Personal Development and Enrichment

We recognise that Sixth Form life can be both challenging and demanding, so supporting students’ wellbeing alongside their academic success is a key priority. Our Personal Development programme is designed to help students grow into confident, well-rounded individuals, fully prepared for life beyond Sixth Form.

Students take part in a daily tutor programme (P1), covering a wide range of topics including life in the wider world, relationships, health and wellbeing, religious education, and careers. This ensures all students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for adulthood.

In addition, every Wednesday afternoon (P5)  is dedicated to enrichment. Students choose from a broad and evolving range of opportunities, committing to an activity each half term or longer. Options include activities such as chess, debate, Silver Duke of Edinburgh, creative workshops, independent design projects with access to specialist facilities, cooking skills, literature to screen, and work-related learning across the school. This time is designed to develop new skills, interests and personal qualities beyond the classroom.

We also enhance our programme through guest speakers and strong links with local universities, offering regular visits and opportunities to experience university life first-hand.

For our Year 13 students, we offer an annual international trip, providing unforgettable cultural experiences. Previous destinations have included New York, with upcoming trips planned to Rome.

Our Personal Development and enrichment offer ensures that every student leaves Sixth Form not only with strong academic outcomes, but with the confidence, independence and experiences needed to succeed in their future.

Enrichment options

include but are not limited to…

  • Mindfulness
  • Debate Club
  • Exercise and Fitness
  • Duke of Edinburgh Silver award
  • ROAR – Female Empowerment Programme
  • Coaching  – Personal Development
  • Work Experience

Citizen Service

At Leigh Academy Strood  we believe in our students giving back to the local community. Students have the opportunity  to dedicate one study period per week volunteering within the wider school community. Opportunities include mentoring, support in lessons,  peer tutoring, reading buddies and supporting whole school events such as open evenings and sporting events.

We believe helping pupils to enquire, speak and communicate with confidence throughout the school, especially in the sixth form. 

Leadership

We are committed to empowering students to lead and to take on responsibility. Our sixth formers are in many ways the leaders of the student community, and set an example for the rest of our students to follow. A number of our sixth formers get involved in self-ran activities, displaying leadership skills by organising their own groups and campaigns.

We expect our learners to be active participants in their own right. We have several opportunities for you to voice your opinions and to make a difference. Sixth Form students are encouraged to apply for positions in the Senior Student  Leadership Team and the Student Council;  roles that involve engagement with students  across the academy. Student leadership at  Leigh Academy Strood is key to  enabling young people to realise their potential  whilst building on necessary skills, confidence  and motivation to allow students to engage  directly in the wider improvement of the school.  Appointed members are trained in public  speaking and leadership skills to ensure they  can articulate their point of view with great  competency; enabling them to be effective  in what they set out to achieve.  

Throughout the academic year we encourage  Sixth Form students to lead assemblies both  in Sixth Form and the Year 7 – 11. Sixth Form students are encouraged to  take part in the peer mentoring scheme, 1:1 Maths support for Year 11 students and reading support for Year 7 students. A large number of students act  as ambassadors at various public events. 

Careers and Work Experience

At Leigh Academy Strood we prioritise the  future of our young people. Students are supported to  make successful transitions when they leave the academy  whether into apprenticeships, employment or university.  

We have a robust Future careers programme that  includes trips to UCAS and Apprenticeship fairs, UCAS  support from local Universities, CCCU, Greenwich University.  Apprenticeship fair, key speaker assemblies, Career fairs and UniFrog support and guidance and much more. 

Students complete a work placement to allow them to gain experience of their chosen career to develop key skills allowing them a better understanding of the work placement and the skills required.