Sixth Form Life
Wallingford School Sixth Form offers students the opportunity to develop both intellectually and socially. Students are encouraged to be independent and take responsibility for their own progress.
Facilities
The Sixth Form Centre has excellent facilities. Students have access to a large study area with ICT facilities and a careers library with up to date university prospectuses, alternative university guides and gap year information.
There is also a social space with kitchen.
The Sixth Form Centre has direct access to the Library and a dedicated sixth form teaching room equipped with ICT facilities.
Sixth Form life
At Wallingford Sixth Form it is our aim to send students out into the world not only equipped with excellent academic credentials, but also with the interpersonal, social and intellectual skills to contribute as a positive member of society.
We encourage all students to participate in extra- curricular activities both on and off site and to come with their ideas for projects and opportunities they would like.
At present, there is a Sixth Form Committee that meets weekly to arrange social events, inter-form quizzes and sports.
Students are encouraged to participate in off-site activities such as MUNGA ( Model United Nations General Assembly), the Oxfordshire Sixth Form Conference, Eton Summer School and Outward Bound courses. These offer the opportunity to meet with other Sixth formers and build upon and develop new skills.
In school, we offer students the chance to run an Extra Friends scheme, a Fair Trade group and write and arrange publication of their own Yearbook. The Sixth Form Committee organises the Christmas Ball and the Year 13 Leavers Ball annually.
All Sixth Formers are given the chance of participating in PE, with golf, climbing, fencing salsa dancing and kayaking as some of the more unusual activities on offer. Students may also take part in the Community Sports Leadership Award (CSLA).
We are currently offering students the chance to study AS Critical Thinking and a Spanish for beginners course.
PATHWAYS THROUGH THE SIXTH FORM
The curriculum gives the opportunity to follow a wide range of courses which prepare students for success at University, in training or in employment.
Students can choose to study up to five subjects at A level or BTEC National. Our current offer consists of:
- Art
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Dance
- DT: Food
- DT Textiles
- DT Product Design
- English Literature
- French
- Geography
- German
- History
- ICT
- PE
- Maths
- Further Maths
- Media Studies
- Music
- Photography
- Physics
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Theatre Studies
We review this offer regularly and are willing to consider new courses where there is a clear demand for them.
We also offer one year BTEC first courses in Business and Sport. These can lead to A level or BTEC national courses and give students who have not fulfilled their potential at KS4 the opportunity to improve their qualifications and develop as learners.
We guide students towards courses that both match their aptitudes and fulfil their ambitions for the future. Our advice centres on encouraging students to reflect on their
- Strengths
- Ambitions
- Pleasures
A successful course will be one which allows them to develop existing talents or develop new ones, which prepares them for the challenges they wish to face in the next phase of their life and which provides a rich, enjoyable and intellectually challenging experience.
Case Studies: What this might mean.
Although the names have been changed, these are examples of the paths and courses chosen by students at Wallingford over the past two years.
"Matthew"
Gained 8A*s, 3As and 1B at GCSE
Aim: to go to university to study Media or Film
In Year 12 he studied English, Media Studies, RE and General Studies
In Year 13 he udied English, Media, RE
During his time in the Sixth Form he was elected School Captain, represented the school at the Merchant Taylor’s dinner in Threadneedle Street, London, visited Barcelona, was awarded second place in a national film competition, managed the sound for the school production, led the School Council, wrote the Year Book and took part in the appointment of the new Headteacher and school prefects.
Gained 3 A grades and is studying Film and English at University of Glasgow
"Sarah"
Gained 2As, 2Bs and 6Cs at GCSE
Wanted to go into a Business based degree or training
In Years12/13 took Business Vocational A Level, Media Studies
Gained CCC
Gained a place on management training programme with Waitrose
"Alex"
Gained D’s and E’s at GCSE
Year12: completed BTEC Business First
Year12A: opted for Business BTEC National and Economics
Year 13: BTEC National
While in the Sixth Form he was involved in Extra Friends support for Year 7 students, was part of the Fair Grade School, visited Barcelona, helped re paint part of the school, and organised the Year 13 Leavers’ Ball
"Claire"
Gained 8A* and 3As at GCSE
In Year 12 she studied Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry
Carried all subjects into Year 13.
Gained 3As and 1B grade
During the Sixth Form was involved in Extra Friends support for Year 7 students, took part in the visit to Barcelona, and represented Norway in the Model United Nations General Assembly.
Claire gained a place to study Maths at Bath University
"Holly"
Gained 4Bs and 5Cs at GCSE
Selected her A levels to enable her to follow a career in Teaching.
In Years 12 and 13 she took courses in English Literature, Media Studies and Photography.
During the Sixth Form she organised work experience at a local primary school to run throughout the year, becoming involved with the literacy and numeracy hour. She gained the Community Sports Leadership Award, was on the lighting team in the school production and attended the Sixth Form Conference.
She gained grades B,D,D at A Level.
She gained at place in York to train to be a primary teacher.
At Wallingford we promote the development of good study habits from the outset of Sixth Form courses. Students are encouraged to develop organisational and time management skills that will enable them to flourish both in Higher and Further Education and in the workplace. We expect students to use independent study time to consolidate their learning, use research skills and widen their knowledge of their chosen subjects. Our guideline is that for every hour taught in the subject students should be doing a further hour of independent study. To support students we have a system of monitored independent study. Independent study periods appear on students’ timetables and they are expected to complete private study in this time.
Activities Week (Extended Learning week)After the period of AS exams Year 12 students return for an extended learning week. We aim to broaden the range of activities on offer year by year . Currently, students complete an emergency first aid course, visit a university, have a dedicated Sporting Activity Day and have a day of HE planning.
GuidanceThe atmosphere and learning environment in the Sixth Form is different. Students are part of a form group and their tutor acts as their academic mentor, offering support and guidance during their time in the Sixth form. Students have regular 1: 1 meetings with their mentors and discuss their academic progress and plans for life beyond Sixth Form.
Students take part in a PSE programme tailored to meet their needs and interest. Within this program there are student debates and visits from external speakers. We regularly have talks from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau regarding rights and responsibilities, employment law and housing. The Foreign Office have advised students on travel abroad and gap years. We have spokespeople from various political parties to discuss local, environmental and European issues. The programme also incorporates elements of sex education, health and workshops on study skills.
The Next StepWe recognise that for all our students the Sixth Form is just a gateway to the next phase of their education and training. To ensure that students are prepared and informed to make choices about their future, tutors and Connexions ( the Careers Advisors) work with students closely in the Summer of Year 12. Students are given an HE handbook with practical advice about applying to Higher education and details of useful websites and literature.
Many of our students leave Wallingford to attend top universities and build on the successful time they have had here.
