Sixth Form

What to expect

There are very good reasons why 80% of our students decide to stay on for the sixth form. Most quickly realise that our size means small groups and therefore they are able to make use of the additional help and attention that is on offer. What is more surprising however is that we offer the same broad range of subjects that the larger independent and public schools offer. The timetable normally allows any combination of subjects with four subjects chosen as the norm.

Students also benefit from a programme of visiting speakers that prepares them for life beyond Shebbear. Subjects considered include personal finance, public speaking and interview practice, current and world affairs, gap years and charity work. We hold a biannual trip to Uganda to visit our linked schools during which our students will teach the younger children and/or do hard labour towards the construction and matenance of their school buildings. All sixth form students undergo first aid training and gain the First Aid at Work certificate. Similarly they all benefit from an exhaustive supply of up to date careers advice and UCAS guidance from both staff and outside professionals. The popular debating society encourages students to improve their awareness of current issues, speaking in public and responding to questions on the hoof.

As senior members of the community they also take on responsibilities that develop their management and leadership skills. They are encouraged to lead and manage house competitions, take chapels and organise activity sessions. The benefits are immense and as old boys and girls testify on their return to Shebbear; they are very well prepared for “the real world”.

Social events are proving to be very popular. In spring we hold an annual formal dinner at a local mansion with a guest speaker. In 2008 our speaker was Rajko Radovic and in 2009 we will be visited by Joseph Fiennes. For the summer we have a Summer Ball and in the autumn we hold a barn dance and hog roast. Another important aspect of Sixth Form life is the relationship that students develop with staff and their tutors. Quiz evenings and concerts help cement these bonds; the school is renowned for its Staff and Sixth Form Pantomime. Consequently sixth form tutors get to know their tutees so well that they are in a position to offer the very best university and career advice.

In recognition of their status they have their own dress code, their own timetable and a newly refurbished sixth form centre. Students describe their two years as hard work but extremely fulfilling which is exactly our aim. They leave well prepared as our A level results testify and prepared for the journey to university and beyond.