The 6
The 6 at St Catherine’s, Bramley – the power of bricks and mortar
by Kate Hawtin, Head of Sixth Form
In March 2021, as we emerged from another lockdown, excitement at being able to return to School was felt even more keenly amongst our Sixth Form community. The girls were of course eager to see their friends and return to in-person learning, but they were also thrilled at the prospect of being able to use our long-awaited new Sixth Form building, named ‘The 6’, comprising beautifully modern boarding accommodation and a huge common room.
The main change I had anticipated as a result of the development was an increase in boarding numbers due to the upgrade in facilities, and this has indeed been the case. However, until we began using The 6, I had never fully considered the cultural changes that a new building could create, affecting the girls’ behaviour and supporting their learning. It has been remarkable to see how the space has rapidly changed the way in which the girls interact, their study habits and their sense of independence and responsibility. It is amazing what bricks, steels, lead and mortar can achieve!
We were lucky enough to have a dedicated Sixth Form library already onsite and in close proximity to The 6. In the past, the line between academic and social had been somewhat blurred in the library as, due to outdated common room facilities, the girls saw it as their space for both aspects of school life. Now they have a huge new common room it is far easier to separate the two, and a healthier balance is being struck, with deliberate study breaks for tea, toast and chatting and a more focused atmosphere in the library.
Due to the size and design of the common room we have also seen a much more harmonious and easy interaction between the two Sixth Form year groups, as well as between boarders and day girls. The sofas are arranged in a circle, and it has been interesting to note that far more time has been spent chatting than watching TV, and that both year groups mingle together, with L6 gaining much from the experience and the reassurance of U6, who might pass on revision techniques, as well as driving or parking tips! In our previous facilities we spent too much time resolving disputes about the messiness of the kitchens and common rooms and whether the culprits were day girls or boarders. Now, the practical layout of the common room is such that keeping it clean is easy, with a specific mug dishwasher, a glass-fronted fridge and a huge kitchen island. The boarders also have their own dedicated cooking space for weekends and a “Snug” on each floor for evening snacks, drinks and relaxation.
Another unexpected bonus of the kitchen island has been an increase in group working, meaning that the common room is on occasion a very academic space too. Boarders benefit from sitting together to work on a tricky Economics homework in the evening, for example, and are delighted if one of their A Level teachers is on boarding duty, as they can take advantage of some extra, individual support too.
We were keen to keep our Sixth Form very visible on site and therefore The 6 has a prominent location in the heart of school life, close to two large classroom blocks, with easy access to our Association Office which is now receiving more sixth form visitors eager for suggestions of alumnae and parent contacts. The younger girls see the Sixth Formers walking purposefully and confidently to and from The 6 and they aspire to be part of this community within a community. In turn, the Sixth Formers take great pride in their facilities and in their position as role models, and they have undoubtedly risen to new challenges of leadership and responsibility as a result.
The location of my office at the entrance to The 6 - opposite the Head of Sixth Form Boarding - has changed my job completely and improved sixth form pastoral care immeasurably. With our doors open, we see the entire Sixth Form community pass by throughout the day and we can spot any upset and offer discreet help quickly. UCAS season, for example, has been far more interactive with so many girls dropping in for advice. We are also up-to-date with the latest Sixth Form chat too – the girls are so relaxed and at home in their building that they often forget we are there and let their guard down!
Life in The 6 is, of course, about progressing academically and developing intellectually. It is about developing independence and resilience, but it is also about developing firm and lifelong friendships and enjoying being part of a strong, supportive and happy Sixth Form community. When the building was designed we of course had this ethos in mind, but to see it come to fruition and exceed our expectations has been extraordinary.
The 6 was designed by IID Architects. St Catherine’s alumna Helen Whateley (2006) Associate Architect at IID was instrumental in the design.
Sunninghill Construction delivered the build.
