The Sixth Form

Head of Sixth Form Mr G. Letley

The Sixth Form at Kent College offers students an environment that enables them to achieve their best possible grades. Teachers' expectations of pupils are high, but all are aware of the need to support those for whom A-level work is a challenge, and staff are always willing to offer one-to-one help. Working conditions are therefore disciplined but flexible, and students are encouraged to organise their own learning as far as is possible.

We provide a range of induction activities including a team building day, a study skills morning and a ten week programme of structured academic skills support. Each student is allocated a tutor who is also, where possible, one of their subject teachers. Student and tutor meet regularly to discuss academic problems or to set targets, and staff are always available to discuss personal difficulties sympathetically and in confidence (as far as the law allows).

The Sixth Form Centre offers each day-pupil a permanent base for study, and facilities include a common room. Boarders in 6.2 may work in their own study bedrooms. The Library is available for those wishing to consult reference works or use the school's computer network. Those who find independent work difficult may also be asked to take supervised study periods there. There is a lively social life, and pupils invariably make many friendships that transcend the boundaries of race, class and creed.

Extra-curricular activities are very varied, but three areas stand out. Sport at Kent College is of particularly high quality, offering opportunities to play not only for the school but also for the county or region. On the other hand, those for whom sport is of relatively minor importance are considered to have the right to an equal share of physical resources and staff time.

Head of Year 12 Mrs E.Humphreys

Finally, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is very popular with Sixth Formers, offering pupils an opportunity to test themselves both physically and mentally, gaining experience both as team members and team leaders. This is being expanded to include an expedition to South Africa in the summer of 2008 with plans to visit Yellowstone National Park in 2009 and New Zealand in 2010.

Music is also of central significance at Kent College, and again we can stretch those who intend to become professional musicians as well as offer opportunities to the willing amateur singer, jazz player or band member.

One of the features of the Sixth Form is the contribution made to the Charity work of the school. In the last academic year Sixth Form students have helped organise events such as Karaoke and Band Nights and taken part in the Three Peaks Challenge in support of various charities including Street Children in Sri Lanka and Guatemala. Currently a group are planning to visit Cameroon during the next academic year to support the work of the Methodist Relief and Development projects there.