LEH School Sixth Form Prospectus 2021-2022 by Lady Eleanor Holles

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS A

students

students leave for university well-rounded, grounded and intellectually curious, and they go on to thrive in a range of academic settings. They know how to realise their full potential, contribute to their communites, and retain a sense of fun, purpose and direction in everything they do.

Head of Sixth Form

"Whether it's sport, music, drama or study - there's something to immerse yourself in." U6 Leaver

Sixth Form life at LEH is a completely new experience Sixth Form is considered to be the most enjoyable part of Secondary School, and Sixth Form at LEH is no exception. Through countless academic and extracurricular activities, students receive a versatile, well-rounded education and the platform for personal development, which contribute towards two exciting years and aid the preparation of students for their future endeavours. Throughout Sixth Form, students are encouraged to delve

Our Sixth Form experience is further enriched by the vast

further into the subjects they are truly passionate about

range of opportunities we are offered in order to develop

through wider reading, and the vast network of supportive

our leadership skills, which is vital towards the progression of

teaching staff inspire students to extend their knowledge and

us as independent young women. Being at the head of the

immerse themselves in specialist subject areas. A levels are

school and now adopting responsibilities, such as department

studied in small classes, enabling students to develop close

representatives, allows us to connect with the younger years

relationships with their teachers and learn in a more nurturing

and act as figures of guidance for them. We engage with

environment. Opportunities to engage in thought-provoking

members of staff to arrange events and activities to strengthen

debates, ongoing research and current events in students’

bonds within year groups and also relationships between

various subjects are offered in super-curricular subject ‘Plus’

year groups. Having the ability to orchestrate exciting events

sessions, and many external speakers are involved to share

or competitions is a great way to learn how to balance

their expertise with students, providing valuable insights into

work and enjoyment, whilst being able to grasp skills such

their respective subjects and satisfying students’ curiosity. The

as organisation and communicating effectively. It is also a

strong sense of community in the school creates a warm and

welcome break amongst our busy schedules!

welcoming atmosphere at LEH, and this allows students the freedom to express themselves and reach their full potential.

Sixth Form presents an opportunity for us to develop our skills in independent learning. There are independent research

One of the most noticeable changes in school life when you

projects available to take part in our various subjects, which

reach Sixth Form are the available study periods. These can be

give us more freedom and flexibility in our studies. In addition,

incredibly productive, as with access to the Sixth Form Library

they are especially useful for developing the research and

there are a huge variety of resources available to deepen your

writing skills necessary for studying at university, if we choose

knowledge of a chosen subject. The library is divided into

to take this path. The Careers Department is also invaluable in

subject specific sections, with plenty of interesting material

providing guidance for each student. They provide us with an

in each one, meaning it is easy to navigate and a valuable

array of resources regarding universities, work experience and

resource for everyone. Recommendations can be made to the

career opportunities, such as LEH’s annual Higher Education

librarians if there is a book you think would add even more

fair. The Sixth Form Common room provides a space for

to what is on offer. Another key change to the timetable are

students to mingle with one another, whether this is through

the Enrichment Sessions every week. These are joint with

studying or socialising, and reflects the warm atmosphere

Hampton School and are an excellent opportunity to develop

of LEH. Next door is the Sixth Form Café, which gives us

skills such as problem solving and critical thinking, which will

a chance to relax and further exercise our independence.

then aid students in their academic lessons and beyond school

Surrounding our Common Room are the gorgeous LEH fields,

life. Some of the sessions offered even cover topics such as

as well as a ping-pong table, which is a firm favourite of ours!

cookery and first aid, which are equally useful and a chance to have an enjoyable and relaxed activity in your week.

Head Girl Team 2021-2022

Balancing body, mind and spirit LEH is a welcoming, safe community where you will establish strong relationships, learning alongside other bright pupils. You’ll be inspired to achieve your academic, artistic and athletic potential, but it’s also essential that you are happy, well-adjusted and fulfilled. That’s why you’ll be supported through every success and failure: the good times and the bad. There’s always someone there to listen Our Tutor Groups are small, with an average of just ten students in each and you’ll have the same Form Tutor throughout the two years you’re with us. They’ll be your mentor, someone you’ll meet with every day who’ll help you excel academically and develop your talents. They’ll also oversee your UCAS application and help you create a compelling personal statement. Friendships that last a lifetime Our year groups are close-knit and have a real sense of identity. The friendships you forge will form an essential support network in the years to come. Our House system encourages you to connect with students throughout the school, giving you the opportunity to become a mentor and role model for the younger pupils. We make your health and wellbeing our priority We have two School Nurses on site and you can refer yourself to our Counsellors at any time. We hold classes and workshops to support your personal, social, health and economic education and we involve parents and carers through our series of Parent Talk events.

We take online security very seriously We have a dedicated Digital Safety Coordinator and a ‘cyber leader’ system that trains sixth formers to go into classes and talk to younger pupils about staying safe online. You, and your parents, can talk to us As well as timetabled meetings during the year, your parents can speak to the Head Mistress, Head of Sixth Form and Heads of Year whenever they have any concerns. You’ll find their contact details on the Parent Portal. Topics covered last year: Stress management Mindfulness training Healthy eating Personal safety Mental health Digital awareness Self - esteem and body confidence Sex and relationships Breast cancer and HIV awareness Substance misuse Gender identity Relaxation techniques Female empowerment

"Pastoral care is excellent and highly successful, supporting the pupils’ well-being, further enhanced by excellent arrangements to promote their welfare, health and safety." ISI Report, 2013

Exam results second to none In the past five years, 80% of students achieved three or more As or A*s at A level. While life for LEH pupils is about more than exam results, we know they are the key that opens the doors to the universities and careers of their choice.

A level grades 5 year average, 2016 – 2020

"My teachers have become my mentors in furthering my academic career and growth as a student and person."

50.00

% By Grade

40.00 30.00 20.00

U6 Leaver 10.00 0.00

Currently, you can choose four of the following subjects:

Students will follow a two-year linear course and sit all of the exams that count towards their A level grades at the end of the Upper Sixth. If you’re joining us in 2022, this means you can choose four subjects to study from the beginning of Lower Sixth. At the end of the year, you’ll sit internal examinations. In Upper Sixth, you can continue with either four or three subjects and take your final exams in the summer 2024. We do everything we can to make sure students can take their first choice subjects, but very occasionally this isn’t possible. We reserve the right to withdraw a subject if fewer than three students want to take a course.

• Art • Biology • Chemistry • Classical Greek • Computer Science • Drama and Theatre • Economics • English Literature • French • Geography • German • History

• History of Art • Latin • Mathematics • Further Mathematics • Music • Philosophy • Physics • Politics • Product Design • Psychology • Spanish

"We have so much more independence, but are supported so it doesn't feel scary" U6 Leaver

"The EPQ is a great way to broaden your subject knowledge and develop independent research skills." U6 Leaver

The Extended Project Qualification The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is highly valued by universities, with some offering lower conditions if you complete one. It’s equivalent to half an A level (with A* being the top grade). What does it involve? You’ll need to produce a 5,000-word essay (or a product and a 1,000 to 3,000-word essay) based on a topic of your choice. However, this isn’t just about writing the essay. It’s about pursuing an investigation from initial idea to completion. You’ll keep a log of your progress, reflect on the decisions you make and the things you learn along the way. When does it take place? You will have taught skills lessons in the autumn term which will cover a range of topics like how to choose a title, research and referencing, time management etc. You will then start working on your essay and log from January in Lower Sixth and ideally hand the project in at the end of your Lower Sixth Year. At the end of the process, you’ll also present your findings to teachers and fellow pupils and field their questions. How is it taught? Apart from the taught skills element in the autumn term, you won’t have a teacher in the traditional sense. Instead, a member of staff will act as your supervisor and guide. The direction and responsibility of the EPQ is entirely down to you.

That’s why, as well as choosing a topic that relates to your proposed university course, it’s a good idea to pick something you feel passionate about. Here are a few of the questions students have tackled recently: • Could bacteriophages be used as an alternative treatment to antibiotics in light of antibiotic resistance? • From a neuropsychological perspective, to what degree is Virtual Reality Therapy effective in treating phantom limb pain? • Did the Americans underestimate the Vietcong's guerrilla tactics and, if so, did it cause the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam in 1973? • What was the effect of psychedelic drugs on the music industry in the 1960s, and how did this influence the music of the Beatles? • An analysis of the ways in which mimicry and hybridity are portrayed in Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb Salih and Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe. • How far did the Indian Space Research Organisation and its aerospace technology change India's geopolitical position?

‘You get a real sense of responsibility from leadership roles offered in Sixth Form, and you learn a lot from them.’ Kate, Upper 6th student

Leadership for life LEH will prepare you to be a confident, socially-minded leader – an independent thinker who collaborates with others, a grounded individual who aspires to making LEH a happy place to study, a thoughtful person who will both lead and care for our community. Whether you prefer a highly visible role or behind-thescenes leadership, opportunities abound for involvement, contribution, and making a difference. Leadership roles include: Head Girl Team Leadership Team House Captains and Vice Captains Mentors to Thirds Sports Captains Charity Committee Creative Directors Cyber Leaders Diversity Champions Drama Captain Technical Theatre Captain

MUN (Secretary General and Secretariat) Choral Music Captain Orchestral Music Captain SHINE Mentors Departmental Reps Service Volunteers Committee Eco-Squad Committee Careers Ambassadors Library Representatives Mindfulness Ambassadors

"Sixth Form allows you the opportunity to help out with the younger years and take responsibility." U6 Leaver

Enrich and Experience We’re justifiably proud of our examination results but not all skills are learned in a classroom. Essential life lessons can be found in the pursuit of your passions, and LEH students are given the opportunity to follow their hearts by participating in sports, arts, and student clubs and societies. Here, you will devote yourself to your individual interests while developing an understanding of group dynamics, empathy, and what it’s like to lead. We believe it’s what makes an LEH education such a rich experience and what makes LEH pupils so well rounded and interesting to universities and employers. The Extra-Curricular Fair at the beginning of each school year showcases all the options available to you. In the unlikely event you can’t find a club that aligns with your interests, we encourage you to create it yourself. Chances are there are other students who share your interests too.

Clubs and Societies Academic and Co-Curricular Economics Club History Society History of Art Society Literary Society Medical Society Physiology and Anatomy Club (P and A) Psychology Documentary / Film Club Senior Cafe Senior Robotics Volunteering in the Community Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards French and Spanish Club at LEH Junior School Junior Service Volunteers Lunchtime Volunteering Activities Pupil Mentoring at Clarendon School Service Volunteers SHINE Sixth Form Charity Committee

"The extra-curricular provision at LEH has been a highlight of my experience." U6 Leaver

Publications and Political /Special Interest The Fable Photography Club Amnesty International Young Enterprise CCF Pride Club Drama Joint Musical with Hampton School Musical Dance Group Drama Tech Club Sixth Form Play House Drama Festival Sport Autumn and Spring Terms Lacrosse Netball Badminton Club Trampolining Club Cross Country Club

All year Fencing Rowing Swimming Gymnastics Fitness/HIIT club Tag Rugby Water Polo Badminton Volleyball Music Choirs Senior Choir (U4-U6 – non-auditioned) The Holles Singers (U4-U6 – auditioned) Cantata (U4-U6 – by invitation Chamber Choir) SATB Choir with Hampton School (U4-U6 – by invitation Chamber Choir)

Summer Term Athletics Rounders Tennis

Ensembles Symphony Orchestra (3rds–U6 – auditioned) Senior Strings (3rds–U6– auditioned) Brass Group (3rds–U6) Flute Ensemble (3rds–U6) Clarinet Ensemble (3rds–U6) Klezmer Band (3rds–U6) Off the Cuff (3rds–U6) Jazz Club (3rds–U6) Saxophone Group (3rds–U6) Rock Bands (3rds–U6) Percussion Ensemble (3rds–U6) Chamber Ensembles String Quartet String Trio Flute Quintet Opera Trio Barbershop Quartet Wind Quintet Saxophone Quartet Piano Trio Piano Duet Piano Quintet

We wear our colours with pride From playing fields to playing the part, there are lots of activities on offer at LEH, but we’re particularly proud of our achievements in sport, music, and drama.

Over the last few years we have had many students representing sports to National level. These include the following:

We have a long standing reputation for sporting prowess, and our beautiful grounds and exceptional facilities allow most sports to be played on site.

• GB Gymnastics squad and England National 17-21 squad • GB U15 National Swimming • England Tumbling 17-21 team • GB open age group National Swimming • GB Gymnastics Trio • U19A England Team for lacrosse • U19B England Team for lacrosse • U19A Wales Team and U20 Wales Team for lacrosse • National Gold and Bronze medallist in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)

LEH students have been successful at regional and national level in lacrosse, rowing, gymnastics, swimming, cross-country and netball. If any student wants to enjoy some sporting activities – social or competitive – they just have to head out to our playing fields or courts. Lower Sixth students are lucky to have the opportunity to participate in weekly compulsory PE lessons where a variety of activities include some of the following options as an example: Cheerleading Real tennis Indoor climbing Touch rugby Pilates Water-polo Box-fit There are also our key sports on offer in both lessons and extra-curricular which include netball, lacrosse and rowing. Senior sport is forever growing and we are pleased to be able to offer such a wide choice for participation, fun and competition.

"Legendary for sports and the facilities here are second to none for a girls’ day school." Good Schools Guide

"The curricular and extra- curricular provision is wide ranging, demanding, enriching and inspiring." ISI Report, 2013

We’re serious about drama Whether it’s staging a West End musical with the boys from Hampton School, being mentored by a professional playwright to write and put on your own play, directing drama shorts, or taking part in the technical running of a show, we encourage our students to explore, experiment and enjoy everything the department has to offer.

In recent years we have staged musicals such as Return to the Forbidden Planet and Anything Goes, trained our actresses in stage combat for shows such as Boudica, and commissioned new work from playwrights writing expressly for large female casts as part of our Write the Girl initiative. Meanwhile, in the Drama Studio, our A level candidates consistently excel: their practical work has often been picked out for special praise by the Chief Examiner. We keep ourselves fresh by regularly hosting workshops and training from leading theatre practitioners, and recently, 80 students went on a Performing Arts tour to New York City. All of this work takes place in and around our stunning 330 seat theatre: it is a flexible space at the heart of the Arts Centre, which includes a rehearsal suite, studio theatre, green room and seminar room, as well as the Music and Art Departments.

"The Drama Department is incredible and opportunities really open up to you in the Sixth Form. You have the chance to direct or take part in the Sixth Form play. It's completely yours and no one else's, you have complete creative freedom and it's great." U6 Leaver

We make world-class music LEH has a fizzing Music Department with a myriad of orchestras, ensembles, choirs, jazz bands, chamber music and rock bands. Its top choir, The Holles Singers, is a regular finalist in the Choir of the Year Competition and has toured Venice, New York and Budapest. The weekly music rehearsals culminate in dazzling concerts throughout the year. The groups are designed to inspire musicians from absolute beginners right up to the post-diploma whizzes and produce uproariously brilliant performances. At lunchtimes, our numerous practice rooms in the purpose-built music department are full to bursting with instrumentalists and singers, keen to hone their performances for the next concert or simply blow off steam. Our pianists can play on our Steinway Concert Grand and we use our state-ofthe-art Recording Studio to record our musicians for posterity. From Bach to Shostakovich, from Orfeo to Wicked, there’s never a dull moment in the Music Department!

"The Music Department gives you time to shine." U6 Leaver

Individual music lessons are currently available in the instruments listed below. • Flute • Oboe • Clarinet • Bassoon • Saxophone • Trumpet • Horn • Trombone • Euphonium • Tuba • Orchestral Percussion • Kit Percussion

• Violin • Viola • Cello • Double Bass • Classical Guitar • Rock Guitar • Bass Guitar • Piano • Jazz Piano • Harp • Singing • Musical Theatre Singing

"Music is strong... These students clearly love performing, but there's not a hint of showing off." Tatler Schools Guide

The best of both worlds Boarding school facilities, in a day school

A single-sex education, with strong links to Hampton School

It’s hard to believe we’re just ten miles from central London. We’re home to four lacrosse pitches, seven outdoor netball courts, six grass tennis courts, a croquet lawn, a sports hall and an indoor swimming pool. Since September 2017, we’ve also added an ergo room and an activities studio.

It’s been proven that girls’ schools like LEH give young people the edge. That’s why we believe that students thrive in an environment like ours, where they’re free to experiment, express opinions, explore and take on new challenges.

The Sixth Form pupils enjoy superb facilities exclusively for their use. There are two Common Rooms, a Sixth Form Library, a café, and specially laid out classrooms for seminars.

At LEH, you’ll be supported by strong role models and inspired by your peers. However, we also know how important it is for pupils of all genders to work together. That’s why we have strong and ever-growing links with our neighbours at Hampton School. Students have reciprocal access to Common Rooms during breaks and we run joint enrichment lessons in both the Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth.

There are no shops or crowded coffee bars to distract you; It’s the kind of environment where you can focus your mind and get your work done and dusted. That said, when you do want to take a break, you only need to step outside and make the most of our 24 acres of green space. We’ll encourage you to stay healthy by taking in the wide range of sports we offer, and if you want to develop your interests in any extra-curricular activities, they’ll be right on your doorstep too.

Joint events and activities:

Joint clubs and societies:

• Curriculum Enrichment in the Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth • Hampton School prefects’ leadership course • Careers, Gap Year and Higher Education Fairs • Mentoring programme for GCSE pupils from local schools • Language exchange visits • Lectures and talks • Community activities including Service Volunteers • Leadership roles within the CCF • Charity events • Whole school music and drama productions

• Robotics Club and competitions • SATB Choir, Dance and Musical Theatre • LEH-HS Geography Society • Sixth Form drama productions • Philosophy Enrichment

"LEH provides you with all the tools you need to flourish, you just need to seize them." U6 Leaver

Preparing you for University and beyond We do everything we can to prepare you for life after LEH. Part of that is making sure you’re ready to attend your chosen university and pursue the career of your dreams. Our large team of Careers staff are experts in guiding you through the university application process, from choosing the right A levels, completing your UCAS form, finding work experience, writing a compelling personal statement and preparing for interviews. There is also a designated member of staff responsible for overseeing arrangements relating to applications to American universities.

We host annual Careers, Gap Year and Higher Education Fairs with Hampton and other local Schools. Our programme touches on a range of topics that go beyond the traditional curriculum, including: • Leadership and bonding • Research, study and presentation skills • Employability – work experience and internships • Stress management Furthermore, if you’re hoping to apply for Oxbridge, medical school, or universities outside of the UK, you’ll get expert advice from subject specialists.

Intellectual discussion and debate are encouraged to increase your enthusiasm for the subjects you love. You will be introduced to new topics and the most up-to-date thinking in your proposed area of specialism. Weekly lessons cover a wide variety of career paths and often include visiting speakers. We also have regular visits from admissions tutors and lecturers from leading universities, and often invite back former pupils to speak about their careers and studies.

It’s why most of our students take up offers to study at Russell Group universities; why we are ranked amongst the top London schools when it comes to gaining places at Oxford and Cambridge. And why the Independent Schools Inspectorate judged our Sixth Form Careers Programme as ‘outstanding’.

"The support at LEH when applying for university is unparalleled. I had help every step of the way and I feel so grateful." U6 Leaver Where LEH students go on to study (Most popular destinations 2020) 12 8 6 4 2

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Nurturing remarkable young women since 1710 LEH first opened its doors in 1710, thanks to the generosity of one remarkable woman, Lady Eleanor Holles. For over three hundred years, we have been producing remarkable women who, in turn, go on to do remarkable things. Today, our mission remains the same. While you’re with us, we’ll encourage you to become an informed, bold, resourceful, and ethical global citizen. Someone who’s valued for the qualities and immeasurable richness they bring to our community.

Lydia Beaton Global Head of

Caroline Bird

Poet, Playwright, Author

James Dyson Foundation

When you leave us, you’ll join a worldwide network of accomplished women who are shaping and changing the world. You’ll be part of a fabric of relationships that will benefit you personally and professionally for the rest your life.

Melanie Ivarsson

Jay Hunt

Chief Development Officer,

Creative Director, Europe,

Moderna

Worldwide Video, Apple

Meena Kanagasapay

Annie Nightingale, MBE

Yasmine Chinwalla, OBE

Sapna Dattani

Global Investment Strategist

Radio and TV Broadcaster

Partner, New Financial LLP

Deputy Chief Operating

for BlackRock

Officer, Deutsche Bank

Are you ready to add your name to the list?

Alison Lomax

Prof. Lesley Regan

Stephanie Hilborne, OBE

Google, Director, Lifestyle Retail

President of Royal College of

Chief Executive, Women in Sport

Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

"I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. The people, the environment and the opportunities are top class." U6 Leaver

“Being in the LEH Sixth Form is an absolute joy.” U6 Leaver

Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3HF t: 020 8979 1601 LEHSchoolOfficial

e: office@lehs.org.uk @LEHSchool