Sixth Form Success

A particular success story of Newcastle School for Boys since its formation in 2005 has been the creation, development and growth of its sixth form

In recent years, some of this success undoubtedly can be attributed to the 2017 acquisition of our new, dedicated sixth form centre on Moor Road South, adjacent to the Senior School.

This academic year started with record sixth form numbers – just under 90 students. We are close to achieving our strategic target of a sixth form of 100 boys sooner than we expected. I often recall our very first sixth form cohort of 2009 when we had just 14 students.

The majority of our sixth-formers study three A-levels and go on to enjoy traditional academic courses at university but that route is not for everyone. Our sixth form does not operate on the basis that one size fits all. One of the keys to our sixth form success has been to match our students to the right courses to ensure a successful, fulfilling and enjoyable sixth form experience.

In recent years, we have seen a great deal of success for our students who have pursued Cambridge Technicals (CTECs) and similar courses. These courses have a greater focus on the application of subject knowledge and are a little less examoriented than A-levels. But they also carry UCAS points and have allowed a number of our boys to be successful in accessing appropriate universities and courses as well as degree apprenticeships.

Such courses have been part of our offer for several years now. It amuses me that some prominent independent schools who have come much later to this particular party attract national headlines and are then described as ‘ground-breaking’ in their approaches. At the start of each academic year, I always make time to address the boys entering our sixth form. I speak with them about independent study as the key difference between being a GCSE student and a sixth former.

I tell them that they may no longer say that they have no homework or that they have done it all. The true mark of the independent student is that they know that there is always more to be done: research, reading, consolidation. That is not to say that sixth form study can’t be balanced with other important learning and activities. It must be.

The longer that I do this job, the clearer it becomes to me the approach required of sixth form students to be successful. They are the ones that commit to honest effort. I see it year after year. I also highlight the important leadership and role model responsibilities that sixth formers each carry for the rest of the boys in the school I’m delighted that this year we have launched, with our neighbours and partners, Westfield School an exciting, new sixth form curriculum.

The aim is to provide a distinctive, compelling and relevant sixth form experience that prepares our students exceptionally well for their lives beyond school. Over time, local employers and higher education providers will understand the qualities and experiences they can expect in a student who had attended our sixth form.

We seek to ensure that each student demonstrates independent study that goes beyond the taught curriculum. To ensure that they are challenged in the development of their character and that they have a range of relevant and genuine experiences that help them find their passions and to prepare them to be able to follow them.

I am extremely proud of the School’s sixth form and that of the achievements of our boys and staff achieve.