Informed by the Six Dimensions Project, wider educational research and our own experience over many years, we believe that the following six habits provide a framework for success at Durham Sixth Form Centre. They represent the behaviours, attitudes and approaches that we know help students thrive and achieve their potential.
Our Framework for Success
The Six Habits of a Successful Student
Turn Up
Attendance is one of the strongest predictors of success.
Successful students turn up consistently. They understand that attendance is not merely a requirement; it is an investment in their future success.
Contribute
Attendance gets students into the classroom; learning depends on what they do once they are there.
Successful students think hard and contribute regularly. Learning can sometimes be uncomfortable and productive struggle is a really important part of that process.
Work Hard
Independent study is one of the defining characteristics of successful sixth form students. Research consistently finds a clear relationship between the amount of high quality independent study students complete and the progress they make.
Successful students work hard consistently. They understand that independent study is not an optional extra. It is where much of the learning happens.
Study Smart
Working hard matters, but working smart matters too. Educational research consistently shows that some study techniques are far more effective than others.
Successful students understand that learning is not about doing what feels easiest; it is about doing what is most effective. They combine sustained effort with evidence-informed study habits to
maximise their progress.
Do More
The purpose of sixth form is not simply to achieve excellent grades. It is to become a more knowledgeable, skilled, confident and capable young adult. Many students leave sixth form with similar grades. What often differentiates them are the experiences, skills and achievements they have accumulated alongside those qualifications.
Successful students actively seek opportunities to challenge themselves, broaden their experiences and distinguish themselves from others.
Be Ambitious
Successful students have clear and ambitious aspirations. They are more likely to attend regularly, work consistently, persevere through challenges and take advantage of opportunities. Ambition is not about comparing yourself to others; it is about identifying a challenging goal and making choices that bring you closer to achieving it.
Successful students know where they are going and allow that ambition to shape their choices, habits and behaviours.
Success Is a Habit, Not an Accident
Success is rarely an accident. It is usually the result of the habits we practise every day. The good news is that these habits are not fixed traits – they can be learned, developed and strengthened.
We are committed to helping every student develop the habits that underpin success, enabling them to achieve their potential, thrive during their time with us and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.
So, when you join Durham Sixth Form Centre, our expectation is clear:
✔ Turn Up ✔ Contribute ✔ Work Hard ✔ Study Smart ✔ Do More ✔ Be Ambitious
Take Your Next Step
At Durham Sixth Form Centre, we provide the environment, support and framework to help you build the habits that lead to top results. Discover how our courses can shape your future.
Explore our Courses