News |
Sixth Form Information Evening
04 Mar 2025
Current and prospective parents were given an insight into the array of A Level and BTEC subjects on offer at an Information Evening for the Sixth Form at Barney.
Around 200 people attended the event which was primarily focused at Year 10 students and their families. Attendees were also given the opportunity to learn more about the rich and varied co-curricular programme on offer for our older students.
Several Year 13 students spoke passionately about their experiences in the Barney Sixth Form.
Head Girl Matilda, who has been a Barnardian since joining in Year 9, said: “Undoubtedly, you are the most important person in your Sixth Form journey, as it is the first time in you school career where you are given the choice to tailor aspects of your academics to your passions. For me, this access to choice was certainly empowering.”
Head Boy Max spoke of his desire to work in the aviation industry, a passion that prompted him to study an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on artificial intelligence in commercial aviation, alongside A Levels in Geography, Psychology and PE.
He said: “Barney Sixth Form has the ability to massively develop your academics to get you to that interview. However, Sixth Form also provides you with vast amount of opportunities, which develop your character, to display at an interview. This character will help separate you from other candidates, and we are all massively grateful to Barney Sixth Form for the endless opportunities which develop our characters positively.”
Fellow Year 13 student Hattie joined Barnard Castle School in Year 7. She said: “The incredible thing about life at Sixth Form is how much you can dive in and discover about subjects you’re truly passionate about. As well as your lessons, you have time to engage fully with your subjects. … Beyond the classroom, Sixth Form life at Barney is full of opportunities. Whether you’re interested in sport, music, drama, art, debating, CCF, charity, working with Prep School; there’s really something for everyone. Many of us take part in leadership roles, mentoring younger students, running societies, or getting involved in charity work.”
Neve impressed the audience with her desire to be part of the Formula 1 industry. Her EPQ focused on the Halo safety system introduced into the sport after the death of driver Jules Bianchi in a race accident.
Neve said: “I want to study automotive engineering, so I chose to take maths, chemistry, and physics at A-Level. I also made sure my GCSE grades in these, and core subjects were strong enough to get me into top universities. When I learned about Barney’s work experience week, I secured a placement in the workshop at my local Mercedes-Benz dealership. Additionally, I completed an EPQ on the Halo safety device in Formula 1.
“By making sure every step of my academic journey is relevant and contributes to my goals, my university application will be as strong as possible, with no wasted opportunities. If you’re unsure about what subjects align with certain university courses or which subject combinations work best together, our Head of Higher Education, Mr Alderson, is available to answer any questions. If you’re considering career paths outside of education, our Head of Careers, Mrs Shovlin, is also there to offer guidance.
“Barney is so much more than just a ‘sports school.’ It’s a place where you can thrive academically, pursue your passions, and set yourself up for success in the future. No matter your interests, Barney has something to offer you.”
- To find out more about Barney Sixth Form, you can book a personal visit here.