Learning beyond the classroom. Preparing students for life beyond Sixth Form. 

At Seaton Valley Sixth Form, personal development is an integral part of the Sixth Form experience.

More than academic qualifications
Our Personal Development Programme is designed to complement students’ academic and vocational studies by helping them develop the knowledge, confidence, practical skills and wider understanding they need for life after Sixth Form. It combines a structured programme of curriculum enhancement with a compulsory enrichment programme, giving every student opportunities to broaden their horizons, explore ideas, contribute to the community and prepare for their next steps.
 

KNOWLEDGE &;AWARENESS -  Explore important social, moral, spiritual, cultural and contemporary issues.

SKILLS & CHARACTER - Develop confidence, resilience, leadership, independence and practical life skills.

FUTURES &; DESTINATIONS - Build the experience and preparation needed for university, apprenticeships, employment and adult life.

1. Curriculum Enhancement
Through tutor time and Sixth Form assemblies, students engage with topics that extend beyond their examination specifications and encourage them to think critically about the world around them. The programme provides opportunities to develop understanding and raise awareness of social, moral, spiritual and cultural themes.
 

What might students explore?
Financial literacy - Personal and student loans, credit cards, mortgages, interest rates, tax, National Insurance, pensions and managing household outgoings.


Media and critical thinking -  Fake news, bias and how to question information rather than automatically accepting what we see or hear.

Politics and society - The political spectrum, world conflicts, polarisation and the importance of engaging thoughtfully with different perspectives.

Ethics and big questions - Moral issues and existential questions, encouraging students to consider different viewpoints and develop their own reasoned understanding.

The world around us - Climate change and other contemporary issues that affect individuals, communities and society.

Adolescence and wellbeing - Challenging dangerous or unhealthy views and considering how young people can respond constructively to them.

Tolerance and neurodiversity -  Developing understanding, respect and awareness of different experiences and perspectives, including neurodiversity.

2. Enrichment Programme
Enrichment is a compulsory, timetabled part of Sixth Form and takes place fortnightly on Wednesday afternoons (Week 1), from 2:05pm to 3:05pm. Students choose from activities designed around their  interests, skills and future pathways. The programme gives students meaningful opportunities to apply what they learn, work with others and take responsibility.
 

Year 12: Broadening horizons

Year 12 enrichment focuses on building skills, confidence, independence and experience while helping  students discover interests and strengths.
 

  • Feeder School Mentoring: Students support younger pupils in one of our feeder middle schools, developing leadership, responsibility and communication skills.
  • Community Engagement: Students work together to plan and host local events, developing teamwork and community responsibility.
  • Independent Work Experience: Students can undertake workplace placements, with parental consent and formal school approval, giving them insight into professional environments.
  • Cookery Club: Practical cooking, budgeting and nutrition skills that support independent living.
  • Darts Club: A different way to develop concentration, precision, mental agility and practical numeracy.
  • Newcastle United Foundation Football Training: Specialist football training for students following the relevant Sports Academy / PE pathway.
  • Duke of Edinburgh Silver: Outdoor challenge, community service and personal development for students undertaking the award.
     

Year 13: Preparing for the next step

In Year 13, enrichment becomes increasingly focused on students’ intended destinations and the practical steps needed to move successfully into life after Sixth Form.

  • UCAS Pathway: Support with university and course research, personal statements and engagement with Higher Education representatives and local universities.
  • Apprenticeship Pathway: Guidance on finding suitable higher and degree apprenticeships, alongside CV development, application writing and interview preparation.
  • Independent Work Experience: Sustained fortnightly workplace placements linked to students’ intended career routes.
  • Newcastle United Foundation Training: Continued specialist athletic and sports coaching for students following the relevant pathway.

What does this mean for students?
The programme is designed to help students leave Sixth Form with more than strong qualifications. Students are given opportunities to build confidence, resilience, leadership and independence; develop practical life and employability skills; engage with their community; and think critically about important issues.
 

Participation in enrichment is taken seriously. Attendance is monitored as part of Sixth Form expectations, and students’ engagement can contribute to the evidence used in UCAS and employment references.

A clear journey from Year 12 to Year 13
Year 12 -   Explore • Build skills • Gain experience • Contribute • Discover interests

Year 13 -  Apply • Prepare • Gain workplace experience •Develop destination-specific skills

Our aim
We want every student to develop into a confident, capable young adult who is ready to make informed choices about their future and contribute positively to the wider community. Our Personal Development Programme provides the experiences, knowledge and opportunities to help make that happen.