Our recent Sixth Form Induction Conference was filled with excitement, valuable insights and a warm welcome for all new Lower Sixth boys. The event was designed to inspire the incoming Lower Sixth boys to take full advantage of the extensive academic and co-curricular opportunities on offer and to encourage them to make a positive start.
Throughout the day, there was a strong focus on encouraging boys to balance their academic responsibilities with the increased opportunities available in Sixth Form. The importance of taking part in everything the school has to offer was a recurring theme, highlighted by both staff and boys in the Upper Sixth.
Boys gathered in the Quarry Theatre Bar for refreshments for the start of the conference before moving to the Quarry Theatre where Mrs Smith, Head of Sixth Form, along with key staff members including Dr Arjan, Mr Finch, and Director of Careers Mrs Lincoln, introduced themselves. Mrs Smith talked about the significant transition from GCSE to Sixth Form, describing it as the “largest gap in the education system”. She provided detailed information about class arrangements, study periods, and the increased responsibility that comes with the freedom of Sixth Form life.
One of the highlights of the induction was a film featuring current Upper Sixth boys, which showed interviews where they shared their experiences, challenges and giving advice for new Sixth Formers just starting out. The boys interviewed emphasised the importance of staying on top of academics and balancing them with enrichment activities, such as clubs and societies, to ensure a well-rounded experience.
Lower Sixth Former Jonathan Hall, who attended the conference, explained, “I found the film made by the Upper Sixth the most helpful as we got to hear first-hand about the opportunities, challenges and they gave advice about what they experienced when first joining the Sixth Form – detailing what they would do differently if they could – which was extremely helpful. Some advice included staying on-top of all academics, as the jump from GCSE is unexpected and hard at times, in addition to making sure to balance academics with other enrichment opportunities, including clubs or societies that educate us about topics outside the school curriculum and to allow ourselves time for enjoyment.”
The induction also included speeches and presentations from members of staff, as well as interactive sessions where current Sixth Form boys shared their ideas and answered questions. These discussions covered how to maximize opportunities through co-curricular activities and programmes like Ivy House, the Bedford School Independent Project (BSIP), and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Lower Sixth Former Tristan Cooper told us after the event, “Listening to the current Upper Sixth Formers inspired me the most. This is because it gave me a good base on how to make the most efficient use of my time and it gave me the goal of aiming high. In addition, it was most useful because it included a Question-and-Answer session and gave us plenty more information regarding co-curricular activities and holding roles as society leaders.”
The aim of the event was to provide our new Sixth Formers with the best possible start to the academic year and give them a comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to make the most of their time in Sixth Form.
Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Anna Smith, commented, “The transition into Sixth Form is a significant step up. The Lower Sixth is an exciting (but potentially a little daunting) year when boys develop academic curiosity in the subjects they’ve chosen, learn leadership skills and find themselves. Outlining the support on offer and listening to the experience and advice of the current Upper Sixth boys on how to make a success of their Lower Sixth year will prompt them to think about what they want to get out of the Sixth Form from day one.”
You can watch the film referred to in the article here:
