Arguably the biggest difference when transitioning into Sixth Form happens on day one, even before any lessons begin, from when trust is placed into us students. Where our studies were meticulously planned and aided in Year 11, the safety net is now pulled away, and we are given the opportunity to manage our own time in free periods, off-site lunch and overall greater autonomy in our school day. What feels like freedom goes hand-in-hand with the test of our self-discipline, in a much more focused and rigorous stage of our education.

Before my start of Sixth Form, the phrase “big jump” was often heard in A-level studies. Though not entirely false, it is worth noting that the first weeks of the autumn term feel much like a step-up, and not a leap over a ravine. Academically, the difference is depth: where GCSE tests a base level within subjects and a broad range of facts, A-level requires us to understand the field of study deeply and intuitively. Certainly, to give the example of my studies in biology, the foundation was laid at GCSE along with all the facts; everything so far has delved into the worldly questions: “how?” and “why?”, sometimes challenging simplified preconceptions in a way that lets us better make links across the subject. Most crucially, we are put under no more pressure than that, which pushes us to try our best and keep improving.

In spite of the newfound independence, there is no reason for us not to feel supported. Though naturally everyone feels equally tentative from the beginning, it is the great support from passionate subject-teachers and our peers likewise that makes the learning environment. I particularly find that specialising in subjects places me closer to other students with similar interests and disciplines; what struck me most about the time passed in Sixth Form is that our studies ultimately bring us a bit closer, stemming from our common ground, where we learn from one another often.

Tianming Xie, Year 12

First Impressions of Sixth Form

Starting Sixth Form at Bexley Grammar School has been quite exciting, bringing a lot of new experiences and opportunities. At first, I was expecting school to be very overwhelming, but as I started coming to school, it became easier to adjust to school and to also meet a lot of new people.

One of my first impressions was how big the Sixth Form feels compared to secondary school. Coming from a smaller secondary meant that it was easier to make our way around class, and it was easier to speak to new people. But despite the school being really large, after the first few weeks it was easy to pinpoint where all of my classes were. Sixth form also encourages more freedom and independence, which makes it easier to manage my time effectively.

Another positive aspect has been meeting new people and getting to know my teachers. Being surrounded by students with different interests and backgrounds has made my experience more enjoyable as it’s easier to gain insight into new perspectives. For me, studying English Literature, Philosophy and Psychology allows me to explore different disciplines and ideas and has helped me develop my critical-thinking skills. It's also very specific and reflects my personal interests and future work.

Overall, my first impressions of Sixth Form have been positive. I believe it’s a chance to develop confidence and to create new memories and experiences.

Jess Solanke, Year 12