As leaders of our student body, Head Girls Prarthana and Alice, have a unique perspective on school life. We caught up with them to find out how they have found the transition from Year 11 and their first year of Sixth Form, what advice they would give to new Year 12s and what they are most looking forward to in Year 13.
How has your first year of Sixth Form gone?
Alice: My first year in the Sixth Form has been brilliant! I have loved the opportunity to be proactive with my studies, develop closer connections with my teachers and now represent the diverse student community that I have been a part of since Year 3. However, the aspect of the Sixth Form that I valued the most this year is the close relationship between the students in Year 12 and Year 13. This is something that you don’t see everywhere, and I believe that it makes Redmaids’ High Sixth Form a place where everyone feels welcome and aspiration is encouraged.
Prarthana: Mine has gone by fast and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. It is a big change from year 11 but in a positive way. The increased number of free periods helped me to become independent and more organised, and the smaller class sizes and focusing on the topics you love most is something that I really like. Teachers are always friendly, however in Sixth Form, especially with the smaller class sizes, asking questions doesn’t seem as daunting. Our teachers understand how important these two years are, so they are open to questions about all sorts of things, from universities and careers to activities outside lessons.
What would you recommend the new Year 12s focus on in their first term?
Alice: Starting in the Sixth Form may seem nerve-wracking, but the wide range of opportunities on offer to students in Year 12 creates an environment where you can get stuck in with anything, even if you have never tried it before! During our weekly Activities Afternoon there is something on offer for everyone and the activities range from volunteering with the food bank, to using the facilities at David Lloyd, to reading with primary school children. Throughout the rest of the week, you can act as a Well-being Ambassador or Subject Mentor for a student lower down the school, as well as visiting the Sixth Form Library to find a book which supports your A Level studies or one to read for leisure! So, during the first term of Year 12, I would recommend not holding back on this extensive range of opportunities; not only will they enrich your learning beyond the classroom, but they will link you to a valuable network of like-minded people who will motivate you throughout your time in the Sixth Form.
Prarthana: In your first term of Year 12, my biggest tip is to get organised early. Figure out how you are going to take and store your notes - some people still prefer pen and paper and folders, while others go for laptops or iPads. Try out a few ways and see what works best for you. Don’t stress about what everyone else is doing; just do what helps you learn best.
One thing that really helped me was using a ‘day folder’ instead of lugging around loads of big folders. Basically, it’s a single folder divided into sections for each subject. You use it during the day for your notes and then, once you’ve finished a topic, you file those notes away into your main subject folders at home.
And honestly, even though Sixth Form can feel a bit overwhelming at first, take the chances to make time for yourself. Take breaks, get involved in things you enjoy and make the most of the experience.
What are you looking forward to about Year 13?
Alice: I am looking forward to working alongside Prarthana as we continue to share and implement our ideas with the help of the new School Council representatives from each year group. Wearing the ‘Head Girl Robes’ and leading the school on Founders’ Commemoration Day has been an ambition of mine for a long time so I am particularly excited for that occasion! Of course, I am looking forward to the Sixth Form Ball at the end of the spring term which is a great occasion to celebrate every member of the Sixth Form and all our achievements throughout the year.
Being Head Girl at such a wonderful school is a privilege and I can’t think of a better way to spend my last year here, than giving back to the school that has given me so much.
Prarthana: I am looking forward to my last Founders’ Commemoration Day and wearing the Head Girl Robes with Alice! I am also looking forward to meeting new School Council members and running the School Council. Last year we had a first few meetings, and I really enjoyed it so I can’t wait to get started this year with a new set of School Council members, I am sure they will bring a lot of ideas to meetings which we can't wait to feedback. I’m also very much looking forward to speaking at the Senior School Open Morning which is coming up soon to all the families and students visiting Redmaids’ High. I'm also looking forward to spending the last year of my school life with such great people!
As our Head Girls step into their final year, their reflections offer a glimpse of what makes our Sixth Form such a vibrant, supportive and inspiring place to learn. From embracing new academic challenges to throwing themselves into leadership and co-curricular opportunities, they are already setting the tone for the year ahead. With their energy and leadership, our Sixth Form community is set for another exciting year!
If you would like to find out more about our Sixth Form, you can secure your Open Evening place on Thursday 9 October here. We are looking forward to welcoming you.