Although the Sixth Form experience at Forest is rich, it is important to keep one eye on your future plans. We are immensely proud of the fact that Foresters leave the Sixth Form to go on to an enormously diverse range of courses and professions. They don’t get there by accident. Foresters receive bespoke, high quality advice during their time at Forest and beyond so that they are fully aware of the different options, and the routes to admission. Below is a taste of the support that Forest offers in the Sixth Form:
After students have settled into their A-level studies, in Lent (Spring) of Year 12 we have the first of two ‘Next Steps’ evenings. The theme of this evening is ‘Exploring Options’ and the idea is to open the students’ eyes to all the possible options.
In the two weeks following this, students attend presentations on subjects that can be studied at university, as well as particular application paths (for example, Oxbridge, medical applications, applications to Europe and the US, as well as apprenticeships). Students are given further advice about courses and about how to ensure that their application stands out.
In January, the annual Higher Education and Careers Fair takes place at Forest which normally includes around 200 exhibitors.
From Year 11 all students have access to Unifrog which allows them to research university courses and apprenticeships.
In association with our alumni department, throughout the year we run Forest Futures events which include professionals who are Old Foresters and friends of Forest who give advice on various career paths. Recent events include: Law, STEM, and Medicine.
Sixth Formers are encouraged to attend open days at universities, as well as taster lectures and seminars. These are hugely informative and help students make decisions.
We have three days dedicated to ‘Next Steps’ in June where students fill in application forms, get subject specialist advice, as well as preparation for interviews.
We have information events to help students make decisions. For example, we have an evening dedicated to helping students who are considering taking a gap year and another one for students who are planning applications to music conservatoires, drama schools or art foundation courses.
Towards the end of Year 12, most Sixth Formers have a strong idea about what they want to do after they leave. In June we have our second ‘Next Steps’ evening. This evening includes a talk from an admissions tutor who can give the university perspective on how to write an excellent personal statement in support of an application.
Throughout this time, Sixth Formers get support from their tutor, Head of House and a subject specialist.
For students who have applications which involve aptitude tests, students will have support in preparing for them from subject experts.
Likewise, all students who are likely to be invited to interview get interview practice.
For Year 11-13 there are careers drop-in sessions on alternate Tuesdays in the Sixth Form Centre Careers Room.
Students have access to a wide, relevant and up-to-date selection of books covering jobs, professions, university courses, CV writing, psychometric testing, interview techniques and much more.
Throughout the year there are a number of lunch time talks given by a range of employers and apprenticeship providers, especially during National Careers Week.
Work Experience
Year 11 and Year 12 students are encouraged to undertake work experience during the summer holidays. This serves to open students’ eyes to the realities of the workplace. Students are encouraged to make the arrangements themselves to gain the experience of applying for jobs and, when requested, compiling CVs and completing applications. Often the best placements are found through students’ extended network.
Where this is not possible, the Careers Team will try to find a placement through the School’s community of parents, former parents and alumni.