Enrichment Opportunities
At Barton Court, Sixth Form is not just about achieving academic excellence within an environment of strong pastoral support. We also want our students to have experiences beyond the curriculum that will enrich their lives. To this end, there is a broad and varied range of enrichment opportunities to our students.
The University Centred Learning Programme (UCLP)
At Barton Court Grammar School we have developed links with local Universities to provide students with opportunities we cannot access as a school alone, whilst also helping to bridge the gap between Sixth Form and Higher Education.
Over the past year we have developed links with Christ Church University and Kent University which has given students the opportunity to attend lectures and seminars, work with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and use top class facilities.
Below are some of the UCLP activities which took place last year:
- Philosophy students have attended a conference which related to their A level studies, university courses and activities with the lower school iThink club.
- History students have visited CCCU Library and had Lecturers from the University of Kent visit the school to run post mock workshops.
- Sports students have made three visits to CCCU Sports Science Lab to learn about Sport Psychology, Coping Strategies, Nutrition, and Fitness Testing
- Students studying English had lecturers from the University of Kent visit in school and they also spent a day at the University for a day of bespoke study.
- Science students attended Micro Biology clubs at the University of Kent
- Mathematics students spent two separate days at the University of Kent learning about degree courses and career opportunities.
- Art and DT students visited the VA College in London and Art students also went to the Jarman Building at Kent for an exhibition.
- Language students have been delivering some lessons to local primary classes
- Geography students have been to Queen Mary University in London where they spent the day with Lecturers learning about urban fieldwork techniques.
- Politics students will be spending a day at the Kent School of Journalism.
Enrichment Week and Enrichment Days
Across the school year there are a number of Enrichment Days on offer for students. During these days students take part in a range of enriching opportunities and also take part in workshops to help develop lifelong skills.
Enrichment days have included:
- An expert from a recruitment company talking to students about personal statements and CVs
- Talks and visits from Kent Police and Fire to talk about safe driving
- Visits from the army to delivery teamwork days
During Enrichment Week Year 12 students have the opportunity to undertake a week’s work experience. This is a vital opportunity for students to develop links with employers and contacts whilst the experience they obtain may be invaluable for their future career path.
Students are also encouraged to undertake enrichment opportunities beyond the school curriculum and flexibility is offered to allow students the time to participate in these activities. Over the past year a number of our students have undertaken placements in Kent Hospital’s as part of the MedStart Programme, one of our students has spent a week on board the Silurian Research Vessel in Scotland with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust on their Teen Research Survey, and a number of students have taken part in the Cambridge Univerasity Shadowing scheme.
Trips and Visits
A range of trips and visits are run by individual departments and the Sixth Form Team for our students. This has included:
- Trips to the theatre, both local and in London to see plays, musicals, pantomime and ballet
- Classical music concerts to cover a range of different styles
- Yearly visit to higher education fairs
- University day trips
During Student Voice meetings, students will be consulted to ascertain what trips they will be interested in taking part in in so that these opportunities can continue to grow.
