Transitioning into sixth form can be a struggle for most, especially at the beginning. It is a massive jump from secondary school, for those who have grown accustomed to pre-sixth-form life. The option of either college, a job apprenticeship, or sixth form will be a much-thought question. However, those scared of the transition and hope for the comfortableness of what is known may opt for sixth form, for it can lead you into the upper-school regime a lot easier.

For two years, you stay tied with secondary school in sixth form, which means you will not leave teachers and students you have grown up with behind – an advantage for most. You have the support from your favourite teachers, guaranteeing a lot more attentive care than found at college. As well as branching out, with not only your own year but being able to socialise with the younger years additionally. There is always help and company at sixth form, never allowing you to feel alone. Equally, you can give this mindset to the younger students, that are still part of secondary school, acting as peer mentors for them. As a sixth form student you are relied on and idolised, ensuring you keep to the school rules to guide everyone around you.

Sixth form gives the options of up to four A or AS-Level subjects, which can also involve BTEC qualifications. There is always a wide variety of subjects to choose ranging from the core subjects, such as: English, Maths, or Science. To new subjects, such as: Politics, Psychology, and Philosophy. (Depending on the sixth form you go to.) Many opportunities arise from sixth form, such as work experience, as to which students are given a set amount of time, usually four days, to experience what it is like in the real-life workplace as any chosen venue. This can be done by entering any sort of business and carrying out the mundane tasks what would occur at such facilities. For example, if a student is interested in becoming a teacher they may choose to work in a primary school for this time, in which they will look after the students and help the teacher. This gifts great skill for those and their future career for example: a boost in communication, or quicker thinking.

Opportunities within sixth form that can take place are roles. Some sixth forms will assign a ‘head girl’ or ‘head boy’ role to specific individuals who have earnt or voted for it. Or you may land upon ‘prom committee’, becoming a part of them, to help with the setup and funding of prom.

Rather than roles, though, peer mentoring takes place at some sixth forms. Sixth form students will act as mentors to assigned younger peers, listening to their problems and helping them through it all through careful construct.

However, sixth form is not a place to fool around. The time is to be used wisely amidst the lessons and free/study periods. To prepare for the future whilst having the support of teachers and peers. Staying organised, keeping within deadline times, and knowing you are never alone, is important at sixth form.

‘I was worried if choosing Sixth Form was the right choice for me, but after some time I knew that I had made the right decision. It’s great being able to stay with my friends that I’ve known for so long, asking for their help as well as having easy access to my favourite teachers, with work.’ Emma Davidson, a Kingdown Sixth Form student states.