Enrichment
Our enrichment programme develops our students’ skills and qualities and enhances their application to universities. The programme provides opportunities to extend our students’ academic development and help them prepare for their next steps in their educational journey.
In addition to their three A level choices, Year 12 and 13 students complete the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) where students undertake an independent research project in an area of their choice. It allows students to explore an area of interest in great depth and the opportunity to develop skills in areas such as research, analytical thinking, project management, and independent learning.
The EPQ is a highly regarded qualification by universities and employers and can help students to stand out from other candidates. The Level 3 Extended Project Qualification is equal to 28 UCAS points, or half an A level, and can be used as part of an application to university.
We encourage our Sixth Form students to get involved in the mentoring programme and provide support and guidance for students in year 11; offering help and advice to other students through their GCSE studies. The mentoring programme helps enhance their personal statement.
Students in Sixth Form have designated enrichment time to help prepare them for their UCAS application to university. The students use this time to prepare their personal statement, research different universities and courses.
We are a member of the Northeast Partner Programme. This raises awareness of higher education opportunities and has allowed many of our students to access highly competitive courses, such as Medicine, and receive a lower conditional offer to study at one of the north east’s universities including Newcastle, Northumbria, and Sunderland.
Studies show that there is a positive relationship between reading for pleasure and academic attainment and personal development. We encourage students to read for pleasure and value the impact our Sixth Form students have on helping younger students to develop their reading skills. Additionally, programmes such as these will enhance applications to further education.
During the dedicated enrichment time, students follow a PSHE programme of study to explore the three themes ‘Sex, Relationships, and Society’ ‘Careers, Finance, and Independence’ and ‘Health and Wellbeing. This course helps prepare our students for the wider world.
We have high aspirations for our students and encourage them to explore the different universities available to them. We organise educational visits to local universities and those further afield.
Our students complete work experience in the final week of the summer term. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to gain the skills and vocational experience they need to be successful in the workplace. Students are guided and supported in securing their own work experience and preparing for their placement.
Other opportunities include:
- World Challenge trip (in July 2024 our students visited Croatia)
- The Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Work experience placements.
- A collapsed timetable day