insideKENT Magazine Issue 103 - November 2020 | Page 147

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
EDUCATION

SIXTH FORM IN KENT

SO YOUR CHILDREN HAVE WAVED GOODBYE TO AN UNCERTAIN SUMMER OF GCSE ’ S AND THE NIGHTMARE THAT WAS HOMESCHOOLING AND COURSEWORK IS OVER ( AT LEAST FOR THE TIME BEING !). NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO START WEIGHING UP THE POSSIBILITIES OF WHAT IS TO COME NEXT . IF YOUR CHILD IS CONSIDERING A FUTURE AT UNIVERSITY THEN FURTHER EDUCATION IS THE AVENUE TO PURSUE , PARTICULARLY AT ONE OF KENT ’ S ILLUSTRIOUS INDEPENDENT , GRAMMAR OR AWARD-WINNING COMPREHENSIVE SIXTH FORMS WHERE NO HIGHER FORM OF EDUCATION CAN BE SOUGHT OUT . THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO SECURE YOUR CHILD ’ S FUTURE THAN TO ENSURE THEY GET THE BEST EDUCATION POSSIBLE , AND THIS EXTENDS WAY PAST GCSES .
Sixth forms are a way for young adults to explore passions that they may not have had the opportunity to pursue previously in lower levels of education . Of course , every selective sixth form will have an admission process dependent on GCSE grades but , once there , sixth forms will develop the best and brightest of Kent ’ s youth into even better and brighter versions of themselves . By choosing an exclusive Kent sixth form , the standard of teaching and attention to each individual will be of paramount importance to the school , making these institutions the best choice for your child .
Sixth forms prepare young adults for not only university , but for life after education , endowing them with knowledge of their chosen subjects and practical life skills .
Thanks to sixth forms ' small size , the institutions are able to provide structure and support for pupils , while allowing and encouraging children to enjoy more independence than they had at secondary school . It will be their responsibility to pursue their passions and to ask for help when it is needed , helping prepare them for university and develop the self-discipline and maturity it takes to succeed in education , while existing in a structured environment that allows pupils an easy transition from school to sixth form .
Sixth form also opens up a whole new world of possibilities in terms of social interaction ; many sixth forms allow both girls and boys to attend and have a mix of extra curricular activities to enjoy that can range from debating to rugby and drama . These clubs are often run by the pupils themselves - with adult supervision , of course - and are able to teach these children leadership , responsibility and communication skills ; all of which will aid them in their personal relationships and post-education journey .
So what are the things to consider when choosing a sixth form ? Well , one of the most important things is how comfortable your child feels in the learning environment . Every new experience is going to be a little uncomfortable , and challenging surroundings can even be beneficial to a child ' s academic development , however if the teaching style of your chosen sixth form is completely incompatible with the way your child learns , you are going to run into a lot of issues later down the line . Be sure the environment is nurturing to your child ' s specific needs and is able to prepare them for life outside of education , as well as the leap into university , and they will start reaping the benefits of this exceptional education immediately .
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