Enrichment and Student Leadership

While academic excellence is an important part of Sixth Form life at Chellaston Academy, students’ experiences extend far beyond the classroom. Our enrichment and leadership programmes help students develop their confidence, independence and wider life skills while making a positive contribution to the Academy community.

Student Leadership

Students can take advantage of a wide range of leadership opportunities, including Head Student and Deputy Head Student roles, as well as positions as academic and wellbeing prefects. These highly sought-after roles enable students to represent their peers and lead positive change across the Academy.

Sixth Form representatives also play an active role in the School Council, often taking the lead in its work and helping to ensure that students’ views are heard.

Our Sixth Form students support younger pupils through peer-to-peer guidance and paired-reading programmes. They may also act as subject mentors, sharing their knowledge and experience with Year 11 students as they prepare for their examinations and the next stage of their education.

Enrichment

Year 12 and Year 13 students take part in a timetabled enrichment session once a fortnight. The programme covers a broad range of practical and personal-development topics, including:

• Basic first aid
• Cooking on a budget
• Stress-management techniques
• Preparing for independent living
• Debating and communication skills
• Driving skills
• BSL

We believe that education should equip students with much more than academic qualifications. Through these sessions, students develop valuable knowledge, confidence and practical skills that will support them throughout Sixth Form and beyond.

Personal, Social, Health and Careers Education

Our Personal, Social, Health and Careers Education (PSHCE) programme is central to our commitment to students’ personal development. It supports our vision of enabling every student to leave Chellaston Academy as a mature, confident and well-rounded global citizen.

Students are given opportunities to explore the world around them and to develop an informed understanding of important and sometimes challenging issues.

Every student’s timetable includes a one-hour PSHCE lesson each fortnight. Sessions focus on relevant and contemporary topics, including:

• Equality and diversity
• Relationships and sex education
• Health and wellbeing
• Safe and positive relationships
• The wider world

This dedicated curriculum time allows students to explore different perspectives, form their own informed opinions and develop their personal values. Lessons take place within the supportive setting of tutor groups, and students are signposted to further guidance and support whenever needed.

Extra Curriculum

Sport, music and drama all play an important role at our Academy and there are opportunities for all students to be involved in sports teams, music concerts and drama productions throughout the year.  Sixth Formers also have access to the school gym at designated times. We are also very lucky to have a number of residential trips within and outside of the UK to support the curriculum. In the last few years we have had trips to China, Uganda, Poland, Cern and New York. Students will also be able to continue with their Duke of Edinburgh qualification or get involved in Sixth Form Debating.