 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.
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. From ski trip to Italy and Austria, Greek and Portuguese surf safaris and more local multi-activity trips are just a few of the opportunities afforded to boys at the School. Recent destinations for adventurous overseas trips have also included Corsica 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Highly respected by universities and employers alike, the Duke of Edinburgh Award teaches and develops key attributes of leadership, responsibility, organisation and teamwork.
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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 NGBs: 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.
THE CURRICULUM
The Sixth Form Curriculum at Whitgift is based on three key principles: academic excellence, breadth and choice. We believe the Sixth Form experience should encompass more than just the traditional academic subjects. For our students it is achieved by being able to offer a number of different A- Level pathways alongside the offer to study for an additional qualification. At the time of writing, we are currently considering an exciting range of options for the new September 2026 curriculum launch, which are likely to include some of the following: the Gold Arts Award, a TEFL learning course, a qualification in Higher Sports leadership, a CISI qualification in Fundamentals of Financial Services, AS Maths, OCR Level Cambridge Advanced, National in Sustainability (Certificate) and GCSE Italian (or alternative language).
also be available optionally for those students on four (or more) A-Levels, by way of supporting the Primary Project on site.
This offering is still open to review and will be clarified in due course. We are also considering the teaching of BTEC.
The following subjects will be offered as full A Level courses Please note that some courses may not be available if the demand is insufficient.
A Level students will have the opportunity to study four A-Levels 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. For those who would prefer, it will be possible to study three A-Levels from the outset, alongside one of the additional qualifications on offer. It is our expectation that most A Level students will leave Whitgift with four academic qualifications. Those who choose three A-Levels and an additional qualification, will also be timetabled for Community Service, and this will
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In addition to their chosen subjects, students also study Ideatum, Games and all elements of the Enrichment programme throughout the Sixth Form. These additional elements add considerable breadth as well as depth to the academic experience of our students.
Art Biology Business* Chemistry Classical Civilisation Computer Science Design, Technology & Engineering Drama & Theatre Studies Economics* English Literature French Further Maths Geography German
Greek History Japanese Latin Mandarin Chinese Mathematics Music Physical Education Physics Politics Psychology Spanish Theology & Philosophy *Students wishing to study Economics and Business Studies together for A-Level should first speak to the Head of Economics and Business to discuss whether it is a suitable combination for their future academic and professional ambitions. The school will consider requests from students to study both subjects on a caseby-case basis, given that some institutions may view the combination as being too narrow and hence disadvantageous for applicants.
IDEATUM Ideatum is Whitgift’s bespoke PSHE, life skills, and critical thinking programme. It is designed to support the safeguarding, social and personal development, and well-being of our students. This values-driven subject is delivered in various formats: weekly timetabled lessons for all students in the Lower Sixth and fortnightly Tutordelivered session for all Upper Sixth students. Through participation in Ideatum, Sixth Formers will develop their confidence, sense of identity and self-awareness. They will refine their ability to critically question and evaluate the world around them, whilst also gaining a better understanding of matters that impact their social, physical, and mental health and wellbeing, as well as those around them. Each half term is dedicated to a single unit of study focused on a key theme: > Relationships with Myself and Others > The Online and Digital World > Healthy Lifestyles and Life Choices > Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) > Mental Health and Wellbeing > My Place within the World The transferrable skills that our Sixth Formers gain in Ideatum serve them well across their curriculum. These skills are particularly valuable as they transition into young adulthood, preparing them for the greater responsibilities they will face at university and beyond.
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ADDITIONAL STUDIES
CAREERS AND HIGHER EDUCATION
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME This consists of an electives programme of study in a wide range of fields of interest, broadening the mind, and offering students the opportunity to delve deeper into areas of study they may not necessarily have chosen as part of their academic course. The courses available will change annually, and be based on the passions and specialisms of our staff body. They will offer a mix of academic enrichment, vocational and skills-based workshops, as well as general life skills and preparation for life beyond Whitgift aimed at fulfilling Whitgift’s aim of giving the best all-round education and preparation for the future. In addition, there will be opportunities for all students to engage in a research essay or project of their choosing, to deepen their knowledge and understanding of their chosen subject, and to share this new-found knowledge with others, alongside inter-disciplinary, collaborative project work.
At Whitgift you can realise and exceed all your aspirations.
SIXTH FORM STUDENT VOICE Sixth Form Team 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. The discussions at these meetings also feed into the agenda of the Sixth Form run Student Council.
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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 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.
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 (September December) 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.
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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.
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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.’
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8688 9222 Email: admissions@whitgift.co.uk www.whitgift.co.uk
SFP – TC/08-25
Whitgift School Haling Park South Croydon London CR2 6YT United Kingdom