Personal Development
At HLAW Sixth Form, we believe that learning transcends the boundaries of the classroom.
We are extraordinarily proud of our curriculum and the academic success of our students. We do not, however, limit our Sixth Form experience at HLAW to exceptional outcomes alone. We have also designed a personal development offer which ensures that students can realise their potential and prepare for life beyond sixth form.
Extracurricular activities
We have a wide-ranging programme of extra-curricular activities which enrich students’ studies. As well as our sports academies and clubs for our sports and arts specialisms, students can get involved in a range of other programmes including mentoring and volunteering or supporting academy-wide events including the annual school production.
We have a range of staff-led and student-led extracurricular clubs and societies including debate, chess, sports, medicine and film. All students attend at least one extracurricular option for which there is dedicated time in the timetable. Students can change their selection each term to experience different clubs and can set up a new club at any time.
We also offer The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE), an achievement award for young people aged 14-24 involving a programme of activities designed to be enjoyable whilst learning a wealth of new skills, such as self-reliance, teamwork and leadership.
Trips and visits
Our dedicated and committed teachers provide a range of opportunities for students to experience the richness of their subjects beyond the classroom. Recently, some of these experiences have included theatre visits and workshops, art gallery trips, museum tours and talks, geography field work, film festivals, science showcases, interactive maths lectures, visits to local businesses, a German trip to Berlin, university fairs, and supporting our local primary school sports events.
Alongside this, our Sixth Form and Careers Coordinator sources and circulates a wide range of work experience access programmes and events in fields including law, medicine, finance and STEM. Students are supported in their applications to these programmes and we can also provide logistical and financial assistance to ensure all of our students are able to access these exciting opportunities.
We are also lucky to be part of the Harris Federation’s wide reaching network which offers an impressive programme of trips, events and university taster days. HLAW students have the added benefit of meeting peers from other Harris sixth forms and building their networks.
Personal development curriculum
At HLAW Sixth Form we provide a weekly programme consisting of tutor time, careers and UCAS sessions, assembly, PSHE and enrichment. The personal development curriculum has been intricately designed to equip students with the skills and experiences needed for university life and the modern workplace.
In addition to the timetabled sessions, we offer additional programmes, workshops, work experience and events bespoke to students’ areas of study or personal interests.
Futures activities and work experience
At the end of Year 12, we dedicate time for our students to consider their next steps beyond sixth form. This begins with our annual futures activities, an exciting and informative programme of activities to help prepare students for their next steps. Students hear from a variety of guest speakers including university and apprenticeship providers as well as being able to build their networks with young professionals from a variety of sectors.
Every student then participates in at least a week of work experience. Recent placements have included organisations such as the NHS, Brent Council, Microsoft, and Barclays as well as opticians, pharmacies, primary schools, law firms, accountants, sports coaching and a range of other businesses.
Leadership
We actively encourage our senior students to contribute to the wider life of the academy, taking on additional responsibility. There is a range of leadership opportunities for HLAW sixth form students.
We have formal leadership roles including sports leaders, mentors, student parliament and our Sixth Form ambassadors. Our Sixth Form students set the tone for our younger students every day.
In addition to this, students can become part of our Sixth Form committee in organising, supporting and fundraising at school events. These students play an important role in life at the academy and take pride in being role models for younger students.
In addition to the wider academy’s four values of determination, integrity, curiosity and empathy, we have introduced additional values for HLAW Sixth Form, appropriate for the stage of education and life of our students. After consultation with both staff and students, we introduced the following values:
- Diligence
- Independence
- Citizenship
- Exemplariness
We expect all students to uphold these values and highlight the students who demonstrate them each week.
Sixth Form Lead Ambassadors
At HLAW Sixth Form, we have lead ambassadors who support the principal, senior leadership team and Sixth Form team, in promoting and representing the school.
HLAW’s Lead Ambassadors champion new initiatives, present in assemblies and whole school events and support fellow students as representatives and role models. Our ambassadors go through a rigorous application and selection process to demonstrate their capabilities for the role.