General Pastoral Care
The Sixth Form ethos is one built around the development of the whole person. As such pastoral care is a fundamental part of the Sixth Form, something recognised and praised in the recent ISI inspection report. Each student is assigned a tutor who is experienced in the issues facing students in these demanding two years. We also offer all our girls an ‘open door policy’ which means they can come and discuss their worries and concerns at any time. In particular Mrs Watt , Deputy Head of Sixth Form is responsible for overseeing and discussing pastoral concerns; she along with Miss Talbot ensure that girls new to the Sixth Form are given particular care and attention so that their transition to the Abbey is as smooth as possible.
Spirituality
Spirituality is very much at the heart of The Abbey School and the Sixth Form is no exception to this. All girls attend assemblies as a senior school, as a whole school, and - most importantly - as a Sixth Form. There are also further opportunities for reflection in the school chapel and through the school’s Christian Union.
Pastoral Roles
It is essential that we try to give our students a sense of the world outside school and increase their individual responsibility. Charity work is an important part of this ethos. The Sixth Form actively support both national and locally run charities and there is a strong Sixth Form charity committee which oversees fundraising events throughout the school.
The Sixth Form is very much linked to the pastoral life of the school as a whole. As such the girls have the opportunity to train as Buddies enabling them to work with and support younger students. From now on, the Prefects will be linked directly to a particular year group and will work closely with its Head of Year to support and encourage pupils. The House system continues into Sixth Form - all girls are actively involved and some will be appointed as House Captains. This is a fun but highly demanding role.
The Sixth Form also run the School Council and again this allows issues and concerns to be explored by students from the very top to the very bottom of the Abbey. This often leads to some very different meeting agendas but is a healthy means of sharing opinions.
Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education
In Sixth Form this is aimed at giving girls the best possible preparation for their life beyond school. We cover a diverse range of topics including study skills; health education; laws that are particularly relevant e.g. the age at which they can drive; the electoral system; personal safety; UCAS applications; how to budget effectively.
Academic support
All students are offered academic support, both with the day-to-day management of their subjects and longer term issues such as UCAS applications, Oxbridge evening, GAP year talks, careers conventions etc.