Sixth Form Department

At Saint Felix School, scholarships and awards are available for candidates with outstanding ability and potential in particular fields.

Entrance Examinations, Scholarships and Awards will take place Tuesday 18th January to Friday 21st January 2022

More about Scholarships here 

Key results and Ranking

2021 A-Level pass rates: 57% of all grades awarded at A* to A and 100% students passing
Top 5% nationally
Top school in Suffolk for student academic progress at A Level

Recent University Destinations include:

Durham University – Physics and Astronomy 

Imperial College London – Aeronautical Engineering 

Leeds Conservatoire – Music 

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama – Scenic Painting for Stage and Screen 

University College, London – Comparative Literature 

University of Reading – Business and Management 

University of St Andrews – Classics 

University of York – Law 

Super-curricular activities to actively encourage all pupils to engage with the outside world and become the best global citizens they can possibly be

Examples include:
• MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses) e.g. Future Learn 
• Higher Education Lecture programmes e.g. Gresham’s Lectures 
• Public speaking e.g. World Speech Day 
• Finance and business training e.g. LiFE business and finance training with the London Institute of Banking and Finance 

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 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 or by arrangement in the Refectory.

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 the Head of Sixth Form to ensure that they have the balance correct and support and guidance will be given where necessary.

The Refectory
 

The Refectory is a dedicated café and breakout space for our Sixth Form students. Serving a range of hot and cold drinks, light bites and healthy snacks. A fully-equipped servery includes a barista-style coffee machine, with space for 50 students, students receive a weekly allowance to spend in the Refectory.

Sixth Form Study Centre
 

The Study Centre is an ideal place for study.
Features include:
• 2 private study rooms
• open plan areas for collaborative study
• individual pods for private study
• ergonomic seating
• DDA compliant space
• breakout space
• personal storage facilities
• integrated charge points
• professional lighting plan
• WiFi access

Sixth Formers can choose from a wide variety of subjects.

In Year 12, students choose a minimum of 3 traditional A Level subjects studying in small teaching groups which enable personal and focussed tutorials and seminars.

Sixth Formers are offered the opportunity to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): an independent research project which is worth the equivalent of half an A Level.

Students are mentored by personal tutors and the Head of Sixth Form, who monitor progress and provide support as well as UCAS guidance.

We offer bespoke Oxbridge preparation, including 1:1 UCAS application support with personal statements.

The majority of our students go on to further study at their first choice of university.

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. These sessions increase confidence, independent thinking and provide a sense of achievement in the choices our pupils make.

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

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.

Sixth Form students are instrumental in many school-wide initiatives including performances, sports competitions, volunteering in the community and fundraising. Sixth Formers at Saint Felix are encouraged to look take a keen interest in local and global concerns and make use of their learning beyond the safe and secure environment of the School.

Daily lunchtime and after-school activity sessions offer students time to develop their interests; from gaining food and drink certificates to Lifeguard and water safety training.

Subjects range from STEM-M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) to drama, LAMDA, music, public speaking, creative and visual arts, basketball, badminton, fencing, equestrian, shooting and more. Specific activities vary from term to term so that every student has the opportunity to try something new.

Our wider enrichment programme includes the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and multiple UK-based and international educational visits.

Our sports teams participate in competitions across the country and the school’s swim squad and equestrian team are amongst the best school teams in the country.

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.