Sixth Form Well-being

Be more than OK.

Sixth Form can be one of the most exciting times in your educational journey so far. There’s no doubt that it can also be challenging. You’re becoming much more independent in learning, and you’re also juggling multiple priorities outside of the classroom. Sixth Form is the stage where you will have to start thinking about what to do after you’ve finished your Langley education. You might be juggling multiple sporting commitments, Prefect duties, working towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award and perhaps also driving lessons. Your social life may be changing, and you may also be working outside of school. There’s a lot to think about. Luckily, the team at Langley has a huge amount of experience in supporting Sixth Formers with all these challenges. It’s critical to prioritise your mental and physical well-being so that your mind and body are resilient enough to keep the plates spinning.

Here are a few tips our Sixth Formers have used to help themselves manage:

It’s essential to balance studying with relaxation. Mental and physical exertion produce great benefits, but both demand recovery time. Make time for activities that refresh your mind and rejuvenate your energy levels, whether it’s reading, listening to music, exercising, or spending time with friends and family. Sleep is also non-negotiable. Aim for at least 7-9 hours a night to stay in good shape. Tempting though it is, try to turn your phone off when it’s time to sleep; blue light emitted by devices is a serious sleep-killer. Relaxation, mindfulness and meditation can all be really helpful to quieten an over-busy brain.
Creating a realistic schedule can reduce stress and increase productivity. Try not to spend so much time planning intricate revision timetables that you run out of time to do the study, though! Break tasks into manageable chunks, set deadlines, and allow time for breaks. Research shows that intense but brief study sessions with short breaks is the most effective way for most people to study, so set yourself small tasks and then enjoy the satisfaction of ticking them off!
Research shows that physical activity boosts your mood and improves focus. Whether it’s joining a sports club, taking the dog for a walk, or trying yoga, find a way to keep moving that suits your lifestyle. Ring the changes; the body gets used to particular exercise routines, and the benefits of repetition can decrease over time, so try a different sport or even a slightly different routine at the gym.
Make sure you connect with your family, friends, and teachers. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s easy to keep it to yourself but it is really important to share how you’re feeling. You’ll be surprised by the strength of your support system. It’s good to talk, and we are here to listen. You can talk to anyone at Langley. We might not always have all the answers, but we will help you work out how to get there.
Your well-being is just as important as your academic success. By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only enhance your performance but also enjoy a healthier, more balanced Sixth Form experience. Remember, taking care of yourself is the first step toward achieving your goals.

You can speak to the Heads of Sixth Form, your Form Tutor, the School Nurse, the School Counsellor, our dedicated Pastoral Support Workers, the Safeguarding Team or our Mental Health First Aiders. There are so many touch points that you will never feel alone. You will belong and you will be supported. At Langley, we promise that.