Chichester and Arundel Lifestyle Nov - Dec 2020

Sixth form
Making the right choice
So your child is going to do A levels. For
most, this will mean staying on at their
current school, either because they want
to, you want them to, or it just feels the
safest option. But some youngsters opt
for, or have no alternative but to make, a
fresh start with new people in a new place.
If your child fits into this second group, it’s
essential to take time out to consider the
options and make the right choice.
The Good Schools Guide knows from
visiting hundreds of schools and colleges
ever year that some students wind
up compromising on subject choices.
Sixth-forms vary, with many guaranteeing
literally any subject mix and others
restricting certain combinations because
of insoluble timetable clashes. Your child
may not know exactly which subjects
they want to study but its worth making
sure that they are broadly on the same
page as any prospective sixth form. The
full breakdown of past exam results (not
just the simple summary!) and previous
students’ university destinations should
tell you if the place is aligned with your
child’s own aspirations. Find out how
many A levels a pupil is expected to take.
And can you drop one if it all gets too
much?
Sixth form, for many, is when thoughts
turn to higher education, some schools
and colleges offer mock interview
practice, guaranteed work experience,
special Oxbridge classes and meticulous
help with personal statements, among
other things. But university isn’t the be-all
and end-all.
We’re always impressed when schools
embrace alternative routes, such as
degree apprenticeships. How does the
school or college get students thinking
about different careers and industries, for
example through careers fairs, outside
speakers and getting students out into the
business world?
Track down a current pupil to find out
what the teaching and class sizes are like.
The search for small teaching groups is
often a key pull for parents and students
at sixth form. The culture matters too. Are
pupils trusted to manage their own time
and is there proper support for when the
stress levels start to creep up. It would
be easy to bypass pastoral care for these
nearly-adults but, with all the exams and
life-planning, this is a time when support
can be critical. Many schools now employ
on-site counsellors or see that teachers
receive appropriate training to help pupils
with well-being issues.
Read inspection reports. Everywhere will
have one, but check the date and don’t
treat it as gospel if more than a year or
two old. The Good Schools Guide reviews
many good sixth forms so see what we
have to say too. But what should really
swing it for you, once you’ve worked your
way through the suggestions here, is your
child’s gut feeling.
Take advantage
of open days,
soak up the
atmosphere,
continue to
visit and ask
questions of
local colleges
and schools
and ultimately make
sure your child feels happy with their
choice.
The Good Schools Guide 22nd
hardback edition
Over 1,200 in-depth reviews of leading
private and state schools, for children
aged 3-18, in the UK. These cover
everything you want, and need, to know
about a school and you won’t find this
level of independent, honest detail
anywhere else. Reviews are written by
parents, for parents, to help you find the
best school for your child.
The Good Schools Guide’s unique take
on:-
Academic and money matters
Head teacher profiles
Pastoral care, well-being and atmosphere
Extra-curricular activities, games, the arts
Entrance and exit information
www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk
8 | www.chichesterlifestyle.co.uk