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The Sixth Form

The Sixth Form has a very strong sense of identity and purpose amongst its students as the aims and objectives for the next two very important years are set out early on. One of our fundamental aims is to work with students to secure the necessary grades and qualities for their chosen objective. If they are not sure what their objectives are after A levels the staff are here to guide and advise. We aim to give individual attention and the support necessary to maximise potential.

However it is more than just about achieving the right grades, the Sixth Form is also the start of developing study skills, time management, responsibility and self discipline that will be required in later life. The enrichment programme that is on offer provides a wide range of activities that completes an all round education.

The Sixth Form is made up of almost 200 pupils with the majority carrying on the natural progression from Year 11 at Arnold. Each year, up to 10 pupils join from other schools and bring with them a welcome infusion of new talents and ideas. The current entry requirement for the Sixth Form is 5 C grades at GCSE, however we would advise that pupils have at least a grade B at GCSE in the subjects that they hope to continue with to AS Level. New pupils are asked to complete an application form and to come for interview with Mr McKeown the Head of Sixth Form.

A wide range of Sixth Form Scholarships are available. These range from academic scholarships to music, design, drama and sport. Scholarship examinations normally take place in late November or early December and details are available by download or from the Admissions Secretary.

What you study

The majority of Sixth Form students take 5 AS levels (including General Studies) in the Lower Sixth and 4 A levels in the Upper Sixth (General Studies is currently optional in the Upper Sixth). The timetable also includes Games, Private Study and Liberal Studies. Via the Liberal Studies course external speakers talk about a range of topics varying from Health Issues to Study Skills. The Liberal Studies programme also contains a series of Life Skills Workshops ranging from car maintenance to world travel and culture, to building a successful CV.

The teaching groups are kept small to allow more direct contact with staff. Through this we enhance performance, learning and progression. Each student in the Sixth Form is placed into a tutor group with no more than 9 other students. The tutor will normally teach one of the subjects that the students are studying. The tutor will look after the academic and pastoral needs of the students as well as giving advice on Higher Education and the Ucas application. Tutors are the first person a student can turn to when support is required. Although emphasis is placed on the student being responsible for his or her own learning there is a monitoring and reporting system in place to ensure that pupils are working to the best of their abilities.

Not all work

The Sixth Form offers an enrichment programme with a huge variety of activities on offer. These range from sport, drama, music, academic societies, cultural societies, Community Service, Young Enterprise, CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The Sixth Form prides itself on many overseas trips both academic and sporting. Recent trips include a Cricket tour to Trinidad and Tobago, a History trip to Vienna, a Ski trip to the USA and a Geography to Holland.

The facilities on offer in the Sixth Form are amongst the best in the school, with a large common room with its own diner, careers library, lecture theatre, IT room, music room, library and annexe for recreation.

There is a wide range of activities though which we develop leadership and responsibility; these include the School Prefects who are appointed to ensure that the school runs smoothly. There is also a mentoring programme where pupils in the Lower Sixth help look after the induction of the new Year 7 pupils and meet with them on a regular basis to ensure that their integration into the school is a happy and enjoyable one.

Arnold students are extremely proud of their Sixth Form. It is a happy, successful, dynamic, busy, hardworking, inspirational and enjoyable place to learn and develop.

curriculum

extra-curricular

ucas and higher education

university destinations