Enrichment

Academic learning in the Sixth Form at Gateways is supported by a structured enrichment programme. An individual’s wider experience and development is given careful consideration by universities and prospective employers and our programme will enable students to demonstrate a number of skills beyond the classroom. This ensures the growth of students beyond academic lessons.

Community Outreach

A compulsory part of Sixth Form life is to commit to volunteering for charities and projects in the wider community. Each year group nominates and fundraises for their own chosen charity; the Community Outreach prefects assist the High School with these events.  Upper 6 also help organise whole school yearly fundraising events such as Children in Need and Comic Relief/Sport Relief. Sixth Form students have also lead and supported collections for local food banks.

EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)

The EPQ is a qualification that prepares students for tertiary level education and is highly regarded by university admissions officers. It offers students a free project choice so they can explore in depth an aspect of a subject they are studying or a topic in which they have a personal interest. The students then produce a 5,000 word project or may produce an artefact. Preparation for the writing project includes visits to university libraries and sessions on how to undertake individual research. The EPQ is an optional qualification that students can start in the summer of Lower 6 and complete in Upper 6.

Advanced Certificate of Speech

This is a highly respected qualification designed by the English Speaking Board for Sixth Form students. It is valuable both for those going onto Higher Education and for those who will be entering the workplace. Evaluation focuses on the ability to marshal thoughts, present them cogently and clearly, and argue persuasively from a basis of intelligent and perceptive listening. All students complete this qualification as part of their enrichment programme in Lower 6.

External Speakers

Throughout Sixth Form we arrange for external speakers to present on a variety of topics and areas of interest. These include preparation for university applications and how to make the most of a gap year.

Developing Leadership Skills

Students develop their leadership qualities in many ways throughout their time in Sixth Form. Initially, in Lower Sixth they are instructed by the Prefect body how to present themselves as role models and undertake a variety of duties at break and lunchtimes. In Lower Sixth, they lead the House, organising music, sporting, drama, charity and general whole school events, often with minimal staff input. At the end of their first year in Sixth Form, pupils are invited to apply for one of our prefect roles covering a wide area such as sports, arts, community outreach and whole school liaison.

Preparation for University & Careers

At the start of Lower 6, students are provided with guidance through the university application process. Where relevant, mock interviews are arranged with a variety of professionals to help students prepare. Personal and academic tutors offer support to students on completing their personal statement and university application form.

Throughout the Sixth Form there is a carefully constructed and comprehensive careers programme involving internal and external careers advisors, careers fairs and a series of group and individual interviews.

For more information on University and Careers preparation at Gateways Sixth Form please click here. 

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Programme

Gateways is a licensed Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre. Sixth Form students are encouraged to plan and undertake an expedition with the support and training of qualified experts. There is the opportunity to test inner strength through a supervised trek in untamed countryside in order to attain a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, which is presented at St James’ Palace.