Another new term and a fresh start
Top tips for starting sixth form , moving into upper sixth / year 13 and also for starting university
9/1/20263 min read
This is the first year I can remember that I am not preparing for the start of a new term in school – coping with the pre-term nerves that yes every teaching colleague I know experiences asking questions such as : What will the new cohort be like? , What challenges will the new term bring? Instead this year I am faced with the angst as a grandparent watching my 4 year old granddaughter prepare for her first day of real school. She is so keen to have a book bag and learn to read – I hope that love and thirst for learning might continue right throughout her education.
So what are my top tips for students preparing for a new stage in your learning journey? For what it’s worth, here are some ideas.
Year 12
What an exciting year. Make the most of every opportunity that you will be given as you enter the sixth form. This could be leading clubs within the whole school, gaining valuable leadership experience, to volunteering in the school library, gaining communication skills or mentoring lower school students. In a college, make the most of the many societies available, from Student Union to Christian Union and all artistic, musical and sporting activities as well. These will all gain you valuable soft skills in Leadership, Organisation, Resilience and Reliability, Initiative, Communication and Teamwork, skills that the workplace are looking for.
As well, ensure that you really enjoy your chosen subjects. Cultivate a passion for your three chosen specialist areas and be thankful you no longer have to study subjects in which you are not interested. Make a commitment to become a student that is interesting to teach, because you are interested above and beyond lessons. Become involved in world issues, improve your general knowledge of world events, read around your subjects and become as informed as you can of events surrounding your chosen courses. The old adage holds true – it’s the more you put in, the more you will get out. Don’t be afraid to be passionate, enthusiastic about your learning, just like my granddaughter so proud of her new book bag. Bring that learning home and enjoy.
Year 13
This is the year to showcase your resilience and organisational skills and to channel your enthusiasm into a specific outcome, whether an apprenticeship or university course. Do your research using the UCAS website. Speak to family and friends and see what they perceive to be your strengths. Enjoy the opportunities open to you. Visit different parts of the country, whether virtually or in person. Do your research and prepare carefully. This is an exciting time. It is easy to get overwhelmed, but by careful organisation and research you will get through. Make sure you find time for yourself: work, sleep , relaxation and chilling are all important. You might find you need to programme time for each of these in a calendar to help you stay positive. What a lovely situation to be in – the world is almost your oyster – enjoy. And apply for both apprenticeships and universities if unsure – it’s good to have a back up and to cover all options.
University Under Graduates
My daughter appears to be more concerned about my granddaughter’s schooling than my granddaughter, and it’s true that the older we get, the more we can worry. University is a huge challenge as well as a huge adventure. At last you can study the subject that you find most fascinating, and what a lovely opportunity that is. I’m a list maker. I’d advise you to make a list of all the things you need to do before you go to uni, and also what you need to do when you are there. Make sure you know how to operate washing machines, and have favourite recipes that are easy to cook- practise this before you go. Then make a conscious effort as in year 12 and 13, to participate as much as you can in all that is available, to enjoy and profit from your learning and to be yourself. It helps to identify changes, so that you can plan for them in advance to mitigate the newness of being away from home. Make the most of your last few weeks and all the very best for this new start in life.