Opportunities outside the Classroom

Leadership, Enrichment & Student Voice

Students are encouraged to become Senior Prefects and/or apply for the positions within the Senior Student Team.  Students can access enrichment opportunities and participate in school life.

The Student Voice is represented through:

  • Mentor Representatives
  • Senior Student Team
  • Sixth Form Council Meetings

Personal Social Health Economic Education (PSHEE) 

Students undertake PSHEE, which is mapped to the KS5 PSHEE Association framework. Students cover Career Pathways, Employability Skills, Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World through a variety of delivery. 

PSHEE sessions focus on life after Sixth Form, including:

  • University applications
  • Apprenticeships
  • Employment and training
  • Further education
  • Gap year planning

We provide a comprehensive support system for onward destinations, including:

  • Student finance talks
  • External speakers
  • Industry guests
  • Visits from local university ambassadors

An annual Life After Sixth Form Talk for parents and students is held in February of Year 12 along with our Pathways Conference where students meet employers and undertake workshops and talk with alumni. 

Work Experience

Work experience is a key part of the post-16 journey, helping students develop employability and transferable skills. Options include:

  • A dedicated week at the end of Year 12 (no lessons during this week)
  • One week during any half-term holiday
  • One day per week when no lessons are scheduled
  • “Take Your Child to Work” days/weeks

Students are encouraged to arrange placements in areas of personal interest to gain insight into industries, make contacts, and build workplace skills. We also work with the Department of Work and Pensions to deliver employability courses.

Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

  • Additional courses, EPQ, Core Maths, Further Maths and Gold Arts Award
  • Buddy Support
  • Careers Fairs
  • Dance Leader Support
  • Duke of Edinburgh Scheme
  • Enrichment Courses
  • Fundraising for charity
  • Higher Education Exhibitions/Trips
  • Lower School Student Support
  • Lower School Guided Reading Support
  • Lower School Subject Support
  • LRC Support
  • Overseas Trip
  • Peer Mentoring
  • Sixth Form Student Voice & Mentor Reps
  • Sports Clubs (Football, Tag Rugby)
  • Theatre Trips
  • Volunteering Opportunities
  • Wellbeing Garden Volunteer
  • Work Experience

An example of events we offer are:

Life after 6th Form (Families & Students) Talk

The Importance of Year 12 - Year 12 is a crucial stage in preparing for life after school, and it’s important that students and families are fully aware of the wide range of post-18 options available. To support this, we are delighted to invite students and their families to an Information Evening on Tuesday, 24th February in the Bay Theatre.

This event will provide valuable insights into the different pathways available after Year 13, including university, apprenticeships, and alternative routes.

  • Guest Speaker: Chris Targett (Former Careers Adviser of the Year) from CXK Ltd, who will discuss alternative pathways and key timelines for post-18 applications.
  • University of Kent Presentation: An overview of Higher Education and Student Finance, including the benefits of university study and the application process through UCAS. A representative from the university will explain the UCAS procedure in detail and outline the financial implications of going to university, including how to apply for student finance.

Higher Education University of Kent

The purpose of this trip is to give students a first-hand experience of university life by visiting a local campus. They will take part in sample seminars and explore the facilities, helping them gain a clearer understanding of what studying at university involves. We hope students will join us for this valuable opportunity. The event will also include time for questions, allowing you to speak directly with the presenters and staff to address any queries you may have.

6th Form Conference (Students)

The annual Sixth Form Conference will take place on Monday, 23 March 2026. This dedicated day, set aside from the normal timetable, gives students the opportunity to focus on planning their future. Throughout the conference, students will explore a range of post-18 options, including Higher Education, Further Education, apprenticeships, and professional career pathways. They will attend presentations delivered by external speakers, including representatives from universities, providing valuable insights and guidance.  Further details will be shared closer to the event. After Easter, mentors will continue these discussions during mentor time, helping students reflect on the conference and consider their next steps.

Higher Education Canterbury Christ Church University – Explore Your Future (Students)

Explore your future - the purpose of this trip is to enable students to visit a city university campus and compare this to a more rural university. We do hope that students will be able to join us as indicated, as there will also be an opportunity for you to ask the speakers, or staff, any questions you may have.  

Higher Education Discovery Tour (Students)– The Kent Event Centre - Maidstone

This visit offers students a valuable opportunity to explore what higher education can provide and gain insight into university life. They will be able to speak with current students about their experiences and learn first-hand what studying at university involves. The event will feature stands from a wide range of universities, giving students the chance to collect prospectuses and engage directly with university staff. In addition, a series of informative workshops will be available, covering topics such as writing a personal statement, understanding university life, exploring gap year options, and managing student finance.

Paris Trip

A cultural visit to Paris to enable students to experience the vibrant city, including a visit to the Montmartre area, a visit to Sacre Coeur, a cruise on the River Seine and a visit to Disneyland Paris. Paris is the capital and largest city of France, located in the north-central part of the country along the Seine River. Known as “The City of Light” (La Ville Lumière), it has long been a global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture.