Steps to Success

The Lower Sixth is the year in which we do the groundwork so that pupils can approach their next steps beyond school with confidence. There are significant moments in the year which form an arc of experience:

Throughout the year

Enrichment Lectures: These take place on Friday afternoons (week B) and allow pupils to broaden their horizons by experiencing life through the eyes of a diverse range of outside speakers.

September

The year begins with induction to the sixth form. This includes some social events so that pupils can get to know each other and an initial session on leadership within the sixth form.

October

Following the first few weeks of A level courses pupils have a series of subject tests to check on their aptitude and attainment.

November

One to one conversation with tutor to discuss baseline data, A-level target grades and individual pupils’ approaches to learning following the subject tests in the Michaelmas term.

January

Pupils are ‘prepped’ by leadership and personal development coach Graham Norris for a mock interview which will take place in February. This is also the start of the sixth form leadership process.

February

Mock interviews are available for every pupil in the Lower Sixth with a professional person from outside of the school whom they have never met before. Feedback is provided and pupils can reflect on this as they look ahead to leadership opportunities later on.

March

Trip to the UCAS Exhibition in Exeter. This begins the UCAS cycle and enables every pupil who intends to go to university to meet and speak with representatives from every university in the UCAS scheme.

May

The Higher Education Morning: A WCS webinar for pupils and their parents. We cover the UCAS application process, the transition from school to university, how to apply for music college and overseas university applications.

Extra Steps The Oxbridge and competitive courses programme. Applications in February. Runs from March to June.

The School Leadership Process (April/May/June)

This is designed to give pupils opportunities to apply for leadership positions in the Upper Sixth. Pupils write letters of application, engage in group activities and, in the final rounds, be interviewed for their chosen post.

June

One to one conversation with tutor to reflect on summer exam progress against target grades and reflect on how improvements can be made in the areas surrounding performance (diet, rest, study habits) to work towards target grades.

The PSHE Programme A series of sixth form specific life skills lessons designed to support the transition from school. Includes banking, money management, writing CVs and letters of application, keeping safe, alternatives to university.