Why Sixth Form is the smarter choice
Wider choice and bigger prospects
Joining a sixth form can benefit your life in more ways than one. Apart from preparing you academically for your future career, sixth form can also prepare you mentally, physically and socially, the three main aspects of your life that are affected on a daily basis. Here’s how sixth form can boost your life skills and more importantly how you can get the most out of sixth form.
Live an active life
Now that you have more freedom of choice, you can pick and choose a whole new enrichment programme for yourself. Choose from a range of new clubs, societies and sports activities, to learn new skills, socialise, and keep your mental health in check. Don’t forget, taking part in additional activities is a sure way to build confidence and boost your self-esteem, something that is sometimes hard to achieve.
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Having second thoughts about your subjects?
It’s okay to have doubts about your subjects once you start sixth form. It is normal to feel unsure, to seek more assurance or to need more careers advice. No matter the reason, speak to your personal tutor. Many sixth forms will have a period of change-over (depending on spaces), or at least consider your request to change your course choices (if that’s what you have decided) on a discretionary basis, so it is always worth discussing. Most larger sixth forms will have a wider range of courses to choose from too from A Levels, T Levels, vocational courses and more. This way you can feel more confident about your choices, be on the right track and start the year with ease.
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Need breathing space?
You may find yourself feeling anxious, or unsure of how to apply for your Oyster travel card, or who to approach for housing and welfare advice or simply need to talk to someone. Whatever your need, sixth forms will always have an experienced, not to mention a qualified, Pastoral Team at your service. You will have full access to advisors from counseling, welfare, mental health, student finance, learning support and more - they are all there to help you and without judgement.
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Get your hands on more equipment
Did you know that in some sixth forms you can borrow a laptop or chrome book to do your work? Not only will it save you money, you can take it home with you and it throughout the year. This will offer you flexibility and reduce any anxiety, particularly as you approach exams or when you have deadlines to meet!
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Train your brain for independent learning
Unlike Further Education colleges, where you may be expected to have these skills already, sixth forms will have a more guided and nurturing approach to developing your independent learning skills. You will be set specific study tasks to help you achieve your independent learning goals with the aim of preparing you for higher education and the world of work. This way you can train your brain over time and be mentally ready for your next steps.
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Get financial help
Although studies can be stressful, your finances don’t have to be. At Sixth Form, you can apply for a range of bursaries and financial help to help you buy the books and equipment you need. You can also apply for a discounted student travel card, which will last you the entire year (including the summer holidays!). Take advantage of the support and use your money wisely.
Wider choice and bigger prospects
Sixth Forms have a wider choice of subjects to choose from, opening up many career pathways for you. You can choose from A Levels, T Levels and Vocational courses. You can mix and match subjects, or choose a specific career focused subject.
If you carefully select the right programme, you can study for more than one possible career at the same time for example taking A Level Maths, Physics and Computer Science can lead you into Engineering, Software Development or even Architecture or taking vocational Sports Fitness and Exercise can lead you into teaching, physiotherapy or even coaching. From academic subjects to practical courses, your future prospects are bigger and better.
book as many careers advice sessions as you want
You might have started with more than one career in mind, or changed your ambitions during your studies. With that in mind, you can book yourself as many appointments as you need with your careers advisor. Your advisor will help you explore the many different opportunities that are open to you including how to pursue a specific career or apply for a degree, apprenticeship or work. They will also offer you helpful tips on how you can do further research and even give you clarity if you are feeling confused or unsure.
Whichever sixth form you have selected, know that you are in a supportive and nurturing environment, a far better place to be than somewhere with limited resources and support. Sixth form gives you a wider choice and bigger prospects. That’s the smarter choice, and a choice that will benefit you entirely in your long-term goals.