Minerva Learning Trust
1st November 2016

Post 16 Evening

Clare Tasker, Headteacher

Blog 3 - Post 16 Evening

Last Tuesday was our post 16 Evening ... and it was busy! Mrs Bonner and I spoke to over 700 parents, carers and students in the hall over the course of the evening and many of the subject talks were packed in each of the five sessions! I must also mention that Summer (our Herd of Sheffield elephant) was in the hall to welcome everyone! A huge thank you to everyone who donated to the cause and, of course, the wonderful Mr and Mrs Prince whose generosity ensured that she came home. 


I really hope that students and parents got a flavour of the High Storrs Sixth Form. It has been judged 'outstanding' in Ofsted inspection (including 2013 and 2010) and scored an ALPs 'excellent rating' in recognition of the value added to students' learning and achievement. Simply put, teaching and support enables High Storrs sixth formers to achieve excellent grades and gives them choices post 18.

In my speech to parents, carers and students I shared feedback from recent Y12 student voice. Here are some of our current Y12s thoughts on HSS Sixth Form,

  • I chose High Storrs Sixth Form as it is ranked amongst the best in Sheffield. 
  • The enrolment process went smoothly. 
  • I think I have settled in well - all of the students I have spoken to have been kind and the teachers have been helpful too. 
  • I enjoy the subjects I am taking. There are great resources here, especially for science related courses.
  • I’ve settled into High Storrs sixth form life very well – I feel like I’ve made the transition from XXX very smoothly. 
  • I was attracted by the courses offered, especially Theatre studies and the Drama team. 
  • I was attracted to High Storrs Sixth form because of the quality of teaching and I am extremely happy now I’m here.
  • The facilities are good, especially places to study.
  • I enjoy the way subjects are taught.
  • I feel very comfortable in Sixth Form. 
  • The facilities are very good. 
  • I am happy and my teachers are very helpful. 
  • I have made new friends.

There are a number of other Sixth Form Open Evenings over the coming weeks and it is important for students and families to look around and make an informed choice. It is a bewildering time in education at the moment ... grades are becoming numbers, GCSE and A Level specifications are changing and all exams will once again be linear (i.e. taken at the end of the course with no modules and little or no coursework). Our High Storrs wisdom is to see A Levels as two year courses. Make your choice of 4 or 3 at the start and immerse yourself for two years in those courses. Taking AS exams at the end of Y12 in every subject is a distraction ... and I am certain all our students could do without another summer timetable of multiple external exams at the end of Y12. 

As a final note, if you were unable to join us on Tuesday 1st November and would like to find out more about joining our Sixth Form and our fabulous facilities please do get in touch.