Spotlight on... Head of Sixth Form

Welcome to the first in our new blog series, Spotlight on...

Each month we will shine a light on an area of our school to give parents, carers and the wider community an insight into the finer workings of life at Charters.

To kick off this series we are shining a Spotlight on our Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Hill.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE?

Most of my job involves guiding, (and yes, sometimes nagging,) the students to grow and develop. The two years at Charters Sixth Form is such a short time in a young person's life, but a huge amount happens during those six terms. Having less subjects to study but understanding the depth of knowledge required to excel is a big learning curve, while students may also have to juggle a part-time job and learning to drive. My team and I support the students to achieve their best academically, and give them the knowledge and skills to make an informed decision about what they would like to do when they leave our care. Whether they choose to travel before starting a degree course, enter the world of work, begin an apprenticeship, or continue their studies at a university in the UK or abroad after finishing their A Levels, it’s wonderful to know that we have had a hand in equipping them for their future.   

No two days are the same although there are things that need to be done on a yearly basis such as organising the enrichment opportunities for Year 12, planning our Charters Scholars Programme, speaking to parents at open evening all while responding to the daily needs of the Sixth Form. It’s a busy and vibrant place to be!

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR ROLE?

Getting to work with young adults as they grow and develop into the confident, articulate young people is amazing and I love the way they challenge me to be the best I can be. Seeing them on results day and knowing that they are about to start a new phase of their lives is so rewarding, making all the nagging, cajoling, tears (sometimes mine!) and encouragement worth it.

I have an incredibly rewarding role but one of the best aspects is welcoming back a student who felt they wanted to experience a new environment at the end of Year 11. I fully understand that some students feel that they want a change of scene after their GCSE examinations, but each year students ask to return to our Sixth Form in early September having realised that their original choice wasn’t what they thought it would be. It happens each year, and it's wonderful to watch those students flourish. In my opinion our pastoral care is second to none, and it's the care and support that really stands us apart from the crowd.

WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST CHALLENGING?

I think every day presents different challenges and they are part of what makes my job so special. Trying to find solutions that support everyone can be tricky so central to all decisions is the key question I ask – ‘in the long run is this beneficial for my Sixth Form students?’

It's never easy having difficult conversations with students. Whether that's around their effort in a certain subject or that one of my team has noticed they seem a little overwhelmed, but it's so important to take the time to speak with the individual and help them find a way forward. We expect a lot from our students, and on the whole they deliver what is needed; but the beauty of Charters Sixth Form is that we have a support network of teaching and associate staff who know the students really well, and can support them throughout their two year journey. Some of my most challenging conversations have made a real difference, and I am very proud of that.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD TELL A STUDENT CONSIDERING APPLYING TO CHARTERS SIXTH FORM?

I think I'd tell them that Charters Sixth Form is not like the Key Stage 3 and 4. We treat our students as young adults and the relationship between staff and student undergoes a subtle change; it really is a halfway house between school and either further education or the world of work. Our most successful students are the ones who choose subjects that they enjoy, and take advantage of our staff's huge depth of knowledge around their subjects. Charters Sixth Form offers a wide range of leadership opportunities alongside a fantastic Enrichment programme. It's a wonderful environment in which to learn and make friends. 

We expect all of our students to achieve their potential. Applying to Charters Sixth Form provides students with the space and tools required to grow and develop into the people they want to become. Through excellent pastoral care and an enrichment programme that is tailor made to suit each cohort of students, we can help them excel.

If students want to go to a top flight university we have a programme of support with a proven track record of success.

If they want to develop the key skills that most employers are looking for, our Charters Scholars Programme is ideal.

If they want to play sport, get creative or learn about new cultures, our Enrichment programme is perfectly placed to enhance their Sixth Form experience.