What have we to offer our Sixth Form students?
The sixth form is effectively a college within the School with its own distinct identity and ethos. On the one hand we are small enough to be a real community that focuses on the education of each of its students as an individual; on the other, we are sufficiently large to offer a wide range of both academic courses and opportunities outside the curriculum.
We aim to ensure that all our students
· make the transition from schoolboy to undergraduate by giving them every opportunity to develop their academic potential to the full
· have the best chance of gaining a place on the course and at the university of their choice
· are well-educated citizens when they leave us, able to take a full part in the society to which they belong.
Fine words - but how do we put these into action?
Firstly, all lessons are taught by enthusiastic teachers who are well-qualified in their field. In addition all students have a personal tutor who remains with them throughout their time at the School, and who is there to offer individual advice and guidance on academic and other matters. Tutor groups meet twice a week, and, as there are only three or four students in each year group, the tutor has time for everyone as an individual. Our tutor system is unique to Nottingham High School and is, we believe, one of our chief assets.
Almost all our students go on to Higher Education, and receive detailed guidance on applications. Our careers advisers and team of senior members of staff have a combined experience that helps each student achieve his goals at the end of his years in the sixth form. If, for example, his ambition is to study at , or any other good university and he has got the paper qualifications and commitment, we will help him to succeed at interview so he can join our many past students who have achieved their aim of studying there.
WORK...
All sixth form students follow a course of four AS levels in first year and three A2s in the second (those studying Further Mathematics may take four A2s). Besides this, they also take the General Studies AS at the end of the first year and the majority choose to take A2 examinations at the end of the second year. Teaching is in small groups and is varied in style. Many lessons take place in specialist rooms, for example, science subjects are taught in superbly equipped laboratories. Through its tutors and subject teachers, the School provides full guidance and support at all times.
All students choose from a wide range of sporting activities for their Games afternoon. The facilities in our sports hall, swimming pool and at our playing fields have all been recently refurbished and are right up to date.
AND PLAY...
There is more to life than work - and we offer plenty of opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities. Some of our students achieve standards of excellence in music, sport and drama; others gain a sense of achievement just by taking part!
The school’s community action group offers those who choose to volunteer the chance to make a real contribution to the lives of others by supporting children in local inner city and special schools, and by working with senior citizens.
We run many of our societies in conjunction with Nottingham Girls’ High School, which is literally across the road from our site. The Politics Society, Arts Society, Drama Club and Explorer Scout Unit are all joint school activities, and major dramatic productions take place in both schools annually.
Twice a year, there’s the chance to dress up for a Sixth Form Ball - a popular event attended by up to two hundred young men and women.
Leading by example
Senior students play a major role in the orderly running of the School. Whilst many of them act as prefects with specific roles in supervising junior boys, all sixth formers are role models for those younger than themselves.
Opportunities for leadership, and for personal and social development also occur through activities such as the CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme; many students take part in the Young Enterprise business leadership scheme. In addition, the organisation of House teams and events relies solely on the initiative of sixth formers.
JOINING US
Joining the sixth form is by interview and on the basis of academic achievement at GCSE, and is open to students from other schools, but prospective students are welcome to visit the School and the sixth form at any other reasonable time. Contact the School on the direct admissions line, 0115 845 2204, or by e-mail
