Enrichment

Developing the whole student

At BHS Sixth Form, we believe that pushing students to fulfil their academic potential is essential because it allows them the best chance of securing highly competitive university, apprenticeship and employment places.

However, we also believe that it is vital we help students develop into well-rounded, socially and morally responsible young adults, who are comfortable taking on leadership responsibilities.

We provide a comprehensive enrichment programme, which involves students in a variety of stimulating physical, artistic, cultural and recreational pursuits.  Staff try to cater for a wide variety of interests and abilities, and encourage both elite performance and enthusiastic involvement.

From academic societies to sporting activities and outward-bound adventures on the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, our enrichment opportunities share a commitment to ignite a passion for discovery, knowledge, and adventure alongside academic life to ensure a broad and well-rounded life at BHS Sixth Form.

Community Service

All Year 12 students are given the opportunity, time and support to undertake community service either within school or out in the community. We believe this is a very worthwhile undertaking as students can:

  • Make a difference to the lives of others
  • Gain work experience
  • Make new friends, meet interesting people
  • Develop personal and social skills
  • Enhance their CV / personal statement / reference

Students organise their own placements and ‘typical’ placements include working in a care home, primary school or charity shop and supporting pupils in lessons. Students also volunteer to be part of the charity committee.

Sixth Form Life Skills and PSHE

“To help students understand themselves as individuals and their relationships with others, and to understand and participate in society as informed, competent, responsible, caring individuals.”

All Sixth Form students participate in Life Skills sessions which are held on Thursday morning for Y12 and Friday mornings for Y13. The lessons prepare students to make the transition from school to higher education, further education, work and the changing roles and responsibilities in the adult world.

Topics are covered using a wide range of methods including case studies, videos, role-play, mock interviews, individual career interviews, visits, debates, outside speakers and workshops.

The activities enable the students to develop a wide range of skills including:

  • Decision Taking
  • Information gathering
  • Information Assessment & Analysis
  • Interview Skills
  • Self-Reliance
  • Study Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Organisation Skills

 

Leadership Roles

Sixth Form students play a vital role in the wider life of the school.

They act as role models for younger pupils and, through taking on leadership roles, become better prepared for adult life.  They contribute in a variety of ways:

  • Charity Events
  • Ambassadors Scheme
  • Literacy and Maths Buddies
  • Sixthform Leadership Team
  • Subject Ambassadors
  • Form Captains
  • Study Support Team members
  • Supporting younger pupils in lessons and enrichment activities
  • Peer Mentoring

Volunteering

Sixth Form students are encouraged to participate in Voluntary Community Service which helps the students through:

  • Making a difference to the lives of others
  • Gaining work experience
  • Making new friends
  • Meeting interesting people
  • Developing personal and social skills
  • Enhancing cv /personal statement /reference

 

Work Experience

All students are advised to spend at least 2 weeks on Work Experience or Work Shadowing.

For example, shadowing medical staff at Basildon and Southend Hospitals, working at local law or accountancy practices. To facilitate this we have Extended Learning Weeks at the end of each Summer Term.