LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM
THE SIXTH CONTENTS 02 SELECTING YOUR SUBJECT OPTIONS 04 TIMETABLE 06 STUDYING 08 SUPPORT
09 STUDY FACILITIES
10 THE SIXTH FORM & THE SCHOOL 12 SUCCESS IN THE SIXTH FORM
14 SUBJECT CHOICES & UNIVERSITY COURSES 15 GLOBAL TOP-10
16 AFTER HAMPTON
16 ALUMNI COMMUNITY
17 ALTERNATIVE FUTURES
FORM AT HAMPTON LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM AT HAMPTON IS EXCITING, CHALLENGING AND BUSY The Sixth Form at Hampton provides a wonderful
To get the most from your Sixth Form years, you need to
opportunity to continue your education in a supportive yet
consider which four subjects you would like to study. You
challenging environment and offers an ideal grounding for
will pursue these subjects in far greater depth than any you
university and the world of work.
have taken so far in your school career and it is therefore
Arguably the best two years of your school career, Sixth Form is full of new experiences and opportunities. It is undeniably demanding, but there is also plenty of time for friendship and fun. There is a strong academic focus and we are proud of our results which help open doors to the top global universities, as well as an exciting range of career
essential that you enjoy them and that they interest you. We will ask you to submit your preliminary, provisional subject choices in early December. Your choice of academic subjects is important but please be assured that we will provide you with all the information and guidance you need to ensure that you make the decision that is right for you.
opportunities. However, we also believe it is important boys develop wider skills to help them make the most of opportunities beyond school. We will encourage and support you to broaden your interests, take on leadership roles and develop independent learning skills.
Dr S A Hendry Deputy Head
Mr A N McBay
Director of Studies
INTRODUCTION I 01
02 I SELECTING YOUR SUBJECT OPTIONS
SELECTING YOUR SUBJECT OPTIONS A good starting point is to consider the subjects you enjoy and are interested in. You will study the subjects you choose for Sixth Form in
or to think creatively when faced with new challenges, is
much greater depth than your I/GCSE options and will
invaluable in the workplace, and this is an opportunity for
of the subjects on offer and information about
also have to undertake a considerable amount of private
you to develop new skills and consolidate those you have
assessment procedures
study, so it is essential that you enjoy and are interested
begun to develop during your I/GCSE years.
in them. There are also a number of new subject options that become available at A Level which you may wish to consider. You should also ensure that your choice of A Level subjects is appropriate for the path that you may wish to take post-Hampton and that at least some of your subjects support each other. Having said this, your fourth option, which you will only study until the end of the Lower Sixth, may provide you with an opportunity to try something different (such as a linguistic, literary or creative option if you see yourself as a mathematician or scientist) - an ability to communicate fluently in another language,
The following sources of information and advice are available to help you:
• Personalised Profiling - early in the Fifth Year all boys are invited to complete an online assessment profiling their personality, career interests, abilities, strengths and learning styles. Your Form Tutor will discuss your personalised profile report with you and you will also have the opportunity to have an additional meeting with a member of the Careers & UCAS team should you wish
• The Sixth Form Options booklet provides an overview
• Your current teachers and the Heads of Department will be able to provide you with detailed information about what studying their subject in the Sixth Form entails • Your parents will, of course, also have a great deal of advice and support to offer • The UCAS and Careers team, Deputy Head Academic and Director of Studies will be able to help you build a combination of subjects that work cohesively together While it is vital that you consider all the information and advice available to you, remember that your future is yours to decide.
SELECTIN YO U R S USBCJH E OOL C T O PSTI XTH I O N S FOR I 0 3 M I 03 HGA M P TON
TIMETABLE
THE SIXTH FORM
IN THE LOWER SIXTH, BOYS AT HAMPTON STUDY A COMBINATION OF FOUR SUBJECTS, THREE OF WHICH ARE TAKEN TO A LEVEL AND EXTERNALLY EXAMINED AT THE END OF THE UPPER SIXTH. You will have six or seven timetabled lessons for each subject in the Lower Sixth and nine timetabled lessons for each subject in the Upper Sixth. Further academic stretch and challenge is available via The Hampton Extended Learning Programme Level 4 Project, an extended and independent piece of work on a topic which particularly interests you. This work provides the chance to demonstrate the research, analytical, organisational and time-management skills that are so highly valued by the top universities and employers. The academic curriculum is complemented by a Curriculum Enrichment programme, designed to develop core life skills, broaden horizons and stretch the mind. Run jointly with LEH over two periods a week, the programme includes three core areas (Thinking Skills, Community Service and Oracy and as many as 15 optional courses including cookery, current affairs and Python programming.
T H E S I X T H F O R M T I M E TA B L E I 0 5
STUDYING IN THE SIXTH FORM THE SIXTH FORM HAS A UNIQUE FEEL. Taught by subject specialists, class sizes are small, and teachers get to know you well. Given greater independence, you will be expected to be proactive and take responsibility for your own learning. Teaching staff are there to support and guide you but individual academic and all-round success will also depend on your approach to School life and how much you invest in your two Sixth Form years. The academic rigour of study in Sixth Form is considerable, and the transition from I/GCSE to A Level is demanding, but if you work hard, and in partnership with your teachers, you will find your academic education at Hampton will serve you well whatever path you choose to follow. Alongside these increasing academic challenges, all Sixth Form boys are expected to embrace opportunities for leadership in the School, both within the Prefect and Mentor systems, as well as through the extensive co-curricular and service opportunities. Learning to balance the demands of these equally important aspects of Sixth Form life is challenging but will help prepare you for life at university and beyond.
06 I STUDYING IN THE SIXTH FORM
TAUGHT BY SUBJECT SPECIALISTS, CLASS SIZES ARE SMALL AND YOUR TEACHERS WILL GET TO KNOW YOU REALLY WELL.
STUDYING IN THE SIXTH FORM I 07
SUPPORT IN THE SIXTH FORM Tutor groups are small and led by experienced Sixth Form Tutors. Small Tutor Groups of around 12 boys
There are two Heads of Year with specific
allow you to develop a strong one-to-one
responsibilities for each Sixth Form Year Group:
relationship with your Form Tutor who will be
Head of Lower Sixth and Head of Upper Sixth.
an important source of advice and information.
The Head of Lower Sixth will move with you into
You will remain with the same Form Tutor
Upper Sixth to ensure continuity of care during
throughout your time in the Sixth Form.
these two intensive, fast-paced years.
08 I SUPPORT IN THE SIXTH FORM
STUDY FACILITIES
Our state-of-the-art Sixth Form Study Centre is at the heart of the School and provides space for private and independent study as well as collaborative work. The Centre is also home to the Heads of Lower and Upper Sixth and our specialist Careers & UCAS Department which offers exceptional resources and access to Hampton’s global alumni network spanning the full range of professions and industry sectors. The Sixth Form Common Room offers space to relax and socialise and includes a popular snack and panini bar.
S T U D Y FA C I L I T I E S I 0 9
SIXTH FORMERS MAKE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE WIDER SCHOOL COMMUNITY AND ACT AS ROLE MODELS TO YOUNGER BOYS.
THE SIXTH FORM & THE SCHOOL
Sixth Formers have a positive influence on boys lower down the School and play a significant role in developing the community atmosphere throughout the School. You will be expected to act as an ambassador for the
In the Upper Sixth, leadership opportunities exist within
School at visitor events and to make the most of the many
the School Captain team and supporting Prefect system
leadership and service opportunities on offer. The skills
and the Mentoring programme, which links Upper Sixth
you will develop from taking on these roles – teamwork,
boys to Lower School Form Groups to offer help and
co-operation, organisational skills and resilience – will
advice to younger boys.
not only complement your academic studies but are also highly sought after by employers.
The School Council, Digital Council, Young Enterprise and peer-to-peer GCSE mentoring programme with
Sixth Formers are expected to take the lead and set
local maintained secondary schools also provide
an example in all aspects of School life including sport,
further opportunities for leadership and service.
music, drama, debating, community service, Form Charity and the Adventure Society.
THE SIXTH FORM & THE SCHOOL I 11
AS YOU MOVE THROUGH THE SIXTH FORM YOU WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO CONTINUALLY RE-EVALUATE THE WAY YOU STUDY AND ORGANISE YOUR TIME TO ENSURE THAT YOU ACHIEVE YOUR PERSONAL BEST.
12 I SUCCESS IN THE SIXTH FORM
SUCCESS IN THE SIXTH FORM
The Sixth Form at Hampton assumes a high level of subject understanding and GCSE 9-8 grades are very desirable. The step between GCSE and A Level is much greater than many might expect. It is important not to assume that A Level courses run
You will be required to read around your subjects and
on smoothly from matching I/GCSE courses. You will
make notes to broaden your understanding. Your
be required to work much more independently than at
involvement in co-curricular activities will require you
I/GCSE. At least one-third of your work will not be set
to establish an effective balance between the various
formally as homework.
pressures on your time. As a Sixth Former, you will develop a range of study skills that will be of benefit to you both during your A Level studies and in the longer term.
SUCCESS IN THE SIXTH FORM
I 13
The majority of boys at Hampton secure places at their first-choice university with 90% heading to Russell Group universities and around 10% receiving offers from Oxford and Cambridge each year. The range of subjects they study reflects the diverse nature of our Sixth Form and the boys within it. University entry requirements are regularly updated and so
The Russell Group (the leading 20 research-based
it is important to do research into courses which you may
universities) regularly publish guidance and advice
be interested in pursuing post Hampton before you finalise
regarding post-16 education and the following
your Sixth Form options. Generally speaking, you should
webpage provides a valuable source of information.
study the same subject in Sixth Form as the degree
https://www.informedchoices.ac.uk
title, however, there are exceptions including Business and Management, Economics and Computing courses, Psychology and Law, which do not require the equivalent A Level. Most universities, however, require Mathematics at A Level for Economics and for Computing.
Above all, make sure your subject choices are ones that you know you will be happy with and don’t be influenced by well-meaning friends or family to choose a subject you don’t enjoy or find difficult. Please ask for advice from members of staff if you
have any queries about your subject combination in the Sixth Form.
14 I SUBJECT CHOICES & UNIVERSITY COURSES
HOICE
SUBJECT CHOICES & UNIVERSITY COURSES
GLOBAL TOP-10
The Global Top-10 universities, which include Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Imperial, enjoy the luxury of being able to select the most academically gifted applicants. Pressure on places at these universities has never been higher. If you are considering applying, you will need to show: • a proven academic track record with a least eight 9-8 grades at I/GCSEs • a coherent choice of A Level subjects. For example, relevant scientific A Level subjects if you are considering studying Medicine or Sciences • Academic strength and proof that you are reading around your subjects, deepening and broadening your knowledge from the onset. You will also need to undertake additional reading and attend extension classes Some Oxford and Cambridge courses are unique to the university and many may offer less flexibility regarding the A Levels subjects required for entry. Although the UCAS and Careers team will help, it is your responsibility to thoroughly research courses that may be of interest to you, and their entry requirements, before you make your final Sixth Form choices. Information regarding entry requirements can be found at the respective university websites, www.ox.ac.uk, www.cam.ac.uk, www.ucl.ac.uk and www.imperial.ac.uk. The UCAS and Careers team will also be able to provide you with further advice. In addition to the published subject entry requirements, candidates for both Oxford and Cambridge are increasingly being asked to sit further tests prior to interview, usually during the Autumn Term of the Upper Sixth. GLOBAL TOP-10 I 15
AFTER HAMPTON…
Our specialist UCAS and Careers team provides extensive
This online service provides an excellent university
support and guidance to help boys decide what the
research tool and also highlights particular career areas
next few years will involve whether that is university,
that you may wish to consider. ACT tuition is provided
degree apprenticeship, employment or a gap year. The
for boys applying to American universities via an external
department also runs a wide range of careers guidance
specialist provider.
initiatives including an annual Careers Evening event and networking lunches and workshops focusing on professions including medicine, law and finance. The high cost of a university education and the increasingly competitive, globalised job market means that choosing the right university and course is more important than ever for your future. Universities have varying entry requirements and our UCAS and Careers team is there to advise and help you, and your parents, navigate the whole application and interview process. The process of choosing a university/degree apprenticeship begins in the Spring Term of the Lower Sixth through the use of the Unifrog platform.
16 I AFTER HAMPTON & ALUMNI COMMUNITY
SIXTH FORMERS BENEFIT FROM A THRIVING, GLOBAL ALUMNI COMMUNITY.
A Personal Statement Day is held towards the end of the Lower Sixth year and further information and advice is also provided via the UCAS module of the Curriculum Enrichment programme. In the Upper Sixth, personalised help with the UCAS process is provided by Form Tutors and the UCAS and Careers team. Multiple UCAS clinics are held during the Autumn Term providing you and your parents with the opportunity to talk to members of the team to ensure all advice is tailored to your needs.
ALUMNI COMMUNITY
Supported by a dedicated Alumni Office, Sixth Formers are encouraged to make the most of the expertise and experience of Hamptonians across all industries. Alumni regularly visit the School to offer advice and guidance and you will be given the opportunity to meet them at careers lunches and workshops and business networking events.
ALTERNATIVE FUTURES Some of you may decide that you wish to continue your education elsewhere, perhaps to combine studying for A Levels with parttime employment, or to take up an Advanced Apprenticeship. If you have other options in mind, we will give you all the help we can both before and after you leave Hampton. If financial circumstances are driving this decision, please ask your parents to check with the Bursary to see if any help is available. If you are thinking of leaving Hampton, please make sure that your parents give a term’s written notice.
Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton TW12 3HD
Tel: 020 8979 5526 Email: admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk Twitter: @HamptonSchool
www.hamptonschool.org.uk
