Sixth Form Pastoral Care
The Sixth Form experience at The King Alfred School has all the benefits of a school, with the freedom, rights and responsibilities of a college.
Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. We believe students can only thrive academically when they feel safe, happy and part of a welcoming community. Our priority is ensuring every student feels they belong, so they can focus fully on their studies and personal growth.
Alongside a wide range of A level and Level 3 subjects we offer a comprehensive pastoral care system that is flexible and adaptable to all of our students’ social and emotional needs.
We strive to give our Sixth Formers every opportunity to maximise their enjoyment of learning for its own sake. Our extensive Enrichment programme and co-curricular offer help students to develop as independent young adults who are confident in their achievements and clear about their future direction.
Personal tutor
Every student has a personal tutor who they see daily during Registration time and at weekly one-to-one tutorial sessions.
Pastoral team
Sixth Form tutors are fully supported by the wider pastoral team, including our Director of Sixth Form, UCAS and HE Adviser, PSHE team, Learning Support team, Library Services, School Counsellor, Assistant Head (Pastoral) and the Head.
Maximising potential
We help every student in our care realise their full potential. Our approach encourages critical thinking, independent study, experimentation, exploration and extensive reading. These are precisely the qualities that we know university lecturers and admissions tutors are looking for.
Mutual respect
Mutual respect is a core value throughout our school, including the Sixth Form. A lack of petty regulations and a respectful informality (typified by the absence of uniform and use of first names between students and staff) remove barriers and create the conditions for a mutually beneficial dialogue. Every child is seen, known and understood for who they are and all they can be, which enables us to anticipate and respond to student needs.
Feedback and Ideas
Feedback and ideas from Sixth Formers are actively encouraged and are frequently the drivers of new initiatives and change within the school. Whether adding to the Enrichment programme, participating in our many extra-curricular activities, or assisting in the refinement of our UCAS and Careers programme, there are opportunities for genuinely active involvement and the chance to make a real difference.
