What the Pupils Say

“Sixth Form life is incredibly varied and exciting and there are so many opportunities that can be taken. A typical day often takes me from tutor period, through some academic lessons, then down to the Music School for Brass Quintet, followed by hockey training and finally Big Band in the evening. I think that the Sixth Form really helps you to bridge the gap between school life and the adult world and allows you to act independently while still having the support from your Tutor and the Sixth Form team. The Library offers a brilliant place for this independent work. The relationship between music and academic work is very important and your increased freedom allows you to tailor your timetable so suit you personally.”

“I joined Wells halfway through Year 5, and since then, each year has been more challenging, but the jump from Year 11 into Sixth Form has been the largest difference by far. Although the work intensity significantly increases, I love being and working in the Sixth Form Centre. I also like being able to focus on fewer subjects, so you can put all your concentration into the subjects that you actually enjoy. For me, this makes it feel as though I’m making better use of my time rather than studying subjects that I feel won’t benefit me. This makes Sixth Form feel as though it is setting up more of a foundation for my future.”

“Since joining the Sixth Form from St Gregory’s College in Bath, I feel fully included and comfortable. While I enjoy the freedom and flexibility, it is reassuring to have a full body of support behind me from individual subject teachers, my tutor and the Sixth Form team. The Sixth Form Centre has been great for linking socialising and working, and has succeeded in integrating both years and lots of different people. There is a hardworking, motivated attitude and I love studying in an environment so driven for success. I feel Wells’ Sixth Form is a perfect bridge between Year 11 and university, with a mix between independent, group and supported learning. Similarly I have really benefited from regular career guidance that has helped me choose appropriate subjects and well-informed advice for looking towards the future.” “I am currently in my 13th year at Wells and so far it has been the best year yet. I’ve chosen to pursue the subjects that I love and have incorporated one new subject to my studies. The Library and Sixth Form Centre create excellent places to work and relax, both during school and after school hours. I found the transition to sixth form very easy with the help and support of the Sixth Form staff, and my Tutor. Even though I have been at the School since Reception, the Sixth Form life encourages independence, private study and independent research. This, I feel will set me up for a smooth transition to university life.”

“I was a pupil who is new to the Sixth Form this year and one of my greatest worries was integrating into the social life and being able to prosper academically. However straight away I made friends and made the transfer of schools very easily. I am also a boarder at Wells and the opportunities and experiences we are handed are amazing. I enjoy being a boarder at Wells, being warmly welcomed by pupils and staff, fitting in easily. The adjustment to A levels has been easy due to the help offered by the staff and many work places to suit a learning environment. I have so far been motivated to join in with the school sports, becoming a part of the hockey team as well as attending the Sixth Form socials, which offer a warm atmosphere and a relaxing time to meet new people. Wells is a school that welcomes all new pupils making their high aims achievable.”

“I joined Wells at the beginning of my lower sixth year and have never looked back. The whole reason I joined the School was down to the unique atmosphere it has. Somehow Wells seems to have perfected the balance of enough independence to prepare you for future whilst having teachers and staff available to help whenever you feel out of your depth. The wide range of sports and activities on offer also mean that there is never a dull moments. With opportunities for leadership or just an excuse to have a bit of fun, there seems to be an activity suited to any pupil. In the Sixth Form Wells becomes more of a family than a school and its this care that helps you through some of the hardest years of your life.”

“Having been educated in every principality, I joined the school in Year 6 as a day pupil. I have since then been able to develop and flourish both academically and socially alongside improving my sporting capability. During my time at Wells, I have always valued the approachable characteristic of the teaching staff, who are refreshingly passionate about their subjects. After entering the Sixth Form this year, I have found that I have been given further academic opportunities by being one of the first pupils to study history of art at the school. In comparison to studying for my GCSEs last year, I have found that in the Sixth Form access to study areas is more accessible, with teachers and our librarian to offer continued guidance.”

“I have been at Wells since Year 4 and I am now in my second year of Sixth Form. The Sixth Form has meant that I have been able to enjoy a greater level of independence and study the subjects I enjoy, which has made it very different to other years I have spent at this school. There are also a large number of opportunities in the Sixth Form to attend social events and lectures. I have also have taken part in the trek to Everest Base Camp which was a wonderful experience. Further to this there are many chances to take part in lots of different activities and I have spent a lot of time playing sport and now in my final year at school I am tennis captain.”

“Following education at a local primary school, I joined Wells Cathedral School in Year 5. After a brief stint as a brass musician, I ultimately concluded that music was not for me. I broke into the WCS Football Team during Year 10, and this is something which I have continued into the Sixth Form. To date, my time at Wells has proved a defining stage in my development as an individual. Through the diverse range of extracurricular activities that Wells has to offer, I can say that I have fully embraced with the community. Life in the Sixth Form has certainly taught me transferable skills including the importance of independent study such as the EPQ, but also added responsibilities through my title as ‘Head of Events’ for the Michaelmas and Advent Terms. I have experienced support from both my Tutor and Careers Advisor who assisted me in securing highly sought-after work experience at a law firm - hopefully this will better enable me to achieve vocational success in the future. When my turn comes to leave Wells, I will carry with me many happy memories and lasting friendships.”