Please find below comments from our current year 12 students on what they wished they had known before starting 6th form as well their opinion on key elements within Bilton Sixth form.
What helped you prepare?
To prepare for sixth form I watched a lot of YouTube videos on what to expect, and the revision techniques I learnt in my GCSE’s helped me learn the workload. (Year 12 student)
What helped me the most to pick the courses, were interviews/open days. That way you get the subject fully explained to you e.g. whether the course is right for you or the course specification. You also get the feel of what it's like to be in the sixth form for example, the extra support you have compared to a college and the business-like 'uniform'. (Julia P)
Finding creative ways of doing the work teachers had set for the summer definitely prepared me for sixth form! I recommend splitting up the work and completing some each week so you develop your knowledge of the subject over the summer holidays. (Eve S)
Being organised and making sure I had everything I needed to start sixth form. (Megan E)
What do you wish you would have known before starting Sixth form?
One thing I wish I had known and listened to is to use the study periods! I wish so much I used my study periods more wisely in year 12 (Year 12 student)
Sixth form isn’t as scary as you think it is. Yes, you have to knuckle down and work hard but there’s also time to have fun and not always work, work, work. Also, your teachers are working with you, not against you. They simply just want what’s best for you. (Morgan T)
I wish I would have known that staying on top of work is fully your responsibility. In year 11 although you have to revise in your own time, teachers still chase you up on homework and the content you cover in lesson whereas sixth form you have to manage your work yourself, therefore if you miss a lesson you need to make sure you catch up on that work in an independent study or free period. It was a bit of a shock during the first couple of months when I fell behind on work, I thought the teacher would chase me for, however it taught me I need to manage my time better and keep record of things I have missed or need to cover. (Eve S)
I wish I would have known how much independent learning there would be. AS and A level requires you to do quite a bit of independent learning and revision as well as having your lessons. (Megan E)
One thing I wish I knew before I started sixth form was, that free periods do not mean free time. I took way too much of my free time for granted. It is completely fine to have a little down time but make sure you have your priorities straight. (Alexa S)
What is the pastoral support like at Bilton Sixth form?
I’ve found that all of my teachers are incredibly supportive and Miss Johnson, as busy as she is as head of Sixth form, will always try and find time to help you with whatever it is that you need. All the teachers know how stressful it can be at times as they’ve all been there themselves so they know you’re going to have days where the world feels like it’s against you and like I said previously, they are always there to listen and help. (Morgan T)
The teachers always ensure that you are happy and that you have all the support you need throughout your life at sixth form. (Megan E)
Sixth form has been an all-round positive and bright experience so far. All of the members of the pastoral team have been extremely helpful in adapting to this new form of study and continue to ensure their students feel good, safe and confident about their future. (Alexa S)
What are the enrichment topics like at Bilton Sixth form?
There are quite a few options when it comes to enrichment and there seems to be something for everyone. From sports, to debate, to work experience there’s a whole host of things. I think enrichment time is a good opportunity to throw yourself into something new that maybe you’ve not thought of trying before and you never know, you might find something that you really enjoy. (Morgan T)
One of our focuses is ensuring students get memorable experiences while at Sixth form, what has been your experience of these extra – curricular experiences?
The New York trip was incredible and if you have the chance to go, do it. It’s a great way of exploring somewhere new and experiencing a completely different pace of life. Also, the UCAS trips that we have done have been very informative and helpful and although not as spectacular as the New York Trip, they definitely make you feel more at ease about going to university or going on to do an apprenticeship or other. (Morgan T)
My most memorable experience is definitely the Disneyland trip. A wonderful time was spent in the parks and I also got to meet three amazing psychologists in person, who spoke at the Psychology conference. Everyone got along and the atmosphere was good. I would strongly recommend going there for the future Psychology students. (Julia P)
In February 2020 I was lucky enough to go on the trip to New York! To say it was amazing would be an understatement and I really wish I could go again! One of my favourite days was when we went to the statue of liberty in the morning, the 9 11 memorial in the afternoon and then shopping at the World Trade Centre and China town for dinner. All of the days were packed with exciting activities, and although it was bitterly cold I enjoyed every bit of it. Bilton sixth form also offers many other trips such as university conventions where 100's of different universities and employers showcase their courses and can provide you with advice on post 18 options. (Eve S)
Psychology trip (Disneyland 2020). This trip had many highlights not only on a subject level but it allowed everyone to socialise with one another and create new friendships. It also allowed us to gain independence which we will need in the future. (Megan E)
