Life in the Sixth Form: A typical week
We aim to help you to develop the self-discipline and independence in your studies that will prepare 
you for Higher Education and the working life which follows; though University and work are not the 
only routes supported. The Sixth Form is a bridge between the highly structured timetable of year 11 and  the  need  for  self-discipline  and  good  personal  organisation  in  university  life  and  the working world. 

LESSONS AND STUDY PERIODS: Obviously the majority of your time at school will be devoted to the 
learning and improving of the skills associated with your chosen subjects. However, you will not be in lessons all of the time. We operate a two-week timetable at the Judd with six fifty minute lessons each day, apart from Mondays when there are five lessons. So overall there are 29 lessons each week but 2 will be set aside for Games. You will be expected to study for 4 A-levels and given that each subject has  5  lessons  per  week  you  will  be  left  with  7  lessons  each  week  where  you  can  direct  your own learning (at least 1each day). The obvious thing to do with that time is to make sure you are up to date on your homework but as time goes on you will realise that reading ahead and around your subject is just as, if not more, important. 

PRIVATE STUDY IN SCHOOL: Students can work individually in two supervised quiet study areas, one in the Sixth Form Study Centre and one in the Library. Working in groups is encouraged in the student study room where quiet discussion is permitted. There are computer facilities available for students to use during private study periods in the Sixth Form Centre, IT rooms and in the school library. After lunch students may sign out to pursue other activities if they have no lessons.

WORK  OUTSIDE OF  SCHOOL:  Our  experience  is  that  our  most  successful  students  also undertake about  four  hours  per  subject  each  week  of serious  work  at  home.  Much  of  this  work will  be  self directed  –  but  it  cannot  be  overemphasised  that  undertaking  wider  reading  and developing  note making skills are essential if you are to do yourself justice at A level. 

TAKING  A  BREAK:  Students  are  not  allowed  to  leave  school  before  lunch  time, however, students seeking a rest after a tough morning of three intense lessons can use the 90 seat Café, reserved for the exclusive use of the sixth form. Food and Drinks are available and it is a good place to talk about things outside of your subjects.

GAMES: In addition to your academic subjects, Games activities are timetabled for you on Wednesday afternoons. The school offers a wide range of activities at  all levels and is nationally competitive in many of them. Options include netball, hockey, swimming, gym, rugby, cross-country, athletics, tennis and basketball. Students can also pursue individual sports with permission e.g. golf.

ASSEMBLY AND PSHE: On alternate Friday’s students either have a year group assembly or a PSHE session (form period). Assemblies are a chance to reflect on wider issues and share relevant notices while  the  majority  of  form  periods  involve  external  speakers  talking about  specialist  issues and concerns.

FREE AFTERNOON: A standard timetable should have one completely free afternoon in the fortnight. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved in volunteering or work experience, arrange driving lessons or organise the acquisition of skills and experiences which will help you in the future.

In this way we believe that every student follows a curriculum that is varied and stimulating and which provides a sound basis from which to apply for university or work. 

Life in the Sixth Form: Pastoral support 
Every Sixth Former is a member of a tutor group and also a member of one of our six houses (Bryant, Evans, Morgan, Rendall, Starling and Taylor – named after our previous headmasters). The tutor plays a pivotal role in the development of  their tutees and is responsible for monitoring their academic progress and providing pastoral support. If you have any problems, please talk to your tutor at an early stage. One of the most important parts of the relationship will be when the tutor writes the reference  to  support  a  university  application  and  so  it  is vital  that  tutors  know  how a  student  is performing in school and that a student lets a tutor know about anything interesting that they are doing.

Students must register each morning and are expected to stay on site until lunch time. If they need some time away from study, then the Sixth Form Café is available with food and hot drinks.

The Sixth Form Team (especially the Pastoral Head of Sixth Form Mrs Andrews) and Sixth Form Tutors are available  to talk to students who are encountering difficulties during their Sixth Form, and can also direct students to outside agencies. We also have a Counsellor who visits the school on a weekly basis. Sixth Form student representatives are able to discuss aspects of school life and the running of the Sixth Form Common Room at the Sixth Form Council.

Life in the Sixth Form: Being part of our community
The Sixth Form have a special place in the school community being our senior students and students always  want to give something back to the lower school; which is great as  they remember what is needed to succeed at that age! This is something we absolutely encourage and student mentors both academic and pastoral (“student listeners”) are a vital part of the school’s success along with our Youth Health Champions.

The Sixth Form are role models to the lower school and so their standards of behaviour and dress should be exemplary. Certain members of the Sixth Form are trusted with extra positions of responsibility and help contribute with organising daily and special events in the school. In Year 13, they are called Prefects and there are Senior Prefects (Head Boy, Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy and Girl, and House Captains), House Prefects (including specialist roles for Sport, Charity, Culture and Pastoral issues), Subject Prefects and School Prefects. In year 12, students can also participate as “Noble Prefects” (named after a beloved former teacher) and help with the day to day duties in the school. 

Head Boy - John & Head Girl - Sophie 2020/21

           Deputy Head Boy - Theo & Deputy Head Girl - Becky 20/21

The Judd School – Sixth Form Dress Code

All sixth form students at the Judd School are expected to follow this code throughout year. Students should dress in an appropriate, professional manner.

*House coloured Sixth Form ties can be purchased from http://www.simmonds-ltd.com