Pastoral

‘As a new student to Gateways in the Sixth Form, I have found the atmosphere to be fantastic! I have made a variety of new friends and the support levels have been superb. I feel like I have been here all my life.’

Megan Reid, Lower VI (2009–2010)

Studying in the Sixth Form provides new opportunities and challenges. Each Sixth Form student is assigned a Personal Tutor who will provide her with personalised support and monitor her progress. Each student will have the opportunity to meet with her Personal Tutor up to four times each term.

An induction course has been designed to help students entering the Lower Sixth Form adjust to the demands of advanced level study and to ensure that everyone is well informed from the start about what is expected of them. The first part of the course will take place at the end of the summer term after the girls have completed their GCSEs. The second part will be held at the beginning of the autumn term. Students will meet the Head of Sixth Form, their new tutors and their subject teachers. A leadership workshop will help students develop strategies for both independent learning and personal development.

Careers advice

Many students have not yet decided on their future career when they are choosing which subjects to study. Throughout the Sixth Form there is a carefully constructed and comprehensive careers programme, involving work shadowing, attendance at careers conventions and university visits. Speakers from a wide range of professions are also invited to provide an insight into their specialist areas.

University applications

We begin the application process early. At the start of your Lower Sixth Form year students are given a folder that, along with the support of Personal and Academic Tutors, will lead each girl through the university application process. Mock interviews will be arranged with a variety of professionals, including university lecturers, to help students prepare for the real thing and girls will be given a great deal of help and support when writing personal statements and completing university applications. We will discuss references and predicted grades with each student to give her the best possible chance of gaining a place on her preferred course. This thorough planning that takes place throughout the year enables students to send university applications off early – this has often resulted in students receiving early offers before many institutions have sent theirs.