Enrichment

Going Beyond – Enrichment and Super-Curricular Opportunities

We believe it is vital for all students to go beyond the minimum requirements of their programmes of study during their time in the sixth form. We offer a wide range of enrichment, extra-curricular, super- curricular and personal development opportunities that are designed to complement our students’ academic studies; extend their subject-specific knowledge; widen their interests and develop their confidence and personal skills. Securing a place at university, an apprenticeship or a good job requires more than just academic success; both university admissions tutors and employers increasingly look for more, expecting to see well-rounded individuals who have gained valuable experience and explored their interests and potential.

Sixth Form Clubs and Teams

We have a range of extra-curricular activities which run at lunchtimes and after school in the sixth form; we also encourage students to set up new clubs to share their interests with their peers, and to take a leadership role in our lower-school enrichment activities.

 Some of the options which are currently available are:

  • Sixth Form football team
  • Debate Club – with the opportunity to take part in the regional Ethics Cup competition
  • VEX robotics
  • Christian Union
  • Sixth Form reading club

Educational Trips, Visits and Projects

We offer a range of subject-specific and wider opportunities for students. These include:

  • Visit to Durham Crown Courts for all social science students
  • ‘Lessons from Auschwitz’ project which includes a day visit to Poland
  • Fieldwork at a variety of North-East locations for Geography and Science students
  • Residential trip to London which includes visits to the Courts of Justice; London Dungeons, a Jack-the Ripper Tour and a West-End theatre production
  • Visit to the Bill Bryson Library at Durham University
  • Drug Discovery Project in collaboration with Durham University

The Sports Leader Award

This nationally-recognised qualification is open to all students, but is compulsory for those taking A level PE or AAQ Sport. The course is designed to develop students’ leadership, communication and teamwork through sport and physical activity. Participants learn to lead sports sessions for various age groups and community members, gaining confidence and life skills applicable to higher education and future employment. Currently our sports leaders support in the delivery of local sporting events including Durham schools’ athletics competitions and themed days at local primary schools.

Personal Development

All sixth form students participate in personal development. We offer a high quality PSHCE programme covering personal safety, health and wellbeing, relationships and ‘living in the wider world’. As well as being delivered through our tutor programme, PSHCE workshops are also delivered by guest speakers and organisations. For example, students will attend workshops on driving safely and speed awareness; managing finances and budgeting, and drugs and alcohol. They will also gain a full First Aid qualification in year 12.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The ‘DofE’ is a highly regarded programme that challenges students to develop new skills, support your community, stay active and take part in an adventurous exhibition. Open to all students, the award is a great way to develop independence, resilience and teamwork, all while having fun and making lasting memories.

Community Enrichment

Our sixth formers are role models for students in the lower school and we encourage them to support younger students and to get involved in whole school events such as assemblies, open evenings and transition days. Sixth formers can choose from the options below, developing their leadership skills and confidence whilst also giving back to the school community:

• Become a peer mentor: This option is ideal for those who are considering a career in education or working with children; this includes a full training programme -including modules on safeguarding and special educational needs -before sixth formers are paired with a lower-school student to  support them both in and outside of lessons.  

• The Sixth Form Council: working closely with our Student Presidents, the council’s duties include taking a leading role in organising community and charity events, and coordinating their year group’s yearbook.

• Support in the running of lower school clubs and sports teams

Work Experience

All of our sixth formers complete a work experience placement in year 12. They are supported to gain a placement in a workplace related to their potential career, where they can gain valuable insight into the world of work. Having this opportunity allows you to make informed decisions about your future, whether that’s choosing university courses, apprenticeships or career pathways. It can strengthen personal statements, CVs and applications and provide useful networking opportunities with employers. Spending time in a professional environment will also enable you to develop transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork, while building confidence and independence

The Broadening Horizons Award

This award is unique to our sixth form and completed by all students in year 12. This gives them the opportunity to develop the breadth and depth of their knowledge, both linked to and beyond their subjects. Students build up a portfolio of evidence that they have engaged in a variety of super-curricular activities that are designed to develop their academic skills, deepening their subject knowledge and also preparing them for the additional independence and academic rigour of post-18 study. There are 3 different levels to the award: bronze; silver and gold. Students who complete the gold award will deliver a presentation to a panel which includes academics from local universities.