Sixth Form
Welcome to the Sixth Form at Heathfield St Mary’s.
The Sixth Form represents, for most young people, the most important and the most enjoyable two years of their school career. For the first time they can make real choices about what they study, must test their independent motivation and begin to assume positions of responsibility. The results of examinations will decide the direction their life takes and yet Sixth Form life is about so much more than just modules and grades. The Sixth Form is a time to broaden knowledge and deepen understanding, to develop skills, interests and friendships that will last a lifetime and perhaps most of all, to grow up. Heathfield St Mary’s combines excellent academic teaching and the personal care and attention only possible in a small school with a huge range of other activities and opportunities.
The School aims to provide a holistic education which will enable girls to take up their roles as women of the 21st century. We are committed to providing real breadth in education and thus all girls do Physical Education (with options ranging from pilates to polo, from skiing to shooting) and a course of General Studies as well as academic lessons. In the Lower Sixth Form girls normally choose to study four subjects to AS Level, three of which they continue to A2 in the Upper Sixth Form. In addition to these core subjects we expect all girls to study one subsidiary subject for two lessons per week for the full two years, leading towards another AS or GCSE qualification at the end of the Upper Sixth Form. We monitor all girls' academic progress very closely. Sixth Form tutors have just four or five girls to look after and so are able to make sure that they are managing their time effectively and making the most of the many opportunities that are offered to them as possible. Although we would never overburden a girl with work, we want them all to have high expectations and to challenge themselves. Girls from Heathfield St. Mary's will typically apply for university with five AS and three A2 grades; the points they accumulate, along with the wider range of interests and experiences they gain with us, put them at a real advantage. Our girls leave us confident, articulate and well equipped to deal with the challenges their lives will bring.
