Welcome from the Head of Sixth Form and the Head Girl

Welcome

From the Head of Sixth Form

Sixth Form is a most exciting time. You will thrive and take charge of your own development as you become an independent young adult. You will now have the opportunity to choose the subjects you love and develop yourself personally by leading the school community through service. Along with greater choice and privilege comes greater challenge and responsibility. A Level study requires intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and commitment. Equally, embracing new leadership roles requires ingenuity, teamwork and adaptability. Our Sixth Form is all about supporting you as you discover what you love and expand your horizons through increased enrichment opportunities. As a Sixth Form student, you will have to step outside your comfort zone and take risks while still within a safe environment; you will face personal challenges and you will learn to encompass the needs of others. In order to take charge of your own development, you will need to make informed choices. Whether you choose to study at university in the UK or abroad, take a gap year or move straight into employment, you will receive information, advice and guidance to take the next steps wisely. You will be given the tools to develop the transferable skills coveted by university admissions tutors and employers alike and, above all, you will have a strong sense of your own values. You will be able to embrace the world with confidence and make a real difference. Our aim is to inspire you to be a life-long learner, to help you grow in the confidence of your own strengths and gain personal fulfilment in using them for the benefit of all. In a word, the St James leaver will be truly ‘magnanimous’: a young woman with an open mind, a big heart and a great spirit.

Yolanda Saunders BA PGCE Head of Sixth Form

From the Head Girls

I am apprehensive but excited to complete my final year at school, not only in my leadership role, but also in my academic studies and school life. I have thoroughly enjoyed Year 12: everyone has come together and matured as we’ve acquired more independence and resilience. As we move into Year 13, our teachers have given us their attention and support in preparing for university applications and the challenging process ahead. Many of us were unsure of our next steps but our teachers have guided us and shown us the potential options.

Hebe

Year 12 has been an exciting year, although being Head Girl has felt like a big responsibility it’s been thrilling too! Moving into Year 13, I know that A Levels will get more challenging but I also know the help from our teachers and our small class sizes will push us past the final hurdle and lead us to excel. I find A Level physics particularly challenging but it is still my favourite subject and the support I have been offered has been brilliant and will help see me through.

Maya