The 6th Form

Welcome to the Sixth Form page, which I hope will give you a taste of what is on offer both inside and outside the classroom in the Sixth Form of The Oratory School.

You will find – on the academic front – a short guide to the Sixth Form curriculum: A level choices and other options, together with an outline of how we help with study skills, independent learning, careers guidance and university applications.

You will find we also have a wealth of extra-curricular activities and other opportunities, from ball-room dancing to debating and community service to cricket tours.

 
The pastoral and social aspects of Sixth Form life at a school like The Oratory are an excellent preparation for life in higher education and employment: learning cooperation and teamwork, as well as self-motivation and time management in a busy boarding environment.

At this key stage in school life, it is good to know that there is plenty of experienced help at hand. All the staff at The Oratory are committed to giving the best and most personal advice and guidance to every boy, to help each one play to his strengths whilst trying new things, and to use well both his talents and his opportunities. These two years in the Sixth Form are the most challenging and the most exciting so far: let us help you to make the most of them.

Life After School
The process of applying to Higher Education starts at The Oratory in the summer term of the Lower Sixth when a week’s work experience is followed by a week of university related activities which is provided to gear them up for UCAS.

Course and university choices, gap years, electronic UCAS forms, Personal Statement writing – all these and more are covered through presentations, outside speakers and personal guidance- with information packs produced for them to take away and peruse over the holiday. They are also given a choice from three or four university Open Days to attend on trips organised by the school.  

Applying for Art courses, Oxbridge, medicine, US universities – we can give advice on all these areas too.

In the Upper Sixth, the Head of Sixth Form, Tutors and Housemasters will all be on hand to give help, guidance and encouragement in the application process, and tutor sessions cover student finance, loans and budgeting. Interview training is available for anyone who is interested.

Other opportunities in the Sixth Form
Extra-curricular activities for Sixth Formers at The Oratory focus on preparation for life and work, and service. This includes: 

  • Work experience
  • The Enterprise Scheme
  • Community Service in conjunction with the Ryder-Cheshire Volunteers
  • Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold activities
  • CCF – continuing service and Under-Officer responsibilities
  • A Christian Citizenship day in Westminster
  • A pilgrimage to Lourdes as helpers to the sick
  • A Lenten retreat
  • The Windhover – a discussion society
  • The Adelphi – a debating society
  • Drugs and Alcohol education
  • The Buzz – school newspaper
  • Interesting societies: astronomy, chess, ballroom dancing
Sixth Form Kept Busy
This term has been a very busy one indeed for the Upper Sixth, the majority of whom have applied to UCAS. To this end there have been UCAS clinics in the IT department, a trip to a UCAS exhibition in Docklands for Art and Design applicants, a Gap Year Fair at St Edwards in Oxford and mock interviews for those who need the practice. All the L6th attended a lively Study Skills session, an interactive workshop about learning styles, note-taking and essay writing. The Upper Sixth went to a Safe Driving session at the Hexagon Theatre in Reading. The Windhover, Astronomical Society, Debating, Theatre visits, departmental trips and other activities continue as normal. Sixth Formers have of course played key roles in diverse school activities including the Charity Walk, the Old Boys’ Requiem, the performance of The Dream of Gerontius and were on duty for the visit of the relics of St Therese to Oxford in October. A very full term.

Dora Nash
Head of Sixth Form