Sixth Form
Head of Sixth Form: Mr M A Voisey
Tel: 01757 618248
The Sixth Form is an important time for academic study, often as a preparation for and requirement of university entrance. Many boys and girls will have been at Read for some time prior to entering the Sixth Form. It is important that the Sixth Form is able to provide a different and altogether more adult experience, not just an extension of school.
September 2008 saw the York Sixth Form Centre created from an area of former boarding accommodation on the first floor. A much bigger and brighter area than the previous Centre, York is an airy, modern and open area for working and leisure during non-teaching time. Computer workstations, large worktables, access to careers and university information and a small area for relaxing and socialising are all included here, giving our most senior students the facilities they need and deserve. A small kitchen has also been created for them to make hot drinks and prepare snacks throughout the day. Sixth Formers wear smart business clothes (rather than school uniform); and relationships with teachers are inevitably less formal. Teaching groups are very small and the standard of teaching support high.
Teachers are always ready to assist and advise students on the choice of subjects. The time-table is constructed to meet students’ wishes as much as is possible each year.
Sixth Form studies at Read are centred on AS and A-levels. These qualifications are well-known and widely accepted by universities and employers. The Sixth Form is small with thirty to forty students, most of whom take four subjects to AS level in the Lower Sixth and a combination of AS and A-level studies in the Upper Sixth.
University and careers guidance is provided in house by the Head of Sixth Form, the Careers Adviser and through CD ROM programmes available in school. Students have the opportunity to attend open days and fairs at universities and a number of subject visits may be made to universities in the North for support seminars and revision days.
Additionally, being a senior student at Read brings its responsibilities and challenges. The involvement of Sixth Formers in the school does much to lead and to determine the atmosphere, and the example set by Sixth Formers has an important influence on those younger than themselves. We encourage Sixth Formers to be involved in the school, as captains of sports, providing assistance to staff and younger pupils in the junior school and in subject areas in the senior school, as officers in the CCF and as senior prefects.
Whilst we are keen to encourage our Year 11 students to continue their Sixth Form studies at Read, we welcome equally applications from local day students and boarding students from the UK and overseas. Some scholarships may be available to assist with Sixth Form studies.
These are years of significant maturity of personality as well as development of ability. Studies should be enjoyable, rigorous and disciplined. The Read Sixth Form is a good place to spend these years.
