St Catherine’s School is a Catholic school located in Twickenham alongside the beautiful River Thames, providing a secure and ambitious environment open to pupils of all faiths and backgrounds, where they are nurtured and supported. At St Catherine’s, girls from age 4 to 18 are able to explore their own aptitudes whilst striving for success. Looking at the higher end of the school, Head of Sixth Form, Mr Henry Warner deals with the important task of preparing girls for life beyond school. In an interview with him, it is clear to see that his role is both challenging and greatly fulfilling.

 

Generally, the success of a pupil depends on their academic dedication, but this is encouraged by their teacher having enthusiasm and innovation in their teaching. As well as being Head of the Sixth Form, Mr Warner is also a History teacher. When asked about his passion for the subject, Mr Warner explained that he really enjoyed his degree and particularly loves mediaeval castles. His current record is visiting thirteen castles in three days. He expressed his delight by saying "History gives you an amazing perspective on humanity; looking at what our ancestors have been up to in the past is endlessly entertaining."

 

Mr Warner went on to describe the challenges of his Head of Sixth Form role, specifically the difficulties that young people will face in keeping up with what the modern workplace will involve. With the current generation entering a modern age where there will be new work roles that do not yet exist, as well as the increasing variety of university courses and international university applications, Mr Warner is of the view that the modern world is increasingly stressful for teenagers. With this in mind, he is extremely keen to try to connect St Catherine’s sixth formers with the right pathway for them. Although it can be complicated and challenging working with young people while they are deciding where they are going with their lives, he describes St Catherine’s girls as a ‘fun and ambitious bunch to look after’.

 

With the expansion of the Sixth Form Common Room and the addition of extra facilities being completed this summer, the Sixth Form at St Catherine's continues to be a dynamic and growing part of the school. Thank you Mr Warner for this interesting insight into Sixth Form life and the challenges that sixth formers face as they decide on their future pathways.