Sixth Form

Growing independence; individual support

Throughout the two years in Sixth Form, pupils take increasing responsibility for their own education, their own decisions and ultimately their own lives. The increasing independence, the greater academic challenge and the sheer enjoyment of all that life at Kingham Hill offers, make for a fulfilling and memorable two years. Younger pupils look to sixth formers for an example and for leadership and it is a time of preparation for the adult world of higher education and employment. Of course, the School provides the support that each individual needs at each stage of these crucial years: our Head of Sixth Form and Destinations, a team of Sixth Form tutors and Houseparents work hard to enable pupils to reach their full potential and enter adulthood full of confidence, with the skills and qualifications to succeed in their future endeavours.

There are dedicated facilities for our Sixth Formers, including a social centre with its own bar, TVs, pool table and lounge. Through a weekly seminar session, pupils are given expert guidance as they complete their UCAS applications. The majority of pupils are successful in securing their chosen university place or employment and achieve excellent exam results. The Telegraph listed Kingham Hill as 'A Top Small Independent School' for highest A level results in 2016, which is testament to the high quality teaching and support provided to pupils.

Our exciting seminar programme includes a variety of sessions delivered by teachers and visiting experts on areas such as careers, PHSE and UCAS, which ensures our pupils leave us fully prepared for the next stage of their lives.

Boarding pupils in the Upper Sixth earn the privilege of living in more independent accommodation in preparation for life beyond their school career; Sixth Form pupils take on responsibilities as house prefects in their boarding or day houses and can also become part of the school prefect team. The prefect team and the School Council are led by the Heads of School to represent pupils across the school and improve their day-to-day school experience. Pupils can gain valuable experience through moving up to leadership roles in their sports teams, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), the Sports Leader programme, the school magazine, inter-house competitions and the academic society, Octagon.

Sixth Formers take part in public speaking, debating and performing arts events; they enjoy the extensive variety of sporting, social and cultural opportunities on offer in our rich extracurricular programme. Sixth Form pupils organise house competitions, music competitions and events for younger pupils, or are involved with international charity work and scientific projects.

Academic Structure

Pupils take three or four courses from the A-Level, BTEC and Cambridge Technical programmes in Year 12, completing one of these as a one year or AS Level qualification and continuing three courses to A-Level or 2 year qualification. The School offers the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in Year 12 and 13, through which pupils undertake an individual research project on a topic of their choice. The Taught Skills programme for EPQ covers important transferable study skills such as researching, citing and referencing, note taking, time management, revision, essay writing and presenting. For more information on the range of courses available read the Sixth Form prospectus.

Extra Qualifications

Sixth formers are able to gain a wide variety of extra qualifications. These are very rewarding activities that can enhance a C.V. and contribute considerably to our pupils' personal development. They include:

• Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and work towards gold
• National Pool Lifeguard Award
• Defibrillator course
• Emergency First Aid at Work
• CCF Leadership Qualifications (and many other qualifications available through CCF)
• LAMDA Speech and Drama qualifications, taken through peripatetic lessons
• ABRSM Graded Music Performance and Music Theory awards, taken through peripatetic lessons
• Sports Leader Award
• Sports Coaching Awards*
• TEFL qualifications*

(*These qualifications are offered subject to demand and time constraints.)

For more information on our Sixth Form provision, please contact Mrs Helena Berkeley, Head of Sixth Form and Destinations.