Sixth Sense

How can Sixth Form prepare pupils for an ever-evolving world of challenges and opportunities? Graham Baily explains.

- Graham Baily

As the Head of Sixth Form at Blundell’s School in Tiverton, Devon, I am regularly asked by parents to explain why their son or daughter should attend our school, rather than the sixth form college down the road. The words I inevitably emphasise are the opportunity, support, internationalism, networking, life skills and drive that independent schools have in great abundance.

The mindset of a 16-year-old pupil, who now has the freedom to specialise in the subjects they enjoy, is very different from the 16-year-old who’s just finished their GCSEs. There is a sense of maturity among these students, and while it may be subconscious, it’s incredibly powerful. I am fascinated by the young adults that seem to walk taller as they enter the Sixth Form in September, but we also need to become aware of their new needs, and that they require a new toolkit to continue working to the best of their ability.

A helping hand