Five Questions With... Mrs Hill, Head of Sixth Form
Five Questions With... Mrs Hill, Head of Sixth Form
1. How does the Sixth Form differ from the Main School?
Students are given more responsibility to manage their time effectively, which can be daunting at first. Going from a full timetable where every moment of your time is accounted for to suddenly having space for thinking and working in non-contact hours can be difficult to adjust to and that is why we have our staffed designated study spaces to support students to develop those good habits.
It is the first time they can really decide what they want to study and to explore their chosen subjects in depth. I feel that GCSEs get you to Sixth Form but your Sixth Form helps you become the young adult you want to be.
The relationship with the teachers changes too, they go from being students in school to pre-university students who are expected to question and discuss as young adults the key learning that is taking place.
2. Does the Sixth Form have many students that are new to Charters in Year 12?
We have anywhere between 30 and 60 students joining us from other institutions but within a month of joining Charters Sixth Form you cannot identify who is new and who has been here from year 7. That’s the beauty of our Sixth Form, it is inclusive and supportive and the environment that is created by the students and the staff make it a place where students can excel.
3. Is there a typical Charters’ Sixth Former?
No, everyone is unique, and we value each individual’s contribution to Sixth Form life. It’s what makes it a vibrant and creative environment to work and grow.
We have a vision of what makes a productive and successful Sixth Former. Students are encouraged to be self-motivated, organised and supportive of each other. We have a Sixth Form mindset which we encourage all students to adopt. Through exhibiting these VESPA (Vision, Effort, Systems, Practising, Attitude) qualities they develop into independent learners with a true sense of community.
4. What leadership opportunities are there?
Leadership takes many forms within the Sixth Form and we are always keen for the students to suggest new ways to demonstrate leadership. We have a Sixth Form leadership team consisting of Head Students and Committee Chairs as well as Senior Students. We have a Social Committee and an Environmental Committee all of whom work hard to improve the sense of community within the school and in the local area through small and large scale projects. Leadership plays an important part within lessons where students are presented with opportunities to develop and enhance their leadership skills. I am particularly proud of our Learning Leaders programme where every Sixth Form student in Year 12 gives up one hour per fortnight to work with the lower school in subject areas or through a pastoral support programme. Not only does it give them opportunities to develop new skills but they provide inspiration and support to younger students.
5. What element of the Sixth Form are you most proud of?
There are so many things that I am proud of within Sixth Form. I think that I am most proud of is the support we give to the students to help them develop into the young adults they want to become, creating opportunities that develop not only their academic excellence but the softer skills that are not examined yet play a vital role in our success in life. Our Sixth Form students are a joy to be around and by creating a supportive and caring environment we watch them blossom and grow.
