SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING
7PM JANUARY 17th 2008
EVERYONE WELCOME

What courses are available?

Sheldon currently offers thirty A level courses, so you have a huge choice - more than most other sixth forms. There is usually a course combination to suit your needs. Remember that most sixth formers study four AS courses in Year 12 and continue with three of these to A2, although some continue with four. All our courses are detailed in the sixth form prospectus which is published at Christmas time.

Alternatively, you can see the list of courses here.

How do I get in?

Entry is by application form, which is available after the January Options Evening. You will then have a short interview with the Head or Deputy Head of Sixth Form. This is mostly aimed at making sure that you have chosen appropriate course for you. If you wish to do four A levels, you will need five or more GCSEs at C grade or above (you will probably need B grades for your chosen subjects). We will always try to look positively on any application made to us.

Why should I come to Sheldon rather than go to college?

There are good reasons to go to college. For instance, it may be that you want to train for a trade. However, there are some very good reasons for coming to us: we have great results; a happy and cohesive community; we offer excellent levels of tutorial support, which even the best students need from time to time; and we have a great record of entry to university, including Oxford and Cambridge. We feel that students at Sheldon get a great deal, but we are still striving to improve. we are very proud of our sixth form and our students. Have a look at our recent Ofsted report.

What if I currently attend a school other than Sheldon?

You are most welcome to apply. Every year many students come to Sheldon Sixth Form from other local secondary schools. They settle well at Sheldon and enjoy their studies here.

What will be expected of me?

We expect you to strive to be the best you can be, join in and be a part of the school community, and enjoy your time with us.

Will I get my first choice of courses?

The vast majority of students get to study their four first-choice courses, a few get three out of four. As Sheldon Sixth form has grown we have been able to offer a lot more choice.

What should I be doing now?

You should be talking to your subject teachers about A levels that interest you, talking to your tutor, researching careers in the careers library, and looking at university courses to see what the entry requirements are. A good place to start is www.ucas.com.

How should I choose courses?

Most students fall into two camps on this one. Either choose courses that you need for a specific career path (that's why early research is essential) or choose courses because you enjoy them.

What are the extra-curricular activities like?

We have a wide range of days out to universities, as well as activity trips that have included sailing and snowboarding. There is a leadership weekend, numerous in-school charity fundraisers, where sixth formers lead the school, as well as subject-based field trips and the opportunity to go to Kenya for a month in your final year. We also have a Leavers' Ball at Bowood House. If you want to ask about organising something yourself, the answer is "yes".

How can I contact the sixth form?

Mr Seeley, the Head of Sixth Form, or Miss Young, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, would be delighted to hear from you at sixthform@sheldonschool.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you to our booming sixth form.