Sixth Form Life
A different way of learning.
From an increased focus on independent learning, more freedom and an absolute wealth of opportunities, discover more about life at our Sixth Form.
A time of transition
Sixth Form is a time of transition: from childhood to adulthood; from school to university; from traditional learning to independent study; from rules and regulations to greater freedom and privileges.
Sixth Form is quite different to school; students will still have to work hard, but they have more freedom and the responsibility to motivate themselves. They’re not alone though – our Sixth Form team are always on hand to challenge and support every individual on the path to achieving their goals. Classes are small with an atmosphere of mutual respect between students and staff, and there is an emphasis is on debate and interaction. Developing opinions through discussion with others is an important catalyst for independent learning.
Of course Sixth Form life isn’t all about the work, and our Sixth Form Centre offers a taste of university living. Set over two mezzanine floors at the very heart of the School, the contemporary space provides a big and bright environment in which to study and relax with friends. Hot and cold food and drinks are available throughout the day in the Sixth Form Brasserie and there are comfortable areas both to work and socialise, with access to WiFi throughout. Much of our students’
social life happens in the Sixth Form Centre – the heart and hub of the Sixth Form community – but it is only two minutes into Nottingham City Centre on the tram for anyone keen to venture out at lunchtimes.
FAQs
We currently offer 25 subjects at A level: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Design Technology, Economics, English Language, English Literature, French, Further Maths, Geography, German, History, Latin, Maths, Music, Music Technology, PE, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Spanish, Theatre Studies.
In the Sixth Form we have maximum class sizes of 16, but many classes are smaller than this.
Year 12 students will follow 3 courses (or 4 if one course is Further Maths) and do an Extended Project Qualification.
Lessons are one hour long, and we have a two-week timetable.
In Year 12 and 13 there are eleven hours of taught lessons per subject per fortnight, with seven additional hours for Further Mathematics.
All Sixth Form students are offered the opportunity to complete an EPQ, which provides the opportunity for independent learning on a topic area beyond the A Level syllabus. More details are available on the AQA website.
At Nottingham High School we offer a General Education Programme (GEP) to all Sixth Formers, which covers topics such as citizenship, personal wellbeing and economic wellbeing.
Sport is timetabled every Wednesday afternoon when a range of options is available to include team sports such as Hockey, Netball, Rounders, Rugby and Football, as well as individual sporting opportunities such as Badminton, Squash, Tennis, Zumba, Climbing, Archery, Cross Country and Swimming.
In the Sixth Form all students are encouraged to take part in some of our wide range of co-curricular activities, which take place at lunchtime or after school.
Currently we offer students the opportunity to join CCF, the Debating Society, Young Enterprise, Politics Society, Model United Nations, Community Action, Chess Club, Bridge Club, Gold DofE (with no previous DofE experience necessary), and more. A range of subject specific clubs are also operated by Sixth Formers to work with younger members of the school, such as the Maths Buddy Scheme, Paired Reading and the Language Ambassador Scheme. The Arts Society arranges Theatre, Cinema and Concert visits at reduced ticket prices.
Students are also encouraged and supported in starting up clubs where they have a specific interest or talent. Recently a Book Club and a Photography Club were set up for the first time.
Nottingham High School has an outstanding record of helping students to gain places to study at top universities. Students can also receive support when applying to foundation courses, apprenticeships or to study abroad.
We have specialist staff who focus on giving Sixth Formers the skills they need to apply successfully to Higher Education. They will guide them through the whole UCAS application process, including what universities look for in a personal statement. There will also be dedicated preparation sessions for our potential medics, dentists, lawyers and Oxbridge candidates.
Our Sixth Formers will have the opportunity to attend lunchtime study, discussion and thinking groups where they will explore how to best express themselves and communicate their ideas with a view to sitting university entrance exams or attending interviews. The students are actively encouraged to build up a worthwhile CV by undertaking relevant reading, research and work experience, as well as participating in a range of co-curricular activities.
Business dress is expected – for boys: formal suits, shirt and school tie. For girls: formal business suits or separates to include a jacket. More details will be given to the students on Induction Day in June.
Nottingham High School is consistently the top performing school in the region for our examination results. If you’d like to find out more about our latest A Level results specifically, you can do so here.
We have not set a maximum number of places, and will offer places to those students we are confident will thrive in our Sixth Form. Applicants are invited to interview following a report from their current school indicating predicted GCSE grades. The likely offer made, following a successful interview, will be a minimum of 5 A grades (or the equivalent Grade 7s), with A grades in the subjects to be taken in the Sixth Form. There will be a two-day Induction Programme in June for successful candidates.
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Joining the Sixth Form is by interview and on the basis of academic achievement at GCSE. Offers are made following informal subject-based interviews and are normally conditional on achieving 5 or more As / 7s at GCSE.
To start the application process, click here to fill out our online admissions form and we will be in touch with further information.
If you have any further questions or would like to have a chat with a member of our friendly Admissions team please email admissions@nottinghamhigh.co.uk or give them a call on 0115 845 2232. They will be able to give you some further guidance on the admission process, and arrange for you to visit us if you would like a tour of the school.
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