The Flagpole

As we approach the end of the Christmas term, I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication throughout these past months. The festive season is always a busy and exciting time, and this year has been no exception.

One of the highlights of our term was the annual Christmas Care Home Lunch. This event, as always, was a tremendous success, and it would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of our Sixth Form students. The smiles and joy we were able to bring to the residents are a testament to the compassion and community spirit that defines our school.

In addition to the Care Home Lunch, our Sixth Form students have been actively involved in various other events and initiatives, showcasing their leadership, creativity, and commitment to making a positive difference. From charity drives to school events, their enthusiasm and hard work have been truly inspiring.

As we look forward to the new year, we are excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Your continued support will be crucial as we strive to provide the best possible education and experiences for our students. Together, we can help them achieve their full potential and prepare them for the future.

We also have several exciting events planned for the new year.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) - Saturday 18 and 25 January 2025

An accredited course offering students the chance to travel the world and gain new experiences by teaching in schools, universities, businesses, Non-Governmental Organisations or private tuition. For further details please contact us or visit the TEFL website here.

Interview Skills Morning - Tuesday 28 January 2025

An opportunity for our Lower Sixth students to submit their CVs and be interviewed by external interviewers. 

Ben Collie 
Head of Sixth Form

Now we are in to the second half term, it is important to recognise the stresses and demands on our Lower Sixth students. You should have noticed the level of study has increased somewhat but be aware that this level of load can cause difficulties and anxieties. Here are some tips to support your youngster.

Encourage your youngster to ask for help when they need it – seeking out a teacher before stress starts to build up is essential. This could be as simple as finding the teacher before class, chatting to their tutor or sharing worries with friends.

Stay organised – consider how your youngster is scheduling their time and ensure that they are setting aside time for each subject throughout the week. Encourage them to start assignments early, set deadlines and make the most of study periods in the school day.

Mix up your study routine – talk to your youngster about staying focused and positive during their study time. It is important that they use a variety of study techniques from using flashcards or mind maps, writing summaries and watching online tutorials to getting a friend or family member to quiz them, completing practice tests under exam conditions and working through questions from the text book.

Take time to research your post-school options – get your youngster thinking about their future aspirations. Taking time to research and make plans for post-school life can provide a nice break from studies, while also helping them to stay motivated by reminding them of the bigger picture. This may include researching institutions and courses of interest, organising things for a gap year and putting together course applications.

Stay calm and keep things in perspective – Sixth Form studies are rewarding but also demanding. Your youngster’s mental health is a vital component to success. Take time to encourage them to be involved in other activities and have a balanced life style.

For more suggestions, please click on this link.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

Thursday 16 January 2025

The Lower Sixth Subject Progress Evening will take place, in person, on Thursday 16 January 2025 from 6.00pm to 8.30pm. Details of how to book appointments will be emailed week commencing 6 January 2025.