When you move on to university, apprenticeships or the world of work, you will often be set tasks that you will need to organise and manage independently. At university, for most subjects you will have relatively few contact hours each week. It is important therefore to view Sixth Form as a transition phase. You will still receive excellent support and guidance from your teachers, but you will also need to take responsibility for your own learning.

For most students, this will mean 4-5 hours of private study per subject. Most of this will be on tasks set by teachers, such as note taking, pre-reading or completing essays and assignments. This should also include work that you will be managing yourselves without explicit guidance, such as organising your notes, creating revision resources and wider reading.  You will need to organise your non-contact time in school so that you make good use of your study time, balancing time in school as well as what you do outside of school hours. 

Make the most of the excellent guidance given by departments on wider reading or online content that will go beyond the specifications of the course. Part of the enjoyment of A Level study is opening your minds to the world around you and pursuing your own academic interests. Universities like to see evidence of your own reading and interests when applying for courses.