The Sixth Form at NLCS is a vibrant and exciting place to study.
A diverse curriculum, numerous leadership opportunities, superb teaching and supportive preparation for university admissions combine to ensure that our students are prepared for ambitious futures and expect the best, both of themselves and others.
CURRICULUM
In the Sixth Form, each student is given the opportunity to pursue a curriculum which is tailored to them. We offer two academic pathways. Students can study the International Baccalaureate or take a combination of 3 or 4 A Level subjects. All students have the opportunity to complete a piece of extended research in a topic of their choice.
We work closely with students to understand, develop and support them to flourish in their own way.
To find out full details about the courses you can study in the Sixth Form, please take a look at our course guide below:
“The atmosphere is that of a community, there is always someone there to help you, whether it is a teacher or a fellow student. The Sixth Form also allows you to develop a sense of independence.” – NLCS student
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
A distinctive feature of our Sixth Form is the volume of opportunities that students have to develop their leadership skills during their time with us. We are hugely proud of our Senior Societies extra-curricular programme, which the students themselves run. There are 50 societies, each offering the chance for pupils to explore their academic passions in more depth.
“I loved being involved in History Society – it was a great opportunity to have some freedom about what we wanted to learn. We decided to learn more about the History of China, so invited Professor Michael Wood to speak about his latest documentary.” – NLCS student
Interests range from Culture and Anthropology through to Pure Sciences, all of which host at least one external speaker term, produce a journal, and lead discussions or conferences. Senior Societies are also responsible for running subject weeks, leading key events, such as Black History Month or International Women’s Day, and leading Assemblies. All students in Year 12 and Year 13 are encouraged to apply for responsibility posts and take part in clubs and extra-curricular activities.
As part of their role in the Societies, students are responsible for leading the cultural and intellectual life of the School, from inviting speakers through to organising publications and journals, and, more recently, podcasts. Across an academic year, NLCS is visited by over 200 speakers, almost all of which are student invited. Senior Students are also key to the editing and publishing of over 40 journals a year on issues ranging from medical ethics through to philosophy and classics.
Big Six
Each Spring Term the School appoints a Senior Committee: a team of six Year 12 students who are elected by staff and students. Our ‘Big Six’ have wide-ranging responsibilities across the school. They support other Sixth Form students, leading activities and events, one of which is the annual Canons Follies variety show, which involves all pupils in Year 12.
“NLCS is unique in its desire to facilitate any combination of subject choices and in choosing to study Latin, Greek, English and Italian for Pre-U, I experienced the inspirational teaching and unconditional support of the faculties, enabling me to fulfil my academic aspirations, whilst continuing to follow my sporting passion as a National Team athlete. – Giselle, ONL
A great deal of preparation and support for university entry and careers is provided, including a careers fair, UCAS events and US universities talks providing information for those wishing to study abroad. Students are also offered individual interview and presentation practice. Find out more about guidance for university.
Every student works closely with their tutor as well as the Head of Sixth Form and Deputy Head of Sixth Form to ensure they are happy and confident. Tutor groups are a mixture of Year 12 and Year 13 pupils, integrating the year groups and allowing for wide friendship groups and peer support. Find out more about pastoral care at NLCS.
“Sixth Form has really boosted my confidence, I found it really easy to integrate into the year and have found friends for life.” – NLCS student
We encourage students in the NLCS Sixth Form to actively engage with their community and the wider world. We want to give them the opportunity to develop their interests both inside and outside the classroom. We offer a programme of active partnerships with other schools, including collaboration with schools such as Eton, Whitgift and QE Boys for joint events. We organise conferences in different subject disciplines and host an annual Hispanic Theatre Festival, where more than 20 schools take part.
We also provide many opportunities for students to be outward-looking and internationally-minded through trips and exchanges, educational visits and charity work, both in the UK and overseas.
“I like the sense of independence that you are given, it really allows you to manage your time well and become more organised.” – NLCS student
At the end of each Summer term, we bid farewell to our Year 13 students. Pupils are joined by their family and friends for a special service and celebration in the grounds. Many a tear is shed by staff and students as they say goodbye to each other.
