Academic Life

The Head of Sixth Form oversees and monitors the academic progress of each student, liaising with interested parties where necessary. Our students are taught for the majority of the week. This includes 21 lessons of secular studies, which makes-up 50% of the timetable.

Many subjects provide additional lunchtime lessons to supplement their offer. Students also have 14 lessons of Jewish Studies (Kodesh), 33% of their timetable with additional optional tutorial sessions with our team of Jewish Studies teachers. Almost all students utilise this opportunity which seeks to prepare them for the seminary pathway which our students choose to take. Our students also attend a weekly session, as a year group, incorporating our PSHE programme, led by a team of Sixth Form tutors. Our Sixth Formers have time for independent study incorporated into their timetable. This is an important and integral part of A Level and Vocational courses and is a noticeable change for students entering the Sixth Form.

We strongly encourage the establishment of good study habits and provide quiet spaces for our Sixth Form students to study throughout the day. These are Sixth Form only spaces and support our students in developing self-discipline and making proper use of study time. There is a clear pattern of success achieved by students who establish good study habits early on in their Sixth Form journey.

During Years 12 and 13, students’ progress is closely monitored through a rigorous tracking programme designed to identify students who are underachieving and to implement support and guidance which is offered by teachers, heads of departments and the Sixth Form team. ‘Working At Grades’ are reported to parents on a termly basis alongside other factors such as attendance, punctuality and behaviour. Menorah High students are expected to have good attendance, be punctual and work hard at all lessons. A Parents Evening is held once per academic year to allow parents to meet the teachers, together with their daughter.

Towards the end of Yr. 12, and again in the January of Yr. 13, mock examinations are held in all A Level subjects. Students who don’t meet expected targets are offered guidance and support. Where necessary, parents will be called or asked to attend a meeting with the Head of Sixth Form alongside their daughter.

We encourage all students to study 3 A Levels or Vocational subjects (blending the two is a popular route). Some students will take Biblical Hebrew as a fourth A Level. We are committed to providing a structured and positive learning environment for all our Sixth Form students. We seek to challenge our students and prepare them for their future lives. The school’s aim that that every child should be helped to achieve the best that she can, continues to be the motto of our Sixth Form.