Sixth Form Department

Sixth Form Handbook 2020/2021

The typical day at Saint Felix starts with registration in the tutor groups, followed by either assembly, chapel or tutor time.

Students then attend their timetabled lessons which are 35 minutes in length; most sessions are taught as double periods. In addition to timetabled academic lessons, students also have timetabled careers and enrichment activities. We also have timetabled assessment periods, this is so time in the classroom with our subject specialist teachers is dedicated to teaching and learning and any assessments do not take up valuable lesson time.

Students will receive classroom, laboratory or workshop tuition (the average number of students per class is 6) and are encouraged to work independently, undertaking research for topical projects. There is a Sixth Form only Study Centre, where students can engage with their learning outside of lessons. Educational visits form part of the timetable.

Students can get refreshments throughout the school day from the Refectory, which includes free access to tea and coffee. Lunch is served in the school Canteen.

Fostering Independence
We also want to ensure that our students are prepared for the different challenges and responsibilities they will face in their post-18 life. To this end, when students arrive in the Sixth Form they are given an increased amount of freedom. This starts with coming out of school uniform and into formal work wear, where individuality can be expressed. Initially students are supported to manage their time and their work, however as they progress over the two years, they are expected to take on the management of this themselves. Students are closely monitored by their tutor and the Head of Sixth Form to ensure that they have the balance correct and support and guidance will be given where necessary.

On entering the Sixth Form, our students will typically choose 3 A Levels.

However, due to the cancellation of the GCSE examinations in Summer 2020, we are conscious that students will join Year 12 without the experience of a full programme of external examinations. We plan to reintroduce AS Level examinations at the end of Year 12 to offer students an experience of formal examinations to help them develop their confidence in being assessed in this way, before taking their final A Level examinations at the end of Year 13. This will also give students a formal indicator of their progress during the first year of Sixth Form, allowing for personalised intervention and support to ensure students are achieving their full academic potential by the end of Year 13. 

This also presents the option of students being able to choose to study 4 subjects in Year 12 at AS Level and continuing with 3 into Year 13 and A Level. This will allow our most able students to be challenged further in their studies and also presents students who are uncertain about their future career plans with the opportunity to study a range of subjects in Year 12 prior to making their final A Level choices

Students who have not met the minimum national standards in GCSE Mathematics or English Language will also have weekly timetabled classes in these subjects. Where it is appropriate, students will follow the iGCSE English curriculum.

All overseas students when they arrive will be given English Literacy tests and will have either timetabled IELTS lessons or be given the option of taking GCSE English Language. Students will also be given the chance to take the A Level of their first language.

Students at Saint Felix School make outstanding progress.

Saint Felix School has been graded the best school in Suffolk for performance 2019 at A Level in the official government league tables, where pupil progression has been rated in the top 5% of schools in England. The league table is comprised of all 51 schools and colleges which offer post-16 qualifications, including all the other independent schools. Progress is the most important indicator of the strength of our work ethic, teaching and learning and curriculum design, and our placing at a local and national level means that we can confidently say that we provide our students with excellent teaching and learning that promotes significant growth in academic skills and subject knowledge.

Our excellent academic results speak for themselves and we were named as a Telegraph and Times top Independent School for A Level Results 2019.  In 2019, over 77% of grades awarded were A*-C, over 31% A*-A and 56% A*-B

These results are well above average progress and reflect the outstanding teaching and learning experience available to our students. We have a robust assessment and intervention programme to ensure that all students are supported in reaching their full potential.

At Saint Felix, our aim is to support students in making the right decisions as to where to move onto after leaving the school.

We also endeavour to help students develop into independent young adults ready to face the challenges when they leave to attend University, apprenticeships or the world of work.

During their time at Saint Felix, all Year 12 and Year 13 students will have timetabled careers and PSHEE sessions weekly which are led by the Head of Sixth Form. This is supported by our tutor programme. Excellent and impartial career and university advice is provided and the school endeavours to ensure that the Sixth Form prepares the students thoroughly and successfully for their adult life. We also offer a bespoke preparation course for students with aspirations to study at top universities. 

www.stfelix.co.uk/PSHEE
Link to UCAS website
Link to SACU website
Link to Informed Choices

Information for university and admissions teams
Saint Felix closed physically on Friday 20^th March 2020 as directed by the Secretary of State of Education. Consequently, our students’ lost nearly four months of physical teaching at school. Learning, however, continued remotely, with all timetabled lessons taught live via Zoom. Learning was further supported via the sharing of resources and learning activities on our VLE, Canvas. Internal formative and summative assessments, including end of year examinations, were delayed until the start of September 2020. The normal UCAS application process was delayed until the autumn term, although information, including pre-recorded information sessions led by the Head of Sixth Form, was shared via our VLE.  Some of our international students have also been delayed in their return to Saint Felix due to flight restrictions and compulsory isolation.  

At Saint Felix we strongly believe that there is more to being a Sixth Former than just academic study; that there is also the responsibility of developing skills that will support life outside and beyond the school gates.

 As an independent school, we can enhance the curricula to meet a student’s particular requirements. The curriculum includes an enrichment programme covering mindfulness, financial capability, critical-thinking and leadership skills, supported by an excellent range of extra-curricular activities. This includes

• choirs
• orchestra
• music theory
• Drama productions
• LAMDA
• sports clubs
• sport afternoons, including use of the gym and team sports
• leadership opportunities

In the Sixth Form we expect students to take on supporting and leadership roles throughout the whole school. Students will spend time supporting the younger students in both curriculum and extra curriculum areas, with many working directly with Pre-Prep and Prep school teachers. In Year 13, students can apply for a number of senior student positions and take on whole school leadership roles, including Head of School and Head of Charity.

All students are allocated a personal tutor and will have regular meetings to discuss areas that the student is concerned about.

We work closely with the Enhanced Learning Department for students who have an additional learning need, or require more general support with study skills or organisational techniques, so that every student can achieve his or her personal best at A Level. All students will have regular tracking meetings with the Head of Sixth Form which will highlight any areas where students may require some additional support.  Short-term and precise targets are set with a focus on tangible outcomes for students and personalised intervention can be put in place to support students in reaching their personal and academic potential.

PSHEE is not taught as a separate subject but will forms part of the career and tutor programme.  We have a Medical Centre (San) on site which is run by two registered Nurses.

Anita Carr is also Head of Student Welfare and students are also encouraged to speak to the Head of Sixth Form, Anita and any of the nursing staff in the San at any time if they wish to.