Welcome to the Sixth Form Area
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Life at St Bernard's Sixth Form is very different from your lower school years. Apart from the obvious - no school uniform and a privileged seat in the exclusive Sixth Form Common Room - there are a few changes that may seem a little strange at first but end up feeling normal after a few months.
Our school offers a wide range of subjects for you to study at 'A' level, enabling you to continue subjects you enjoyed studying at GCSE, or perhaps try something different, such as Psychology. The majority of lessons are 2 hours, which allows for a more in-depth discussion with classmates. Classes are generally smaller, but always lively! You also have access to the Library and Sixth Form Study Centre during study periods - timetabled slots in your week where you have no specific lessons so you can catch up on work. You can also apply to be a Prefect of a certain subject, which gives you the opportunity to participate in Clubs with the younger years or help the department with various Open Evenings and displays. (It also looks good on your University Application Form!)
The school requires you to study a range of subjects during the two years, such as Citizenship, General RE and Key Skills. On the plus side, PE isn't compulsory, so you can happily sit in the warm Library while the fitness freaks work up a sweat in the Bernardine Hall.
There is also a variety of extra-curricular activities to suit your interests, from Music (Orchestra and Chamber Choir) to Charity (Fair Trade and the Human Rights Group) - not to forget the fabulous Student Voice School Magazine 'Spotlight'! You also help to organise 'Rag Week', a charity week with fun activities each lunchtime and the school's Passion Play, a re-enactment of the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. Although it may feel like a culture shock, stepping into St Bernard's Sixth Form opens a lot of doors for you, both academically and socially!
By Emily Ray (Sixth Form Student)