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Want to know what it’s really like in the Sixth Form at RMS for Girls? We sat down with Mr. Carson, Headteacher, Head Pupils Sarisha and Aleesa, and the Sixth Form leadership team—Mrs. Freeman, Head of Sixth Form, and Ms. De Mel, Assistant Head of Sixth Form—to find out.
Here’s what they had to say about this unique and enriching experience, from diverse academic opportunities to life beyond the classroom.
No Two Days Are the Same
According to Mrs. Freeman, no two days in the Sixth Form are ever the same. From big-picture strategy meetings to hands-on guidance for students, her role is incredibly varied. Ms. De Mel agrees, describing her job as equally diverse, including everything from interviewing prospective students to working on exciting projects, like the collaboration with Merchant Taylors.
A Curriculum Beyond the Classroom
What truly sets RMS Sixth Form apart is the breadth of the curriculum. Mrs. Freeman highlights the importance of preparing students not just for exams but for life beyond school. The RMS Edge program is designed to equip students with essential life skills and offer opportunities for deeper academic exploration. Ms. De Mel also emphasises the thriving culture of academic passion, where students are encouraged to follow their interests and passions.
What Our Students Think: Sarisha and Aleesa Share Their Perspectives
Sarisha and Aleesa, the Head Pupils, shared their own experiences of life in the Sixth Form. Sarisha was particularly struck by the strong sense of community between Year 12 and Year 13, saying, “It’s been even more fun than I expected, and the camaraderie has been incredible.” Aleesa echoed this, noting how the school prepares students for the year ahead, helping them feel confident and ready for what’s to come.
A Personalized Approach to Learning
RMS Sixth Form offers a truly personalised curriculum. Sarisha, who studies a challenging combination of maths, further maths, physics, and chemistry, enjoys the opportunity to explore subjects outside her main focus, like AI and icebergs. Aleesa also found a great deal of support in adjusting her subject choices and balancing academics with extracurricular activities like rock climbing and Creative Minds.
The Futures Zone: Bridging School and Work
A standout feature of RMS Sixth Form is the Futures Zone, which connects students with industry professionals. Mrs. Freeman explains that the Futures Zone offers a unique opportunity for students to explore different careers, gain real-world insights, and make connections with people from a variety of industries. This initiative plays a key role in preparing students for life after school.
Challenges and Rewards in Sixth Form Leadership
The leadership team spoke candidly about the challenges of working with older students. Ms. De Mel noted the difficulty in shifting from a more directive role with younger students to one that fosters independence and leadership among Sixth Formers. Sarisha and Aleesa also reflected on their leadership roles as Head Pupils, sharing the challenges of balancing friendship with responsibility and learning how to lead meetings in a professional way.
The Evolving Landscape of Sixth Form Education
Mrs. Freeman reflected on how Sixth Form education has evolved over the years, with changes to A-level specifications, the removal of coursework, and a greater focus on preparing students for the wider world. Both she and Mr. Carson agreed that the focus has shifted from simply exam results to ensuring students are well-prepared for life beyond school.
Why Choose RMS Sixth Form?
When asked why prospective students should consider staying on at RMS for Sixth Form, Aleesa enthusiastically shared, “The sense of community here is unmatched. You build strong relationships with your teachers and peers, and the opportunities available are vast, both inside and outside the classroom.” Sarisha echoed this, noting the emphasis on preparing for the future, whether through leadership development or practical experiences like the Coffee and Chat sessions.
For more details, listen to the full interview with Mr. Carson, Sarisha, Aleesa, Mrs. Freeman, and Ms. De Mel on our Spotify podcast or listen/click below.