HE+ Academic Enrichment Scheme
Some high achieving Year 12 students may be selected to join a scheme called HE+ which provides support for applicants to Oxford or Cambridge Universities. This scheme provides these students with activities to stretch and challenge them academically and provide them with the advice and guidance they need to make competitive applications to Higher Education. The key elements of the programme include:
- A full day launch event where students will be introduced to the scheme, receive guidance from the Cambridge Admissions team on applying to research led universities, hear from HE+ alumni and attend masterclass sessions in their chosen subject stream.
- The opportunity to visit Cambridge and Peterhouse College to meet current students, view the facilities and continue their super-curricular subject work.
- A one-day conference and graduation for students with a range of super-curricular provision on offer in subject streams and sessions giving guidance on personal statements.
- Students will also be expected to engage with a range of online resources and discussions on the HE+ website and to evidence this in their HE+ journal.
Extended Project Qualification (AQA 7993)
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is also available for students should they wish to broaden their curriculum studies. This requires the teaching of relevant planning, organisational, project management, study and presentation skills and a piece of independent work undertaken by the student from an area of personal or subject interest.
Future Learn Courses
Future Learn offers you a powerful new way to learn online. Working with a range of institutions including the University of Bath, Kings College London, UNSW Sydney and the University of Warwick to name a few. Every course has been designed to allow you to experience learning through storytelling, discussion, visible learning and using community support to celebrate success. Courses are free and range from a length of 2 to 8 weeks. www.futurelearn.com
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
This scheme is very successful and has a very large take up within the school as a whole. Our provision has been recognised nationally and our numbers and depth of expertise make us the largest and most successful state school provider in the system. Our Gold candidates have a choice of expeditions between the UK and more demanding experiences such as trekking in the Pyrenees or canoeing in Southern Ireland. Currently we have a number of Gold candidates preparing for their presentations at Buckingham Palace. Universities constantly acknowledge the importance they place on the personal qualities demonstrated by successful Gold candidates by making them offers of places on the most competitive courses. Application to the scheme is open to all. Those wishing to enter for the first time at the higher levels are merely required to fulfil a longer qualifying period.
Creative Arts
Sixth Form students take part in a broad range of arts activities across school including: taking on a variety of roles in shows (on stage and backstage); participating in musical events; organising the Arnold Hill Gig Night, in which many talented bands play; leading or supporting with extra-curricular clubs for younger students.