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The Sixth Form

Welcome to the 6th Form at Great Marlow School – a place to grow, discover and become independent learners.

The Sixth Form at GMS is the place of choice for the majority of the school’s Year 11 students and it welcomes students from other schools, too. Applications forms are posted in the autumn term of Year 11 and are submitted before Christmas. GMS offers the only T-level Level 3 Technical Qualification in Childcare and Education, in the local area. The school’s BTEC courses are very popular as an alternative post-16 route to employment. If A-levels are a student’s choice, there is a wide range of genres to select from: humanities, science, social science, sports’ science, creative arts and modern foreign languages. Altogether 29 different post-16 courses are available.

The Sixth Form Centre was purpose built. The facilities include a spacious communal area, which has social seating, work desks, Wifi, and portals to plug in laptops. The mezzanine area provides alternative study space. A silent study room allows students to focus on their work without interruption. Outside, there is a patio area, which is popular in the summer months. A café serves a selection of food choices throughout the day.

Mr Hollyman Director of Learning for the Sixth Form writes,

“I am really proud of the academic standards that we have fostered in GMS. Hard working, committed students reach their potential by performing very well in public examinations.”

The staff at GMS ‘go the extra mile’ in their subject areas offering support, encouragement and learning opportunities outside the classroom setting.

However, whilst we provide a supportive learning environment, it is critical to understand that every student has a role to play. Every student has to develop their independent study skills and take responsibility for their learning far more than in Year 11. Learning to organise time effectively, ensuring excellent attendance, fostering communication skills with teachers and reflecting on the learning in the classroom are all important to enjoying success. It is imperative that all students are self-motivated, resilient, independent learners with a positive attitude towards their education: that way two successful years will speed by.

Equally important to us is witnessing students accessing our wider enrichment programme. We all want young people to feel successful in areas not directly related to the curriculum.

Please know, we have students’ best interests at heart and we want to see each and every one flourish as they move through the two years of Sixth Form. I am proud to be Director of Learning for the Sixth Form. On a daily basis, I am encouraged by the positivity, maturity, confidence and friendliness that I encounter.’

Mr Owen Hollyman

Head of Sixth Form

When can Sixth Form students access the sports' facilities?

The superb sports facilities are available to our sixth formers who are time-tabled one compulsory PE lesson every week. Other sports’ activities, or fitness regime can be undertaken with the agreement of the PE sports’ staff.

Does GMS offer a wider enrichment programme?

All Sixth form students are encouraged to embrace the wider enrichment programme on offer. The Sixth Form at Great Marlow School has a diverse and inclusive range of enrichment activities. The school believes in promoting non-academic skills that expand horizons. For example, students liaise with primary schools, support the transition process of the new Year 6 intake, help teachers in classrooms, be part of the organising team for sports’ day, as as ambassadors during open day and open evenings. Our aim is to nurture motivated, capable and caring young people.

Other enrichment experiences organised by the school include Safe Drive, UCAS Day and Mindset for Success programme.

Students who embrace an enrichment opportunity are valued by universities and employers alike. The work experience week in July of Year 12 is valuable way for students to experience the work environment.

If students are proactive, energetic and motivated, they will find opportunities to engage in a wide variety of enrichment activities.

 

What opportunities are there to support charities?

The work that sixth formers do for charity fundraising is formidable. Interact is a group of volunteers who meet each week, with members of the Rotary Club, to plan events throughout the year for local charities. Through a variety of high-profile events, our sixth formers raise thousands of pounds for charity each year. The student body also contributes each year to local charities and visits pensioners with gifts at Christmas time.

Can students enrol for Duke of Edinburgh?

Students in Year 12 and 13 are able to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Gold award, if a student has not embraced Duke of Edinburgh before they may apply to do so. This award is positively regarded by universities and employers alike.

Does GMS operate a Young Enterprise scheme?

Young Enterprise is very popular among the Year 12s, because it provides a unique opportunity for students to run their own mini businesses. Many Young Enterprise products are sold at Christmas and Easter. It is well recognised by employers and is extremely desirable enrichment activity for Sixth Form students.

Are there Sixth Form Prefects?

Our senior prefects are excellent role models and are led by the Head Boy and Head Girl, who ensure that the student voice is heard and that student issues are represented. They facilitate communication between staff and students. Their high profile within the school and the community is recognised and valued.

 

Our Sixth Form provides opportunities. Our Sixth Formers thrive in the stimulating and enjoyable atmosphere of the Sixth Form Centre.