The Cadogan Sixth Form Centre and St Mary’s Theatre were brimming with parents and students earlier this week, all eager to learn more about life in Heathfield’s Sixth Form.
The evening opened with a welcome from Jonathan Williams, Headmaster, who shared his ethos for the school:
‘Inspiring tomorrow’s generation to live and lead with integrity, ambition and innovation.’
The people within the school play an absolutely vital role in fulfilling this ethos, with students inspired by their teachers, by each other and by the wider Heathfield community, all of whom work tirelessly to help our Sixth Formers achieve. The track record of outcomes and destinations speaks for itself, with students encouraged to follow their own path, supported by outstanding resources and a strong pastoral structure.
His message ended with the thought that Sixth Form is ‘both an end and a pathway’. While it marks the end of formal schooling, of childhood and of a way of life that began in Year R, it is very much a stepping stone to the future. The support, encouragement and belief given during these key years can provide students with a future-ready boost as they take their next steps.
Mr Williams was then joined by Sixth Formers Ivan, Lily, Sofia and Flo, who spoke about their own experiences of the school. Their advice to Year 11 students was unanimous: make your own decisions about what is right for you. You can’t simply be good at a subject to take it on for A Level study; you need to be passionate about it too.
They also encouraged students to take full advantage of everything on offer in Heathfield’s Sixth Form – embracing leadership opportunities, taking on a mentor role and getting involved in co-curricular activities. These experiences all contribute to a well-rounded university or degree apprenticeship application.
At the heart of the evening was the opportunity to hear from our inspirational and dedicated teachers as they outlined their A Level courses at the subject fair. This was complemented by Mr Richard Willis, Head of Sixth Form, with his ‘Big Opportunities’ presentation. Mr Willis outlined the foundations of the Heathfield Leadership Award and spoke about the in-depth support he and his team provide when it comes to planning for the future, whether that means following a traditional pathway to university or exploring degree apprenticeships and other routes.
It was an informative and inspiring evening, and it was fantastic to welcome so many students and their families – both those who have been part of the school community for several years and those who were exploring Heathfield for the first time.
If you would like to explore Heathfield’s Sixth Form, please contact our Admissions Manager, Mrs Jane Woodhams.