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Our post-GCSE programme provides the opportunity to experience being part of St Catherine’s vibrant, welcoming and dynamic Sixth Form community. You will participate in activities that will deliver an introduction to skills you will need for life beyond school. Skills that we will continue to help you develop throughout your Sixth Form journey at St Catherine’s. These days are part of our wider Future Focus programme, preparing you not just for Sixth Form, but for university, employment, and adult life. They will develop practical knowledge, provide realworld experience, and give you the chance to work together on challenges that foster independence, leadership, and problem solving.

We hope that you enjoy this programme and that you feel enthused and ready to start Sixth Form, as well as having developed skills that will be invaluable both in Sixth Form and beyond.

MONDAY 22ND JUNE

SILVER DUKE OF EDINBURGH TRAINING

Organised by School of the Outdoors (see information which has been circulated separately).

TUESDAY 23RD JUNE – WEDNESDAY 24TH JUNE

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain a meaningful insight into the world beyond school. Whether this takes place in person or virtually, even a short placement can help students develop confidence, understand workplace expectations, and explore whether a particular career path genuinely interests them. It also helps build essential skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which support the transition into Sixth Form and future applications for university or apprenticeships.

We would encourage the following:

• Organise a work‑experience placement - this is an essential part of our post-GCSE programme.

• Use family and community networks - including friends, relatives, colleagues, and local contacts - as these often provide the most accessible opportunities.

• Consider work shadowing as a valuable alternative - especially in professions where formal placements are less common.

• Explore virtual work‑experience opportunities - this can provide flexible, accessible insights into different careers when in-person placements are not possible.

Students need to arrange their own placements. However, support from the Careers Department and St Catherine’s Association will be available to students who require additional support in arranging placements.

ENJOY SOME SIXTH FORM PRIVILEGES EARLY

USE OF THE 6

Enjoy the age old Sixth Form tradition of a hot chocolate and slice of toast at break time

GO TO THE VILLAGE DURING FREES

If you have a free, you may go to the village. Remember to sign out on the sheet in The 6 Foyer!

MAKE USE OF THE GYM

Enjoy some workout time with your friends (groups of 3 minimum) in the gym, if you have a free. Remember to sign in and out.

A LEVEL INDUCTION LESSONS

• Build confidence for the transition to Sixth Form by engaging with introductory lessons designed to strengthen your subject knowledge

• Get a head start in each of your A Level subjects with engaging induction lessons that introduce key ideas and expectations

• Receive tailored reading lists and preparatory materials to help you deepen your understanding, explore key themes, and arrive ready to make a strong start in each subject.

INTRODUCTION TO SIXTH FORM WORKSHOP

Students will take part in a workshop designed to help them feel confident, informed, and ready for the step up to Sixth Form.

This will include:

• Study‑skills guidance to help students prepare for the academic step up to Sixth Form.

• Advice from recent Sixth Formers on how to reach your full potential and thrive in Sixth Form life.

• Overview of Sixth Form opportunities, including leadership, enrichment, and ways to get involved.

• Unifrog refresher to support exploration of future pathways, university and apprenticeship options, and next steps beyond Sixth Form.

FINANCIAL RESILIENCE

You’ll explore:

• How everyday money management actually works

• Budgeting, saving, earning and spending

• Understanding payslips, tax, cost of living, credit and borrowing

• How financial decisions shape future opportunities

These are skills everyone needs ... and the earlier you learn them, the more empowered and confident you become.

A.I. FOR A LEVEL STUDY:

• Develop awareness of how artificial intelligence is shaping learning and the workplace

• Practical exploration of approved A.I. tools to support organisation, revision and independent study

• Understanding cognitive offloading, academic integrity and how to safeguard intellectual development

• Developing critical thinking when evaluating and refining A.I. outputs

You’ll learn how to:

• Plan and deliver a project from idea to completion

• Work in teams and use people’s strengths

• Manage time, deadlines, resources and responsibilities

• Present your ideas clearly and persuasively

Whether you end up running a society, leading a sports team, organising an event, or one day managing huge projects in the workplace, these experiences will stay with you.

SELF DEFENCE WORKSHOP

• The team from Unleash Self Defence will lead a fun, hands-on session to help you build practical self-defence skills.

• Learn effective self-defence techniques in an engaging, interactive environment.

• Develop your awareness and boost your confidence, gaining skills that help you feel more secure and empowered.

SENIOR SPORTRKSHOP

Enjoy an afternoon of senior sport, it’s the perfect opportunity post exams to have fun and get active doing the sports you love.

FREEDOMS AND FESTIVALS

Post GCSE Summer = freedom! Whether it’s festivals, trips, or your first real taste of independence, this is your moment to enjoy new experiences.

Hear from the team at It Happens Education, who deliver honest, straight-talking advice about navigating festivals and travel safely.

You will hear how to have an amazing Summer and also stay smart, confident, and safe so you can make the most of every moment.

ACTIVITIES WEEK

MONDAY 30TH JUNE - FRIDAY 3RD JULY

SILVER DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

Students taking part in the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award will complete their expedition during Activities Week. The Silver DofE expedition is a chance to break out of your routine, grow your confidence and resilience, and share loads of laughs while building friendships that last well beyond the trip.

COMMUNITY PLACEMENT VOLUNTEERING

For those not taking part in Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Students not taking part in Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award will carry out a community placement during Activities Week, Mrs Willis will give you all the details you need to make the most of your experience. By volunteering you will have the opportunity to give back to the local community, as well as developing teamwork, leadership and resilience skills.

WEDNESDAY 8TH JULY – THURSDAY 9TH JULY

Join with the rest of the school in the end of term celebrations and house activities, including Sports Day