EDUCATION
picking up on concerns before students even know they are there,” insists Charis Hunn-Smith. The school sees the return of some students who move to a larger setting for sixth form, only to decide it’s not for them. “I think it’s a jump too soon when they’re not quite ready,” Charis continues. “They think that, when they go to university, [the change] will be massive. But instead of saying, ‘How can I learn the skills I need to be able to cope?’ they sometimes feel it is better to jump now and see if I can do it.” So while pupils are focused on the future, looking back is also worthwhile for understanding what has worked up until now – and what is worth carrying forward into sixth form. If a high level of pastoral support has been important, looking for somewhere that will continue this could well be high up on the list of must-haves, explains Abbey Jones at Stephen Perse Cambridge. “It’s about looking at how school has been for you, what you’ve enjoyed about it, what you’ve made the most of, what’s worked really well for you – and then not allowing those things to fall by the wayside.” As she points out, methods which have previously worked for a pupil in year 11 should still work for them in sixth form. “Thinking about what’s important now will lead to a similar set of criteria which will still be important in a few months’ time.” It’s easy to get hung up on grade outcomes alone
SELF STUDY Stoke College (above) and St Mary’s (below) pupils are both guided to think about life post-school
It’s all about making sure that pupils are setting themselves up for a successful and enjoyable two years of sixth form by putting in place every element of school life that’s still available. Academic studies will inevitably occupy a big part of students’ time in sixth form, but it’s important, explains Robin Griffiths at St Mary’s, to look at the broader picture. “It’s easy to get hung up on grades and grade outcomes alone, but that is a really one-dimensional view of education. You certainly need to get the best grades you possibly can to go where you want to go, but that’s only one part of the equation.” The approach of St Mary’s is to focus not just on outcomes, but also support and leadership opportunities, helping pupils to develop as individuals, whether through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme or involvement in charity fundraising and student leadership.
74 NOVEMBER 2023 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
Powered by FlippingBook