Broader Curriculum
All students attend philosophy lessons that examine the great questions which have been addressed by humanity throughout history. The Citizenship Programme also develops in the Sixth Form. The St James Senior Girls’ and Senior Boys’ Schools meet each year to take part in a St James Model United Nations conference which always leads to lively debate!
Trips
Sixth Formers have the opportunity to go on a number of trips to support their academic studies. These include a geography field trip which is undertaken with Sixth Formers from the Senior Boys’ School to carry out beach and river work investigation. Year 12 biologists go on a 2 day field trip to study biodiversity. We have introduced an exciting biennial trip to Berlin and in 2018 we ran our first trip to Iceland. In 2019 we introduced a trip to Auschwitz for Year 12 students.
Sport
Sixth Form students have one afternoon of sport a week. In addition to our main school sports of lacrosse, netball, athletics and football, our Sixth Form students have the option of taking part in a wider range of physical activities including kick-boxing or using the facilities of a local sports club.
Performing Arts
All Sixth Form students have the opportunity to join one of our choirs and, if you play a musical instrument, you can also join one of our orchestras. You will have the opportunity to take part in regular productions whether on stage or behind the scenes.
Each year, the Sixth Form organises a musical evening to raise money for their Leavers’ Ball. Most recently they have organised a Best of British Night, a Night at the Movies, a Golden Oldies Night and a Legendary Ladies Night.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award
Many of our Sixth Formers take the opportunity to pursue The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to Silver level. As well as being a fun and rewarding initiative, many universities and employers look favourably on students who have taken the Award as it promotes physical fitness, self-discipline, practical leadership and the ability to work successfully as a member of a team.
Community Service
Community Service is a very significant feature of our school. In Year 12 you can teach Latin and help at two local primary schools. You can also plan and fundraise for a community service project abroad in South Africa in July which includes trekking in the Umfolozi nature reserve and undertaking community projects in a Zulu village.
Social Events
Sixth Form Dinners are held in the Autumn and Summer Terms. Year groups take it in turns to invite an Amazing Alumna (one of our St James old girls) who gives an inspiring presentation on their career. This is followed by a delicious dinner and the opportunity to ask questions. Apart from being immensely enjoyable occasions, these events teach students how to organise and conduct themselves at a formal dinner.
There is also a Dinner Dance each year for Year 12 and Year 13 students and a Quiz Night for Year 13 in conjunction with the Sixth Form Boys. At the end of the Summer Term, a Leavers’ Dinner is organised and a Leavers’ Ball is hosted by Year 13 to thank parents and teachers, which is funded by the students’ own efforts.