Our Sixth Form The majority of students choose to continue their studies at King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls, building on the learning habits that have been developed at Key Stages 3 and 4. Our Sixth Form offers students the opportunity to both continue the subjects that they love as well as enriching their learning through independent study and wider opportunities in line with our commitment to offering a broad and balanced curriculum. The Sixth Form at King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls is a fantastic place to find out more about the kind of contribution students want to make to the world beyond school. Our aim is for our students to leave as responsible, confident and independent individuals who are ready for the challenge of life beyond school. Sixth Formers have access to excellent facilities including a Sixth Form Centre with a common room and dedicated independent study spaces with ICT access. Teaching and Learning in the Sixth Form builds on those habits developed in Years 7 to 11 as well as allowing students to develop as independent, mature learners. Students take three A-Level subjects and the Extended Project Qualification, which is an excellent platform for applying to university or higher apprenticeship courses. Each week students have several independent study periods, where they can investigate their subjects more deeply in our superb library. Enrichment is promoted and encouraged through time dedicated in the timetable to volunteering or work experience. Excellent advice and guidance is offered at every stage of the process in applying to UCAS or for higher apprenticeships. Support with applications starts during Year 12 and each student is allocated a dedicated member of staff to see them to the end of this process as smoothly as possible. There is specific support for those wishing to apply for Medicine courses and to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. We aim to develop the full potential of our Sixth Formers by involving them in the running of key school events and extra-curricular clubs. We often say, ‘If the club you want doesn’t exist, start it yourself’! Many of our students hold leadership responsibility in taking on the role of Senior Prefects, being responsible for a year group or an aspect of school life such as Charity. We support a number of initiatives where young people can make a real difference in the wider community such as Kissing It Better dementia befriending and Beanstalk reading mentors. The range of opportunities is so wide – from Medical Ethics club to ‘The Beacon’ school magazine – there really is something for everyone. Adapting to Sixth Form life can be a challenge, but there is plenty of guidance on offer from the Pastoral Support team. Each student has contact with the Form Tutor, the Pupil Achievement Leader (PAL) for the year group and our Sixth Form Student Support. We start Year 12 with a residential at Nottingham University where we look at what independent learning is and what universities are really looking for. This is part of a thorough induction process which aims to make all the students feel comfortable in their new environment and ready to take on the world!