Day to Day Life
Sixth Form life is significantly different to the educational experiences that come before it. It is a two year period where independence, ambition, and planning are the focus and where students make the exciting decisions that will open doors to further education and beyond.
The Sixth Form at Radnor House aims to develop academically successful individuals who are confident in their own ability, and confident in making the decisions necessary for entrance into university and the wider world of work.
Tutor Groups
In the Sixth Form, perhaps more than any other time in your life, high quality school-based pastoral support is vital. Students in the Sixth Form have a dedicated Tutor who will know you inside out. Over the course of the Sixth Form, you will get to know your Tutor, and they you, very closely.
On entering the Sixth Form, you will be placed in a Tutor Group led by a specially chosen Sixth Form Tutor who will guide you through the next two years. Tutor Groups are designed to include pupils who study similar subjects and who are encouraged to see themselves as a family unit with all members taking responsibility to foster a 'family atmosphere' accompanied by their Sixth Form Tutor.
Apart from daily morning briefings, your tutor group will meet for an extended period of time each week; this time will allow personal and group reflection on the past seven days, as well as providing the opportunity for important guidance on university applications, the delivery of work experience programmes and enrichment opportunities.
Timetable and Study Periods
Each pupil in Sixth Form receives six hours of teaching per subject, per week. This is two hours per subject above the recommended amount by exam boards, which we believe helps pupils consolidate their knowledge and make the most of our teachers' expertise.
On top of this, there are six study periods timetabled per week where pupils can seek out teachers for further clarification, work with their peers, or conduct independent research. Study Periods are an important part of the Academic Week in the Sixth Form. These are an opportunity to reinforce the work completed in class or at home and should not be treated as a ‘free period’. The Private Sixth Form Study Area is designated for just that, private study, and is monitored by a member of staff. You may also use the Library for private study or the Common Room to complete your work or research in a less formal setting. Similarly, the Riverside Terrace Café is available to you throughout the day.
Uniform and Appearance
As a Radnor House Sixth Former your dress code is ‘business attire’. You are an ambassador for Radnor House and are expected to dress and behave in a way that reflects the high standards to which we all aspire, as well as preparing yourself for a career in a professional environment. Gentlemen are expected to wear suits whilst ladies should wear sensible trousers or skirt with a smart top and jacket.
As you will not be wearing a specific uniform, you will be required to wear the designated Sixth Form lanyard at all times. A £5 deposit will be collected from you on the first day of the school year and returned to you when you leave Radnor House.
If your appearance is not considered to observe the dress code, in the first instance you will be spoken to by the Director of Sixth Form. If you do not subsequently make suitable modifications to your attire, you may be asked to return home to change.
Homework
In the Sixth Form you are expected to dedicate five hours of study per week to each of your subjects outside of your lessons.
Homework is an essential part of the learning process. It helps to make sure that you have understood what has been taught to you in lessons and consolidates your learning. At A Level study you are chiefly responsible for monitoring your workload out of lessons. Your Tutor will be kept informed if you do not complete set tasks. If the problem persists, your parents will be informed and further measures may be taken. However, by this stage in your education it is often the case that you take independent responsibility for your workload and enjoy the tasks set as they are tailored to your interests.
Commendations
In addition to receiving Merits, to recognise the extra level of work that you will be producing at A Level, truly exceptional pieces of work will be Commended for viewing by the Board of Directors.
Sign-out Privileges
Throughout your time in the Sixth Form you will be able to sign out from school at clearly specified times. You are entrusted with the responsibility to behave in a sensible manner and be back in school in time for your next commitment. It is imperative that you sign out at Reception if you leave the building and that you sign yourself back in when you return.
University Open Days
Going to visit prospective Universities is an important part of your decision making for the future. Many Universities hold their Open Days during the week. Should you wish to attend an Open Day that falls during term time, please submit a written application to the Director of Sixth Form with at least one week’s notice.