Discover Yourself
PASTORAL CARE IS A STRENGTH AT WYCOMBE HIGH SCHOOL. SIXTH FORM STUDENTS HAVE A WEALTH OF SPECIALIST, WELL TRAINED STAFF TO TURN TO FOR ADVICE AND SUPPORT ON ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE AS A YOUNG ADULT.
The Head of Sixth Form oversees all aspects of Sixth Form life from strategic development to admissions, curriculum and assessment, intervention, and Post 18 options.
She is supported by two Deputy Heads of Sixth Form ; one focussing on Academic matters and the other on Pastoral needs. Additionally we have a dedicated Sixth Form Student Manager, and a Sixth Form Study Mentor both of whom manage the student experience on a day-to-day basis. Students also have access to a dedicated Higher Education and Careers advisor and Oxbridge Programme Co-ordinator. In addition, the team draws upon the expertise of the Individual Needs Team, the Safeguarding Team and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team as required.
We pride ourselves on a positive relationship with parents and working in partnership to make the Sixth Form experience as smooth and rewarding as possible. Equally we encourage students to develop strong relationships with their teachers and the Sixth Form Team from the outset of Year 12 to quickly develop the confidence and independence they will need to manage their studies and life beyond school.
We recognise that positive wellbeing is integral to academic success and therefore have a comprehensive support programme in place. This includes a team of school counsellors and a group of Peer Mentors who are trained by Buckinghamshire Mind to support low level concerns and ensure students can stay healthy and get the best out of their Sixth Form experience.
Educational visits
Our Educational Visits programme has opportunities for each Year group.
A range of daytime and residential visits provide academic stimulus, recreational activities, and invaluable access to learning outside of the classroom. Sixth Form visits typically include field visits for Biology and Geography, research trips to Stratford Upon Avon and Gothic London for English Students, Disneyland Paris for Psychology students and a combined departmental visit to Athens for Arts and Humanities students. There is also an annual Music Tour and the opportunity to participate in our biannual Sports Tour or Outlook Expedition.
Our range of Sixth Form visits reflects our limitless ambition for our students and offers them the opportunity to better understand different environments, cultures, and perspectives.
It is clear to us that our Sixth Formers are happy and thoroughly enjoy their time at Wycombe High. This is evident in testimonials from students and the fact that so many stay in touch with us long after they leave.
Our students are engaging, generous and empathetic. Each year the addition of new students from other schools enriches the dynamic of the year group and lifelong friendships are quickly made. Year 13 students support the transition process and staff are committed to making the experience a positive one from the outset for all.
Whilst there is a purposeful atmosphere throughout every school day, students create many opportunities for fun and camaraderie. Our students appreciate being treated like young adults and taking responsibility for their learning but supplement their hard work with a range of ventures both individually and as a group. We are continually amazed and humbled by the engagement and the generosity with which they give their time to fundraising and volunteering locally and beyond.
LEADERSHIP
Our Sixth Formers play a crucial role in the life of the school. There are a wealth of opportunities to engage in the success of the whole community from academic mentoring, leading clubs and societies, working as a Student Ambassador or Subject Captain, or being selected as a Senior Prefect or a member of the Student Leadership Team.
The SLT is the title given to the 100+ Year 13 students who take on a Leadership Role related to an aspect of whole school life.
The Head Girl Team is a team of eight students who have already made a positive impact in school before their appointment. Together they lead on representing the school, advocating for the needs or their peers and pioneering change.
The House Captain Team supports our house system and charity fundraising alongside our Heads of House.
Our Subject Captains and deputies work with Staff Subject Leaders to promote their subject, to share expertise and passion for their subject.
The School Community Team take on important roles such as:
- providing academic mentoring,
- managing the environment,
- supporting transition;
- producing material for WHTV
- stimulating debate
- celebrating the schools diversity and commitment to inclusion.
- writing the annual Christmas Panto
- planning the Year 13 Leavers Ball.
Our Student Leadership Team work closely with their counterparts at John Hampden Grammar School. Together they support school events, charity initiatives and more importantly drive change on key issues that affect young adults today.
” As a member of the SLT, taking part in open evenings, assemblies and work experience has allowed me to cultivate professional skills to prepare for the workplace, while more fun events- Culture Day, the Panto and charity fundraisers- have been so much fun to be a part of. The school has a strong sense of community and joy throughout, and I have truly loved my time here. ”
– Year 13 Student
Staff will routinely turn to Sixth Formers to support many aspects of school life as there is no one better placed to support and advocate for a student than a fellow student.
We offer Vertical tutoring for all year groups with a tutor group having approximately three students from each year group from Year 7 right through to Year 13. Students in every tutor group work together across a range of activities with the older years offering essential guidance and support to their younger peers. Tutors will also call on their Sixth Form Tutees to help deliver tutor time sessions on a range of subjects to develop their leadership skills and ensure key messaging is student centred.
The vertical system allows older students to support as well as inspire younger students. Friendships and respect are cultivated and celebrated and the impact of our Sixth Formers on the personal development of others impact is significant. They willingly support KS3 students to settle and find their feet. They advise KS4 students about GCSE and A Level options supporting them to navigate their choices and their studies. They inspire them all with their plans for their enthusiasm and plans for future and they truly look up to them as role models.
In addition our Sixth Formers offer regular tutoring support for younger students called ACAS (Academic Assistants). This encompasses subjects across the curriculum and has a keen impact on the progress of many students.
They volunteer as Peer Mentors and are trained by Young Minds to offer support to younger students to navigate some of the challenges they may face.
Our Sixth Formers run clubs, they work as Student Ambassadors on Reception and offers tours for prospective new staff and students. They a huge asset to the school and never cease to make us proud.
Additional resources such as subject specific literature and podcasts as well as external opportunities like competitions and lectures, work shadowing opportunities and university Taster days are advertised daily to enable students to build their own bespoke programme of enrichment.
We are the home of Wycombe High TV the UK’s only student led Television Channel which allows students of all ages to be social advocates and build confidence to have their voice heard. For those with a passion and interest in the media we offer a unique opportunity to gain industry level experience presenting and recording news stories that are shared with the whole school community. And beyond.
