Sixth Form Welcome

How does teaching and lessons in the Sixth Form differ from lower down the School?

In a literal sense, teaching in most subjects is structured into two parts, with two teachers for each of your A Level subjects. In terms of the style of teaching, I find that teachers expect a lot more in the way of self-reliance from us in our learning; we are responsible for noting and absorbing the information.  Since with A Levels, you’re likely to be quite interested in your chosen subjects, lessons are often structured around discussion, especially with three of my own chosen subjects History, Politics and Economics. In Politics, for example, teachers restructured our course in order for US elections to be taught directly in the context of the US presidential election that was unfolding at the time. In Economics, we often learn about types of policies and their impacts through the lens of currently occurring policy changes, such as by analysing a budget in the wake of Covid-19.

What is the balance between lessons and ‘study periods’ like?

When you start the year with 4 A Levels, you will have about 13 study periods a fortnight, out of roughly 46 overall lesson slots. In Year 12, this creates a really good balance between lesson time and ‘free time’ which you can use to catch up on work, spend time with friends, or spend in the school gym or library. Because the Sixth Form Holbeche Centre has two computer suites and lots of study areas, there is usually more than enough space to work in, and there are also many seating areas to use with your friends. Some people also use their study periods for extracurricular activities like music lessons or LAMDA lessons. In addition, the café is open during various study periods, meaning that there’s often a chance to grab a snack or a hot drink as you study. 

How is the KES Sixth Form lesson experience?

I cannot even begin to emphasise how much Sixth Form - how much KES Sixth Form - improves school life. The academic community at KES makes each lesson feel less like a teacher talking at students for an hour, and more like a conversation, where each of you is talking about a subject you (hopefully) at least vaguely enjoy. English Literature has been a particular highlight for me personally - it being a small class of only eight, we spend plenty of lessons just discussing the novel, play, or poem we are studying at that time, and adjacent works. Everyone in the room is equally engaged in the subject they’ve chosen, making each lesson far more enjoyable.

Why did you choose KES Sixth Form?

I chose to go to KES Sixth Form as I knew that: Firstly, I would have a fantastic sixth form experience in the brand new Holbeche Centre and secondly, the teachers are all extremely good and the class sizes are all relatively small, which I find really helpful for learning. Everyone here is so friendly so, if you’re new, there will be no problem making friends. I also chose KES as the Art and Drama departments are amazing, both with fabulous facilities including a new Drama studio (aka ‘The Rose’). Also, realistically, I knew I would be in safe hands academically and would have all the support and guidance needed to do the best I can in my A Levels and leave school with such a positive experience and amazing friends and memories that I can cherish forever.

Outside of academic life, what extra-curricular activities are open to me in KES Sixth Form?

KES offers a huge range of activities outside the classroom to fit almost any interest you could possibly have. Personally, I was a little worried that the step-up in academic intensity would mean that it would be harder for me to keep going with the things I enjoyed, however, this year I’ve done more activities than ever before. KES sport is almost as big a part of school life as A Levels themselves, but it’s not just limited to the 1st team of the main four sports – whatever your skill or interest level, you’ll find something. There are too many clubs and societies for me to list here, but I can say that, from my own experience, you’ll definitely find your extra-curricular niche at KES, and if you think there’s a gap in what’s available you are given every encouragement to start your own club.

Favourite thing about KES Sixth Form?

Personally, Holbeche, the Sixth Form Centre, was what initially enticed me about King Edward’s. Sixth Form students are privileged in the sense we have our own building, computers, sofas and café, separate from all other years. Apart from lessons taking place in classrooms, the majority of my time has been spent in Holbeche - lunch, break, frees - it has become almost a home away from home. The Holbeche Centre is a light, friendly space for both hard work in the two quiet, computer rooms and then socialising in the central area. I am appreciative that we are given the freedom by teachers to decide how to spend our free periods. My favourite time of the school day has been morning breaktime - a chance to catch up with friends over a hot chocolate or cookie from the café and get some last-minute tips on homework for an upcoming lesson.