The Grammar School for Girls Wilmington

On 27th and 28th June prospective Yr 12 students attended for two days of information gathering and taster lessons in their chosen AS level subjects.

The majority, of course, are Yr 11 students from this school but there were also many from other schools. In her welcome Head Teacher, Mrs Bolton, stressed that sixth form study is a new beginning for all students, with new uniform, new rules and more independence. At the end of two years, all students should have achieved their very best and be ready to move on to the next stage.

The Director of Sixth Form and Careers Adviser will be available to help students prepare for this move and there are planned events to assist and inform. Speakers come in to talk to the girls about HE; there is the opportunity for work-shadowing; all students visit the HE conference in Kent in March; we can arrange taster sessions at universities; Oxbridge visits; there is a parents information evening in January.

The sixth form is not only about studying and passing exams; the girls were given information about making the most of other opportunities which arise during this time, such as becoming Senior Prefects or mentors/buddies to younger students, organising and running clubs and participating in enrichment activities.

All students were given an individual programme of study for the two days, which provided taster sessions in their subject choices. The girls were also able to take lessons at WGSB and WEC, while their students joined in lessons at GSGW. This is part of the continued collaboration between the sixth forms of the three Wilmington schools.

Some girls were also able to take part in an enrichment activity on Thursday afternoon and attended Wilmington Primary School, where they helped as classroom assistants. Students of both the primary school and the grammar school enjoyed themselves in equal measure and we are grateful to Mr Finlayson, Head Teacher of Wilmington Primary School, for giving the girls this opportunity. Many have already signed up to continue next term.

It was a very busy two days and a quote from one student summed it up when she said, “It has made me realise that the sixth form is much more than just studying for exams, it is really about preparing for your future – I’m really looking forward to September.