IB vs A Levels? Our vision for a united Lasallian Sixth Form
Two weeks ago, students in years 10-11 were invited to attend the year 12 and year 13 Scholarship Ceremony, where I shared my vision for our future sixth form. The individuals that we recognized at this ceremony are all fantastic students, and received a phenomenal set of IGCSE results. While we are certainly proud of the work ethic, determination, and focus that these results required, I reiterated the importance of everything else that our students contribute to our school community. When I think of our ideal sixth form student, I do not picture a young person who is solely focused on achieving greatness for themselves. Rather, their drive to better themselves comes from a desire to help others, to make a difference in our school and ultimately in the world.
This vision applies whether students decide to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or the Cambridge International A Levels. Our graduates, no matter their preferred curriculum choice, will receive a Lasallian education and character development opportunities that only St. Joseph’s can offer. United by our values, our sixth form students will share tutor experiences, including our bespoke ‘Lasallian Core’ lessons where students receive university and career guidance as well as a holistic Character and Wellbeing curriculum. They will advance their leadership skills as House Captains, Student Representative Council members, and leaders of the Lasallian Youth Movement. They will collaborate on service projects, whether they are using their experiences for their CAS portfolios or in pursuit of the optional Duke of Edinburgh International Award. Together, they will learn research skills, whether they are IB students working on their Extended Essays or A Level students electing to complete the Cambridge International Project Qualification. They will learn our shared core values during the Lasallian Formation Camp, and will bond as a united cohort during our Sixth Form Retreat.
And so, while all of our aspiring sixth form students can rest assured that they will all receive an exceptional Lasallian education, the only decision they need to make is which academic curriculum is right for them. We are delighted to be able to offer our students this choice for the first time. There are multiple ways we are working to support our year 10 and 11 students as they are making this decision. In year 10, our students participate in a “Sixth Form Taster Day,” where they have the opportunity to attend IB and A level lessons in the subjects they are most passionate about. In September, we surveyed our year 11 families on their subject selections. Our Career and University Guidance Counsellor, Mr. Hollis, then worked with the Head of Year 11 to answer any questions indicated on the forms. He taught students how to use the college application platform, Cialfo, so that students and parents can directly contact him for personalised advice.
Throughout Term 1, all students in year 11 will be provided an opportunity to meet with a member of senior leadership one on one to explore their options at sixth form. On the 4th of November, we will also host our first ‘Evening with the Head of School’ exclusive dinner for interested internal applicants. We hope that this ongoing support will allow students to make an informed decision, and we look forward to welcoming our first IBDP/A level combined cohort next academic year.
Sarah Cole
Head of Sixth Form
7th October 2022
