Preparing for life beyond school
Sixth Form College is the final stage of the St Charles College journey in Pietermaritzburg, where boys in Form 5 and Form 6 are guided toward greater independence, academic focus and personal responsibility.
In these years, boys begin to think seriously about tertiary studies, future pathways and the kind of young men they are becoming. Academic expectations increase, leadership opportunities grow and boys are encouraged to take greater ownership of their choices, schedules and responsibilities.
This is where the journey reaches its fullest expression: preparing boys not only for examinations, but for life beyond school, where they can contribute meaningfully to South African society and the wider world.
Taking ownership of the future
In Sixth Form College, boys are expected to become more focused, disciplined and independent in the way they learn.
The academic demands of these years encourage boys to manage their time, integrate knowledge across subjects and take greater ownership of their progress. With support from teachers and mentors, they begin to develop the habits, confidence and independence needed for tertiary study and life beyond school.
In line with the Cambridge approach, boys are encouraged to become confident in working with ideas, responsible for themselves and respectful of others, innovative in their thinking and engaged with the world around them.
Through the Senior Academic Pathway, boys are guided toward routes that suit their strengths, academic goals and plans for life beyond school.
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Academically focused boys may follow an A Level route, usually working toward three or four A Levels. This pathway supports students who are ready for deeper subject focus and may be considering international or highly specialised tertiary options.
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Boys planning tertiary studies in South Africa may work toward four to six AS Levels. This route provides a strong academic foundation while keeping a broader range of subject options open.
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With Cambridge Design and Technology offered at IGCSE and AS Level, boys who enjoy a practical component to their learning have access to an extended academic pathway that combines problem-solving, creativity and applied thinking.
Teaching
for deep understanding
In Sixth Form College, boys are taught by subject specialists who understand the demands of Cambridge International study.
The academic environment is shaped by high expectations, current international standards and a focus on deep subject understanding. Many staff continue their postgraduate studies, and boys benefit from the experience of highly qualified teachers, including staff with Masters and PhD qualifications.
Teaching is organised across five faculties: Mathematics, Languages, Sciences, Humanities and Enterprise. This breadth gives boys a range of subject directions while helping them keep meaningful options open after school.
Carrying the culture forward
As the senior boys of the College, Sixth Form students are expected to lead through example.
They take on greater responsibility within the life of the school, balancing academic, sporting and co-curricular commitments while acting as role models and mentors to younger boys.
At this stage, leadership is not only about position. It is about maturity, service and the way boys carry the culture of St Charles College for those who follow. Boys are encouraged to understand their responsibility not only to the College, but also to their families, communities and wider society.
Prepare for
life beyond school
Come and experience Sixth Form College at St Charles College, where boys are guided toward academic focus, personal responsibility and readiness for the world beyond school.