Sixth Form students have a wide range of opportunities to develop their skills and passions outside the classroom. They are encouraged to take-part in our extensive range of extra-curricular activities and we work with our students body to ensure that we offer opportunities that are inclusive of all tastes and talents, including sports and creative avenues. Sixth Form subjects run a host of curriculum enrichment activities, including popular trips within Northern Ireland and further a field.

Our enrichment opportunities include a broad range of experience based learning so that our young people develop the life skills essential for post-18 opportunities. From finance and learning how to handle money to survival cookery skills, we aim to ensure that our students are prepared for the world they are about to step into. Work experience in year 13 if a focal part of the career development our students complete with local and regional companies and organisations.

We also support our Sixth Form students to take on leadership opportunities – whether that is taking on a new responsibility or acting as a positive role model for students in the school. Opportunities are available to be academic leaders and mentors to younger students across subject areas, participate and enhance leadership skills through Young Enterprise and develop their own interest area through the Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, students can build their leadership capabilities in a range of sports.

Career Ready

A comprehensive Careers Programme is delivered through fortnightly, hour-long careers classes, alongside various workshops throughout the academic year.

Support includes:

• Experienced post-16 staff team to guide students through next step pathways by means of individual interviews
• Step-by-step guidance through the UCAS process in Year 13 and 14. Students have the opportunity to attend the annual UCAS Careers Convention at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, and are advised of local open days at Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, as well as virtual open days for institutions across the water. Pupils are also invited to attend subject specific events at local universities
• Guidance in applying for Higher Level Apprenticeships, with access to WorkPlus support
• Fully paid subscription to Unifrog to assist pupils with managing the next step of their career pathways
• Parent/guardian access to Unifrog platform to support decision-making
• Feedback and guidance on UCAS personal statements
• Interview preparation for university courses and apprenticeship placements
• Study Skills workshops
• Guidance on Student Finance and other Post-18 challenges

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

EMA is a fortnightly payment of up to £60 for students who are aged 16-19. A bonus of £100 is also awarded, twice a year, to students who meet the conditions of their Learning Agreement. It is paid directly to students who stay on at school from households with an income of £20,500 or less with one dependent child, or if your household has an income of £22,500 and there is more than one dependent child. For more information, see the nidirect website.