Alexandra Collingwood, Head of our Sixth Form, shares why boarding school could be the best place for a sixth former to thrive and flourish, both academically and pastorally.
Head of Sixth Form, Alexandra Collingwood guides students on how to get the best out of their studies using their iPads supplied by the school.
Here, she lists her top five benefits of boarding for sixth form students:
1) Bolsters academic growth
Our value-added is the best in the area and is testament to our philosophy towards learning. Every single student progresses tremendously from the start of their time with us, to the end. They consistently perform better than what their targets and previous academic performance indicate that they should.
Sixth form students who board with us have access to tutors ‘out of hours’ during designated prep (study) time, so, not only are they making strides in their learning in school, but they have the chance to further this by getting extra educational support. Even outside of prep time, thanks to our digital learning approach, advice from teachers and tutors is only a message or email away.
2) Incredible facilities
Ackworth School is a truly beautiful setting to learn and relax.
We have a state-of-the-art gym, sports hall, tennis courts and music centre with 10 Steinway pianos set in phenomenal picturesque 18th Century grounds.
With advanced facilities, sixth form students have everything they need to excel at their chosen A-levels and also take part in extra-curricular activities in and out of school hours to enhance their learning – this may help when it comes to applying to universities.
Set in expansive grounds in the West Yorkshire countryside, Ackworth provides a safe and rich learning environment.
3) Close-knit family feel
With our sixth form attached to the school, we maintain a real family community here, and, as we’re non-selective, there’s plenty of opportunity for students to mix with people from all different backgrounds, ages and places.
We have students travelling from across the UK and other parts of the world to attend Ackworth School. Boarding with us helps build and nurture life-long friendships, and encourages social growth. It really is a home away from home.
4) Oxbridge Pathways Programme
Sixth form is an integral time in a young adult’s life. Their leaving destination will depend not only on their academic success, but also the skills they gain, and how prepared they are for upcoming applications and interviews.
We make sure to cover everything with our bespoke Oxbridge Pathways Programme. Designed and managed by Helen Batty – who has a wealth of experience in Oxbridge admissions procedures and processes – sixth form students are taught everything they need to know to achieve a place at a top UK university and succeed after graduation.
5) Necessary support and pastoral care
The wellbeing of our pupils is paramount to their education. We make it our responsibility to ensure that all students have a positive environment to learn in as we believe this has a direct impact on whether they perform to the best of their abilities.
It is possible that giving sixth form students too much freedom too quickly (when they have come from an incredibly supportive secondary school environment) could hinder their progression, rather than help. Boarding school provides the right balance of support and freedom, allowing students to ease into adult life, knowing the safety net is still there if they need it.
As a Quaker school, we operate by our motto ‘Non Sibi Sed Omnibus’ or ‘not for oneself but for the good of others’. This encapsulates what we have stood for the last 240 years. A social conscience and an education go hand in hand at Ackworth School.
Visit our sixth form page for more information. Contact our admissions team at admissions@ackworthschool.com or call 01977 233 621.
Book a visit to one of our open events here.