Enriching the sixth form programme
We recognise that achieving excellent grades is only one aspect of securing a university place and subsequent employment. Our aim at GSAL is to support our students in developing the study skills and personal qualities that will lead them to success in their degree studies and life after graduation.
Students will therefore follow our innovative programme of enrichment and co-curricular activities alongside their A-level studies from January of Year 12 to December of Year 13.
Aspire
Complement your academic studies with Aspire – our innovative programme for sixth form students. As well as helping you to achieve A-level success, we want you to enjoy fresh experiences and challenges and learn new skills that will stand you in good stead in the future.
The three strands of the Aspire programme are:
- Lecture series with inspirational speakers sharing their life experiences (in terms 2 and 3 of Year 12)
- Taught courses offering a wide range of options for learning new skills and immersing yourself in a different type of learning (terms 2 and 3 of Year 12 and term 1 of Year 13)
- One afternoon a week spent on a range of activities, including many sports, voluntary service and primary school pupil mentoring (throughout Year 12 and Year 13)
EPQ
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) can help you stand out from the crowd when you apply to university, and is an opportunity offered to all Year 12 students. A self-directed research project, the EPQ is your chance to investigate in depth a topic of your choice and demonstrate to university admissions tutors that you have interests beyond the core curriculum and possess the independent study skills needed at degree level.
Outdoor leadership course
All students attend a three-day residential course during Year 12 with our expert outdoor learning team, where they will build leadership and team working skills through a range of exciting outdoor activities.
At the end of Year 13 all leavers are awarded a GSAL Certificate recognising their participation in and contribution to school life.