Independent Catholic Boarding & Day School - Rye St Antony School Oxford UK

The Sixth Form is a new chapter in each girl’s life. It brings the opportunity to specialise in already established interests, embark on new areas of study, make new friendships and prepare for university. It brings the opportunity for each girl to discover new talents, deepen her intellectual awareness, find her voice and take responsibility for herself and her future. Sixth Form at Rye allows each individual girl to work to achieve her own personal goals. The aim is to help each girl complete her school years happy, resilient, wise, keen to embark on the future and keen to make her contribution to the world.

Subjects are offered with a view to giving a secure and highly regarded foundation for higher education. Pupils usually study four or five subjects at AS Level, continuing with three or four subjects to A Level. At any one time about twenty AS/A Level courses are offered, the major subjects being chosen regularly, the choice of minority subjects varying from year to year. The Extended Research Project gives scope for those looking to complete further research and also supports applications for Higher Education.

The application process for higher education begins with an exploration of career options and an introduction to the university admissions system. Each girl has a tutor who offers guidance on the investigation of options and the writing of the personal statement, and the Head of Sixth Form and the Headmistress assist with the preparation and submission of each girl’s applications. Almost all girls go to their first choice of university, and this success rate reflects the commitment of tutors in ensuring that every girl finds the course and institution which is right for her. Competition is fierce for places at Oxford, Cambridge, the Russell Group universities and other well regarded universities, and preparation needs to be correspondingly intelligent and thorough.

Beyond the AS/A Level programme is a non-examined General Studies programme tailored to the needs and interests of each individual year group. Visiting speakers make a significant contribution to this programme, offering introductions to subjects ranging from budgeting and finance to the British legal system, from personal safety to the politics of the Middle East.

Sixth Form is a time to take on new responsibilities, whether as an elected Patrician (a member of the Sixth Form leadership team) or as a leader of an individual activity. Girls are helped to develop the leadership qualities and skills which will enable them to fulfil the leadership responsibilities of Sixth Form and beyond. From the annual Christmas pantomime (written, directed and performed by Year 12) and charity talent shows, through the various public events of the school year, to the annual May Ball, girls are encouraged to take and put to use the opportunities for learning, friendship and fun which Rye offers. It is our hope that by the completion of Sixth Form every girl will have a sound background of skills and knowledge and the wisdom, independence and confidence which will be the key to her future success.