Sixth Form
Sixth Form Pastoral Care
Alina Gregory
Having gained A-levels in Art, Economics, French and Maths, Alina is now studying Economics with French at Durham University.
“There is excellent subject choice and support from the teachers which has enabled me to study the subjects I enjoy. The opportunities for extra-curricular activities are vast, and I have been able to contribute to sport and the arts at Sheffield High School. The School has also given me friends for life.”
“ Sixth Formers spoke warmly of the relaxed relationships they enjoy with their teachers.”
- ISI Inspection Report
In the Sixth Form, the Pastoral System continues to focus on fulfilling our School Aims, recognising the increasing maturity and independence of our students and the importance of helping to prepare them to face the next step in their lives with confidence.
The Pastoral System facilitates this in the following ways –
- Before entry into the Sixth Form, students are asked to put themselves into small friendship groups. These are used to draw up the Sixth Form Tutor groups. Sixth Form Tutors get to know their group of about 20 girls very well and would, under normal circumstances, see their group through the two years of the Sixth Form
- The Sixth Form Tutors come from a wide variety of subject areas, but all share an ability to forge good working relationships with students during these important final years of school
Taj Tamouk
Having gained A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Further Maths, Taj is now studying Medicine at Jesus College, Cambridge.
“Sheffield High School pushed me to fulfil my potential and get the grades I needed for university. The teachers are always willing to give you extra help where needed. It has also broadened my education by giving me the opportunity to enter school competitions for athletics, cross country and hockey and it has also provided the opportunity to take on leadership roles.”
- Tutors monitor the academic progress of students, offering advice and support when necessary. They guide students through the process of applying for Higher Education courses, employment, or Gap Year activities. The majority of our students make UCAS applications; their Sixth Form Tutor helps and supports them through each step in this process
- The work of the tutors is supported by other members of the Sixth Form Team: the Head of Careers, the Head of Sixth Form and the Assistant Headteacher, all of whom are based in the Sixth Form Centre and are readily accessible to the students
- If students have personal difficulties they can seek support from their tutor or another member of the Sixth Form Team. Students can ask to see the School Counsellor who offers a confidential service. The School Nurse is available full-time for medical concerns and advice
- Regular Communication with Parents or Carers continues to be an important way in which we seek to ensure that all students are supported during their time at school
- An Induction Day is held for all potential Sixth Form students after the Year 11 work experience period during the last week of the Summer Term
- Students attend a form tutorial every other week in Year 12, and weekly in Year 13. Tutorials are used for a variety of purposes, including: individual interviews with tutors, outside speakers, careers work, UCAS applications, the GDST’s CareerStart courses e.g. Networking Skills, Financial Planning (please see the GDST Alumnae Network website), interview preparation and more lighthearted teambuilding activities
- Students joining us for the Sixth Form from other schools are supported so that they settle in as quickly as possible. They are given the opportunity to join us for two activities during Year 11 so that they begin to get to know their fellow students and the teaching staff, as well as becoming a little familiar with the geography of the school
- Sixth Form students have many opportunities to develop leadership skills, as prefects, head girls, and house officials and by taking leading roles in many school clubs and activities. There is a Sixth Form Committee of students at which ideas and concerns about the Sixth Form are raised, followed up and reported back on
- Sixth Form students are helped to develop confidence by looking beyond our school and many voluntary activities are encouraged through our Enrichment Programme and Careers Support
- Careers Advice is readily available from the School’s Career Department, which also oversees all post-18 applications, and from the Independent School’s Careers Organisation
- Many exciting opportunities arise during the course of the Sixth Form and, although each of these can only be taken by a few students, we hope that, over the course of the two years, there will be something for everyone who wishes to participate. We advertise these opportunities widely and encourage students to participate. A few examples are: the Young Enterprise Scheme, HeadStart courses, GDST Summer School, GDST Head Girls’ Conference, Law Conferences, Medical Work Experience schemes and the OU Schools Scheme. We encourage all students in the Sixth Form to undertake further periods of work experience, making full use of the school’s database as well as the opportunities offered by the GDST Alumnae Network
- Support and advice are available in August when A-level and AS-level results are released for: Year 12 students to help progression to Year 13, whilst Year 13 students are extensively supported if they need help with the confirmation of their University places or through the UCAS clearing system
- Beyond the Sixth Form we are always pleased to see former students and many return to school for help, particularly with University or job applications, after they have left the Sixth Form as well as to deliver presentations to our current students