EDUCATION
Bennell at King’s Ely. “Are you looking for more of a fluid day where you just pop in and out for lessons, or are you more likely to flourish within the structure and community that comes from more of a school environment?” There are practical questions such as the size of classes or accessibility of teachers – for example, how long they take to respond to emails and what type of support is available for when difficulties arise. “If I am three grades from where I need to be, what will you tell me to help me improve?” says Robin Griffiths at St Mary’s. He also advises finding out how schools help pupils to grow as individuals. “What else will I get the opportunity to explore, how else will I develop, what skills will I build and how will I be encouraged to go beyond narrow book learning into developing as an individual?” he asserts. When it comes to the academic aspect, it’s not just about how the school delivers course content, but helping pupils understand what to do with it, says Charis Hunn-Smith, senior deputy head at Stoke College. “Pupils should be looking for a school where teachers will teach you how to tackle exams, organise your knowledge, revise and structure your answers.” Take the curriculum, for instance – where tough choices may be involved – and the decision-making process can feel overwhelming. Educators’ advice is to follow your passion by all means, but back it up with solid research. While most of our area’s schools and colleges offer A-levels, there’s also the option of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. A-levels could work well for students who know exactly which subjects they want to study in depth. The IB diploma, on the other hand, helps students who have relished a whole range of subjects and want to keep that breadth going into sixth form. At Parkside Community College, a state-run college that’s small, caring and rated ‘outstanding’ by the school inspectors, students work towards the IB diploma rather than taking A-levels, explains Rachel Biltcliffe. “We offer a broad, balanced and supportive approach to learning,” she says. “Our students study the IB diploma, meaning they continue with English, a language, humanity, maths and science until the end of year 13 which means they are studying all of these core subjects at Level 3.” Charis Hunn-Smith at Stoke College advises students who are able to take
© STEPHEN PERSE
7 or opt for somewhere new. How do you decide whether staying, or going, is better? “If you are considering moving from your current school, ask yourself: ‘What are my motives?’” according to Elizabeth Bennell, head of sixth form at King’s Ely. “If you have done well and been happy until now, think about whether it is worth rocking the boat. Equally, if you really feel your current school has not been a good fit, try and unpick exactly why and use that to inform your choice.” Abbey Jones at Stephen Perse recommends that prospective students visit schools and colleges – ideally several times. “It comes down to the feel at the end of the day, and the way to get that feel has to be to visit, if possible on a couple of different occasions. Perhaps, yes, a set piece open event, but if you can get round for a tour on a normal day that’s helpful in giving you a flavour of the real school.” Even when pupils are 100% convinced about where they want to go after GCSEs, visiting at least one other establishment is essential, says Robin Griffiths, head of sixth form at St Mary’s School, Cambridge. “Do make certain that you compare it to something else and go and have a look at what’s on offer, just so you can say: ‘I made a positive choice.’” It’s going to be a personal decision, stresses Rachel Biltcliffe, head of sixth form at Parkside Community College. The most important aspect to consider, she tells us, is “what students enjoy studying and where they might feel most comfortable.” Think about the sort of sixth form experience you want, confirms Elizabeth PROS AND CONS It might not be as simple as going where your mates are, according to Stephen Perse (above). Make sure you assess all the criteria
SUBJECT TO CHANGE King’s Ely (inset) and Parkside (below) will help tailor your programme, both sporting and academic
Follow your passion, but back it up with solid research
72 NOVEMBER 2023 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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