Activities
There is so much for you to get involved with beyond your studies. Every day is busy with clubs, activities, talks, leadership opportunities and much more besides.
Art, drama, music and sport are huge in Sixth Form. We run a major school show every year – it alternates between a musical and a Gym Dance Spectacular. The other annual highlight is the epic whole-school House Music and Drama: HMAD. Sixth Formers lead a party of performance and celebration for the whole school. But in and among the big events there is always the chance to take part in a show, do a rehearsed reading, set up an ensemble, perform in a concert, get out onto the courts.
The same is true for clubs. Some are massive: Gold D of E, for example, or our enterprise schemes. We run Tycoon and our own Social Enterprise Programme in partnership with Reading School and Henley School of Business. Others might be tiny: a few students with a shared interest, some cake, plenty of laughter. If you have a passion and there is no club yet, in Sixth Form you can just start it yourself or with friends – there is always a tewacher who will advise and guide and help you out.
Meanwhile there are lots of trips, from optional sign-up expeditions halfway around the world to day events and the Lower VI residential. Highlights include the Physics trip to CERN, the Languages trips abroad, the Economics trip to Amsterdam, music tours, ski trips and many more.
Sample clubs and activities
- Gold Duke of Edinburgh
- Tycoon Enterprise
- Social Enterprise Programme
- Model United Nations
- House events
- Sports teams
- Music ensembles
- Drama production
- Debating
- EDI group (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion)
- Eco Committee
- Law Society
- Medics Group
- STEM Society
- Creative Writing
- Subject specific university preparation groups
Social life
What makes Sixth Form so different from the rest of the school is the focus we put on socialising outside of class. Our students work hard but they also play hard!
Whether it’s heading to the theatre to see world class musicals like Hamilton, Wicked or Six, or having a pyjama party in the common room after hours, we love to hang out together and have fun.
Throughout the year we host socials and activities with Reading School, our partner boys’ school, including quizzes, BBQs and Bake-Off challenges.
The year is topped off in Lower VI with a residential trip to a university city. Recently we have been to Bristol, with students completing a treasure hunt, showcasing their skills with some amazing karaoke and culminating in a visit to the university itself.
For Upper VI, the event of the year is the Leavers’ Ball, an amazing occasion for all students to celebrate the end of their time at The Abbey. Dressed to impress, the dance floor is always buzzing and the students top off the night by presenting awards that raise a smile.
Partnerships
Working in partnership with other schools is a key priority for us because in Sixth Form students broaden their horizons and begin to look outward. We have wonderful partnerships with a range of local schools, including Reading School, Kendrick School, The Holt and many more besides.
Activities range from joint social events to extracurricular activities like Poetry Society to future-facing campaigns and careers event like our flagship Advocating Girls programme with five other girls’ schools. There is something for everyone.
