As teenagers across the country get ready to make the transition from Year 11 to Sixth Form, Head of Careers and Sixth Form at Giggleswick School, Anne Coward, suggests what parents can do to help their children prepare for what?s next.
The transition from year 11 to sixth form is known to be quite the jump. Sixth form aims to prepare pupils for life beyond school, with coursework, curriculums and workload designed to emulate that of university and perhaps work. Anne Coward, Head of Careers and Sixth Form at Giggleswick, shares some advice on how to prepare for this next stage.
How to Prepare for the Transition from Year 11 to Sixth Form
Give your child something to aim for
Before the pressure of exams or BTEC deadlines, the early part of life in sixth form is the perfect time to explore what is out there! Head to university open days, encourage your child to ask people how they got into their career, start considering where your child might like to live ? do they love the idea of a city or would a campus university be more appropriate" Help your child become an independent learner

Whether going on to university or employment, both look for applicants with good time management and the ability to work on their own. Your child can demonstrate these skills with an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). It will, however, require commitment outside of school hours so it?s important your child chooses a topic they?re passionate about.
An EPQ does not have to be a written ess...