Malvern St James Sixth Form

MSJ Sixth Form

Sixth Form at Malvern St James marks an exciting departure away from the Senior School. These two years, as you transition towards university and a life beyond school, are incredibly important. It is our job to expertly guide you, whilst allowing all our pupils the freedom and independence to flourish as individuals. Most importantly, we want all our Sixth Form pupils to thrive academically and socially.

The size of our Sixth Form means that we know each girl’s strengths and can offer her the individual attention she needs to fulfil her potential. Our team of dedicated tutors draws on a wealth of experience to ensure girls feel fully supported and guided throughout the UCAS process, whilst never failing to provide exceptional pastoral care. The majority of pupils achieve a place at their first-choice university, with bespoke preparation programmes well established for Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary Science and Law.

For girls considering alternative routes after their A Levels, we are pleased to support pupils applying for apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships, as well as girls planning their Gap Year.

AMBITION

From the beginning of Year 12, MSJ Sixth Formers are encouraged to aspire high. Pupils are stretched academically by virtue of our small classes and individual learning styles are celebrated. All Sixth Formers are encouraged to take an active role in the Young Academic Performers’ Platform where girls present on an issue about which they feel passionate and answer questions from the floor.

Our university preparation programme starts in earnest in Year 12 with all pupils attending the UCAS Convention in Newport. Here pupils are invited to interact with representatives from 100s of universities and ask questions to leading admissions experts. In the Spring Term, Oxbridge aspirants begin a bespoke extension programme which deepens their subject knowledge whilst nurturing confidence and building self-belief.

INDEPENDENCE

With the support of subject specialists, pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their own progress and enjoy developing key skills which will allow them to flourish at university and beyond. Our bright and homely Sixth Form Centre provides pupils with a variety of work spaces including comfortable private study rooms alongside airy communal work areas and a friendly sitting room.

The Extended Project Qualification allows girls to explore their own academic interest and is increasingly forming an important part of leading universities’ portfolio of offers to applicants. The CTH Leith’s Professional Cookery Course is another platform which allows girls to develop core life skills before university. Similarly, many pupils are actively involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which ensures they learn to be resilient and self-reliant. Lastly, the ability for pupils to board on a flexible basis is a fantastic way for girls to take the first tentative steps towards living away from home.

RESPONSIBILITY

All pupils in the Sixth Form are expected to serve the School community as role models and we offer broad leadership opportunities to those that can demonstrate commitment, initiative and motivation.

Our popular Sports Leaders Programme also trains girls to manage their time effectively whilst working to
develop the potential in others. Those with a bug for entrepreneurship can also lead through the Young
Enterprise Scheme whereby Sixth Formers serve as Managing Directors of their own companies. MSJ girls are encouraged to give back to the community through our Community Service programme which includes working with local food banks, care homes and an established connection with Malvern Special Families. A biannual trip to The Gambia sees pupils work together to raise money to fund and set up social and educational projects across communities in need.

What Subjects are taught at MSJ Sixth Form?

We offer a wide choice of A Level subjects where inspirational teaching and small classes enable girls to achieve outstanding results. Click the links below to download more information about your chosen subjects.

^{All courses are available subject to demand; a course may not run if there is insufficient demand.}

In the Sixth Form, self-study and independence of thought are essential to succeed at A Level. A more analytical and investigative approach in lessons creates a dynamic academic culture. This allows for lively classroom debate as pupils explore the subjects they love with confidence and autonomy.

Girls are encouraged to take either an Extended Project Qualification to allow for in-depth research into an area of their choice, or follow the CTH Leith’s Professional Cookery Course, providing a qualification recognised by Universities for its rigour and development of skills beyond the curriculum.

MSJ Sixth Form has a vibrant social programme of cultural trips and excursions which allows girls greater freedom and flexibility in their Sixth Form years.

FAQs

What is boarding like at MSJ Sixth Form?

Boarding in the Sixth Form is an unforgettable experience and the close bonds of friendship you make from boarding will last a lifetime.

The Sixth Form boarding experience in Poulton (Year 12 Boarding House) and Greenslade (Year 13 Boarding House) offers a warm, empowering and supportive environment, serving as a great transition between School and University life. Poulton is situated on the top floor of the Main Building and offers cosy twin and single rooms. Greenslade is just 5 minutes’ walk from School, giving the opportunity to become more independent in preparation for life beyond school. Greenslade is a ‘transition to university’ boarding house enabling Year 13 to experience what it is like to stay in university-style accommodation; all of Greenslade’s rooms are single.

Living in the Sixth Form teaches you all the life skills you need before beginning university, from doing your own laundry and cooking your own meals to learning how to share fridge space!

As a day pupil there are many opportunities to experience boarding life. All Sixth Form pupils are given three free boarding nights a term. In addition to this you are always welcome to stay if you have an early or late trip or activity.

Flexi-Boarders in the Sixth Form all have their own designated spaces in the Boarding Houses which are ideal spaces to work in during the day or just when you feel like some quiet time.

Do you offer Scholarships for Sixth Form Pupils?

What clubs and societies are on offer at MSJ?

What leadership opportunities are offered to Sixth Form Pupils?

Pupils in the Sixth Form have access to a stimulating selection of leadership opportunities through the Young Enterprise programme, Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh, Sports Leaders’ Award and the biannual Gambia Expedition.

Girls in the Sixth Form lead our four Ships in a variety of whole-school initiatives and serve as Subject and Wellbeing Ambassadors for girls throughout the school.

We have an elected Head Girl supported by a dedicated Prefect body. All Year 12 pupils are invited to apply to serve as a member of the Prefects’ Team, led by a Head Girl and two Deputies. Prefects serve as active figures in the School community and lead on a variety of school-wide initiatives. Newly appointed leaders follow a five-week Leadership Training Programme, led by the Head of Sixth Form, which introduces pupils to the key skills of communication, teamwork and coaching.

Is there an Enrichment Programme at MSJ Sixth Form?

Yes! Whether you’d like to try Photography, explore Mental Health or learn more about Graphic Design, there is something for everyone.

We welcome a variety of external speakers through our network of ‘Old Girls’ to present on various careers, areas of academic interest and wellbeing. ‘Somerville Suppers’ are held each half term and provide a forum for teachers and pupils to meet and discuss questions of academic interest including ‘What does it mean to rebel?’ and ‘How is it all going to end?’

In Year 12 we have a Community Service programme which allows pupils to dedicate time to establishing meaningful projects within the local community and experience something new.

Can I practise my faith whilst studying at MSJ?

MSJ provides a place of pastoral nurture and spiritual exploration regardless of whether a pupil has a commitment to any particular faith. The Chaplaincy is Christian-based, but it is also open and inclusive in approach. Girls of different nationalities, cultures and faiths live together in the Boarding Houses, study together in the classrooms and play together on the sports field and in social events.

An emphasis on each pupil’s holistic spiritual, moral, social, cultural and intellectual development is fostered through collective worship, discussion meetings, regular ‘Thought for the Week’ and Chaplaincy Papers as well as in the academic curriculum and co-curricular activities.

Collective worship underpins, reflects and strengthens the School’s ethos by encouraging pupils to:

Participate in the experience of worship
Deepen their sense of wonder about the world around them
Grow in empathetic understanding of the feelings of other people
Explore the language people use to express profound beliefs
Reflect on personal, community, national and global values
Develop a sense of corporate belonging and community spirit

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Looking Ahead to MSJ Sixth Form

At the end of each term, MSJ Sixth Form pupils write a newsletter which showcases the academic and co-curricular pursuits of our Year 12 and 13 pupils.

To read previous issues of Looking Ahead: MSJ Sixth Form Newsletter, head over to our Sixth Form News Area.

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Malvern St James Sixth Form

MSJ Sixth Form

MSJ Sixth Form

AMBITION

INDEPENDENCE

RESPONSIBILITY

FAQs

What is boarding like at MSJ Sixth Form?

Do you offer Scholarships for Sixth Form Pupils?

What clubs and societies are on offer at MSJ?

What leadership opportunities are offered to Sixth Form Pupils?

Is there an Enrichment Programme at MSJ Sixth Form?

Can I practise my faith whilst studying at MSJ?

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