In this Section
Sixth Form is a time of transition between school and further education or the workplace and, at Abingdon, it is a time full of excitement and possibility. It is a chance for our students to pursue their passions, discover some new ones, and even redefine themselves if they wish.
Ours is a welcoming and unapologetically fast-paced environment where we look to challenge the mind and develop other key skills including independent learning and critical thinking and analysis. We place equal importance on academic interests and achievement, as well as broader education through our co-curricular programme The Other Half.
The video will give you a small glimpse into Sixth Form life at Abingdon and you can find out more about our provision below.
After Abingdon programme
After Abingdon is an integrated programme of expert-led services which assists our students in preparing for, and making informed decisions about, what they will do once they leave school.
Career Guidance
Our career guidance programme provides lessons in planning and career thinking. These lessons are supported with information resources; career psychometric testing and one-to-one guidance meetings; employability skills workshops; CV, cover letter and interview training and practice; financial education tutorials and seminars; and a wide range of events and activities, including talks with working professionals, an annual careers fair and work experience schemes.
University Admissions
We offer a programme of activity to support students through the entire university admissions process. Guidance includes the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application, personal statement writing, university and course research, gap year advice and applying for student finance. This includes whole year group talks, smaller workshop sessions and one-to-one meetings. Additional support is in place for students applying to the most selective universities and courses (e.g. Oxbridge, Medicine and Law) to help prepare for entrance tests and interviews. Support is also given to those applying to international universities.
Alternatives to University
Whilst university is the destination of choice for the vast majority of our students, there are some who prefer to go straight into employment, enrol on a vocational course, or undertake an apprenticeship or school leaver programme. We also provide tailored advice on the full range of options available and the associated application process.
Alumni Association
Upon leaving Abingdon, students are automatically enrolled into our alumni association – the Old Abingdonian (OA) Club. This provides leavers with access to our alumni social media platforms and news media, invitations to social and sporting events, and professional networking opportunities.
EPQ
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an A Level standard standalone qualification, designed to extend and develop students’ abilities beyond the A Level syllabus, paving the way for life at university and beyond.
The EPQ will allow you to lead your own project, taking inspiration from a topic touched on in class or something entirely personal and unrelated to academic study. This research is then used to produce a written report and, in the case of practical projects, an artefact or a production.
An EPQ can be greatly beneficial and we encourage our students to consider doing one as it:
- is worth up to 28 UCAS points (half an A Level)
- is a formal qualification recognised by universities and employers
- complements subject based A Levels
- enhances UCAS applications
- develops a number of skills including mindset, independent learning, critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, planning, research, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation, creativity, initiative and enterprise
- enables a lower grade offer from some universities.
Head of Sixth Form
Simon James
Oxford Physicist and Golf Blue, Mr James leapt at the chance to return to Oxfordshire and teach at Abingdon in 2011 having started his career at Bedford School. In his early days he worked in the UCAS Office and as a boarding house tutor. He continued a strong involvement in the pastoral life of the school as a Day Head of House for 7 years, before becoming Head of Sixth Form. He is an advocate of physical activity, and in previous incarnations has been a county golfer and sub-3 hour marathon runner. He enjoys imparting a passion for sport through coaching cross-country, golf and football. Mr James describes himself as: a knitted tie obsessive, coffee snob and FPL addict! He is a proud father of two.
Mr James can be contacted by emailing [email protected].
