Student Life

On this page we will regularly provide updates on what is going on in student life at SVA Sixth Form.

Bank of England Visit (Wednesday 17th December)

For the third consecutive year, SVA is one of only around 35 secondary state schools to receive a visit from the Bank of England.  Given this is one of the UK’s oldest and most trusted financial institutions, we felt fortunate that SVA students had this outstanding opportunity for “real world” exposure.

Thirty A level Business students (and six specially selected GCSE Business students) participated in a presentation on the role of the Bank of England and the careers opportunities available withing the Bank of England. 

There is no doubt all the students who participated have improved their knowledge and understanding of the “real world” application of A level Business syllabus content (particularly in relation to the economic climate in the UK) and have a greater understanding of the career opportunities available with the Bank of England.

History Transition from GCSE to A-Level – by Bethan P and Jake P year 12.

In the beginning Jake and I thought it was a big jump from GCSE to A-Level, because the workload increased, and independent study was an adjustment. However, we soon adjusted to this workload by the helpful support and guidance from Mr McCleary and Mr Kearney. We find that completing work in lessons and independent study periods helps manage the load alongside some work at home to keep on top of everything. Using different revision techniques and resources such as mind maps, flashcards and reteaching content, makes revising history enjoyable. The skills we are developing during history are continuing to be honed, with understanding sources and interpretations, developing our analytical and essay writing abilities and continuing to improve our work ethic.

I personally really enjoy the social side of history, such as the social development in Britain due to advancements in technology, increased affluence and rising living standards. In the Russian side of history, I enjoy learning about the Tsar’s different styles of ruling (some better than others) and their rise to power, and I am looking forward to learning about individuals such as Margret Thatcher. While Jake enjoys the statistical side of the Britain course, when learning about the economy, but also the political side when looking at how internal splits form in parties and how different leaders pursue different policies. While in the Russia course Jake enjoys learning about how opposition arose against the Tsar but also our recent look at economic policies of different ministers and is looking forward to learning about the revolutions in Russia.

Both Jake and I would like to go to university in the future after our studies and believe that having history as an A-Level will look impressive on our application as it helps us transfer important skills from lesson to lectures and helps prepare us for the next big steps in our future.

Saffrey Chartered Accountants Presentation

On Wednesday 5th November, forty seven year 12 and 13 students participated in a presentation by two accountants from Saffrey Chartered Accountants (from their Peterborough office).

The presentation explained

• The various roles within an accountancy firm
• The skills and qualities required to be a successful accountant
• Apprenticeship opportunities for 2026 with Saffrey Chartered Accountants

Student feedback was very positive and at least five of the participants are now considering a apprenticeship at Saffrey Chartered Accountants as a realistic career opportunity.

https://www.saffery.com

Futures Day – Year 12 CEIAG

On Wednesday, our Year 12 students took part in Futures Day – a fantastic opportunity to explore life beyond sixth form and prepare for their next steps.

Students attended a variety of informative and inspiring workshops, including:

 A session on the university application process delivered by the University of East Anglia

 Guidance on writing an effective personal statement and covering letter

 A brilliant workshop on employability skills from Oliver P at MM Flowers

Students also had the chance to choose between two additional sessions:

• A university life talk, where we were delighted to welcome back three SVA alumni: Niamh K (University of Surrey), Natalie B (University of Oxford) and Zoe E (University of Lincoln). They each shared honest, helpful, and engaging insights about A-level revision, applying to university, and their experiences over the past two years.
• An apprenticeship information session, with advice on how to find apprenticeships and apply. A big thank you to Helen A from the Meridian Trust for outlining opportunities within the Trust, and to Rhys W, who spoke about his own apprenticeship journey with the Trust.

It was a truly valuable day and we are proud of how engaged and focused our students were. Thank you to all our guest speakers for making Futures Day a success!

Dodgeball

Our Year 12 students recently hit the refectory for an exciting dodgeball competition, brilliantly organised by our Senior Student, Ellie F, to help raise funds for their prom next year.

After several fast-paced and fiercely competitive rounds, Team Dumbledodgers emerged as the overall champions!  The atmosphere was electric, with plenty of Year 12s cheering on their peers and showing fantastic team spirit throughout.

A huge thank you to the PE staff for refereeing the matches  and well done to everyone who took part!

Sixth form Wednesday Afternoon Enrichment – Football

On Wednesday 11th June we hosted a football match between our Sixth Form and Nene Park Academy Sixth Form on our 3G pitch. We were lucky with fabulous weather and the support of many Sixth Formers who came to watch and support. Big well done to Nene Park Academy for their victory and a big thank you to Robert K, Year 12 Sports Captain, for organising this event. We look forward to many more sports opportunities arising during Sixth Form enrichment next year.

Exams begin

Twenty A level Business students attended a Business Breakfast in preparation for their second exam this morning. Good luck to all Sixth Formers taking exams.

Student Leaders announcement

Congratulations to our new

Student Leaders for 2025 – 2026

Ellie F & Max M

We were so impressed with the runners up that they have roles too

Rob is our new Sports Officer & Keira is our Academic Officer

Student Leader 2025 – 2026

In assembly this week we have been practicing our democratic right to vote through an election of our next student leaders. 

The four candidates have done an amazing job of putting themselves forward for this post and we are very proud of them. The candidates are each speaking about their experiences in school and why they should be voted for. Each student in the school will then receive a ballot paper, cast their vote and place it in a ballot box as a trial of a real election. We see this as an integral part of their education as future citizens!