16 – 19 Study Programme

At Hitchin Girls’ School, it is our goal that all students who enter the Sixth Form do so from an informed viewpoint. Through a careful selection process involving a preliminary interview, the Open Evening, and a more detailed one-to-one interview, students have a study programme shaped around their attainment to date (based on predicted grades initially, but refined in light of achieved GCSE grades before commencing the Sixth Form), and their education and career goals.
The programme of study in the Sixth Form at Hitchin Girls’ School is designed to provide all students with a structured and challenging individualised learning programme, which supports their development and academic progress in line with their future career plans.
All students are expected to study three full A Level courses and/or applied and vocational qualifications. We also offer an Extended Project Qualification, Core Maths and Sports Leaders to all of our students to supplement their studies.
Study programmes are focused on progression to the next level, whether in the form of traineeship, apprenticeship, Higher Education or employment. University visits, outreach visits, workshops, speakers, Unifrog and a careers fair are available to help students choose their pathway post-18. We have Careers Advisors on hand for one-to-one interviews. Students will also have one-to-one meetings with their tutors to discuss their options.
We have a detailed enrichment programme which is delivered in fortnightly lessons and assemblies. These focus on a range of themes, starting in Year 12 with study skills, core personal development topics, preparing for post-18 options, careers support and financial management. This is also supported by a form programme that complements the fortnightly lessons and assemblies.
Students in Year 12 are encouraged to actively seek work experience placements, volunteer locally as part of their ambassador role and work with their chosen departments as Learning Champions.
Students’ personal development is further supported through opportunities for leadership and responsibilities within the school, as well as the wider community. Students are actively encouraged to take on senior student roles.
We do not have a formal work experience week - instead we encourage students to organise work experience in the school holidays or through regular volunteering during study periods/evenings/weekends. If a student is unable to arrange work experience outside of their normal school lesson they need to discuss this with the Head of Sixth Form.