6th Form is the time to broaden and shift-up friendships and look after one another. You are now amongst the most senior students in the school and everyone will look up to you. You are the ones who will act as role models of kindness to our younger students, who will always remember the senior students who looked after them.”

He explained how 6th Form has the potential to be the best of educational years: “6th Form is one of the best education times. It’s when you will appreciate smaller classes for the first time, the change in your relationships with your peers and teachers as you discuss topics you enjoy, and a time for new things such as study periods. Make the most of 6th Form, and speak with your tutors on how to balance your days with these study periods.

The change from GCSE to A Level is a huge step-up but you have already displayed so much effort in gaining your GCSE results, which exceeded your baseline to place The Oratory in the top 25% of schools nationally for value added, so you have already given yourselves a great starting point. Good luck and keep going - we’re really excited to see what we can achieve alongside you at A Level to help you become more.”

Dr David Moses, Assistant Head 6th Form, then spoke to students about making the 6th Form years a launchpad: “6th Form years define you. It is here that you make a transition and launch yourself into adult life; where you take control and think about where you’ll be this time next year. It’s when you will not only make new friends but also embed your knowledge and make commitments.”  

He encouraged students to think about their future careers: “Think now about what your interests are and what you might like to study further or do for work. Be realistic but also aspirational. Have an idea of where you’re going and what you’re trying to attain. It’s hard to commit and work hard if you don’t know what you’re working hard towards. A Levels are different from your previous educational years as you’ve already chosen your direction. Consider what else you need to do outside A Level lessons, the independent study you’ll need to undertake, and what you are trying to get out of these valuable two years to get into your chosen field or that competitive university – but remember, do not to let the degree define you!”

Dr Moses also discussed forthcoming social events (there was mention of Christmas!), as well as outlining the 6th Form enrichment programmes on offer such as Loquitur, Windhover and the Scholarship programmes. He asked students to let their teachers know if they have a talent they’d like to push, but his most important message was this: “Excellence isn’t a skill, it’s an attitude. You can all be excellent and you are all full of potential. You may move at different rates but you all have the ability to be more. Learn as though you are going to live forever, because lifelong learning starts here.”

Be you. Become more at The Oratory.