Enrichment & Student Leadership
We recognise the importance of students developing personal qualities alongside their academic studies and offer a wide range of enrichment opportunities for students to participate in.
Working outside of the classroom really enhances a student’s learning experience. Many subjects offer residential and day visits, such as the Economics trip to the Houses of Parliament, the Music trip to Germany, History visits to Auschwitz and to historic sites in London, theatre visits through both Drama and English, fieldwork in Geography and Biology and study visits in Maths and the Sciences. Our students also visited and worked in an orphanage in India and helped provide water to a rural part of Peru.
There is a robust tutor programme focusing on the school and Sixth Form values, using case studies, research and learning activities and input from visiting speakers to reinforce their importance. Tutor activities are also based on language for learning and current affairs on which the weekly in-house tutor quiz is based.
Our students have recently had the opportunity to take part in first aid training, learning vital skills for life. We also encourage students to consider the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which is highly regarded by universities and employers alike. Many subject areas offer national competitions for example the Chemistry, Physics and Maths challenges and competitive essay projects in English and Humanities.
There is currently a student-led Debate Club where topical discussion takes place, a thriving Board-Games Club and a workshop for developing a newsletter. Student groups each year determine enrichment activities to address their interests. The College has also enjoyed great success with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, running the Gold award. This is a most-rewarding project where students dedicate time to community work, an expedition and other challenging activities. The programme builds confidence, develops self-esteem, and is highly regarded by universities and employers.
Student Leadership
Richmond Sixth Form College has an established student leadership programme helping students to develop their leadership skills, enhancing their Sixth Form experience.
Richmond Sixth Form College has an active body of Student Leaders who work as ambassadors for the school and Sixth Form. Student Leaders have a variety of roles, giving our students a voice in decision making. The Student Leaders’ work allows them to learn how to effect positive change and take on roles of responsibility to prepare them for life beyond college. Their recent work has included discussing issues concerning the Sixth Form such as learning, sustainability and healthy eating but each student group determines their main areas of focus.
Being a good role model is an important part of being a Sixth Form student. Our students are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and embody our school and Sixth Form values. Alongside their academic studies, students can become involved in activities which help to develop their creativity, communication and teamwork skills, as well as helping to embed resilience, excellence and independence.
One of our strengths is that our Sixth Form is part of a wider school community and students have the opportunity to be a subject ambassador supporting staff and students in the school. This involves mentoring younger students in lessons or after school clubs or helping them with their reading. Sixth form students lead assemblies and run after-school enrichment such as dance and drama workshops, homework club, sports teams, debating club and many more.
Student Leaders organise fundraising events for national charitable organisations but students also regularly support charities in the local community. Student Leaders also plan team building and fun events with their peers. Their work enriches the experiences of all involved.