SST Leadership
Student Leadership at JMF6-Abingdon
As a member of JMF6-Abingdon, the expectation is to meet the standards required of a professional student. The development of professional working habits will not only contribute significantly to academic progress, but will remain with students when moving to their next destination, and onwards.
Key to this is playing a leadership role, and all students are expected to demonstrate this role working side by side with younger students, and being genuinely positive Role Models. They will be alongside them in lessons, at break, as House Leaders, and as pastoral support. Similarly, staff work alongside students - physically, in the 6th Form Centre at both sites,but also in the Senior Student Team or SST.
The SST consists of between 10-15 students who, in a rigorous selection process, demonstrate the skills and commitment that allow them to lead both the Sixth Form student body, and the rest of the students across both schools. Led by two Student Presidents, and three Vice Presidents, this team works proactively and tirelessly to lead JMF6-Abingdon.
The SST has a number of committees, led by Committee Chairs, that plan and develop ideas and actions across the following areas:
Social Awareness
Finance
Environment
Well Being
Events
Communications
Facilities
This powerful student voice is invaluable in making sure that JMF6-Abingdon stays current, relevant and continues to develop.
I am honoured to be one of the head students at JMF6 after attending Fitzharrys for the past 5 years. This role gives me the opportunity to contribute to and advocate for the student body in an innovative and positive way, while giving back to the support network I have benefitted form throughout my academic career. The school community is one of inclusivity, enthusiasm and strong work ethic. My transition into year twelve was of course daunting, however, there was a sense of overwhelming welcome from both staff and students alike.
I am studying Psychology, English Literature and Biology with a view to read Experimental Psychology at University. I am currently working towards studying at Oxbridge and JMF6 has been fantastic at supporting me and other aspirational students. They offer weekly sessions for those planning on putting in an early application for either Oxbridge or Medicine. Staff take the time to get to know each student in order to provide tailored and specific support to personal statements, applications or any other entrance exams required for these early applicants.
I am privileged to be surrounded by a plethora of opportunities and a vast selection of clubs and committees catering for all interests, passions and needs. What makes JMF6 unique is the power of the student voice and how this is taken and embedded into school life. Students are encouraged to initiate their own clubs and take over school committees within the student leadership team to be involved with organising events, improving the school environment, mentoring younger students and much more. Furthermore, students can expand their studies with the opportunity to complete an Extended Project Qualification on a topic of their choice and take part in Gold Duke of Edinburgh, this offers students valuable and applicable skills while enriching their university applications.
From my own personal experience at JMF6, I have learnt to take every opportunity offered to me, step outside of my comfort zone, and have developed a newfound sense of maturity and independence. I feel there is a perfect balance of student lead learning and support from teachers, so I feel not only secure in my knowledge but accomplished and self-sufficient. I am proud to be leading the JMF6 community and am assured in the knowledge that all students will have space to grow and develop in a nurturing and supportive environment.
I am very excited to be one of the Head Students at JMF6 as being a student at John Mason lower school the opportunity to give back to my school as well as be a voice to my fellow JMF6 students is a very fulfilling experience. I am currently taking A levels in English literature, philosophy and art as well as participating in the Extended Project Qualification.
As a John Mason student, I found the experience of transitioning to be easy but also very helpful. Throughout the transition the teachers and the JMF6 staff provided all the students with much needed support and help from the induction day to all the way through my current A level journey, making this big change seamless and less daunting. Despite A levels being a big jump academically in terms of the dedication and discipline they require, we were informed of this at the very start of our academic journey, allowing us to prepare for the change in our GCSE summer. Our JMF6 teachers are extremely enthusiastic and passionate about, not only the subject they teach but also their roles as teachers. They aid us in our studies as well as possible to help us achieve our true potential in 6th form.
What makes JMF6 different is the incorporation of the two schools; John Mason and Fitzharrys. Those merging as one at JMF6 truly creates a different Sixth Form experience, not only does this allow us to socialize and meet new and different people but also it widens the scope of what we can do at Sixth Form in terms of subjects and extra curricular activities as it is across 2 schools. As well as academics, John Mason also has a wide range of extracurricular activities. This is seen by the numerous clubs that the students create such as film club or our Model UN which encourages both the year 12 and year 13 to integrate as one Sixth Form body. Furthermore at JMF6, we pride ourselves in the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award which not only teaches us on how to work as a team but also makes our university personal statement stand out.
I take great pride in my involvement in JMF6 as Head Student and hope that I continue improving and sustaining the excellence achieved by the prior Head Students in the 6th form. I am confident that the future pupils of JMF6 will have a very fulfilling and rewarding experience in the Sixth Form, similar to the experience I am currently having.