“Sixth Form allows us to explore different careers and gain valuable skills.” (Damien, Y13 student)
Although exam success and the gaining of excellent qualifications is the primary focus of all students and staff at Duke’s Sixth Form, in a competitive world it is also imperative that our students gain additional experiences, interests and skills that will make them stand out from the crowd in future university or employment interviews.
Work experience and employer links are an important aspect of the development of Sixth Form students’ employability skills with all of our students completing one week’s work experience at a destination of their choosing. In addition we offer all of our students regular additional work placement opportunities and have established close links with local businesses who regularly support our students through mentoring and masterclass programmes.
Students at Duke’s Sixth Form participate in numerous enrichment activities outside of lessons. Over the last couple of years these opportunities have included:
- University Open Day visits
- Sutton Trust summer schools
- Guest speaker assemblies
- Work experience placements
- Careers fairs
- Industry visits
- Ethics conferences
- Health and wellbeing conferences
- Debates
- Mock interviews
- Annual theme park visits
- Annual Edinburgh Christmas visit
- Departmental enrichment
- Social Mobility Foundation
- Barclays Life Skills programme
- Student leadership team
- Charity committee
- Cultural awareness experience in Amsterdam