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In our very first Stirred By The Sun: Mini Episode, we chat with Mrs Freeman and Ms De Mel about the evolution of post-16 education in the UK, and what it means for our students.
This snippet offers a glimpse into a wider conversation. You can read the episode overview below, and if it sparks your curiosity, be sure to check out the full episode about Sixth Form at RMS on Spotify.
How Has Sixth Form Education Changed?
Mrs Freeman, Head of Sixth Form, has been at the heart of RMS post-16 education for nearly two decades. She’s witnessed big curriculum shifts, including the move from modular AS/A2 levels to fully linear A-levels.
“We’ve seen the removal of a lot of coursework and the back-and-forth on BTECs from the government. In response, we’ve introduced courses like Leiths.”
But it’s not just the structure of qualifications that’s evolved.
“It’s no longer just about exam results. We’re focused on preparing students for the wider world—developing character, employability, and a sense of purpose.”
Preparing for Life Beyond School
Mrs Freeman recalled a pivotal moment that helped shape the Sixth Form’s employability focus:
“At a conference 10 years ago, employers said, ‘Don’t just teach subjects—teach employable skills.’ That’s what inspired our LEAD Programme.”
LEAD (Leadership, Employability, and Development) is now a core part of RMS Sixth Form, supported by alumnae, parents, and local industries who offer invaluable insight into what employers really look for.
An International Perspective
Ms De Mel, who joined RMS after teaching in Australia, highlighted the unique depth of the UK’s A-level system:
“In the UK, you get to specialise—really dive deep into your passions. It helps students become experts in their chosen fields before they even reach university.”
She also encouraged students to seek international experiences:
“Working abroad helps you learn from other cultures and bring those insights back home.”
Communication, Community & Coffee!
Some changes have been more local—and a little more playful.
When asked what they’d change about Sixth Form if they had a magic wand, answers ranged from the practical to the imaginative.
- Mrs Freeman joked: “I want a tannoy system in Hind House so I can stop relying on students reading emails!”
- Ms De Mel proposed a “well-being bouncy castle” behind Hind House—“you watch the news, get a bit sad, go have a bounce.”
- Sarisha appreciated the recent addition of news screens in the common room: “It’s helped me reconnect with current events.”
And then there’s Coffee and Chat—a student-led initiative that combines research, leadership, and open discussion. Topics have ranged from social justice to crochet.
“It really helped with conversational and leadership skills,” Sarisha shared.
Why Stay at RMS After Year 11?
For students approaching Sixth Form decisions, Year 13 students Aleesa and Sarisha had this to say:
Aleesa: “When people asked where I was going, I became a mini RMS brand ambassador! The continuity of teachers, the sense of community, and the opportunities we’ve had—those were the reasons I stayed.”
Sarisha: “It’s more than academics. The leadership and life skills we gain here make a huge difference.”
What came through loud and clear in the conversation is this: RMS Sixth Form is about more than just lessons. It’s about growing into confident, capable adults, who achieve academically, but also grow in empathy, creativity, and a strong sense of identity.
Listen to our first SBTS: Mini Episode below.