The ethos of the sixth form ought to be, and is, a special one. A student has passed the stage of compulsory education and has made a deliberate choice to pursue full-time studies for a further two years.
A sixth-former expects to be treated like a responsible adult. We like to treat our sixth form students as increasingly mature people in their own right; we therefore expect the highest standards of behaviour and courtesy, and a responsible approach to study. At the same time, no effort is spared to give the helpful guidance that any young student needs and welcomes, and to encourage a good atmosphere for purposeful academic study so that each individual attains results reflecting his/her true ability.
Outside the classroom sixth formers are offered countless opportunities. It is becoming increasingly important for students to develop wider experiences and skills in addition to their academic IB studies. Many other aspects of education are equally important at this time in a student’s development. When being assessed for entry into employment or higher education, it is of the utmost importance for students to be able to support their application by demonstrating broadly based levels of skill and a balanced experience of life.
All employers and higher education institutions are interested in the person as a whole rather than simply the level of academic achievement shown. Consequently students are actively encouraged to become involved in a range of additional activities, for example: work experience abroad, community service, mentoring of younger students in the school, international Comenius projects, sporting activities, music and drama. Every sixth former has the opportunity to make a personal contribution to the life of the sixth form, and indeed to the wider school community. Such activities assist the sixth former to assume responsibility and leadership, and generally grow in maturity of outlook.
Should any student find the adjustment to sixth form life in any way difficult, we would expect to notice this (or better still - have it brought to our attention by the student) and counsel him/her accordingly. As a matter of routine, individual tutoring will take place to identify areas of strength as well as areas requiring further development. With the sixth form number averaging 40-50 in total, every student is known and treated as an individual. Advice is given concerning the academic courses and activities, as is help, where necessary, with study methods and the organisation of work. In addition staff will advise and ensure that all necessary steps are taken by each student concerning choice of career or entry into higher education. At the same time, a close check will be kept on the overall progress of students through regular contact with subject teachers and by means of individual tutorials.
A critical factor for all sixth form students is the support they receive from the school in the form of references. The fairest possible account is given of every student and comment is made upon ability, progress, personal qualities, attitude, commitment and achievements in order to help employers and higher education interviewers in as positive a fashion as possible.
We aim to ensure that students will enjoy and profit from their experiences in the sixth form, and at the same time we expect only the best from our students!
PRIVATE STUDY
An essential ingredient of life in the sixth form is private study, and no sixth form student should be surprised by the amount of private study required both during the day and in the evening. The International Baccalaureate Diploma requires a student to work at an advanced level and success is only achieved as a result of a great deal of hard work. There are no ‘soft options’ in the sixth form, and the ability to use private study time effectively will, for some students, tip the balance between success and failure.
It is essential that those who enter the sixth form have the potential to develop the attitudes and approach required to cope with the nature and methods of study at this level. Innate ability, motivation, personal organisation and the capacity for concentrated study are all essential requirements for sixth form study. No student should consider embarking upon the IB Diploma unless they are prepared to devote a significant proportion of their free time to study.
The formal lessons in the various subjects make up the major part of the examination course, but the students are expected to do much more besides. They must pursue their own areas of enquiry related to the subject being studied, and in so doing broaden their understanding. The school and town libraries are important places where such enquiries can be undertaken. There is also an opportunity to visit Exeter University to use its extensive resources and get a feel for university study.
Introduction | Sixth Form Students | About the International Baccalaureate | International Baccalaureate Structure |