Welcome to the Sixth Form at the Royal Grammar School.
When you join, we hope you will enjoy the experience and that you take advantage of the many extra-curricular activities on offer.
One of the greatest challenges facing Sixth Formers is to manage their time effectively in order to achieve academic success, whilst broadening their outlook and experience. Universities, and ultimately employers, are looking for balanced, well-rounded individuals who have not only achieved academic excellence, but have also contributed to and benefited from other activities.
Whilst the priority should always be either AS or A2 study, it is important that pupils in the sixth form participate in a range of activities and assume responsibility for building their own personal CV. To help them achieve this, we have compiled a list of all activities and opportunities on offer, with a brief explanation of what is involved and the time commitment required, as well as the member of staff in charge.
It is important that every Sixth Form pupil takes a long-term view and plans their involvement carefully.
CURRICULUM
All students will study 4 AS levels in the Lower Sixth. At this stage those choices will probably influence the choice of University course or career, and therefore it is important that each boy is happy with the subjects he has selected to study.
He should consider his choice carefully and if he requires advice, senior staff will be available for consultation anytime after the GCSE results in August.
SCHOOL HOURS, PUNCTUALITY AND ATTENDANCE
School begins for all students at 8.45am and Sixth Formers must be in their form rooms by this time. This is essential both as a daily point of contact with their Form Tutor and for developing effective organisation and good time-keeping. Lower Sixth must remain on site at all other times of the school day until 3.40pm unless express permission has been given for an off site activity on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon or for exam study leave.
PRIVATE STUDY AND HOMEWORK
Part of the process of adapting to further study is to learn how to effectively use Private Study time. To assist with this process we insist that all 61 students have their Private Study periods in the Upper Library which is supervised by a member of staff. As students progress through the Sixth Form and prepare for University we allow them greater freedom of choice. If they are free in the afternoons, they are allowed to go home. In this way we hope that they will learn how to use their Private Study time profitably and develop sound time management skills.
UNIVERSITIES & CAREER CHOICES
It is important that students should be looking to the future and the opportunities that are available. The Careers Room offers a valuable resource area for information on Careers and Higher Education. Also we organise a number of opportunities designed to focus attention on future studies and careers, including visits from University Admissions Tutors, and Open Day visits to selected Universities.
We also feel that all students should have undertaken some form of Work Experience or Work Shadowing by the beginning of the Upper Sixth and this is co-ordinated by the Careers Office.