LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM

For our existing students, the decision to continue studying within the school environment carries certain advantages which can lead to better results.  Students settle more quickly with teachers they already know and who know them, and they continue to have the support of friends.  Having said this, the school is open to external applications and we have an excellent record of enrolling students from other schools and helping them to achieve very good results.  Our friendly and welcoming school is an environment where students who want a change can come and expect to be successful. 

A decision to enter the Sixth Form at St Anselm's means that you have made a commitment to hard work, self-discipline and responsibility. In return, you can expect excellent teaching, full career and pastoral support and a wealth of leadership and enrichment opportunities.  

The Sixth Form Centre

We are very fortunate to have our own Sixth Form Centre, which is located at the heart of the school.  
It is a dedicated space for students to study and socialise during breaks and lunchtimes.  We have two study rooms, a large number of computers and laptops available and our own Sixth Form Cafe. 

Our Catholic Ethos

The message of Christianity is at the heart of all our activities and our Sixth Form students are greatly valued for the part they play in the spiritual and caring life of the school.  We endeavour to foster an atmosphere of kindness and acceptance so that every member of our Sixth From may enjoy their time with us and feel a part of our community.

This Catholic ethos extends to giving service within the wider school and charity work.  Some students become part of the Chaplaincy Team and make a highly valued contribution to the liturgical life of the school.  Sixth Form students are also encouraged to help younger pupils by volunteering for peer mentoring or reading programmes.

Sixth form is also its own House. This is known as Gregory House, more detail can be found here.

Careers support

Choosing what you want to do when you leave school can be daunting, but we provide substantial careers support in the form of work experience opportunities, CV writing and interview skills workshops, careers and university fairs, UCAS support and the services of an independent Careers Advisor.  Our Sixth Form Team is also always on hand to offer informal advice and assistance. 

From the time you enter the Sixth Form, students are encouraged to explore the types of careers/pathways that may be of interest to them.  All Year 12 students undertake a two week work experience placement during the summer term and specialist advice is offered for university applications. 

Students are encouraged to take on part time jobs as employers and universities like to see that students have experience of the working world.  However, the hours of these jobs do need to be carefully balanced against the demands of the courses chosen and should not be during school time.  It is recommended that students should not work more than 8 hours per week in their part time job. 

Leadership opportunities and enrichment

 In addition to the positions of Head Boy and Head Girl, we also have a Student Leadership Group who form committees such as wellbeing, sport, environment and charity.  Students are actively encouraged to join these committees in which ever area they feel they have the most to offer and the experience proves invaluable for building employment skills such as teamwork and organisation. 

In addition to working hard, we make time to have fun.  We have many enrichment activities which take place during form time and after school.  We also offer a number of trips throughout the year and there is also the Year 13 leavers' events and ball, which is organised by the Student Leadership Group.  

Privileges and expectations

Our Sixth Formers do not wear uniform and are permitted to leave school during lunchtime if they wish.  As the year progresses, home study may be awarded to those students who have shown that they are fully committed to their studies.

Students that have chosen to enter the Sixth Form do so in the knowledge that they will be expected to apply their very best efforts to their studies and personal development.  Students continue to receive quarterly reports and we keep in close contact with parents and carers.  We believe that this support is vital and helps to ensure that our students go on to achieve their goals of Higher Education or employment. 

Our courses

We are proud to offer a varied curriculum of A Level and Level 3 BTEC qualifications which can lead to a wide range of university and careers pathways.  For full details of our courses and entry requirements, please click here.