Transition To Sixth Form
From St Chris Senior School to Sixth Form Success
As your child approaches the crucial transition from Senior School to the Sixth Form, we ensure a seamless process that sets the stage for academic success and personal growth.
Transitioning from Senior School to the Sixth Form is often a worrying time for students, concerned about the academic rigor of their new curriculum and navigating our new environment. Our Sixth Form Centre is nestled at the centre of our 25-acre campus in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, and is a bright, airy space for students to learn. Students in the Sixth Form benefit from 1-1 provision, a supportive environment, and a close-knit community.
Application Procedures
Internal students do not need to apply for a place in the Sixth Form. However, students are expected to reach benchmarked GCSE results in their relevant subjects to ensure they can access the A Level curriculum. For external candidates, our admissions page outlines the steps for submitting applications, including required documentation and key deadlines.
Our dedicated staff provides one-on-one support, guiding students through the transition process and addressing any concerns. On transitioning to the Sixth Form, students move from the Company Adviser system to receiving 1-1 support from a Personal Tutor, most closely comparable to a university personal tutor. This tutor helps students with planning for life after Sixth Form, including UCAS applications, job searching and apprenticeships. Personal tutors are also touchpoints for our students who can go to them for guidance about academic or personal matters.
On joining the Sixth Form, students undergo specialized orientation programs to familiarize students with the expectations and opportunities in the Sixth Form. These orientations are also great opportunities for students to work as a team and get to know their peers.
Accessing the Curriculum
At St Chris, we are inclusive in our learning and are committed to ensuring that all students can access the A Level curriculum before admitting them to the Sixth Form. Students can choose any selection of A Levels, guided by their interests and skills, and are invited to a Sixth Form Information Evening where they can discover these options more closely and talk to the relevant teachers. Students typically take four A Level subjects on entry to the Sixth Form, dropping one subject at AS Level.
Before entering the Sixth Form, each student is interviewed by the Head of Sixth Form to ensure that each student can be supported in their transition. From this, tailored support systems are in place to assist students with their learning needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Learning in the Sixth Form
Sixth Form students experience a more independent learning environment, preparing them for higher education and beyond. Students also feel the benefits of smaller class sizes of typically 4-8 students, facilitating personalized attention and a more interactive learning experience. There’s no place to hide in the Sixth Form, allowing students to fully engage with the curriculum, emphasizing in-depth academic exploration and whole class participation.
Expectations for Students
Studying at A Level is undoubtedly a step up from GCSE, so St Chris Sixth Form students can expect an excitingly challenging academic environment, promoting critical thinking, research skills, and intellectual curiosity. Opportunities for leadership and extracurricular activities contribute to a well-rounded educational experience and motivate our students to consider their holistic development during their time in the Sixth Form.
The Sixth Form fosters a vibrant and collaborative culture, encouraging students to engage in meaningful discussions, pursue their interests, and develop as individuals.
Additional Information for Parents
Our individualised learning approach values the unique strengths and interests of each student, fostering a customized learning journey. It is this unique ethos that sets St Chris apart from the crowd, creating a community where every child is truly known, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
As you consider this transition, rest assured that at St Chris, we provide not only a personalised education but also an environment where your child can flourish academically, socially, and personally. If you have any further questions or would like to explore this transition process in more detail, feel free to get in touch with our admissions team.