Letter to Sixth Form Parents
This term has been a tremendous success for our Sixth Form, some beginning their A-level studies, others focusing their attention on the details of the Upper Sixth courses and all the while they have contributed to our school community with various House Competitions and College events. A few highlights for me have been the very ably compered House Talent Show by Alfie Thomson and also the superb way in which our students have reached out to the younger years to offer their support through our Sixth Form Patron scheme.
Since the return to the linear A-level system, we have put in place many opportunities for consolidation throughout the two years of study your sons and daughters undertake with us in the Sixth Form. For the Upper Sixth students the mock examinations fall in the week of 25 February 2019 and their effective preparation for these exams is most important. The Lower Sixth will have examinations towards the end of the year in the week of 20 May 2019 and these will also help formulate their predicted grades for their university/apprenticeship applications.
The exams themselves and the results are certainly not intended to cause unnecessary levels of stress; their purpose is foremost for the pupils to gauge how well they have assimilated information, learnt and developed techniques and approaches to writing in their chosen subjects. They do, however, provide us all with a sense of progress and will initiate many useful reflections and conversations, all of which are geared towards refining learning approaches. It can, for instance, take some time to develop the best approach to writing essays in a new subject or grasp the level of detail required to gain top marks in a science paper.
Last week I spoke to the whole Sixth Form about the need to take appropriate measures to be safe on these dark, winter evenings. I placed emphasis on driving appropriately according to the conditions on the road and setting off in plenty of time to reach their destination. Please do reinforce these key messages at home.
Dates/notices;
· 7 January - Epiphany Service during Tutor Time
· 15 January - L6 parents evening
· 1 to 2 February - Physics Trip to CERN
· 8 February - Mega Kahoot Quiz
· 14 February - Valentine Flowers
· 15 February - Blue Day
· 25 February - U6 Mock exam week
· 5 March - Pancake Races
· 24 March - Open Afternoon
· 28 March - Apprenticeship Fair (for Year 10 to L6)
· 10 March - Mary’s Meals 24/7 charity walk
· 7 April - Mary’s Meals 40 mile charity walk
· 10 April - Prefect Inauguration and Awards Ceremony
I left the Sixth Form with this message. Time has now passed and much work has been completed but at this festive time of year it is time that is so precious, and it is my hope that their time is spent enjoying family occasions and resting or recuperating for the new term ahead. May the timeless message of Christmas fill your heart and home with joy now and throughout the coming year. May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of God’s love at Christmas and always.
With all best wishes
Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form
