As the A-Levels are approaching, students often encounter a new source of worry – can you move sixth form in year 12? Suddenly, the dream of switching schools in the middle of Year 12 feels like a risky mid-flight course correction. Can it even be done?
Students can move to sixth forms in year 12 immediately after finishing their formal education at the end of year 11. They typically attend sixth forms for two years because they provide two-year courses comprising years 12 and 13. In sixth form, they can study A levels and obtain vocational certificates.
In this article, we’ll explore this feasibility, weigh the pros and cons, and equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Table of Contents
- What Exactly is Sixth Form?
- Selecting the Appropriate Sixth Forms
- Can You Move Sixth Forms in Year 12?
- Is There a Sixth-Form Transfer Option After Completing Year 12?
- How Does One Move to Sixth Forms?
- Should You Switch to a Different Sixth Form?
- What Are The Benefits of Moving to The Sixth Form?
- Disadvantages of Moving to Sixth Forms?
- Frequently Asked Questions on How to Move Sixth Forms in Year 12
- References
- Our Editor’s Recommended Posts
What Exactly is Sixth Form?
In the UK, there are two sorts of sixth forms. Students can enrol in an independent sixth-form college or a sixth-form affiliated with a school, staying under one roof from Year 7 to Year 13 (or entering at Year 12).
A school’s sixth form will prepare 16 to 18-year-olds for college admission through A-levels, IB, Highers, or Pre-U coursework. Some sixth forms also prepare students for BTECS and apprenticeships. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a popular option for independent sixth-form students.
Most sixth form colleges offer a broader variety of subjects and degrees than regular schools.
Although applications to sixth-form colleges often have a May deadline, many students submit their applications at the start of their thirteenth year.
Read Related Post: Why is Sixth Form Actually Called Sixth Form?
Selecting the Appropriate Sixth Forms
Determine if you want to pursue IB or A-Levels, and confirm that the sixth form you select offers the curriculum and subjects you desire.
Before selecting your A-Levels, IB, or Highers topics, know the criteria for the university programme or vocation you wish to pursue.
Consider the type of sixth form you desire. Sixth-form options include continuing at the same school, changing schools, or enrolling in a Sixth-Form College.
Moving to board for the Sixth Form is a popular option for students transitioning from single-sex to coed institutions.
How many students continue to the Sixth Form? This is a reliable sign of how well the institution teaches A-level subjects.
How many students continue to the Sixth Form? This is a reliable sign of how well the institution teaches A-level subjects. If the student body is tiny,
This may result from a shortage of A-Level subjects available in the sixth form or subpar instruction.
What grades are necessary to transfer to a new sixth form or remain in the current sixth form? Six A*/A GCSE results may be required for admission to or enrollment in the sixth form at academic schools.
Additionally, factors like the facilities’ condition and the pastoral care program’s quality should be considered.
Read More: Is Sixth Form Compulsory in the UK? Why You Should Consider A Sixth-Form College
Assessment
The majority of sixth-form students study A-Levels. The IB, Pre-U, and Highers are some other alternatives. The last few years have seen significant modifications to both GCSEs and A-Levels.
The A-Level curriculum has been updated, and the new linear syllabus means that exams are administered after the two-year program. While still in existence, AS Levels are no longer used to determine A-level grades.
For A-Levels, students usually study three to four subjects. The IB is more comprehensive and typically requires students to take six topics.
A chance for pupils to develop their skills beyond the A-level curriculum is offered by the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), a Sixth Form qualification. You can use it to increase your UCAS points as well. The process requires the students to select a topic, conduct research, write a report, and present their findings.
Fees
Between £15,000 to $25,000 is the annual tuition for independent sixth-form colleges. From roughly £15,000 per year for day schools to almost £40,000 per year for the best boarding colleges, sixth forms are very expensive.
Can You Move Sixth Forms in Year 12?
After moving to sixth form in Year 12, you should consider your professional route. If you have a specific vocation, you should learn what credentials are needed. You can then continue learning, find employment, enroll in a training program, or start an apprenticeship.
Is There a Sixth-Form Transfer Option After Completing Year 12?
After Year 12, students often decide they want to switch sixth forms. Moving halfway through the year is not only impossible, it’s also far more difficult. Jumping in halfway might seriously impede learning because different sixth forms may decide to study the same material in a different order.
Jumping in at the beginning of Year 13 will be significantly easier since all sixth forms will have finished the AS-Level subject by the end of Year 12. You’ll be able to understand what all the other pupils in your new class are saying this way.
Furthermore, your instructor won’t have to repeatedly check to see if you’ve covered the material they’re whether you’re already teaching.
How Does One Move to Sixth Forms?
Choose the sixth form you want to transfer to to start the procedure. It is fine to wish to leave your current sixth form, but moving forward requires having a new place in mind. If you want to learn more about the fundamentals of sixth form.
When choosing a new sixth form, remember why you are leaving your current one. Keep an eye out for sixth forms with a reputation for great instruction if you leave due to the teaching. Ask the sixth about the support mechanisms available if you’re leaving due to a lack of support.
Make sure to find out about the sixth form’s support systems if you’re leaving due to a lack of support. You don’t want to move and then find you’re starting over.
You must also confirm that the sixth form offers the courses you are currently taking. For instance, not all sixth forms provide specific German, so if you are studying it now, you must find one that does. For tips on what to watch out for when choosing sixth forms, visit this link to an article from Think Student.
Sixth forms typically make it clear on their websites which exam board is used for a particular subject they offer.
Some sixth forms will invite you to take a campus tour since you would have missed the induction/open days if you joined midway through the academic year. Since you’ll be there for the next year, make the most of the chance to learn everything you can about the place.
See Also: What is the uniform policy at Sixth Form College?
Should You Switch to a Different Sixth Form?
In the end, you are the only person who can provide an answer to this query. You must make the decision that is best for your life.
Naturally, you should consider your teachers’ and parents’ views, but ultimately, the decision is yours. Although others may argue that some factors may not justify the shift, everyone has different priorities.
For instance, some might not think that switching sixth forms because you haven’t made many friends is a reasonable justification.
Though it can be very detrimental to mental health, a change in surroundings might be helpful. The following advantages and disadvantages might also help you make your decision.
What Are The Benefits of Moving to The Sixth Form?
The most significant benefit is the transition; you are no longer in the sixth form for the same reasons as in the fifth. You can build a new reputation with your classmates and teachers and start over.
You have the chance to start over by switching sixth forms. Hopefully, you can resume your studies normally with little disturbance to your education. You’ll have many brand-new options for meeting people and joining groups.
A new sixth form might also entail receiving fresh instruction. If the instruction in your current sixth form is subpar, hopefully, the switch will give you access to better instruction.
As you can see, many essential aspects could enhance your learning. However, you should also think about the disadvantages before making a choice.
Disadvantages of Moving to Sixth Forms?
Moving to a new sixth form does come with its own set of concerns, and you may find that you have similar issues there. There is no better way to learn about the experience of attending a sixth form than to attend one yourself, regardless of how much research or tours you take.
For instance, what you read in brochures about excellent instruction may not be true in practice. Of course, sixth forms will put their best effort forward when attracting and recruiting new students.
Read Also: How Long is Sixth Form in the UK? A Guide To Private Sixth Form In The UK
It might be more challenging to fully integrate into your new environment as pupils will probably already have formed buddy groups. It might take some extra effort on your part to approach other students and strike up a conversation.
A new sixth form is a brand-new beginning, and teachers won’t know anything about you. You must build relationships with your colleagues and adjust to new teachers. The students at your current sixth form may be more accustomed to your learning style and situation.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Move Sixth Forms in Year 12
Unfortunately, you may not be able to transfer midway through some highly competitive courses; in these cases, you must reapply as a new applicant. It’s also important to remember that in the UK, you probably won’t be able to switch schools in the middle of the academic year but will have to wait until the conclusion of the term.
The duration of your visa might be shortened if your new course is shorter. You must apply for a visa extension before your existing visa expires if the course is longer. If you don’t pass a test and need to repeat a few classes in the first semester, you can stay in the UK and, if necessary, get a visa extension.
If you previously had visa applications denied, you may still be eligible to apply for a UK student visa if you demonstrate that your circumstances have improved. For instance, you may qualify if you were previously denied a visa because you could not demonstrate that you had enough money in your account at the time of your initial application.
With 24,145 international students, University College London is the leading university in this category. Glasgow (17,390), Edinburgh (18,050), and Manchester (18,170) follow closely behind.
References
- absolutely-education.co.uk – All you need to know about sixth form
- thinkstudent.co.uk – Can you move sixth form in year 12
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