Preparatory reading and viewing
The Sixth Form at Haileybury provides a stimulating and friendly environment in which you can continue your academic education beyond I/GCSE examinations. The School offers a real breadth of choice with the academic provision encompassing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and A Levels but both require a more developed and ambitious approach to learning.
In the Sixth Form, as Haileyburians, you will undoubtedly benefit from the expertise of highly qualified academic staff and the facilities available to support your studies. The Sixth Form is very much a staging post between the largely directed education of the GCSE years and the independent learning that will be undertaken at university. Within a context where appropriate direction is available, Haileybury Sixth Formers can develop the attitudes and skills to enable you to learn on your own. Independent study and intellectual curiosity are qualities that will serve you well both at school and beyond.
It is absolutely essential that, as pupils in the Sixth Form, you enjoy your academic work for its own sake. Sixth Form study, whether for A Levels or the IB Diploma, provides a passport to university. But that passport will carry far greater weight if it is imprinted with a genuine desire to learn. With this in mind, we very much hope you will take advantage of a lengthy summer break, be it at home or in more exotic locations, to engage in some preparatory reading for your Sixth Form studies. The books, TV programmes and films recommended by departments are neither compulsory nor exhaustive but should give you a flavour of what to expect in terms of subject matter and level of complexity, whilst sparking your interest in new and exciting material.
You are, of course, not expected to read or view them all. I do hope, however, you will dip your toe into the water and enjoy the experience of reading some really interesting material. If you have any queries or concerns about choosing from the list in terms of accessibility or areas of specific interest, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Studies, Simon Smith, or the relevant Head of Department.
