Inspiring global citizens
Hockerill Sixth Form
Inspiring knowledgeable, enquiring and caring global citizens through excellence in education.
The College’s Mission Statement
Introduction to Hockerill Sixth Form
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you and thank you for considering Hockerill Anglo-European College.
At Hockerill, our aim is to provide well-rounded education which equips students for the challenges of life ahead. Our goal is to produce students who have particularly well developed inter-personal skills – people who are good with people. We believe this prepares students for the futures they will face in our rapidly changing world. It is our intention that students will leave Hockerill with a deep and broad knowledge base and the skills and values to use these to good effect.
We wish to encourage applications from students who will contribute to and benefit from the College’s strong international dimension, its status as one of the country’s elite Language and Music Colleges, and its role as an IB World School.
The Sixth Form and Hockerill benefits from an unrivalled range of subject choices and small classes. Every student at Hockerill is known and every student benefits from an outstanding pastoral system. We will inspire, motivate and challenge as well as provide students with the best possible preparation for the future. I hope that you find this guide informative and we encourage you to visit Hockerill to see the College.
David Woods Principal
I am proud as Director of Sixth Form to introduce you to our diverse, caring and outstanding Sixth Form.
We are a part of a global community of schools that offer the renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Its curriculum is challenging, dynamic, and puts the learning of the individual into a real world context. Watching the students develop and grow and create meaningful and professional relationships throughout their time with us at Hockerill Sixth Form, is a real privilege.
High standards are vital to the success of young people and our expectation is that each student will hold themself to the aspirational standards that we set. In the Sixth Form we foster a love of learning, engagement and critical thinking. We truly believe in preparing our students to thrive and be ready to embrace opportunities in an ever-changing world. To achieve this our Sixth Form team strive to promote the academic and personal growth of all our students so that they can become resilient and reflective individuals that flourish on the global stage.
Through the CAS programme, leadership opportunities and our trips offering, we provide many opportunities to develop outside of the classroom, which can be some of the most life-changing and memorable experiences. If you want to be a part of a unique experience that will catapult you into becoming a global citizen, internationally minded and ready to make your mark on the world, Hockerill Sixth Form is the place for you.
Thea Wilson Director of Sixth Form & IB Coordinator
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
The International Baccalaureate Organisation Mission Statement
Preparation for the Future
International Baccalaureate Diploma at Hockerill
The organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. They encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who can understand multiple perspectives.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an international qualification that provides an academically rigorous programme of study while ensuring the development of skills needed to succeed in everyday life. Its balanced curriculum emphasises breadth across a range of subjects and skills while allowing students to delve deeper into their passions in the higher level subject options.
Outline of the IBDP Curriculum
Students are required to take six subjects picking one subject from each of the IB subject groups; Studies in language and literature – Language A (group 1), Language Acquisition (group 2), Individuals and Societies (group 3), Sciences (group 4), Mathematics (group 5), Arts (group 6).
The academic programme is complemented by a compulsory core programme of study: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge and Creativity Activity and Service.
The Diploma package provides the opportunity for students to develop intellectually, physically, emotionally and ethically during their time at Hockerill Sixth Form.
How is the IBDP graded?
For each of the six academic subjects the maximum that can be attained is 7 points. Up to 3 points are available for the combination of Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. The points for each subject and the core points are added together to give a total point score.
The Diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme and to satisfactory participation in the core components. The highest total that a Diploma Programme student can be awarded is 45 points.
Further details of how grades are awarded are available on the IB website.
Most subjects have an element of internal assessment. These are marked by teachers and moderated by the IB. Some subjects have assignments which are completed as coursework and are externally assessed by the IB only.
Most subjects require students to sit two or three examination papers at the end of the course unless they are the arts. Subjects such as Theatre, Music and Visual Arts are all coursework based.
If the Diploma is not awarded, UCAS points will still be given for the grades achieved, including the core components, which is accepted by universities and can be used to obtain a place in Higher Education.
“My favourite part of the IB is the Extended Essay. You get to investigate a topic you are interested in and become an expert in that area. It’s really great for your development as a student to have a topic you can just talk about for fun, and universities love it too.”
Inspiring Curriculum
Students choose six subjects in total, one from each IB group. Students may opt to study additional sciences, individuals and societies, or languages, instead of a subject in the arts.
These curriculums include exciting and relevant topics that are designed by educators to help inspire the next generation of internationally minded students. All subjects will also have an externally or internally assessed piece of work. These include written assignments, oral examinations and practical work.
Three subjects must be higher level (HL) and three are studied at standard level (SL). Students normally choose HL for the subjects they are more passionate about and wish to specialise in for future aspirations. They are expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills.
Standard level subjects allow students to avoid the restrictions of early specialisation, which frequently limits career options later on. For example, the course has the flexibility to allow the prospective law student to keep in touch with music by following a standard level course in this subject.
The higher level and standard level subjects may differ in scope but are measured accordingly by the same grade descriptors.
DP Core
The Extended Essay
The EE is a compulsory, externally assessed piece of independent research in which students are required to write a 4000 word essay. This aspect of the course is designed to allow students to engage in the in-depth study of a question relating to one of their diploma subjects which they are truly passionate about. Guided by of a specialised supervisor, time is set aside during the course to help students complete the essay. The Extended Essay provides a major focal point for university interviews and helps to give students the edge over their competitors.
Theory of Knowledge (ToK)
Often seen as the special ingredient of the IB Diploma course, Theory of Knowledge asks students to reflect critically on the nature of knowledge in each of their subject areas, including personal ideological biases. It provides excellent preparation for university in the future and fosters the need to act responsibly in an uncertain but increasingly interconnected world. Theory of Knowledge is examined through an exhibition and 1600 word essay.
Creativity Activity and Service (CAS)
CAS is learning outside of the curriculum through students taking part in a range of experiences and completing a meaningful project. It requires students to be reflective, plan and choose real purposeful activities that have significant impacts on them. It promotes personal growth through challenge, thinking ethically and relating to the world around them. This should be one of the most exciting parts of the programme as it is completely personalised and develops skills needed for the future. We encourage all our students to get involved with the college, local and global communities. All students have a CAS afternoon to allow them to take advantage of CAS activities available in College. Experiences could include mentoring in college, running clubs, learning to play an instrument, making a podcast and playing sports.
Subjects offered:
Groups Description Subjects
1 Studies in Language and Literature
The study of literature is designed to develop a student’s written and analytical skills.
2 Language Acquisition
“An integral part of the IB Diploma is the coursework element (IA) which can be found in all your IB subjects, be that an oral exam or a piece of written text.”
3 Individuals and Societies
We offer a wide range of courses to suit all standards and interests; courses are available for beginners as well as developing linguists. A language can also be studied in Group 6, if there is sufficient demand for it.
• English A: Literature
• French A Literature
• English A: Language Self Taught and Literature
• German A Literature
• Spanish A Literature Self Taught Self Taught
• Italian A Literature Self Taught
• English B • Japanese ab initio
• German B (SL only)
• Spanish B
• French B
4 Sciences
Subjects included in this group are Humanities subjects. You may want to opt for two of these subjects (see Group 6 below).
If you want to do two Sciences, you may choose two subjects from this option and place the 2nd subject as the group 6 (see Group 6 below).
5 Mathematics
6 The Arts and Electives
All candidates are required to take Mathematics. There are four different options to cater for different needs and prior knowledge.
This encourages you to continue with or choose a creative subject. You could also opt to choose another subject from the other groups 2, 3 or 4.
• Spanish ab initio (SL only)
• English B (for non-native
• Italian B speakers of English who
• Mandarin B (SL only) do a different language A
• Japanese B (SL only) to English or Self Taught)
• Italian Ab initio (SL only)
• Business Management
• Social and Cultural
• Economics Anthropology
• Geography
• History
• Psychology
• Biology • Environmental Systems
• Chemistry and Societies (SL only)
• Design Technology
• Physics
• Mathematics:
• Computer Science
• Sports, Health and Exercise Science
• Mathematics: Analysis Applications and and Approaches, Interpretation, HL and SL HL and SL
• Music Or an additional language,
• Theatre science or humanities subject
• Visual Arts
“An aspect of the IB I have really enjoyed is Theory of Knowledge. I appreciate the discussion-based nature of TOK lessons, which allows us to share our ideas more freely and engage in relevant and interesting debates.”
Why the IB?
The IBDP allows for the exploration of you as an individual. Be ready to create, innovate and be a part of a global community. Its curriculums are constantly adapting to the ever-changing world and help to foster an intrinsic love of learning.
• The broad curriculum gives you real life context.
• The IBDP is widely respected for its academic rigour and intellectual richness.
• Higher level subjects will enable you to study three subjects in depth, whilst still allowing contact with a broad range of SL Subjects, thus keeping your options open.
• It encourages university-level skills, and the development of life-long skills.
• The IB is widely respected because there is no grade inflation. This means that your qualification maintains its value.
• A 2021 IBSCA report found that IB diploma students are three times more likely than matched A level students to enrol in a top 20 Higher Education Institute.
• According to the UCAS tariff, 45 points is equivalent to four grade A* at A Levels and above, 35 points is approximate to three grade A* at A Levels.
• Research suggests that IB Diploma graduates settle into university more quickly than their A Level counterparts because they have developed a wider range of skills suited to university study.
• IB students very rarely ‘drop out’ of university.
• Students leaving school and university are increasingly competing in a global job market. National qualifications can be limiting, because they are not readily understood in other countries. The IB Diploma Programme is taught in 124 countries meaning that it is understood by employers in those countries.
• The IB Diploma qualification is accepted by universities in 130 countries.
• The focus on languages could give you the edge in a global job market.
At Hockerill we pride ourselves on a diverse community of learners and celebrate the differences and communities that make us who we are. As a Sixth Form team we provide support to all our students for the academic, emotional, social needs throughout your Sixth Form journey, complimented by excellent facilities such as our new state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre.
Careers and University
Guidance and Opportunities
We invest the time into every one of our students and our Careers & Guidance programmes help students choose and prepare for their future pathways.
The key to our approach is the individualised support alongside a strong curriculum-embedded programme. We understand that all students have different aspirations and needs as young global citizens, whether it be university, apprenticeship, or employment.
In addition to support from the careers department, tutors, teachers, and college leaders with this important transition, students have access to Services for Young People, Hertfordshire, as well as personalised and dedicated university counselling support with expertise in UK and overseas university admissions.
“Thanks to the IB I feel incredibly prepared for university, and I love that I am able to continue to study my interests without sacrificing subjects for university courses. The support throughout has been amazing.”
“I love the atmosphere at Hockerill, which is brought together by the beautiful buildings and the amazing student body and staff.”
We have an exciting Wednesday afternoon curriculum that supports a bi-weekly careers session for our students.
This consists of but is not limited to:
• Researching university / apprenticeship / gap year options
• Essay and personal statement writing
• Career path selection
• University and apprenticeship speakers
• Oxbridge support
• UCAS Fairs
• International University support
• Support for years after students have graduated.
Recent top tier placements include UK, USA and the rest of the world.
Oxford, Cambridge, Exeter, King’s, LSE, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Warwick and universities abroad in New York, Toronto, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Madrid and Milan.
Results and Destinations
The UCAS Destination Map
Student progression in 2024 at Hockerill College.
In the last three years at Hockerill, (Classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024 – more than 330 students) top university destinations include Exeter, Leeds, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Durham, Warwick, UCL, and Loughborough. Among them, 11 matriculated at Oxford or Cambridge, and 13 went on to study Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, or Dentistry. Nearly 10% are studying at universities abroad in Europe, North America, and Asia, and recent apprenticeship placements include TFL, Deloitte, AstraZeneca, and Environment Agency.
/ Social
/ Economics /
Creative / Arts / Music / Design
Other subjects / Integrated, combined courses
Scotland – 12
The University of Edinburgh – 9
University of St Andrews – 1
University of Glasgow – 1
University of Strathclyde – 1
North East – 16
Durham University – 13
Newcastle University – 3
North West – 15
University of Manchester – 9
Manchester Metropolitan University – 1
Lancaster University – 1
University of Liverpool – 3
Liverpool John Moores University – 1
Wales – 6
Aberystwyth University – 1
Bangor University – 1
Cardiff University – 3
Swansea University – 1
West Midlands – 25
University of Warwick – 16
Aston University, Birmingham – 1
University of Birmingham – 8
South West – 41
University of Exeter – 16
University of Bristol – 9
University of Bath – 10
Bath Spa University – 1
Bristol, University of the West of England – 1
Arts University Bournemouth – 1
Bournemouth University – 1
Cornwall College – 1
University of Plymouth – 1
Yorkshire and The Humber – 28
University of York – 9
University of Leeds – 14
Leeds Beckett University – 1
University of Sheffield – 3
York St John University – 1
East Midlands – 30
University of Nottingham – 13
Loughborough University – 11
University of Leicester – 3
De Montfort University – 1
Nottingham Trent University – 2
East of England – 18
University of Cambridge – 9
University of East Anglia UEA – 5
Anglia Ruskin University – 4
London – 54
SOAS University of London – 4
UCL (University College London) – 10
City, University of London – 4
Fashion Retail Academy – 1
King’s College London – 10
Kingston University – 1
University of Greenwich – 2
Goldsmiths, University of London – 1
Imperial College London – 2
The University of Law – 1
South East – 38
University of Sussex – 6
Royal Holloway, University of London – 3
University of Oxford – 2
Oxford Brookes University – 5
University of Reading – 11
University of Kent – 3
University of Portsmouth – 1
University of Southampton – 4
University of Surrey – 3
Prepare for the Future, Adapt, Create and Innovate
“Despite studying six different subjects, there is no doubt that there are connections and links to be found between them all which gives you a greater understanding of topics and their implications on the world around us. This global and interconnected perspective doesn’t just prepare you for university but also life as a whole.”
Application Process
Students currently studying GCSEs will require a grade 7 or 6 to study a subject at HL. It is preferred that students wishing to study Maths AA or Physics at HL have a grade 8 or above.
International students require equivalent qualifications from their national systems and students from MYP schools will normally need 6s or above in the majority of subjects. Subject choices can be reviewed in consultation with the College after GCSE results are known.
A link to our full admissions policy can be found on our website here.
Application Timeline
Open Morning: November
The Open Morning, allows prospective students and parents the opportunity to spend time in College and meet with Hockerill students and teaching staff. Taster lessons and tours of the campus are also available to help you find out more about the IB Diploma Programme and life at Hockerill.
Making
your Application:
September – December
Applications open in September and close in December.
Applications are made online on the admissions portal which can be accessed via Admissions at www.hockerill.com
Academic Meetings: September – February
Once your application is received, you will be invited to an Academic Meeting to discuss your subject choices with the Sixth Form team or Heads of Faculty.
The 30-minute meeting is designed to be friendly and informative. This is a chance to help us get to know you as a learner and whether the subjects you are selecting are the best fit for you. Non- native speakers may be asked to sit a straightforward test to assess their ability in written English.
Academic meetings for Day places will take place in January and February. Academic meetings for Boarding places take place during Autumn term
Boarding Suitability Interviews: September – February
New boarding candidates will have a boarding suitability interview as well as the Academic Meeting. The College will seek a boarding suitability reference from the student’s current school.
Further details about boarding suitability can be found in our Admissions Policy
“The Sixth Form is an energetic environment with help at every corner. The teachers go out of their way to provide me with opportunities and support throughout my IB journey.”
Sixth Form Student
“Sixth Form here feels like being part of a close-knit community. The support we provide each other creates an environment where it’s easy to share our struggles and celebrate our successes together. It’s reassuring to know we’re all on this journey side by side.”
Sixth Form Life
In our Sixth Form at Hockerill we have a thriving, diverse community. It consists of both day and boarding students, often meaning that our Sixth Form communities become exceptionally close.
Leadership opportunities
Leadership is not just about being the best academic or athlete at College, it is the sense of a deeper commitment to the community around you. By shaping students’ hearts and minds to respect perspective and cultural differences we empower them to make an impact on the College and local communities.
This ethos is supported through our Senior Prefect Leadership Team, Prefects, and Heads of Equipe programmes. This allows students to take on roles within the College to take pride in their community. We encourage them to promote compassion, artistic, cultural, interpersonal, and intellectual leadership that extends beyond the classroom and helps to serve the wider local community. Our students are proud of their achievements.
Extra-curricular clubs and Arts opportunities
Alongside the curriculum, students enjoy regular participation and performance opportunities for music and drama, plus leadership development within Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh and Model United Nations. We offer multiple sports clubs with opportunities to compete, and a variety of other activities, including Medical, Engineering and Cultural Societies and Interact Club. There really is something for everyone.
Trips
We offer a variety of exciting and life-changing trips that take our students around the world and embeds the College’s international outlook. Extending from language and cultural exchanges in Europe and Asia; history and politics tours in Berlin and New York; through to biodiversity studies in Croatia and outreach programmes in Africa. There is a full weekend programme for full boarders and many weekly and flexi boarders also opt to join activities such as trips to London and Cambridge, visits to outdoor activity and theme parks plus themed movie nights.
Sixth Form events
We hold Sixth Form events throughout the year consisting of community and charity events, sporting events, winter balls, prom and graduation.
“Leadership opportunities are prevalent in every aspect of school and boarding life at Hockerill. Whether it’s as a sports captain, head of equipe, senior cadet or club host, there really is a role for everyone!”
Admissions Policy
A full copy of the College’s admissions policy for Sixth Form entry is available on our website here.
Induction and Enrolment
Receiving an Offer
• Day offers are made from February.
• Boarding offers are made once the Academic Meeting has taken place and Boarding Suitability has been confirmed.
• An offer letter will be sent via the online admissions portal to the applicant and their parents.
• Applicants must accept the offer via a link in the offer letter.
• See Enrolment below.
• Parents of external boarders are asked to transfer a reservation fee to secure the boarding place.
In addition, the following conditions of offer apply to the programme:
1) Acceptance of CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) programme
2) Acceptance of TOK (Theory of Knowledge) course
3) Acceptance of Extended Essay
4) Acceptance of attendance requirements
5) Acceptance of minimum of 12 hours of study at home or in boarding prep per week
Our Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) can accommodate up to a maximum of 300 students.
Induction Morning: June
For students who have received an offer, the induction morning offers a chance to familiarise students with Hockerill and the IB Diploma Programme. It is also a chance to get to know other students who may join you in the Sixth Form.
Enrolment: August
External candidates are requested to inform the College of their examination results as soon as they are received on GCSE results day. Information on how to do this will be sent to all students holding offers in the Summer Term.
Conditional Offers are confirmed on the basis of exam results and this is followed by enrolment into the Sixth Form.
The Sixth Form application form is available online via our website. If you require a paper copy please request one from the College, complete and return to:
The Registrar, Hockerill Anglo-European College, Dunmow Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts CM23 5HX.
“Sixth Form life is both challenging yet extremely fun. While it can be stressful at times with the workload, the people you meet and become friends with make it all worth it. The SFC is a stimulating and productive environment that really helps you focus on work, and is a great hub for us as students to work collaboratively.”
Sixth Form Student
