Sixth Form Spring Newsletter
Message from Head of Sixth form
As we look ahead to the Easter break, I want to extend my thanks to all our Sixth Form students and families for your continued dedication and support. This point in the year is an important one: Year 13 students are entering the final stretch before examinations, and Year 12 students are beginning to shape their next steps, looking ahead to work experience and early planning for university, apprenticeships, and careers.
All students need to ensure they keep up a balance of revision with genuine rest and fun activities. Effective preparation comes not from constant study, but from structured, manageable work alongside time to recharge. Enjoy your break, and we look forward to seeing our students upon their return.
Ms Bassi
message from the student leadership team
As we move further into this important stage of the academic year, we wanted to share a few words with our Sixth Form community. With exams, coursework, and future plans on the horizon, it’s natural for this term to feel demanding. But it’s also a time when the hard work of the past months really starts to pay off. Whether you’re in Year 12 preparing for next steps or in Year 13 approaching final assessments, staying organised, supporting one another, and taking care of your wellbeing will make a real difference.
We are especially grateful to our teaching staff and pastoral team, whose commitment, guidance, and encouragement continue to support us through every stage of this journey.
We also want to thank parents and carers for the encouragement and stability you provide behind the scenes. Your support strengthens our whole community.
As we head into the next part of the term - and towards the Easter break - let’s all stay focused, stay positive, and keep pushing forward together. We’re confident that the commitment and teamwork across the Sixth Form will lead to a strong and successful finish to the year.
Message for Year 13 from the Heads of Year
The Final Sprint!
As we look at the calendar, we can see that the May/June exam window is fast approaching. We have entered the ‘home stretch’. Whilst this is an intense period of high stakes and stress, it is also one of incredible opportunity to consolidate years of hard work. For students, this is about refining your process as you approach the exam. For teachers, it is about providing the steady scaffolding our Year 13 students need to reach their potential. To realise that potential, you have to establish good habits.
Key Habits for the Home Stretch
-
Mastering ‘Deep Work’ - High-intensity, distraction-free study blocks are far more effective than ‘marathon’ sessions. Break up your revision and exam practice sessions and put your phone in another room.
-
Prioritising Active Recall - Reading and highlighting notes can create an illusion, that this is effective revision. The best habit right now is self-testing—using flashcards, working through ideas on a white-board, and doing timed past paper questions.
-
Consistency over Intensity - A predictable daily routine reduces ‘decision fatigue’. Aim to start revision at the same time each day to build a mental rhythm that lasts until the final exam.
Balance and Wellbeing
In order to do your best, you need to ensure that you are taking care of yourself. Keep an eye on the basics to avoid burnout:
-
Memory Consolidation - Sleep is when the brain "saves" what was learned during the day. Aiming for 8 hours isn't a luxury; it’s part of your revision strategy.
-
Physical Reset - A 20-minute walk or a quick workout resets cortisol levels and sharpens focus for the next session.
-
The Art of Patience - The ‘art of patience’ in revision is the ability to trust the process even when you don’t feel like you are getting it immediately. It’s about resisting the urge to panic when a concept doesn't click straight away. Don't rush the results; trust the process you've put in place.
We are all in this together – students, parents/guardians, teachers and the 6th form pastoral team. You have lots of support. Let’s make these final months count.
Best of luck,
Dr Deodhar and Mr Evans
Heads of Year 13
year 13 prom update
Year 13 PROM UPDATE
Good news: we have a date for prom 9th July 2026.
The venue will be the Marriott Hotel Bexleyheath. Tickets will be on sale after the April half term - there will be a pay in 3 options on MCAS. We are expecting the tickets to cost around £34.
message from the year 13 raising standards lead
Dear Sixth Formers, As we head into the Easter break, we hope you take this time to rest, reset, and prepare for the exciting (and busy!) weeks ahead. Here’s everything you need to know before we return.
A Note on Easter: Rest, Reflection & Renewal
Easter is a season associated with renewal - making it a perfect moment to pause, reflect on your progress so far, and set clear intentions for the term ahead. Whether you celebrate the holiday or simply enjoy the time off, make space for:
- Rest: Proper sleep boosts memory and focus.
- Reflection: What’s going well? What needs adjusting?
- Reconnection: With friends, family, hobbies, and yourself.
For Year 13: Final Push Towards Exams
The countdown is officially on. Use the break to get into a healthy routine:
Revision Priorities
- Consolidate class notes and past papers.
- Identify gaps and schedule targeted revision sessions.
- Complete teacher-set tasks before the first week back.
Top Tips
- Short, focused bursts (Pomodoro technique).
- Mix passive and active revision.
- Keep materials organised.
Key Dates After Easter
- Exam warm-up sessions
- Coursework final submissions (subject-dependent)
- Final teacher-assessed checkpoints
If anxiety crops up - totally normal! - reach out. We are here to support you.
message for year 12 from heads of year
As we head into the Easter break, it’s important for all our Year 12 students to take a well‑deserved pause. The past term has been full of hard work, new challenges, and significant progress, and this holiday offers the perfect chance to recharge. Rest is not a luxury - it’s a crucial part of performing well, staying motivated, and maintaining a healthy balance. Whether it’s catching up on sleep, spending time with family, or simply slowing down the pace of life, make sure you allow yourself moments of genuine relaxation.
Alongside resting, this is also a valuable time to consolidate your learning. Year 12 is a demanding stage, and taking some time to revisit class notes, revise key concepts, or organise your study materials will help everything feel more manageable when you return. This doesn’t mean working non-stop - light, structured revision can go a long way in reinforcing what you’ve learned so far. Think of it as setting your future-self up for success.
Equally important is staying safe. Whatever your plans—meeting friends, travelling, attending events, or just enjoying some freedom—make thoughtful choices. Look after yourself and each other, stay aware of your surroundings, and don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust if you need support. Your wellbeing will always matter more than anything else.
And of course, remember to have fun. The Easter holiday is a chance to enjoy the things you love, reset your energy, and bring some joy into your routines. Whether it’s a hobby you’ve neglected, a new activity you want to try, or simply taking time to unwind, make space for the things that make you happy.
We look forward to welcoming you back refreshed, focused, and ready for the term ahead. Have a safe, restful, and enjoyable Easter break.
message from the year 12 raising standards lead
For Year 12: Building Momentum
You’re now entering the most transformative part of Year 12. After Easter, your courses intensify and your future pathways become clearer.
What to Prioritise This Easter
- Review this term’s content to avoid gaps later.
- Start light thinking about university, apprenticeships, or alternatives.
- Keep your notes tidy and revision-friendly.
Super-Curricular Suggestions
- Read an article or book chapter related to your subjects.
- Listen to podcasts or watch documentaries.
- Start a reflections log for your Personal Statement.
Little steps now save big stress later.
Wellbeing: Balance Matters
This holiday is not meant to be all revision. Consider:
- Daily walks or movement
- Time away from screens
- Relaxing hobbies
- Meeting friends
- Mindfulness apps (Headspace, Calm, Oak)
You can only perform at your best when you’ve recharged.
Easter Challenge
Try one or more of these:
- Start each day with a goal
- Try a new study technique
- Organise one folder or notebook
- Create a revision playlist
- Read/watch something that inspires you
Share your successes with your tutor in the first week back!
A Final Thought
“This is the season of renewed hope. Use the time to prepare, to rest, and to step forward with purpose.”
We wish you all a calm, restorative, and productive Easter break. See you after the holidays!
Ms Miranda & Ms Waine
things to celebrate year 12 & year 13
Year 12 and Year 13 Bowling Night - Monday 9th February
90 students across our two Year groups, went bowling at the O2 on Monday 9th February. A great night was had by all.
World Book Day – Thursday 5th March
Both staff and students of Sixth Form dressed up as their favourite book character to celebrate the World Book Day.
Year 12 Girls Only Assembly in commemoration of International Women’s Day – Monday 9th March
An all-girls assembly was held for year 12 students reminding young women of their vital role in shaping families, communities, and future generations, while encouraging students to recognise their own potential as future leaders and innovators. It emphasised the importance of self-belief, self-care and building a supportive culture where girls uplift and empower one another.
Year 12 and Year 13 The Lady Mayor City Insights Day – Schroders Global Asset Management Company – Tuesday 10th March
27 students from both Year 12 and Year 13 attended this careers event. It was introduced by the Lady Mayor of the City of London and was filmed for a BBC programme on careers. Please see the link to watch the programme below.
Year 12 Top Scholars Trip to Cambridge
Ten students from our Year 12 cohort travelled to Cambridge as part of a borough-wide trip to the university on Tuesday, 17th March. The students had the opportunity to speak to current students, tour Gonville and Cauis College and take part in a Classics lecture. This is just one way that we support students 'ambitions for Oxbridge.
Year 12 and Year 13 Urban Synergy's International Women's Day event at the London Stock Exchange – Thursday 19th March
48 of our female students went to the offices of the London Stock Exchange Group. The event brought together a panel of dynamic professionals, with a focus on female role models, to share their journeys, challenges, and successes. The event specifically highlighted the power of women's leadership, giving young people a unique insight into the realities of starting and fostering a career in the corporate world.
UCAS Update
Congratulations to the Year 13s and their amazing university offers! The courses are as varied as our students and really celebrate the breadth of talent within the year group. Here are just a few of our standouts:
- University of Oxford: PPE
- UCL: Medicine
- Queen Mary: Dentistry, Politics and International Relations, Computer Science
- University of Warwick: Psychology, Sociology
- UCL: Economics, Comparative Literature with a year abroad, Mathematics
- University of Manchester: Criminology, Nursing, Aerospace Engineering
- University of Nottingham: Civil Engineering, Midwifery
- King's College London: Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology
Our sights are now set on preparation for exams and ensuring success in securing those offers!
A few reminders about your next steps:
Student Finance is now open. The sooner you complete your application, the sooner the funds will come through. You do not have to know exactly what university you are attending to complete. Follow the link below:
Gov UK - Apply Online For Student Finance
3rd June 2026- Deadline for making your firm and insurance choices. Remember, insurance means ‘to provide protection’ and that is exactly what this choice of university should do for you. It should not only be your second choice but be an offer with lower grade requirements to provide a safety net if exams do not go as well as you planned. Need support? Come see us in the Head of Year Office.
YEAR 12 TOP TIPS FOR SECURING WORK EXPERIENCE
Year 12 Top Tips for securing WEX
Securing work experience is not always an easy task, but it is a very important one. Year 12 work experience is designed to provide a professional opportunity within your field of study.
Below, we have included a few links that may help:
165 Work Experience Ideas for Year 12 - Immerse Education
Year 12 work experience 2026: a guide to securing your placement | Prospects.ac.uk
How to Find Work Experience - CXK
You can also use unifrog to your advantage, specifically the Careers Library. Sometimes we need to think outside the box and think about career-adjacent placements. For example, finding a placement in Psychology may be difficult, but finding a placement in a primary school, working with students with additional needs will provide an important skillset for a future career in Psychology.
Final note: face-to-face will always be more effective than an email!
UPDATE ON APPRENTICESHIPS
Update on Apprenticeships
We’re currently in the full throws of the apprenticeship interview rotation. Interviews at CBRE, Nestle, Howdens to name but a few. One of our yr 13s has just secured an offer for an apprenticeship in accountancy. Fingers are crossed for the next set. Recently, having HDI Global in to talk about their apprenticeship offerings was a coup for the school. Remember, getting the offers
Interviews are the final hurdle to securing an apprenticeship at your dream comapny. Here are some top tips on how to succeed at interview.
Top 5 Tips for Success at Apprenticeship Interviews
1. Research the company and the role
Show you genuinely care about that apprenticeship, not just any one.
Know:
2. Prepare examples using the STAR method
Most interviewers ask competency questions like “Tell me about a time you worked in a team.”
Use STAR to structure responses:
-
Situation – What was happening
-
Task – What needed to be done
-
Action – What you did
-
Result – What happened because of your actions
It keeps answers clear and professional.
3. Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn
Employers hiring apprentices know you’re at the start of your career — they want attitude more than experience.
4. Ask thoughtful questions at the end
Prepare 2–3 ahead of time.
Examples:
-
“What does a successful apprentice look like in this team?”
-
“What will I be learning in the first 3 months?”
It shows confidence and genuine interest.
5. Practice your communication and first impressions
Simple but powerful:
-
Dress appropriately for the industry
-
Arrive early or join the call on time
-
Speak clearly and confidently
SUPER-CURRICULAR OVER EASTER
Super-curricular over Easter:
ARTS & CULTURE & HUMANITIES FACULTIES
-
FREE King’s Road Easter Egg Hunt (Chelsea) - A stylish outdoor trail through Chelsea’s boutiques and streets. This year’s event features 12 giant eggs, each beautifully crafted by renowned artists.

-
FREE Serpentine Galleries (Kensington Gardens) – Contemporary art exhibitions and interactive installations.
-
Free Horniman Spring Fair (Forest Hill) – Includes stalls, music and activities

MODERN WORLD & DISCOVERY FACULTIES
-
FREE Southbank Centre Area – Street Economy & Pop-Up Markets. Whilst exploring free events and street performers, you can observe micro-entrepreneurs, pop up stalls and the informal entertainment economy in action.

-
Bank of England Museum – Learn about the history of currency, economics, and state power.

-
Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum – For history of medicine and scientific breakthroughs.

-
FREE Tate Modern – physics of light, installations, materials science

-
FREE Wellcome Collection (Euston) - Exhibitions on the consciousness, memory,mental illness, human experience – great for those interested in psychology

-
LOW COST Horniman Museum “Voyage to the Deep” Exhibition. Immersive marine-science experience inspired by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, including deep-sea creatures and submarine exploration. Good for students interested in ocean engineering, marine biology and environmental and climate science

