Pastoral Programme

Throughout the year, students attend regular assemblies and tutor periods. During this time with their tutor, students follow an extensive pastoral programme designed to support their learning and develop their social awareness. We also have a number of visiting speakers who give their personal experience of events, as well as promoting activities in which the Sixth Form can become involved.

Curriculum Enhancement Days

There are a number of days each academic year when the whole school is off timetable to take part in different activities. The Sixth Form complete a variety of activities including Health Education, Post 18 Options preparation and Life Skills. Students in the Sixth Form enjoy these different experiences as part of a rounded curriculum.

Work Experience and Volunteering

Many of our students organise work experience during Years 12 and 13. This may be career relevant, such as a placement in a hospital or can be giving something back to the community in general. A number of our students volunteer at Saxon Hill Community School.

Mentoring Younger Students

Sixth Form students have the opportunity to be mentors for younger students. The first year of secondary school is very important for the successful transition of students into Year 7. Sixth Form students are trained to be mentors to support students during this time and make their transition as smooth as possible.

Sixth Form Reading Group

The Sixth Form Reading Group regularly meets at Lichfield Library. Both Year 12 and Year 13 students read a book, usually chosen by the group and then discuss it together. Students have really enjoyed this opportunity to discuss favourites and discover new authors.

Debating Society

The Debating Society meets on a regular basis to discuss the issues of the day. The team competes in a number of competitions across the area including Debating Matters and the Michael Fabricant Public Speaking Competition. Previous teams have enjoyed great success, including winning individual speaker prizes and being selected for regional finals.

Young Enterprise

Students have the opportunity to run their own company. This involves developing a product idea, managing finances, team work and leadership. We have been highly successful in this venture with one of our team winning the National Innovator’s Award from KPMG and many of our teams winning the area finals competition and going on to represent the Lichfield and Tamworth area at regional finals. In 2016 our Young Enterprise team made the National Finals at the Emirates Stadium. In 2020 our Young Enterprise team won the National Finals and represented the UK in the European finals in Portugal.

King Edward VI School has a proud record in participating in the Young Enterprise Company Programme. The programme is designed for young people to develop key life and employability skills by setting up and running their own company with guidance from a business advisor and teacher.

Students will compete against other teams from other Staffordshire schools, with the winners going to a West Midlands final and then a UK final. In 2020 ‘EnviroTent’ from King Edward VI – Lichfield, The UK winners went on to represent the UK in the virtual European final in Portugal!

Applicants, to be successful, need to demonstrate strong commitment both inside and outside of school, team work, presentation, time management and communication skills. The programme is designed to improve these skills as well as helping students to gain confidence.

The Young Enterprise programme is suitable for anyone as a wide range of skill sets are required, as they are in the world of business, though Business, Economics and Accounting are especially relevant subjects.

Those completing the Young Enterprise programme have found the experience invaluable and have gained university sponsored degree courses and internships as a result of taking part.

Members of the Keye Safety Company even presented at a reception at 11 Downing Street in October 2017.

Overall there will be ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ throughout the process but without doubt it is fun and hopefully students can even make a profit by taking part!

School Productions

The school has a proud history of excellent school productions and Sixth Form students play a large role in their success. Whether a budding actor or with no experience, there will be a role for you to take on in the play itself or the background preparations and running.

Music Groups

The Music department runs a huge variety of different ensembles and clubs throughout the school. Specifically, for Sixth Form, the senior choir and band practice and perform many numbers for school events. These groups make a much valued contribution to Dedication Day, the Spring Concert and school productions to name a few.

Sports Teams

Students in the Sixth Form can join one or more of a number of sports teams that are run by the PE department. These include football, rugby, hockey, basketball, cross country and many more.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award aims to give young people the change to develop skills for work and life, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future. 14-24 year-olds can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity. Gold can be completed during Y12 and Y13,

The DofE website (www.dofe.org.uk) has more information.

There are also a number of subject specific opportunities to choose from. These include: Film Club for Languages, History Club and Maths Challenge