Sixth form represents the final two years of secondary education, ages 16 to 18 and it prepares our pupils for either the Pearson Edexcel or Cambridge Advanced Level (A Level) examinations.
Mr Setchell answers some important questions about our Sixth Form provision below:
- How does the Sixth Form differ from the “main” secondary school?
The sixth form enables students to specialise more than in the main school; they pick up to 4 A level courses in addition to a few core subjects (PSHE and PE). The sixth form also have some time in their timetable set for independent study, as there is a lot more independent study needed then at IGCSE level.
There is not a formal uniform requirement, but students are expected to dress appropriately for a professional workplace.
- How does the curriculum in the Sixth Form prepare students for university and beyond?
A Level courses are specifically designed to be at the highest level and the best preparation for students to meet the requirements to start university.
In some cases, courses are at such a gold standard, that, in some universities in the USA, they accept A Levels as partial credits towards a student's degree, allowing them to enter their second year and 'skip' the first because they have already met the standards!
In addition to A Level courses our sixth form PSHE course is designed to support students prepare for university and beyond, with skills such as budgeting and understanding visa processes and time to construct the International Project Qualification (an extended research project similar to the style needed in many university courses). Students also engage in academic mentoring to reflect and set SMART targets to help meet requirements for university. Universities (such as Wiener Neustadt) come to PSHE lessons and discuss the process. Britannica maintains PE lessons in the sixth form to ensure that students also dedicate time to their physical wellbeing and encourage a healthy lifestyle, two aspects that also benefit them academically.
- What are some of the unique features and strengths of the Sixth Form experience at Britannica?
Britannica has a range of diverse specialist teachers who have often taught the students throughout their time in Britannica. They know their personalities and learning styles, offering personalised support and an ability to adapt their teaching to the capability of the students. The students have also grown up with their peers and understand the maturity needed to thrive in the Britannica sixth form. There are also unique A Level subjects such as Art, Psychology and Philosophy.
Our sixth form team support the students to find the right fit institution for their future studies and career path through a whole range of personal and digital resources.
We work with our students not just academically, but on the wider development, with bodies such as student leadership and access to school support such as mentors and Psychologists. We take pride in the fact we are not just an 'exam factory' and support our students to become truly global citizens.
There is also the stunning view of Budapest from the sixth form club area. Certainly something not replicable in other schools!
- What element of the Sixth Form are you most proud of?
The support we able to provide our students to enable their transition into post Britannica lives whether that be university or into other desires.
Seeing them graduate at our rooftop celebration. The sense of accomplishment is always a great thing to witness.
- What do you find challenging in helping teenagers?
The diverse applications from around the world- many requirements that are each slightly different to each other.
Also, managing all the applications on top of ensuring students can also have the time to focus on their studies.
- What career advice would you give to students?
Your degree and your career should be linked to a passion that you have. Be flexible and give yourself options.
- Do Sixth Formers worry about what the future holds?
Of course, doesn't everyone? I still do! It is normal to have intense stress around exam time- we try to encourage students to adopt a variety of support mechanisms and coping strategies, including coaching, revision techniques, time management and meditation.
Ultimately if students try their best, it is all we can ever ask.
The majority have doubts that are wiped away on results day!
This year our Year 13 students received conditional offers from prestigious universities across the globe; including UCL London, King’s College, University of the Arts London, Exeter University, University of Edinburgh, University of Pennsylvania, Utrecht University in The Netherlands, Ecole Ducasse Paris and The University of Seoul, Korea to highlight a few. We are especially pleased to highlight our graduate student, Viktória, who has received an unconditional offer to the University of Oxford.
Whatever path they choose next, their journey at Britannica has provided them with a solid foundation, equipping them with the resilience, knowledge and skills needed to thrive in any situation.
