Students hear about university and careers at Ark 6th Form East Sussex Open Evening

On a cold November evening over 300 visitors from Hastings and the surrounding areas received a very warm welcome at Ark 6th Form East Sussex’s Open Evening.

The evening gave potential students and parents an insight into life at Ark 6th Form. They had the opportunity to talk to current sixth formers and staff throughout the academy; they enjoyed sampling Mediterranean food in the languages department and were left thrilled and informed by scientific experiments, thought-provoking poetry and stunning A Level artwork.

Following a video showing Ark 6th Form students sharing their experiences, students and parents heard from the Principals of both Ark Helenswood and Ark William Parker Academy, as well as James Hamilton, Head of Ark 6th Form East Sussex, about what the schools’ shared sixth form had to offer.

As well as hearing about the sixth form’s excellent academic results, with 41% of all A levels at the school being graded A*-B and 68% being marked A*-C, potential students also heard about the sixth form’s university bursaries. The bursaries, which are between £3,000 and £30,000 over the course of a university degree, are offered through the Ark network to high-performing students.

Amongst those Ark 6th Form East Sussex students who were awarded bursaries last year were Alfie Denness, who is now studying History at Cambridge University, and Lara McNeil, now studying Medicine at King’s College London.

Students and parents also had the chance to hear more about Ark 6th Form’s vocational pathways programmes, which allows students to mix A Levels with vocational courses and take up work experience with some of the UK’s top companies.

James Hamilton said: “It was fantastic to see so many students and parents at the Open Evening as we prepare to help even more students to progress to university or a career of their choice.

“One of the big advantages to being a student at Ark 6th Form East Sussex is its ‘small school’ feel, where teachers know their students personally and are able to tailor their lessons individually to their needs.

“We are building on our success from previous years, which has seen Ark 6th Form East Sussex students go on to Russell Group universities and Oxbridge, to make sure that each of our students can achieve their full potential.”

If you are seeking a sixth form place for September 2016 and missed the open evening, please call Donna Howell on 01424 448225 to arrange an appointment to see Ark 6th Form in action.

Click on a thumbnail to view the slideshow below.