Academic: University Preparation     The Sixth form at the College provides an excellent environment where students are actively encouraged to be aspirational when it comes to university choices. Pupils win places at well-respected universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, Durham and the Russell Group universities, and boys and girls usually receive an offer from their first-choice institution.   The learning environment in the Lower 6th and Upper 6th is mature: students are expected to use their time wisely and engage in activities which will enrich their chosen courses of study, not just at the College, but for life beyond. To this end, the school recognises the need for academic tutors of 6th form pupils to be well-informed of the university application process. The all important UCAS application is overseen by the Head of Sixth Form who ensures that the students’ academic tutors and teaching staff are trained to provide those in their care with salient information. Tutees are encouraged to aim high when it comes to university choices and are offered informed advice on how they might attain their goals.   The Sixth Form Centre is a dedicated area where students receive excellent one-to-one guidance on a regular basis concerning possible courses as well as universities. In line with student academic expectations, the Head of Sixth Form discusses career and course options and this information is then filtered back to tutors where discussions take place concerning the UCAS application process.   This process starts in the Lower 6th where tutors offer advice about continuing A level courses and will use time to remind their tutees of the forthcoming application requirements which start in earnest in September of the Upper Sixth. The Lower 6th Education morning in the Lent term helps students understand the demands of University life and assists them in the crucially important process of writing the “Personal Statement” which begins at the end of the Lower 6th. Girls and boys receive excellent guidance and timely advice from subject staff as well as their tutors about details to include and approaching deadlines. Personal statements are thoroughly checked in the first instance by the student’s tutor and then by the Head of Sixth Form before they are submitted. A UCAS Application Day is also offered in the closing weeks of the Lower 6th where students receive first hand advice and practical help on how to construct the personal statement on their return.   With personal statements in mind, students are encouraged to offer universities not just their academic successes as a benchmark of their achievements at Denstone. The significant wealth of extra-curricular activities available during their life at the College is also presented in their application. It is pleasing to see that so many Denstonians can proudly write about their extra curricular successes, including sports, music, drama, and CCF, World Challenge, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. It is this description of a well-rounded individual that often leads to our students receiving an offer from the university of choice.