Enrichment
Sixth Form students at Caldicot are afforded a broad range of enrichment experiences which supports their application to university or future employment. We strongly encourage all sixth form students to full embrace these opportunities to strengthen progression to the life after Year 13. These experiences include
Charity Work: Sixth Form students recognise the need to support the whole school commitment to raising money for local and national charities. This is managed by the Sixth Form Charities Committee, which meets on a regular basis and coordinates the fundraising activities. Each year many different activities take place, ranging from whole day activities supporting ‘Children in Need’, to coffee mornings supporting the MacMillan Cancer Support Charity. The purpose of this commitment, to supporting charities, is part of a wider remit of Sixth Form education in the hope that students will develop a greater understanding of the needs of others, both close to Caldicot and to needy communities across the world.
Prefect System: The Prefect system enables students to be recognized for the contributions they make to the life of the school. Prefects are often keen to fulfil specific roles such as providing literacy or numeracy support to younger students, raising money for specific charities, or acting as guides for important school events. The Head Boy and Head Girl are ambassadors for the school and represent student voice on the Pupil Liaison Group. They play a significant role in leading prefect teams and take great pride in representing the school at external events.
Masterclasses, University Competitions and Taster Days: Universities offer a range of opportunities to Sixth Form students throughout the year. Such events give students the opportunity to explore a subject of their choice at degree level. Events are promoted via Form Tutors and the Sixth Form Twitter feed.
Summer Schools: Many Universities now offer summer schools for students considering applying to their institution. Designated staff promote events as they arise and provide one to one support with applications. Successful applications this year included:
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An Archaeological Dig excavating a medieval site in West Wales;
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A Genes Week Summer School with University College London (UCL);
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A Welsh Language Residential Event in North Wales; and
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A two week Doctor Camp in the Czech Republic.
Sutton Trust Summer Schools: The Sutton Trust Summer Schools provide the opportunity for high-achieving Year 12 students, to get a taste of students life at a research-led university. The Trust and the universities meet all the costs incurred by the students which include travel, food and accommodation, trips and activities.
Bristol University: Caldicot has close links with the university and many sixth form students participate in the Access to Bristol and Pathways to Health Science programmes every year. Students attend a series of sessions on Wednesday afternoons during the autumn or spring term. The sessions give an idea of what it is like to study at the University of Bristol, working with academics and current students who can offer advice and guidance about higher education and their subject area. Taking demonstrates a commitment to further study that strengthens university applications. Students who successfully complete the programme are guaranteed a contextual offer/interview from Bristol, a top-ten UK University (QS World University Rankings 2020).