Sixth Form Brochure

SIXTH FORM

OUR SIXTH FORM

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GROWTH OPPORTUNITY AND SUCCESS: THE SIXTH FORM EXPERIENCE With exceptional academic opportunities, extensive co-curricular activities, and robust support systems, we ensure a well-rounded experience and prepare our girls to excel in their final years at School, in higher education, and beyond.”

The Wycombe Abbey Sixth Form experience is an exceptional one; it is about helping our pupils to become future-ready by building strong academic foundations and developing their personal qualities. At its core, it is driven by our unwavering commitment to knowing and understanding each pupil as an individual, ensuring they are equipped to pursue their passions with confidence as they step into the world beyond our School.

We encourage pupils to embrace academic challenges both within and beyond the classroom, relish independent study, and navigate the university admissions process successfully, whatever their chosen pathway. Our nurturing, close-knit boarding community plays a vital role in this process, allowing pupils to forge lasting friendships that reach beyond the walls of Wycombe Abbey and to broaden their horizons through their various co-curricular pursuits.

Jacky Tidbury, Director of Sixth Form

We are very proud of our Sixth Form pupils, and it is an absolute pleasure to support them during their final two years of School life.

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UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: THE CURRICULUM We pride ourselves on the variety of subjects and wider provision that an education at Wycombe Abbey provides, especially in the Sixth Form.

Pupils usually study four A level subjects in Lower Sixth and continue with either three, or all four, in the Upper Sixth.

All A level courses follow a two-year, linear structure, with examinations at the end of Upper Sixth.

Alongside this core academic provision, pupils take part in our award-winning enrichment scheme, The Carrington Programme, and have the option to either work towards the Extended Project Qualification or the University Preparation Project, which both provide an opportunity for pupils to undertake a piece of independent, original research. Girls in recent years have completed projects on the rise of the USA as an economic powerhouse in the late 19th century, the transition of Romania from communism to the present day, the political apparatus in Aristophanes’ comedies, the use of algae as a biofuel, and the theme of hierarchy in 1970s British sitcoms.

Wycombe Abbey pupils excel within their A level studies, but our role in the Sixth Form is to encourage them to go beyond the restrictions of these syllabi and prepare them both for university and future careers. By the time they leave Clarence, we want our pupils to be ready to tackle the next challenges with confidence and dynamism, and it has been wonderful to welcome back so many of our recent alumnae to instil this in the next generation.”

Pupils benefit from a range of excellent support covering all aspects of their Sixth Form experience. Along with the Sixth Form Leadership Team, specialist Sixth Form Tutors provide day-to-day support on both academic and pastoral aspects of School life, as well as playing a key role in the highereducation process.

Scan to visit the Sixth Form page on our website.

Mr Olly Murphy, Deputy Head of Sixth Form

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FUTURE READY: ENRICHMENT Wycombe Abbey’s Sixth Form offers many opportunities to extend and enrich learning experiences, skills and abilities, and personal development. Our goal is to support pupils in discovering their aspirations and developing the necessary tools and characteristics to achieve them beyond their time at School.

The five strands of the Sixth Form enrichment programme are designed to enhance pupils’ education beyond their formal studies, helping them to develop essential life skills, broaden their experiences, and prepare for university and careers.

Personal Development Leadership opportunities, confidence building, and self-awareness activities.

Academic Extension Debating, guest lectures, research projects, and additional qualifications.

Community Engagement Volunteering, charity work, and mentoring younger pupils.

Health and Wellbeing Sports, mindfulness, and mental health support.

Career and University Preparation Work experience, internships, networking events, and university application guidance.

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A fundamental aspect of their Sixth Form experience is equipping all pupils with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and pursue the most suitable higher education path for them, and we take immense pride in the achievements of our pupils transitioning from School to university. Each year, approximately one-fifth of the year group secure places at Oxford or Cambridge universities, while others embark on a tremendous variety of courses at other Russell Group institutions including Imperial, UCL and Durham. Increasingly, a significant number of pupils also choose to explore new educational experiences in the United States and other international destinations.

Our bespoke University Preparation Programme is designed to ensure each girl applies for and gains an offer for the course and university that is right for them.”

Emma Bowen, Head of Higher Education

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UK UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2024

University of St Andrews Classics, Classics and English, Classics and French, Medicine, Psychology The University of Edinburgh History of Art, History Durham University Business and Management x2, Economics, Geography x4, History, Law, Liberal Arts, Physics, Psychology, Combined Honours in Social Sciences University of Cambridge Classics, Engineering x2, Law x3, Modern and Medieval Languages, Natural Sciences, Philosophy, Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion

University of Manchester Classics

City, University of London Business with Marketing Imperial College London Biological Sciences, Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry, Computing, Earth and Planetary Science with a Year Abroad, Design Engineering, Economics, Finance and Data Science, Medical Biosciences, Medicine

University of Sheffield Biological Sciences Cardiff University Medicinal Chemistry

King’s College London Anatomy, Developmental and Human Biology, Law, General Engineering, Medicine, Nursing with Registration as an Adult Nurse, Philosophy, Social Sciences, War Studies

University of Bristol Biology, Psychology in Education with Study Abroad

London School of Economics and Political Science Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Politics and Philosophy

University of Exeter International Relations University of Oxford Chemistry, Economics and Management, French and German, Geography, Materials Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, Philosophy, Politics and Economics

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University College London Anthropology, Architecture, Biochemistry, Economics x2, English, Geography, History, Politics and Economics, Law, Medicine x3, Philosophy, Psychology with Education

Throughout the Sixth Form, we support our pupils in their higher education preparation in a variety of ways:

UNIVERSITY PREPARATION PROGRAMME In addition to A level subjects and co-curricular pursuits, Sixth Form pupils participate in our bespoke, timetabled University Preparation lessons. In the Lower Sixth, pupils are taught in broad faculties whilst they refine their university course choice. Then in the Upper Sixth, they are taught by subject specialists from each department. This rigorous academic programme is underpinned by three key principles of interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and challenge, and is intended to be holistic, equipping pupils with the experience and skills required not only to attain places at top institutions but also to thrive once at university.

FUTURE READY DAYS AND ACADEMIC FORUM All Lower Sixth pupils take part in Future Ready Days, which incorporate a variety of sessions including completing their UCAS application and workshops to advise on writing their Personal Statement, an immersion day with the relevant department tackling subject-specific tasks, and the chance to hear from recent Wycombe Abbey Seniors about their experiences at different universities.

Girls take part in mock graduate assessment days to develop interview experience and understand what an assessment day may involve.

For the Upper Sixth, we host the Academic Forum, inviting pupils from local schools to participate in a day of activities, including university-style seminars, an inter-disciplinary quiz, and presentation challenges.

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HIGHER EDUCATION OPTIONS OVERSEAS

International University Destinations 2022 - 2025

The US and International Universities Office offers international education and application support to pupils from the Lower Fifth to Upper Sixth. Our aim is to raise awareness of the diverse global higher education opportunities available to girls upon leaving Wycombe Abbey. With the United States being the primary international destination and over 20 girls applying each year, the department has developed a programme designed to guide pupils through the US university application process.

Amherst College

Haverford College

Barnard College

IE University

Brown University

Johns Hopkins University

California Institute of Technology Case Western Reserve University Chinese University of Hong Kong

Emphasising early planning, holistic development, and continuous support from staff and alumnae, the programme includes key activities such as evaluating extracurricular activities, developing thoughtful university lists, writing and editing personal statements, coordinating standardised test strategies and tutoring, and providing opportunities for pupils to speak with university representatives. We provide extensive support to all pupils applying to global institutions and ensure pupils are well-prepared and competitive applicants for such universities.

The US and International Universities Office’s abundant support and weekly conversations about my choices helped me identify the best university for me.”

Wycombe Abbey Senior - University of Chicago

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New York University Northwestern University Pomona College

Columbia University

Princeton University

Cornell University

Sciences Po

Dartmouth College

Stanford University

Duke University

Syracuse University

Georgetown University

Trinity College Dublin

Georgia Institute of Technology

Tufts University

University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles University of Chicago University of Hong Kong University of New South Wales, Sydney University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill University of Pennsylvania Vassar College Yale University

THE CARRINGTON PROGRAMME Some of the programme is delivered in taught sessions whilst other elements are delivered in talks by Wycombe Abbey teachers and guest speakers, which have included climate scientist and record-breaking explorer, Felicity Aston MBE, mental health campaigner, Natasha Devon, and expert on networking, Andrew Wright.

The Carrington Programme cultivates skills and knowledge in a range of areas, including leadership, critical thinking and study skills, whilst also providing in-depth preparation for higher education and future careers. Developed with the principle that our role extends beyond the promotion of academic excellence, to ensure that girls are prepared for the many challenges that they will face in their personal and professional adult lives, the programme aims to develop the pupils’ abilities in many of the following skills:

In the Upper Sixth, pupils choose three elective courses that appeal to them; options have included ‘An Introduction to Political Philosophy’, ‘Upcycling Workshops’, ‘The Ethics of AI’, and ‘Mathematical Programming’. Throughout the Sixth Form, pupils will also take part in a range of annual, immersive educational experiences, often with pupils from other schools. These include the Communications Conference, the Wycombe Management Conference and the Leadership Summit.

● Leadership, responsibility and global thinking, ● Confidence and self-reliance, ● Creativity and vision, ● Critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

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CAREERS AND WORK EXPERIENCE Our Careers Department ensures all pupils have access to a wealth of information which will prepare them for the future. Throughout the year, pupils are invited to Career Spotlight talks, the annual Career Seminar and a dedicated space to research and talk about the many different options for the future.

Work experience is actively encouraged. Placements are valuable in allowing pupils to investigate careers and opportunities, assist career planning, build self-confidence, self-esteem and interpersonal skills, and help support university applications.

NURTURING LEADERSHIP AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT A strong leadership and service ethic is an intrinsic part of Wycombe Abbey life. Each of the programmes available offers girls an opportunity to serve others, share gifts and talents, and discover how rewarding this can be. Leadership skills are developed and girls become active and responsible global citizens who are inspired to make a positive difference to the world.

From being Head Girl or a School Prefect to leading a society, taking part in primary school placements or taking responsibility for a specific area of life within a boarding house, there is a plethora of opportunities to learn more, do more and contribute to the Wycombe Abbey community.

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BUILDING LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS: BOARDING Boarding in the Sixth Form at Wycombe Abbey offers a unique experience. In Lower Sixth, pupils continue to live in, or for those joining at 16+, move into, one of the Senior Houses: Airlie, Barry, Butler, Campbell, Cloister, Pitt, Rubens, Shelburne or Wendover. All girls in the Lower Sixth have a single or double dorm and share a living space called Mons (Monitors), serving as valuable role models. They take an active part in House activities and enjoy time together with girls in younger year groups. Day Boarders are also attached to a Senior House, which enables them to integrate fully into life at Wycombe Abbey. The Houses are very much part of a pupil’s Wycombe Abbey identity, which continues for many years after leaving the School.

The Upper Sixth sees the transition to Clarence House when the entire year group come back together for their final year at School. Whilst Clarence operates as one large, stand-alone boarding house, it consists of ten smaller houses with individual study bedrooms and a shared kitchen space. This prepares pupils for independent living once they leave School as they manage their house budget, learn to cook and even do their own laundry, all the while supported by a dedicated team of House staff.

Coming back together as a year group and living in Clarence has been a real highlight for me; it’s been so much fun.”

UVI Pupil

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EXPLORE, GROW, ACHIEVE: CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES Alongside academic lessons, there are many opportunities to delve into something beyond the classroom. Girls can take part in sport, drama, volunteering, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, or even learn a new language.

Sixth Form pupils also have numerous opportunities to socialise and collaborate with peers from other schools, including local boys’ schools, through joint events, academic partnerships, and extra-curricular activities. Whether participating in debates, sports competitions, shared learning initiatives, or social gatherings, these interactions help foster new friendships, broaden perspectives, and develop essential teamwork and communication skills. Joint ventures with other schools include the Wycombe Management Conference with the Royal Grammar School High Wycombe, lacrosse matches with Eton and socials with various schools such as Harrow, notably the ever-popular Caledonian Society balls with Eton and Winchester.

Scan to view our co-curricular brochure.

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SUPPORT BEYOND SCHOOL: SENIORS When our pupils leave Wycombe Abbey, they join our Seniors network, which is formed of over 5000 former pupils and staff across the globe.

Scan to find out more about our Seniors programme.

We offer a comprehensive programme of events for Seniors and alumnae are encouraged to keep in touch with the School long after they have left.

I’ve remained deeply connected with my Wycombe Abbey friends long after my School years. Attending events like the Seniors Carol Service and Seniors Day feels like stepping back in time, rekindling the cherished memories and bonds we formed.”

Wycombe Abbey Senior

I meet with Seniors regularly, and they tell me that being a pupil at Wycombe Abbey was just the beginning of their journey. Staying connected with friends and the School allows Seniors to be part of a global community of thoughtful and resourceful women. Wycombe Abbey has truly helped shape who they are today.”

Robin Sharp, Director of Development

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OPENING DOORS TO SUCCESS: JOIN THE SIXTH FORM We warmly invite you to consider joining our vibrant Sixth Form community. At Wycombe Abbey, we believe that the next stage of your educational journey should be as rewarding and fulfilling as possible. Admissions to Wycombe Abbey Sixth Form comprises a two-stage process.

STAGE 1

STAGE 2

Once registered, all candidates, both domestic and international, arrange to sit a UKiset assessment for Wycombe Abbey. The UK Independent Schools’ Entry Test is an adaptive cognitive online test taken in English and assesses a pupil’s underlying academic ability through Verbal, NonVerbal and Numerical Tests along with a creative writing exercise and an English Placement Test. The UKiset tests can be sat at one of the approved test centres in the UK or an accredited test centre/British Council office internationally.

Girls who have met the required academic standard will be invited to take our entrance examinations in the November prior to entry (Year 11 or equivalent). A confidential reference and predicted GCSE/IGCSE/GCE grades from the candidate’s current school will also be requested at this stage.

Girls will sit papers in the four subjects they are proposing to study at A level and the examinations are based on the GCSE/ IGCSE/GCE level syllabuses. Maths and Further Maths counts as one subject, with one paper. Candidates wishing to take Further Maths at A level will be required to choose an additional subject as their fourth paper. Applicants will also have an interview with a senior member of staff.

The candidate’s Summer Term report and a summary of cocurricular interests must be submitted by 31 July.

The UKiset scores and school report will be reviewed by the Headmistress, Deputy Head (Academic), Director of Sixth Form and Director of Admissions and all applicants will be notified in September whether they are through to Stage 2.

Candidates wishing to proceed are charged a registration fee at this point.

Conditional offers to successful girls are made in early December. Acceptance forms and deposit are due by the second week in December.

We warmly encourage girls and their families to discover Wycombe Abbey in person prior to application. Please do visit our website or email admissions@wycombeabbey.com to arrange your visit.

Should you have any questions regarding Wycombe Abbey or wish to discuss any aspect of the Sixth Form admissions process, please do contact Laura Chell, Director of Admissions, and her team. They will be delighted to help guide you through the admissions process.

Scan to view our admissions page.

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Complete online registration by 1 June of Year 10. At this stage there is no registration fee to pay.

Acceptance form to be returned and deposit to be paid by second week in December (Year 11).

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Sit the UKiset test between 1 January and 31 July (Year 10). Results come directly to Wycombe Abbey.

Conditional Offers made early December (Year 11).

PROCESS SUMMARY 3

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Submit Summer Term report and summary of co-curricular interests by 31 July (Year 10).

Entrance exams and interview in November (Year 11).

5 Shortlisted candidates are contacted to proceed to the second stage.

Applicants accepted for Stage 3 and who wish to proceed, now pay a registration fee.

4 Wycombe Abbey reviews UKiset scores and Summer Term reports.

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CONTACT GENERAL ENQUIRIES Wycombe Abbey Frances Dove Way High Wycombe HP11 1PE enquiries@wycombeabbey.com 01494 520381

ADMISSIONS TEAM admissions@wycombeabbey.com 01494 897008

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Wycombe Abbey, High Wycombe Buckinghamshire, HP11 1PE enquiries@wycombeabbey.com +44 (0)1494 520 381

wycombeabbey.com

Registered Charity No. 310638 24