Super Curricular

SIXTH FORM ENRICHMENT & SUPER CURRICULUM OPPORTUNITIES

A key aim of the Sixth Form is to provide students with the opportunity to exercise independence and develop personal strength. Through these experiences students will be more prepared for the transition into the world of work or higher education and beyond, whilst also getting involved in new and interesting activities. 

There is no set enrichment programme as opportunities constantly present themselves throughout the year.  

We have five scheduled Skills for Life days to aid the delivery of some of these opportunities. 

It is expected that students actively engage in face to face and online provision to support their interests and widened their holistic development.  

Opportunities include: 

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

First Aid

Whole school Music events

Sixth Form Sporting events

Debating

Student Parliament

Peer Mentoring etc.

The weekly Sixth Form Newsletter provides a huge wealth of resources that are current and available to students to apply for or get involved with. 

The newsletter is a must read! 

THE SUPER CURRICULUM

  • Our Super Curriculum encapsulates all those activities that foster academic endeavour beyond the measurable outcomes of examination results. It includes (but is not limited to) wider reading, debate, public speaking, research, lectures and study tips.
  • Each department will provide a range of subject specific enrichment opportunities designed to enhance students interest and understanding. During the year staff will signpost students to these opportunities.
  • Students wishing to develop an area of academic interest in more depth will be able to take part in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This involves students completing a university style research project in a topic of their choice.

Our colleagues at Rushcliffe Spenser Academy have developed a superb resource app that can be downloaded free of charge and gives suggestions and activities to support students in their personal statements and development of life skills. 

The importance of super-curricular activities

  • To do well at A Level, it is important to have:
  1. a) enthusiasm and curiosity for your subject and 
  2. b) the capacity for independent study.

 Super-curricular activities can help you: 

  • Choose a subject to study. 
  • Provide evidence on a personal statement or for an interview. 
  • Develop important skills. 

What is the Super Curriculum?

Super curricular activities are those that take your regular curriculum further. They take the subject you study in the classroom beyond that which your teacher has taught you or what you’ve done for homework. On this webpage and on our downloadable app, there are a range of activities, suggested by teachers for you to stretch yourself and explore your subjects. You will find our app available to download for iOs and Android.

You can download for Apple devices here: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1560629360 

You can download for Android devices here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.AppInstitute.u70c2 

The Super-curricular Hour

By just adding in an hour a week of super curricular activities, you could be enhancing your grades and opening more opportunities for your future simply by broadening your understanding of a particular subject area. The chart above gives you an example of how you might wish to break down that hour of Super Curricular. 

The Careers Programme

On entering the Sixth Form, students are expected to have high aspirations for their future and to take charge of their own career development. Information, advice and guidance are provided throughout Year 12 and Year 13 to ensure that all students are able to make informed decisions relating to their future and have the right tools to make successful applications to the destinations of their choice. 

Work Related Skills

All students will get an opportunity to develop critical employment-related skills such as interview performance and CV writing. Those wanting to progress onto Higher Apprenticeships, school leavers programmes or other employment can get support with searching placements and making applications. 

Opportunities arise all the time and are advertised via the Sixth Form Newsletter. 

Work Experience

All Sixth Form students are encouraged to complete work experience during their time in Sixth Form this could be face to face or virtually. There is no set week and students must arrange any work experience independently and liaise with the school for support if needed. The online opportunities are incredible and are highly valued by Universities, however some companies still put together really valuable work experience programmes, should you be lucky enough to gain a place please let us know and we can help support any applications. 

UCAS Applications

Students will be guided through all aspects of the university application process. Intensive one to one support is offered by the Sixth Form team and experienced tutor team. The ‘Med Soc’ group provides targeted support for students with ambitions to attends Oxbrige and Russell Group universities and for those aiming for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and law. The ‘aspiring apprenticeship’ group similarly provides support for those looking to gain an apprenticeship post 18. All applications are now managed by the UCAS Hub. 

Where to go for help?

A dedicated Careers Education, Information Advice and Guidance officer is based in the main school and students can arrange to attend a drop in session or make individual appointments during their free periods. A range of careers resources are available and students will be guided towards other sources of help during Skills for life days by their tutors or the Sixth Form team.