Enrichment
At Highfields, students are provided with a wide range of enrichment opportunities throughout their time in Sixth Form. We want to ensure that all students leave Highfields with the skills and qualities that will help them to be successful in the future, and having access to a variety of different experiences forms a key part of this development.
With this in mind, all Sixth Form students will participate in a broad range of activities across our three strands of enrichment:
Academic Enrichment
Alongside the engaging curriculum and high-quality teaching and learning that students will experience at Highfields, we place a real emphasis on academic enrichment. These opportunities are a fantastic way for students to demonstrate their expertise and enthusiasm in relation to a particular subject or future career pathway.
Our students have access to a wide range of opportunities that span right across the Sixth Form curriculum. From subject specific events such as visits to universities or talks from industry experts, to more general opportunities that allow students to develop their academic skillset, for instance FutureLearn. All of these activities will help students to enhance their knowledge and skills, whilst providing a broad range of experiences that will serve them well in the future.
Examples of the types of opportunities our students have benefitted from are as follows:
The Engineering Education Scheme
This scheme gives teams of Year 12 Physics students the opportunity to work with local companies on real, scientific and engineering technology projects. Students are able to apply their learning in a practical setting and experience first hand what work in a STEM field is truly like.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn is an online learning platform that provides free courses that students can follow. There is a vast range of options to choose from, with everything from Accounting to Zoology . They are a fantastic way for students to extend their learning beyond the A Level syllabus outlined as part of their course specification.
Preparation for the Future
Preparation for the future forms a key part of the Sixth Form programme at Highfields. We recognise that supporting students with their career choices is integral to their long-term success. The majority of our students progress on to their first choice university course; others will go on to study an apprenticeship or move straight into employment. We work closely with all students to ensure they embark upon a pathway that is appropriate for them.
All students will have access to a work experience placement and personalised career information, advice and guidance to support them in their chosen pathway. We have developed strong working partnerships with numerous organisations that allow us to provide high quality experiences and ensure all students are fully prepared for whatever their future holds. Examples of the types of opportunities our students have benefitted from are as follows:
The Social Mobility Project
A number of our students have been selected to participate in this prestigious programme which aims to give young people a real insight into top professions and provide the skills necessary to achieve their aspirations. Through the Social Mobility Foundation, our students have gained internships and networked with professionals working within their chosen fields.
Community Contribution
The success of Highfields Sixth Form is built upon a strong sense of community that is shared by everyone in school. The contribution that Sixth Form students make to school life and the wider community is invaluable. They act as role models to younger students, consistently demonstrating the high standards of academic and personal conduct that is expected of all students.
Sixth Form students take an active role in supporting the ethos of the school through various different forms of charitable and volunteer work. Examples of the community work carried out by students are as follows:
The Challenge (NCS)
The Challenge is the UK's leading charity for building a more integrated society. Through The Challenge, many of our Sixth Form students have had the opportunity to deliver projects that have made a genuine difference to the local community and helped them to develop valuable skills.
School productions
School productions at Highfields are a prestigious annual event, involving students from all year groups. Sixth Form students often take principal roles which offers them excellent performing experience and enhances their leadership skills. Students can also contribute to the backstage production, gaining an insight into areas such as set design and performance technology.
Personal Development
Personal development is a fundamental aspect of life at Highfields. We pride ourselves on helping young people grow into well rounded individuals who have the confidence, independence and resilience to be successful.
Highfields Sixth Form students are able to demonstrate that they possess the skills and qualities that are so highly sought after by universities, apprenticeship providers and employers. Examples of the types of opportunities our students have benefitted from are as follows:
Sixth Form Mentoring and Study Support Scheme
Sixth Form students regularly act as mentors to support the personal and academic development of younger students. This helps students to develop their confidence and communication skills.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Sixth Form students have the chance to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. The award provides various different enrichment opportunities, ranging from completing volunteer work to carrying out physical expeditions, all of which help to develop a range of important skills.
Leading extra-curricular activities
Sixth Form students often take a lead role in delivering extra-curricular activities within school. Current examples include football, netball and cricket.
First Aid
Each year, Sixth Form students have the opportunity to undergo first aid training with a qualified first aid trainer in school. Currently, many of our Year 13 students are first aid qualified.