Sixth Form Guide 2019

FORM

SIXTH ST EDWARD’S

TEDDIES 2019

Welcome to St Edward’s Most of this guide was written by pupils who joined the School as new Sixth Formers. Find out more: Teddies TV via the website stedwardsoxford teddieslive Teddies TV @TeddiesOxford St Edward’s School, Oxford www.stedwardsoxford.org

THE FUTURE

A new, world-class Study Centre is currently being constructed at the heart of the School in the Quad – and you will be among the first pupils to enjoy its contemporary, university-style learning spaces when it opens in 2020. The new Centre will create flexible, varied workspaces to support our very particular academic culture. A bright, modern Library will employ the latest technology and will be carefully designed to encourage collaborative and individual study. An elegant, top-floor Reading Room, inspired by the best libraries at Oxford University, will be the perfect place for quiet, reflective work. Break out spaces, study decks and a café area will offer further working environments – so there will be a space to suit you, whatever your preferred approach to your studies. As well as the Study Centre and Library, the development will feature a new Hall, below.

HOUSES

There are currently 13 Houses at St Edward’s, divided between Quad side and Field side: seven for boys, five for girls and our emerging co-ed House, Cooper Lodge. There are around 60 pupils from all year groups in each House so it’s a good way to get to know people from all year groups. Pupils are always really pleased to welcome new Lower Sixth Formers who bring fresh ideas and enthusiasms to the existing community. All Houses are also known by a letter, shown below. Quad Side Cowell’s (A): Mr Palferman Macnamara’s (D): Mrs Newson Apsley (E): TBC Tilly’s (F): Mr Grounds Segar’s (G): Mr Roche Oakthorpe (J): Miss Boast Cooper Lodge (L): Mr Livingstone Field Side Sing’s (B): TBC Field House (C): Mr Hanslip Kendall (H): Mr Waghorn Corfe (K): TBC Avenue (M): Miss Ramadharsingh Jubilee (N): Mr Davies

HOUSE LIFE

Your boarding house is like your family. With pupils from all year groups in House, from our youngest pupils aged 13 to the Upper Sixth, life is never dull: we get together for many different activities such as socials, cake nights, house singing, most important people in House are your HM (Housemaster or Housemistress) who runs the House and will be very involved in your day-to-day school activities; and your Matron who is responsible for your wellbeing. If you feel worried or have a problem of any kind, your Matron is the first person to talk to. Sixth Formers may share a room with a day pupil or may have a room to themselves. The best thing about your House is that it’s a home away from home – somewhere warm and comfortable to come back to after lessons and this is often where your strongest friendships are forged. Niyaz performances, charity events, dinners, BBQs and more. The

PROFILE CAN MORAND

House: Apsley Previous school: British International School, Istanbul A Level or IB: IB Subjects: Higher Level: Biology, Chemistry, History; Standard Level: Maths, French, English Involved in: Badminton, marshalling the Oxford Marathon, football, helping with an opera project for young people with autism, classical guitar. What helped you to settle in as a new Sixth Former: The fact that there were a lot of new pupils coming into the Sixth Form with me meant that I felt comfortable to speak out and make new friends. Everyone in House was so welcoming that I never felt out of place or excluded from any activities. Two things you wish you’d known before you arrived: That the School has a wonderful Music School where I can practise classical guitar and find out more about music technology; and the fact that we can go into Summertown at 9pm after prep to shop for food and snacks or just to hang out with friends. Best thing about being in Oxford: Being so close to Oxford means that we have access to a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cinemas.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

At Teddies, there are countless opportunities for extending your knowledge beyond the classroom. Most academic departments run subject-based societies which meet regularly to explore particular topics or to hear from invited speakers, often from Oxford University. Equally, Oxford offers an exceptional range of lectures and talks, either at the University or at one of the many cultural venues across the city. In School, Academic Forum, open to all Sixth Formers, is a lively series of talks and events designed to extend knowledge and to stimulate debate. Visits and trips are organised to bring subjects to life – this year, Classics pupils visited Sicily and Physics pupils visited the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva. Closer to home, Art History pupils visited the Barbican and Tate Modern in London.

IB/EE

& EE

The IB pathway involves an integrated programme of study that combines diversity and academic rigour. Pupils study six subjects - three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). On top of that, all pupils study Theory of Knowledge (TOK) which allows you to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know. Moreover, CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is also an essential element that every pupil must complete. Studied throughout the Diploma Programme, CAS involves pupils in a range of activities alongside their academic studies. As part of the Diploma, pupils also complete a 4,000-word Extended Essay (EE). Many pupils at Teddies decide to take IB as it allows for the study of a wider range of subjects and keeps your options open for university. Rose

A LEVEL & EPQ

Pupils who study A Levels at Teddies generally choose three subjects, or four if one of their options is Further Maths. All A Level pupils at St Edward’s also take the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) which is really helpful for furthering your understanding of subjects you’re particularly interested in. A good EPQ grade (they are graded like A Levels: A*, A, B etc), can be very helpful for university applications. Moreover, the EPQ can also improve your research skills, which will be invaluable when you get to university. The deadline for completing the 5,000-word project is the end of the Lower Sixth year. Mandy

PROFILE VIVIENNE SHAO

House: Oakthorpe Previous school: South Island School, Hong Kong A Level or IB: A Level Subjects: English, French, Economics Extended Project: Why is it that the majority of Asian pupils choose Maths and Science subjects for Sixth Form studies? Involved in: Sign Language Choir in the local community, Oxbridge programme, French and English literature societies, swimming, piano and school choirs. What helped you to settle in as a new Sixth Former: Joining in as many activities as I could. This helped me to experience new things (such as performing in London’s Royal Albert Hall) and to make many new friends. Two things you wish you’d known before your arrived: I wish I had realised that there would be others joining the School with me who felt just as excited and anxious about leaving a familiar school and starting a new lifestyle.

GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT

At the start of the year everyone is assigned a Tutor who is in charge of making sure you are on track with your schoolwork and that you are achieving your targets. Tutors are extremely helpful as they guide you through your time at Teddies. This includes everything from reviewing your report, to discussing your extra-curricular activities, to applying to university. You can talk to your Tutor whenever you have a problem of if you need advice on things such as how to manage your time. Careers and Higher Education advice at Teddies is exceptionally strong. Our Head of Careers has extensive experience across a whole range

of industries, and we have advisors for UK, US and European university applications. Rose

ATYPICAL DAY

Normally I wake up at 7.20am to go to breakfast with my friends, and make it back to House in time for callover (registration) at 8.10am. Afterwards, I go to my room to make sure that everything’s prepared for periods 1 and 2 – and to ensure that with the Week A/Week B system I’m going to the right place! After a short break in House from 10.25 -10.55am, I go to my next two lessons (11.00am - 12.55pm). I’m in Oakthorpe, and Quad side Houses have afternoon callover at 1.10pm, and then go to lunch. At 2.30pm I head to the last two lessons of the day (2.30 – 4.25pm) – except on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, which are for sport. After 4.30pm, there’s usually time for a brief rest or quick trip to our local shopping area, Summertown, before supper, prep and evening activities. Lizzie

WEEK A &WEEK B

If you’re used to a regular weekly rhythm, then prepare to experience life the Teddies way! We have found that 55-minute lessons are the perfect length for our particular approach to learning – where debate and discussion are vital. To fit in all the lessons, Teddies operates to a two-week pattern: Week A and Week B. Each 14-day period is on repeat – so it’s really important to know which week you’re in. You’ll be given a printed school calendar which lists the A/B week every Monday. The two-week pattern can be refreshing. Friday in Week A will be very different to Friday in Week B, so there’s no danger of slipping into too much of a routine. The added excitement is that if term finishes

with Week A, the next term starts in Week B! Trust us, you will be skipping from Week A to Week B in no time.

PROFILE NIYAZ KANAYEV

House: Field House Previous school: DLD College, London A Level or IB: A Level Subjects: Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Design and Technology Extended Project: Recycling of plastic waste in a domestic environment Involved in: Squash, volunteering, International Society, Maths Club and Chess Club What helped you to settle in as a new Sixth Former: Responsive staff and understanding teachers Favourite three things about Teddies: The Design Centre is really well equipped; there are many sports that a new person can participate in; and societies can be set up by pupils. What’s good to know before you arrive: Chapel timing and laundry arrangements Best thing about Oxford: There are world-class lectures available just down the road at Oxford

University – this is a great way for us to enrich our academic studies.

SPORT &THE NUFFIELD GYM

In the Sixth Form at Teddies you are able to choose from a variety of sports. These change every term so it allows you to step out of your comfort zone and to try something new. The School offers a wide range of options including hockey, rowing, rugby, cricket, tennis, netball, swimming, football, squash, athletics, running, golf, sailing and badminton. We have sport at least three times a week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, when classes end at 12:55pm and you head off to sport after lunch. One of the great things is that you do not need to have prior experience, so get stuck in and try new things. A huge perk of being a Sixth Former is that we are allowed to use the Nuffield Gym which has excellent facilities, a wide range of fitness classes (perfect for Sundays)

and a swimming pool. We are allowed to go in the morning as well as in the evenings. Rose

PROFILE ROSE LAURENT JOSI

House: Jubilee Previous school: Kellett international School, Hong Kong A Level or IB: IB Subjects: Higher Level: Geography, French, Art; Standard Level: Environmental Systems and Societies, Maths Studies, English Involved in: Teddies on Camera (the pupil media crew), Humanitarian Society, swimming, Harriers and pilates. What helped you to settle in as a new Sixth Former: Everyone in House was very welcoming. I also went to all the socials and dinners which is where I met new people. Favourite things about Teddies: There is always so much going on - from dance shows to sports events to House socials. You never get bored! Two things you wish you’d known before you arrived: Bring pictures and things to hang on your walls to make you feel more at home. And don’t stress too much: Teddies is so much fun! Best thing about being in Oxford: There are lots of shops and cute cafés so it’s easy to escape from busy school life.

MUSIC

Since coming to Teddies, I have been able to greatly appreciate the amazing Ogston Music School. As a beginner saxophonist and avid singer, I was excited to participate in as many aspects of musical life as possible. With various musical ensembles such as Brass Band, Orchestra, Chapel Choir, auditioned Chamber Choir, and even a Battle of the Bands competition, there are so many ways in which you can get involved! With the large number of practice rooms and hundreds of individual lessons per week, the Friday at 5 and Warden’s Recital opportunities are brilliant, with both informal and more formal performance options every week. The larger, termly Choral Concerts are also wonderful to participate in; we recently sang Haydn’s Creation . Lizzie

ART

The Art Department has outstanding facilities, and all the tools and materials that you could possibly wish for. All the art teachers are practising artists and makers, and are always ready and pleased to help. Our arts centre, The North Wall, features a public art gallery which hosts regular exhibitions of pupils’ work alongside a broader exhibition programme of work by visiting artists. The Sixth Form have a dedicated art studio which feels more like an art college than a school – and regular trips to galleries in Oxford, London and New York help pupils to find inspiration for their own work. Mandy

DRAMA

One of my favourite things about Teddies is that you get so many chances to perform on stage. The School owns The North Wall Arts Centre in Oxford, a 200-seat theatre on the edge of the school grounds which we share with the community. In my first week at Teddies, there was already an email encouraging us to audition for the musical Cabaret . I signed up, and though I was a new pupil who they didn’t know anything about (which I thought would be a disadvantage), I was given the chance to be part of the cast. So I really recommend taking the chance and auditioning as being part of the musical was a great way for me to develop friendships with different people: being new won’t limit your chances! Vivienne

PROFILE MANDY LIANG

House: Corfe Previous school: King Edward’s Witley, Surrey, UK A Level or IB: A Level Subjects: Art, Economics, Maths, Further Maths Involved in: Economics Society, Maths Society and International Society What helped you to settle in as a new Sixth Former: Upper Sixth pupils in my House helped me a lot. They are always willing to answer questions about school life. House staff are also very kind and nice. Favourite three things about Teddies: Pupils and staff are all really friendly; the teaching is excellent; and the range of opportunities outside the classroom is outstanding – there’s something to interest everyone. Best thing about being in Oxford: Oxford is an excellent place in which to study – it’s inspiring to be so close to the world-famous University. Summertown is really convenient for snacks, food and essentials and Oxford offers so much at weekends –

cinemas, galleries, shops and cafés.

SETTLING IN

The idea of settling in as a new Sixth Former seemed daunting at first. However, it turned out to be a process I truly enjoyed. I cannot recommend signing up for different activities highly enough – whether it be volunteering (perhaps at the city farm on school grounds pictured above), sport, arts, choirs or other societies, as it allows you to meet people outside the classroom and your House, and you can meet people in different year groups as well. Since you signed up for the same activity, you’re essentially meeting people you share common interests with! Teddies gives its pupils so many opportunities beyond the classroom – and I urge you take advantage of as many as you can. Vivienne

PACKING

It’s a really good idea to bring posters, family photos and

decorations to make your room your own, along with whiteboard markers, edible treats, a mug from home and hard-soled slippers – as well as all the obvious things (full uniform and equipment lists are on the website and in the joining information). Streamline your wardrobe and only bring what you need: there is limited storage space in Sixth Form rooms. Don’t bring many designer clothes, jewellery, valuables or cash as it’s easy to lose things in the hustle and bustle of the busy school day. There are banks, chemists, stationers and a good range of amenities in our local shopping area, Summertown, so it’s easy to stock up on essentials. Important: if you bring medication it must be handed in to your Matron when you arrive and all prescriptions must be in your name and printed in English. Please also ensure that all clothes and belongings are named.

PROFILE LIZZIE WILLIAMS

House: Oakthorpe Previous School: Sir William

Perkins’s, Guildford, UK A Level or IB: A Level

Subjects: Art, English, French Involved in: Choir, debating, badminton, netball, Oxbridge programme

What helped you to settle in as a new Sixth former : I hadn’t boarded before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Luckily, Oakthorpe has an amazing family and buddy system which really helped. Favourite three things about Teddies : The Music Department! It has given me so many opportunities; the academic support, which is amazing – if ever I doubt myself in any of my classes the teachers are so helpful; and the resident dogs in my House – if ever I’m feeling stressed, I can always find a dog to hug! Two things you wish you’d known before you arrived : I wish I’d known about morning Chapel – on the first week of term in September

I almost missed it! I also wish that someone had warned me about the Week A/ Week B dynamic.

FOOD

I really like the food at Teddies because there is a great deal of variety. There’s always a good selection of salads, a Deli Bar (which tends to have healthier options), a range of main meals, plus soup, dessert and fruit. The menu varies week to week so there will always be something different. If you have dietary requirements the Catering Team are always ready to prepare something else for you. The great thing about being a Sixth Former is that we are allowed to stay in House for breakfast but of course you can still go to the Dining Hall if you prefer. For lunch and supper, it is mandatory to eat in the Dining Hall. In the Upper Sixth you can go to Cooper’s (the Sixth Form common room) for meals where they serve the same food but also sandwiches and paninis. As well as eating in Cooper’s, the many tables and booths make it a great place

to study or to have a chat with your friends. There’s an outdoor seating area which is lovely in the summer. Rose

WEEKENDS

Saturdays at Teddies are school days. Pupils have normal lessons for the first three periods followed by a group meeting with Tutors to review the week and sports practice or fixtures in the afternoon. On Saturday nights, Cooper’s, the Sixth Form Common Room, is open to the Lower Sixth for food, limited alcohol and a chance to relax and make friends with pupils in other Houses. Occasionally, the Lower Sixth are allowed into Oxford for a meal on Saturday evenings. On Sundays, a Chapel service is held either in the morning or the evening. The rest of the day is free time and pupils can go to Oxford in the afternoon to enjoy the many cafés, cinemas, shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. Mandy

CHAPEL

Chapel is an important part of the rhythm of life at Teddies. There is a good mix of weekday and Sunday services that combine beautiful liturgy, great singing, and thoughtful sermons. We’re encouraged to ask questions, explore the Christian faith and think about the values we hold as a community. It’s also a place for quiet reflection and everyone can enjoy the stillness and tranquillity. There are lots of ways to get involved in Chapel – from reading to singing to ringing the bells - and the Chaplains are always happy to discuss questions of faith or just help with a problem.

OXFORD

Oxford is an amazing city to study in! There are lots of lectures at the University, one of the best in the world, on a range of topics from Modern Art to Maths, and Astronomy to Ancient History. So if you aren’t sure about what you are going to study, there will be opportunities to find out more about almost any topic. Beyond the wonderful academic opportunities, Oxford is a really buzzing city, with a huge student population, so there is always something to see or do. There are plenty of cafés and places to eat as well as a lively music scene, theatres, cinemas and galleries: you will never be bored. Niyaz

PROFILE RUBY CECEN KINGSLEY

House: Oakthorpe  Previous School: Godolphin, Salisbury, UK A Level or IB: A Level Subjects: English Literature, History, Economics  Extended Project: To what extent is the Government equitable about internet censorship and the protection of our online privacy? Involved in: Netball, hockey, Tech Society, Model United Nations and Humanitarian Society. What helped you to settle in as a new Sixth Former: Trying out different activities (even some I had never tried before) and the fact that all staff and pupils were so friendly – it took very little time to settle in. Favourite things about Teddies: Having so much freedom as a Sixth Former; the quality of the teaching; and the ease of travelling back to my home in London.  Two things you wish you’d known before you arrived: How many opportunities there are and how important it is to get involved

from the very beginning – it’s a great way to settle in.

St Edward’s School Woodstock Road Oxford OX2 7NN www.stedwardsoxford.org t: +44 (0)1865 319200 registrar@stedwardsoxford.org

EDITORS Ruby Cecen Kingsley Niyaz Kanayev Rose Laurent Josi

Mandy Liang Can Morand Vivienne Shao Lizzie Williams