Post-16 Non Qualification Activities – Statement of Intent
At Etone College Sixth Form, alongside our ambitious curriculum, we offer a range of non-qualification and enrichment programmes. These aim to equip our students with valuable life skills, experiences and cultural capital to ensure that they become educated citizens of the wider world. Alongside our employability skills and Theme of the Week schedule, these experiences aim to enrich students, aiding their personal development and ensuring that they succeed in the future.
Participation in these is closely tracked and this information is used to formulate a reference for each student.
The list below details a range of non qualification activities offered to our students. The list is not exclusive as we endeavor to broaden our offer with new opportunities as they occur.
Learning for Life
All Sixth Form Students undertake a programme of Learning for Life, based on the PSHE Association’s programme of study for PSHE. This is delivered through form time sessions and encounters with a variety of external agencies including Driving Ambitions, MIND and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Access Courses & Summer Schools
We encourage our students to apply for a variety of Access Courses and Summer Schools in order to prepare them for Higher Education. Our students go on to successfully complete the Realising Opportunities Programme in partnership with Warwick University. We also encourage them to apply for a range of Summer Schools including the Sutton Trust and UNIQ for the University of Oxford.
Work Experience
All students are expected to complete a two week work experience placement at the end of Year 12. This enables students to apply their employability skills to a real world context. Students are encouraged to select a placement which is closely aligned to their future career goals. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, many of our students engaged in virtual work experience opportunities through Speakers for Schools, in which they encountered employers such as Price Waterhouse Coopers and OFCOM.
Alongside formal work experience, many of our students develop their skillset further by independently undertaking part time employment for local businesses and organisations.
Careers
We offer a comprehensive Careers advice service which enables students to receive personalised guidance on their future destinations. This starts at the end of Year 12 when students are introduced to local Higher Education Providers in order to prepare for their UCAS applications. All students are guided through the UCAS process and attend regular meetings to prepare them to successfully submit an application. Students also have the opportunity to have a Careers Interview with a qualified Prospects advisor.
All students are offered the opportunity to attend a variety of talks and events throughout the year including UCAS exhibitions, University Taster Days and Apprenticeship workshops.
Enrichment
Our students are encouraged to engage in the wider ethos of Etone College and the local community by getting involved in a range of enrichment activities. These include:
- Becoming a Holocaust Ambassador, contributing to Holocaust Memorial Week and attending events hosted by the Holocaust Memorial Trust.
- Participating in the Barr Mock Trial competition.
- Participating in the Historical Association’s Great Debate competition.
- Running Homework Club for Years 7-9.
- Being an active member of the Eco-Council.
- Running a student led ‘Community.’ This year we have a Mindfulness Community.
- Becoming a student guide during Open Evenings and Parents Evenings
- Completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Completing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- Organising and participating in fundraising events for charities such as Save the Children, Children in Need, Comic Relief and the local Foodbank.
Student Leadership
We are proud to have our very own student leadership team known as the Etone Elect. The committee is inclusive of both Year 12 and Year 13 students who have been elected as part of a formal application process. The team is led by two Head Students who work closely with the committee, student body and staff to implement new ideas and initiatives. We encourage each member of the committee to have their own role. This enables them to take ownership, and develop important values of team-work, organisation, integrity and self belief. Currently the different roles include Events, Lower School Link, Health & Wellbeing and Careers Ambassador.
