Year 11 Students Experience Sixth Form Life at Induction Day

On Tuesday, we were thrilled to welcome all Year 11 students who will be joining Sixth Form this September to their Induction Day - an exciting opportunity to experience life as a Sixth Former and begin preparing for the next stage of their academic journey.

The day was carefully designed to help students explore their subject choices and begin thinking critically about the combination that best supports their goals and interests. Each student received a personalised timetable, allowing them to take part in sample lessons in their selected subjects and get a feel for the curriculum and expectations at Sixth Form level. There was time to meet friends and socialise in the cafeteria and in outside areas at break and lunch time.

Students were also welcomed by key members of the Sixth Form team, including Mr Howarth, our Head of Sixth Form, Mr Williams, Assistant Head of Years 12 and 13, and Mrs Hilton, our Sixth Form Manager, who introduced the support systems and opportunities available throughout Sixth Form.

A joint session led by Head of Science, Dr Cumpstey and KS5 Support Coordinator, Miss Akehurst, focused on two essential aspects of Sixth Form life: developing independent study skills and understanding the wide range of enrichment opportunities available. These include the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), student mentoring, finance for life, sports, cooking skills, and more. We're also excited to offer students the chance to enrol in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Term 1, providing an outstanding opportunity for personal development, adventure, and leadership.

All students were directed to the transition work on the Year 11-Year 12 transition portal to complete during the holidays in preparation for the start of Sixth Form study in September.

We were delighted with the mature and enthusiastic attitude shown by all students throughout the day, and it was clear many of them are already looking forward to the independence and responsibility that comes with Sixth Form life.

Here’s what some of the students had to say about their Induction Day experience:

"I'm so excited for next year. I'm going to be studying Art, Digital Media and History." Lottie

"I like the relationship between the teachers and the students - it feels more independent." Jack

"I'm rethinking my choices now. Criminology was great and I'm also going to do sessions in Uniformed Services and Applied Science." Ceylin

"I'm really glad I've done this today. It's going to make things a lot easier when I start in September." Lucas

"I loved Digital Media, especially all the creative stuff we're going to do - like animation which I love doing. I'm also thinking about studying A Level Art." Evie

"I'm doing English, Biology and Criminology. It's all really interesting and we get to use our opinions more." Immy

The next opportunity to visit Beacon Academy Sixth Form will be at our Whole School Open Day on Saturday 4 October. Visit our Sixth Form Open Event page to find out more and register your interest.