Sixth Form Life

How the Sixth Form works

The next few sections are taken from the Sixth Form Prospectus, and are designed to give an idea about our procedures, the way we operate and so on.  On other pages of the website you can have a closer look at sixth form extra-curricular opportunities, or the opportunities for the next step after sixth form (universities for many, jobs and apprenticeships for some).  We have also provided a brief outline of the A-level curriculum followed here, and you can download a copy of the full sixth form prospectus with its descriptions of the different courses.

The Sixth Form Centre

The Sixth Form Centre is on the top floor of the new building which opened in September 2015.  This new facility includes a spacious common room area, two large study rooms for sixth formers (one fully equipped with computers) and a conference room facility.  It is designed as a space for all sixth formers to congregate, socialise and work, wherever their day to day lessons take them.  It will usually be open until at least 6pm, available for sixth formers who wish to work late at school.

Tutor Groups

There are currently twelve tutor groups, six for Upper Sixth and six for Lower Sixth. Rather than remaining in classes linked to Houses, members of the Sixth Form are mixed into forms containing students from all Houses. New entrants to the school will be assigned to one of four Houses and will be expected to become involved in their own House activities.

Tutors play a key role in the Sixth Form.  Apart from routine administration, he or she should be the first person students normally turn to if they need to discuss any aspect, academic or pastoral, of their time at school.  

In the UCAS (university admissions) process the tutor, as well as the Head of Sixth Form, will play a very active part, advising on courses and institutions, helping students to complete their form and particularly to draft and improve the  Personal Statement. Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, the tutor will draft the school’s reference for the UCAS form which will be reviewed and edited by the Head of Sixth Form.

Attendance

Sixth formers at Sutton Grammar are still expected to attend two registrations a day (morning and afternoon), and any assemblies.  They should be leading by example with prompt and full attendance at lessons, and we expect sixth formers to help out with such events as Open Evenings and Parents’ Evenings, as well as the 11+ exams.  At the discretion of the form tutor, if students are not timetabled for afternoon lessons, they may leave the premises to study elsewhere or at home.  They are asked to register with their form tutor and then sign out on “exeat sheets”.

Private Study

A good part of a sixth former’s timetable comprises Private Study sessions.  Sixth formers would be expected to work either in the Private Study rooms in the Sixth Form Centre (one of which is supervised), or the library.  They may use the canteen if they want a break or to have a more informal environment. 

We usually leave sixth formers to organise their private study themselves – it is part of developing an independent spirit and work ethic.  However, if students are struggling academically, we will offer a more structured level of support.

Prefects

We rely a lot on the prefects in this school.  Each prefect team is led by two or three Senior Prefects, and the Head Boy or Girl and Deputies have overall responsibility for the prefect team.  Sixth formers apply for these positions in the spring term, and some will have interviews with senior staff to help in the appointment process.

House leaders are appointed by House Masters.

Sixth Form Dress Code

Please see the document below for the current Dress Code.

Dress Code

Overall, students should be smartly turned out at all times.