Sixth Form Life

Wide Curriculum Choices

The majority of students take three A-levels, and there are plenty of opportunities to stretch your learning through our super-curricular programme, whether it be completing an Academic Research Project or a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Alternative curriculum arrangements are also considered for individual students, where appropriate and advisable.

You will have a free choice of all the subjects we offer, and every effort is made to accommodate personal preferences, where possible and viable. Our broad range of academic subjects ensures you meet the requirements of the most prestigious universities. 

Personalised Learning

You will be allocated a form tutor and an academic tutor from our Sixth Form teaching staff, who will be there for you throughout the two years of your Sixth Form studies. Your tutors will be a driving force in guiding and monitoring your progress, both academic and pastoral.

Our friendly Sixth Form team will ensure that you feel valued and supported, both individually and also as a leading member of the whole AKS community. Tutors will also assist you in the completion of your application forms for higher education and degree apprenticeships.

Leadership Opportunities

There are many leadership opportunities at AKS Sixth Form. You could choose to take on extra responsibility, apply for a role as mentor, Creative Arts Ambassador, Sixth Form representative for the Senior Student Council, Subject Ambassador, Prefect, House Captain or as a member of the Sixth Form Student Leadership Team.

All these roles help you develop vital skills such as confidence in conversing with others, public speaking, organisation, time management, caring for others, empathy, giving instructions and earning respect. We consider our Sixth Formers to be role models for the rest of AKS.

As a member of our Student Council you will develop skills in communication, problem-solving and teamwork that will prepare you for a range of formal professional scenarios, such as legal hustings and debates. Our Sixth Form students are both academically and professionally ambitious. Hence, our Sixth Form dress code reflects the principles of dress for the job you want. Modern professional business attire is our expectation, because we want you dress for your future success today.

Academic Mentoring

In order to gain a place on the university course that meets your aspirations, it is vital that you are fully supported in every aspect of your personal and learning development throughout your time in the Sixth Form.

This helps make you aware of the progress you are making and how this relates to the grades you are aiming for. It is important you understand what to do next to reach your goal.  

We will work with you to monitor your progress carefully and provide regular feedback to you and your parents, including:  

• Full, personalised written reports which are completed each year  
• Parents and students invited into Sixth Form to discuss progress and strategies for improvement twice in the Lower Sixth and twice in the Upper Sixth  

If any student appears to be struggling or underperforming at any time, we will intervene as appropriate, and parents will be kept fully informed.  

Similarly, parents are encouraged to contact the Sixth Form team without hesitation, should they have any questions or concerns about progress.  

Personalised Learning Support is offered for any student with a recognised learning difficulty, enabling them to fully access the curriculum and achieve the outcomes you expect. 

The Duke of Edinburgh Award - Gold Level

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is recognised and valued by employers and university admissions tutors alike as an indication of personal integrity, perseverance, commitment and service to others.  

In our Sixth Form we have the staff and experience to support you in completing the Gold Award. To take part successfully in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is a real achievement, and those who complete their Gold Award are invited to St James’ Palace to collect their certificates. 

The Combined Cadet Force

The CCF was founded in 1899 and is affiliated to the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. At AKS, we have the Army section.  

The aim of the CCF in the Sixth Form is to give an opportunity to exercise leadership qualities and instructional techniques in a disciplined environment.  

Members of the Sixth Form may become NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) after a period of training. This will naturally have a military bias, but the CCF does not aim to produce fully-trained servicemen/women, nor is it a recruiting organisation for the services.  

The training includes map-reading, camping and self-reliance, as well as adventure-type training, such as rock climbing, abseiling and canoeing.  

There are two field days each year and an annual camp, both of which are voluntary; attendance at these develops new skills and provides lifelong memories.