Into the Sixth Form: more than A Levels
Exeter School Sixth Form is more than a place of study, it is a centre for academic and personal enrichment.
Good GCSE results are an excellent starting point and the academic year kicks off with a welcome BBQ to enable new pupils to meet current pupils and teachers in an informal setting at the beginning of the autumn term.
In a couple of weeks, the average intake of 15-20 new pupils to the 200-strong Sixth Form body is seamlessly integrated into the rhythm of Exeter School life.
The Sixth Form is an opportunity for pupils to begin to learn with greater independence and there is a distinct shift in the classroom culture with pupils expected to read around their specialist subjects in order to bring their views to the classroom. Time is allotted in every pupil's timetable for private study in the school's spacious library and a Study Supervisor is always on hand to advise pupils.
Crossing Club, the school's senior academic society, continues with Sixth Formers taking the lead. The society enables pupils to extend and stretch their experience, understanding and imagination through visiting speakers, trips and activities. Just last term, visitors included the MD of John Lewis, an ex-Major General from the Royal Marines and former Task Commander in Afghanistan, and an Exeter University professor who spoke about their specialisms, inviting debate and questions.
Every year, Exeter School hosts the a Model United Nations conference, which is an attempt to replicate the real United Nations; delegates are assigned to a country and a committee, and are required to play the roles of diplomats, researching and debating issues they may not support personally.
Subject societies, competitions, events and visits abound at Exeter School from the Geographical to the Classical, enabling pupils to deepen their subject knowledge.
Some pupils choose to take on an Extended Project - researching a topic of interest and presenting their arguments cognitively - a superb preparation for university.
Exeter School Sixth Form is also a place where pupils can develop their interests beyond the classroom, from sport, music, drama to outdoor pursuits such as the Ten Tors Challenge or Duke of Edinburgh, there is something to suit everyone.
Pupils can hone their physical skills to compete in school teams or for the simple enjoyment of keeping fit and healthy.
Budding thespians can take part in the Senior School play, help behind the scenes with the technical aspects, or get involved in the costume and make up department. Musically, Exeter School offers a plethora of choice from the Sixth Form Girls Group, Belles Canto, jazz band Swunk to the school Choral Society which performs annually in Exeter Cathedral.
Exeter School Sixth Form is a place where skills for life are learned. Presentation and communications skills are honed by taking part in the annual Lower Sixth Form Special Programme, a stimulating week of preparation for life after school which concludes with the Business Game, an Apprentice-style challenge. Young Enterprise is another area where budding entrepreneurs are able to develop commercial acumen and problem solving skills.
Interview skills are developed during the Upper Sixth Interview Programme where every pupil experiences a general interview away from school conducted by local professionals and Exeter School alumni, tailored to suit their subject interests.
Sixth Form pupils are often called on to represent the school; this may involve taking prospective parents and pupils on a tour, offering coaching to younger pupils or speaking to former pupils at a school event. Positions of responsibility include the heads of school, prefects, house and sports captains and head of CCF section; sixth formers are supported by teaching and house staff in fulfilling these important roles.
Lower Sixth Former Tom Stokes said there is more time to take part in extracurricular activities in the Sixth Form which is of great benefit. "Speaking in front of an assembly hall full of people for the annual MUN has given invaluable communication skills; I also help out with the Junior School clubs," he said.
More than A Levels is the raison d'etre for Exeter School Sixth Form and every pupil is encouraged to consider their aims and ambitions beyond school. An in-house Career Adviser is on hand to guide pupils, a comprehensive careers evening attracting local business people representing different professions is organised annually, and pupils receive expert guidance on UCAS from Heads of House and subject expertise from specialist departments.
The Medical Society and the Oxbridge Group are able to direct pupils into their chosen careers through visiting speakers from universities and alumni in the field. And our academic results speak for themselves: www.exeterschool.org.uk/academic/examination-results
The Sixth Form have a brand-new centre, complete with study and seminar rooms, new furnishings. and a cafeteria with bacon butties on offer at break time!
Exeter School's Sixth Form Open Evening is 22 January, from 5.30-8pm, why not come along and see what is on offer?
