As their first year in Sixth Form draws to a close, we catch up with three Year 12 students to hear about their studies, their future plans, and the steps they’re taking to achieve their goals.
Florence A-F
I’m currently studying Digital Media, Business and Photography. Digital Media is my favourite subject. It involves a mix of coursework and exams, but I particularly enjoy the coursework. For our first project, we planned a charity fundraiser event. We created posters and other marketing materials, carried out location recces, and produced our own risk assessments. It was a really valuable experience.
After Sixth Form, I want to go to university to study Primary Education. Most three-year courses lead to a PGCE, which means you have to do an additional NQT year to qualify as a teacher. However, I’m focusing on courses that lead directly to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), allowing me to qualify upon completing my degree. These courses typically involve around 80% coursework and 20% exams, with about 20% of the time spent on placement.
At school, we’ve started working on our UCAS applications. Getting our logins and thinking about applying to universities was really exciting! I’m planning to visit several university open days to explore the campuses, learn more about the courses, and meet students and staff. I’m also keen to see the accommodation, since I’m considering universities like Manchester and Nottingham, which would mean moving away from home.
Being a Kingsley student has taught me resilience. When things have been challenging or I haven’t performed as well as I’d hoped, my teachers have encouraged me to keep going. I’ve learned that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and improve. Sixth Form has also helped me become more independent. It’s great being in the centre of town because we can easily pop to shops or cafés. We’re trusted to manage our own work and decide when and how to engage in private study, but support is always available if needed. I’m also enjoying developing my leadership skills; I was recently offered a place on the Student Leadership Team. So far, we’ve had several meetings, including with Dr Howling and Ms Bubb, to discuss our ideas and plans. We’ve also received coaching on public speaking and other skills.
In five years, I hope to be teaching – probably Key Stage 1 children. Both my parents are teachers, and I love the idea of making a difference in children’s lives and seeing them grow. On Friday afternoons, I volunteer at Clapham Terrace School with other students, supporting children with reading, times tables and spellings. I also help children with SEND. I completed a couple of weeks’ work experience in Prep, helping in Year 1 and Year 2, which was another valuable experience.
Sienna C
I’m studying Food Science and Nutrition, Business and Sociology in the Sixth Form. Food Science and Nutrition is my passion – I love cooking. As well as the practical side, the course has helped me understand the science behind food and cooking, as well as important topics like food hygiene and safety.
After Sixth Form, I plan to study Business at university. The A-level course has been great preparation. We’ve explored everything from budgeting and accounting to entrepreneurship. I’m currently looking at Exeter University, where both my parents studied. It offers a strong Business and Management course and is based in a city that feels interesting, but also safe.
We’ve just started thinking about our UCAS applications. Each of us will be assigned a UCAS tutor – a member of the Sixth Form Team who will give us one-to-one support throughout the process. In Year 13, we’ll also be attending the ‘UCAS Discovery’ event in Birmingham, which will be a great opportunity to speak to universities and learn more about their courses.
I’m currently completing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on the history of cake. I’ve been recreating cakes from different points in history – starting with honey cakes from Ancient Egypt – to explore how recipes and techniques have evolved. The project is helping me develop my research and analytical skills, as well as my ability to plan, experiment and present findings. These are skills I know will be useful at university and beyond.
In five years’ time, I hope to have completed my degree and be well on the way to launching my own allergy-friendly bakery. If it’s successful, I’d love to eventually expand it into a franchise.
Martha C
In Sixth Form, I’m studying Applied Science, Health and Social Care, and Digital Media. I enjoy all three subjects, especially because they include coursework elements. After school, I want to go to university to study Agriculture. Ultimately, my goal is to use the skills and experience I gain to establish a care farm for children and young adults with additional needs.
I feel that my Sixth Form studies are really supporting my future plans. Health and Social Care is teaching me about important topics like neurodiversity. I’ve always loved science, so I’m really enjoying studying all three sciences in Sixth Form, and I know that agriculture involves a lot of science too. In Digital Media, I’m learning how to set up websites and target different audiences, which will also be very useful if I set up my own business one day.
Like Sienna, I’m completing an EPQ. I’m also seeking work experience on farms to strengthen my university applications. I work at an agricultural shop on weekends, which I enjoy.
My teachers are very supportive and always willing to help outside of lessons. If they’re busy, they’re easy to contact by email. We also have regular form time sessions and workshops focused on preparing us for life after Kingsley. Recently, we had a useful session on finances and budgeting, which will definitely help when I go to university.
I’m interested in applying to the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), but I’m also exploring other options. Attending the university fair at the NEC with school next year will help me with this. We’ll also have opportunities to take part in events like mock interviews at school, which will be great preparation for university and future employment.
Although I’ll be sad to leave Kingsley, I’m excited about going to university and becoming more independent.
