EDUCATION EDITION
Ask yourself the following: do I like the subject? Am I good at it? Will I need it?
How’s the curriculum organised – how many lessons for each subject, how much study time is expected? How structured is it? Are study periods compulsory or can I organise my own time? May I leave the site during the day? Is there a uniform/dress code? What pastoral care is there? If I need support, is there someone to help?” The Perse School in Cambridge – a co-ed day school for ages three to 18 – has this to offer: “We advise students to ask themselves three questions,” says head of sixth form, Guy Couper-Marsh. “Do I like the subject? Am I good at it? Do I need the subject for my aspirations beyond sixth form? Spending time reflecting on the answers and discussing them with people they trust, including teachers and family members, will help students make the right decisions.” This applies to those going down the route of traditional A-levels as well as those pursuing vocational courses. For all paths, making the decision with a logical approach is advisable. Sixth form – true to its name – is a formative experience, and so making your next step needs mulling over. “I have done hundreds of guidance discussions with students and parents over the years: if you are not one of those very few students who know exactly what it is they want to do, it’s daunting,” says Robin. “The key is to think about two things: first, what subjects and skills
Impington Village College become the first state school to teach the IB in the UK. With such a wealth of options, knowing where to start is a challenge in and of itself. Though only two years in the gap between school and university, this time is crucial – a point in the journey that will, in many ways, determine your child’s future. Choosing a school, subject and course is therefore no small decision. KEY QUESTIONS First things first, consider what’s the best match for your child, both in terms of their current personality and future ambitions. “Are you a person who likes a calm, purposeful environment?” asks Robin Griffiths, head of sixth form at St Mary’s School – an all-girls independent school in Cambridge. “If so, a big, busy sixth form may not suit. Are you keen to develop in ways other than just your exam grades? If so, consider somewhere with a wide range of extracurricular activities.” After speaking to several leading schools around Cambridge, most have a checklist of questions you should have up your sleeve before beginning your search. “The following is a good start,” says Robin. “Does it offer the subjects I want to study? What do students do when they leave sixth form? Do they secure their first-choice university, apprenticeship or employment?
LOOKING FORWARDS Finding a balance between what you love and what could be a viable career is key at Stoke College (above); seeking specialist advice is essential
76 NOVEMBER 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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