Wider development programme

‘Gateways tends to the needs of every individual. It is an incredible school and it has made me the person I am today.’

Katie Scott, Upper VI, Head Girl (2009–2010)

Employers and higher education providers now give consideration to an individual’s wider experience and development when making selection decisions. Gateways School promotes individual development through numerous activities, including, but not limited to, the following:

Community awareness

Students are expected to offer their time and skills to undertake 27 hours of community service during Lower Sixth Form. Although we do not require community service in Upper Sixth Form, past experience has shown that most girls choose to continue with the community service they started in the Lower Sixth. Students will be expected to find their own volunteer opportunities. They might like to look for an opportunity that is linked in some way to their career or higher education aspirations. For example, students applying for a medical school place may benefit from volunteering at a retirement home.

Enhancement programme

A series of after-school seminars are held to introduce students to a variety of topics about which they may have little or no exposure. These seminars are popular with Oxbridge candidates and all sixth formers who have a thirst for knowledge. Past seminars have covered such topics as: various art movements, politics, the plays of Samuel Beckett, the history of advertising, the first Star Wars trilogy, women entrepreneurs and mountaineering.

Duke of Edinburgh Gold programme and World Challenge

Sixth Form students are encouraged to plan and undertake an expedition with the support and training of dedicated World Challenge experts. Past expeditions have been made to such places as Spain and Romania. Students will have the opportunity to test their inner strength through a supervised trek in untamed countryside, here or abroad, in order to attain a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Mentorship programme

Each Lower Sixth Form student will be assigned a pupil from Upper III to mentor. This eases the transition from Lower III to High School for the younger pupils, while giving sixth formers the opportunity to develop leadership skills, empathy and an awareness of the wider school community.

Sport

Sport choices are available to Sixth Form students at Gateways School and often provide an opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership and team-working skills.

Drama

Drama options are available to Sixth Form students and often provide an opportunity to develop and demonstrate confidence when communicating, as well as leadership and team-working skills.