A 6th Form Summer Term Roundup

The Summer Term always brings a mix of nervous energy and determined focus, as the Upper Sixth enter their final weeks at school and the all-important A Level and BTEC exams loom. This year, I’ve been particularly impressed by their approach. The Sixth Form Centre has often resembled a university library in the lead-up to exams: calm, purposeful, and packed with books, essay plans, coffee cups, and flashcards spread across every available surface. While the drive for aspirational university grades is clearly a strong motivator, at the heart of it all is a genuine desire among pupils to do their best - to fulfil the potential they have spent the past 13 years building.

I am extremely grateful to our teaching staff, many of whom have gone above and beyond this term - running revision workshops, giving detailed feedback on essays, and offering countless individual support sessions. Whatever Results Day brings, I know our pupils can stand tall, proud of the effort and commitment they have shown.

While the Upper Sixth have been immersed in exam preparation, the Lower Sixth have also had a busy and purposeful term as they take important steps towards life beyond King’s. Early in the term, they attended a LinkedIn workshop run by careers experts from Tinker Tailor, helping them to create professional profiles. Many have since connected with the growing King’s Bruton alumni network on LinkedIn, opening up exciting opportunities for career exploration.

The Lower Sixth also began their UCAS journey, with sessions on the application process and personal statement writing helping them prepare for university applications. With a record 85 applications submitted this year by the Upper Sixth and recent alumni, I’m confident the current Lower Sixth will follow suit, setting similarly ambitious targets.

A particular highlight this term was welcoming back two Old Brutonians, Joe and Georgia who shared stories of their first year at the University of British Columbia (Canada) and Fairfield University (USA). Their experiences gave a real insight into the benefits - and challenges - of studying abroad, and I would encourage all our pupils to consider international universities as a serious and exciting option.

End-of-term exams have been a key academic focus for the Lower Sixth, and I know many have worked hard in preparation. But just as memorable was the annual Strategy Day in the final week. Working in teams, pupils were challenged to design a product that would solve a problem in the travel and tourism industry. The results were imaginative and impressive - from creative rucksack designs to culturally informative travel apps. Leadership, creativity, teamwork and presentation skills were all on display, and I’m grateful to the Business and Enterprise Department for delivering such a dynamic and engaging day.

As the Upper Sixth move on, we wish them every success in their next steps. For the Lower Sixth, their pivotal final year is just beginning. With university applications, coursework, and exams on the horizon, they have an exciting year ahead - full of opportunity to shape their futures.

Will Daws - Deputy Head, 6^th Form

Read more about our 6^th Form at King's Bruton

Read the 6th Form section in this year's Dolphin magazine

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