Loretto Sixth Form (16-18 years)
Download a pdf version of the Sixth Form brochure. Alternatively request one by completing the enquiry form or call Admissions on +44 (0)131 653 4455.
Firm Foundations
Since 1827 a Loretto education has been based on a broad, deep curriculum with high academic standards and wide-ranging sports and activities. Loretto stretches students in many areas and instils them with quiet confidence. Senior boys and girls are encouraged to question the world and to have the will to make it a better place.
The Loretto Sixth Form is a preparation for life after School. Its ethos is a balance between the structure of school and the freedom of university; a balance between providing a framework and recognising the need for trust and flexibility.
Loretto provides a modern, British boarding school experience from its leafy campus on the edge of the city of Edinburgh, close to beautiful East Lothian countryside. More than 80% of the Sixth Form community choose to board, but a significant minority are day students who benefit from the long day with various finishing times and the ability to flexi-board.
Loretto has recently made significant investments in two Sixth Form Houses and a new Sixth Form Centre. The Sixth Form boys are based in Hope House, which has 50 single study bedrooms plus Pinkie with its further 21 studies. The Sixth Form girls' house, Balcarres, has its own secluded campus, next to the junior girls' house. The Lower Sixth girls have double rooms and the Upper Sixth have single study bedrooms.
The Sixth Form Centre has designated areas for independent academic study, university admissions, individual tutoring and socializing. The aim is to create an ambience more like a university's and provide good opportunities to develop leadership skills.
"The atmosphere at School seemed more like a large family".
"You don't have to be a boarder to be part of the Loretto community".
International Community
About 60 boys and girls from our Fifth Form move up into the Lower Sixth each year. This group is enriched by new students from other UK independent and state schools, as well as new students from all over the world.
The Sixth Form community typically includes expats and Foreign Nationals. This includes Europeans, Americans, South African and Australian students attracted by the rugby, Indian students who come here to play cricket, golfers from all over the world and talented students from the Far East. Most stay for the whole two year Sixth Form session, but some choose to come for just one year. Students enjoy the international mix and learn to be culturally aware.
All new Sixth Form students are assigned a 'shadow' to look after them and ensure they quickly adjust to life at Loretto. Each overseas boy and girl also has a guardian who is appointed by their parents or with the School's assistance.
"Everyone was very smiley, friendly and welcoming. It quickly felt like you'd been here for ages. It's got the 'x' factor".
Academic
Loretto focuses on preparing its students for A-Levels. The courses run for two years with results from AS and A2 examinations being combined to produce the final A-level grades.
Central to Loretto's academic strength is our small class sizes and the individual attention given to students. The objective is to keep A-Level classes to a maximum of 10 to 15 students, and keep the staff to student ratio low (currently about 7.5 to 1 in the Sixth Form).
Loretto provides monthly student assessments, runs a policy of continuous assessment and provides daily contact with tutors. There is an Oxbridge support system for bright students who want to go on to Oxford or Cambridge, as well as a directed reading programme. A strong support programme is in place for ESL and learning difficulties.
Loretto offers a range of scholarships to particularly talented students.
"We provide about 20% more teaching time per subject than elsewhere, and offer a wide choice with 18 subjects at AS and 15 subjects at A2". Barry Cooper, Director of Studies.
"There's a lot to do but our tutors are always very supportive. The atmosphere is hardworking but not forced".
Sport
The School's wholehearted approach to games can be seen in the diversity of sports on offer. We offer such a range of options that everyone should have a chance to find a sport they like. We're also lucky to have very good facilities: a fully equipped fitness centre, a sports hall, a flood-lit all-weather astroturf pitch and lots of playing fields.
The main sports are rugby, hockey and cricket for boys, and hockey, lacrosse and tennis for girls. Alongside these sports, Loretto provides double PE lessons each week and the opportunity to study PE up to A-Level. We also run an extensive programme of optional activities: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cycling, Fives, Squash, Cross Country Running, Sailing, Shooting, Skiing, Dancing, Judo and Swimming.
As Loretto is a small school with lots of teams, most students have an opportunity to represent the School.
"The team spirit is very good. There are a great variety of different sports, with extra sports on every night. You can play sports out of season and you get a chance to take on your teachers"!
Loretto Golf Academy
The Loretto Golf Academy, established in 2002, is one of the best independent golfing schools in the UK. The Golf Academy attracts young golfers from all over the world and provides an unrivalled opportunity to develop golfing talents alongside a first-class education.
The Golf Academy uses the School's practice facilities on campus, Musselburgh Old Course and Craigielaw Golf Club. The coaching is undertaken by the School's resident Golf Professional, Rick Valentine, and the Professionals at Craigielaw.
Each year particularly talented young golfers can compete for a limited number of Loretto Golf Scholarships. Loretto also runs Golf Talent Spotting and Golf Scholarships, as well as Easter and Summer Golf Camps.
"I like playing golf so I've joined Loretto's Golf Academy, which is really successful and the best golf academy in the whole of Great Britain".
Extra-Curricular Activities
Our extra-curricular programme is a central part of a Loretto education as we believe it is important that all students develop their skills and talents outside the classroom. Coaching is provided by staff and complemented by good outside coaches. There is plenty of scope to do minority activities.
The extensive Weekly Programme of largely voluntary Activities has something for everyone: Radio production, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Scottish Country Dancing, Hip Hop, Salsa Dancing, Photography, Golf, Swimming, Karate, Skiing, Fitness, Fives, Army or Navy CCF (Combined Cadet Force), History / Philosophy Society, Art, Chess, Film Making, Debating and Cookery.
Weekends are also an essential part of the Loretto programme. Games and matches occupy Saturday afternoons, and weekend activities take place on Saturday evenings and on Sundays.
"The school offers a large diversity of activities; I wish I had time for all of them!!
Music, Drama & Art
Loretto provides unrivalled opportunities in Music, Drama and Art and has excellent facilities, including its own theatre, music school, recording studio, dark room and six art studios. Over 60% of Lorettonians play musical instruments, and music exam results are outstanding. More than 50 music and drama performances are given each year.
Opportunities to develop artistic talents are also excellent. Loretto offers a broad fine art curriculum covering Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Textiles, Sculpture, Pottery and Photography.
"I would consider myself a workaholic and a music addict as I always commit myself to as many musical activities as possible, such as the choir, the small choir, the concert band, the chamber ensemble and the pipe band." Lawrence Hui - Hong Kong
Life Skills
There are many opportunities for Sixth Formers to develop team-working and leadership skills.
Students have a genuine voice in running the School through their House and School Councils. Sixteen prefects are appointed from the Upper Sixth each year and have a key role in running the School and their houses, as Heads of Houses, School Prefects, Head Boy and Head Girl.
The School runs an inspiring and informative Sixth Form lecture programme delivered by outside speakers. Recent lectures include: Making every Day Count by Malcolm McVittie, Director of Hospice of Hope in Romania; Around Lake Turkana in Kenya with Camels by John Hare FRGS; Bangalore, The Garden City by Alastair Christie; Life and Limb by Jamie Andrew; and two lectures by visiting MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament).
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is viewed as a key component of Loretto's extra-curricular and life skills programme. Up to a quarter of the Sixth Form are involved in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
"I joined the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. Having completed my Bronze Award, I decided to start the Gold Award. This involved doing physical recreation and community service over 12 to 18 months, as well as a week long residential project. The main parts of the Award were the expeditions and practice trips. My group was a great mix of people, and we bonded well". Kirsty McKelvey - Scotland.
"At all times the Life Skills programme is flexible and can be fitted to the needs of the student body and the requirements of the outside world. Debating topics is fully encouraged".
Careers
Careers Education lessons are given within the PSHE Programme which includes: outside speakers; the Futurewise scheme and follow up sessions; Centigrade Higher Education questionnaire; Chamber of Commerce interview technique workshop with mock interviews; preparation for work experience and assistance with placements.
Helping students select and gain a place at their preferred university is one of the main focuses of careers advice. In the Upper Sixth year, individual assistance is given with UCAS preparation, interview techniques and CV writing. Each student has meetings with the Higher Education Adviser to discuss courses and their personal statements for university applications. Those considering Oxbridge entrance receive a tailored support package.
Approximately a third of leavers choose to broaden their minds by having a Gap Year.
"I worked as a sales director in our Young Enterprise, 'Salamander'. We arranged a profitable cabaret show and produced beautiful Christmas cards".
"I really enjoyed the whole business dynamics course..."