Welcome to the Sixth Form at Our Lady’s Abingdon (OLA). Our Sixth Form is designed to provide students with a balanced, enriching, and academically rigorous experience. From a structured daily routine to a wide array of extracurricular activities, OLA ensures that each student receives the support and opportunities they need to excel.
At OLA, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals. Our Sixth Form offers a comprehensive program combining academic excellence, personal development, and community engagement. Whether you’re focused on gaining top A-level grades or exploring new interests through extracurricular activities, OLA provides the ideal environment for growth.
Daily Routine
The OLA Sixth day begins at 8:35 am and is carefully structured to ensure students can maximise their learning and personal development. Our typical daily schedule includes the following:
Typical Daily Schedule:
- 8:35am – 9:20am: First Lesson
- 9:20am – 10:05am: Second Lesson
- 10:05am – 10:25am: Morning Break
- 10:25am – 11:10am: Third Lesson
- 11:10am – 11:55am: Fourth Lesson
- 11:55am – 12:40pm: Fifth Lesson
- 12:40pm – 1:50pm: Lunch Break
- 1:50pm – 2:35pm: Sixth Lesson
- 2:35pm – 3:20pm: Seventh Lesson
Students receive 24 face-to-face lessons each week when taking three A-levels. Alongside these, they have:
- PE Lessons: Physical Education to promote fitness and well-being.
- Enrichment Lessons: Activities designed to broaden horizons and develop new skills.
This structured timetable leaves students with 11 lessons (equivalent to 6 hours and 40 minutes) of independent study each week, taken in our Big Study area. Research shows that successful students often study for up to 15 hours a week outside of lessons. At OLA, we help students use their study time effectively, but it’s ultimately up to each individual to commit and achieve their goals.
Academic Life
OLA offers a diverse range of A-level subjects, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations. Each student can choose from:
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Humanities: History, Geography, Religious Studies
- Languages: French, Spanish, German, Latin
- Arts: Art, Drama, Music
- Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Economics
- Mathematics: Pure Mathematics, Further Mathematics
- Technology: Information Technology, Computer Science
- BTech Level 3 Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition
- BTech Sport
Academic Support: Our dedicated staff provides extensive academic support to ensure that each student will excel. Some of our academic support includes:
- Personal Tutors: Every student is assigned a personal tutor who provides guidance and support throughout their Sixth Form experience.
- Subject Clinics: Additional help sessions for subjects where students may need extra guidance.
- Study Skills Workshops: Training in effective study techniques, time management, and exam preparation.
Facilities: Our facilities provide an optimal learning environment. Highlights include:
- Modern Classrooms: Equipped with the latest technology to enhance learning.
- Science Labs: Fully equipped for practical experiments and research.
- Library: A quiet space for individual study, with a wide range of resources.
- Big Study Area: Supervised study space to encourage productive, independent work.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are an essential part of the OLA experience, offering students the chance to explore new interests, develop talents, and build friendships. Participating in these activities helps students develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication while also providing a well-deserved break from academic work.
Schedule for Extracurricular Activities:
- Lunchtime Clubs: Held during the 70-minute lunch break.
- After-School Activities: Organized after the final lesson of the day.
Types of Clubs: Our co-curricular program includes a wide range of clubs and activities to suit all interests. Learn more about each club your student can choose from:
- Sports: Football, Basketball, Tennis, Swimming, Athletics
- Languages: French Club, Spanish Conversation Group
- Music: Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Music Theory Classes
- Arts: Art Club, Pottery,
- Drama: Theatre Productions, Script Writing, Acting Workshops
- Debating: Debate Club, Public Speaking Competitions
Support Services
At OLA, we understand that a supportive environment is crucial for student success. Our comprehensive support services include:
- Well-being Support: Access to counsellors and mental health resources.
- Career Guidance: Personalized advice and resources for university applications and career planning.
- Health Services: On-site health care to address any medical needs.
The OLA Sixth Form experience is designed to provide students with a holistic education that prepares them for future success. With a balanced daily routine, rigorous academic offerings, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, OLA equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. Join the OLA community today and start a journey towards excellence. Contact us today!