Non-Academic Life
Participation in school life beyond academic work is central to Sixth Form life and we aim to ensure that there is something, or many things, for every student to enjoy.
Games
There is a compulsory games afternoon on Wednesdays with very many different activities to cater for everyone. There is also a full range of fixtures against other schools both during the week and at week-ends. The games available include cricket, rugby, hockey, athletics, netball, rounders, tennis, golf, cross-country running, swimming, sailing, shooting, badminton, basketball, and clay-pigeon shooting. The major sports often organise substantial overseas tours: in 2004 there has been a rugby and hockey (for boys and girls) tour to South Africa. In 2006 there was a hockey tour for boys to Australia and girls to Germany and a rugby tour to South Africa. In 2007 a cricket team visited Barbados to play in the Sir Garfield Sobers Tournament and girls' hockey and netball teams will also visit Barbados in the Summer of 2008. The senior rugby squad will be touring New Zealand in the Summer of 2008.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Music
The school has a very strong tradition in music, with about a third of all pupils studying a musical instrument in school. There are over 20 different musical groups, ranging from the orchestra to the flute group. Each year there are two major concerts in the Bushell Hall, each of which involves over 100 musicians, and several smaller informal concerts, where musicians of different standards have the opportunity to play. There are also several choral groups, including a Chapel Choir and a Girls’ Choir.
Drama
The Bushell Hall, with a large stage and auditorium for 500, is the venue for theatrical events. Each year there is a major musical and a major play production.
Outdoor Pursuits
The Combined Cadet Force, which comprises an Army and an RAF Section, is open to pupils from the Fourth Form (Year 9), but many pupils, especially girls, join in the Sixth Form. There are about 60 Sixth Form pupils presently in the CCF of whom about 25 are girls. This activity takes place in school time, but also after school on a Monday and there are several camps in the course of the year. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is also open to pupils in the Sixth Form and several complete their Silver and Gold Awards during their time here. This scheme fits in with the School’s commitment to outdoor pursuits: in particular, there has been a major expedition overseas every other year, to Ecuador in 2001, Peru in 2003, Nepal in 2005 and Chile in 2007. There is also the chance to be involved in Community Service.
Pastoral Care and Careers Advice
Academic and pastoral guidance is largely provided through the Form Tutor who is responsible for a form of about 15 pupils for the 2 years of Sixth Form life. Time is set aside in the school day for meeting between the Form Tutor and his/her form and the Form Tutor will be the immediate line of communication between the school and parents. The Form Tutor will also provide advice about university entrance in co-operation with the Careers Master. In addition, the Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Lisa Fair, has overall responsibility for the Sixth Form. Students are also attached to one of the five Houses through their tutor group under their Form Tutor. It is this individual who is primarily concerned with a student’s welfare. Advice in connection with university entry and entry to other forms of higher education, and careers, is available to students through the Careers Master and University Admissions Advisers.