There are lots of Quaker schools with sixth forms in Great Britain and Ireland. We take great pride in the sixth form education we are able to offer to our students, and that’s why so many of them go on to higher study in their first choice universities.
We offer a great range of A-Level courses for our students and have highly specialised teachers available to deliver the course material. Sixth form courses vary from school to school, so it’s important to carefully consider each school’s offering before submitting an application.
Take a look at the different Quaker schools offering sixth form education:
Ackworth School
Pontefract, West Yorkshire
Ackworth School, based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, offers a wide range of different sixth form courses to suit a great range of student interests. Teachers understand there’s a big step up between GSCE and A-Level and work with the students to make the transition as smooth as possible. Social events help the students settle in and they will develop a close working relationship with their form tutor who will be their first port of call for any academic or personal problems they may have.
More infoBreckenbrough School
Nr. Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Breckenbrough prides itself on preparing boy for independent living after school. As a specialist school for boys with complex needs between the ages of 9 and 19, the support on offer ensures they achieve their personal best in their studies as well as developing themselves personally and socially. They also offer the “Beyond Breckenbrough” scheme which keeps in touch with students and their families after schooling has finished with continuing support. They’re based in Sand Hutton, near Thirsk, in North Yorkshire.
More infoFriends’ School Lisburn
Lisburn, Northern Ireland
The Friends’ School Lisburn, Northern Ireland, offers a great range of subject modules for their students. Typically, students take 3 or 4 subjects in their first year and attain their AS level qualifications, before continuing on with at least 3 courses to the full A-Level qualification. The school predominantly admits students who have studied with them before, but external applicants may be admitted if they meet the appropriate criteria.
More infoLeighton Park School
Reading, Berkshire
Based in Reading, Berkshire, Leighton Park School offer a wide variety of different A-Level courses, as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) to offer an inspiring sixth form education. The IBDP helps students develop their intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, preparing them to be lifelong learners with a global outlook. Many universities believe the programme better prepares students for university than more traditional A-Level education.
More infoThe Mount School
York, North Yorkshire
The Mount School in York helps girls develop into confident, mature and intellectual young women. Girls are free to pursue academic excellence in any subject and most achieve the very top marks in their studies. Teaching is tailored to the needs of girls, who typically mature faster than boys, and young women leave their studies inspired, motivated and confident. The Mount has excellent provision to support career aspirations and encourage progression in every subject including science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and leadership training.
More infoNewtown School
Waterford, Ireland
Newtown School in Waterford, Ireland, offers excellent sixth form education in its senior cycle. After completing a compulsory transition year that is designed to help students be prepared for more in-depth study, they can choose subjects based on their interests and future aspirations. They have excellent sport facilities that students of all ages are encouraged to use and offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities to help students develop in more than just academic study.
More infoSibford School
Banbury, Oxfordshire
Students at Sibford School in Banbury, Oxfordshire are treated like adults and have a close working relationship with their tutors. Specialist subject staff support students in their learning and help them reach their full potential. Sibford encourages students to grow in maturity, confidence and resilience, as well as in their academic study. They’re co-educational and learners can attend as full boarders or day students.
More infoSidcot School
Winscombe, Somerset
Sidcot School recognises that A-Level or International Baccalaureate students are there to pursue their interests and gain higher qualifications that will help them in life after school. Their students choose the subjects that are best for them, have free periods for personal study and are encouraged to take advantage of all the extra-curricular activities the school offers. They develop leadership skills, enjoy a range of physical education and gain a sense of adventure through trips around the world. Sidcot School is based in Winscombe, Somerset.
More infoBenefits of studying sixth form courses in Quaker institutions
There are many benefits to studying sixth form courses in any of the great Quaker institutions across Great Britain and Ireland.
Students can gain their first real sense of independence in our boarding schools. As well as offering them dedicated space to pursue their studies, boarding students are able to take their first steps into independent life and gain invaluable experience for university and life after school. Over the two years of their A-Levels or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, boarding students can establish themselves as individuals away from the family home.
Students have a close working relationship with tutors and get the in-depth support they need in order to get the very best out of their higher study. Tutor groups and class sizes are small so that students can benefit from lots of one to one discussions with their teachers about the subjects and their research, as well as any personal issues they might be encountering. We care about the students as an individual and personal development and wellbeing is just as important to us as their academic success.
These close working relationships and Quaker philosophies in education ensure that our students achieve to the highest of their abilities. Students leaving Quaker institutions predominantly go on to their first choice universities. All our schools are well placed to support students with UCAS applications, or, if university isn’t the future destination in mind, we can support with interview preparation, work placements or overseas study.
Students are able to benefit from a wide variety of additional courses and opportunities during their A-Level courses. The arts are incredibly important within our schools and all students have the chance to get involved in performances and creative expression. There are countless sporting and physical activities that students can take part in, with the chance to compete against their classmates and other schools.
All students in a Quaker school are encouraged to take part in outdoor learning and activities, which is further developed during A-Level study. Students can involve themselves in green initiatives in schools and the local community and get involved in prestigious schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Our students can also get involved in activities working for the community. This gives them a sense of the wider world and helps them start making a difference in their local, and global, communities. Supporting charitable organisations is one of the key parts of our Quaker values and we encourage all out students to get involved with planning and running events for Red Nose Day, Children in Need, Macmillan Cancer Support, etc. This experience is essential to develop maturity and empathy and give students invaluable life experience.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is often considered to be better preparation for university study than traditional A-Levels, and is offered by some of our schools. Students study 6 subject areas over two years at either standard or higher level: language and literature, modern foreign languages, sciences, mathematics, the arts, and individuals and societies.
Evening talks and external visits gives IBDP students a wider understanding of their topics and its relevance in the world today. In addition to a formal assessment, students also undertake a Theory of Knowledge module to reflect upon their studies and development. The Creativity Action Service allows students to participate in creative, physical and service activities in the local community.
Visit school websites to find out more about their International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
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