As we hurtle towards the exam season students are steadfast in their approach to their studies; unrelenting in their determination to succeed. For us as staff, we being to reflect. This seems the perfect opportunity to look back on the Enrichment and Personal Development Programme. Primarily for Year 12 students, Year 13 are always welcome to attend and join in the sessions.

Since September we have developed and delivered an exclusive programme of enrichment; some sessions compulsory and others opt-in depending on student interest. Subjects, like Geography, have begun to use this time to support their curriculum development too! We cannot believe how fast the year has gone by and just how much we have packed in.

So far this year we have been supported by over 30 organisations to deliver our exclusive enrichment programme. The essence of the programme to to develop accomplished students and provide experiences beyond the classroom.

Highlights of the programme have been the Healthforce volunteers – you may have seen some of our students on the local news! Our Sixth Form have been instrumental in the success of this pioneering project, where we have worked in partnership with the local NHS trust. Our volunteers will have accrued over 100 hours of NHS, hospital-based work experience as a result of this project. Invaluable. A number of students have also used this time to secure ongoing, long-term work placements. The majority of these students are interested in education as a progression route and this has allowed them to build up their experience in a number of settings.

Our Wednesday afternoons have also been well supported by a number of Higher Education institutions. This has been through a mix of information giving sessions about the university and city location, subject specific sessions and skills sessions.

EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) goes from strength to strength with students relishing the opportunity to expand their curriculum – as a staff we are looking forward to seeing some interesting presentations! If you like social media, you may have seen the KEVIfood Instagram where our Year 12s made some delicious Malteaser cake recently. The ‘Cooking for Pleasure’ course is a big hit and students need to produce dishes on a budget.

Check out the key dates section for the upcoming Enrichment and Personal Development Programme and follow us on social media for updates.