We are committed to providing an inspiring educational environment which is rich in opportunity, and is sufficiently flexible to recognise and support the wide-ranging strengths, talents and interests of individual students.
We value self-belief, critical thinking and research skills in students to become successful independent learners. Each student is encouraged to write their own story, whilst also developing an awareness that encourages our young learners to discover the world around them.
The A Level course builds on the enhanced learning skills acquired during the GCSE course. Students will develop critical-thinking skills under the guidance of expert teachers in their chosen fields. Intellectual curiosity is encouraged in a collaborative enquiry-based setting. Our young adults challenge the accepted norms, and develop informed opinions future-proofing them for the world beyond Pipers.
Sixth Form students are actively encouraged to push the boundaries of the curriculum through academic rigour and dedication to developing and expanding their interest in their chosen field as they strive to fulfil their academic potential and to develop confidence to shape their own futures.
Some girls join the Sixth Form specifically for the art, where exhibition work is regularly compared (by visiting professionals) to first or second year university work.
Good Schools Guide
The Pipers Difference
The tutor team at Pipers will support and encourage each and every student to achieve their true potential. Tutor groups are small, approximately 8-10 students, and meet daily so there are regular opportunities to discuss pastoral matters or academic progression. Twice a week, students will have extended Tutor time, to provide additional time to explore topics covered under our Enrichment programme such as Study Skills and UCAS or vocational applications.
Sixth Form students have approximately 10 study periods a week, an opportunity for independent study, during these sessions they can build upon classroom teaching in the Sixth Form Centre or the Senior Library. They also have access to a suite of laptops.
Learning at A Level
Entering Sixth Form opens a whole new world of educational opportunities as students delve deeper into their A Level subjects. The style of learning is very different from the GCSE programme, students investigate in greater depth an even wider-academic curriculum. They understand the rewards available to them as they take even more intellectual risks. They are taught to value their own sense of self-worth as they challenge themselves in this high-achieving learning environment. Our students are supported by dynamic, passionate and inspirational teachers who fuel them with a thirst for learning.
It is an exciting time to focus on what truly enthrals and engages each individual, and to develop essential independent learning skills in preparation for Higher Education or the world of work.
Academic Enrichment
To supplement the core chosen subjects, students can opt to undertake the following, in order to enhance their appeal to future employers and workplace settings:
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) often takes the form of an extended essay and relies on a lot of independent work. More details can be found in the Sixth Form Course guide.
Core Mathematics is a useful booster for subjects such as Psychology, the Sciences and Geography. Building on learning from the GCSE course, it is a useful option for all students as it prepares them to be confident using Maths in their studies, careers and lives beyond Pipers.
Entering Sixth Form opens a whole new world of educational opportunities as students begin to delve deeper into their chosen subjects. The style of learning is very different from Key Stages 3 and 4, students are encouraged to investigate in greater depth an even wider-academic curriculum, in order to aspire to achieve the top grades. It is an exciting time to focus on what truly enthrals and engages each individual, and to develop essential independent learning skills in preparation for Higher Education or the world of work.
Further Maths is taken alongside A Level Mathematics. It extends and complements the topics covered in the ordinary A Level, and introduces some interesting ideas and areas of Mathematics.
For the full list of subjects we offer, how they are assessed and their GCSE requirements please see our Sixth Form Course guide.
Sixth Form Enrichment Programme
In addition to supporting students towards A Level examinations and coursework, Pipers offers an exhaustive enrichment programme that covers the following themes:
- Mindsets - development of the characteristics to be effective independent learners such as time management and organisation skills
- Life Skills - personal finance, budgeting, CV development and networking workshops
- Personal health and well-being - alcohol and drug awareness, first aid and mental health and well-being.
- Future options - guidance on future careers routes including higher education applications, apprenticeships and alternatives to university
Alongside these academic boosters, students can enrich their academic experience through our wide range of extra curricular activities, a number of which account for additional UCAS points. For example, we offer the Arts Award where girls explore their chosen art and organise a public event. Additionally, Vets and Medics club supports university applications for medicine, veterinary medicine or relevant sciences.
