Sixth Form Personal Enrichment at The Newcastle School

More Than Qualifications. A Sixth Form Experience That Shapes Futures.

The best Sixth Forms do more than deliver excellent academic results. They help young people develop the confidence, resilience, leadership, and independence needed to thrive in university, apprenticeships, careers, and life beyond education.

At The Newcastle School Sixth Form, personal development sits alongside academic achievement. Through our unique Sixth Form Diploma, extensive leadership opportunities, sport, enrichment programme, community engagement and personalised support, students grow into confident, capable young adults ready for whatever comes next.

As one of the most distinctive Sixth Forms in Newcastle, we believe success is measured not only by examination results, but by the character, skills and experiences students gain during their journey with us. 

The Newcastle School Sixth Form Diploma

At the heart of Sixth Form life is our unique Sixth Form Diploma, designed to give every student a distinctive, relevant and engaging experience beyond their academic studies. The Diploma prepares students for the challenges of modern life and helps them develop into successful, well-rounded individuals.

The Diploma is built around three core pillars:

Academic Excellence

Students are encouraged to stretch themselves beyond their chosen subjects through a tailored programme of academic extension and independent learning. 

Opportunities include:

• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
• Academic enrichment activities
• University preparation programmes
• Subject-based extension opportunities

The EPQ is particularly valued by universities because it develops advanced research, critical thinking, analysis and independent learning skills that prepare students for higher education study. 

Character Development

We believe character is just as important as academic success.

Students are encouraged to participate fully in the wider life of the school and local community through:

• Mentoring younger pupils
• Supporting school clubs and activities
• Community service initiatives
• Leadership positions
• Student ambassador opportunities

These experiences help students develop empathy, confidence, resilience, leadership and emotional intelligence while making a meaningful contribution to the school community. 

Skills for Life

The third pillar focuses on the practical skills that employers and universities consistently value.

Students develop:

• Public speaking
• Teamwork
• Problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Leadership
• Communication skills
• Resilience
• Organisation and planning

These skills are embedded throughout Sixth Form life and reinforced through practical opportunities to lead projects, organise events and collaborate with others. 

Leadership Opportunities That Build Confidence

Leadership is a key part of the Sixth Form experience at The Newcastle School.

Every Year 12 student is expected to contribute to school life by supporting an academic lesson or co-curricular club, helping to develop responsibility, confidence and leadership skills. 

Students can also take on wider leadership roles, including:

• Senior Pupil positions
• Head of House roles
• Club leadership opportunities
• Supporting school events and initiatives
• Fundraising

Many students even establish their own clubs and activities, helping shape the culture and community of the Sixth Form. 

Sport, Wellbeing and Personal Growth

A successful Sixth Form experience should support both academic achievement and personal wellbeing.

Sport continues to play a significant role in Sixth Form life, with dedicated Games sessions, opportunities for competitive fixtures, fitness training and strength and conditioning programmes.

These experiences develop:

• Resilience
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Physical wellbeing
• Mental wellbeing

Students also have opportunities to gain qualifications such as the Higher Sports Leaders Award, further enhancing leadership and organisational skills. 

A Community Where Every Student Belongs

One of the greatest strengths of The Newcastle School is its close-knit and supportive community.

Because of our small size, every student is known as an individual and supported by an experienced network of staff, tutors and pastoral leaders. Each student benefits from regular contact with a personal tutor who provides guidance on academic progress, wellbeing, future aspirations and personal development. 

Additional support is available through:

• Dedicated Sixth Form pastoral team
• Head of Futures
• Careers guidance
• Support for Learning department
• In-house counselling provision
• Academic mentoring and guidance

This personalised approach allows students to flourish academically, socially and emotionally.