Sixth Form at Wells Cathedral School

Sixth Form

Inspiring the future

Our Philosophy

We encourage a greater sense of freedom and independence during Sixth Form in order to bridge the gap between school life and the pupils’ future endeavours. As a result, they have a significant personal responsibility for their progress, which involves managing their time and workload while at the same time self-evaluating their performance and being proactive in seeking out ways to move forward.

We recognise that getting this balance right can prove difficult, and our Head of Sixth Form, tutors and house staff are here to support support pupils throughout their sixth form experience.

Life at Wells is exciting, busy and full of activity. Boarders enjoy a full breakfast service in the Dining Room by 8.15am. Whilst the school day starts at 8.40am, usually with an assembly or tutor time, many pupils have music practice before then. There are five hour-long academic lessons each day, although sixth formers also have non-contact lessons for private study, which they may choose to do in their boarding house, in the Sixth Form Centre or

[Music practice]

Breakfast for boarders

Assembly/tutor time

Lesson 1

Lesson 2 Break Lesson 3

Life at Wells

in our Library. Lunchtimes provide opportunities to socialise and join in with clubs and sports. After lessons finish at 4.00pm, the day continues with clubs, societies, sport and music. The Sixth Form Centre is open until 7.00pm and the Library is open from 7.00pm - 9.00pm with the day winding down about 10.00pm.

Pupils have lessons on Saturday mornings followed by sports fixtures and boarders’ activities.

Lunch/activities

Lesson 4

Lesson 5

Activities/supervised prep

Buses depart for day pupils

Supper

Homework

Academic Excellence

Our programme allows very flexible opportunities. We expect pupils to find their place and won’t pressure them to take opportunities, but we help them to make choices to enable their strengths to develop. Our A level curriculum offers a full and rich programme around and beyond pupils’ academic choices. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) enables further opportunities for

them to tailor their curriculum. We anticipate that most pupils will begin with four subjects, but this does vary depending on what is in each individual’s best interest. To enter our Sixth Form, pupils will need satisfactory IGCSE or GCSE results in at least six subjects at 9-4 and typically a minimum of grade 6 in their chosen areas of sixth form study.

Our subjects offered vary based on demand, but recent options have included the following:

• Art

• Art History

• Biology

• Business

• Chemistry

• Classics: Classical Civilisations

• Classics: Latin

• Computer Studies

• Economics

• English Literature

• French

• Geography

• Geology

• German

• History

• Mathematics

• Further Maths

• Music

• Music Technology

• Philosophy & Ethics (RPE)

• Photography

• Physical Education

• Physics

• Psychology

• Spanish

• Theatre Studies

Subject Choices

Pupil Profiles

I joined Wells last year in Lower Sixth and it’s safe to say that Sixth Form has been one of the best experiences of my life as an international student. The variety of sporting and extra-curricular activities at Wells is what caught my eye. These range from debate clubs to sports teams, CCF and Royal Navy to volunteering and loads more besides. I have enjoyed my experience in Wells Cathedral School and have made many memories and friends, I’ve loved being a student in Wells.

When considering options for sixth form, Wells was the obvious choice. Despite already being at Wells for five years, the jump from Year 11 to Lower Sixth was big as it is unique to the rest of the School. In the Sixth Form, we have more independence and additional opportunities available. Although the level of work increases, there is so much support and all of the teachers are more than happy to help. The Sixth Form experience is varied and so many of us step out of our comfort zone to try new things.

Josepha Peter

Though much of my Sixth Form life has revolved around my Specialist Music studies, I have been able to be involved in the EPQ programme, sports, enrichment opportunities and more! It is such a supportive environment here, and people are there for you on every level. All of my teachers are genuinely passionate, and I am constantly inspired by them and my fellow students. We are all busy and motivated, but there is always time for a cup of tea together at the end of the day!

Wells has shaped who I am today. Through sport, music, and academics, I have discovered what I am passionate about, and have been encouraged and supported in my pursuit of success in these areas and many more. The Sixth Form is the ultimate opportunity to excel independently - you are given an environment in which you can create opportunities and outcomes for yourself, achieved by being self-organising and selfmotivating. It is a challenging but rewarding experience!

Lola Oskar

Co-Curricular Options

We encourage our pupils to take part in the wealth of activities that are available. Our wide range of co-curricular options are designed to spark new interests, build on existing talents, develop organisational and management acumen, forge friendships and, importantly, provide enjoyment.

In addition to our competitive sport options, all pupils have opportunities to enjoy sport and progress regardless of ability. Our Sports Scholars programme helps our most talented athletes succeed when they represent their county and/or country. Our creative arts opportunities are only limited by the imaginations of the pupils, and our biennial overseas adventurous trip combined with our CCF contingent and Duke of Edinburgh programme are enough to challenge the most adventurous of pupils. Our pupils are also involved with community service programmes and charitable trips to Sierra Leone. Sixth Form life at Wells is never boring!

Specialist Music

Wells uniquely provides a pre-professional performance course for outstanding young ‘specialist’ musicians from all over the world. We develop music and academic programmes on an individual basis - the amount of time required for music and A level subjects varies so we can best support each pupil’s musical aspirations. Specialists will

have up to three hours per week of individual tuition, ensemble opportunities and masterclasses.

All pupils, specialist or not, enjoy the excellent music tuition available as part of the more varied programme we offer. They often form ensembles from rock and pop to barbershop and almost every genre in between.

Leadership Opportunities

Our leadership opportunities available throughout the School are great experiences for individual development and play a significant role in developing the School’s community atmosphere. In the Sixth Form, these opportunities become especially prominent. Pupils in the Lower Sixth have the opportunity to be part of our Sports Leadership Programme and are also invited to form part of the Sixth Form Council. In the Upper Sixth, pupils are able to become leaders within the whole School and contribute to the Wells community through the pupil leader/prefect system. Working alongside the Head Boy and Head Girl is the pupil leader team, comprised of House captains, sports and music representatives and other prefects. Pupil leaders and prefects play an extremely important role in the day-to-day running of the School. Being a leader is a very fulfilling job. The duties provide the chance to talk and work with other pupils of all ages, be a role model and act as an approachable peer.

https://wells.cathedral.school/sixth-form

Next Steps

Sixth formers at Wells benefit from an extensive programme designed to prepare pupils for life after School. This includes visits to and from leading higher education institutions in the UK and beyond, interview preparation, personal statement advice, and introductions to non-degree programmes and the world of work. Our advisors help pupils research options and work out their best path. We encourage our pupils to gradually develop independence to remove the “cliff face” between School and future lives. Most Wells pupils go on to higher education, with more than 90% admitted to their first choice institution. Destinations include Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, international conservatoires (many with major scholarships), and leading international universities. We also celebrate and support pupils who choose other routes, such as degree level apprenticeships.