Year 10 pupils get a taste of Sixth Form life

Last term, Year 10 spent the day exploring what Sixth Form actually involves, from the classroom to the bigger decisions beyond it. A Level subject taster lessons gave pupils a real sense of the depth and rigour of post-16 study, and a chance to test out subjects they might not have considered before.

A Level subject taster lessons offered pupils a first-hand experience of the pace, depth and intellectual ambition of post-16 study. For many, it was an opportunity to look again at familiar subjects through a more advanced lens; for others, it opened the door to areas they may not previously have considered. The sessions encouraged pupils to think carefully not only about what they enjoy, but also about how they learn, where their strengths lie and what kind of academic challenge excites them.

A highlight of the day was a workshop led by Tinker Tailor, a careers guidance team that has worked with schools, students and families since 2015. Rather than asking pupils simply to choose from a list of possible careers, the session encouraged them to think more deeply about fit: how their interests, values, strengths and motivations might guide the decisions they make in the years ahead.

For our Year 10 students, the programme is about developing the habits that lead to good decisions: self-awareness, curiosity, confidence and the ability to ask better questions, rather than settling on a single career path at the age of 15. Pupils were encouraged to challenge assumptions, explore unfamiliar possibilities and recognise that future choices are made through a series of thoughtful steps.

The day also reflected the wider purpose of Sixth Form life at The Perse. A Levels are central, but they are only part of the experience. Leadership opportunities, co-curricular involvement, academic extension, pastoral support and tailored futures guidance all help pupils grow into more independent, confident and outward-looking young people.

As Year 10 begin to look ahead, the message was that Sixth Form is not simply the next stage after GCSEs, it’s a chance to take greater ownership of learning, discover new ambitions and begin making decisions with purpose.