Sixth Form at Saint Felix

Sixth form is a time of academic and personal growth when you discover more about yourself and your ambitions.  We allow you to do this in a supportive and stimulating environment.  The Sixth Form at Saint Felix is growing and will be 80 students from September 2009.  We offer one-to-one support and advice to all our students.  There are countless opportunities to be involved with the life of the school and beyond it.  The only limits are the ones you set yourself! 
Previous students have said,  
“The responsibilities I was given in Sixth Form, like being Head of House, helped me to be more confident and a positive role model and strong leader...”
“I LOVED IT and if you have much sense you will too! You get out of it what you put in.  I put in a mass of effort and am reaping the rewards!”

Our ethos is high quality teaching in an atmosphere which promotes the intrinsic value of academic study and the development of independent learning.  Students are taught in small groups and therefore have freedom to express and explore ideas.
Subjects taught at A level include : Maths and Further Maths, English Literature, Fine Art, 3-D Design, Textiles, Photography, Drama and Theatre Studies, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Politics, French, Spanish, Business Studies, Economics,  Geography, Latin, PE, Music, ICT, History of Art.
Students are allocated to a tutor group of 12 or so and receive excellent academic support, guidance on personal and professional development and higher education and links to a caring pastoral team.  There is regular discussion of academic progress and individual mentoring for university application through UCAS.  A programme of speakers throughout the year introduces students to potential careers paths.

Joining the Sixth Form
Entry is dependent on achieving the minimum criteria of 5 GCSE subjects at A-C.  External candidates will be interviewed and discuss subject options with staff.  You should have at least a B grade in subjects you wish to pursue at AS level.  An induction programme for the new Lower VI takes place at the start of the Michaelmas Term.

Scholarships and bursaries are available, both academic and specialist (in Art, Music, Drama & Sport) Interviews and auditions are usually held in the Lent term.  Full details are in the Scholarships and Awards booklet, available from the Registrar

Facilities
The Sixth Form Centre is located in Somerville and Gardiner Houses.  Boarders have study-bedrooms here and day students may use rooms on the ground floors.  These include relaxation areas, kitchen and private study area.  The library is dedicated to Sixth Form use during lesson time.  It is wi-fi enabled to allow students to work in a dedicated silent area.  The development of independent study skills is crucial to success in the Sixth Form and is encouraged through tutor groups and liaising with the Librarian.

Activities
We believe that Sixth Form is a time for the development of leadership skills and to this end a full programme of activities aims to broaden students’ horizons.  There are opportunities to lead school and Houses and organise fundraising and social events.  Previous students have been inspired to organise an African Evening in support of the Fistula Foundation, jazz cabaret evenings and drama productions.
Opportunities include :
• the Young Entrepreneur’s Scheme
• Young Enterprise
• Drama activities, including whole-school musical, sixth form play and directing the annual Year 8 play
• Music : orchestra, flute and wind bands, choir and chamber choir
• ACF
• Leading clubs for younger students; currently these include street art, cookery, Chinese, rugby, creative writing
• Involvement in sports teams 
• Current affairs : mini UN, debating club
• Developing the School Council
• Mentoring juniors in their art and reading
• Peer counselling scheme from Sept 2009
• Outside activities and links with the community

Our emphasis is on the promotion of personal responsibility and a concern for others.   Students are also prepared for independent living and in the Lent Term of Upper VI a six-week series of talks and activities introduces you to managing finances at university and beyond.

Sixth Form Forum
This is a committee run by and for Sixth Form students, with nominated representatives from both Lower VI and Upper VI.  It is a voice for the combined Sixth Form and it promotes and organises social activities, oversees charitable fundraising and deals with any domestic issues which arise.  It has a link to the whole-school Council and regularly feeds back to staff and to the Headmaster through the Heads of School.