Student life
We prioritize the emotional and mental health of our students, supporting them in developing genuine connections and positive relationships with their peers.
The Moonstone Academy Sixth Form features a welcoming and accessible team of staff focused on providing strong pastoral support.
Students are assigned to a Form Group upon arrival, where they have regular interactions with their Form Tutor, who oversees their academic and social development. Heads of Year work closely with students to ensure their needs are met, and for those requiring additional assistance, we offer mentoring, access to a School Counsellor, careers guidance, and connections to external support services such as Connexions. Additionally, the Whisper system allows students to raise concerns confidentially and anonymously, ensuring their voice is heard.
The shift from Year 11 to Year 12 was smooth and manageable, thanks to the continuous support we received throughout Year 12.
Students are encouraged to cultivate a sense of responsibility towards their peers. The House System is central to this, offering opportunities for students to connect across year groups, as well as to support and mentor younger students.
At the core of Sixth Form life is the common room, which features a computer lab, notice boards, and a large cafeteria. This space serves as a place for both focused collaboration and social interaction. Each student is assigned their own locker, with full access to the school’s other facilities, including computer rooms, libraries, music spaces, and sports amenities.
Programme of study
We offer a diverse and expansive curriculum across the Sciences, Humanities, Languages, and Arts, designed to equip students with essential skills for further academic and professional success. The focus is not just on meeting A Level specifications, but on encouraging students to explore beyond the syllabus, honing their abilities to independently research, assess, and critically analyse information.
At Moonstone Academy Sixth Form, a substantial portion of the timetable is dedicated to independent study. Students are empowered to take responsibility for their own learning, using their non-contact hours to develop time management skills that will serve them in both their studies and future careers. They become proficient in task prioritisation, ensuring high-quality completion of assignments while managing their workload effectively.
All students in Year 12 study four subjects, with most opting to specialise in three subjects during Year 13. We are confident that those who meet the entrance requirements for Moonstone Academy Sixth Form will thrive under the demands of four subjects in their first year, benefitting from a wider academic experience that broadens their knowledge base and prepares them for further study.
Studying Russian at Moonstone Academy has been a unique experience, providing me with the chance to not only master the language but also to explore the rich culture and history of one of the most fascinating countries in the world.
Taking four subjects in Year 12 offers students more options for shaping their future, whether that means progressing to study a particular subject in Year 13 and university or opting for an apprenticeship. To ensure flexibility, students can switch courses before the end of the first half-term in Year 12, allowing them sufficient time to catch up on any missed material. We encourage students to remain resilient during the early months of Sixth Form, as the transition from GCSE to A Level often presents a significant challenge. If a student feels they are struggling, our subject teachers are readily available to discuss concerns and work together on an action plan to support their progress.
Academic development is tracked through regular informal assessments and formal exams. Students will sit an external AS Level exam in the subject they wish to drop at the end of Year 12 (where applicable). Alongside this, Year 12 students complete internal UCAS exams, which are set and moderated by the school, in the three subjects they plan to continue in Year 13. These results play a crucial role in determining the predicted grades used to support university applications. As a result, most students complete their studies at Moonstone Academy Sixth Form with three A Level qualifications and one AS qualification.
“At Moonstone Academy, we are dedicated to providing exceptional support to ensure our students have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential, both academically and in the broader community.”