Academic Departments

Sixth Form Options

Sutton Valence School offers a broad, flexible menu of AS and A Levels. Students are expected to choose four subjects in their first year after GCSE and then most will reduce this to three after taking their AS levels at the end of the Lower Sixth.

At Sutton Valence we regularly monitor all our students so that they are kept fully informed of their progress.  We believe that constant feedback is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that all the students give of their best, so students are graded twice every term.

Parents and students are also kept in the picture by the use of reports and Parents' Evenings which are timed to coincide with the release of modular exam results and the application of students to higher education.  We are deliberately a smaller school to enable us to get to know our students very well and to foster a productive partnership between teacher, student and parents.

Almost all Sixth Formers go on to some form of higher education, many to Russell Group universities and one or two to Oxbridge. The Lower Sixth year is the best time to explore  possibilities, for both careers and for degree courses and diplomas.  All students have open access to the Careers Library where all the prospectuses are available for consultation.

Throughout the Lower Sixth members of the Careers Department are available for advice and information.  All facilities from prospectuses to computerised careers programmes are available.  In addition, various interest guide tests are used to stimulate ideas and identify hidden talents. Visits are arranged to university open days to give some idea of the range of courses and facilities on offer.  A number of Sixth Formers go on short courses for specific career interest, e.g. Law and Medicine.

The Careers Department spends much of the autumn term in the Upper Sixth advising and finalising applications to higher education.  An early application is essential!  To that end we aim to have applications made by the end of October of the Upper Sixth. It is our belief that students should take a different perspective on school-life once they are in the Sixth Form.  No longer school children, now young adults, it is important that Sixth Formers feel that they have greater freedom and powers of decision-making.  As such, we believe the Sixth Form should take responsibility for leading their community, arranging their own events and activities and making the most of the warm, collegiate atmosphere at Sutton Valence School.

The Sixth Form experience at Sutton Valence is a varied and fulfilling one, which we would like to share with you.  Please contact our Admissions Officer, Mrs Kathy Webster for more detailed information on the curriculum or to arrange a visit.  Our prospectus and Sixth Form leaflet is available from the School Office.

Sixth Form Options booklet

Westminster Scholarship:

Students wishing to join the Sixth Form who are expected to gain five GCSE passes at grade A* are eligible to apply for a scholarship of up to 20% off the day or boarding fee (any further financial assistance may be available through means-tested bursary).  The student must be able to demonstrate that they are able, well motivated and can contribute to the full life of the School.

Other Sixth Form Scholarships:

Art, Design and Technology and Music Scholarships - candidates will be expected to come to School to work with the relevant Head of Department.  A satisfactory level in the the appropriate academic examinations will also be expected.

Sport Scholarships - the awarding of a scholarship will depend upon a proven record of oustanding ability at team sports, with the potential to represent at county level in at least one major sport.  Candidates must be recommended by their current school o,r when agreed, their club and must also reach a respectable level of achievement in the appropriate academic examinations.

Drama Scholarships - Scholarships will be awarded after an audition, interview and presentation of work prescribed by the Head of Drama.  Scholars are expected to take AS Level in Theatre Studies as part of their award.

For more information please contact Mrs Kathy Webster, 01622 845206

Sutton Valence School,
Maidstone, Kent ME17 3HL
Tel: 01622 845200
Fax: 01622 844103
enquiries@svs.org.uk

Sutton Valence Preparatory School, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3RF
Tel: 01622 842117
Fax: 01622 844201
enquiries@svprep.svs.org.uk