The Howard Partnership Trust

Six tips for starting sixth form
Young people should use the summer to prepare for Post-16 education

Starting post-16 education marks a major moment in a young person’s life.  It’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter as teenagers start to take more control of their timetable and study routine.

It’s natural to be nervous.  If you are starting sixth form next September, here are six things you can start doing now to prepare:

  1. Choose subjects you enjoy – yes, you need to keep an eye on your longer-term aspirations and what you need to do to secure them. But studying post-16 requires you to be a self-starter.  You will need to read around your subjects and demonstrate a thirst for learning.  This is much easier when you have a genuine interest in the topic
  2. Work on your time management and self-control – as said above, when you get to sixth form, the responsibility for your studies sits with you. You will need to use free periods wisely and manage your coursework.  Practise making study plans over the summer and try to stick to them.  It will help you improve your focus and discipline
  3. Get to grips with grades – if you are going on to study A-Levels, you may well notice an initial dip in your grades. Achieving the higher marks is much harder than it was at GCSE and at A-Level, an E is considered a pass.  With hard work, your grades will likely pick up.  Don’t be demotivated if it takes a while for them to rebound
  4. Explore past papers – two years may sound like a long time, but it will go quickly. It’s never too early to start looking at past exam papers.  This will give you an idea of the kinds of questions that come up and what will be required of you in the answers
  5. Get a strong backpack – you’re about to read more books than ever before. Those books will be big and bulky.  Get your hands on a robust bag – and make sure you wear it on both shoulders to protect your back
  6. Don’t stress about the social side – even if you stay at the same school, friendship groups have a habit of shifting when you hit year 12. This is nothing to worry about – and it’s a chance to make new friends.  You will quickly forge friendships and enjoy beginning the social side of sixth form life

Ask any adult about their life at sixth form or college and they’ll tell you the same thing: it went far too quickly.  Chances are, they wish they had made the most of it while they could. 

This is your opportunity to show what you can do as you take more control of your own education and your own destiny.  Make sure you put your best foot forward.