“Everyone who visits wants to come here”, says the director of Sixth Form at Norwich High School for Girls, which prides itself on helping students become “real-world ready”.

Hazel Packer says the Sixth Form is about supporting students with a passion for learning, developing applied understanding and “bringing on those skills that are needed in the workplace.”

Behind the walls of the large school building, peaking above the hedge on Newmarket Road, is a welcoming community, fantastic facilities and opportunities for all – with bursaries available to help with fees.

Eastern Daily Press: Hazel Packer, director of sixth form at Norwich High School for Girls Hazel Packer, director of sixth form at Norwich High School for Girls (Image: Norwich High School for Girls)Hazel says the Sixth Form works to inspire and motivate the capable adults of the future, adding that there is so much more to Sixth Form than A Level examinations.

“We work on developing students’ problem solving, powers of deduction, using logic and thinking differently. We give students lots of opportunities to tackle novel situations where things will be unexpected, where they will learn and experiment,” says Hazel, explaining that students gain confidence by learning to think on their feet, and to apply their knowledge, which are essential skills in the modern world.

Eastern Daily Press: A theatre workshop in action, one of many activities and opportunities available A theatre workshop in action, one of many activities and opportunities available (Image: Norwich High School for Girls)

Along with A Levels and BTEC courses, there is a busy programme of curriculum enhancing activities. Being part of the GDST (Girls’ Day School Trust) gives students access not only to the Norwich High School for Girls team but to a nationwide network of teachers, alumnae and experts; from scientists and engineers to fashion designers who can all be approached for information and support, talks and presentations.

GDST Lead is an accredited course in leadership and enterprise available to students from Year 12 that leads to an accredited diploma and covers themes such as leadership models, self-awareness, developing confidence and resilience, and overcoming failure. “These are all skills they will need in the future,” says Hazel.

Eastern Daily Press: The sixth form offers a variety of courses and classesThe sixth form offers a variety of courses and classes (Image: Norwich High School for Girls)

The Sixth Form has approximately 90 students across both years and a varied programme of courses. The Sixth Form celebrates agility and adaptability, and this means tailoring timetables to suit the individual, perhaps focusing on a performance-bias theatre studies BTEC rather than a theory-based A Level for example.

“It is an exciting place to be. We are always looking to encourage creativity and for students to explore different ways of doing things. We prompt students to question and to have criticality, as ultimately they will need those skills when they go into the workforce,” says Hazel.

“They need to be dynamic and a person who questions, and this is embedded in everything we do here.”

Eastern Daily Press: Students learn the importance of questioning and discoveringStudents learn the importance of questioning and discovering (Image: Norwich High School for Girls)

She says the ethos of Norwich High School for Girls Sixth Form is also about teaching confidence, and that includes students knowing they can say no.

The school is a firm believer that young people are exceptionally capable if they are allowed and encouraged to be.

“If you expect more of them, they will give you more. If you give them responsibility more often, they will step up,” she says.

Hazel loves showing potential students around, ideally on a normal day so they get a real sense of the school: “There is so much more here than many people realise.”

With both scholarships and bursaries available, a number of students every year have financial support to attend Sixth Form at Norwich High School for Girls. Bursaries can be up to 110pc to ensure things such as travel, PE kit and school trips can be funded.

Eastern Daily Press: There is a warm welcome for all at the Norwich High School for Girls sixth formThere is a warm welcome for all at the Norwich High School for Girls sixth form (Image: Norwich High School for Girls)

“I feel really strongly about reaching as many girls as possible and offering life-changing opportunities,” says Hazel. 

Watch the welcome video here.

To find out more about attending Norwich High School for Girls Sixth Form, including scholarships and bursaries, call or email to request a visit on a school day or register your interest in attending the Open Evening on Wednesday, October 11, 6-8pm via admissions@nor.gdst.net or 01603 453265. 

View the admissions deadline for scholarship and bursary applications for September 2024 entry here.