Purbeck’s sixth form has been a wonderful bridge between my school years and my next steps. It has been easier for me as I’ve been a part of the school since year 7 and made many friends, especially in sixth form where I have made some lifelong friends that have brought new memories. Most of my school years I was known for being polite and quite shy but throughout my time in the sixth form I have had the chance to grow into a more confident person.

The teachers are very supportive, always ready to help us not only academically but also personally. The Sixth Form Centre is a lively, welcoming space where we all feel comfortable, whether we’re studying or socialising. It’s a place full of positivity and encouragement, where we each are treated as young adults with dreams and goals.

As a sixth former, I know that it’s a big transition from Year 11, but Purbeck’s community makes it feel manageable. We have smaller classes, which allows us to build a closer connection to the teacher and classmates, which means you can open up more to them if you are ever struggling or need support. You also have lots of support all throughout sixth form, from people like Mr Waterman (manager of sixth form) who is always around the sixth form centre ready to help you or even to just have a chat. The sixth form head of years, Mr Smith and Mr Clay and Mr Holmes, the head of sixth form, are also people you can interact with and see, often leading fun assemblies. The sixth form offers a range of experiences for everyone: from study periods that help us develop independence, leadership roles and many fun, exciting enrichment activities. There is something for everyone.

Purbeck’s Sixth Form helps us grow, acknowledging our potential and helps to prepare us to confidently move forward with the next step in our lives.

Transitioning from lower school into sixth form can be overwhelming and stressful which means it's fundamental to have a support system in place to ease the adjustment. The Purbeck School offers assistance at every point during your sixth form journey whether that's your specific subject teachers taking time out of their day to help with something you're stuck on, or being able to talk to your tutors regarding managing stress. The relationships built with teachers and other students are based off of a more personal level than in lower school. This means that everything is tailored to your individual needs such as teaching methods and how you spend your time in your study periods. My experiences at The Purbeck School sixth form have helped to build my confidence both externally and internally due to the immense support from my peers and the staff here. I am now more comfortable with approaching people when I'm struggling, which is a general feeling amongst all students here.   

Joining Purbeck’s sixth form as a previous secondary student at this school made me feel apprehensive; I understood that the jump from GCSEs to A Levels would be significant. Luckily, the transition came to be smooth and comfortable to adjust to. Whilst our sixth form strives for us to develop our own independence, it does not neglect the motivational support that is always at hand, and I feel there is a true sense of community I am part of here. 

I am proud to be a student at Purbeck’s sixth form, the enriching activities handed to us are filled with numerous opportunities for both personal and academic “growth”. The supportive environment encourages students to aspire to excellence and develop perseverance. With the wide range of subject choices and extracurricular activities, students can explore their academic interests on a deeper level, preparing for their future careers. The dedicated teaching staff provide personalised guidance and support, ensuring that all students achieve their full potential. The sense of community among our sixth form fosters a positive and motivational atmosphere, making my own, and others' experience, truly exceptional. 

As a sixth former, you should expect to build relationships and connections you will value forever, learning to grow and become young adults who are ready to cross the bridge to further education. 

The transition from lower school to sixth form can be both daunting and exciting, as it is the start of a whole new chapter in a student's life. Here at The Purbeck Sixth Form, you will feel welcomed by everyone and be provided with any additional support you may need throughout your journey. From personal experience, I was amazed by how smooth the transition was. All teachers understand that it is a significant step up from Year 11, which is important as it means that students feel comfortable talking about what’s on their mind, whether it’s academic struggles or just sixth form life in general. 

Teachers with expertise in their respective subjects combined with smaller classes provide a fantastic working environment. This also means that teachers will know you personally, meaning that students can create good relationships with them and their classmates. The Sixth Form Centre is a designated area for Year 12s and 13s, where everyone can go to study and, during breaktime and lunchtime, socialise. There is also a variety of enrichment opportunities on offer, and there is the option to apply to become a member of the leadership team in the second year as well. 

The chance to study independently in study periods provides key skills which students will use in the future, and whatever that future is, The Purbeck Sixth Form will guide you on your way there. During your time here, you will be treated like an adult, and the aim is that you grow to be able to cross that metaphorical bridge into the next steps of your life.