“We go to extraordinary lengths to support you at every stage.” Scott Sanderson Head of Sixth Form, Alton Convent School
You probably know you’re at a key moment in your life. Up to now, school’s been compulsory: what happens from here on is very much down to you. If you’re hoping to go to university, this is where it all begins. It’s also when you’re expected to take greater responsibility for managing your time, workload, social commitments and life choices. Committing yourself to two years of A-levels is a big decision, but I can promise you that, if you join our Sixth Form at Alton Convent, you’ll be making the right one.
own separate building, with sofas, tea and coffee-making facilities, one-to-one study rooms and other comforts. You also have much more say in what you do, and how you do it. As Head of Sixth Form, I plan the year based on your input. If just three of you want to do a subject or activity, we’ll put it on for you. It’s all about nurturing your talents, expanding your interests, and enabling you to choose your own future.
Clearly, our main purpose is to help you achieve the subjects and grades you need for your preferred university. I’m pleased to say that each year, every one of our sixth formers is successful. The real credit, of course, belongs to the students themselves, but we go to extraordinary lengths to support you at every stage.
In this prospectus, we’ve set out all the facilities, opportunities and benefits our Sixth Form can offer you. Personally, the highest recommendation I can give is this: I have two daughters, and I would be proud for them to study here. I am impressed by the talent, dedication, character, confidence and care for each other I see in our sixth formers every day. I hope you’ll choose to join them
Everything about our Sixth Form is designed to help you start thinking, working and living as though you’re at university, rather than school. For a start, you have your
Scott Sanderson Head of Sixth Form, Alton Convent School
“For a start, you have your own separate building, with sofas, tea and coffee-making facilities, one-to-one study rooms and other comforts.” 1
Helping you get where you want to go
Ultimately, Sixth Form is all about making the transition from school to university. Research has proved that girls thrive in an all-girls environment, and our own results bear this out, with over 80% of our girls predicted to achieve A*-B in 2016.
The important thing about excellent academic results is that they give you choice. If you have a particular degree or university in mind, we’ll help you get the grades you need, with a timetable personalised to fit your academic and career aspirations. The other key part of your application is your personal statement. In writing yours, you’ll have support from our dedicated UCAS and careers officer, the Independent Schools Careers Office, subject specialists, and visiting speakers from Russell Group Universities’ admissions teams. We know it works: last year every one of our sixth formers got her first or second choice, including highly competitive courses like medicine and veterinary science. If you’re still undecided, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore your options, including careers fairs, university visits and courses, work placements, industry-led career enrichment sessions and visits to our sister schools overseas. We offer the Extended Project Qualification, which is recognised by the Russell Group and Oxbridge, and work with educational charity Potential Plus to provide specialist programmes for our high-potential learners. Throughout your time here, you’ll also meet highachieving women like Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Jessica Leigh Jones, Dame Louise Makin and Maggie Philbin, and hear their inspirational stories at first hand. It’s not just about qualifications it is about education and the educational experience.
Last year every one of our sixth formers got her first or second choice, including highly competitive courses like medicine and veterinary science.
For details of individual courses, and our past and predicted grades in specific subjects, please contact our Admissions team and ask for a curriculum portfolio. You’ll also find more information on our website: www.altonconvent.org.uk
Your academic studies are just part of the diverse and fully rounded experience you’ll enjoy in our Sixth Form. As a sixth former, you’ll be a role model for Senior and Prep pupils, and you’ll be encouraged to take up leadership opportunities in the academic, sporting and social life of the school. That might include acting as an ambassador at a public event, organising and presenting assemblies, and being part of our ‘buddy programme’, acting as a friend and mentor to our younger children. Within school, you’ll have many activities to enrich your studies and help you develop confidence and leadership skills, including:
• Sixth Form Conference • Oxford Parliamentary Debating • Winchester College Symposium • Sports Leader Programme • Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme • Young Enterprise • Tall Ships Sailing Experience • Outward Bound Programme • Bushcraft We’ll also help you start thinking ahead to life after Sixth Form. You’ll have the chance to attend pre-degree courses in your chosen subjects at universities, and undertake two weeks’ work experience with employers ranging from fashion designers to national newspapers.
Develop your own world view
You’re at the point in your life where you start to realise there’s a world full of opportunities.
You’re at the point in your life where you start to realise there’s a world full of opportunities. As a sixth former, you’ll have plenty of chances to get out and discover it for yourself. For example, you might be invited to take part in an EU conference in Paris, Amsterdam or the UN in New York, with time to visit museums, art galleries and other attractions. Or, you could be part of our bi-annual expedition to India, where you’ll work in our sister school at Varanasi and raise funds for its work with people in outlying villages, visit Mother Teresa’s orphanage, help out at a school for deaf children, and marvel at the cultural wonders of Delhi, Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) and Jaipur, known as India’s Golden Triangle. You’ll also be offered the unique privilege of joining our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes in support of HCPT, a charity working with disabled and disadvantaged people from around the UK. You’ll share this very special event with your fellow Sixth Formers from Salesian and Winchester Colleges, making it a great way to meet new people and extend your social circle. These trips provide incredible opportunities for learning, developing confidence and expanding your horizons – lessons and experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
…and your wider connections
…your personal pursuits… In the university tradition, you’ll have every Wednesday afternoon free to pursue your own sports hobbies and interests. We have a huge range of activities on offer, including:
While your academic qualifications are obviously very important, the fact remains that life is often about who you know, not just what you know. So, we give you numerous ways to meet inspiring and influential people beyond the school community, and make contacts that will stand you in good stead in your future career. Through our expanding alumni programme, you’ll meet past students who can offer you valuable networking and career mentoring opportunities: we’re also affiliated to the privatemembers Rag Club (formerly the Army & Navy) in London.
• Scuba Diving • Fencing • Yoga • Self-defence • Cookery • Sailing • Equestrian Programme
We have longstanding partnerships with schools including St Joseph’s, Reading, and Winchester and Salesian Colleges. You’ll be able to take part in a range of social and academic enrichment events, including the prestigious Winchester Symposium programme.
• Dance • Multi-gym with Personal Trainer • Subsidised Driving Lessons with Accredited Driving School • Sports Leaders Award (worth 30 UCAS points) • Debating • Personal Branding and Style Consultancy We give you great freedom to choose your own future in the Sixth Form. So, if there’s an activity you’d like to see on this list, let us know and we’ll see what we can do to make it happen!
I absolutely loved my time in the Sixth Form; it’s such an inclusive atmosphere. I didn’t realise quite how special it was until I left. The greatest gift it gave me was self-belief; to feel I can do anything I want to do if I want it enough. Dr Lucy Glasgow, Barts Health.
It’s all here for you To help you make the transition to university, you’ll spend most of your time in our purpose-built Sixth Form centre. Separate from the rest of the school, it has private study rooms, and conference rooms kitted out with TVs, whiteboards and wi-fi for group and independent work. You’ll also have access to a dedicated UCAS room and resource centre, where you’ll find all the latest prospectuses and careers information. Student life isn’t all study, of course, so between classes, you’ll be free to use the common room. Reserved exclusively for sixth formers, it boasts a fully-equipped kitchen, complete with a coffee-and-hot-chocolate machine and the all-important kettle, microwave and toaster. There’s even a sun terrace with café-style seating and tables.
All the support you need While you’re ultimately responsible for your results, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. From the moment you join the Sixth Form, you’ll receive constant support from our pastoral team. If you’ve come up through Senior School, they’ll already know you, and you’ll know them, creating a great sense of mutual trust. We’ll keep a close eye on both your academic progress and personal wellbeing, to make sure you’re happy and getting the most from your time here. We firmly believe it’s this individual attention that helps our sixth formers consistently achieve so highly. Values like respect, tolerance, service, integrity, friendship and community are central to our Catholic ethos. As a sixth former, we’ll look to you to set an example to the rest of the school, and become the person you were created to be.
Don’t take our word for it… Who better to tell you what Sixth Form life is really like than those who’ve experienced it themselves? Here’s what some of our past students and their parents have told us about their time with us:
Scholarships and awards We understand that two years of Sixth Form study is a big commitment financially, as well as academically. Our scholarship programme provides a range of support for girls with the talent and drive to succeed; if you’re already studying with us, you could be eligible for our governors’ award. For more details, please contact our Admissions Registrar to request a scholarship brochure and arrange a confidential discussion. You’ll also find further information on our website, www.altonconvent.org.uk.
Come and join us If you’re considering joining our Sixth Form, we’d strongly recommend that you attend one of our open evenings: you’ll find the dates on our website at www.altonconvent.org.uk. You can also arrange a private visit: to make an appointment, and find out more about the application process, please contact our Admissions Registrar, Sally Pigott on 01420 82070 or email admissions@altonconvent.org.uk.
“Studying at Alton Convent Sixth Form was one of the best decisions I`ve made. It combines academic rigour with a stimulating extra-curricular programme in a relaxed and happy working environment”.
In the Sixth Form, I had access to excellent teachers who knew me as a person, and one-to-one support in choosing subjects and universities, and planning work experience. Feeling able to ask for help when I needed it gave me the confidence to believe in myself and be the best I could be. Alicia Cunningham, BSc LSE, MPhil Cambridge, Parliamentary Fast Stream.
Eleanor Noble, 2015.
“Both our daughters attended Alton Convent School from the age of four, and we saw no reason ever to leave as they were so happy and we believed that happy children learn. They both look back on their school days as successful, productive times and an opportunity to make lifelong friends, instilling in them the confidence to progress to higher education.” Mrs Hexton, parent from 1995 – 2011.
Sixth Form not only helped me reach my academic potential but also enabled me to flourish as a person. It gave me the confidence to pursue my career in scientific research, and the nurturing environment equipped me for university and beyond.’ Bryony Wood, final year, Neuropsychology PhD, Bristol University.
Alton Convent School, Anstey Lane, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2NG Tel: 01420 82070
Email: admissions@altonconvent.org.uk