Sixth form

[althecoach]

And I thought deciding on a secondary school was daunting. Whats the scoop on local'ish sixth forms. Science (Chemistry/Biology) and maths focus. With if possible a decent music provision. Child attends Kingsdale but looking for pastures new.

[MGolden]

:) we're in the same boat. Child very very happy at Kingsdale but we think it's worth seeing what else is available. At least this time they can have more of an informed opinion though. I suspect there will be no change to be honest and that's fine!

[Curmudgeon]

All students finishing year 11 should be encouraged to look around to see what other options they have, that's the nature of modern education and unlike when I was at school and the expectation was to stay put

There should be careers counselling on hand to help them investigate and they should look by course offering

I'm sure there are a lot of helpful sites ..this came up on a quick google http://www.gettherightschool.co.uk/sixth-form-applications.html

[bornagain]

Dunraven, Graveney, Harris Girls/Boys (mixed), Charter, Sydenham Girls/Forest Hill Boys (mixed). No catchment so basically can go where they like as long as it's commutable. They can also go to FE College but the selection round here aren't that great.

Some schools are in a 6th form federation eg Dunraven and Harris so that if your base school can't accomodate your subject combination then you can look also at the provision in the sister schools.

Be aware that some schools (more academically ambitious ones) do not accept students who don't get their English and Maths GCSE with at least a C. If your child is borderline in either then worth having a fal back option with a school that allows them to retake the GCSE in 6th form. Your child will be expected to get minimum grades at GCSE for subjects of their choice. As far as I know, you can hold several offers of places, it only gets settled in the summer once the GCSE results are known.

[brezzo]

Any student who achieves less than a "C" grade in GCSE Maths or English is legally obliged to study the subject in sixth form/ college, though government has not specified what qualification they should sit

[Ann]

Correct Brezzo, but I agree with bornagain, most decent sixth forms will only admit with five minimum GCSE's at grade C or above including English and Maths.

[bornagain]

Sorry Ann, 'decent' is a loaded word. Many 6th forms that allow retakes in English and Maths are perfectly 'decent', just have places for the less top end academic.

A levels are a HUGE leap up from GCSE - more akin to degree than GCSE in content and very rigorous. I think many students struggle with the adjustment and for some it's a bit much. There is nothing wrong with BTECs, horses for courses. I think it pays to be realistic and pragmatic about what your child is suitable for - and what their ambitions are.

[miss]

Prendergast, especially for the music provision.

[tiddles]

also,one can be particularly brilliant in one field and not another. We have a child who is fabulous at humanities, but is a completely dunce with numbers. Their brain is wired in a different way - and it would seem daft to me to exclude a very strong pupil on the basis of a failing in a field they they will not (and never will) be able to pursue any further in the future. They will still have to keep trying to take the blasted Maths GCSE ad infinitum in order to go to university (if that is what they want to do)

We too looked round all the sixth forms but ended up staying put - confirming it as our favourite. I think even if you are really sure, do have a look about - its good to get a feel for what you like or not.

best of luck to all the parents traipsing around the sixth form open days!! I have to admit I was impressed with all the local schools.

[Growlybear]

My daughter went to Newstead Wood in Orpington. It is excellent for sciences and maths, and also has very strong music provision.

[althecoach]

Thanks for the comments. She has 3 A's already from early entry including Maths so fingers crossed should have her pick. Have visited Graveney - really liked but commute may be a problem. Kingsdale - a possibility. Dunraven tomorrow.