Sixth Form @ Gresham’s

Our Sixth Form is nearly two hundred strong, and we take pleasure in welcoming students into this exciting and more mature environment. 
We respect our students’ achievements in reaching this level of education and we strongly believe in our Sixth Formers’ abilities to exercise a bit more responsibility while making the most of special privileges. 

Our Sixth Formers are encouraged to take greater control of their learning.  In choosing their own classes they can study the subjects they love with pupils who share an interest in those subjects.  Smaller classes mean more interaction and free study periods show our confidence in pupils’ maturity.

We also hope our Sixth Formers will take on a more important role within the School community, whether this is in the House system, a club or team or acting as role models for the younger students.  The enthusiasm with which our Sixth Formers embrace these opportunities and responsibilities demonstrates our success in shaping confident and enquiring young adults.

We could go on and on outlining the advantages of our Sixth Form; however, the most important testament is the feedback and opinions of the students themselves. 

For Sixth Formers by Sixth Formers

Here is what some of our students have to say about joining the Gresham’s Sixth Form:

On the work…

Students have a choice between A levels and the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form. A levels are a bit more difficult than GCSEs, but there are no more compulsory subjects to struggle through and the subjects you're doing are the ones you've chosen. The IB Diploma programme will require that you are motivated and well organised. Classes are smaller, and you're with people who share an interest in that subject. The main change is that the teachers begin to treat you like adults and return the respect you've shown to them...

On sport…

The Sixth Form marks the pinnacle of your School sporting career.  Our teams perform at top level, and there’s no better way to make friends and get involved.  Many teams take regular tours – the opportunity to play at that level and have the chance to experience a completely different culture (with your friends!) is definitely invaluable.

On the drama…

The Sixth Form drama productions are great fun to be involved in.  One of the most noticeable changes is the step up in standards.  You really start to notice a development in your acting abilities.  As a perk, Sixth Formers often get the larger parts, which means more work but less time standing around in crowd scenes as Slave #4.

On the social side…

There’s usually some social event to look forward to in the Sixth Form, from the Christmas Dinner (where everyone makes a huge effort to look good in their formal gear before going mental on the dance floor), to the ‘Woody Bash’ (a casual evening of serious boogying!).  Every two years there’s a May Ball and the majority of Sixth Form societies host their own black tie dinners.  There’s always a chance to be sociable!

On the dress…

Admittedly, one of the most exciting things about moving into Sixth Form is a new and slightly less formal uniform, which allows you to express some individuality!  The last few weeks of the summer holidays are revved with the excitement of buying a new uniform – but don’t worry, it’s not a fashion parade.  Everyone tends to wear similar stuff and the School still expects us to look smart.

On privileges – and cars!

By the time you’ve finished your GCSEs, Gresham’s reckons you’ve earned a few privileges.  There are all kinds of things, from more access to Holt, to being able to jump the lunch queue.  But of course the biggest and best privilege is cars.  If have passed your test you can (with agreement!) keep your car at school, which normally keeps the parents happy as you can be your own taxi driver!