What makes being a sixth former so special?

The two years in Sixth Form will probably be the most important of a student’s time at school and, in many cases, will shape their future. So why do we think our Sixth Form is so special?

Channing Sixth Formers are active learners, and critical and creative thinkers. We support our students on that journey by having small class sizes, expert teachers, a large support system and a faculty of staff who are all there to help our students realise their ambitions. Being in the Sixth Form provides an amazing opportunity for a fresh start and the space and opportunity to forge a new path, it’s not just more of the same but in your own clothes!

Academic ambition can be found in abundance beyond the A Level curriculum whether that is in completing an EPQ; writing for the Sixth Form magazine, Skipping Out, or the History or Psychology Journals; learning a new skill in enrichment classes or hearing from special guest lecturers; or one of the many other opportunities available in the Sixth Form. We encourage students to stretch themselves and to delve meaningfully into their subjects, enjoying stretch and challenge beyond the curriculum.

Students also need to foster independence and being a Sixth Former means managing their time and feeling a lot more independent and being given a lot more responsibility in turn. All our Year 12 students hold leadership positions and can take on more throughout the school. Whether it is as house captain, head girl or a member of the school Officer Team, club or society leader, musician in the Orchestra or goal keeper in netball, we are immensely proud of the way our students immerse themselves in the life of the school and make such a positive contribution.

Our Sixth Form Centre functions as a separate space just for Sixth Formers. The building students are based in is different but so is the year group community – Years 12 and 13 are in forms together, which enables not only collaborative working and learning but is also a chance for the Year 12s to see into their future as their contemporaries navigate UCAS and overseas applications, Gap Year plans and everything else that comes with being in your final year of school.

Now (more than ever), young adults need to be fully equipped with the necessary academic and life skills to confidently succeed in the workplace, and the world at large. To support our students’ aspirations we have a first class careers programme. PSHE lessons focus more on contemporary issues a Sixth Former might face such as basic finance skills and learning what university is really like from alumnae.

The ‘joy’ in Girl’s Enjoying Success could not be more evident in the Sixth Form – after all having an atmosphere that makes students happy is vitally important at this crucial time in their studies. We host treasure trails; cooking classes; big breakfasts and BBQs; ice cream treats; beat boxing; karaoke and more. But it’s not just these programmed sessions that make it fun – it’s the whole team – the teachers, pastoral staff, support staff and the students, that really makes it a truly joyful place.

Our aim is to ensure that each and every one of our students leaves Channing as an independent thinker, ready for everything life has to offer, and determined to make a positive social impact.