6th Form: What Out Students Say

"In coming to Sixth Form I found that the nature of the subjects changed considerably.  Biology was still Biology of course, but the focus and style of the lessons is very different.  Rather than having all the facts and ideas given to you on a piece of paper, you are encouraged to develop your own opinions and methods of remembering - something that would be true of all my subjects, whatever the different content matter.
 
My favourite subject is Biology, perhaps because I am ever so slightly nuts or because learning about plants and animals and evolution is fascinating.  Despite the loss of Mr Wordsworth the tutors in the Biology Department still manage to engage and interest as well as amuse and I am hoping that my options will secure me a place to study Biology at University.   
 
Despite the fact that Biology is my favourite subject, I really enjoy all my subjects.  Sociology is brilliant and I love Psychology, too - even though both of these were new subjects for me in the Sixth Form. I always enjoyed History in Main School and although the subject matter is very different at A Level, it continues to fascinate me.  
 
The most important thing in coming to Sixth Form is to choose the correct courses that will suit you.  Try and find out as much as you can about them, don't just make assumptions. Remember, there is a big jump from GCSE to A Level and what you decide now can determine the whole future course of your life!"
 
Mariam Karimi joined the Sixth Form from Oaklands School

"I chose to study German, Psychology, Art and Media Studies.  For me this was the perfect combination, as each subject I picked has something different to offer.  Both Media Studies and Psychology were new to me, as it is not possible to study them before the Sixth Form.
 
It is true that in the Sixth Form the workload greatly increases.  However, I found that by doing Art and Media Studies, where coursework contributes a lot to the final grade, there was less pressure in the exams.  I also did not mind the amount of work because I was studying subjects and topics in which I was interested.
 
One of the highlights of studying a language was the chance to do work experience in that country.  I spent ten days in a German kindergarten last year, which I absolutely loved!  I think that was when I realised I wanted to continue with German I have now decided to study it at University.  The course is much wider than just learning to speak in that language; it completely broadened my knowledge, as we studied topics such as immigration and global issues such as the environment.  Media Studies similarly looks at current issues, such as politics, yet it also includes a practical coursework, where I chose to make a film trailer.  The Art course is great as it allowed me to be very creative and, I think, contrasted with my other subjects.  There was also an Art trip to Amsterdam, which was fab!  Psychology I am very much enjoying this year, and I think it is incredibly interesting as a subject.
 
I think there are many positive changes when you go into the Sixth Form, firstly having the choice of what to study.  The social life built around the Sixth Form is wonderful.  There are so many opportunities to take up new things, and the trips are definitely some of the best moments!" 
  
Andrew Noblett is studying Geography and two Applied A Levels - Applied Business and Applied ICT 

"The subjects that I have chosen are: Geography, Applied Business Studies and Applied ICT. I chose these subjects because I am mainly interested in business related subjects and it was definitely something that I thought I wanted to study further after Sixth Form. During my GCSE's I found I had a interest in Business Studies, I found I could relate the content to everyday business events and because of this I became more aware of how businesses operate. I chose Geography as well because it was something that I had enjoyed studying at GCSE and was keen to study further. Applied ICT was a new subject for me in the Sixth Form but it was a logical choice, too, as ICT clearly has relevance to today's business world and I wanted to learn practical skills as well as just theory.
 
I really enjoy all my subjects at this level and find that they fit together well. I like the emphasis on coursework that the Applied A Levels have; it definitely suits my working style, but it is probably not for everyone as you have to be pretty organised to keep up to date with deadlines. In general I find the Applied A Levels relate the subject of study to real life situations that you are likely to encounter when you enter the world of work - another plus point for me!
 
 My favourite subject is Business Studies, because I enjoy learning about the different aspects of business life and the application of the knowledge to real-life situation and next year I hope to go to university to study Business Management. 
 
Sixth Form life is different to main school as we are treated more like adults and the teachers can give you more time and individual attention as the majority of class sizes decrease.  The most enjoyable part of the Sixth Form is the fact that you get to experience a completely different working atmosphere."