Richard Challoner School

Sixth Form Study Programmes

  • All our Study Programmes are full-time (unless in exceptional circumstances – e.g. where there is a serious medical issue) and combine study towards Level 3 qualifications with other enrichment activities. Each programme is tailored to each student’s prior attainment and career goals.
  • Every student is on a study programme with an academic core aim.
  • All study programmes include non-qualification activities that support the student to progress to further or higher education, apprenticeships, school-leaver programmes or to employment.
  • We encourage the development of soft skills by means of a range of activities, including compulsory Games/ Enrichment on a Wednesday afternoon, involvement in the Xavier Centre, Learning Support homework club, School Parliament, Games clubs, Sports teams, Young Reporter Scheme, Debates, Choir, Orchestra, Literacy/ numeracy mentoring to younger students, Charities Committee, House events, a range of fund-raising activities etc.
  • Work Experience is compulsory for Year 12. 
  • Sixth Formers are regularly emailed with information regarding a range of opportunities that arise at both local and national level.
  • We run a varied PSHE programme that is designed to support students in terms of looking after themselves mentally and physically (e.g. sessions on mental health, drugs and alcohol, cooking, finance), and in broadening their horizons in terms of bringing in outside speakers to speak on current affairs or careers.
  • Our non-qualification programme includes compulsory General RE lessons that include modules on subjects such as Listening skills, Crime and Punishment, Relationships, Politics and Religion, Religious Cults, Utilitarianism, World Religions in Film, Service towards Others, Diversity and Equality, and Affirmative Action, all of which contribute to supporting our students into developing as responsible citizens and members of British society. There is also an annual Yr 12 Retreat that enables students to further engage with and debate ethical issues.
  • We offer enrichment opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and True Adventure to develop a range of skills in our students.
  • We organise a carefully planned Future Pathways programme starting early in Year 12 that introduces students to the range of post-18 options available and encourages them to develop both their soft skills and their intellectual curiosity by means of building their super-curriculum. Students are frequently emailed with a range of opportunities in terms of taster days, lectures, courses, or other events. The Future Pathways programme also includes an evening for parents on Future Pathways, including UCAS, in the Summer term of Year 12.
  • All students in Year 12 are helped to produce a CV that then forms the basis of a one-to-one interview with a member of the Rotary Club.
  • We run an Ambassadors’ afternoon each year for Year 12 students to give them exposure to local employers and past students.