What opportunities are available to Sixth Form Academic Scholars?

Academic Scholars in the Sixth Form are part of Colloquium, a programme designed to foster intellectual stretch and academic independence. In the Lower Sixth, Scholars meet every other week on a Wednesday evening. They are encouraged to read critically and analytically, presenting their thoughts to peers on their material and thus learning to develop those skills and responses that will be so critical in competitive university interviews. In addition, they attend talks from selected members of staff which encourage them to think beyond their subjects and make connections. In the Upper Sixth, each Scholar prepares and delivers a twenty-minute presentation on an aspect of their academic specialism, before fielding questions from their peers — a challenge that builds both confidence and clarity of expression.

Alongside their A-level choices, Lower Sixth Form pupils may opt for an ab initio language, an EPQ or Quadrivium, our bespoke course in which staff are given carte blanche to offer more specialised courses in both STEM and the Liberal Arts which stimulate thought, further research and complement pupils’ university applications very nicely.

Each academic department has its own society, offering regular evening talks from distinguished visiting speakers, something that is only really possible under a full-boarding model.  Scholars are often active in these societies and frequently take up the challenge of the internal Oundle Science and Liberal Arts essay prizes as a trial run before the various Oxbridge college essay prizes are launched.

Above all, Scholars are encouraged to think deeply, explore widely and develop a confident, reflective approach to learning that prepares them well for thriving at university and beyond. Find out more about how we nurture our Academic Scholars here.