This week, our year 11 students stepped into the world of post-16 study as they took part in our sixth form taster week. Designed to give them an authentic experience of life beyond GCSEs, the week offered a blend of hands-on learning, new subjects and valuable guidance about future pathways.

To match the sixth form dress code, students arrived in non-uniform and were encouraged to approach the week with independence and maturity. They selected a series of taster lessons, including several subjects only available at sixth form, such as psychology, criminology and sports studies.

Across the departments, staff delivered a wide variety of creative and memorable sessions:

  • Biology students rolled up their sleeves to take part in an eye-opening practical session where they dissected an eyeball, learning first-hand about the structure and function of vision.
  • In art, students explored the relationship between creation and destruction by producing new artworks through the process of creatively “destroying” existing photographs and transforming them into imaginative collages.
  • Sports studies offered a playful but educational activity, challenging students to build skeletons out of marshmallows and spaghetti to deepen their understanding of anatomical structure.

In addition to classroom experiences, year 11s benefitted from hearing personal journeys from current staff who were once sixth form students themselves. These talks gave a real insight into the opportunities, confidence and skills that our sixth form can offer.

Students also broadened their understanding of post-16 options through visits to North Notts College and Lincoln College, where they explored alternative routes, vocational pathways and future possibilities.

The week has been a valuable chance for students to reflect on their strengths, interests and ambitions as they start planning the next stage of their education. We’re incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, maturity and curiosity shown by all our year 11s, and we look forward to supporting them through their next steps.