FAQs
Adina, Emma and Kiki, our Marketing and Admissions Student Leaders, answer some of the questions you might have.
What if I want to drop a subject?
You are welcome to start with four A Level subjects if you wish, particularly if you are uncertain of the best combination for you. However, most students ultimately drop one A level and take three A Levels with the gold standard perhaps being three "plus" (three with an EPQ or three with the Mini MBA or with both EPQ and mini MBA). You do not need four A Levels for university admissions although we would advise it if you are taking Maths and Further Maths.
There is lots of support available for you if you do wish to drop a subject, such as frequent talks with form tutors about workload and chats with the Sixth Form team about the right choice for you - in terms of which subjects to keep and discard. They will also make sure any changes are in line with your timetable. Whilst there is no deadline for dropping subjects, it is advised to drop a subject early if you are sure you would not like to continue with the course, to make time for your other three A Levels.
What if I want to swap a subject?
If you change your mind about a subject choice and would like to swap (like swapping from Biology to Maths), the Sixth Form team will work closely to redo your timetable, ensuring that you can take the combination of A Levels that fits best for you.
It is strongly encouraged that pupils highlight the subject change early on in Year 12, so that there is not a large workload to catch up on and so that the Sixth Form team can ensure that this will fit into your timetable. Generally, subject swaps only occur within the first half-term in Year 12 (from September to October half term).
How am I set homework?
Homework is set via the Satchel One app which provides full instructions, access to any relevant resources and information on deadlines and how to submit your work. There’s also a much greater move towards a focus on independent study but this will be introduced and encouraged by subject teachers as they prepare you for life after Sixth Form. Students should expect roughly 50 minutes of homework per subject lesson a week.
There’s generally a lot more freedom given to sixth formers when it comes to their homework and independent study plans, it's not uncommon for teachers to set some extra work to help further your knowledge sometimes even covering areas outside of the subject curriculum!
How do I complete my school work?
You’ll need to bring your own device which you will use in lessons and also in study periods to complete your schoolwork. These devices will be connected to the School wifi to make things easier. We get a range of different assignments depending on the subject, such as presentations, essays, unit tests, research or lab reports and collaborate tasks - it's really varied!
How will you help me go from GCSE level to A Level studies?
There is a jump from GCSE to A Levels but you shouldn’t be alarmed about moving to a new school whilst experiencing this jump, as there are so many other students who will be experiencing the same thing at the same time. Students are carefully supported during this transition by the Academic Skills programmes and a series of assemblies focusing on this.
There is lots of Pastoral support available, from Form Tutors to Heads of Year, to help support you, if you are finding it difficult to adjust. Lots of girls take advantage of this opportunity, especially in the early Autumn Term, so please remember that there is always someone willing to listen, and even lend a helping hand.
However, you will be surprised at how many people are going through the exact same thing, so there is no need to be worried about this transition, as you aren't doing it alone. As well as that, our 'Bridge Week' at the start of term is designed to help you feel ready for the new challenges of Sixth Form.
How will I be assessed and what are exams like?
A Levels are structured a bit differently to GCSEs. We have assessments in the February of Year 12, then Summer exams at the end of Year 12 which are used for your predicted grades for university applications. Then in Year 13 we have mock exams in January and lots of support going over areas we are less confident in before study leave in May of the final year. The teachers are great at easing us into the A Level exams and the cycle of assessments really helps familiarise us with the way we are assessed at the end of the course.
What is the pastoral side of the school like?
The Sixth Form is led by the Head of Sixth Form, meaning that there's always support available, whether you have a particular question or concern, need advice about anything or are just looking for a quick chat. The Sixth Form team are always willing to lend a hand, you are always welcome to approach anyone if an issue arises - from a form tutor to subject teachers and even boarding staff. If you’re struggling with your workload or other pastoral issues, teachers are very accommodating and will trust you to meet a later deadline if you need to extend it.
Are there any specific areas for Year 12 and Year 13?
There are no specific areas within the Sixth Form Centre for the Year 12 and Year 13 and there is one main shared kitchen next to the cube which both year groups use, making the year groups more connected. There is also another smaller kitchen which is less commonly used but is open to both year groups, just like all other areas.
How do the boarding and day communities work together?
Boarders and day girls are very well mixed in the school community. During the school day there are no separate areas for either, ensuring boarders and day girls mix and mingle. This is helped by the boarding staff and the Head of Boarding Prefect who works with other students to help and reach the needs of the Boarding students. There’s also a Head of Day Prefect who works along with the rest of the Head Girl Trio to make sure everyone feels comfortable and integrated within the single community of Headington Rye Sixth Form. There’s a wider spread of friendships as the Sixth Form students spend more time together as a whole in the Sixth Form Centre rather than just in their forms (in form rooms).
How easy is it to make friends?
It's a new environment for everyone, including girls who are already at Headington Rye and there are many, many activities designed to encourage friendship and social life such as bonding days and trips. Friendship groups change, new friendships are made and the whole year tends to reshuffle and get to know people they may have never been close to before, as well as integrating all the new students. Also, Year 12 have the benefit of sharing spaces with Year 13, who can become useful mentors.
Are there many social events?
There are lots of socials to partake in, particularly in the Sixth Form. Recently, we had a social event with Abingdon School and a pizza night with Magdalen College School and we've also had quiz nights and joint cookery classes in the past too.
How is Headington Rye Oxford Sixth Form different to Year 11?
Life at Headington Rye Oxford Sixth Form can be quite different to what most people have experienced in Year 11. The atmosphere in the Sixth Form Centre itself is very different to the bustle of the main school, with a “university campus” inspired layout. The main congregation space becomes the Sixth Form Centre social space during free time, rather than us spending time in form rooms. which is nice. There are lots of leadership and volunteering opportunities like open evenings, student ambassador and prefect roles. This gives you a chance to gain experience and communication skills for the future.
The workload is also different, students are given a lot more freedom and autonomy by teachers over how they plan their independent study outside of lessons - a useful skill to develop as you begin to prepare for life after sixth form. Another great thing about Sixth Form is that there is a wider spread of friendships and the Sixth Form often feels more cohesive than in younger years - both within your own year group and between the Year 12 and Year 13.
What’s the Sixth Form centre like?
The Sixth Form Centre officially opened in September 2019 and there has been a dramatic change in the Sixth Form facilities since the renovations. The centre consists of the Cube and many other relaxation or study spaces which means that there are perfect spaces for every student to enjoy. It has a lovely open plan to the building which means there’s more integration and sense of community within the area, which further helps the sense of community within year groups in Sixth Form. Overall, the Sixth Form Centre refurbishments have made such a difference, and I would recommend coming to visit on an Open Day or an organised tour so that you can see the area properly.
What sports can I get involved in?
There’s a huge range of sports you can try out, right from beginner level up to competitive. As well as more standard sports such as Hockey and Swimming, you can also turn your hand to anything from Rock Climbing to Yoga and Pilates.
Timetable wise, you no longer have both PE and Games, just a double period Games session once a week. For one of those terms, your games slot will be used to do community service outside of school, which is a great way to gain experience in a multitude of fields.
There is also a booming dance academy, about which you can read more on the School's website.
What clubs are there? Can I start my own club?
There are over 120 clubs and yes, you can definitely start your own. These 120 clubs take place at Headington Rye Oxford every week, which includes a number of special Sixth Form clubs and those led by sixth formers. Whether you want to write for, design and edit a magazine, build a robot and compete in national competitions or join human rights campaigns, there’s a club for you. And if there isn’t, you are encouraged to start your own – new clubs pop up every year featuring a diverse range of different interests, skills and pastimes.
Can I park at school?
Unfortunately the School is unable to provide parking for students at school so we're asked to leave our cars at home. There's a safe pick up and drop off area near Hillstow if your parents wish to drive you to school.
Is there a Sixth Form PSHE programme and what does it include?
There’s a full and comprehensive PSHE programme which ranges from support on university applications, life skills and sessions on important issues and topics for young women. The staff work closely with you when they put together the programme to ensure it reflects the skills and information you really need.
For example, we often have speakers who talk to us about their career paths, which helps to understand more of how the real world really works, from jobs and university life while exposing us to careers that you might have never encountered or considered before. To ensure you're fully engaged with the programme, the teachers not only work closely with us to design it but also have Headington School Portfolios, which help you really get involved with the material, through discussion and reflection.
How will you help me prepare for university?
The support is really good! We have Higher Education mentoring sessions and the chance to do mock interviews. There's support with university admissions tests, an annual Higher Education Evening, as well as Careers events, work experience and a day focusing on UCAS.
