Our school community is changing and improving faster than ever before. Yet the process of change is difficult and implementing it successfully makes considerable demands on the managers involved. In the words of a Roman Philosopher, “No great thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.”

The Sixth Form area in particular has undergone rigorous change and developments. These have taken time to accomplish and implement, but we have made a great leap forwards. Firstly, regarding the Sixth Form facilities, these have significantly improved and been expanded to accommodate a greater number of students. The common room, which was previously quite over crowded in the famous ‘Room 81’ has now been expanded with plush black and red seating, and is obviously much more spacious; although the new ‘porthole’ now enables Mr. Cain to spy with his little eye.

The study room has been extended so that students have greater workspace and a larger number of computers made available to them. Split into two different areas, students now have the opportunity to engage in quiet study or use a computer in the ‘quiet study/computer room’ or participate in group study and carry out discussions in the second study room, which is equipped with several round tables, ideal for group discussions and even a computer for group work.

In addition, Sixth Form students who were previously limited to a meagre microwave in the ‘tuckshop’ now have a whole kitchen area at their disposal, equipped with state of the art facilities, commonly referred to as ‘the kitchenette.’ Recently, a vending machine selling hot drinks has been brought in to join the kettles, the refrigerator and the ever so popular toasting machine. Seating has also been provided in the kitchenette, giving students a wider scope to choose where to have their lunch.

Moreover, both students’ and teachers’ lives have been made easier with the relocation of the Business Studies, Economics, Music, and Psychology rooms, which are now found in the new Sixth Form Area. This has made it much more accessible seeing as most Economics, Business Studies and Psychology students are Sixth Formers. The Music Department which is renowned for its high standards has also been given the opportunity to expand into the bottom floor of the new Sixth Form area, providing students with a greater number of practice rooms and the Junior School Hall as a possible area for performance and rehearsals. Sixth formers are now able to make good use of the Hall for the weekly Sixth Form assemblies. The relocation of Mr. Cain’s office, as well as the provision of a small exam room, and a presentation room has also helped to expand Sixth Form facilities in the new block.

In the words of Lloyd Dobens, ‘continual improvement is an unending journey;’ arguably however, ‘the pursuit of perfection often impedes improvement.’ Everyone inevitably has their ‘idea’ of what they want out of the Sixth Form area, and what they would like it to consist of; and total satisfaction will probably never be achieved, but we are always striving for continuous improvement and development of our Sixth Form area. With regular ‘Senior team meetings,’ led by Mr. Cain and Mr. Doyle, proposals are constantly being put forward to make plausible suggestions or ideas, and even the little details which most people might overlook are handled and taken into consideration; for example purchasing plants to place in the study room to improve the overall ambiance; or even down to fussing over the curtains. These may be regarded as merely small improvements, but inevitably they help to improve the bigger picture. As a result, several different committees have also been formed within the Sixth Form to discuss certain issues, for example regarding the Common Room, or Fundraising. The ‘suggestion box’ also enables students to put forward possible thoughts, opinions and ideas that could be taken into consideration and helps to involve the Sixth Form community as a whole and give everyone a say, because after all, that advocates democracy!

As a student in my final year at St. Christopher’s, one of the most impressive developments I have witnessed would definitely be the new Sixth Form area. I personally find it much easier to get down to work, and feel that the working environment is much calmer, enhancing my ability to concentrate. However, socialising and integrating with the community is also a very important aspect of school life, to help shape individuals and build their characters and even give them an opportunity to relax. The improvement in the common room and the provision of several new areas has also helped to develop relationships between students which is an integral part of their school life.

Joel Barker once said, “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world." We have a vision - maybe not to change the world; but we are committed to C A N I ! — Constant And Never-ending Improvement.