Students must attend registration every morning and a class teacher’s period periodically. Compulsory guidance lessons are scheduled as part of the timetable. It is also expected that Form 6 students participate in two co-curricular activities a term, ideally taking on board leadership roles.
The programme requires students to engage in a great deal of personal research and to learn through studying materials sourced by themselves in addition to material provided by their teachers.
Even though form six students are given some privileges, it must be remembered that students continue to be at school and must adhere to the code of conduct. They must be present at registration each morning and stay at school until 1315 even if there are no scheduled lessons. They must attend all scheduled lessons and be aware that some lessons will be conducted until 1445. Repeated absenteeism could result in the student being asked to leave the programme. Form six students are expected to use the study room or library when they are not in lessons. These venues are intended for silent personal study: chatting, the use of cell phones and MP3 players are not permitted. Students are not expected to attend medical appointments or leave the school at these times. All absences from school must be explained by written note from the parent to the class teacher which will be put on file.
Form 6 students are permitted to bring laptops and tablets to school and make use of the wifi connectivity. This privilege must be used as a tool to enhance learning and not as a means of entertainment.
The Prefect Body
All prefects are Form 6 students who are chosen on the merits of their conduct at school. Therefore the number of green and yellow letters that are held on file is taken into account when nominations are made. Students are voted onto the Prefect Body by the students (Forms 2-6) and teachers. New students cannot vote as they do not know the candidates and new students at the school cannot be considered as prefects until they have established themselves at the school. Form 6 students will be required to attend a leadership camp in January that will assist in choosing suitable leaders to serve on the prefect body.
Free time between November and January
Students must use the time after the November IGCSE examinations to consider the future and research career possibilities. It is a good time to look at university websites on the internet and ask for prospectuses to be sent so that students can be aware of entry requirements for courses which will enable them to make the most appropriate A level choices.
Some entry requirements are additional proficiency tests (such as IELTS in Australia, SATs in the USA and NBTs in South Africa) and students should find out all they can about these tests. They should also use the time to network and look for scholarships and internships. They should have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C.
Parents must support and encourage their children in doing this research and should offer advice but should in no way pressurise their children into making their choices. So many young people have been miserable and have had to leave their A level courses and even degree courses because they have pursued courses purely to please their parents.
The A level programme is a very challenging, demanding and enjoyable development for those who have strong academic abilities.