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Wymondham High Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is life in the sixth form like?

“Starting anything new can be a very daunting and intimidating experience. Even though I came from Wymondham High originally, I was certainly both excited and very nervous about starting something that had become such a big deal in my head. First things first though, no matter which school you came from, the first day is not as scary or as exclusive as you may think: everybody mixes straight away, and talks to everyone else just as you’d hope they would. The environment is very welcoming, and although the teachers often start off by telling you how hard they expect you to work, and how stressful the year can be, they are all surprisingly easy to talk to, and supportive of you throughout the whole year. The teachers are very open to giving you their time if you need it and have certainly helped me a lot this year.

As the first day fades into the past, the more important aspects of the Sixth Form shine through. The atmosphere of working hard and using your time at Sixth Form to do the best you possibly can becomes very obvious. This helps to give the impressive record of academic progress and achievement that we currently have here.

All of the hard work isn’t put solely on your shoulders though. The quality of the teaching here stands Wymondham far above many other equivalents, and I can personally vouch for the standard of lessons that we are given to help us obtain the grades and the futures we want.

Obviously, a big part of the Sixth Form experience, is the fact that a year of UCAS applications and university places looms over us for the majority of the time that we spend here. This could be a stressful time, but the opportunities that Wymondham provide make the preparation for personal statements much easier. In the committee structure that Year 12s undergo, we are provided with opportunities to develop our interests, including the possibility to become involved in The Young Enterprise programme, which is both interesting and provides some real world insight In something that is often a closed door to students. Similarly, the encouragement of Community Service allows us to become involved in the community far more than we would without it: which is a real positive. Furthermore, the Sixth Form also now provides many opportunities for leadership, the Prefect structure and ‘Sixth Form Leader’ roles allow the development of your skills and make you stand out as an individual in the crowd.

I have really enjoyed my time at this Sixth Form: not only because of the opportunities it provides and the doors that it opens, but also because of the amazing atmosphere that it has, both in terms of its ethos and in the relationships that form so easily here. I wouldn’t choose anywhere else!”

Former Wymondham High Sixth Form Student.

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What are the timings of the day?

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Period Time 
Period 1  8.35am - 9.35am
Period 2  9.35am - 10.35am 
Break  10.35am - 11.00am
Tutor 11.00am - 11.25am 
Period 3 11.25am - 12.25pm 
Period 4 12.25pm - 1.25pm 
Lunch  1.25pm - 2.00pm 
Period 5 2.00pm - 3.00pm 
Period 6  3.00pm - 4.00pm 

 

Tuesday

Period  Time 
Period 1  8.35am - 9.30am 
Period 2  9.30am - 10.25am 
Break 10.25am - 10.45am
Period 3 10.45am - 11.40am 
Period 4 11.40am - 12.35pm
Lunch  12.35pm - 1.10pm
Period 5  1.10pm - 2.10pm

There is no period 6 on a Tuesday. 

Where do I go in the morning on arrival? 

Please arrive via the Sixth Form Entrance each morning and go straight to your Period 1 Lesson.  If you have a Study Period, please find a work space in the CLC/study area. 

Where can I study whilst in sixth form? 

There are specific areas dedicated to the Sixth Form only. These are:  

Collaborative Learning Centre (CLC) - This is the largest space. This area is for collaborative work where you can talk quietly about your studies and help each other. The upstairs area contains a number of computers and you can use your own devices throughout. These areas are free to relax and chat in during lunchtime and break but must be kept tidy at all times. Destinations information, such as University prospectuses, are located upstairs in this area.  

Quiet Study Areas – An area of comfortable seating by the Sixth Form Café area plus our newly rebuilt state of the art library provides quiet study areas for students.  Students are also able to use empty classrooms for study periods. 

All rooms have access to Wi-Fi so you can use IT to work in any of these spaces.   

Where can I get snacks and lunch? 

The Sixth Form Café is open from 9.30am until 2pm each day. You can buy lunch or snacks from the Café. Alternatively you are welcome to bring your own pcked lunch.

More details can be found on the catering page. 

The only places you cannot eat are areas surrounding PCs and the Silent Study Rooms. Students are also allowed off-site at break and lunch to go to town and get lunch.  Obviously, all litter must be put in the bin.  

How can I get my voice heard? 

The aim of Wymondham High Sixth is to provide you with the best opportunity to become a well-rounded and successful individual. It may be that you have an idea about something we could add to the Sixth Form or that we can do differently. We are very happy to hear your ideas and collaboratively work with you to make sure the Sixth Form is the best it can be. As well as informal systems, the Sixth Form is represented by Sixth Form Leaders, the Principal’s Council and Senior Prefects. These students are fundamental in representing the Sixth Form student body. These students are all selected at the end of Year 12 through a formal application process; all students in the Sixth Form are eligible to apply, wherever you completed Year 11. If you want something to be raised, you can:  

  • Speak to a member of Principal’s Council or a Senior Prefect and they will take your views forward to regular meetings. 
  • Speak to or email a member of the Sixth Form Team. 
  • Write a suggestion and pop it in the ‘Suggestion box’ in the CLC.  

Are there leadership opportunities? 

Student leadership is an incredibly important part of your life at Wymondham High Sixth. Getting experience now will help you to develop yourself as an individual and it will also help you to develop skills which you can apply at university and in the workplace. Being a leader is often about taking initiative so if there is something you want to add, then speak to a member of the Sixth Form Team and set it up!  

As well as Principal’s Council and Senior Prefects, there are a range of other opportunities available including Subject Leaders, Wellbeing and Community Leaders and Transition Mentors.  

Lists of students in these roles can be found on the Leadership board in the CLC.  

All Year 12s are members of a committee which present numerous opportunities for leadership. This year, other clubs and societies will be established which will be student led. Make sure you get involved! 

What is the minimum requirement to gain entry into the Sixth Form?

To join our Sixth Form you need to have gained a minimum of 40+ points from 8 of your GCSE subjects.  (Grade 8=8 points, grade 6=6 points etc) You must also have a 4 in English and Maths at GCSE.  Each application is considered on an individual basis and therefore it is always worth discussing options with a member of the Sixth Form team.  We want you to succeed and therefore will give you honest advice.

Can I study any combination of subjects?

Essentially yes!  Certain subjects have particular entry requirements to ensure you are suited for the course (e.g. to study a science at A Level you need to have achieved a 6 at GCSE in science)  During your Applicant Meeting, we will discuss your future plans and reasons for combination choice of subjects to ensure you are fully informed regarding your options.  If clashes between subjects occur, we will let you know so we can look at all the options with you.

How many subjects should I take in Sixth Form?

3 A Levels is the expected requirement.  You cannot drop below this as you have to be a fulltime student in Sixth Form and this is a minimum of 3 A Levels. Many universities only consider 3 A Levels, so we would prefer you to concentrate on getting the very best grades in 3 subjects and not spread yourself too thinly.

However, some students may wish to consider studying a 4th subject.  We would recommend only students who have gained 56+ points at GCSE look at this option.  If you take 4 subjects, it is important that you commit to these 4 subjects for the full 2 years as A Levels are now linear and we cannot guarantee the possibility of taking an AS Level at the end of Year 12 and would not wish for you to study a subject and then not gain a qualification at the end of the course.

There are lots of alternative options to enhance your application for university/apprenticeships rather than taking a 4th A Level.

 

Can I change my subject choices during Sixth Form?

It is vital you are on the correct Study Programme but would recommend any changes to timetables and subjects take place before the end of September, so you do not miss out on too much content.  We need written permission from home to make any changes and these changes can only occur if the curriculum allows it to happen and staff are in agreement.  No changes can occur after December of Year 12 under any circumstances, including moving from 4 to 3 A Levels.  All curriculum changes must be agreed by Mrs Preston.

How can I enhance my UCAS application?

By ensuring you make the very most of all the opportunities given to you during Sixth Form including extras to your Study Programme and external options such as Summer Schools and University taster sessions.

How many teachers per subject will I have in Sixth Form?

Generally, 2! But this may different due to how the course is set up.

How many hours does each subject have over the fortnight?

Each subject has 10 hours of teaching time per fortnight. 

How independent will I have to be in Sixth Form?

We know the jump from GCSE to A levels is big and can be quite daunting.  We also know that if you want to go onto higher education, it is essential you develop your independent study skills.  This is why we put Independent Study onto your timetables, so you can get use to this style of working in a supportive manner.  Obviously, students will spend their other study periods working in Sixth Form areas also as you would be expected to spend around 5 hours a week outside each subject on additional work to support your studies.

How much time should I be spending on my studies?

We would expect students to be managing their study time effectively.  You would be expected to spend around 5 hours a week outside each subject on additional work to support your studies.  This can be easily achieved by setting goals and tasks for your study periods during the school day.  Then at home you can complete longer tasks, extra reading and revision.  The more you put in the more you will get out of your studies.

 

What happens if I want to do a minority subject and the group may be small?

We are committed to offering a broad and balanced curriculum.  Therefore, removing a subject from the curriculum is not something we would consider before exploring all other options.  We know the importance of peer support in your subject and therefore where groups are very small and the course allows, we may put Year 12 and 13 groups together to ensure you are able to work collaboratively and get the very best experience from your studies.

How should I use free periods in Sixth Form?

Set a goal for each study period and reward yourself once it is achieved.  Don’t put tasks off.  Find an area that you are comfortable working in and just get on with the tasks you need to complete.  Improving assessments/marked work is essential so you have great material to revise from and ensure you have really learnt and understood a topic.  If you are unsure or find that you have completed everything, ask you teacher for advice but reviewing of tasks/topics and creating revision material/completing an exam style question is always a great idea.

How does the school help prepare me for higher education?

For all students (university/apprenticeships/work) we will start your destinations passport during the autumn term of Year 12 and the support is ongoing.  We ask you to explore all options and then make an informed choice.  We will then be on hand to help ensure you are as prepared as possible.

How will I know I am doing ok in my studies?

Regular and detailed feedback on assessments and regular reviewing of work through Class Assessments, End of Year exams and mocks.

How will I get to Sixth Form?

This depends where you live.  All post-16 education transport involves a cost.  But you may be able to apply for Sixth Form Bursary to help pay for this cost.  Sixth Form students can use the public buses, school buses or our 2 Sixth Form minibuses.