LIVE Q&A: Harrogate Grammar School Sixth Form hosting virtual open evening
REGISTER HERE: Join Harrogate Grammar School Sixth Form headteacher Neil Renton and Director of Sixth Form Ben Twitchin for a Live Q&A as part of a virtual open evening on Monday, February 8, at 6pm. Register your interest – CLICK HERE.
It will give potential students and parents the opportunity to hear directly from the school’s senior management, watch videos about each course, hear from staff and students, and experience the Sixth Form facilities through a walk round 3D tour on the school website.
After completing the sign up form you will receive a link via email to access the Live Q&A.
For more information and queries visit www.harrogategrammar.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01423 535235.
The Sixth Form at Harrogate Grammar School has had record breaking exam success, with an average of 60% of A Level grades being A*-B over seven consecutive years alongside excellent pastoral support.
Easily accessible from Leeds and the surrounding areas, with both public and bespoke bus services, it offers 40 Advanced Level courses with specialist packages in Medical Sciences, Law, Business, STEM, Education and Art.
Leadership opportunities across the community are also available with exciting enrichment activities.
Quality in Careers Standard Award and Mental Health First Aid trained.
Mr Twitchin has emphasised the importance of finding out as much information as you can about Sixth Form destinations before applying for the next academic year.
He said watching virtual open event materials and taking opportunities to hear directly from institutions from which important questions can be answered, are vital in supporting students to make informed decisions.
“It is particularly challenging for students this year as they make important decisions about their future without being able to visit Sixth Forms in person.” he said.
"It is therefore more important than ever that students look closely at the virtual materials that schools have produced, and that they participate in any question and answer sessions offered.
"This is the best way for students to develop an understanding of the culture of a Sixth Form, and to find out crucial information about the courses and facilities on offer, in order to support them in making the right decision about their next steps.”
Here are some of our top tips for approaching the Sixth Form application process.
1. Do your research
Before watching virtual open events or talks, do your research and make a list of any questions you have, as well as a list of priorities that you are looking for in a Sixth Form. This will be useful if you talk with staff online about your course.
While it is important to keep an open mind, being prepared will help to ensure you get answers to all of your questions.
2. Don’t be afraid to move
This year The Sixth Form at Harrogate Grammar School welcomed over 130 students who had previously attended different schools.
“It is really common that students join us in the Sixth Form, they add to the vibrancy and diversity of the school. The Sixth Form provides a fresh start for all of our students, and students quickly feel settled within our community.” said Mr Twitchin.
Transport doesn’t have to be a barrier either – The Sixth Form at Harrogate Grammar School is well serviced by public bus services and also offer specific bus services to help students travel to and from the school from the surrounding area.
3. Check the results
When considering your post-16 options look for consistently excellent results rather than just one year. Harrogate Grammar School has achieved record breaking exam success with an average of 60% of A Level grades being A*-B over seven consecutive years.
4. Look at the subjects on offer
Sixth Form is the first-time students have a true choice in what they are studying so it is important to look at the range on offer, and how flexible a school can be in creating a programme of study that suits you.
Mr Twitchin has these three pieces of advice for future students: “Select a subject that you genuinely really enjoy.”
“Select a subject that you are also good at because you can then make significant progress and develop at the higher level of study expected at A Level.”
Thirdly, “Make sure you select a subject that allows you to progress after Sixth Form to the next stage in your life.”
Harrogate Grammar School’s website features video introductions from subject teachers, covering all 40 courses on offer. The videos provide key course information and feature current students speaking about subjects in order to give prospective students a really strong insight into each of the courses on offer.
5. Look beyond the subjects
It is also important to consider what other opportunities a Sixth Form offers to help students develop and prepare for the next stage of their lives.
Are there active, student-led societies, leadership opportunities and a wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer?
Head Student, Matt Roberts commented on the range of opportunities open to him and others at Harrogate Grammar School: “No matter where your passion lies, whether it be in sport, art, drama, music or the academic side of school life, there is always something extra to take part in.”
6. Think about progression
What happens after Sixth Form is crucial, so check that there is a clear route to university, further education or apprenticeships. Find out if successful alumni visit to inspire current students and whether there is an active work-experience programme.
Mr Twitchin said a key thing to also look out for is whether the Sixth Form has a Quality in Careers Standard Award which recognises excellence in careers education, information and guidance.
The Sixth Form at Harrogate Grammar School has this careers award and encourages excellence for all its students across 40 subjects, taught in world-class facilities.
7. Look for strong pastoral and academic support
The step from GCSEs to A Levels can sometimes be challenging. It is important to find out how students are supported in developing the strong independent study skills that are crucial to success in the Sixth Form.
A strong pastoral team and a clear commitment to student wellbeing are also essential elements to look out for when selecting your destination of study.
Head Student, Iris Eastaugh, commented: “The Sixth Form’s outstanding pastoral system at Harrogate Grammar School provides consistent support for our whole community. It is so reassuring to know that there are friendly faces that we can approach to talk through any questions or concerns.”
Harrogate Grammar School holds the Carnegie School Mental Health Award, and the Sixth Form has an experienced and specialised team of staff in place to support students throughout their Sixth Form journey.
LINKS:
Twitter: @HarrogateGS
Instagram: www.instagram.com
email: [email protected]
Tel: 01423 535235