Kirk Hallam
Sixth Form

Enrichment

Whilst academic success is clearly a very important part of Sixth Form life, it is not the only thing we are concerned with. We also provide valuable opportunities to help develop a student’s character, interests, abilities and aptitudes through activities designed to enrich the curriculum with the aim of helping individuals to realise their potential.

Students are encouraged to get fully involved with voluntary work, in and outside the Academy, residential opportunities, fieldwork trips, specialist workshops, drama productions, educational visits, student mentoring programmes, work experience, etc. Learning for Life lessons are a compulsory part of your study programme here at Kirk Hallam.

Student Union

The Student Union plays an crusial role in our Sixth Form and their moto 'By the Students for the students' is key to their success. 

Elected by their peers, teachers and the Academy Leadership Team, Student Union members provide the student body with an organised voice. The Union meets regularly to address issues, organise social events and feedback concerns to the Head  of Sixth Form.

In the past, the Student Union has worked closely with the catering manager to improve the lunchtime food provision, been instrumental in the re-introduction of a drinks vending machine, a dedicated Sixth Form Cafe and modified the Sixth Form dress code.

Social

Making new friends and feeling part of the Sixth Form is important. We operate vertical tutor groups to support cohesion and to develop the sense of community. 

Social events take place in both Yr12 and Yr13 and we encourage the involvement of the Student Union.

Students are able to use the school Sports Hall, Fitness Suite, Tennis Courts and Artificial Grass Pitches and they are encouraged to form sports teams.

The Student Cafe and social space is available through out the day for coffee, and other hot and cold drinks and snacks. Breakfast options are served from 8.15am -11.20am and lunch options are served from 12.30-2pm. The space can also be used as a joint work and social space. There is also outdoor seating available for dry weather. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you will find some commonly asked questions about Kirk Hallam Sixth Form. If you have a question about us and don’t see the answer here please contact us and we promise to get back to you as soon as we can.

I’m in Year 11 at a different school, can I apply to join Kirk Hallam Sixth Form?

We are delighted to accept applications from anyone who is serious about wanting to do their very best at A-level. We encourage applications from students from other schools because everyone benefits from meeting new friends and having new people to work alongside.

How do I get to Kirk Hallam Sixth Form?

Some will choose to use the existing school buses. Alternatively, for those who live too far away to walk or cycle we are on a number of different bus routes with regular services – e.g. Black Cat, Ilkeston Flyer, 21, 23. Older students are able to use their cars or motorbikes.

Do Kirk Hallam Sixth Formers have to wear uniform?

No. All we ask is that our students dress appropriately for a place of work. Clothes should be clean, tidy and should not be distracting to others.

Do you have to pay to go to Sixth Form?

No. Sixth Form education is free of charge.

Does the Sixth Form do night classes or any part-time courses?

No. We offer full-time A-level courses in school hours to students who are between 16 and 18. We do offer the Extended Project and Duke of Edinburgh Award in addition to A-Levels.

Is food available?

Yes. Food is served in the dedicated Sixth Form Cafe. A selection of sweet and savory snacks are served throughout the day. Breakfast options are available from 8.15am-11.20am. Lunch options are served from 12.30pm-2pm. A selection of specialty hot and iced Coffees and tea as well cold drinks are avialable throughout the day. 

Is it possible to get an apprenticeship after Sixth Form? I don’t want to go to university.

Yes. Not everyone wants to go to university when they finish their A-levels. Some people go straight into work and others into an apprenticeship. A-levels are valued by employers and trainers just as much as they are by universities so even if you have decided at an early age that university isn’t for you (and remember, you might change your mind) it would be foolish not to consider A-levels if you have the ability to succeed with them.

Can you get to the ‘best’ universities from Sixth Form?

Yes. Many of our students have gained places at the top universities in the country, including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham etc.

Can you get money for studying at the Sixth Form?

Students from families below an income of £30,000 can apply for the discretionary bursary which can provide help with expenses for their studies. The bursary policy for 2023–2024 can be found here and applications are made online by scanning the QR code in the policy. Proof of household income will have to be supplied.

Is it possible to have a part-time job and still go to Sixth Form?

Yes, but the emphasis has to be on the ‘part-time’. Our students are full-time and so any employment has to be in the evening or at the weekend and we recommend just one evening a week and one day at the weekend as the maximum you should take on. A-levels demand a lot of your time!

What are class sizes like?

Around 15 is the average class size.

Is there homework?

Oh yes! A-levels are much harder than GCSEs and a big difference is the amount of independent study they require. You are expected to do homework as this is a very important part of your learning but you are also expected to do your own reading about your subject, even when formal homework hasn’t been set. Notes made in class should also be reviewed regularly.

Does everyone who fills in an application form get in?

No. We only offer Level 3 A-level and vocational courses (and re-sit GCSE maths or English Language) and A-levels and Level 3 vocational courses are not the way forward for everyone. We will look at your projected GCSE grades, your references and how you come across at interview and make a decision about whether or not to offer you a place. All offers are on the condition that the necessary grades are gained at GCSE and some offers require a student to undergo a ‘trial’ period to see how well they cope with the demands of A-level study. Our standard offer is 5 GCSEs at grade 5 and above and a grade 6 in the subjects (or similar subjects if not studied at GCSE) you wish to study.

What happens if I do not achieve my predicted grades or meet my conditional offer?

We always look at students on an individual  student by student basic. If you don't achieve the grades you were hoping for please still come and see us to discuss your options. 

How many subjects should I take?

Most Year 12 students are required to choose 3 A-level subjects or a combinations of A Levels and Level 3 vocational courses and some also choose to study 4 — we will discuss this with you.

Do I have to attend every day?

Yes. You will have a personal tutor who will help you settle in to Sixth Form life and who will be there for you every morning to offer support, guidance and encouragement. The relationship you build with your tutor is such an important part of our support and guidance system that attendance to the daily tutor period is compulsory.

There is a clear link between attendance and success so we require our students to aim for 100% attendance to all of their lessons. Of course there are times when absence is unavoidable but we expect our students to demonstrate they are serious about their studies by keeping absences to an absolute minimum.

Do you get any free periods?

Yes, but we prefer to call them independent study periods. You are expected to attend all of your timetabled sessions but we also expect you to make productive use of your study periods. We have private study facilities and up to date ICT systems with fast, free, wireless broadband.

Can you bring your car on site?

If you’ve passed your test and you take it away with you at the end of the working day, yes! All drivers must, of course, drive considerately and park only in designated spaces.

Can you guarantee I will be able to do all of the subjects I want to?

A big advantage of being a relatively small sixth form is the high level of individual support we are able to offer our students. However, a disadvantage of our size is that sometimes a student’s first choice combination of subjects doesn’t fit in the timetable. We will always do our best to make sure that everyone is able to study the subjects they want to but a few may find that they need to choose an alternative 4th choice subject because their original clashes with one of their other choices. (A ‘clash’ is where two subjects are being taught throughout the week at the same times in the timetable.) Only very rarely are we unable to find a solution the student is happy with.