Head Students (ID 1113)

• Josh
  Head Student
  Josh

  I'm Josh and I'm one of the Head students at Tavistock College. I'm incredibly proud to be a part of our Sixth Form where I study Biology, Physics and Sport. Although both sciences are quite heavy and rigorous, the BTEC Sport course has enabled me to develop different skills and learning approaches both in the classroom and outside it.

  Sixth Form has taught me to be more disciplined, independent and confident. Using our ID passes to enter and exit the school to study outside the campus is a privilege that offers flexibility, giving us more choice of where we study. Not all schools offer its sixth formers this level of independence, so I am proud to say that it is a real positive coming here post GCSE's. Also, being able to leave the site helps develop organisational skills which are highly valued by employers.

  Choosing to study A-Levels or BTEC requires effective time management and an internal drive to work outside of lessons. Tavistock College offers great areas for self-study such as our own study room, equipped with computers and Chromebooks. This is a warm and friendly environment where students can help support and motivate each other. Another benefit of choosing to come to Sixth Form is the smaller class sizes, which allow for deeper and more engaging conversations in class, building a more collaborative relationship with teachers. The Sixth Form area, the ‘Octogan' is a place where students can relax and socialise, with the opportunity to play table tennis or sit on the benches outside with friends.

  Alongside my studies, I have represented the school in football matches, been part of the 45-mile Ten Tors team - one of the many activities that is available here - and had the opportunity to go on school trips to New York, Italy and Spain. Tutors and the sixth form team are always organising regular trips to careers events, getting guest speakers in to talk about opportunities post A-Level, plus individual careers advice meetings, which are all really useful when choosing next steps. The buddy system, led by Yr12 and 13, has a sixth former pairing up with a year 7 student, spending time with them and supporting them, whether it's with the transition into secondary school or discussing friendship problems. This can make a huge difference to those starting their secondary journey, whilst helping sixth formers to develop soft skills such as leadership and active listening by acting as role models - which are valuable skills employers look for.

  As head student, I play a role in promoting mental health awareness alongside the wider sixth form leadership team, getting involved with the whole school to benefit our College and make it an even more welcoming and friendly place. When I was in the lower school, I found public speaking challenging, but this role has allowed me to grow in confidence through speaking in assemblies and open evenings, expanding my soft skills in many ways.

  The extensive support and care from teachers and tutors is the reason that Tavistock College Sixth Form is such an amazing and enriching experience. Reflecting on my whole time here I can confidently say that it was absolutely the right decision for me.

• Daisy
  Head Student
  Daisy

  My name is Daisy. As one of the head students at Tavistock College, I can answer this question honestly, based on my lived experience here for the past six years. As I start to think about leaving at the end of Y13, I can truly appreciate the journey. Being a Tavistock student has shaped me and given me a strong sense of connection that I will never forget. 

  My decision to continue my study here in sixth form was owing to the strong relationships I had already laid down: with staff who had stood by me throughout my GCSEs and friends who had shared the ups and downs. I couldn’t bear to say goodbye. I knew they would stand by me during A levels too. The class sizes, timetabling and excellent track record for results also convinced me I was in safe hands.

  I am studying A-level biology, chemistry and history. These subjects were especially challenging in the beginning of my sixth form experience. However, the sixth form’s approach to independent study has really helped me improve my study habits. Allocated study rooms and access to wider reading resources has helped me step up and improve in my subjects. I won’t lie, it has been hard at times and I have had disappointments but staff do not give up on you. If I ask for help, I know I will get it.

  The College also encourages involvement in extracurricular subjects that help to build up students’ abilities outside of the classroom. Currently, I am involved in rehearsals for a new school production, ‘Six - the musical’. (Playing the role of Catherine of Aragon is a dream come true!) I love that I have the chance to develop my talents beyond timetabled lessons and it helps to balance the seriousness of coursework and exams. Sixth formers also have the opportunity to get involved in mentoring younger students and organising whole school fundraisers.

  Sixth form at Tavistock College has also offered me a range of super-curricular opportunities to benefit my plans for the future. These have included organised workshops in Derriford Hospital,  trips to Plymouth University’s chemistry labs, work experience placements, careers fairs and talks with large local employers. Such experiences have created a deeper understanding of my subjects and helped me feel ready for higher education. 

  This is what is unique to our sixth form: constant encouragement to achieve and explore different pathways - with the best support; with teachers and friends I know I can trust. I will be sorry to leave but I am confident for what comes next because sixth form at Tavistock has given me the best launch I could possibly have had.