Securing and Exploring Futures...

The Easter Term is an exciting time for Sixth Form pupils. It is a critical stage in determining the futures of both Upper and Lower Sixth pupils, although for different reasons.

For the Lower Sixth, the Easter Term represents the main launch of their exploration of opportunities beyond the Sixth Form. Following a launch form the Deputy Head (6^th Form) with an overview of the key pathways, pupils have enjoyed excellent talks from external and internal speakers. The University of Bath started the mini-series, exploring how to investigate and decide on UK universities and courses. This was followed by the expert guidance of Richard Judd, from The University Guys, who inspired with ideas on international university options and how one might decide where is the best place for each individual, be that in the UK or the USA, Canada, Netherlands, Australia and more. Most recently, King’s Apprenticeships Adviser, Mrs Goffe, introduced the alternative route offered by apprenticeships, be they degree level, higher, or intermediate.

In the midst of this was the annual Lower Sixth Higher Careers and Higher Education Forum, giving pupils the opportunity to explore a variety of careers with delegates from across many different fields, whilst the parents were given an overview of the different pathways and application processes that their sons and daughters would encounter. 

The exploration continues after half term, there will be a talk on gap years, with a number of Old Brutonians sharing their experiences, a trip to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, visits to the UCAS Exhibition in Exeter and the National Apprenticeship Show in Esher and more besides! The underlying philosophy of King’s Sixth Form is that pupils are informed of, and hopefully excited by, the many different possible options available to them, and they are helped in finding their best fit route going forward.

The Upper Sixth are at a different stage, with the majority of applications being submitted. Many have already received exciting offers and are already turning their thoughts to booking university accommodation and preparing to apply for student finance, bank accounts and more! With many universities yet to make their decisions, the Upper Sixth are already having excellent successes, from securing offers from the Universities of York, Oxford, Leeds, Lancaster, Bath and many more, to gaining places at the prestigious Norland College and renowned international destinations like Berklee College of Music. We are also delighted to see pupils currently in the advance rounds of selection for PWC Flying Start degree courses in manufacturing, business and surveying degree apprenticeships. Pupils across the spectrum have much to be proud of, each finding their fit for exciting first steps beyond King’s.

At the same time, the Upper Sixth are also gaining a key grounding in important skills for life beyond King’s. Talks on student finance, personal finance, travel safety and more are helping to ready them to take the step beyond school education. The talks are supplemented by busy tutor sessions and PSHE talks, looking at a variety of issues, from efficient use of time, planning of revision and current affairs, to challenges of addiction and much more. And further still, after half-term, the event the Sixth Form are most looking forward to, the Sixth Form Formal Dinner!

It is a busy and exciting time for the whole of the Sixth Form, with much to consider, life-changing decisions to be made, and much enjoyment to be had.

Will Daws - Deputy Head, Sixth Form